SDNWorld Redux: Story Thread the Fourth

[PeZook]

Orena Evening News

Tender finalized: Boeing to supply the Royal Air Wing

After more than a year of heated debate, careful analysis of tender options, procedural delays and other bureaucratic mishaps, the Royal Office announced it will finance the purchase of six passenger jets for the royal air wing, as per Boeing's tender offer with only slight modifications, mostly related to servicing deals.

Some pundits claim the move has been delayed intentionally, to serve as a political tool for the royal administration, however the Royal Office vehemently denies these allegations.

King Paul to visit the Shinra Republic

The Royal Office announced today the plans for a high-level state visit to the Shinra Republic, being planned currently. According to the press release, the King wishes to discuss "Important issues of MESS-CATO relations and the place of PeZookian diplomatic efforts in the broader picture of world affairs".

The trip, sadly, will not include Queen Agatha, who will remain in PeZookia with the royal pair's first-born daughter. The Queen will patronize the upcoming Tall Ship's Races event scheduled to take place in the Tri-Cities Metropolitan Area at the date as the King's visit to the Shinra Republic.

Prime Minister Shroom the 777th is also rumored to be scheduled to attend the events, most notably the grand parade of all participating sailing ships before main part of the event: a race across the Mediterrenean.

[Shinn Langley Soryu]

PROJECT YATAGARASU
Investigative Committee for Research and Development of Special Weapons
Langley Department of Defense

ABSTRACT

As long as the world is constituted as it is, every country will have to devise and use the latest devices for its protection. We have no doubt the Duchy of Langley will develop her scientific researches, and we hope the Duchy's scientists will continue to use the atomic force for constructive purposes. But in the event that the Duchy is threatened, she will inevitably try to defend herself by all means at her disposal.

OVERVIEW

[CLASSIFIED, BURN PAPER/SCRUB HARD DRIVE AFTER READING]

[Shroom Man 777]

LIVE on ShroomSat/StratTV
The Sovereign Shroomanian Sentinel
WINTER WALRUS WHALING


Ice Station Walrus

In cooperation with a new regional continental partner in Cialan, the Sovereignty of Shroomania has approved the refurbishment of abandoned arctic whaling stations - a contract that will be taken by Cialan companies and the MacMillan Megacorporation's Multinational Marine Mammal Meat Menagerie - in a move to find new fishing waters after the Old Dominion's subsequent closure of Impact Crater Archipelago fisheries.

As the Sovereignty's government-subsidized national fish farms move to meet the sudden displaced demand for fresh fish, the government has contracted the MacMillan Megacorporation to temporarily pick up the slack and meet the nation's unceasing need for seafood - by authorizing the harpooning of whales and clubbing of (baby) seals and walruses in the Atlantic and Arctic, for so-called 'scientific purposes'.

While Cialan has become the Sovereignty's partner, and with the NFT moving to divert its meat factory ships northwards as well, Shroomanian harponeers will nonetheless still be compliant with environmental and conservation laws to ensure that nothing goes to waste. Aside from processing whale meat, blubber will be used for soaps and oils, and miscellaneous harvested items such as walrus and narwhal tusks will have their ivory used for piano keys.


The environmentally-compliant MacMillan Multinational Marine Mammal Meat Menagerie will ensure that no piece of whale, seal or walrus shall go unused.

[Bluewolf]

Konstantinoplis airport, Byzantine




The 747 touched down on the runway. Michael felt the bump as the landing gear hit the ground and felt the plane starting to slow down. He checked his watch. “6:30 pm, good, on time then”. The previous flight to Byzantine had been cancelled due to other issues but now Michael had all the time he needed to discuss. The FASTA program, various matters on small things and one thing that was on his mind: Becoming a CATO Observer. Normally the idea of joining such a large alliance would send chills up most Cialanian politicians and Michael that people would be saying that many great people would be turning in their graves at the idea.

The plane started to taxi to a departure point. Michael was about to get up and go. After several long talks with his defence minister over the last few weeks; it had become clear that the benefit of CATO membership was becoming too great to ignore and most objections either assumed that Cialan could not be careful with itself, or were flat out traditionalist. To this end, Michael had informed few people what he was planning to talk. “The discovery of it would probably make some people’s heads explode.” He thought to himself.

It was announced that people could get off the plane and Michael stood up and started walking out. In fact there was one other thing Michael was going to talk about with The Emperor and indeed other CATO nations who he would soon be visiting after this session in Byzantine. It would be a massive boost in security and confidence to many despite some shrieks and cries of horror.

Michael stepped off the plane to be greeted by several men waiting nearby while several journalists and newsmen took pictures. “Let’s hope CATO is friendlier then most of my countries are to me” He chuckled.

Result: Michael lands in Byzantine to discuss about CATO, FASTA and other things.

PS: Pezook, I will get to your stuff in good time don’t worry.

[Siege]

Factory Ship 'Tadstooles', somewhere on the Atlantic

The La Palma-registered Tadstooles was one of the largest factory ships in the world. A massive giant, nearly 250 meters long and displacing 37,200 tons at standard load, it was but one ship in the veritable fleet of fish processing vessels that had once trawled the Impact Crater Archipelago, until the trade war between the Old Dominion and the NFT had seen them barred from that area.

Thereafter the ships of San Dorado's industrial fishing fleet had briefly trawled the deserted waters around Astaria, but the catches there had been comparatively meager. But now that the nation of Cialan had decided to relax fishing regulations the Tadstooles and her crew once again had bountiful fishing grounds to plunder. Many had been the protests against the coming of the San Doradan factory ships, from Shroompeace and PeZookian marine biologists and a myriad other concerned groups. But the owners of the Tadstooles didn't care for overfishing or threats to deep-sea ecosystems, they cared only for profit...

[Siege]

Stanton International Airport, Cialan

The airport was reasonably cleaned-up, although you could still see the scars of the years-long civil unrest here and there in badly patched-up bulletholes and hastily painted-over bloodspatter. None of these things fazed Jonathan Barlow however. The NFT diplomat had seen much worse during his brief stints in Fimbulwinter, Eastern Occidental and many of the other war-torn statelets that had sprung up in the former CFR. His deployment to Cialan was his first assignment to an actual-factual nation however, and so far he liked what he saw.

"Lizzy" he asked his secretary, "would you be so kind as to inquire with the locals if there's a place we can establish our embassy around here? Preferably a nice mansion with not too many holes in it or walls removed."

"Certainly sir. Anything else?"

"Yes, let the government know I'm here. That'll be all."



Result: An NFT diplomatic mission arrives in Cialan.

[Shroom Man 777]

THE ASSOCIATED BI-DAILY COMBINED CONTINENTAL DAILY DOMESTIC DIELECTRIC DIALECTIC RAG
(A PeZookian Publication)
KING PAUL MATCHMAKES SHINRA PRESIDENTE RUFUS WITH ANONYMOUS PEZOOKIAN SECRETARIES...
...WHILE PRIME MINISTER SHROOM #777 WILL 'RAISE MASTS' WITH QUEEN AGATHA



While King Paul absconds with his new heterosexual life partner in President Rufus, little does the PeZookian Primarch know that he is leaving his former BFF PM Shroom 777 alone with his wife, Queen Agatha! As the King betters MESS-CATO relations by showing President Rufus a whole catalog of attractive PeZookian secretaries to tingle his fancies, the wily Shroomanian head-of-state is going to be busy raising masts and slopping decks with the King's consort!

To new readers of the ABCCDDDDR will find this an odd and downright unnatural turn of events, more seasoned followers will know that this is nothing but a logical outcome of a series of very unfortunate happenings - culminating in the Prime Minister fathering the royal couple's only child and heir to the PeZookian throne.

What more is that while in any sane and reasonable reality ruled by logic, this turn of events would result in PeZookia declaring a war on the godless Shroomanians unlike anything seen since the last War of the World, in the world we live in - one that's apparently gone mad - not only does King Paul know of these events, but has apparently willingly endorsed it!

Why?!

But wait, there's more!

While investigative journalism has led many reputable sources to believe that this is because King Paul is apparently infertile, or prefers the greatest game on the planet (namely: MAN), those of us at the Rag have discovered just recently a far more outright sinister underlying cause for this bizzaro string of absolute nuts. As we like to say, never ascribe to stupidity (or in this case impotency!) what can be ascribed to outright malice!

Malice, because as congruent events with PM Shroom being left alone while King Paul plays matchmaker with Presidente Rufus and all sorts of PeZookian secretaries show, is that KING PAUL IS APPARENTLY USING AMATEUR EUGENICS TO BREED A NEW GENERATION OF CONTINENTAL UBERMENSCHEN UNDER THE JOINT MANDATES OF COMRADE STANISLAV AND PREMIER SHADY YES-SIRRAH, RECOMBINATING THE GENE-SEEDS OF VARIOUS WORLD LEADERS WITH THE FROZEN SPERMS OF EMPEROR HERACLIUS AND USING PM SHROOM #777 AS THE PRIMARY DELIVERY VEHICLE!

But now, as part of the New World Order, the world-domineering alliances of the MESS and CATO are now beginning to most insidiously insinuate and inseminate and intermingle with one another in monstrous matrimony - with King Paul cultivating President Rufus to bear the seed of the New World Order's grotesque progeny!

[Fingolfin_Noldor]

Imperial Chronicles

After the usual pomp and fanfare, the Emperor Heraclius IV led the Prime Minister Micheal Thomason into the state rooms in the Imperial Palace. "Welcome again to Byzantium, Prime Minister. Please sit. A servant would bring some food and drink while we discuss business of state. I hear you have questions to ask about FASTA and military and possibly CATO matters."

"Well yes, your highness. Perhaps you would like to start with FASTA?"

"FASTA is a multinational organisation whose mission is civilian space exploration. There is of course no denying that FASTA benefits substantially from CATO military space research, especially when the Energia and the Vulkan rockets were products of CATO's military space research. Regardless, FASTA will remain largely civilian, even though it is hard to separate the military aspect to the whole affair. Regardless, everyone in FASTA benefits, especially since just about most FASTA nations are part of CATO. Each nation contributes in many forms, from participating in lucrative contracts, to space research and various forms of research and development. In the near term, we hope to capitalise on our landing on the moon, and also to pursue the development of space stations, as well as more reusable forms of space travel. We also hope to expand a network of satellites for oceanography and also a network of space telescopes. Byzantium recently launched a new infrared telescope and we have gotten quite a fair bit of interesting data after nearly half a year of operation. Your nation is more than welcome to join FASTA and contribute to the development of the human race."

A servant brought in a mix of Greek and Turkish delicacies. "Ah food. Come come, enjoy." The two ate and continued discussing other matters. "I also know that you wish to ask about CATO. What specifically do you wish to discuss?"

OOC: You can continue from there Bluewolf.

[Raj Ahten]

Cartiel, at the Border of Indhopal and the CFR

Mike Stomper had been a Colonel in Indhopal's army. He had served in the parachute regiment and even the vaunted Special Reconnaissance Group. He had also found himself without a job when the government took his infantry regiment away when the army was cut in half. Most soldiers had found work in the civilian sector; Stomper had other plans.

Cartiel was not a nice place to live and very few people went there except for business. It was the gateway to the CFR and trucks and trains constantly made there way across the border. Dust was everywhere. Stomper was waiting in the lobby of one of the city’s innumerable cheap hotels.

A large man with a full beard and sunglasses entered the lobby; it was Jon Windgate, the man Stomper wanted to see. The hotel manager, then locked the door after him, giving the two old soldiers privacy. Like the Colonel Windgate had served for many years all throughout the army, though Windgate as a noncommissioned officer. They had served together many times over the years and they respected each other deeply. Stomper needed the man if his plan was to work at all.

As no nonsense as ever, Windgate came and sat down next to the Colonel and said,
“Well boss, you said you had some business in mind, what is it?”

Stomper always liked how Windgate would jump right to the heart of a matter, the formalities be damned.
“Mr. Windgate the CFR is as always, a land of opportunity for ex soldiers. I’ve sent out some feelers and Mortimer is looking for mercenaries again. The Klavostani’s cut their most recent contract since Mortimer’s payments have been rather erratic lately.”

“So you want to fight for Mortimer?”
Windgate didn’t seem to like the idea.

“Well, on the surface yes. Just enough to get his trust. Then I intend to kill the man and seize control of his mining operations. I’ve secured support from some of the Klavostani’s who have been getting stiffed to provide air support and the like if we can deliver Mortimer.”

“What about the ISIA? Tian Xia and….”

Stomper interrupted his old sergeant with a wave of his hand and said,
“Mr Windgate I can handle the ISIA. I worked with them long enough. Do you think I would have considered a scheme such as this without getting their approval? They’d be glad to be rid of a troglodyte like Mortimer. Tian Xia likewise; he has no friends these days.”

“Tell me everything. If its shaky, I walk.”

“Of course my old friend.”

Stomper laid out his plans to Windgate for the next few hours. In the end Windgate agreed to help him.


Results: Intrigue!

[Karmic Knight]

Headlines From the Vinish Press

Triumvirate agrees to attend Miratan Economic Conference.

"Next Gen" Vinish Nuclear Reactor shown at Earles Energy Expo

Gizmonic Institute Launches Billion Vinish Dollar Advertising Blitz on World Wide One

Threat of Militias in the Vinish CFR 'negligible'

Roger Shrubber, 'Architect of the VEIL,' retires.

[Shroom Man 777]

The Calm Before

The rain was comin' down like all the angels in heaven decided to take a piss at the same time. When you're in a situation like mine, you can only think in metaphors.


10 Shrooming Street, Farbanti, Shroomania

The Prime Minister left his Prime Ministerial motorcade and pulled up an umbrella to shield himself from the relentless torrential downpour. It was raining cats and dogs, whatever the hell that term meant, and soon he found himself drenched and cursing the wretched weather patterns of Nova Terra II. The planet's small size meant that Shroomania had six seasons - the wet and the dry typical of the tropics, along with the more traditional spring, summer and winter. At least it wasn't the Shinran midwest, with the tornadoes that would ravage entire shinraparks full of geostigma-ravaged albinos, or hurricanes that flooded levee'd cities and Shinradomes.

But still, right now, it was a soaking wet autumn and none of the SSS men could protect their Fungal Fuhrer from the outpour of raindrops that kept falling on his head. Just like a guy who's feet were too big for his bed, nothing seemed to fit.

"Thanks guys. See you tomorrow," Shroom waved off his SSS men retinue and entered his humble abode - a totally cozy loft with a door with a #10 on it, something that was totally unlike, say, the island lair Sidney Hank had told him he was building over at somewhere, or the dacha Stanislav had under his hollowed-out mountain lair. Nor was it like the palaces Paul and Heraclius had, nor a Kremlin for Shady. Just a tiny little flat. But it was home sweet home nonetheless. Shroom closed the door behind him, hanged his raincoat on, and stretched his limbs and called out: "LUSY-chan, I'm hooome!"

He wondered if she had replaced their stock of refrigerated breastmilk, bought from those Astarian refugee girls who were now apparently quite popular and selling their milks all over the city and founding milkbanks and stuff, but still...

Odd. No reply. Alison almost always went 'SHROOM-KUN!', with the additional suffix added ever since Japanistani Culture Appreciation Day in which they had a great foodfest of Japanistani delicacies like kimchi, live octopus, dumplings and dog. Hurm...

"Alison?" Shroom asked again.

Again, no reply. Which was worrying. Disconcerting. Shroom decided to go on in, to his bedroom first to disrobe and get some dry clothes. Maybe Alison was busy over at some other official functions. Nowadays both of them had been busy - the Prime Minister usually had to be two places at once, without Lord Moonbeam to cow down the opposition with his booming voice and Hawkmen, they were becoming more difficult to contend with and Shroom ended up having to wrangle through many of the Parliamentary battle royales while Alison went around all over the place doing actual-factual serious business micro-managing the various ministries with Prime Ministerial instructions Shroom had written on napkins and post-it notes.

Which reminded Shroom. With the upcoming visit of Cialan-man, whatshisname, Prime Minister Micheal Thomason or something, and the whole Tall Ships Races over at PeZookia with Queen Agatha. While Shroom was alright with the former, he was really looking forward to the latter - deranged PeZookian tabloid cunt-rags notwithstanding. He had visited Queen Agatha a couple of times back when she was at the hospital, and since he was totally a (rusty and no-longer-practicing) medical professional, had spent the time dispensing old and outdated medical advice. Just like the time he suggested leeches and blood-letting to Emperor Heraclius when the topic of Byzantine medical technology came up. But yeah, old friends and getting together.

Too bad he couldn't meet King Paul while they were yatching, though, but he did his best and warned Paul about those perfidious Shinrans with the albinos and the geostigma and the propensity for oversized swords and katanas.

He couldn't believe that Paul and Agatha were parents. Even up to this time. Man.

Nor could he believe that Sidney Hank - that goddamn workaholic who drank like a fish and smoked like a chimney - was now retired too! Damn.

Times had changed so much, stayed a bit the same, but changed a whole lot too. Prime Minister Shroom felt, as he went over to his bedroom, that living life was like coming back to an old familiar place. Sometimes, he could remember that old familiar place too... so much like this one, but with such an unhappy ending...

Prime Minister Shroom looked at the tabloid magazine he had picked up on the way home. Ignoring the outrageous and downright offensive labels (though wondering what King Paul would think if he read the rag), he looked at the picture - of Paul, his wife and newborn child. At least here, now, some people had their happily ever afters.

Shroom sighed wistfully. He reminded himself to write Sidney Hank a letter, to wherever his current secret lair address was. Wondered if the old guy could go up for a game of oiled-up beach volleyball.

But here and now, the Prime Minister opened his bedroom door, walked in and -

"Hello there, Prime Minister," came a sultry voice belonging to an even sultrier exiled noble of Sirnothi royalty. Who was, at the moment, making herself very comfortable on his bed.



"Lady Anethga..." Shroom uttered, face flushing and things rising. "What a very pleasant and wholly unexpected surprise. Ah... hah. Have you seen Alison?"

"I'm right here, Prime Minister," a more familiar voice said, and Shroom turned to see that Alison had somehow materialized right behind him.

"Ah. I was wondering where you were," Shroom smiled.

"Just cavorting with those prim and proper Astarian ladies," Alison winked. "And with our more recent political refugee, right here."

"Oh, Prime Minister," Lady Anethga began. "The nobility of Sirnoth would like to extend their thanks to the Sovereignty, for being so generous in taking us in and keeping us warm and comfortable. We... I just wanted to return the favor."

"After all," Alison added. "You've been oh so hard at work, so stressed, starting up all those public works and initiatives. Building big buildings, digging deep chunnels, making the military manufacture more and more missiles..."

"It must be so hard," Anethga whispered.

"It is," Alison replied. "I mean, really, Shroom gives me most of his workload, mang. Oh wait, you meant that other 'it'."

"Yes, Alison." Anethga smirked. "That it."

"Well... you are supposed to be my aide, Alison." Shroom deadpanned. "But let's not digress, shall we? I kind of like where this is heading."

"Mmmm..." Anethga purred.

"We just thought," Alison continued. "That since you were so busy, cooped up in Shroomania, that we'd freshen you up a little bit before you go around again meeting animal-loving Prime Ministers from Cialan and going with Queen Agatha and helping her babysit the spawn of King Paul's loins."

"Yes, his loins' most glorious outpouring," Anethga laughed mischievously.

"Eeew." Alison giggled.

"Well, I guess we better have some pour-outings of our own then," Shroom laughed as well. "Am I rite?"

"You are."

"Right."

By then, Shroom wasn't entirely sure if it was Anethga or Alison who said that, or if he himself was saying anything at all. But by then, he didn't really care.

[Bluewolf]

Imperial Palace, Konstantinoplis

Michael briefly looked around the beautifully decorated of the Palace before turning back his attention to the Emperor. Everything had gone nearly like clockwork and in some ways the tour of the Palace had let him forget the issues at hand, at least for a small period of time. Now though it was onto business. Michael shifted on the chair and would for now, dodge the question about CATO.

“Well FASTA does sound interesting indeed. The progress that you have made, from what I have seen has been astounding. I would be very interesting in joining this and giving the project funding, which it indeed does deserve. I thank you for such a great invitation and it is a very hard one to refuse. In fact, Cialan would be willing to join such projects.” Looking around again he knew he had to finally say about what he was dreading, yet it was too late in the game to run off from it now and not say.

“About CATO, yes..” He paused for a moment, trying to find the words to say. “Well, Cialan would be potentially willing to join as a CATO observer. You may have already of noted that Cialan, along with Shroomania have been doing a joint operation when it comes to fishing, whaling and sealing, not to mention the exploration and the setting up of bases at the Northern Pole. This has been but one trade agreement. Cialan joining CATO may mean many more good ones arise. Another example is the recent order of military hardware which both helps us and CATO.”

Michael went silent for a moment and learnt forward, almost as if he was going to whisper into the Emperors ear. “In fact, I’d also like to assume certain nuclear programs with CATO’s aid.” Michael Thomason said in a hushed tone. “This will be a matter I will also discuss with the other nations of CATO Intend to visit”. Michael learnt back again and put on a smile. “I hope this can interest you,”


Stanton, 11 Dawn Street, ½ a mile from Hound Square.

Ron Dovy, minister of health and social services sat down on one of the fine leather chairs with several other men. It was officially the party for Mr Gerald Johnason, leader of the Wolves People Party. This was his 44th birthday and it was typical to use the house at 11 Dawn Street for celebration. So many had come here from various victories or good times yet there was something else going on. Ron along with several other men seated with some stood were in one of the rooms upstairs. He held his wine glass tightly with his chubby fingers. He knew the hypocrisy of his position when it came to his weight. Several other men were along with him, invited up with the feign excuse that it was just a quick private chat. The noise and music could be heard downstairs still in a muffled manner.

“Good, we are all gathered here.” Ron said. “For as the Prime Minister makes his official state visits he also plans to enquire into CATO membership and the FASTA program.” A look of surprise and shock went over most of the other members except Davis Jones, Shadow Minister of Police and Security. The other people consisted of various low level Blue Iron, Cialan Nationalists and Wolven Peoples parties MP’s. “I am sure you know of the latter of course yet the former I see is of great amazement to you. I cannot blame you”. Ron croaked. Just then a door opened revealing a tall intimidating man in uniform: Ross Jevis, Minister of Defence. “I trust you have told them Mr Dovy?” Said Ross. “Yes Mr Jevis,” He replied.

“You may wonder why I am here” Jevis said, sitting on an empty seat. He gestured to one of the men near the door who opened it and looked around, checking to see if anyone was listening. Once the all clear was given, Jevis started talking again. “Yes you may wonder I am here. I am here in fact to warn you that Prime Minister Michael Thomason may be going on a path that will lead Cialan to a dark age. Call me a mad internet lurking conspiracy theorist if you wish but the evidence is growing damning. Things such as policy changes giving his party more and more control over things like healthcare, bowing to foreign interests, gross mistakes in even simple orders. I have selected you here today as I trust you and I trust you to make the right choice in helping making this madness stop. As I feel the truth shall be known. The question of CATO membership has been leaked to the press. I trust you all to make statements soon after, to show what you really think. Soon I and my co workers shall show you more of what sin is playing out here. Now, back to the party and this convocation never happened”.

A man’s footsteps could be heard and he knocked on the door. “Come in!” Said Jevis. The man walked in with some papers. “Sorry to interrupt but I was going to say that some NTF diplomats called. They wish to set up an embassy here.”

“Hmmn, call Mike Brick and tell him to call the Prime Minister on this otherwise. I have no problems in letting them have one.

Result:

Cialan talks with the Emperor about FASTA and CATO membership.
Several senior and low level politicians talk about what they see is the growing crisis forming in Cialan.
The NTF are allowed an embassy and it will be set up shortly.

[Beowulf]

Fielding Navy Yard
Tian Jiao

The TXS Justice, LHA-10, had finally been completed enough to be launched. It would still be another year yet before fitting out was complete, and it could undergo trials for commissioning. It was the first ship that resulted from the LHA(L) project. Further ships had already been ordered by the Wilkonia Imperial Navy, but wouldn't be built in the Fielding yard.

There were two planned variants, due to the possible need to have nuclear power. Justice was powered by a total of 3 gas turbines, utilizing, like most TXN designs, a full electric propulsion system. The other variant would carry the same pair of S6W reactors as on the Lau-class, or some future reactor of appoximately the same dimensions.

The flight deck was unusual: it bore some similarity to the new CATO carrier design, in that the island was in the center. Unlike the CATO carrier, it actually dedicated the left side to helicopter operations, and only the right side operated STOVL fixed wing aviation. This would allow simultaneous operation of both fixed wing and helicopters, without interference. Additionally, in a first for the TXN, it carried a ski jump, allowing heavier loads to be carried. The well deck was wider than normal, to allow it to carry and operate a total of 6 LCAC, or 4 LCU(P)s.

--

Ares Blog

RIM-162E reaches the fleet
The new ESSM version has been designed for STAR ships. The biggest modification is that the new missile has a narrower, 9 inch diameter airframe at the motor. The other modification is a new seeker design, that's able to dynamically change between active and semi-active homing modes. Thus, it's able to attack over the horizon, as well as be able to utilize the launching ships high powered illuminators to burn through jamming

DART 57mm anti-missile round enters production
The DART round is a guided round, designed for semi-active radar homing. The small caliber allows a relatively light mounting and high rate of fire. It is capable of reaching out to 4.6 nautical miles. It has been designed to be compatible with the existing Mk110 57mm gun found on numerous ships, such as the FG-63 class of the TXN. The DART round is compatible with the same illumination technology as the ESSM.

--

Tian Xia Humanitarian Aid Camp
Mortimer's Claim

"Alright, boys and girls. Here's the deal: The Huang-Di has tired of the local militia's attacks on us, and the people we aid. Therefore, we've finally recieved orders to take care of them." General Tsung spoke. "You might have noticed we've expanded our camp several times, and alot more new faces around here. We've been preparing for a while. Our operations plan is as follows: TXAF assets are going to fly up along the river, then hit up Mortimer's little hidey hole, along with the hidey holes of all his generals, and any additional places we think they might have gone to ground in. Shortly afterwards, we roll. We're to take over, or take out, the milita strongholds. Detailed orders have been loaded into your computers. Any questions?"

"Yeah, how are we going to explain this blantant land grab?"

"We aren't? We're going to kill people and break things, because they can't manage to get their shit enough in order to actually manage to not have kids fucking dying of starvation."

--

Tian Xia Humanitarian Aid Camp
Mortimer's Claim
half an hour after Gen Tsung's briefing

The sound of a aircraft roaring overhead at low altitude could be heard. Lt. Smithers, TXMC, shouted: "You hear that? That sound, is the sound of freedom! Move out!"

Above, a B-1E could be seen flashing by at relatively low altitude. Behind it, another 3 trailed, all loaded for bear. High above, F-22s and F-26s were flying.

[Raj Ahten]

Indhopal

When crewman on the AWACS Indhopal had on patrol noticed that Tian Xia was launching a large number of aircraft an alert went out immediately and Indhopal scrambled fighters and the whole military went to a higher state of readiness. There were some tense moments until it was ascertained that Tian Xia was pounding targets inside the CFR instead of heading towards Indhopal. While nuclear Armageddon didn't appear to be at hand, Indhopalese authorities were not amused.

Official Communique to Tian Xia, sent at the highest level.

Indhopal is highly concerned over Tian Xia's ongoing strikes inside the CFR. Such unannounced military activity in the CFR is extremely bad to building an atmosphere of trust between our two nations. Such strikes could easily be misconstrued as being a move against Indhopal or our allies. Was it not agreed that we would let each other know whenever we felt strikes inside the CFR were necessary? If the purpose of these strikes is to stabilize the CFR, surely we could achieve more by working together with a comprehensive strategy rather than through sheer might. Indhopal has tried to solve the problem of the CFR through military means alone in the past and such strategies always met with failure.

Elsewhere

When Colonel Stomper had found out about Tain Xia's attacks against Mortimer he was both concerned and hopeful. Concerned because Tian Xia might be trying to do what he was planning to do and seize the highly profitable mines that Mortimer controlled. Hopeful because Tian Xia might just be making his job easier for him by wiping out the opposition. What mattered now was getting men on the ground quickly and taking possession of the mines ASAP. He called his Financial backers and Windgate to impress upon them the need to get the equipment and personnel required immediately. While Stomper made plans for seizing the mines he also kept a very close eye on developments. He needed to know more about Tian Xia's ambitions.

[Steve]

(Unreal Time, the day of Stanislav's speech in Cascadia)


Garrett Estate, Olympia Province


Former CSR President Stanislav's visit to Cascadia was well-noted in the news networks. The Cascadian Socialists, being Marxists themselves, had gleefully spearheaded a rally at Gene Keller University, one of the larger facilities of higher learning in Adams and a favored institution for the Cascadian Left. Stanislav had also been invited to sit in upon an assembly meeting for the Eastern Olympia Agricultural Combine, a co-operative company owned in tandem by those who worked in it.
Though he was no longer a Head of State, Stanislav had also been given an invitation to visit President Garrett's private home in the Cascade Mountains, not far from Adams, an invitation made to reciprocate for Stanislav's gracious hosting for Stephen, his wife, and his daughter during the family's visit to Stasograd in the historic 2010 Old Continent tour Stephen had made. The tour made in what now seemed a stranger time, when Shepistan still seemed a source of tension but when the powers that now made up CATO and MESS were not at each other's throats... an innocent time before the Pathogen War showed the world how horrible modern total war could be.
The estate was on the modest side. It was a two story home, red brick with a white-coated roof, to provide enough room for the First Couple, all of their children (now four in all, with the youngest - Adrian - being just two going on three), and a couple guests. A big yard with a small swingset for Adrian to play in and a lake behind the property provided room, but it was hardly the kind of expansive estate that other powerful men in the world had for themselves (and unlike some of them, this was the only actual home owned by the family). Thanks to its proximity to Adams it was the place that the President could take a brief working holiday at, "working holiday" indicating only eight hours of work a day instead of the usual sixteen or more.

Stanislav and his aide Valery joined Stephen out on the rear-facing patio of the home. The mountain air was crisp and fresh, the wind gentle. A table on the patio was ready for them with a couple appetizers laid out already and drinks prepared. The President of Cascadia was not in full formal wear but rather a nice polo shirt and dark slacks that showed signs of having been in the grass lately, understandable given that his teenage daughter was busy running about in the backyard with her baby brother, Sophia trying to keep up with them. "Ah, Stanislav. Thank you for accepting my invitation, I've been looking forward to repaying you for your hospitality back in Stasograd all those years ago."

"The thanks are mine to give, President Stephen, for your pleasant hospitality and that of your country," Stanislav answered amiably. He and Valery took seats at the table.
"I took the liberty of arranging for one of the better Crimson vodkas to be available to us," Stephen explained, revealing a bottle he'd kept in a cooler by the table. Glasses already present were filled by him with little difficulty after which he placed a stopper on the bottle and put it back. He brought up his glass and thus prompted the two Crimson visitors to do the same. "To peace and the friendship of our republics," he said as a toast.
"To peace and republican friendship," Stanislav agreed. He, Valery, and Stephen gently clanked their glasses together and took their first swigs. Stanislav had to agree that it was a very fine vodka. "Your taste in vodka is quite surprising given your public image as a man of temperance," he stated.
"I am not unfamiliar with various drinks," Stephen had to admit, "but aside from accepting them as social lubricants at various functions or as a means of entertainment I shy away from them. It's just part of what I am."
"Every man is different in his tastes," Stanislav agreed. "I must admit... some of the Shadow liquor that Comrade Shady prefers has given me some doubt as to his tastes! But he is a good man nonetheless and I enjoy his comradeship."
"He is quite the host," Stephen agreed. "And he has held up well under the burden of leading the union that you and he created. I've even considered making a return trip to Stasograd before my Presidency ends to solidify ties with the UCSR."

"You would be quite welcome to come, our people enjoyed your last visit to our continent and appreciate the friendship we have with the Cascadian Republics."
There was a brief lull in the conversation as more drinks were taken and Stanislav satisfied his curiosity regarding the cheese laid out as part of the appetizer. "Your speech at Gene Keller U was well-received," Stephen remarked to end the silence. "Many of my citizens among several points of the political spectrum are concerned about the military spending of the world around us. And I confess to having had many arguments about trying to keep my nation's defense spending reasonable despite the world's increased militarization."
"It is a sad sign of times we live in that so many nations feel the need to militarize to these extents. But what can we do but arm to some extent when MESS ranges the world with their massive forces, capable of imposing their collective will upon weaker states that have no allies for defense?" Stanislav accompanied his remarks with a series of gestures. "Cascadia is certainly keenly aware of the dangers that can be posed by MESS's military strength, your nation is surrounded by them. For many years have you not had to maintain a large army to have a hope against a potential threat from Tian Xia?"
Stephen gave a stiff nod. "Yes. When I was a young man I was trained in the Army to fight what we all anticipated would be a desperate war for survival against a Tian Xia thrust down the Jieshi and Yukon Rivers. I served about three months of my Army term in a unit watching the border in Yukon and can remember a couple of isolated incidents from my time that might have become something more. Not that it ever happened, and looking back I think Tian Xia had no more desire then than they do now to attack us, but it was a fear for us all."

"Then you clearly understand the worries of many other states in the world. The other MESS states may be better-behaved and even friendly to other nations, but they do so little to restraint the expansionist impulses of Tian Xia and the Old Dominion!"
"I've had a couple words over the phone with President Shinra about such things," Stephen agreed.
"I hope it has born fruit for you. Understand that I do not wish for conflict and further tension with MESS either. But they are so powerful and yet so ignorant about how the world sees their behavior, collective or individually." At that point Stanislav ceased speaking and took another drink. He had already worn his throat down with the earlier speech at Gene Keller University and it was still scratchy for him. "Alas, there is little that an old man like I can really do about it." After that he began rubbing at his throat and would, for a time, remain silent.
At this point, seeing Stanislav needed some rest from speaking, Valery entered the conversation. "Comrade President, you said you served in the Cascadian Army? Where were you stationed?"
"Well, for a time I was with the 19th Infantry Regiment, 8th Brigade, 7th Division, stationed in Yukon along the Tian Xia border. Then I served as a Private First Class and briefly as a Corporal in the 7th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division, stationed in Adabani." After his answer Stephen looked out to the yard where Sophia and Deirdre were playing with little Adrian. "I met Sophia there, she was a lawyer in the Army Judge Advocate General's office. Since she was an officer I had to wait until I mustered out to propose."
"You were 3rd Brigade? So you served in the Ashant Border Conflict of '81?"
That, of course, prompted Stephen to nod carefully. The Border Conflict was something he would probably have to speak carefully about around his guests. "That I did. My battalion was in direct action during the fighting around el-Isaj."
"My older brother Anatoly was an advisor with the Ashant forces during the Conflict," Valery said. "He was very impressed with the behavior of your forces and your treatment of the Velerian peoples they worked with. We have come to believe that the Conflict was an... error." At that Valery gave a bit of a cautious, perhaps apologetic look to Stanislav.
"It was an error," the former CSR President agreed, his throat feeling a little better and permitting him to speak again. "Incidents like that of the Border Conflict stemmed from the impatience of the Soviets in those decades. They forgot that the path to Socialism differed for every people and every nation and that you cannot rush it along, this sadly led to such conflicts and the loss of life in them. I am pleased, President Stephen, that you were not among those harmed in that conflict."

"These misunderstandings happen," Stephen answered diplomatically. He offered a refill to Stanislav, who accepted. "The important thing, I think you'll agree, is to move on from such things instead of dwelling upon them. The relations between Ashant, Adabani, and Cascadia have healed since those days, as have the relations between the Crimson and Cascadian Republics. That is more important to me than remembering old feuds and battles."
"Well-spoken, Comrade President," Valery agreed. Stanislav, still nursing his throat a little, agreed with a nod before taking a swig of his refilled glass.

[Beowulf]

Fenraven,
Indhopal

The ambassador was late. His crypto equipment had broken, and it had taken time to find the backup.

"I've got an appointment with President."

"I don't see you on the schedule?"

"Talk to him. He wants to see me. I have a message from my Secretary of Foreign Affairs."

...
"Yes?"

"I regret that my message is late. Secretary Doyle wishes to inform you that we will be annexing the portion of the CFR conventionally called Mortimer's Claim. In the absence of any recognized government, and the inability, nay, outright hostility, of the warlord Mortimer to provide for the basic requirements of government, we have decided to remove him and his high level supporters, permanently. Militiamen, on his orders, have repeatedly attacked our humanitarian aid camp, necessitating ever larger security forces. The Huang-Di views the lack of action by the countries of the former FTO in taking care of warlords of the CFR with regret. It seems obvious to him that the FTO picked off the low hanging fruit, and did not attempt to deal with the hard cases. The parts of the CFR that needed help.

"The Secretary has an addendum related to your message sent two hours ago, half an hour after operations began: Operations are taking place well outside the agreed 200 mile notification zone. The closest aircraft will come no closer than 250 miles. Thus, it was not seen as necessary to inform Indhopal of operations until they had begun. We do not predict that action will ever be necessary outside of the territory known as Mortimer's Claim for the forseeable future."

[Raj Ahten]

Fenraven,
Indhopal
"Yes?"

"I regret that my message is late. Secretary Doyle wishes to inform you that we will be annexing the portion of the CFR conventionally called Mortimer's Claim. In the absence of any recognized government, and the inability, nay, outright hostility, of the warlord Mortimer to provide for the basic requirements of government, we have decided to remove him and his high level supporters, permanently. Militiamen, on his orders, have repeatedly attacked our humanitarian aid camp, necessitating ever larger security forces. The Huang-Di views the lack of action by the countries of the former FTO in taking care of warlords of the CFR with regret. It seems obvious to him that the FTO picked off the low hanging fruit, and did not attempt to deal with the hard cases. The parts of the CFR that needed help.

"The Secretary has an addendum related to your message sent two hours ago, half an hour after operations began: Operations are taking place well outside the agreed 200 mile notification zone. The closest aircraft will come no closer than 250 miles. Thus, it was not seen as necessary to inform Indhopal of operations until they had begun. We do not predict that action will ever be necessary outside of the territory known as Mortimer's Claim for the forseeable future."

"So the Huang-Di presumes to annex territory as he sees fit without consulting the people in the territory in question or his neighbors. these actions are pure folly and Indhopal will not stand for them. Our response will be forthcoming shortly but for now Mr ambassador you and your staff have 48 hours to leave the country."

Meanwhile

While the ambassador was being told to pack his bags, Indhopal armed forces went to their highest state of alert. Its ships and submarines left port as fast as they could and the air force constantly had aircraft with nuclear payloads in the air. Civil defense units were also mobilized. An ominous sense of unease fell across Indhopal.

[Steve]

Conference Room, Presidential Mansion
Adams, Olympia Province
Republic of Cascadia


The figures in the room were somber as they looked upon each other. Dr. Rice, Vice President of Alaska and de facto ruler of that nation given President Cizaldo's health; Christopher Parnell, Secretary of State for Cascadia; Kamyar el-Sahad, Parnell's counterpart in Adabani.

The talks had began between Parnell and el-Sahad over Adabani's desire for political union with Cascadia. However, various Adabani terms, the kind that were only logical for a nation with nearly half of Cascadia's population and half a world away, were known to be unpalatable to the Cascadian Congress in terms of direct admission of Adabani as a Cascadian Republic.

But now world tensions were set to spike again over the blatant Tian Xia land-grab in the former CFR. The neutrality of the three nations sitting together was recognized but might yet make them suffer in one way or another due to the tightening of the alliance system slowly polarizing their world. And in this crisis an opportunity presented itself, one useful for a Cascadian Republic that had vital interests it had to defend despite the costs, an Alaskan nation with an uncertain political future and economic concerns, and an Adabani nation desiring some kind of greater involvement with Cascadia.

"This is not going to be an easy sale," Rice warned the others. "We'll have opposition to it back home."
"We'll have some here too, I imagine. Many people will question the value of this even if others see opportunity in it."
"It's more than that for us, Mister Parnell," Rice pointed out. "Alaska is going to very much appear the junior member, something our citizens may not find too acceptable."
"We'll try to alleviate those concerns. But I doubt Alaska will do well in a world increasingly polarized and with pressure to join either of the alliances," Parnell pointed out bluntly. "Cizaldo, despite some of his poll numbers, was just about the only thing keeping your country politically stable. Now that he's on the verge of leaving office your political parties are going to tear each other apart and make your government unable to direct policy... unless there's a new influence to encourage them to work together."
"I admit to liking this proposal strongly," el-Sahad stated. "It permits my party to achieve its goals without compromising vital principles in our desired political union with Cascadia. It allows our nations to stand together and provide a stronger front to the world as it becomes ripped into the two alliances. It may even provide a chance to achieve the political unification of much of northern Veleria that some of us have dreamed about for ages."
"Our Leftist parties would scream bloody murder," Rice warned.
"When Stanislav himself didn't come down squarely against Adabani reunificationist efforts but pontificated about their right to pursue their destiny?" Parnell crackled a grin. "I don't think we have much to worry about there."
"Then we are settled?", el-Sahad said eagerly. "This Union will become a reality?"
"I believe it is do-able if the terms are right," Parnell agreed.
More skeptical, Rice gave a stiff nod. "Of course, politically, the person who needs to be in charge at first might not like it. I have no illusions that I'll be an acceptable first President so that leaves..."



Presidential Office
Two Days Later


The text laid out before Stephen made his head hurt with all the possible complications it represented. "Who's idea was this?", he muttered. "I authorized you, Chris, to engage in talks with Adabani about their political reunion with Cascadia on acceptable terms for both and to discuss further ties with Alaska, not to create yet another national confederacy along the lines of the UCSR and NFT!"
"With the situation as it is, Mister President, this is the best option," Parnell insisted. "But we need your support to begin the process of submitting the treaty to Congress and for a plebiscite."
"And for a vote among the individual Republics," Stephen reminded him. "They'll insist on it."
"Do you think it'll lose?" Parnell clearly didn't. "The northern republics particularly like Alaska and the closer ties this would engender would be popular there. The other republics would find the proposed union a boon to Cascadian interests, a vehicle to politically reunite Adabani to us and perhaps more in Northern Veleria."
"You oversimplify the matter," Stephen growled.
"And you're widely popular, Mister President, among all three nations," Parnell continued. "Your policies have been favorable to Alaska and Adabani, your image here is that of a strong-willed civil servant with the pragmatism to work with Congress, the vision to defy established norms in Cascadian politics, and the diplomatic senses to navigate Cascadia through a difficult world. The failure of the World Summit has been laid at the feet of the two alliances, who through no fault of your's turned your forum for discussion and negotiation into a juvenile pissing match."
"So you want me to go out there and say I support this?" Stephen remarked. "That I support ending almost two and a half centuries of political autonomy in the name of an idealistic union of pacific ocean-lining states that may not survive the next decade with all the potential internal dissension toward it? To stake my Administration's legacy and influence on a shoot-for-the-moon endeavor?"
"I want you to live up to your own standards of service," Parnell answered, "and to do your civil duty; what is right for Cascadia. And you know this would only strengthen us."
Damn you was the thought that went through his head at having that thrown in his face.... because it was damned well working. "And I suppose," he added with a sigh, "that if I promote this, I will be asked to put my name in the hat for the union's first President?"
"Again, you're popular and the only figure that could get the support of most of the Alaskans," Parnell pointed out.
Sophia's going to throw a conniption fit he lamented to himself. Outwardly he drew in a deep sigh and, in a gesture of surrender, signed his name to the statement form. "I'm agreeing with you," Stephen said in irritation. "And I'm throwing my full political weight behind the proposal outlined."
"You're doing the right thing, Mister President," Parnell assured him, bringing only a dissatisfied "hmph" from the Cascadian President. A man who, despite everything he felt about the need to fulfill civic duty, found himself hoping that perhaps it wouldn't quite work out as his SecState intended and that he would, indeed, get to retire from public life before 60.
Knowing my luck since I got turned into this gestalt 'me', I'll be serving for another 12 to 14 years, he thought to himself.



The Seattle Post-Intelligencer

"Pacific Union" to become a reality?

ADAMS, CAPITAL DISTRICT - Several media sources have confirmed that an agreement has been reached by ranking officials of Cascadia, Alaska, and Adabani to turn Cascadian-Alaskan initiatives for closer ties and Adabani's desire for a political union with Cascadia into a "Pacific Union", a political federation of the three nations that would take over defense and foreign policy from the three governments but leave domestic issues in the hands of the individual states. The news has stunned a number but has fired the imaginations of advocates who believe that Cascadia's future is tightly aligned with that of Alaska, Adabani, and other nations of the Pacific.

"This is a beautiful thing," Congressman Paul Ignus of Seattle said. "I believe such a union will be a great thing for Cascadia to pursue in this tense world and that President Garrett has shown political and moral courage in pushing the measure forward."

Some among the Liberals and other parties have charged that it is a way for Garrett, who is not eligible to run for re-election in 2019, to maintain a position of power. "Even so, it is an interesting proposition," Senator Miles Lanton of the Liberals conceded. "And a bold one. My only concern is that President Garrett, like Leland Hall in the 19th Century, is overstaying his welcome in national politics."

The Cascadian Labor Party has sided squarely against the Union Proposal, stating it is "a codification of imperialism that the Cascadian Nation abandoned long ago", while the Socialists are giving a cautious support to it on the grounds of determining if it is "truly the will of the peoples of oru nations".

In a statement to the press, the President has only said, "I believe this is the best course for all our nations to take. It is on that issue and that alone that we must consider the proposal and vote upon whether to go ahead with it."

Polls show the measure has an overall national support of 55% in Cascadia, the highest being the 64% it enjoys in pro-Alaska Yukon and the lowest being the 46% sentiment of polls taken in Grant. Alaskan polls indicate a support of beween 49 to 54% and in Adabani polls are as high as 66% in favor of.

[Lonestar]

Royal Palace

"..and in summary CATO opposes the 'blatant land grab' by Tian Xia." Berman finished. Lonestar started to snort, then coughed.

"Vlad our official position is that Tian Xia is taking the steps necessary to restore order in Mortimer's Claim. By the way," Lonestar looked around the room "This is also the stance of OICAS and the State of Sirnoth, in case anyone is wondering. How'd the port visit of the Ronaldus Magnus go?"

"Very good." SECWAR DiBacco said. "She left port this morning, but, protestors aside, it was a resounding success. In fact I would like to make more port visits to other CATO nations, if they'll let us. Obviously, we can't apply the same sort 'soft power' with medical missions that we do in Veleria and the Impact Crater, but even a bunch of Swabbies helping clean up a retirement home makes for good PR."

"Good, good…does anyone know what ex-president Hank is up to?"

Berman and DiBacco looked at each other. Berman shrugged.

"I believe he bought an island…"

"How vulgar and bourgeois." Lonestar grinned. "Otherwise I guess that's that..Eric, have you made any headway on getting that navy law passed?"

DiBacco shook his head. "Lord Winton is dead set on a second flight of DDGNs. He'd rather use the money to freeze the size of the army instead of continuing the downsizing of it."

Lonestar swore.

"Has anyone told him that we do not have a foe to speak of on Shepland, and that both of the SSZs are silent?"

"Many times. " DiBacco gave a tight smile. "We're working it. Moving on, exercise ARDENT SHIELD is underway between the GSC and CDC…"

Results:Just another day at the office...

[Siege]

45,000 feet above Fimbulwinter, Central Frequesue

The UCSR An-26M circled slowly, its on-board SIGINT and ELINT equipment soaking up the radar emissions and transmissions from the Tian Xian air force and army elements involved in the Mortimer's Claim operation, and storing them for analysis later. Between this and the data generated by the Steel Yard A and B over-the-horizon radars in Coilerburg and Valley Forge, CATO signals intelligence was going to have a field day...

===

Crab Key Island, South Pacific

“I want the transmitter installed over there” former president Sidney Hank pointed at a concrete dome structure concealed by camouflage webbing. “As for our babies...” he looked around. “Put them somewhere up high, but be sure to keep them out of sight at all times.” He looked up from behind his sunglasses at the stark blue sky. “You never know who might be watching.”

“Certainly sir” his assistant nodded and jotted down notes on her PDA. “Will that be all?”

“Yes, that should keep the crews busy for a while. Our people will be arriving tomorrow, I want you to show them around and make them comfortable.”

Sandy arched an eyebrow. “You won't be showing them the sights yourself?”

“No” Sidney aimlessly fingered the golden serpent ring wrapped around his middle finger. “I'm afraid other matters require my attention. Is my plane prepped? I need to make a trip back to Frequesue.”

===

NFT Headquarters, downtown San Dorado City

“A union of pacific nations?” president Willy Bank harrumphed. “Well you know what they say. Lead by example.”

Charlie Duquesne smiled thinly. “I believe congratulations are in order?”

“Yes, send Mr. Garrett our best wishes, and tell him that the NFT is open to doing business with his new union. We can always use a good neighbor.”

“Speaking of which...” James Eckhart looked grim. “What do we do about the CFR?”

“From what our people in Fenraven tell us, Indhopal appears fully prepared to go to war over this affair” said Duquesne.

“The last thing we need right now is another crisis” injected Cordelia Cordova. “We don't want the citizenry to think this administration will roll from one crisis into the next ad infinitum.”

“On the other hand our allies in the region are quite nervous about this development” countered Duquesne. “Tian Xia promised it'll stay within the confines of the Claim, but no-one believes them. Especially not General Blackmore and the Fimbulwinter Ruling Council.”

“He's calling himself a general now?” Bank snorted derisively. “So what does he want?”

“In a word?” Eckhart leaned back. “Protection. He fully believes Tian Xia is going to make a move on him.”

“He wants us to put boots on the ground in Fimbulwinter?”

“That's about the gist of it, yes. He seems to believe that now that Indhopal is sizing down its army, we're his best bet.”

“I'm not sure that's such a good idea” frowned Cordova. “Right now they're a nice buffer zone between us and whatever Tian Xia is doing. If we go down there we'd be sharing a land border with the Empire. Do we really need that can of worms in our life?”

“I see what you mean” replied Duquesne. “But on the other hand we're being looked at for a reaction right now. And it's not just Indhopal that will be expecting some token of support on this issue, if only moral. A lot of people expect us to do something. I received a concerned call this morning from Gino Weinberg's office in Minoy. Minoy! We haven't heard from that place in years! If we don't issue some sort of response we'll look weak, which will hurt the chances of any potential future expansion.”

Bank rapped his fingers on the big presidential desk as he considered his options. “Fine” he finally responded. “Issue a statement echoing the Indhopali position, and be sure to use the word 'unilateral' a lot. Make sure they get the message that we're objecting to the way they act, rather than their actions – but don't openly admit that either. We don't want to look like hypocrites, but we don't want to seem to cheer them on either.”

“And Fimbulwinter..?” Duquense let the question hang in the air.

“We better get some concessions out of him for this...” The president looked grim. “How fast can the Legion get Fourth Parachute down there?”


Results: The NFT echoes Indhopal's position, outlined in the official communique Raj sent (I'm assuming a similar statement would be released to the press). Also, SIGINT/ELINT is gathered, and some more ado on the island.

[Bluewolf]

Cialan Times Headlines:


Leaked news that Prime Minister Michael Thomas seeks CATO membership. pg 4

Government has "no comment" so far on Tian Xia aggression. pg 10

New Railway lines get underway pg 30

Shepistan, was his dog really in control? pg 50


PS: Just some filler.

[PeZook]

FASTA bulletin

Funding retained for Selene missions

In a 9-6 vote, the FASTA Program Funding Comittee decided to retain funding for all manned moon exploration programs. These currently include:

- Selene: the initial exploration missions, which survey several possible sites for construction of a permanent settlement

- Pioneer: A wide-scale research and spaceflight program intended to culiminate in construction of an enclosed lunar outpost capable of supporting a crew of at least twelve astronauts. Includes development of new lunar transfer vehicle and lunar surface exploration technologies

- Lunar Exploration Grant program: a FASTA-sponsored initiative involving grants to universities and R&D groups presenting interesting and innovative concepts for technology useful in manned lunar exploration

Director Damian Kaklamanis expressed "great relief" upon hearing the news. While only two Selene flights remain in the roster, their funding is considered absolutely crucial for supporting long-term habitation of the Moon, and, as one high-level FASTA official put it, "The continued survival and development of the human species".

Cialan's possible entry into FASTA is also set to provide funding for other programs, such as the much-underfunded Orion space launch program, currently in its infanty stages.

Orbital telescope detects water on a distant world

Using an innovative technique for data analysis, scientists pouring over the data delivered by the first wide-spectrum orbital telescope came to a conclusion which may prove that conditions necessary for life exist beyond our solar system.

"Essentially, we compare light absorbed in different wavelenghts, and are able to ascertain if extrasolar systems contain telltale signatures of water and methane. We've been able to identify one system showing these signatures so far, called Kappa-11.", says one member of the research team.

Critics of the method cite its unproven track record on bodies much closer than Kappa-11, which is located almost 80 light years from our solar system. Gravitational analysis has confirmed, however, that Kappa-11 contain at least six planets, of which one lays within the "golden zone" capable of supporting life. The system also contains a main sequence star comparable to our Sun, which is why it was a point of interest for astronomers looking for extrasolar life for decades. No evidence has yet surfaced, however, that any of its planets may be able to support life: the only body within the system's "golden zone" is at least twice as large as Nova Terra.

Orion technology demonstrator makes fourth flight

Launched from the nuclear polygon at Novaya Zemla, the Orion Technology Demonstrator made is fourth succesful flight, ending again with recovery of the vehicle.

Telemetry passed important data to the program's engineers, who will now set upon designing an actual capsule to mount atop the pusher plate, intended to test the viability of detonating additoinal Pulse Propulsion Units in flight.

[Raj Ahten]

Fenraven, Indhopal

President Raj Ahten stepped up to the podium in front of a full session of parliament. Many local and international media outlets had their representatives there as well.

The president started to speak,

"Tian Xia has once again reared the ugly head of naked imperialistic greed in Frequesue. Tian Xia's ambassador has informed me of his country's intention to annex the part of the CFR known as Mortimer's claim outright. Indhopal will not stand for this. If Tian Xia continues with its assault Indhopal will take steps to stop them.

The Huang-Di claims to be doing this in response to the failure of the old FTO to deal with the problem of the CFR. The FTO failed at a great many things but in the CFR we see its greatest successes. Indhopal and the NFT have shepherded new nations into the world: Yorkshire and the Eastern Occidental, both former territories of the CFR. They are now peaceful self governing lands that show a successful model for dealing with the war torn CFR. Tian Xia's ways of naked militarism have never succeeded in quelling the CFR and are synonymous with the old ways before the Second Republic.

If the Huang-Di is truly interested in peace with the CFR he would be wise to follow a similar model. To this end I am purposing that a multinational peacekeeping force from involved nations in the region Indhopal, Tian Xia, the North Frequesue Trust and even The Principality of Miratia, be sent in to stabilize Mortimer's claim and help its citizens along the road to true nationhood. A neutral nation such as Cascadia would also be quite welcome in this endeavor as they have proved on numerous prior occasions to be honest brokers.

Again if the Huang-Di continues on the foolish path he has set for himself, there will be consequences. Thank you."

The parliament was united with the president that night. He received a standing ovation, but the mood was grim.

edit: cleaned up some spelling errors and a sentence or two.

[Bluewolf]

City Centre, Stanton:


An angry storm swept through the streets to the city centre. All around the country the news had sparked anger and fear as well as excitement and interest, causing people come out in droves. Protests for and against the news spread like wildfire. It was splattered across the tabloids. Every single one of them had it has their front page with headlines from the blunt message itself to some simple pun. No matter how the story was presented; the story was clear: Prime Minister Michael Thomasonon had set for the CATO nations to apply for membership while keeping it all low key, not planning to announce it for a few weeks.

This tore many. To some this was the ultimate betrayal of Cialan, to sell itself to one of the big two power blocs which would infest Cialan with their demands, their restrictions, and their way of life. On the other hand it would make sure Cialan would be safe, would be able to benefit from new trade and treaties as well as take part in much larger programs that may help the countries influence. Whichever feeling was the majority was hard to say at this time yet it had rubbed many Cialanians to the point of anger, fear, pain, excitement or hope.

In Stanton’s old streets marched hundreds, maybe even thousands of people as people made their thoughts known. Many were holding banners with various crude messages on such as “NO TO CATO” or “Freedom above all. “. The police had been deployed in force yet there was no violence yet and cracking down now would only make things worse for the country. Many Blue Iron party members tried to not make their faces shown. Just in case things did boil over and many had the bemused thought that Michael Thomason had a lot of a mess to clean up when he got home.


Hound Square:

Mr Caemon Brown stood up on the quickly assembled podium, news cameras flashing, his every move being filmed. It was a glorious day for him. The underhandedness of the Blue Iron Party along with its scrum sucking sycophants had been brought to bear. “What a lowly man to keep it hidden from us. I knew that bastard was hiding more things than just his precious little healthcare bill but this? He broke all expectations. Heh, Thomason, just you wait until you come back to the hell that has been brought up here. Just you wait”.

He stretched slightly and as everyone went quiet for the speech, it was clear to see that many were flooding in to watch, even if it was distance. The Square probably had the heaviest concentration of police of all at the moment yet there was no sign of trouble. People were more intent on hearing his words rather than others here.

“I’d like to make this speech in regards to the recent news that Prime Minister Michael Thomason has gone to Byzantine to discuss potential membership with CATO. Non in my party were informed of this. Non in the Wolvens People Party were informed of this and yet several people within the Blue Iron Party who were fully aware of this. They were fully aware of the consequences that this might bring and their duty to this country. Despite that, they did not and chose to keep it under wraps from the media and other parties. This is a disgrace to the entire country and to themselves. Despite our relative views on CATO and all the potential angels or demons it brings to us. The fact that the Prime Minister had to outright hush it up says miles about him and his party. I wish for the Prime Minister to reconsider the ways he is running this country and to realise the damage he is doing. Thank you.”

Result: The look of the news of potential CATO membership causes large protests on both side

PS: I will get to the FASTA and CATO stuff after Nolder posts again.

[Ryan Thunder]

Surprise
Mirakar, Miratia

"Hehe, sorry, for a second there, I thought you said 'Tian Jiao is invading Mortimer's Claim'." Ryan turned towards his secretary, stirring cream into his coffee as he spoke.

"I did say that," Aaliyah responded angrily, causing the Supreme Leader to nearly wear his beverage, "General Srrkayn is on his way here even as we speak."

"Oh, well that's just great! Just what we need in this climate; a motherfucking land grab." That was when General Srrkayn arrived, flanked by two aides. The Miratian military wasn't technically large enough to have true Generals, but the rank had been bestowed on him with the desk job.

"Supreme Leader!" he snapped a salute.

"Oh for fuck's sakes, I've known you for what, two years? Call me Ryan! And for the last goddamned time, I'm a civilian!" Even if I still can't pronounce your name... he added in his mind.

"Yes, sir," the general relaxed, marginally.

"Anyway, I'm aware of the situation in the CFR..."

"There's more to it than that, sir," Srrkayn guestured to one of his aides, who handed Ryan a tablet PC. "Indhopal is threatening Tian Xia with war over this, and CATO is flying ELINT planes nearby to observe the fighting."

"Well, what's your position on this?"

Srrkayn looked off to the side uncomfortably for a moment before giving his answer. "Well, obviously, striking the Texies directly would be a very bad idea for a number of reasons. Nevertheless, we should show them that getting carried away will have consequences that they cannot ignore. To that effect, we should move our Mourning Star missile batteries back into place near the border with Tian Jiao and redeploy some of our fighter squadrons in the area around Erat and increase Stingray patrols on the lake there. We should also raise our general mobilization status to Defensive II."

Ryan raised an eyebrow, "'Texies'?"

"Tian Xians, sir; its a colloquial term."

"Right..." Ryan considered everything else Srrkayn had said for a moment. "Yeah, we'll do that. See to it, general." Srrkayn nodded and left. "Aaliyah? I need you to draft a message to the Huang Di; tell him that while we do not support the regime in Mortimer's Claim, we condemn his military action in the CFR, nevertheless, and demand that he call off his war plans. We can discuss the fate of Mr. Mortimer's regime at a future date in a multi-lateral context."