SD.net's World (RAR!)

[K. A. Pital]

[@ What, wanna buy? We could sell you a version that sings "Scatman John" - the "ba po pe po" one
Scat
Scat]

[PeZook]

Savannah Hotel in St. George, after closing of the International Conference on the Law of the Sea for the day

Two men in plain clothes walked into the corridor of the executive hotel. They looked agitated, moving quickly and gripping their briefcases.

They stopped before the Presidential Suite, where two burly bodyguards searched them for weapons. Once they were done, one of them called in on his subvocalizing radio:

The general is here.

Excellent! Let him in at once! - the response came immediately, as if the King's security detachment was awaiting these men for a long time.

Both men entered the suite. The King was up, pacing across the lavish rooms. He motioned to sit down immediately as soon as they entered.

"Please report, general."

"Sire, it is my pleasure to inform you that the operation was a stunning success. The task force has only lost two men, and it was well worth it."

"They didn't level the compound from the air, then?" - the King was relieved. Some of his military officers were pushing for this option, as it would avoid casualties altogether.

"No, sire. A force of Vanaheim marines and our GROM detachment stormed the compound without any artillery or air support. The result was stunning - we've liberated about two hundred people, most of whom were kidnapped from all around southern Syndromia to be sold into slavery. Vanaheim immediately began moving food into the area, and it looks like the people there have began to trust the LUN again."

"Could you elaborate, please?"

"Yes, sire. In the last 24 hours, we've been tipped off to the whereabouts of several ex-Syndromian military officers who were directing guerilla operations. We've conducted lightning raids, and violence in the LUN sector has been dropping rapidly since then. Not a single attack against reconstruction workers has been reported today."

"I am overjoyed to hear this report, general. Make sure the families of those two brave men who died in the operation receive condolences from the armed forces."

"There is one more thing, sire."

"Yes?" - the King raised an eyebrow

"We now know where Lieutenant General Ivan Mladik resides."

"Mladik? The organizer of the Syndromian Coup? The man who instigated the war and who we've been unable to locate?" - the news was just too good to be true, it seemed.

"Yes, sire. We know he fled to Voluntaryist Libertopia as soon as the government there self-dissolved after the Syndromian War. We don't yet know where exactly he resides, but it's just a matter of time before we find out."

"This is wonderful news. We are actually coming close to finally ending the violence in Syndromia!"

The King asked a few more question to both men, and then dismissed them. He reclined in a comfortable chair, deep in thought.

After a few minutes, he called for his assistant.

"Karol, please send the following information to relevant people in Schroomania,the Red Technocracy, Zoria and the LUN nations..."

Not a day later, a manilla folder landed on desks of all national leaders involved in the allied reconstruction effort on Syndromia. This folder contained a statement of utmost respect and commendation for the Duchy of Vanaheim for their operation, information on the discovery of Ivan Mladik,and a request to immediately call an APCS conference to decide the next Allied move.

[PeZook]

[@ What, wanna buy? We could sell you a version that sings "Scatman John" - the "ba po pe po" one
Scat
Scat]

Well, they could be used for psychological warfare if we painted the Tubgirl on them and then did flybys of enemy government buildings...

[Master_Baerne]

Baernish Diplomatic Service
File BDS-1

Communique to New Gottland

To the High Lord of Strumpegarde,
The Sovereign Duchy of Baerne feels with sympathetic pain the anguish of your people. We are therefore prepared to offer food or such peacekeeping forces as we can provide, at your discretion.

[phongn]

I suppose I'll play around in this universe, a bit. Here's the Incorporated Republic of Tonkin; see OOB thread for more details.

[Mr Bean]

Posting my own OOB, and updating the thread

Army:
Standing: 700,000 personnel
Main Battle Tanks 450 Merkava Mark IV, 140 Merkava Mark IV LIC(Urban Combat Mod) equipped with active Anti-RPG systems.
IFV/APC 4200 Merkava IFV Namer variant IFV/APC
Recon 1200 BRDM-3 w/varients
Jeep 45,000 UAZ-469 (Omsk)
Armored transport 7000 BTR-80M
Utility Trucks 5000
Artillery pieces and mortar (kinds detailed later)Classified
Air Defence Classified at this time

Air Force:Three mainland groups
White Sands Air-Group near Outer-Heaven:Three Squadrons of F-22's, six Squadrons of F/A-18F. One full Squadron of KC-10A Air-to-Air Tanker, and a half Squadron each of EA-18G's. As well there are two AWACS E-3C craft based out of this airfield as well as one of the Presidential Transports.

Black Mesa Air-Group near New New York: Four Squadrons of F-22's, two Squadrons of F/A-18F. Two full Squadron of KC-10A Air-to-Air Tanker, and a full Squadron of EA-18G's. One AWACS E-3C craft are stationed here.

Highlands Air-Group near Liberty City: Two Squadrons of F/A-18F are kept here along with a full squadron of KC-10A here along with the major air-training base and the various training craft that go along with that.

Plane Totals
F-22A-84
F-35C-216
F/A-18F-264
EA-18G-54
KC-10A-48


Navy:
6 Nimitz-class CVNs: HMS: Audacity, HMS:Honor, HMS:Valor, HMS:Courage, HMS:Reverence, HMS: Triumph
Each CVN has Three Squadrons of F-35C's, Two Squadrons of F/A-18F Four, one half Squadron of EA-18G's ASW Helios and misc transport craft.
12 Ticonderoga CG
30 Arleigh Burke-class Destroyers
52 Halifax Class Frigates

Special Branch: Space Marines

5 GGELO satellites launched from Outer Heaven Space Facilities.

[Shinn Langley Soryu]

Ashford Times Headlines in Brief

Duchy Observers Sign Law of the Sea, Approve Biowarfare Ban

Optics Company Announces Multi-Million Dollar Deal with Red Technocracy Space Program

Department of Defense Officials Indicted Over Logistics Errors

WOULD YOU LIKE TO KNOW MORE? Y / N

[The Yosemite Bear]

Mean While: While the Bear Republic's Emporer signed the law of the sea, and issued an official proclamation prohibitting all bio-weapons. (litterially prohibiting them from existing anywhere) It has been revealed that the first of the new models of carbon fiber stealth hover craft attack boats collided with an unknown submersible that was spying in the test area. prompting violent debate within the senate. (including 2 senators being killed in subsequent duels)

Meanwhile The RAS Don Diego, and Eye of Sauron, accompanied by various support elements arrived in Shroomania today. The Air Crew's were anxious to leave their vessels, and forgo the standard galley fare, and ship's casinos, and other amenities. (don't ask)

rumors that the BR are conducting tests on carbon-fiber stealth destroyers in order to make them "Sexier" have been floating around....

[CmdrWilkens]

An Announcement by the Council for Imperial Defence of Wilkonia:

On Behalf of His Imperial Majesty Andreneas II

Taking note of the stabalizing security situation with regard to our fellow MESS-member nation the committee, having been duly released by his majesty, wish to contribute to the continuing draw-down of hostilities. Given the fast approaching conclusion of intra-MESS naval exercises in the Sea of St George the CVBG headed by HIS WHORE Jessica Alba will be completing the remainder of its tour visiting ports of call only in MESS-member nations.

We view the international agreement over the status of purported biological weapons in Mangkia to be satisfactory. Given that we continue to caution all of our fellow nations that force should be a last resort in the concert of nations. Furthermore the scheduled sailing of the CVBG headed by HIS WHORE Scarlett Johansson will continue as previously planned with ports of call in MESS-member states and several neutral ports who shall be free to announce or withhold their status at their own discretion.

God Save The King

[Mr Bean]

This is the BBC service with evening report
"In international news Crown sources are refusing to disclose the name of the person who verbally assaulted the Zorian ambassador on the floor of the World Conference hall, the UKB Government official statement was both an investigation was being launched into the matter and that they do not comment on ongoing investigations. Inside sources and observers at the closed door session said that the out-burst most likely came from Franz Zimmerman a former Left-Wing Green party member with Ultra-nationalist ties. "

"In national news the Space program has hit a snag as one of the five satellites launched to date, GEO 2 had stopped communicating with ground control. The Royal Space Administration says they suspect that the satellites communication section might have been damaged somehow, either by some space-born debris or simply a flaw in the design somewhere. Ground scientists are currently testing Geo 7 and Geo 8 scheduled to be launched a month from tomorrow to see if any design flaws can be found."

"In other news Ankh-Morpork was declared the Crime Capital of the Nation for the second year running. The UKB enjoys one the lower crime rates of all countries due to low unemployment and strong commitment of preventing repeat offenders, with Ankh-MorporCity being the exception, some suspect the long issue with corruption in local government, other's claim the fact the sea-side city is a popular destination for sailor's and dock workers looking to drink, brawl and gamble in it's famous taverns, and thieves looking to take advantage of both sides is the main reason. Despite numerous attempts by the UKB government the city has never lost it's rough and tumble boom-town feel. The UKB Government promised additional spending on increasing the police force next year and instituting new reforms aimed at fighting corruption. Time will tell if these measures are any more effect than one tried before.

"In local news The Crown made a personal visit to several high schools schools across the nation today to speak to the nation's children about various subjects including their coming military service, the rising cost of higher education and the general state of public schools. His Majesty issued a statement following today's trip reminding the nation that proper education was paramount to a successful future and that service to country was vital to helping the common good.."

This is the BBC evening report

[Civil War Man]

Picture

On the heels of the biological weapons ban signed at the Great Conference, the Lincolnian Union has released information regarding government funded medical research into cloning.

"The Union was not a participant in the Great Conference," said the Lincolnian Surgeon General. "Nor were we signatory to the bioweapons ban. Therefore we deemed it necessary to disclose the purpose of our research to the world community to demonstrate that we take its conviction seriously and will follow suit."

The research, he continued, "s still in its relative infancy, so we do not expect practical application for some time. However, we have great hopes for its future, particularly in the medical field where it will help alleviate the long waiting lists for organ donation."

The goals laid out in the Lincolnian press release states that once they are able to perfect the cloning process, they will continue research into how to safely and reliably accelerate the process, as well as branch off into genetic engineering research in hopes of finding a cure for a myriad of genetic diseases.

[TimothyC]

The Kingdom of New Patria is pleased to announce that it has reached an agreement for the procurement of 16 F-16C Block 50 and 8 F-16D Block 50 aircraft. Half of all airframes will be put in reserve to replace those lost in the line of duty and due to accidents. In addition the procurement of a limited number of C-130J-30, and H-71 craft has also been approved.

[Master_Baerne]

Baernish News Service
File BNS-7

The launching of the BMV (Baernish Merchant Vessel) Endless Toil is expected to proceed as scheduled this evening, despite the death of one of the head builders in a duel. The argument, apparently over a bottle of whiskey, got out of hand ended in a duel to the death, the weapon of choice being rapiers.

Such instances are permitted under Baernish law, though few have occurred in recent years. The builder, Thomas Garhaven, a brother of the late Commodore Garhaven, is survived by a wife and two children.

I don't know what to do.

said his wife to our reporter.

If it weren't for the govenment tax cuts to people with multiple children, I'd starve. As it is, I'm not sure what will happen.

BMV Endless Toil is one of the new Automated Commerce Vessels, the 12th in the line. It is expected to join the growing fleet of ACVs assigned to fishing duties, to free the Baernish population for more useful labor.

[Master_Baerne]

OOC/ Sorry for the double post, but I feel like this deserves it's own /OOC

Baernish News Service
File BNS-8

Today, the Incorporated Nation of Crossroadia agreed to provide plans for an undersea habitat module comparable in size to a city block to the Sovereign Duchy of Baerne in exchange for a half-dozen Automated Commerce Vessels.

These habitats are expected to house 500 persons each, complete with a pressurized tube extneding the 1000-ft distance to the surface. Construction on the first batch was begun today by the Duchy's fleet of Automated Submersible Commerce Vessels.

[Lonestar]

++++Lone Star Republic State Department Announcement ++++

The Lone Star Republic agrees in principle of a 22 nautical mile limit on an exclusion zone for territorial waters. The Lone Star Republic also re-affirms it's belief in freedom of the seas, and will treat all violators with measures deemed needed.

The Lone Star Republic already has an inspection framework for WMDs established through the MESS, and thus believes that joining any other such inspections organization would be a waste of time, especially as it would release information on potential strategic targets to hostile nations, such as the OMSK Pact.


-------------------------

From the Fort Worth Star-Telegram

There was much cheering at the Lyndon Johnson Space Center today as the K-2 "Deadeye" Geospatial survey satellite left the Zubrin Launch Facility this morning.

"Of course this is very exciting, for the most part the consolidated MESS space program has been limited to simple communications satellites since our arrival on this planet. The Deadeye will provide interesting and thorough data about the planet that we live on, and we will be sharing all the raw data with all MESS members, of course." Jim Hickam, National Aerospace Command Director said.

"The idea that this is solely for military applications is, of course, nonsense. The MESS is a peaceful organization dedicated to respecting the sovereignty and security of all nations. That we're going to put another 4 into orbit over the next month, and they will all be in stationary orbits over OMSK and FUNGAL Pact nations is simply a reflection of the interesting geology those countries have."

When asked about the missile interception program believed to be ongoing at a secret base long the Eastern coast of Tian Xia, Jim shrugged.

"The military occasionally borrows some of my rocket scientists, I don't inquire too deeply where they go, or why their government credit cards are used in overseas stripper joints."

----------

[Master_Baerne]

The Sovereign Duchy of Baerne questions what interesting geology it has, and whether said geology could contain more exploitable minerals.

[Mr Bean]

OOC:Lonestar, Space is expensive, by my calculations and comparing to the historical record, getting from where we are are now(No satellites period, since this world was created from whole cloth via Act of Q) any nation which wants a space program is going to incur start up costs of just over 90 Billion dollars(Based on NASA costs), that's for development, facilities, TRAINING, and the know how of how to put Satellites in orbit.

All that is of course start up cost, once covered things get cheaper, then it only costs anywhere from 20 million to 100 million each. Depending on what sort of satellite your shooting up. If you want a Direct TV satellite, you can do that on the cheap, a GPS, roughly 47 million each, Radar or Imaging? Now your talking 80 to 100 million each.

Or in other words, are you ready to devote 12% of your GDP plus follow-up costs on one project?

/ooc

[MKSheppard]

++++Republic of Shepnukistan State Department Announcement++++

Earlier today, the Lonestar Republic announced plans to violate the sovereign airspace of the Republic of ShepNukistan; by illegally stationing a spacecraft above our territory.

"The idea that this is solely for military applications is, of course, nonsense. The MESS is a peaceful organization dedicated to respecting the sovereignty and security of all nations. That we're going to put another 4 into orbit over the next month, and they will all be in stationary orbits over OMSK and FUNGAL Pact nations is simply a reflection of the interesting geology those countries have."

We are in complete agreement with the ASBE of Saddamistan's statment on space overflights:

The Arab Socialist Ba'ath Empire of Saddamistan warns all foreign powers that its sovereign airspace extends to infinity plus one. Any orbital spacecraft which should enter this airspace will be considered an intruding spy and subject to destruction without warning via ground, air and sea launched weapons. Furthermore Saddamistan will if necessary resort to precision dusty mustard gas saturation bombardment of rocket launch pads and satellite production facilities should over flights continue.

Already, in readiness of the impending violation of our airspace by the Lonestar Republic, we have stood up the 1st Aerospace Defense Artillery Battalion; the first unit in our armed forces to be equipped with the new YMIM-173B pre-production Surface to Space Missiles. (SSMs).

IOC of the production MIM-173C missiles was planned for six months down the line, but the Lonestar Republic's baseless and bellicose threats have forced us to move ahead the deployment schedule.

The MIM-173 is a two stage solid fuelled missile, with a third post-boost stage powered by a hypergolic engine for orbital manouvering, and the third stage contains a minature homing vehicle to destroy suspected threats. All up missile weight is 12,765 pounds; and they are deployed in mobile launch complexes of which a photo is shown below.



We are in limited talks with the FUNGAL PACT to export this system to them to counter the MESS' outright invasion of national soveregnity; along with any other possible takers of this anti-spy complex; we have quite agreeable payment plans and trade agreements prepared to offset the costs of acquiring the missiles; which we plan to sell at significantly reduced costs to offset the warmongering of the MESS by providing a cheap shield against such acts of aggression.

[CmdrWilkens]

The Great Nation of Wilkonia would like to take the opportunity presented by the current situation to both state its agreement in principal with the 22-mile limit and the general provisions of the Law of the Sea however we have not yet signed and still hold pending several further audiences with the diplomatic corps before His Majesty.

On the economic front Wilkonia is pleased to announce that the continuing multi-lateral efforts of severl MESS-member nations has resulted in the first successful geological mapping satellite. The combined committments of all member states has led to this glorious achievement.

/OOC Lonestar's launch is part of a program one could say is akin to the EU space program as it has several nations backing it defraying costs and siphoning money out of any available corner of many budgets.

[MKSheppard]

On the economic front Wilkonia is pleased to announce that the continuing multi-lateral efforts of severl MESS-member nations has resulted in the first successful geological mapping satellite.

The State Department of Shepnukistan wishes to remind Wilkonia and the MESS that their continuing aggression and violation of national sovereign airspace will not be countenanced if the geological mapping sattellite passes over Omsk Pact territory.

[Lonestar]

OOC:Lonestar, Space is expensive, by my calculations and comparing to the historical record, getting from where we are are now(No satellites period, since this world was created from whole cloth via Act of Q) any nation which wants a space program is going to incur start up costs of just over 90 Billion dollars(Based on NASA costs), that's for development, facilities, TRAINING, and the know how of how to put Satellites in orbit.

All that is of course start up cost, once covered things get cheaper, then it only costs anywhere from 20 million to 100 million each. Depending on what sort of satellite your shooting up. If you want a Direct TV satellite, you can do that on the cheap, a GPS, roughly 47 million each, Radar or Imaging? Now your talking 80 to 100 million each.

Or in other words, are you ready to devote 12% of your GDP plus follow-up costs on one project?

/ooc

((OOC, Bean, you're assuming that we are starting from scratch, which, as a bunch of folks living an early 21st Century lifestyle, we almost certainly are not. Even were we to assume that there were no existing communication satellites, for countries with AEGIS warships, rocket science ain't exactly rocket science. Also, you note that this is a collaboration between the MESS states, and you haven't complained about other major space programs[Beowulf's] either, or gi-normous AI projects your distinguished OMSK Pact allies take part in. I call Shenanigans!

Peace Out(tm) ))

[Master_Baerne]

Baernish News Service
File BNS-8

One of His Grace's Automated Commerce Vessels was sunk by unknown attackers last night just outside Baernish territorial waters. It was lost with all cargo, namely several tons of tin bound for Pezookia. While HGS Redress of Grievances, an Arleigh Burke class destroyer, and one of His Grace's revenue cutters arrived almost immediately, no trace of the attackers was found.



The ship, on investigation by divers, was found to have been sunk by a RGM-84 Harpoon SSM, leading to suspicions of foreign involvement.

Either a foreign power lost track of one of it's missiles, or it didn't. Either way, we aim to get to the bottom of this.

stated Admiral Dravid, of the Baernish Navy.

Whatever happened, this is a clear act of aggression.

[Grand Moff Yenchin]

Mangka TV Evening News

"The International Conference Diplomatic Group has returned from The Most Curious Kingdom of St. George. In the conference, the Minister of Foreign Affairs has signed the Law of the Sea and exchanged talks with MESS allies as well as representatives from other nations. In regards with the information released by Prime Minister Shroom of Shroomania, the MOFA commented, 'We are deeply sorry that lack of communication and cooperation causes a misunderstanding between the two nations.'"



"The University of Mangka at Wanhua proudly announces its multi-organism cloning vector. A team of scientists, led by Dr. B.W. Zhang, has developed a cloning vector which can successfully express virtually any protein in different types of organisms, including phage, bacteria, yeast, HeLa cells, and rats. With such a breakthrough, scientists can now have a more versatile research on molecular biology. Also it is expected that mass production of biological products such as insulin and antibodies can be directly produced in patients by appropriate treatment."

[RogueIce]

((OOC: As the conference is not over after all, ignore this post.))

[Beowulf]

Forbidden City Times

With the successful test launches of the Prometheus Air Launched Rocket, the government has directed the full scale production of launch vehicles. The government also announced a successful overflight of Shepnukistan with an empty Prometheus launch vehicle. The government predicts it will have it's first satellite up within the month.

---

An earthquake was reported yesterday in Izumi province. Government officials refused to comment.

[ooc]All spaceflight projects occur under the aegis of the MESS Space Agency.[/ooc]