SDNWorld Redux: Story Thread the Fourth

[Steve]

Adams, Capital District


The Pacific Union was close to a reality. Weeks of cajoling and deal-making, involving a trip in which Presidents Garrett and Cizaldo flew to Barrow to personally address the recalcirant of that Alaskan province, had brought about acceptance in a majority of Alaskan provinces, thus prompting the Alaskan legislature to formally ratify the accord. A constitution for the Union of Pacific Republics, promulgated upon the constitutional principles shared by Alaska and Cascadia, was soon to be put into force, and Alexandra Verdes would become the second woman Cascadian President in history when Garrett left Adams for San Magdalena and the new PacUnion capital there.

But just as the final ceremony was being planned and the hard work of establishing the new bureaucracy and weaving a coherent executive branch for the new Union from the base of the three constituent republics, not to mention the political campaign being waged for the Union Assembly and Senate, the terrible tragedy in the waters off Pezookia was shaking the world. Even in freedom-conscious Cascadia the police were in force on the streets and the Cascadian Republics' militias preparing for emergency domestic deployment should an attack happen on Cascadian soil. Cascadia SIA and the completely-seperate Department of Security - one Cascadia's intelligence branch, the other the organization responsible for protecting high officials much as the US Secret Service did in the USA - were cooperating to provide any warning signs of a similar attack in Cascadia or an impending Pacific Union nation.

The confirmation had just been given in a note from Ambassador von Munchhausen that Prime Minister Shroom had been declared dead by PeZookian authorities. The note was perfunctory in most ways, requesting the aid of Cascadia and the new Pacific Union in hunting down the terrorists responsible, and an immediate reply had been furnished promising cooperation. Avenues of communication with Shroomanian intelligence were already being established per Presidential order. In the public the Cascadian flag was ordered flown at half-staff in mourning until the time of the PM's burial while well-wishers flocked around the PeZookian and Shroomanian embassies, leaving flowers and messages in condolence for the death of PM Shroom, the apparent loss of Princess Lena, and wishing for the swift recovery of Queen Agatha.

And there was one final item; an announcement that the Cascadian (soon to be PacUnion) President wished to attend the late PM's memorial service and to speak on the occasion.

[Lonestar]

Excerpt from Latin Patriarch of Sjepland Gregory XIX press release

"...The death of the Shroomian Prime Minister is Divine judgement for that nation of Sodomizers and Catamites. May that GOD expand his wrath..."



National Basilica


The Lord Protector of Shepland and Chief Executive of the Impact Crater Archipelago walked down the musty hall towards the offices of the Latin Patriarch. He was barely controlling his rage as the 4 Dominion Knights followed him. Even his normally pale countenance was flushed. That Gregory XIX had gone out of his way to avoid phone calls and summonings was unforgivable. A priest was jumping in front of the heavy oak doors.

"Lord Fairfax, his Holiness is..." One of the Dominion Knights knocked the Priest out of the way, then pushed the doors open. Gregory XIX was sitting at an ornately carved desk.

"Lord Fairfax, you presume too much!"

"Listen to me, Edward," Lonestar said, using his birth name. "I am going to give you one chance, only one, to go out there and retract the statement you made this morning."

Gregory XIX smiled. "No."

"Very well. You leave me no choice." Lonestar paused. "As the Vice Regent of God on Shepland, I am removing you from office. You will spend the rest of your days in the Monestary of St. Denis in Kanawha."

The smile vanished. "You can't do that! You..."

"Vice Regent of God on Shepland is one of my many titles, even if only used during the coronation. And there is ample legal precedent for a Lord Protector removing the Latin Patriarch of Shepland."

"It hasn't been done in 300 years!"

"Then we're due."

Gregory XIX stared at Lonestar. "Fine. It will be rescinded. I will instruct Brother Marius to issue a statement..."

"No. No weaseling out. You are to go on TV and say it yourself."

Gregory XIX paused, then pointed his liverspotted fingers at Lonestar. "I will not. That you are offended for this shows how far from God's Grace you have fallen. It's the reason why even now the cancer is eating you..."

"The reason for that is because my family is genetically predisposed for it, you twit, not divine judgment. And I have a better than even chance of beating it. The Archbishop of Hanover shall be taking your place."

"McKay??? McKay??? That apostate?" Gregory XIX roared.

"I believe he will be taking the name James XXIV. Remove Edward from this office."

Results:Latin Patriarch of Shepland Gregory XIX retires due to "health reasons".

[Siege]

Private yacht 'Golden Heart', Mediterranean, inbound for Farbanti, Shroomania

“If it's not a the Rage pathogen...” Sidney skimmed the reports, then looked up at the VTC. A tingling sensation crawled down his spine as he realized the significance of what he was reading. He sighed and suddenly sounded very, very tired. “Oh merry hell. Is this as bad as I think it is?”

On the screen Daphne Sinclair nodded, a worried frown creasing her brow. For once there was no sign of the presidential seal of San Dorado. Rather, the silver-on-green logo of SinTEK was displayed behind her. “The 'Zookians drafted anyone able to help figure out what this substance was, our people from the OC branch included. One of them did a brief stint at Red King. He immediately realized what he was looking at. It's our U4 compound, no doubt about it”

“But how?” Not for the first time today Sidney massaged his temples. “How on Earth did this happen?”

U4 was the military designation for a violence-inducing compound derived from one of the northern jungle's more exotic critters, artificially strengthened and thickened into a lethal nerve agent. Once upon a long time ago, a shipment of it had gone missing from SinTEK's Red King facility. After a series of incidents and running battles all the cylinders had been retrieved – all, but one. In the aftermath the city-state had buried the project so deep you'd need the world's largest dragline to dig it out.

Apparently, that wasn't deep enough.

Daphne shrugged. “What we're seeing here are most likely the effects of that one missing canister. And somebody else will probably make the connection at some point. Too many people know what transpired on the Costa...”

“Yeah. I guess so.” Sidney muttered absent-mindedly. “We'll do the usual. Notify the 'Zookians. Tell them we've encountered this substance before. Tell 'em we don't know where it came from. We stick to our line from just after the incident.”

“All right...” Daphne looked at her husband worriedly. She changed the subject. “Honey... Are you all right? I heard they called off the search...” It was no secret that Sidney had considered prime minister Shroom a very good friend. They went way back – farther in fact than anyone on this earth could readily conceive.

The former president sighed and suddenly, he seemed to age before her eyes. It wasn’t like he suddenly grew wrinkles or gray hair, but his eyes looked so tired it tore at her heart. “No, Daphne. I'm not all right. In fact I'm far from all right. I wasn't more than ten miles away, you know. And I couldn't do a thing to stop it from happening.”

“Dear, you can't beat yourself up about that...”

“Yes, I can” he interrupted. “And I do. I know it's not reasonable. That doesn't change a thing.”

“So, now what?”

The former president heaved himself up in his chair. “We're headed for Farbanti for the ceremony.” He snorted. “They're going to bury an empty coffin. Will be there in a day or two. Are you coming?”

“I am. I'll meet you there.”

“Thanks dear. See you there. Love you.” They exchanged a few more brief words and then he shut down the secure connection. Sidney fell back in his chair, feeling hollow and beaten. The past few days had felt like a litany of defeat. It seemed like every single conversation had been miserable. President Shady had been beside himself with anger. Emperor Heraclius had been similarly enraged, but his rage was perhaps even more terrible because it was pent up behind layers of Byzantine civility. And King Paul... Well, it seemed the King had collapsed in on himself, like a dying star. But then he had not only lost a friend, but also his only child.

As for Sidney... A stubborn part of his consciousness refused to believe it. There's no body a voice in the back of his head contumaciously kept repeating. I'm not going to give up hope before I see a damned body. It wasn't particularly logical, he guessed, but the thought afforded him at least a sliver of comfort. He threw a look out the stateroom, across the wind-swept waters of the Mediterranean. The storm had passed, but the waters were still rowdy. He sighed once more and downed the glass of whiskey he wasn't supposed to drink. If fate let Shroom just die like that, I'm going to have words with the bastard.

[Shroom Man 777]

IN GODDAMN BREAST-BLEEDING CUNT-EYED FRANK MILLERIAN UNREAL TIME... WHORES!
(Immediately before and during the Tri-Cities Terror Troubles)

Hereafter



Farbanti, Shroomania

The Prime Minister was off over at PeZookia, sailing ships and raising masts with Queen Agatha and her daughter Elena in the Tri-Cities Yacht Race, so Prime Ministerial aide Alison Lusankya-Parker had taken the day off to rest, recuperate and just chillax. She had delegated her duties of watching over PM Shroom to her counterpart stationed at PeZookia, and she hope he'd be up to the task of dealing with the Prime Minister's constant goofing off and ever-so-frequent passing of important ideas for governmental proposals scribbled on table napkins and post-it notes on fridges - and his hobby of folding official documents into origami.

However, Alison doubted that the guy could cope, since the Prime Minister was a very special person and not everyone could meet his special needs. How he'd react to Shroom casually goofing off in front of PeZookian royalty, oh mang.

But that was not here or now. While Shroom sailed the seven seas and swabbed the poop deck, Alison had opted to stay in Shroomania where she had important Prime Ministerial aide business to attend to - being Shroom's right hand woman and most trusted confidant. But right now, she had even more serious personal businesses to watch over.



"Auntie Lusy-chan!" the kids called to her. "Stop walking around deep in reminiscing nostalgia thought and come play with us!"

"Oh! Okay!" she replied to her nephew and niece and quickly walked over to join them. "What is it?"

"Auntie," her niece, which she nicknamed 'Beefcakes', pointed at something.

"What is that?" her nephew 'Porkchop' continued for his sister.

"Oh... that," Alison saw what they were pointing at and tried to come up with an explanation for what that was. "I think that's a clown."



"But Auntie Lusy-chan, why is it in a sewer?" Beefcakes asked.

"I think it's because it's a Shinran sewer clown!" Alison explained.

"Oh, that makes sense!" both siblings nodded. Then Porkchop said: "Sewer-clowning is a famous form of Shinran performance art, rite?"

"Rite!" Alison beamed. Her nephews were so smart, since she spent some time teaching them too since their parents were total bums (her sister was totally lazy). Unlike her sister (who was totally lazy), when she had kids she'd totally raise them right and teach them about things like the birds and the bees, and the Shinran albinos and the geostigma.

"Speaking of clowns, Auntie Alison, where's Unca' Shroomie?" Beefcakes asked.

"Yeah, where is he?" Porkchop echoed.

"Oh kids," Alison chuckled. "Shroomie's busy sailing ships and raising masts with Queen Agatha, the Queen of PeZookia. You remember her, right?"

"I remember! The pretty lady with a crown and a baby! She was nice! So Unca' Shroomie is boaty-boating with her?"

"Yeah."

"I hope he brought his hat, Auntie Lusy-chan. 'Cause it looks like it's gonna rain."

True enough, Alison looked up and saw the clouds darkening. She could hear the sound of distant thunder, rumbling ominously in the air.

"Did you kids bring your umbrellas?" Alison asked them. She always told her niece and nephew to 'be prepared', though to be honest she had forgotten to bring her own umbrella and wanted to cover that fact up. She didn't want to explain to her sister why the kids were wet and sick with the cold, or something.

"Yup!" Beefcakes grinned and pulled out a pink umbrella. "Rain, rain go away come again another day!"



"That's a good girl, now let's get under that tree so we won't get wet."

"Okay!"

They stayed under a big oak, which covered them quite nicely, and together the three of them kept each other warm while waiting for the rain to pass. A few minutes later, they saw a dark-clad figure coming to them in the rain.

"Miss Alison?" it was an SSS man, dull and dour and apparently not minding the fact that he was literally soaking wet. He placed his hand on his earpiece as he approached Alison and her kids.

"That's Miss Lusankya-Parker," Alison replied. "I remember requesting absolute privacy for just this afternoon and said that I wasn't to be disturbed with my kids, so this better be important. What is it?"

"It's the Prime Minister..." the SSS man began. For once, an implacable agent of the Shroomanian Secret Service showed the slightest hint of human emotion as he struggled to find the right words. He told her what happened. The attack, the subsequent destruction of the yacht and the evident biochemical warfare strike that was transpiring in the Tri-Cities as they spoke.

"No, it can't be..." Alison uttered as she tried to take it all in.

"I'm very sorry miss. You'll have to come with us," the SSS man continued and motioned her to follow him.

"But the Prime Minister..." Alison said quietly to herself, shaking her head. "Shroom..."

"Auntie, is there something wrong?" her niece asked her.

"What happened to Uncle Shroom? Is he okay?" her nephew tugged at her arm and looked at her questioningly.

"I don't know." Alison answered, trying to put on a brave face for her niece and nephew. She took their hands and followed the SSS man to the armored limousine. "I just... don't know."

[MKSheppard]

Somewhere....



The recovery of corpses had been going on for some time, and they had caught and thrown back many bodies, before this one.....

"Hey, I think this is the Shroomanian PM!"

"What makes you say that?"

"Well, for one, the tattoo on his arm saying WHORES WHORES WHORES."

"Point. Toss him into the freezer. I'll notify the Boss that we got him."

[Shroom Man 777]

IN GODDAMN BREAST-BLEEDING CUNT-EYED FRANK MILLERIAN UNREAL TIME... WHORES!
(After the Tri-Cities Terror Troubles)

SARS
(Search And Rescue Shroomanians)



The Tri-Cities Bay Area, very near the Mediterranean Sea

While the goddamn Shinrans had donated their NBC specialists to assist the PeZookians in dealing with the Tri-Cities Terror Troubles, nearby Shroomania had also sent their Search And Rescue experts to aid in the rescue and recovery efforts in the Bay as well. This was equal parts due to the Shroomanians' desire to help rescue all the storm-stricken sailors and rescue or recover their lost Prime Minister.

The PeZookians had rescinded the SAR effort after four days, due to foul weather. But the manly sub-mariners of the Mushroom Marines and the Mushroom Maritime Medical Corps would not be so easily deterred. While the PeZookian search had ended, the Shroomanians continued on.

They braved the foul weather and worsening waters. The Shroomanian SAR specialists had more experience in worserer weather conditions, being an island nation bordering the hurricane-prone Atlantic Ocean meant that they had to save far more people from being murdered by the seven spiteful Shroomanian Seas than other places whose SAR people had to contend with relatively more tranquil waters.

Nevertheless, the Bay Area was experiencing freakishly bad weather - bad weather that, for some reason, had not been predicted by the various meteorological services in PeZookia and the rest of the Continent. Sometimes, these things did happen, and when they did it was up to the Guardians to save those who were about to be murdered by the sea.



Senior Chief Petty Officer K. Costner was amongst the finest of Shroomania's Coast Guard Aviation Survival Specialists (ASS). His business was saving lives and right now he was hauling the asses of stranded sailors off the capsizing ship. Two of them were secured on the harness, connected to an industrial winch that pulled them up into the rescue helicopter. The third remaining survivor was with Costner himself, waiting for the harness to lower again for the both of them... but there wasn't enough time. Despite his skill and experience, Costner had made a near-fatal mistake.

The first two survivors he had hooked to the harness-winch were morbidly obese people, so pulling them up to safety took time - time they didn't have.

Waves buffeted the wrecked dinghy, threatening to make it fall over to its side if it didn't sink to the bottom of the sea first. It was no longer a stable platform to be evacuated from, so Costner grabbed the third survivor and placed a life preserver on him. They would jump into the water and try their luck there.

They both jumped and drifted in the raging sea, but Costner turned on his strobe-designator and held on to his survivor. As the dinghy finally capsized and sank at the same time, their rescue helicopter had finished reeling in the fat fellows who Costner had evaced first and was lowering the harness for Costner and the remaining survivor.



Costner gave the thumbs up and when the harness reached him, he secured the last survivor on it, held on, and together both of them were reeled up to safety. The helicopter's crew hauled both of them in and covered the last survivor with a thermal blanket, and as Costner looked out to see the dinghy disappear under the waves, the helicopter pulled off and headed back to base.

"RTB?" Costner asked the pilot.

"Yeah. We've been at it for three days after the PeZookians stopped their SAR patrols, I think we're being called off too..." the pilot answered.

"Why?" Costner shook his head. They weren't done here. "We aren't done here."

"It's been a week and we still haven't found anything," the pilot replied.

"But what about them?" Costner pointed to the three survivors, the two morbidly obese ones and the third shivering one wrapped in a thermal blanket (the other two were too fat to have blankets wrapped around them, and their fat served as an effective insulator anyway).

"They're the last ones," the pilot nodded. "There's no one else left out there. We're going home."

"What about the Prime Minister?"

"He's gone, Kevin. He's gone."

As the helicopter left the stormfront and finally touched down on dry land, Costner and his Aviation Survival Specialists disembarked along with those they rescued. Paramedics moved to bring the three survivors to the appropriate facilities, while Costner and his crew helped them out. After the paramedics had wheeled the survivors off, all those who were left where the ASSes.



They had done their job the best they could. But now, it was over.

[Karmic Knight]

News From the Vinish Press


Vinish Parliament Approves of a plan to phase the ROB into national circulation

National Day of Mourning Announced for the Great Prime Minister of the World

King Brandon to attend the Funeral of Prime Minister Shroom

[Master_Baerne]

Baernish Intelligence Service Headquarters
Outside Fortress Baerne, Sovereign Duchy of Baerne

"Sir." the BIS lieutenant spoke quietly from the doorway, interrupting the Director as he sat in his darkened office watching the news feed. "Preliminary reports are in, sir."

The Director nodded once, flicked the lights on, and entered his access code into the computer on the desk. A brief report scrolled down the screen, detailing all BIS information on the Tri-Cities situation, as well as several possibilities.

"Lieutenant, you were invilved in the Rage Affair, correct?"

"Yes, sir. I was part of the team that inspected the gas canisters the San Dorado troops captured, sir."

"Good. I want you to compile everything we've got on the Rage pathogen, and transmit it to Pezookian intelligence as soon as possible."

"Yes, sir."
********************

Baernish Ducal Transport
Midway to UCSR

"Divert to Farbanti immediately, pilot. It's fitting that I attend His Excellency the Prime Minister's funeral."

RESULTS: Pezookia gets our Rage info, and Duke James heads to Shroom's funeral.

[Beowulf]

Ares Blog

TXN orders surface strike group

In an apparent bid to gain more prestige, and autonomy, the Tian Xia Navy has ordered ships for it's first surface strike group. The apparent idea is to avoid the dependance on TXAFN assets for longer range strike. The group will consist of two new STAR cruisers (based on the Ronaldus Magnus design in use by the Old Dominion Navy), as well as an escort force of a projected four ships.

The surface strike group concept first appeared in the TXN's 2025 force concept. If successful, it will likely complement the projected 6 carrier strike groups and 4 amphibious strike groups. A new designation has popped up in the list of ships that make up the surface strike group. The FGH is an obvious analog to the Tsui-class DGH. The FGHN designation that actually appears in the ship list is apparently a nuclear powered helicopter frigate. It's likely that the FGHN will be based on the Victory-class frigate. This may be related to the rumors that more D1E reactors have been ordered, similar to the ones that power the DGHN-4, the TXS Monnahan.

New RAH-66 variant ordered

This new variant is apparently more heavily optimized for the naval attack role, with a lengthened weapons bay (apparently to allow internal carriage of the Mk 50 torpedo, or an AGM-158), and the installation of an AESA radar (listed as APG-79). Given the timing, it's likely that these aircraft are destined for the surface strike groups.

Update completed for legacy AEGIS systems

The upgrade of the retained legacy AEGIS system has been completed by the TXN's Navy Yards. Known upgrades include the change of the SPY-1 radar from version D to version E, the installation of a pair of High Power Discriminator radars in place of the Mk99 illuminators previously featured on the Smith and Cheung classes

---

Forbidden City
Tian Xia

"So, what's the situation with Prime Minister Shroom?"

"Missing, presumed dead. They're holding a state funeral."

"I suppose someone should go to that. Mei Ling, want to go on a trip?"

"Shroomania is hole. Why don't you go?"

"Because no Huang-Di has visited a non-allied country in over a century. And that was to visit Niagara Falls. I'm not about to break that streak."

"Fine, but you owe me one, little brother."

"Of course. What's next on the agenda?"

"Emmeria wants some Harpoons."

"Don't we have like a thousand in a warehouse somewhere? Might as well get something for them. We're pretty sure they're not going to end up coming back to us, right?"

"They're relatively friendly. So, pretty sure about that. More sure than about facing Langley's F-12s"

[Shroom Man 777]

LIVE on ShroomSat/StratTV
The Sovereign Shroomanian Sentinel
IN MEMORIAM: Prime Minister Shroom the 777th

The entire Sovereignty is in a state of mass mourning following the confirmation of Prime Minister Shroom the 777th's loss. Flags all over Shroomania have been raised to half-mast to mark the Prime Minister's passing, and nations world-over have joined the people of the Sovereignty in mourning the loss of their leader.


The Sovereignty has declared 10 days of mourning for its departed leader, who was lost in the terrorist attack on the Tri-Cities.

Millions of Shroomanians have taken to the streets in a massive days-long service led by both the Bishop of Bath and Wells and the Orthodox Patriarch of Shroomania, while countless grievers and well-wishers have placed flowers in front of 10 Shrooming Street and have tied symbolic pink ribbons to cars and trees.


The scene outside 10 Shrooming Street, as thousands gather in mass mourning and leave flowers in front of the Prime Minister's residence.

Around the world, the international community has joined Shroomania in their grief. From Byzantium to the Vineyards, nations world-over have declared national days of mourning and their leaders have announced their intent to attend the Prime Minister's funeral service.

"The Prime Minister unquestioningly believed in peace, friendship and the pursuit of happiness," said Lord Minister Melchett McMeistervater. "He led our nation to a brighter day.

Prime Minister Shroom the 777th assumed his position more than 10 years ago and led his country through the dark days of before, during and immediately after the Pathogen War. Though by his time the FUN had already become ineffectual, he led the Sovereignty to rekindle its ties with its continental neighbors and became one of the founders of the CATO alliance. Despite the alliance's rivalry with the MESS, Prime Minister Shroom nonetheless maintained the Sovereignty's casual openness and friendship with all the world's nations and has been characterized as a benevolent, if eccentric, leader.

The Prime Minister was with his good friend Queen Agatha and her child Elena on his Prime Ministerial yacht for the Tri-Cities Yacht Race when the terror attack that claimed his life occurred. Queen Agatha was also injured in the attack, while the royal heir Elena was taken by the escaping attackers.



"The Shroomanian Ways of Peace, Freedom and the Pursuit of Happiness will not be curtailed by any cowardly attack - the ideals that Prime Minister Shroom strove for will forever be cherished and never forgotten or cast aside by the whims of a terrorist." Melchett McMeistervater said in a live international address to Shroomanians all over the world. "The Sovereignty will not be cowed by fears of underhanded terrorism and we will carry on, as we have always had, resolute in the face of adversity - just as the Shroomanian people did during the Showdown for Shroomania, in the War of the World's darkest days."

"We shall honor the life, the times and the cherished memories left behind by our dear Prime Minister, Shroom the 777th. The Sovereignty and the world shall remember him always."

"Yet let all those who have played part in perpetuated this attack on our most benevolent and beloved leader know that the Sovereignty shall not rest until those responsible have all been brought most expediently to justice, to answer to the Shroomanian people for their crimes. Let them know that while they can run or hide, the Sovereignty shall always strike back."

[Beowulf]

TMZ

PM Shroom blew himself up?

A confidential source has informed us that PM Shroom, in search of a better high than the shrooms and opium he is already addicted to, accidentally blew his yacht up, while trying to huff gas fumes.

TMZ - Celebrity gossip

[Raj Ahten]

Klavostan

For Stomper and his men the months of planning, waiting and training were about to pay off. That or they were all about to die. The Revolutionary Front leaders they had been after were a slippery bunch. They stayed at separate compounds surrounded by Hasim Al'akbars mercenaries and their own cadres they were training for a return to the CFR. They did however meet face to face every week.

That's where they had gotten sloppy. There were only five locations they used for their little get together. Four were at secure compounds that would have been very difficult to assault. The fifth was at an eatery in the small town of Nejd. That's where Stomper would take them. He just had to wait for them to go to their favorite spot. In the mean time he had his men train extensively on vehicle and building take downs and had everyone memorize the layout of Nejd.

It had been a month since the Revolutionary Front bastards had visited Nejd. Maybe they weren't ever going to come back? Then Surveillance told Stomper's men that the targets were on the way. Everyone leaped into action. The plan was quite simple really. Mercenary and army convoys frequented Nejd all the time. Stomper's men traveled in a ground convoy of three trucks and Humvee's into Nejd. Two trucks peeled off to block entrances to town though which the Revolutionary Front commanders could call reinforcements. The rest of the convoy continued into the middle of Nejd.


Stomper’s Task Force move’s out.

The snatch job itself went almost perfectly. The Revolutionary Front boys had their own security team of course and a fairly professional one at that. But their methods had been carefully studied and Stomper had been sure to outnumber them two to one. In a brief but vicious firefight the security team was neutralized and Stomper's capture team led by his most trusted man Windgate went in to get what they all came for.


The Capture Team moves in.

The Revolutionary Front leaders did not go down quietly. Greg Springfield was killed in the ensuing shootout and Alan Cordell was critically wounded, despite the capture team's extensive use of gas. Now all they had to do was get away.

Operations in town were complicated slightly by local citizens, who were armed, responding to Stomper’s presence with gunfire. In the end they were disorganized and of little threat to the well prepared invaders. Of far more concern was that the blocking force was encountering a force that included tanks and IFV’s that were trying to push into Nejd to rescue the Revolutionary Front leader.

Stomper’s force had planned for the possibility of armor and had packed ATGM’s and lots of landmines. But there was a hell of a lot more enemy armor around then had been anticipated. For now the blocking force had the upper hand due to their ambush, but it looked to Stomper like it would only be a matter of time before they were wiped out. The ISIA man Cortez had promised air support if things got rough but stomper didn’t think he would actually deliver.

Stomper was wrong. Cortez had been watching the operation via drone aircraft. Armed drone aircraft. When things started going bad on the ground he authorized the drones to fire on Al-akbar’s armor. The drones had been armed with the same type of ATGM’s as the ground force. Conveniently that would leave no evidence of their passing, as the Indhopoli backed Kumal controlled local airspace.

The drones proved decisive in saving the blocking force from annihilation. Stomper’s men drove to the rendezvous point and then quickly boarded a C-130 with their prisoners and went back to Indhopal

Presidential Press Conference, Indhopal

The Press Corps in Indhopal had been told to assemble for a surprise press conference by the president. Most assumed he would be making a statement about the assassination of Prime Minister Shroom.

They were quite surprised when the president appeared on stage flanked by the country’s chief prosecutor and announced the leaders of the Revolutionary Front, one of the most despicable forces ever to blight the face of the continent, had been captured or killed. Pictures of the rebels were then produced, showing them either in custody or as corpses depending on their final status.


President Raj Ahten at the Press Conference

The president deflected all questions about how the Revolutionary Front leaders had been captured. The President also said that the surviving Revolutionary Front Commanders would be tried for war crimes in Indhopal and that Indhopal welcomed all witnesses of their brutality to come to Indhopal to testify. In fact, Indhopal would pay travel expenses to do so.

Finally one reporter asked a question which was still on everyone’s mind; what was President Ahten’s reaction to the assassination of Prime Minister Shroom, and would the president be attending the statesman’s funeral?

President Ahten, remaining impassive responded,
“I find the assassination of a world leader disturbing and I and Indhopal condemn such acts. I send my condolences to the Shroomanian people, but I will not be attending the funeral due to pressing matters of state.”

[CmdrWilkens]

Shroomian death a boon for business?
WWD Exclusive

Some luxury items are simply synonomous with the country they come from. Shroomia has massage oils, Canissia high powered sports cars, and Wilkonia...silk shirts. The annual fashion shows of the Wilkonian Riviera have for years reinforced the trend of exquisitely tailored Wilkonian silk being the forefront of men's fashion. Now with the death of the Shroomian prime minister these luxury items are flying off the shelves.

"It seems like every self respecting Shroomian who wants to pay homage is snapping up black silk shirts like no tomorrow," said Georges de la Cruz a buyer for WCWG Azaria. "Already they were the largest market on the Old Continent for fashionable men's wear but it seems like nobody was really buying up such clothing that would be appropriate to these events. In turn we are seeing massive consumpiton of black and gray silks, fine linen trousers and several more fashion foward men's mourning clothes."

The demand for black leather is also peaking along with an unprecedented surge in body oil and massage lotion sales. Secondary suppliers such as the UCSR have suddenly found themselves unable to keep pace as local Shroomian companies have already emptied their sheleves.


---

Result: Death is big business after all for mourning like this you need a couple gallons of body oil.

[Shroom Man 777]

THE ASSOCIATED BI-DAILY COMBINED CONTINENTAL DAILY DOMESTIC DIELECTRIC DIALECTIC RAG
(A PeZookian Publication)
THE HUANG-DI OF POP BEOWULF ATTENDS PRIME MINISTER SHROOM'S FUNERAL IN EFFIGY


(IN OTHER NEWS: PLASTIC SURGERY DISASTER, HAIR DISASTER, SHEP ATTACKED IN JAIL, PHALAFEL PHIL STABS SHROOMPRAH IN THE DICK)

The world has gotten used to the sight of anti-Messican demonstrations burning the Huang-Di Beowulf in effigy, and expressing the desire to do so in person as well. During the San Dorado corporate-manufactured holiday of STAS-MAS, life-sized Huang-Di mannequins have also sold out, but a miscalculation by NFT corporations saw a gross overproduction of Huang-Di statues during the next holiday season. Now, surplus life-sized Huang-Di mannequins are being used as displays for clothing's stores selling both men and women's wear.

What started out as a controversial display of very realistic Tian Xian Imperial nobility on the Floating Pagoda restaurant boat, in turn became an international meme when then-President Sidney Hank, Prime Minister Shroom and Emperor Heraclius with Exarch Decius - after a rowdy night of drinking Tian Xian sake and eating live octopus - posed boldly with the floating restaurant's showcase of life-sized Huang Di and Grand Vizier wax statues.


The wax statue in question.

Now, oddly enough, the graven images that have so enraged the Tian Xian eunuchs of the Forbidden City may be, in turn, be used by representatives of the Tian Xian people - namely expat Tian Xians themselves - to represent the Huang-Di Beowulf himself in the funeral of Prime Minister Shroom the 777th.

Because the Huang-Di Beowulf cannot attend the funeral in person, his supporters have ensured that he will nonetheless attend in presence, statue-wise.

However, many of the more-affluent Tian Xians have shunned purchasing surplus or second-hand Huang Di statuettes, deeming it not befitting the regency of their Huang Di's opulence, and have thus contracted the finest Byzantine artisans to sculpt exceedingly extravagant representations of the Overlord of the Orient himself.


A rare look at a golden Huang-Di Beowulf, sculpted in the likeness of his prime during the 1980s when he was then-known as the Huang-Di of Pop.

Many of these representations depict the Huang-Di Beowulf as he was during the peak of his musical career during the 1980s, when he was the Huang-Di of Pop and together with his sister Mei Ling were the Imperial music-sensation and pop culture phenomenon of Tian Xia - before the Huang-Di Beowulf's sudden reclusiveness and his seclusion in the neverland of the Forbidden City.

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[Zor]

Union Press

King Leighton to attend Prime Minister Shroom's funeral and donates a gift in his honor

King Michael Airport, Port Victory-Today, His Majesty King Leighton-I of Zoria has embarked aboard his personnel jet liner to make his way to the Shroomanian Capital to attend the Funeral of the Late Shroomanian Prime Minister Shroom the 777th. In a brief press interveiw, he said that "It is time that i pay respects to one of the finest rulers of an allied state." In memorium to the death of Prime Minister Shroom, the King has ordered that a five meter long Zorian Dragon (here to for named Shroom in honor of the dead Prime Minister) be donated to Shroomania in memorium.

[Lonestar]

Langley Army Air Force Base

The C-37B landed at one end of the base, and it's inhabitants disembarked, boarded a JLTV-A, and drove to the otherside of the airfield. Once there they left the small convoy and boarded the waiting VC-30.

"What," Rhee Anh Sheppard grumbled. "Is the point of being a world leader if you aren't permitted your own VIP transports?"

"Quit yer bitching." Lonestar said. "You need to understand that the only reason you're the leader of shit is because I put you there."

Sheppard looked around the passenger cabin of the M3A, then sat down. It was, he noted, quite a bit smaller than the old VC-25. But then, the VC-25 couldn't make the run to Shroomina in less than a couple of hours.

"Mach 3+ VIP transports, Mach 3+ bombers...I'm jealous! Paid for with Shepistani blood, though."

There was a crackling as the intercom turned on. "Ladies and Gentlemen, personnel will be entering the cabin to ensure that you are strapped in. Please remain seated."

"A lady pilot!" Sheppard exclaimed.

"Lt. Colonel Bhatt...the one who commanded the attack on the Sirnothi Naval Base."

"Really? I'd like to meet her."

"Shep...this is funeral, not a tourist junket."

"I'm afraid I don't understand the difference."

The intercom crackled again. "We have been given clearance to take off. All hands prepare for launch." The engines roared and pushed the VC-30 into the air. Lonestar grimaced under the acceleration. Sheppard looked like he was having the time of his life. After the airplane reached an altitude of 60,000 ft the acceleration stopped. Sheppard turned and looked back across the cabin at Lonestar.

"Lady Sterling isn't joining us?"

"She isn't feeling too well. Docs say she shouldn't be traveling in her condition..."

Sheppard grinned as the words sunk in. "Congratulations! Boy or Girl?"

"Boy. I wanted to name him William Robert but she vetoed it once she figured out his nickname would be Billy Bob Bucher..."

Sheppard laughed, Lonestar continued.

"Cover story is that UCSR anarcho-communist narco-terrorist- protestors want to kill you, which is why you're traveling with me. We're going to be hitting Corvid Rock on the way back."

"Corvid Rock? Home sweet home." The sprawling bunker under the mountain made Yamantau look like a homemade backyard fallout shelter. The Old Dominion had several similar facilities, but none were in the Shepistan Security Zone, which made it ideal for special projects. "Blitzschlag is jumping right into it, eh?" Sheppard noted that Lonestar was still looking at whatever was on the screen of his notebook. "So, how is the old..."

"You're pretty chatty today."

"Well, it's a long flight..."

"Two hours, Shep. I'm busy. And for Christ's sake try to at least look contrite when we get there."

[Crossroads Inc.]

Crossroadia would ALSO like to say it finds the idea of a Resurrected Roboshroom Abomination totally appalling, mostly because we didn't think of it first!!!

Actually you do exist in the world, you just haven't started posting IC yet.

And now I am...

*
In the middle of the vast Ocean of SDN, an immense island nation suddenly flooped into existence, This was nothing amazing, the nature of this world was such that nations, every so often, simply came into existence. However, for those living on ther owrld, it had 'always' been there... Yes, as for as the natives were concerned, the "Incorporated Nation of Crossroadia" Had always been there, half way between two of the largest landmasses, to them, it had simply been very quiet for quite a long amount of time.

To others, to those with a great sense of self awareness, The arrival a large, well armed and notoriously industrious Nation would no doubt cause a series political and nation concerns, or as some called it "Fun"
*

Upper Levels of CCCT


High atop the suddenly materialized Grand Arcology CCCT, which had always been there of course, A figure Looked out on the forested hills about 700meteres bellow him. He was a short man, only about five and a half feet tall, but he stood proud. He wore a neat business suite and a deep black fedora with an extravagant feathered plume in it. Behind him, sitting around a large Gear shaped table were seven business executives. Each one represented a different aspect of the Crossroadia Nation, each one a valued adviser. The currently all stared at the figure, an older gentlemen tilted his head, breaking the silence.

"Your Lordship, is everything ok? We were discussing the Shroominian day of mourning and you went quiet." The elder man spoke.

"Hmm? Where we? Ah yes of course, forgive me, my mind wandered a bit. Now them, Mr. Wiezenhiemer, please review what we have currently setup."

"Of course your Lordship, as I mentioned earlier, we have historically had a long and highly amiably relationship with the Nation of Shroomania as well as their dear leader. As such it was proposed and agreed upon for a national day of Mourning this Friday to be observed by the general populace. Is that, acceptable your Lordship?" The Lord High CEO nodded.

"Hm, Yes yes, that will do nicely, terrible way he went, deserves better. Still, we have other matters. There is much to do, we have been, 'quiet' far too long. I would like to hole an International Gala at the CCCT. It will be good press and advertising for the Central Control and will give a chance for National leaders to shmooze with the Crossroadian Elite. Mr. Wonk? Check through which Charities haven't owed me a 'favor' in a while and through the gala in their honor, the money razed is always a good check on activities. ALso I want you to go back and check all the nations that have Orders with our primary Airship manufactures. Those mega airships are one of this Nations most visible symbols worldwide, Sales have been slacking recently and I want them Doubled by the end of the year! Understood?"

"Of course your Lordship." Gulped the economic minister.

"Mr Fandago? I want our two home fleets out for a tour of our waters, I think it is high time for a proper show of Strength of our forces, It simply won't due to have us just thought of as one big company, we need to remind the world we have Teeth as well. Hm what else was it, Oh yes. I want the taxes on the Porn Industry lowered by 3% for the next few months, Their Lobby has been on my back, as I recall... ANd They are due for some Tax breaks." He said and began walking toward the immense Metal doors of the bored room.

"Enough for one day gentlemen, Meeting adjourned."
"Long Live Crossroadia!" They all said together before packing up their briefcases and heading out of the office.

As they left, the Lord HIgh CEO went back to the window, 700 meters bellow, people scurried in and out of the titanic tower, Far beyond that lay the nation stretched out before him.. He grinned.
"This, should be 'Fun'"

"Post summery"
Crossroadia will be holding a National Day of Mourning for the late Shroom the 777 and sending personal condolences to the government.
Crossroadia will be holding a national Gala/ Booze and Shmoozing party for World Industrial Business Leaders at the CCCT.
Crossroadias' Navy is currently sending two forces of:
1 Carrier
5 Missile Cruisers
15 Destroyers
20 Corvettes
To locations halfway between Crossroadia and each large Landmass for "Naval Exercises"

[Shroom Man 777]

LIVE on ShroomSat/StratTV
The Sovereign Shroomanian Sentinel

Hereafter

"We're reporting live from Farbanti, Shroomania, here together with the countless millions who have gathered today en masse to witness the funeral of Prime Minister Shroom the 777th. For the past few days, the entire world has joined Shroomania in grieving the Prime Minister's passing, citizens from almost every nation on earth have joined hand in hand in worldwide mass mourning of an unprecedented scale.



"And now, finally, the crowds of men, women and children from world-over have come to the Sovereignty's capital to bid their final respects, their last farewells to a benevolent and beloved world leader who was so tragically taken before his time."



"Outside Westshroomster Abbey, the ground is literally covered with pink flowers. Trees and posts throughout the area, throughout the city and throughout the nation have been tied with pink ribbons. All symbols for the cherished memory of the Sovereignty's fallen Sovereign. The people are here, preparing for the requiem mass' end and for the procession to finally begin."

"For now, however, they stand outside and wait as the friends and loved ones of the departed Prime Minister - together with leaders all over the world - partake in the final ceremonies inside the great cathedral."



"Westshroomster Abbey, for hundreds of years it has been the ceremonial site to hold the wake of Shroomania's leaders from the ashes of Queen Asphyxia XIX sent back from Byzantium in an urn, to Winston Church Shroom's last hurrah - but none of them have had the presence of so many fellow world leaders, who are now joining the Prime Minister's loved ones and the Shroomanian people in grieving his loss."



"But now, there is no urn of ashes, no body. Nothing but an empty casket, inside it only our memories of the lost Prime Minister."

"He was a man of peace, who had enough of the violence and the troubles in the world around us - who instead strove to make a new and better path for the Sovereignty, and all other nations as well. He didn't let ideals or allegiances divide the world as he saw it, but believed that friendship could bring the world together. Some may have called it naive, but no one could deny his sincerity in that respect."



"The wake is done, the requiem mass is over. The empty casket is being brought out by the Bishop of Bath and Wells for the funeral procession. The Prime Minister's family, friends, loved ones and fellow world leaders now shuffle out in measured paces to join the procession."



"The Shroomcoats have brought the casket out and have placed it onto the Prime Ministerial horse-drawn carriage. Under the bright Shroomanian sun, the procession through the center of Farbanti to the Prime Minister's final resting place in the Sovereign Semetery begins. The Prime Minister's final journey around his nation's capital."



"The procession now enters Farbanti proper. Clan MacMillan Highland Bagpipers lead the march in song and step, playing the somber tunes of O Shroomy Boy."



"Onlookers number in the millions, while those marching with the procession are at least a thousand strong. Amidst them are the Prime Minister's family and friends, world leaders, members of the Sovereignty's parliament, local politicians, celebrities, businessmen philanthropists, humanitarians and so many others more.



"Around them are countless men, women and children holding flowers, waving flags, lighting candles, grieving, crying, praying... Shroomanians and foreigners alike who've traveled to Shroomania. Complete strangers coming together as one to mark his passing, to say goodbye..."



"In light of this, the Mushroom Metropolitan Police Service has come out in full force to ensure the security of the public and to protect the peace for this monumental occasion. Law enforcement agencies from all over the Sovereignty, national security agencies, Civil Protection and even the branches of the Mushroom Military are working together to make sure the events proceed with absolute safety."



"Despite the fears of further acts of terrorism, despite the lingering questions and uncertainties regarding the possibility of biochemical warfare, the people of Shroomania and the world alike have not faltered, they have not been cowed into submission or ruled by fear. In defiance, they have gathered by the millions for this most solemn bittersweet event, common men together with world leaders from all the continents - from nations both great and small, from Presidents and Prime Ministers to Kings and Emperors.

"They have all come to mark the passing of Shroom the 777th. He was not born into the nobility or royalty. He was a man of the people. He was our Shroom.

"I can't believe that he's gone. He will be missed."



"Now, President Stephen Garrett of Cascadia will give an eulogy for the departed Prime Minister Shroom the 777th..."

[Steve]

Farbanti, Shroomania


The funeral service was being televised across the world, as one would expect, and everyone got to see the many leaders of the world pay their respects to their fallen peer.
The moment came for statements and eulogies, and among those who stepped forward was Stephen, wearing a somber black business suit with tie, very plain as people (especially the extroverted Shroomanians) expected of Cascadians.

"Firstly, I would like to thank the people of Shroomania for their hospitality," he began at the podium. "You have been gracious in the midst of this tragedy. Shroomanians, know that you are not alone in your grief. The world as a whole, CATO and MESS, American and Frequesuan, has been diminished by this loss. The death of Prime Minister Shroom is felt across a world that looked up to him as a free and generous spirit, a world leader who desired peace and security for all nations. The nations of the world are unified as never before by their outrage toward the senseless act that took his life and so many others and we will stand by the Shroomanian people as they seek justice for their fallen leader.
Personally, I have had the privilege to have worked with him on a number of initiatives to enhance the living standards and peace of the world and I can say that without his support they would not have been nearly as successful as they have been. We spoke of proposals to reduce CATO-MESS tensions, to strengthen efforts to end the odious practice of human trafficking, and of ways to reduce suffering in less fortunate parts of the world through the concept of the World Health Organization. I will miss his unique views and input into the affairs of the world. And I will honor his memory by continuing to strive for the things that we sought to fulfill. We cannot allow his tragic death to be the death of those things he cherished.
The wound in our hearts from Shroom's loss will never go away. It may only become less sharp, less painful, with the healing balm of time. How well we heal will be determined by how well we hew to honoring Shroom's memory by upholding the things he championed in life. We must work together to build the world that he wished to see. Let that, ultimately, be his legacy, to the people of Shroomania and to the world as a whole.
Thank you and God bless."

[Siege]

After the applause had died away, Sidney Hank took the stage. The former president of the North Frequesuan Trust looked pale and fatigued. He briefly let his gaze wander across the audience, taking in his wife, the few world leaders he considered friends, the many others he had bashed heads with over the past ten years. Even that madman Sheppard was there, which seemed oddly fitting in a strange and roundabout way.

He blinked and cleared his throat. “Ladies and Gentlemen - I'm only going to talk to you just for a minute or so this evening...

I stand before you today the representative of a nation in grief, in a country in mourning before a world in shock. There is nothing that adds dismay to our sadness more than the assassination of a leader, a friend, an example to the world.

The Earth today is united not only in our desire to pay our respects to the Prime Minister but rather in our need to do so. Such was his extraordinary appeal that the tens of millions of people taking part in this service all over the world who never actually met him, feel that they too lost someone close to them. We are saddened; we are stunned; we are perplexed. It is a more remarkable tribute to Shroom than I can ever hope to offer him today.

The Prime Minister was the very essence of compassion, of duty, of style, of friendliness. All over the world he was a symbol of selfless humanity, a friend of all people of good will. All over the world, a standard bearer for equality and getting-along, a very Shroomanian man who transcended nationality.

Shroom explained to me once that it was his innermost feelings of suffering that made it possible for him to connect with a desire for peace in times when everyone was preaching war. Indeed it was perhaps this that formed the very core of his being, along with his wonderfully mischievous sense of humor.

The world sensed his character and cherished him for his vulnerability whilst admiring him for his honesty.

The last time I saw Shroom was on November 1, a beautiful winter's day in Farbanti, when typically he was not occupied with himself but was talking with world leaders to better this continent and, indeed, the world.

He nearly seemed to burst with energy of course, but I would rather cherish the days I spent with him in March when he came to visit me in the hospital in San Dorado in my own time of need. Those were days I will always treasure. I am proud of the fact that I could count this unique man among my friends - this meant a lot to me.

There have been times when I was quick to judge, and even quicker to anger. When I acted reflexively when I should have acted thoughtfully. Not so was the Prime Minister. There is no doubt that he was forever looking for a new direction in which to steer the course of world events, away from war and toward mutual understanding. If anything the life of the Prime Minister was epitomized by the quest for peace and understanding.

Why then was this man so brutally targeted? My own and only explanation is that genuine goodness is threatening to those at the opposite end of the moral spectrum. What moved some misguided wretch to do this horrible deed may be never be known to us, but we do know that such acts are commonly stimulated by forces of hatred and malevolence.

What a price we pay for this fanaticism.

Prime Minister Shroom dedicated his life to love and to justice between fellow human beings. He died in the cause of that effort. In this difficult day, in this difficult time for the Sovereignty and the world, it is well to ask what kind of a society of all humankind we are and what direction we want to move in.

I cannot fully answer that question. But I do know this. If we really love this man, if we truly love justice and mercy, if we fervently want to make this world better for those who are to follow us, we must abjure the hatred that consumes people, the false accusations that divide us, and the bitterness that begets violence.

He would not want us to point fingers East or West. He would not want us to dedicate our lives to internecine struggle. He would want us today to pledge ourselves to protecting the world on his behalf. Even though he is no longer here, we must not allow the world to suffer the anguish that used regularly to drive him to tearful despair.

What we need in this world is not division; what we need in this world is not hatred; what we need in this world is not violence and lawlessness, but is love and wisdom, and compassion toward one another, and a feeling of justice toward those who still suffer, wherever they may be. In this, the Prime Minister showed us the way.

We will have difficult times. We've had difficult times in the past, and we will have difficult times in the future. But let us honor his memory and recognize that the vast majority of people in this world want to live together, want to improve the quality of our lives, and want justice for all human beings that abide in this world of ours.

Let us honor the complex, the extraordinary and the irreplaceable man whose strength of spirit will never be extinguished from our minds, by dedicating ourselves to what the Byzantines wrote so many years ago: 'to tame the savageness of man and make gentle the life of this world'.

Thank you very much.”

He walked over to the empty coffin and let his hand rest on the Shroomanian flag draped over it. "Farewell my friend" he whispered, well outside of the range of the microphones. When he abandoned the stage, a single trinket was left on the ornate flag and oaken casket.

[PeZook]

Tri-Cities Voyvodship Hospital Complex

Before...

There was shouting in the emergency ward. The commotion started a few minutes ago, and didn' die down as expected. Doctor Kalita was doing his rounds, tending to the new patients, when a nurse came running.

"Doctor! We need help!"

"What's going on?", the old heart surgeon asked. The nurse was visibly distraught - scared, even. It didn't happen often - and especially not today, when the entire staff has seen more death and suffering than some encountered during their entire careers.

"Some men came into the emergency ward...they're agressive and demand to be seen before other patients..."

"I'll be right there."

The doctor finished examining his current patient and walked downstairs, taking a pair of security guards with him. The emergency ward was stuffed full, serving as a sort of holding room for the wounded, who were still coming in. The nurses and two doctors sorted them according to triage.

Or should be doing that - there were twelve men in the ER, waving guns around.

Kalita froze. Nobody said anything about guns.

"You!", one of the men shouted, pointing straight at him, "You're the chief of medicine?!"

"Yes...", Kalita answered hesistatingly.

"You have to help our buddy, right now!"

"Calm down, please. Put the guns away, or you're going to hurt someone."

"Are you fucking deaf? I told you to come over and help him!", the man pointed his gun at Kalita, "Right now!"

The wounded man who was the centre of all this commotion didn't seem to be in particularly bad shape. He had a few cuts and bruises, and seemed to be more embarassed than anything else.

"I don't see any actual wounds on this man. A nurse will disinfect the cuts and then you can all go home..."

"What the hell...are you trying to screw us, old man? Can't you see he's bleeding all over the place?! Do something, or I'll..."

The man never finished this threat. He was interrupted by commotion at the ER's main entrance. The door swung open, and a gigantic man dressed in a heavy greatcoat entered. His attire bore the insignia of a colonel in the USCR's militsia. After him, a dozen or so Crimson soldiers followed - most of them carrying supplies, but two still had their rifles.



The giant ascertained the situation with a calculated glance and a cold expression, before announcing.

"Comrades! You are acting antisocially! Put down your weapons and let hospital personnel perform their duties!"

The small group hesitated for a moment, as if weighing their chances. Then, half a dozen BOR bodyguards entered the ER, escorting king Paul. All were heavily armed and would not take any chances.

To make matters worse, a few Formoza commandoes stuck here with their helicopter decided to see what the problem was, and came downstairs as well. The group capitulated, and threw down their assortment of firearms.

"I commend you on your most rational choice in the face of superior firepower! You will now be taken into custody and receive a fair and just trial!"

"Thank you, comrade Hammer.", Paul interrupted the Crimson giant, "Please tend to your duties and help evacuate the wounded. Where's my wife?"

"Uh...", doctor Kalita took a moment to catch up with the sudden development, "Upstairs, sire. Room numer 17."

[TimothyC]

SUPER-FRACKING-MEGA-UNREAL TIME

[NOTE: The following took place during the flight taken by President Cizadlo and President Garret

President Cizadlo kicked off his shoes after sitting down in the large couch in the main lounge of the Alaskan Air Force Triple 7. "I don;t think I've thanked you enough Steve for making this trip with me. I'm not sure you realize just how close we are to the edge up here."

Stephen removed his shoes as well, though showing a bit more care given how expensive the custom-made size 23s were. "You're very welcome, Timothy. I have to admit I've never been this far north in my life before. I can see where you Alaskans get your reputations, trying to establish cities this far north in all this cold."

Timothy let out a true belly laugh "It does take a certain type of person to live up here. You know, after the The Barrow Legislature signs the treaty, I'll be out of a job for the most part." His laugh turned nervious "I do have a favor to ask of you though."

"Go ahead, Timothy."

"If she doesn't win the Presidency in the next election, take Dr. Rice and give her a job in the PacUnion Government. She's a sharp mind and it would be a huge loss to all of us if she goes back to teaching

"Hrm." Stephen seemed to go into contemplation. He appreciated Rice's skill, but of course he was familiar with whom she was based on when Q populated their nations and even governments from their minds, and even before his transfer to this world he'd had some regrets on that political alignment. Still, given Chris' political ambitions in Cascadia, he probably would have need of a new SecState in a few years... "If it comes to that, I'll see what's available and offer her what I can. Though I imagine she wouldn't be happy if I had to make her Vice Secretary of State for the Central Pacific," he answered. "


"No She might not, but I guarantee that she would never show it" Timothy took a deep breath and continued sheepishly,"And I think I might have uh told her at one point. I was really tired, and a bit drunk, and this was right about the time the Pathogen war started. For all I know she chock it up to a delusional ranting. He took a long pause. "As for me, when this is over I'd love to just retire with Miri and live in a cabin out there" he motioned out the window with his finger.

"I can think of more attractive climes." Stephen didn't outright respond to Timothy's other remarks. That the alt-Rice might know of whom the world leaders really were - that their entire world's existence was due to a sick joke played by an all-powerful entity - was an interesting possibility, and interesting in the fashion of the old Chinese curse. Stephen himself had kept the secret completely, at times letting himself forget it was even true. "But I hope you and Miri find happiness. Actually, that was why I recommended you be made my Vice President. Not just for the political angle but because your duties are so thin that it will be easy to justify minimizing your public exposure and direct work."

"Sounds like fun. Where would the new capital be again, I don't remember seeing it in the briefing documents?"

"Our initial idea was Vancouver or Monroe but we ultimately settled on San Magdalena. It's the warmest climate in Cascadia, the Rosarians are a Mesoamerican ethnicity and quite friendly, and they have the room and capability of hosting our new government."

[Lonestar]

Ares Blog

ODN "Zombie DDGNs" stumble forward
Despite claiming to be out of the nuclear surface combatant market after the current units on order are delievered, a $50mil ROB "integration" contract has been awarded for Dominion Power's Marine Systems unit for a new nuclear power plant design. The relative low cost may indicate the design already exists and will be licensed for a 'Block II' STAR DDGN...[More]


ODAAF unveils RB-3 Hlidskjalf
The ODAAF has unveiled a new version of the B-3, the RB-3 Hlidskjalf. According to the GSC press release "The RB-3 will be able to perform peacetime ISR duties as well as 'pathfinding' for strike roles packages..."[More]

[DarthShady]

Farbanti, Shroomania

The funeral proceedings were exactly what President Shady expected, so typically Shroomanian and worthy of the great man that was the Prime Minister. He sat there listening to other world leaders holding speeches and talking about the great Shroom and how much they loved him, some even went as far as calling for world peace and understanding - in honor of the dead Shroom. "A noble cause indeed." Shady thought to himself. But right now he could not find it in his rage filled heart, to be noble. He was filled with anger and a desire for revenge.

"I could understand if the bastards wanted to kill me, or Heraclius, or any other Combine leader for that matter - but to go after you, the gentlest and most benevolent one of us. The best of us." Shady's inner thoughts were in turmoil. "You were truly, the dearest of all my friends..."

President Shady Sirah approached the empty coffin and placed his hand on it, for a mere second his hand shook - it was a tremendous loss for him. He contemplated giving a speech, but he could not find it in his heart, it held no nice things to say, no great speech to honor his friend. Everyone else already took care of that. His heart was filled with rage and sadness, his mind with thoughts of revenge.

"I will find them my friend, I will make them pay for this." He whispered. "I will make them pay..."

With that Shady returned to his seat, barely able to keep up the facade of civility. He could think of only one thing, Revenge.

[Fingolfin_Noldor]

Constantinople Times

Defence Science Institute showcases the latest in military innovation

The Defence Science Institute showcased at a fair the latest in military innovation between DSI and Byzantine military companies. Among the items showcased, was an atomic chip scale gyroscope which promise at least an order magnitude superior long term accuracy over conventional fiber gyroscopes. It will be integrated with many existing systems, such as missiles, rockets. A larger atomic gyroscope has already been successfully trialed in a Byzantine experimental nuclear submarine, that made a voyage around the world using the gyroscope and the error was measured in terms of a few kilometers without the use of GLONASS.

Chip scale atomic clocks were also featured, and the army has begun large scale deployment of such devices. These allow soldiers to maintain constant communication, regardless whether GLONASS satellites are jammed or not. THere are other applications for such clocks, but they were not revealed. Magnetometers based on similar technology were also showcased.

Also showcased was the Byzantine future soldier system. Utilizing special fabrics, a series of MEMS based microturbines and advanced battery designs were integrated into the soldier suit. Other kinds of sensors, such as MEMS based blood sensors and other devices were also integrated into the suit. While the suit is not expected to enter service, and many other possible features may be added, the batteries and turbines, are expected to supply power to a computer embedded in the sleeve of the suit, and also the HUD which is linked to the soldier's gun, and the soldier's signal set.

Other devices such as new general hyperspectral and polarimetric imaging devices for enhanced satellite and UAV imaging were also showcased. It was also reviewed that a new naval reactor design was in the works and will be implemented in the second series of destroyers and cruisers to allow for faster start up times, longer reactor life, and greater thermal efficiencies. A second generation of superconducting alternators will also be deployed on new warships from next year.