SDNWorld Redux: Story Thread the Fourth

[Zor]

Union press

Evacuation plan for Zorian civilians in Misteria underway

Today, the Foreign ministry has placed demands to the revolutionary forces of Misteria to allow for the safe evacation of any Zorian Nationals from the conflict wrought nation. Various options have been persued to find, including requests to the USCR for the assistance of their fleet in Misterian waters in bringing Zorians in Misteria to safety.

[Siege]

At the Rotherburgh Air Fair today Ralson Aerospace unveiled its latest supersonic jet aircraft. The C-21 White Lightning is the successor of the highly successful RA-500 Thunderwave in the small business jet market segment. Capable of sustained cruise at Mach 2+ as well as making short Mach 3 dashes, the White Lightning's three Universal Motors D-35 turbojet engines can carry a crew of two and up to twenty-five passengers a maximum of 8,000 kilometers before refueling.

According to the company it already has a few notable commercial and private customers lined up for the jet, among which airline Air Gemini and former president Sidney Hank. In a speech after the unveiling Ralson Concerns CEO Jenny Ralson further hinted at a larger supersonic passenger aircraft the company is developing, which will have to compete on the high-speed air travel market with Boeing's Sonic Cruiser, the Shroomanian Concorde, and Tonkin's fleet of 2707 aircraft.

[Shroom Man 777]

The sun went down with practiced bravado. Twilight crawled across the sky, laden with foreboding.

Farbanti, Shroomania

Prime Minister Micheal Thomas' plane banked around the city of Farbanti, giving Cialan's commander-in-chief a good view of the Sovereignty's most imperious capital - the crown city of Shroomania. At first the angle was high, for an overhead view, but as they descended to Farbanti International they came in lower and Micheal had a clearer view of one of the Old Continent's most magnanimous metropolises. They came in time for the spectacular Shroomanian sunset.



It sure was bigger than Cialan City Stanton.

Finally, after taking the scenic route, their plane landed. Farbanti International was one of the HUEGest airports in the world and a special segment of it was reserved for official government functions - such as welcoming foreign dignitaries travelling by plane, and housing the Prime Minister's own oversized BAM A380 the Shroom Force One.

Cialan One's pilot felt small and inadequate as he taxied next to the most mighty Prime Ministerial airplane.

However, the window Cialan Prime Minister Micheal Thomas was looking out of was at the oppsite side, so instead of seeing the overcompensating aircraft he was instead greeted at the sight of the welcoming committee.

A regimental honor guard!



Led by Lord-Minister Melchett McMeistervater of SHAFT himself!



After the band played the Cialanese national anthem with regimental precision, Prime Minister Micheal Thomas was then welcomed to Shroomania by his peer - none other than Prime Minister Shroom the 777th!



"Avast and heave-ho, my jolly mate!" Prime Minister Shroom saluted as he assumed a dramatic pose, and then assumed a more dramatic (melodramatic) one. "Prime Minister Micheal Thomas, I welcome you and your people to the Sovereignty of Shroomania!"

Then, with a wave, he declared:

"Come! Farbanti awaits!"

[Beowulf]

Cups and Cake CV-22
Empyrean City
Misteria

"We've got bogies closing in from 4 o'clock."

"Great, and us in this trashhauler. Well, let's try something tricky." The nacelles on the V-22 rotated upward while the airspeed dropped rapidly. It garunteed that the bogey wouldn't be able to stay as slow. Unfortunately, the response was a burst of tracer fire from the fighter.

"Guess we better do as they want."

Tian Xia Consulate
Empyrean City
Misteria

Refugees were beating down the doors of the Consulate, trying to find safety from the coming Communist rebels. The marines were trying to hold the doors closed, but they wouldn't last for long.

"I've managed to contact the Secretary of Foreign Affairs. Your plan for safeguarding at least some of these refugees out has been approved. However, we can't actually evacuate anyone yet. Not even ourselves. Also, the supplies you requested will be taking a bit longer as well. They're at the airport, instead of our helipad. They shot at the V-22 bringing them in. Warning shots, but still."

--

Public Security building
Tsingtao
Tian Xia

"What do you mean I'm reassigned to some shithole? I'm better than that!"

"Came from HQ. They need bodies to send down to Frequesque. You got tagged. Have a nice 6 month deployment."

Fort Chiu
Western Tian Xia

"Well boys, latest orders from Army HQ have come down. The want this base put into caretaker status."

"Where are we going then?"

"Tian Jiao."

[RogueIce]

SRS Invincible - 30 nm off Misterian coast

PHIBRON-4, led by the LHD Invincible had arrived on station and prepared for flight ops. MH-60S helicopters would be dispatched to fly to the Shinra Republic embassy to take out Shinra citizens and nonessential embassy personnel. The AV-35s and AH-1s would be in the air around the ships, but would not approach shore unless the transports began taking 'significant' fire or otherwise needed support.

MH-60S Kilo 61 - Approaching Empyrean City

Upon being challenged, the pilot of Kilo 61 sent the following message:

"This is Shinra Republic Marine Corps helicopter Kilo Six One. We are enroute to our embassy and request right of access for diplomatic flight, over."

((OOC: I'll let Pollux decide whether he's letting them through or not. If not, they'll turn around and attempt to leave, as I'm assuming the challenge is issued before they actually got over the city.))

[Pollux]

+++PRIORITY+++

FROM: SUPREME SOVIET
TO: MNV DUTIFUL

DO NOT FIRE ON ANY FOREIGN ASSETS. LET THE CIALANIAN SHIPS PASS UNMOLESTED.

+++PRIORITY+++

FROM: SUPREME SOVIET
TO: ALL USRM FORCES

DISREGARD EARLIER ORDERS: ALLOW HELICOPTERS TO LEAVE FOREIGN EMBASSIES. 2ND AND 5TH DIVISIONS CONVERGE ON UM BEREZALUG. BE PREPARED FOR FIGHTING AGAINST NDF FORCES.

USRM Central Military Command Offices, Belapol
Office of the Supreme Marshall

"Plokhov, what the fuck is going on down there?" Defense Secretary Aime Boulanger was angry, and terrifyingly so. His face was a bright red, his collar was coming undone, and his massive hands looked like they were about to claw off a large section of the desk he was leaning menacingly over. Supreme Marshall Gregori Plokhov, contrastingly, was sitting across the desk from Boulanger, leaning back in his comfortable, upholstered chair as the Defense Secretary hurled obscenities at him.

"We are securing the city prior to relocating the refugees to the Isle of Sankt Krot, where we will identify the real traitors among them."

"Sankt Krot... a tsarist labor camp?! And what's all this bullshit about "securing" the city? We had to call off one of our cruisers, they were going to start a fucking war!!" At this, Plokhov chuckled.

"Bah. The capitalists are fat and weak. They would never commit."

"Then you're as crazy as the Berezalug NDF, because believe me, these nations would like nothing more than to see their banner over these isles."

"Quit being so melodramatic! This is our land."

"You're missing the point! It's our land, yes, and they'd be all too happy to take it from us! The Cascadians, the Tian Xia, all of them! And now, now we've got a fleet from the Motherland, from our allies coming to intercede and evacuate the refugees! We're the fucking laughingstocks of the international Communist movement! And it all falls squarely on your head, for signing the orders that got us into this mess."

"...what are you saying?" The first signs of ill-ease began to flicker across Plokhov's face, and he eyed the desk drawer where he kept his machine pistol.

"What I am saying, Plokhov, is that you are under arrest." At this, two armed policemen entered the room, pistols in their hands. "You are stripped of your rank in the Misterian Armed Forces, and are to be detained indefinitely as is fitting for an enemy of the people of your stature."

Plokhov stood, and with a lightning quick movement, kicked the desk forward, into policemen and the Defense Secretary, who all fell to the ground in a tangle with yelps and curses. He just as quickly yanked out the drawer and slapped a magazine in his Skorpion machine pistol, before firing a burst into the back of one of the policemen, who was struggling to his feet. The policeman yelped before falling to the floor, his foot still hooked under the edge of the heavy, Tsarist-era desk.

Plokhov turned just in time to see the other cop train his pistol on him. He instinctively shifted slightly and let loose another burst of rounds from his Skorpion, as he felt something hit him in the left shoulder. The cop toppled over, and Plokohv saw blood staining the fine linen shirt of his uniform. Curiously, he remarked to himself, there was no pain.

Boulanger was shouting for more guards. "The pussy," thought Plokhov, as he staggered over to where the Secretary was lying on the floor. He violently kicked Boulanger over with his jackbooted foot, so that he was lying on his back, and looking in his eyes.

Then he emptied the machine pistol into Boulanger's face, before dropping the gun to the floor.

Four more guards burst into the room, pistols raised. Plokohv turned just in time for them to empty their magazines into his chest. He fell backwards, sprawling across the desk, before he slid to the floor, next to the policeman he had just moments ago killed.

RESULT:

Helicopters are permitted to leave the embassies with foreign nationals.
The airport is still shut down.
The blockade is still active, though the fleet has been given orders not to use anything more than strongly worded letters to prevent ships from leaving.
The army is moving into Berezalug to deal with the NDF radicals at the heart of this mess.

[phongn]

47000 feet, approaching Misteria

" God-damn commies. They're tryin' to kill all those poor sons-of-bitches down there. Lets see how their pissant Air Force does when Tonkin rides into town ... " Maj. Shroom "Kong" Pickin was commanding his bomber on the way into Misteria, on the "freedom of the skies" exercises. Except this time, there was a mission, and a little bit of surprise. " Jam their airwaves with the tape... "

At that moment, the heavy bomber started pouring out decadent, classic Tonkinese music ... all while underneath its wing pylons, powerful jet engines spooled to life. Training munitions only, and intended never to leave the secure attachments to its carrier, but the implicit threat was clear. With a surge of power, the Shroomtofortress accelerated ...

"♬ You ain't nothin' but a hound dog ... ♬"

Empyrean International Airport

The TWA 2707 had not been repainted - there just wasn't time for that, especially not paint intended to survive. But - as the radio waves filled with old rock music, it was time. Fueled up and full of medical evacuees that the beleaguered hospitals of the Empyrean City could not treat, the IRT was flying them out on one of the few airliners that might be able to. And now - taxiing away from the terminal, onto the taxiways and onto the runway with the distraction of RTAF heavy bombers flying overhead. Misterian readiness had taken a severe hit in the chaos of the revolution ...

And so, the pilot of Flight 007 turned his transponder to the international rescue-flight code, extended his wings and began to pour on the power for a fast climb and - hopefully - an escape from Misteria.

[Bluewolf]

Farbanti, Shroomania

After the very unique greeting that was put on for Michael and his staff, no time was wasted on touring the various exquisite sights and sounds of Farbani. They went through various streets looking at various historical items of Shroomania’s past, fine stores selling expensive items and the usual expected fanfare of such a diplomatic visit. Michael noticed that Shroom was a very eccentric person. After the usual visits and expectations of most diplomatic events; this one felt fresh in its own way and Michael found it easy to put aside the issues of policies for a while like before.

Finally though it came time as more official discussion started to form and get under way and again Michael was faced with what he had to say. This time the venue was an interesting one; a cafe that had been cleared out for their talks. It was an interesting contrast compared to the grand palaces of Byzantine.

“Indeed, as I said to the Emperor of Byzantine, I express great interest in joining CATO as an observer, I am sure you may of heard. After our exploration and whaling agreement it has become clear that a lot more trade benefits could occur between our people and other nations. Cialan has already committed FASTA as well.” He paused again.

“Of course you probably know our intentions with the nuclear deal yet this will not really be discussed in detail until my trip to the UCSR. I would be happy if you would come along as well and hopefully, show your backing to Cialan’s membership”.

Empyrean City

After the order that NDF ships would stand down, the task group wasted no time in moving out the first three transports along with the CNS Barrow. It was a lucky escape from potential violence and it meant that the last of the freighters could be loaded up and quickly moved before any more destabilisation could potentially occur. The marines and their equipment were drawn back and all embassy staff were evacuated. Slowly the last of the ships were filled and the remaining but large amount of refugees was directed to certain points to keep safe. The rest of the fleet started to leave on the way to Langley, hopefully soon the UCSR task force would arrive.

Result:

Michael talks with Shroom

The task force and its freighters gets the hell out of Misteria before anything else happens.

PS: Had to rush this, I hope you do not mind Shroom, I will change anything if needed.

[Beowulf]

Tian Xia Consulate
Empyrean City
Misteria

"Our V-22 got released. Apparently they're no longer going to bother our flights."

"Good. Start bundling the refugees onto the V-22 when it gets here. How's the replacements for that one coming?"

"Cascadia gave permission to station some V-22s at Ying AFB in Van Halstoff. A squadron has been dispatched. Should be getting there about now. Also, we've got a couple of tanker-transports going there to pick up the refugees so that Van Halstoff doesn't get over run either. They're also refueling the V-22s on their routes."

"Very good. So who wants to volunteer to tell the new Misterian goverment that we recognize them?" Silence met the Consul's question. He sighed. "Guess I get to. Get me a Humvee."

--

Hong Kong Navy Yard

The Monnahan had been put in for modification at the same time as the Stryker, but had taken longer. She had another new modification not found on the Stryker: a new nuclear plant. It had only recently finished testing, and variants would eventually find their way across the fleet. The new plant allowed the fitting of an amidships VLS nest, due to the lack of the stacks previously required. It was only a 32 cell Mk57 setup, but every bit helped.

The plant would never need to be recored through the life of the ship, and had much faster startup times than a normal fission plant. Startup was measured in minutes, not hours or days.

[RogueIce]

SRMC MH-60S Kilo 61 - over Empyrean City, Misteria

After a tense few minutes of indecision, Kilo 61 was finally given permission to carry on. The pilot radioed the Misterian approval of flights to the embassy back to the ship, and flew on to his destination.

Meanwhile, on the Invincible, a platoon of Marines was loading up in a CH-53K. The State Department had gone back and forth on whether or not to reinforce the Embassy Marines, but finally the OK was given. The estimates that NDF forces might not follow the orders of the Misterian government had been the tipping point; while it was considered extremely unlikely the MDF would actually assault any foreign embassies, any infighting between the government forces and NDF could well push even more refugees to attempt to flee to the embassy. Most of the refugees were in fact local Misterians who had been employed by the embassy and their families. The Marines and Diplomatic Security Service hadn't allowed for a flood of Misterian nationals to enter embassy ground. The extra platoon of Marines would go a ways to keep this status quo. It had been determined by the State Department that the impending UCSR intervention would do more to protect the citizenry than the Shinra Republic opening the gates to refugees.

There were Sailors and Marines aboard the Invincible who weren't so convinced, but orders were orders. Nonetheless, they would 'creatively interpret' these orders to the best of their ability in order to bring out as many as they could. Thus it was that CH-53s would be in the second and subsequent waves of aircraft, allowing the aircrews to try and get as many aboard while stretching out the truth of just how many embassy personnel and Shinra citizens there really were.

All told, about 100 Misterian refugees were evacuated, which was a drop in the bucket compared to the estimated 1.5 million total. Still, the diplomats, Sailors and Marines of the Shinra Republic had done their best given their orders.

---

Results
SRN and SRMC evacuate about 100 Misterian refugees. PHIBRON-4 leaves area to rejoin with BG-4. The refugees will be transferred to the carrier and flown to Naval Base Los Angeles in the Shinra Republic.

[Steve]

Empyrean City


The relaxing of the air cordon came just in time. Due to the delays of diplomacy Shady's reply note to Cascadia, leading to the mission ordered postponed, hadn't arrived in time to prevent the mission from going beyond the point of no return. Had the Misterian orders from before been kept up their Air Force would have immediately challenged the Cascadian helos from Intrepid and Concordia, prompting counter-challenge from escorting ASF-10Cs and NSF-11s and providing all sorts of potential for trouble.

The Misterians who were given rides were primarily those who had been employed in the Cascadian Embassy and their families, sometimes close friends. The issue was still unsettled on whether Cascadia's military would be authorized to emigrate further, or even if they could carry many.

Given the humanitarian crisis the hospital ship CRS Carson Beckett had been deployed from Adabani, though it would take it a few more days to arrive with its escorts, the ex-Shinran frigates Susan Ying and Simon Perez. Unlike the Intrepid COG the Beckett and escorts would move straight into the harbor upon arrival to more quickly take on ill and wounded Misterians for treatment, a plan made even before the Misterian cordon had been relaxed.

Now all that remained was the issue of permitting airlift flights.



Presidential Office

A celebration was breaking out from the news: Rosario's legislature had approved the Pacific Union proposal, leaving Grant as the only republic that had not yet ratified. Depending upon the structure of the new Union this would possibly not be necessary, though it was hoped ratification would come anyway.

The Misterian situation still dominated concerns. Word had been leaked of some kind of fight between the political and military leadership of the new regime, causing chaos and even death, though the specifics weren't quite known yet. The pervading fear was that the regime's radical elements, who were refusing all attempts at negotiating over the regime opponents' emigration, would splinter the new regime in the process of pressing hard to take what was left of the city. Already the regime's encirclement of Empyrean City had led to the refugee areas running treacherously low on food and supplies. Municipal water and electricity had not yet been shut off by all reports but the NDF was threatening to do so if the Loyalist division holding them back didn't immediately surrender "and submit itself to revolutionary justice".

"The new regime still hasn't approved fixed wing flights from the airports, even the one they don't yet control," Dale said to the assembled - Stephen, Alexia Verdes, and Parnell. "Frankly their Air Force and Air Defenses aren't too impressive but are still capable of shooting down airliners and military transport aircraft."
"Would they dare do something like that with the eye of the world on them?", Alexia asked, almost rhetorically. "Their regime needs international legitimacy. The UCSR has recognized them but as of yet no one else...."
"Emmeria might given its 'Non-Aligned' initiatives," Parnell pointed out. "And save for the most moderate members of the new regime I don't think they care about world recognition so long as they have the UCSR on their side. The question is if Shady would permit them to become so grossly violent and risk a backlash even among his own alliance?"
"I'd rather not put that question to the test," Stephen remarked. "Aren't there any avenues of communication we can establish to the Misterians directly to convince them to give pledges of amnesty and permitted emigration? The evacuation of a million people is a logistics nightmare, we need them to stay in Empyrean City. And so they need to want to stay."
"We've tried direct messages through our Embassy, sending our statements and your notes out for them to hear, but the fact is that there is currently no sole Misterian Communist authority we can appeal to. The NDF, military, and political branches are all intermingled and competing for authority and power."

For moments Stephen sat in quiet contemplation of the situation. Finally he seemed to have a decision to deliver. "Given the humanitarian situation in Empyrean City, I want a new statement issued and orders prepared to enact this immediately. Our public statement will be that in light of the humanitarian struggle in Empyrean City we are ready to airlift food, supplies, emergency electric generators, and other needed goods into the city. We insist that these aircraft be permitted to land and then depart freely to continue their runs."
"And if they still say no?" Parnell folded his hands over his knees. "The Misterians know that as soon as that UCSR task force arrives they don't have to worry about getting attacked by anyone over their behavior. They could stall for time."
"We'll give them some amount of time, but if our aircraft land with materials and are ready to take off, then we'll show we mean business by having fighter escort standing by to protect our airlift craft if challenged upon takeoff." Stephen frowned. "We're going to remain peaceful, but if they want to play rough we'll show we can be rough too."

The meeting continued on a bit. A news flash from Fort Sheppard indicated that the Grant Legislature had been one vote shy of cloture in the Union Proposal debate, the Alaskan Congress was showing some signs of movement now that the situation threatened to be wrested from their grasp by Cizaldo and Rice offering the provincial legislatures of Alaska a ratification vote, the Mirakar Conference was being prepared over Mortimer's Claim in the old CFR....

When all was said and done only Parnell was left with Stephen. The latter looked to the former and said, "Chris, I have a favor to ask of you."
The Cascadian Secretary of State gave his President a look. "And that would be?"
"You might not like it...."

Several hours later, a loyal-but-grumbling Parnell was boarding a flight out of Adams. A flight direct to Stasograd.


Actions:
Hospital ship has been dispatched to process wounded and ill Miratians.
Cascadians preparing airlift of supplies into Empyrean City, asking for the Misterian Communists and their Air Force to lift the declared "no-takeoff" air cordon.
Secretary of State Parnell of Cascadia is en route to Stasograd to make direct contact with the Misterian regime and directly engage in discussions with the UCSR government.

[Siege]

Farbanti, Shroomania

The helicopter had been summoned to the 'Golden Heart' when it was only just entering Farbanti Bay, allowing its passengers to head for shore long before the yacht docked to one of the marina piers. It was a quick ride through the cool afternoon sky to the downtown heliport, and from there by Shrooms Royce and under police escort to the prearranged meeting point. The motorcade smoothed through the security checkpoints with the ease of intimate familiarity, to arrive at the park-side cafe mere minutes after his host and guest.

“Prime minister Shroom, prime minister Thomason, excellent to see you both” Sidney greeted as he stepped out of the navy blue limousine. “I do hope I'm not too late. We hit an unfortunate rough patch of sea for a bit.” The sun-tanned former president tossed his jacket over a nearby chair, sat down and smiled handsomely at the prime minister of Cialan. “Now, did I hear someone say 'trade'?”

Result: Sidney arrives in Farbanti and drops in on the talks going on there (hey, I was in the neighborhood!)

[Bluewolf]

Farbanti Shroomania

The arrival of Sidney Hank was something of a great surprise to Michael. There had been no official word that this was going to happen at all. It did not matter though and it made things all the better.

“It’s nice to meet you Mr Hank” Said Michael, smiling back. “Mr Shroom and myself were discussing Cialan desire to join CATO which is probably is no secret anymore”. His voice hid some gritted anger, remembering the leak from the press about it.

“Cialan is hoping that it can benefit from this greatly, including trade deals. You yourself have probably already seen the whaling and fishing program we are conducting with Shroomania as well as the recent modernisation and expansion of Cialan’s armed forces. Hopefully though, there will be no miss ordering.” He tried to make light of the incident, another piece of bad luck on his part. "I am sure you have a lot of experience in such deals"

“Now I am hopeful that I will be fully supported in joining as an observer. Soon my visit to the UCSR will finalize it all. ”

Michael sat back and looked at the sky for a few moments. It seemed as if he was meeting the whole of CATO at this rate. His mind was also filled with what was going on in Misteria. The whole fleet blockade crisis had been cleared up and now the ships were on the way to the Duchy of Langley where they would be able to unload people there. Of course there would be harsh criticism for not meeting the NDF’s original demands. Some would say he was insane, that he was going to start war. No, it was not that way. Cialan could not have her ships bullied and blocked in. The nation had no right to and though he was not planning on starting a war. He would have allowed force if it had meant his ships and their cargo got through.

The lesson would teach his government and military many things though for the future. At least one benefit of it all.

Result:

General Chit Chat with Sidney Hank

Cialan’s military and government will learn from the Misteria crisis.

[Pollux]

University of Misteria, Berezalug,
In front of South Hall.

Akady Lenivov smiled as he watched the tanks and BTRs pull into the courtyards of the University, from the window of his command center in Berezalug's South Hall. The army had finally come to reinforce his NDF troops, and soon all the traitors and foreign barbarians would be dead.

"Semyon, Sergei, with me. Let us greet our comrades!"

Akady fetched his hat, a fine canvas Mao, from the makeshift table his maps and charts were scattered over, placing it atop his head with a flourish. He practically skipped down the stairs to the courtyard with his sergeants, so high were his spirits. A dozen impassive, jackbooted soldiers, led by a dour-faced senior officer, were there to greet him, standing in front of an old BTR-70 the emblem of the old Republic hastily painted over with a gold star.

Akady grinned, and threw a smart salute as he walked up to the officer - a major, he'd made sure to study the insignia regulations very well.

"Comrade Major, I wel-"

Something hit Akady in the gut with immense force, knocking the breath out of him and making his vision go blurry as he toppled to the pavement. On his way down, he heard gunfire, and felt something wet and warm splatter onto his clothing.

The major cracked his knuckles, and kicked aside Akady's hat with his boot. As Akady regained his breath, he realized the wet stuff was blood and brains. Sergei and Semyon's?

"Comrade," said the major, his voice dripping with sarcasm, "you are under arrest."

Inside South Hall.

"The... wha... ...cunts!" Anya Streletsov could not believe her eyes. Beside her, two dozen NDF volunteers similarly stood dumbfounded, as they watched the scene unfold.

The adrenaline, the rage, and her training all kicked in at the same time. She grabbed the receiver of the radio and barked into it, to all the NDF troops in the city:

"The army has just betrayed the revolution by attacking NDF Commander Lenivov. Kill them."

In front of South Hall.

Akaky coughed up blood as two soldiers pulled him to his feet. "Traitors," he groaned.

The major chuckled, and turned to stare at him with his cool gray eyes. "No, Comrade Lenivov, it is you who has betrayed our revolution."

"Really?"

At that moment, the BTR exploded, showering the soldiers standing in front of it with shrapnel. Gunfire erupted from the windows of South Hall, and the soldiers holding him fell. Akaky staggered forward slightly, and saw the major lying on the ground, a massive splinter protruding from his leg.

He drew his knife, and was on the major in a flash. With a deft, practiced stroke, he slit the man's throat, halfway cutting the head from the body. Akaky fell back, dropping the knife to the ground as he fumbled for one of the dead soldier's rifles.

"Comrade! Over here!"

He turned to see Anya and some NDF soldiers at the door of South Hall, beckoning him inside. Akaky hefted the rifle and took off for the door: it was only twenty metres away...

Outside South Hall

An army private popped from cover just in time to see Akaky bolting for the door and safety of South Hall. He lifted his rifle and fired.

A dozen rounds stuck Akaky in the back. He began to fall forward, and looked down in time to see his chest annihilated by the bullets. He spun around as he fell, so that when he landed, he was on his back sprawled across the stairs to the hall.

The last thing he heard was the gunfire.

It could be heard all across the city now.

Empyrean City International Airport, Terminal

William yawned for the umpteenth time in the past hour. At first, being held by the commies in the airport was moderately frightening. Now, it was just boring, hideously boring, as much as school had been back in Langley. At least he flew the big C-17s now.

Or at least, he would be, if these damn inscrutable commies hadn't pulled the aerial blockade bullshit they had.

To their credit, the Misterian communists seemed decent enough. When they were distributing the food they had brought with them among the refugees, the Misterians pitched in with some bread they evidently had brought with them for this purpose. Some of them even offered to trade cigarettes with him, evidently some sort of local custom of hospitality or somesuch, and he had, although doing so had led to him to decide that Misteria was probably not very good tobacco growing country.

He didn't speak Crimson, and certainly not the common dialect of the Misterians: brash, throaty, and peppered with odd metaphors and slang, but as far as he could tell, the soldiers were as bored as they were. There was an NCO of some sort in the terminal with them, and he spoke some English, but it seemed to him that he was a rather quiet, reserved chap.

Some activity out of the corner of his eye caught his attention, and he turned to see what was happening. Some of the soldiers, and the officer, were clustering by their radio, muttering decidedly unpleasant sounding things. A twinge of fear pulled at William's gut.

Suddenly, the officer stood up, and barked some commands to the soldiers. Most of them headed off, shouting, towards where the refugees were being kept.

William saw some of his comrades exchange looks of concern, but he was focusing on the officer, who was briskly walking towards him.

"You, you pilot?" he asked, knowing the answer.

"Yeah, C-17s."

"Good. You are leaving. Get as many people on your plane as is possible, quickly! Quickly!!"

"Uh... you heard him, guys," said William, turning to his face more of his fellow pilots. "Let's get ready to move! Go!" He hardly needed to, most of the plane crews were already running for the door of the office they were staying in.

"So," asked William cautiously, "what exactly is going on here?"

"NDF. They come for this aerodrome, with seven thousand men."

"Wha...?"

"As I say, you must leave, now. We hold them off.Dai mne avtomat!"

"Seven thousand? How many do you have here?"

A soldier slapped a rifle into the officer's hands. "Four, five hundred," he responded after a moment, smiling slightly. "I feel this is fair fight."

RESULT:

It hits the fan.
80,000 NDF soldiers have turned traitor.
The NDF is moving to capture the airports and docks, and will kill anyone they suspect of "counter-revolution" they meet on the way.
The aerial blockade is lifted, and the communist army is actively trying to get as many people out of the city as possible.
Planes are being requested to drop the refugees off at the city of Belapol.
The naval blockade is also officially lifted, and the communists are requesting that ships remove as many people as is possible from the area, instructing them to drop the civilians off at the city of Svyatograd.

[Shroom Man 777]

To: The goverment of Misteria
From: The Ministry of Shroomanian Homeland Affairs in Foreign Territories

The Sovereignty of Shroomania is pleased to hear of Misteria's proper decision to lift the aerial and maritime blockades and to allow for the prompt evacuation of foreign nationals and citizens from the various current and upcoming conflict zones in and around your good nation. Such actions are befitting of a responsible nation that values the intrinsic human rights of all sentient beings and their self-evident freedoms, and reflects positively on Misteria.

Tenuous local backwater political situations notwithstanding, in return for Misteria's cordial cooperation, the Sovereignty is willing to extend its hand in friendship and cooperation to the Misterian government and people - as soon as your desperate domestic disputes desist and your country regains civilization.

Regards,

Lord Melchett McMeistervater
Minister of SHAFT


Results:
Shroomania heckles Misteria again.

[Shroom Man 777]

Everything had started out as black and white. Somewhere down the road, the line went blurry, the colors started to run, got smudged and gray. Hank had been above my suspicion. It felt like a goodbye.

Farbanti, Shroomania



Though Micheal Thomas had arrived in time to witness the spectacular Shroomanian sunset and they had spent some time touring Farbanti's more politically correct sights and sampling Shroomanian nightlife, which culminated with a lovely dinner at the Eye of Farbanti - which thankfully did not end up with anyone vomitting, unlike the last time with the Duke of Langley... - the real meat and bones of the meeting came the next day. Geopolitical relations, CATO memberships, trade agreements and nuclear innuendo was for breakfast.

Along with a healthy serving of recaff and florn cakes.

“Indeed, as I said to the Emperor of Byzantine, I express great interest in joining CATO as an observer, I am sure you may of heard. After our exploration and whaling agreement it has become clear that a lot more trade benefits could occur between our people and other nations. Cialan has already committed FASTA as well.”

Prime Minister Shroom dunked a soft cookie into his orange-mocha-recaffrapoccino and replied as diplomatically as he could (while nibbling on the biscuit):

"Ah yes, I've totally heard about it. You should totally be careful when trying to keep things hush-hush. Those goddamn journos can be so bothersome, and sometimes you've got to invent ways to deal with them.

"But yeah, trade. We could use more of that. Shroomania, despite being an island-nation off the Old Continental shelf, is actually connected to the OC by land. The Canissia-CATO Cross Continental Connection, which uses great Chunnels to link Shroomania to Canissia and, by extension, the rest of the OC sans goddamn Japanistan. The Connection is actually a massive expansion of the current Shroomania-Canissia Chunnel, and by connecting it to a Continent-spanning network of roads and rails, we can reach everywhere! First Canissia, and then the world!

"I say, if we connect a big and throbbing artery from Shroomania through Canissia, PeZookia, and then to Cialan - that would be a boon, wouldn't you say? Cialan could totally make do with having some NymphoRail hedonism-trains stopping by all the time."

"Indeed... that is a good idea," Micheal Thomas smiled meekly at the thought of it. NymphoRail. Hedonism-trains.

During his nighttime tour of Farbanti, he had caught a climpse of the Chunnel. The portal was a great mound - actually TWO great mounds, merged to form a hemispherical buttocks. With the gaping gateway betwixt the cheeks, an outstanding orifice from which the long, hard and fast KochTrams bound for Canissia would dive in while the brown thunder Shitake bullet trains returning to Shroomania would emerge from that dark tunnel... it was an awe-inspiring sight and the thought of those trains plunging into Cialan, pouring out trade and transportation on the faces of his people like a golden shower... it was an offer he couldn't refuse.

"Then there are also the renowned Shroomanian stratellites," PM Shroom pitched. "Great blimps that act like satellites, but only floating in the stratosphere instead of space. They give great coverage, and already the rest of the Continent is covered by 'em. It's totally awesome - you can get ten thousand channels LIVE on ShroomSat/StratTV!"

“Of course you probably know our intentions with the nuclear deal yet this will not really be discussed in detail until my trip to the UCSR. I would be happy if you would come along as well and hopefully, show your backing to Cialan’s membership”

"Unfortunately..." Shroom began. "I've got another appointment. I'm actually going to be heading to the Tri-Cities to oversee some Yacht Race with my good friend Queen Agatha and her daughter. Wife and child of my superbestfriend, King Paul. You should totally meet the guy sometime, by the way, and Canissia's King Arik too. They're great buds.

"But I'll throw in a good word to Premier Shady for you, the guy's only a phone call away," Shroom affectionately patted the rusty groin-o-phone he had stored in a pouch over the crotch-area of his pantaloons. "And, my my, look who's also here!"

“Prime minister Shroom, prime minister Thomason, excellent to see you both” Sidney greeted as he stepped out of the navy blue limousine. “I do hope I'm not too late. We hit an unfortunate rough patch of sea for a bit.” The sun-tanned former president tossed his jacket over a nearby chair, sat down and smiled handsomely at the prime minister of Cialan. “Now, did I hear someone say 'trade'?”

"El Ex-Presidente Gigante, Sidney Hank!" Shroom bellowed out in affectionate surprise. "So unexpected, but what excellent timing! How goes your... real-estate renovation?"

[Fingolfin_Noldor]

Constantinople Times

Army to procure Grom MLRS systems

The Army has contracted Kontos Munitions to begin license production of 80mm Grom MLRS systems from the UCSR. These rockets are likely to include guidance upgrades to improve their accuracy. The systems are likely to be destined for the Airbourne, Mountain and Marine Comitatenses brigades.

Emperor sends his congratulatory note to the people of the UCSR.

The Emperor congratulated the people of the UCSR for their 100th anniversary of the Great October Revolution. "Ties between the UCSR and the Byzantine Empire have never been stronger, and our two peoples continue to work together for the better of the human race, and for mutual protection. Such an alliance of friendship has been rarely been seen throughout history, and both our peoples complement each other in many ways."

New Carrier contruction in the offing?

There is recent speculation that in the wake of reductions in the army strength, the navy might well receive a new fleet carrier. This is currently speculation, and some analysts point out that Constantinople Shipyards is getting ready to finalise the construction schedules for the Colossus class battle carrier and the navy may not get the fourth fleet carrier as a result. The Colossus class carrier is expected to be about 70,000 tonnes thereabouts, and carry a wing of up to 40 aircraft and capable of serving as a LHA as well thanks to the well deck. It is likely the navy will instead have a one for one replacement for its Nimitz class carriers and construction of the Continental class carrier is expected to begin end of this year.

Igla Hypersonic aircraft procurement

The Ministry of Defence has revealed that it will begin steady procurement of the Igla hypersonic aircraft. It will eventually replace the current stock of MiG-31s, of which are expected to have a 20 year airframe lifetime as a result of the high performance nature of the aircraft. The MiG-31BMs have already been relegated to reserve formations, while the MiG-31T aircraft have been upgraded to MiG-31TM standard and are expected to serve until 2028-30.

Integral Fast Reactor and PebbleBed Reactors to be also reviewed

Integral Fast Reactor and Pebble Bed Reactor designs will also be reviewed as part of the Next Generation Reactor Program review. "One of the key objectives of the review will be to find a reactor design that will be extremely fuel economical, and extremely efficient," says the National Atomic Agency. Tesla Electric Industries is said to be the main proponent of the designs, and the designs will be competing against Byzantine Heavy Industries' Molten Salt Thorium reactor and Advanced Pressurized Water Reactor design.

[Shroom Man 777]

LIVE on ShroomSat/StratTV
The Sovereign Shroomanian Sentinel
SUKHOI-BAM SUPERSONIC SOARER

The joint Byzantine-Shroomanian consortium, Byzantine Air MacMillan, has unveiled the product of its joint project with the UCSR Sukhoi design bureau - a next-generation MACH 3+ airliner dubbed the BAM-S A2 Windbreaker.


Breaking wind, the A1 prototype takes to the skies!

The A2 program was developed under a veil of secrecy, in light of the competing supersonic transport projects in other nations. While Byzantine Air MacMillan, world-class airliner manufacturers, designed the fuselage, internal furnishings and creature comforts - Sukhoi was charged with the Windbreaker's advanced engines.

Designed to replace the Concordes in Shroomanian Luftlichen service and compliment the Sonic Cruisers of Byzantine Airlines, the A2 Windbreaker will also be larger than the BAM A380 and will carry significantly more passengers.


Compensating comparison. The A2 is longer and faster than the A380, which is thicker and - arguably - harder.

The BAM-S A2 Windbreaker will be entering small-scale use in Shroomanian, Byzantine and Shadow-Crimson airliners in 2018.


The Windbreaker at the MacMillan North Point airfields.


(HI FIN!)

[Steve]

Farbanti, Shroomania

The disc was left on Prime Minister Shroom's desk, the emblem of the Cascadian State Department on it. When played, it would be a short, simple message from President Garrett to the PM of Shroomania, tensely-worded and clearly said through clenched teeth.


"That's. Not. Helping."




OOC: Sorry, had to do it!

[K. A. Pital]

OGONIOK Front Page: SHROOMOCOMMUNIST MILITARISM

All of you read the plans of the totalitarian union of the CATO nations which constist of the three most notorious Empires in the world to create a "hypersonic business jet". Hypersonic business jet they say? Our brave reporters think this is bullshit. The "jet" is just a cover for a hypersonic strategic superbomber which is created to rain nuclear death on innocent MESS babies of the Free World. Today Mr. Gasparoff, an industrialist, independent expert on the military and an outspoken critic of the Crimson tyranny who has been exiled by the regime to for his brave reports (now lives in the Caymans) will answer our questions.

OGONIOK: Mr. Gasparoff, you were the first to expose the militaristic nature of this "civilian" project? The images dispensed by the BAM look pretty damn peaceful. Their prototype which they rolled out apparently has no bomber bays or pylons...


- Yes, quite so, but look at these pictures I brought today:

You can see that the work of BAM in Myasischev's and Sukhoi's archives was not in vain. The shape of a supersonic bomber developed in the 60, only with more powerful engines, was ressurected in this so-called "business jet". It's nigh the same scheme! And consider - why need such a large hull and immense cargo capacity? Clearly such large crowds of people would not be present at very expensive high speed travels through the world. But bombs can pay any price for the ticket, because the government foots the bill, extracting the money from all workers and honest enterpreneurs of CATO.

OGONIOK: You are implying that they will produce bombers under the guise of jetliners?

- It's no secret that the MESS super air defence systems which are classified and which I can't speak about are decisively defying any attack by their obsolete crapatacular bombers, even their latest weapon, the CFB-01 is incapable of breaking that defence. This hypersonic jet will be secretly filled with nuclear bombs and then it will fly on usual routes, with the pilots knowing not that they are a doomsday weapon. This is to trick the MESS into complacency. And if they try to intercept, well, Mach 5 speed will come handy, although I doubt that primitive CATO barbarians are capable of reaching that speed. Nonetheless, it's a threat which the terrorist CATO Empires would use to hold the Free World hostage.

- The leaders of the MESS cannot and should not allow a Doomsday Airliner Gap! CATO jets of doom will destroy Messica if it falls behind! In fact I am so calling the MESS to declare war on the CATO immediately to prevent this horrific weapon from being created!

OGONIOK: Thank you! This was our resident expert and an outspoken critic of the regime Mr. Gasparoff.

[Shroom Man 777]

Laugh Out Loud

Farbanti, Shroomania



SHAFT's Lord-Minister Melchett McMeistervater politely knocked on the door of 10 Shrooming. Knowing the Prime Minister was out today, he decided to help himself in anyway and walked past the SSS man guarding the door.

Now inside, he wandered for a bit and took the time to admire the nifty furnishings of the Prime Minister's very humble abode. The place was adorned by a whole lot of musty old stuff, here and there, inherited from a lineage of PM's spanning the centuries. Most striking was a couple of busts of very ancient and very ugly Byzantine philosophers standing on stands (or maybe they were Heraclius' grandfathers), while a classic-era map of Nova Terra adorned the wall opposite to the glaring portrait of Queen Asphyxia XIX herself. He also noted a pricey-looking Tian Xing vase, actually an urn containing the ashes of some late and great Huang Di, and a framed golden ticket to Willy Wilkins' Beef Jerky Factory beside a framed photo of Prime Minister Shroom himself - then a young child posing by some Wilkonian Grunka-Lunkas.

"Hello?" he asked. "Is anybody home?"

"Hey there," a sultry voice replied. Melchett turned around and saw a particularly striking red-haired lady emerge from deeper within the Prime Minister's sanctum... from his bedroom, if Melchett was correct.



"Lady Anethga," Melchett greeted cordially. She was a very pretty and very petite specimen, but Melchett wasn't really into the opposite gender. Truth be told, he fancied men, particularly men of stature. Like Exarch Decius. But that wasn't a state secret anyhow. "How pleasant to meet you here, unexpectedly, in the Prime Minister's place."

He wondered what the exiled Sirnothi noblewoman was doing in the PM's private residence, which he wished he was invited to visit more often. For cocktails and debriefings - which only Decius seemed to share with him.

"The Prime Minister is letting me stay here temporarily until your Fungal Bureau of Investigation clears my own estate from that Cortez-Juntaist bomb threat," Anethga smiled sweetly. "Now, while I'm here, what can I help you with?"

"The Prime Minister groin-o-phoned me," now that was a mouthful, Melchett thought. "He said that he had something for me here."

"Oh yes, he did." Lady Anethga went over and produced a small disc. "He thought you should hear it, since he apparently found it quite funny."

"Did he?" Melchett raised an eyebrow. "Well, now, let's hear it."

He took the disc, placed it in a player and listened to the very short and brief recording.

"That's. Not. Helping."

"It's very small," Lady Anethga observed afterwards. She turned to Melchett. "What do you think?"

Melchett suppressed himself, since it would be very rude to do so in front of a noble lady from a now-defunct nation, but he couldn't help himself.



He sniggered and giggled until he finally broke out into hysterics - guffawing quite loudly and feeling quite pleased with himself.

"BWA-HA-HAAAAA!" he LAUGHED.

[Siege]

Farbanti, Shroomania

"El Ex-Presidente Gigante, Sidney Hank!" Shroom bellowed out in affectionate surprise. "So unexpected, but what excellent timing! How goes your... real-estate renovation?"

Sidney rewarded the prime minister with a smooth grin. “Things are progressing rather excellently, I have to say. It's nice and quiet in the Pacific.”

He turned toward Michael Thomason. “Prime minister, I'm pleased to inform you that the Syndicate of the NFT has unanimously decided to back your bid for observership in the Combined Alliance.” The former president creased his brow. “Although I have heard of some domestic resistance you appear to be facing. Perhaps I could offer an incentive that would quell some of that resistance.”

“As you know, the North Sea beyond the shores of Cialan is home to large volumes of gas and oil that thus far remain unexploited. Once Cialan has entered the CATO free trade area we would be willing to develop those resources under a contract that would significantly benefit the people of Cialan.” And myself, thought Sidney, but he elected not to utter that thought aloud. “We have a similar arrangement with Arabia, where a 20 percent tax is levied on petroleum extracted by Standard Oil. So, we'd do all the hard work for a decent profit, and you would earn a lot of tax money – and since we'd be hiring locals you'd stand to gain technical know-how as well. It's a win-win situation.”

[Pollux]

+++PRIORITY+++

FROM: USRM CENTRAL MILITARY COMMAND
TO: UCSR CENTRAL MILITARY COMMAND

We formally request assistance with the resolution of the NDF crisis in Empyrean City, in any way you can provide. You are free to use all of our docks, military bases, and air bases for the duration of the crisis.

Belapol International Airport

The ponderous An-12 lifted from the ground, its propellers roaring. It carried no weapons or soldiers, as it usually did, but diplomats.

Their destination: Stasograd.

RESULT:

OOC: Sorry this is so terse, but I have to run.

The USRM formally requests UCSR assistance in putting down the traitorous troublemakers.
Diplomats are being sent to Stasograd... but for what?

[Karmic Knight]

News from the Vinish Press

Construction Starts on 9 new Kılıç Corvettes for Vinish-Eutopian Coastal Territorially Obligated Restrictions (VECTOR) Actions

6 Ouyang-class frigate ordered for VCN From Tian Xian Firm
--VCN to retire Oliver Hazard Perry/Shinra Frigates following the acquistion of the Ouyangs

King Brandon I reportedly purchases an estate in Shinra

No Director Named as replacment for Shrubber

Port Victoria project cancelled

[Bluewolf]

Farbanti, Shroomania

He turned toward Michael Thomason. “Prime minister, I'm pleased to inform you that the Syndicate of the NFT has unanimously decided to back your bid for observership in the Combined Alliance.” The former president creased his brow. “Although I have heard of some domestic resistance you appear to be facing. Perhaps I could offer an incentive that would quell some of that resistance.”

Michaels face lit up a little. “If you would please, it’s again; no secret that there is a lot of stiff opposition back home from many who feel that CATO would be robbing them of everything. It’s been quite a deep rooted feeling. Michael knew how many in the Wolvens People Party alone adored Sidney Hank. How despite some of his more iffy policies, he was regarded of a successful iron man of the free market who had led his country to interesting routes when he was in office. Many people outside the WPP saw him as a celebrity politician in a sense. “I am willing to hear it.”

“As you know, the North Sea beyond the shores of Cialan is home to large volumes of gas and oil that thus far remain unexploited. Once Cialan has entered the CATO free trade area we would be willing to develop those resources under a contract that would significantly benefit the people of Cialan.” And myself, thought Sidney, but he elected not to utter that thought aloud. “We have a similar arrangement with Arabia, where a 20 percent tax is levied on petroleum extracted by Standard Oil. So, we'd do all the hard work for a decent profit, and you would earn a lot of tax money – and since we'd be hiring locals you'd stand to gain technical know-how as well. It's a win-win situation.”

Michael listened to Sidney’s proposal. “It’s something I would be willing to consider. I cannot give you a yes or a no answer. It is of course a major boost potentially and would help show that joining CATO would have some benefits. I shall get back to you on it.” He kept up his warm smile with some relief. The WPP would love to do such a policy, despite some of their tax ideas. They were a party willing to bend their views slightly if it meant that Cialan had more profit. It would just be casually bent back as the free market working.

He also contemplated the proposal of an OC wide network. Something that had been proposed a while ago but his predecessor but had never gotten off the ground due to various reasons. It would fit nicely into the transport networks goal and would form a link trade wise with the continent for sure. “It’s something that we are willing to think about, certainly. It will take it up with my Ministers and the parliament. They will probably have a say on it too.” He said those last words with a familiar gritted contempt.

“Well I have enjoyed this. Both of you and now I need to be off and secure this all with the UCSR. Hopefully they will have been as generous as you have been to me. The result shall hopefully be a good one.” He shook hands with both. “I thank you for the tour Prime Minister Shroom.” He said and off he departed again. His plane took off shortly for Stasograd; the final trip with hopes of membership firmly behind him.

Duchy of Langley territorial waters, 1:30 am

The ships finally reached the Duchy of Langley, heading for the major port of the country. The CNS Blue Wolf had moved to different location. The ships crammed full of Misterian refugees cried out in happiness when they saw land and the task unit itself was glad that it had gotten to Langley with no damage done to it. There was talk of the task unit helping the UCSR. It was pretty well known that such an idea was a mere good will gesture for Cialan’s upcoming talk at Stasograd about membership. It was even suggested that more refugees would be retrieved. Whatever the outcome, the worse of the crisis was over.

Result:
Cialan contemplates its offers.

Michael is leaving on a jet plane (knows when he will be back again) to Stasograd

The task unit reaches Langley intact.

PS: Sorry for the shite quality post here, I am a bit low on will steam at the moment.