SDNWorld Redux: Story Thread the Second

[MKSheppard]

A Bomb Crater Left from a MESS bomb

Shepistan had been hit heavily by the war; but with the cuts in the military budget; as well as heavy funding from Japanistan under the Bulwark against Imperialism program; reconstruction efforts were well underway.


A Japanistani engineer views his next project

When a Cascadian reporter questioned how reconstruction efforts seemed to be centered around major military bases; the head of the Japanistani Peace Construction Corps (PCC), General Odom responded by ejecting all Cascadian press personnel from the room.

"What we chose to rebuild is no one's business except ours....and Shepistan's of course"

[MKSheppard]

North Shepistan is no More!

Today, in a multibillion dollar deal; Tonkin Armaments International (TAI) acquired all the assets of North Shepistan Aviation for an undisclosed sum; including all assets relating to space exploitation.

North Shepistan was founded in 1931 by entrepeneur....

[Steve]

Excerpt from Cascadian blogger


Japanistanis eject Cascadian press from conference


A Cascadian reporter asked General Odom, the head of the Japanistani "Peace" Construction Corps (If there was ever a Shroomwellian term I've seen, it's that!), an innocent question regarding the bulk of Japanistani rebuilding taking place in the areas of shattered Shepistani military facilities as opposed to more needy civilian sectors. His reply?

"What we chose to rebuild is no one's business except ours....and Shepistan's of course"

That and, oh, ejecting every single Cascadian press representative from the room.

Can anyone be truly surprised by the behavior of the Japanistani "Bulwark Against Imperialism" contingents after this report? What we are seeing is not simply a case of one non-Western nation helping another. What we're seeing is Japanistan, even as it mocks us all with claims of neutrality, blatantly rebuilding Shepistan's military so it can again threaten the peace of the Atlantic.

And what is Japanistan? Japanistan is a brutal xenophobic dictatorship with a history of aggression and brutality in conquest that the world, after spending so much blood driving them back in the Second War, has basically turned its back on until now, not even stopping the Japanistani reconquest of New Sumatra.

Now we have seen the Japanistani war machine begin scouring northwestern and eastern Veleria for the resources it needs to threaten the world again. We have seen them mine airfields to prevent humanitarian aid from entering a poor, shattered country in advance of an all-out invasion in which Japanistan and their Shepistani lackies bombed villages to rubble, slaughtered civilians, and mined peaceful ports, including those used by peacekeeping forces!

Shepistan has learned well from their master. I needn't bring up the child thrown into an industrial shredder while his mother was being raped. Nor should I need to bring up their blatant mining of el-Kalim harbor while Cascadian forces were trying to deliver food and medicine to the locals. I need only point to the "disappearance" of the Shroom Viking in the mid-Atlantic and to other sinkings of ships, including two Cascadian vessels I'll add, during the recent war, and a subtle message from Shepistan instructing foreign shipping to confirm to them that their lawfully-carried goods were not heading to Old Dominion. It's pretty clear what they intended for those firms and ships that either refused to degrade themselves or which were busy carrying goods, peaceful goods in almost all cases, to the Old Dominion.

It's time for the world to wake up! It's time for the Cascadian nation to wake up! It's one thing to patronize the overweaning MESS alliance when they get a bit too riled up, but there is one threat to our Republic and to the world, and it's not in Hong Kong. It's in Neo Tokyo and Annapolis.

We need our fourth carrier. We need more naval ships. We need better fighters. We need to stop mewling about military spending and pay any cost necessary to ensure that when the day finally comes, when Japanistan is ready to resume her war on the civilized nations of this world, the Republic of Cascadia is armed and ready for them!

[MKSheppard]

$1 Trillion Dollar Lawsuit filed in Cascadian, Tonkinite, and Old Dominion courts by Shepistani Government

During the One Week War; in direct contravention of all known humanitarian impulses and urges; the MESS decided to bomb Shepistan's only nuclear power plant; not only cutting off power to millions of people; but releasing dangerous radionuclides into the air; which have been confirmed by independent scientists to have contaminated a very large stretch of land in Shepistan with radionuclides.

Accordingly, the Shepistani Government seeks One Trillion Shroomanian Dollars from the various member governments of the MESS for wanton disregard and endangerment of human life.

[Fingolfin_Noldor]

Constantinople Times

Work on Superconducting Linear Collider Progresses

Although funding has slowed for the Superconducting Linear Collider, progress continues with the twin 64km tunnel completed. The design was upped from 32km in hope to increase the energies of the collisions to around 3-8 TeV or more. While the tunneling was done, physicists at the High Energy Institute proposed a new novel way of accelerating particles in the collider, called two beam acceleration. The installation of the Superconducting RF coils should begin come the start of the next year, while Physicists iron out the design details.

Fusion Reactor design finalised.

The Nuclear Energy Institute study of an Fusion reactor has been completed. The design will employ an advanced Tokamak design. Collaborations with both MESS and CSR scientists continue and the new reactor may be built in CSR's Commune-1. Criticism was levelled at the lead scientists for ignoring other possible designs. The response was unless the groups in question can prove the viability of their designs, the Tokamak still represents the best choice. Polywell designs have been espoused by one research group, and the group has been granted sizable funding to continue their work.

5 billion allocated to MESS GPS network

5 billion will be allocated to the MESS GPS network which will be an essential component of the defence of the realm.

First BAM A380 AEW&CSI aircraft rolled out

The first BAM A380 AEW&CSI aircraft have been rolled out. The aircraft was redesignated AEW&CSI to indicated the SIGINT functions of the aircraft, which will incorporate signal intelligence gathering equipment, along with 2 MP-RTIP full electronic scanning arrays which provide high power and resolution radar scans and another MP-RTIP array for ground radar such as that in the JSTAR aircraft. The aircraft will undergo testing over the next few months, while the other A380AEW&CSI aircraft are completed. These aircraft will eventually replace existing AEW&C and JSTAR aircraft, when they are available in numbers.


Byzantine Imperial Army to acquire undisclosed number of Hermes 900 UAVs and MQ-9 Reaper UAV

The Army, after evaluating the Hermes 900 and the MQ-9 Reaper UAV closely, has decided to acquire an undisclosed number of Hermes 900 UAV and MQ-9 Reaper UAV from Byzantine Aeronautics. The UAVs is expected to conduct a variety of missions, including reconnaissance, destruction of strategic targets.

Marine Comitatenses and Army express interest in Old Dominion's EFV

The Marine Comitatenses and Army have expressed interest in the Old Dominion's EFV, and are seeking to purchase 100 of these vehicles, to be split between the Marine Comitatenses and the Army. (likely 40 and 60 for the latter)

Navy FY08 orders completed. Last destroyer and cruisers launched.

Constantinople Shipyards has completed the Navy's FY08 orders and it has begun laying down the next set of orders, including 16 Exarch and Consul class destroyers. 4 keels are expected to be laid this year, and another 4 mid next year.

[RogueIce]

Internal Shinra Republic communications

The 9th Infantry Division has been deployed to Velaria to support joint Canissian and Cascadian peacekeeping efforts.

Naval Fleet Activities - Syl (based in the Vineyards) has been reopened. Consisting of one (1) CG, two (2) DDGs, four (4) FFGs, a detachment of four (4) P-3Cs and one battalion from the SRMC.

Six billion ROBs earmarked for MESS Space Agency (MSA) use, to support development and deployment of GPS, communications, and other space-based assets.

[Karmic Knight]

Diplomatic Messages to the Governments of: The Crimson Star Republic, the Constitutional Republic of Pezookia, the Royal Republic of Canissia, the Duchy of Langley and the Byzantine Empire.

The Vinish King, Brandon, and a group of advisers are heading to Shroomainia for some rejuvenation of unity between our two states, and would like to enquire as to whether the countries receiving these messages would allow the King to spend some time, getting to know the Old Continent, its peoples and its governments, in their countries. The Vinish Foreign Ministry awaits your responses.

- Office of the Vinish Foreign Ministry.

____________________________
Internal Military Memo

To: Expedition, Fort and Acting Unit Commanders

The soldiers enumerated in the supplementary reading provided are to be dispatched to Azzan immediately for special training under Deputy Minister Luzar.

- Fort Farragut, Azzan.


Memo to the Syl Shipwrights Society

The Ministry of Trade would like to set up orders for more cargo vessels. Send us your most recent prices.


Message to the Kingdom of Earles

Kaiser:

The number of persons clear to immigrate to the KoV has now reached 40,000, including persons already immigrating. Please plan accordingly.

[Sea Skimmer]

Japanistani Foreign Ministry response to FASTA

Japanistan finds the following FASTA terms for the launch of three satellites of Japanistani construction in return for manned over flight rights to be acceptable.

1) That Japanistan launches no armed satellites under the agreement

2) That Japanistan covers costs of the boosters and labor of the technical staff

3) That Japanistan shoulders the burden of ongoing satellite tracking and control costs, either by contributing to maintenance of FASTA facilities, or by constructing its own control center.

Japanistan agrees to pay all relevant costs, but regards this arrangement as interim only, pending validation of the JSL-X-1 and JSL-X-2 space launch boosters. As such Japanistan will assume full reasonability for its satellites once they have achieved orbit, and does not presently plan to contribute to future FASTA missions.

The satellites for FASTA launch shall be the JNE-1 Galactic Radiation and Background Observatory, the JNI-2 Infrared Observatory and the JNR-3 Radar Search and Rescue Platform. Japanistan will allow for basic inspections to be performed, and for dog screens for the presence of explosives and BC warfare agents, but reserves to right to cover certain pieces of sensitive equipment to avoid damage during any such inspections

[Fingolfin_Noldor]

Diplomatic Messages to the Governments of: The Crimson Star Republic, the Constitutional Republic of Pezookia, the Royal Republic of Canissia, the Duchy of Langley and the Byzantine Empire.

The Vinish King, Brandon, and a group of advisers are heading to Shroomainia for some rejuvenation of unity between our two states, and would like to enquire as to whether the countries receiving these messages would allow the King to spend some time, getting to know the Old Continent, its peoples and its governments, in their countries. The Vinish Foreign Ministry awaits your responses.

- Office of the Vinish Foreign Ministry.

The Byzantine Government welcomes King Brandon and his retinue for a visit to Constantinople. Do note that the Emperor is visiting some states, including San Dorado, over the current month.

[K. A. Pital]

C.S.R. Northern Shipyards, Severomorsk

The Northern Werft has never seen such large orders. More than that, it was ordered that two submarines at once be laid down, with many weapon suite parts coming from Kontos Munitions factories in Byzantium.



Two heavy SSGNs were to be simultaneously completed in two years, and next year another two would be laid down, allowing for a rate of two heavy SSGN per year production.

The designs went for a slight re-working, and now carried 20 missiles instead of the initially proposed 16. With the huge volume of the boat, that was definetely possible.

All in all, by 2011 the Crimson Navy would have 2 of these ultra-heavy SSGNs, by 2012 - 4, then 6, 8 and possibly ten if the program won't get terminated due to costs.

Coordinator Julius Futchik knew that Byzantium was probably churning out such boats at a similar rate.

"DO NOT SPEAK OF EVERYTHING YOU KNOW, BUT ALWAYS KNOW WHAT YOU SPEAK OF"

- the motto of the submarine industry of C.S.R. was written on all walls in the hardened underground docks. It reminded the visitor that every word spoken here was secret, every deed, every step, everything from start to finish, from the time you got a paper access card to the time when you put this card down, and beyond it - secrecy was half the job. The other half was precision in every act. High expertise. Professionalism. Experience.

Walking around the construction site, he wondered if he was a little tired for the job. Perhaps he should write a report that he be transferred to COMMUNE-1 construction site. It was far more peaceful and open to the public...

C.S.R., 43rd training and re-allocation center

Several massive Tu-95MS-16 bombers were being re-armed with two "Meteorit-A" missiles and rotary Kh-15 internal launchers - but they were not the only craft to receive new equipment from the industrial sectors of the CSR.

The fighters sitting on the airfield, from the MiG-31M to the Su-35BM, were in for an overhaul...

Their Vympel R-77 were replaced with the ramjet-run missile - R-77M1. The ramjet-based new missile was created ten years ago, in 1999, but due to the budget constraints and a policy of isolationism, the C.S.R. leadership rejected the costly upgrade.

Now with the reality of ramjet air-to-air missiles from Japanistan supplied to unreliable shithole nations, the C.S.R. had no choice but to put it's limited series of R-77M1 into mass production with a few minor tweaks.

Length 3,7m
Diameter 0,2m
Wingspan 0,39m
Fins span 0,82m
Weight 226 kg
Guidance: inertial + active RL, laser proximity fuze
Warhead: rod with microcumulative penetration elements
Warhead weight: 30 kg
Engine: combined air-breathing ramjet
Speed: Mach 5
Range: 0,3-180 km (300 m when rear-fired)
Possible flight altitude: 0,2-30 km (5-25 km common range of altitudes)
Max target g maneuver: up to 12 g

Another new missile was the SNC-joint development Novator KS-172 (MESS designation: AAM-L) ultra-long range air-to-air missile.


Developed to kill hard-to-reach targets such as enemy AEW, tankers and bombers, as well as for general BVR engagements, the double-staged missile was already being used by the Slavic nations, but time came for expanding it's use massively.

Length 7,4m
Diameter 0,51m
Wingspan 0,75m
Weight 750 kg
Guidance: inertial + terminal active RL, RL proximity fuze
Warhead: blast-fragmentation warhead
Warhead weight: 50 kg
Speed: Mach 4
Range: 400 km
Possible target flight altitude: 3m to 30 km

It was to be used in combination with the old 600-kg Vympel R-37 long-range, Mach 6 missile with a 60 kg payload - the standard munition for all C.S.R. MiG-31M warplanes since 1985. This missile was yet too good to retire - it had greater speed even if slightly shorter range.

The R-74ME dogfight short-range missiles did not yet have a replacement either - developed in 1997 with fully digital programming based on the R-73M missile - thanks to the input of Byzantine computer scientists, they had a 120 degree range for the seeker and a 40 km range - and would remain the standard CSR munition for years to come.

[Steve]

Deleted for the moment.

[Fingolfin_Noldor]

Imperial Chronicles

Northern Shores of Anatolia

Constantinople Shipyards complied fully with the requirements of the Ministry of Defence to build the new SSGNs in secret. The SSGNs will form the secret strategic arm of the navy and were to be built in secret. Whereas it was difficult to hide the existence of surface warships, submarines were a different thing altogether. They could be built underground, then launched underground.

4 hardened underground Submarine dry docks in the northern shores of Anatolia, in the Black Sea, 2 Project 941M submarine keels were laid down. The nuclear reactors and steel were manufactured by Byzantine Heavy Industries, while the weapons, sonar, and C&C suites were designed and made by Kontos Munitions. The C&C suite and sonar were similar to the ones employed on the Mediterranean class submarines (Seawolf). The assembly, construction and fabrication of engine parts were handled by Constantinople Shipyards. Secrecy was golden word here.

In some ways, the joint project between the CSR and Byzantium brought together the best of Eastern and Western design philosophies. Excellent sensor and control systems, along with stealthy designs and powerful weapons, made this SSGN the most powerful submarine to ply the waters of Nova Terra. Two of these vessels will be completed yearly and the program could be ramped up if necessary.

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

PRSF

Exarch Decius headed for PRSF after his meeting with President Hank. He was on his way to meet Zorin and discuss issues with him. Arriving at PRSF, he was met by a small guard of CSR troops who escorted him to meet Zorin.

[K. A. Pital]

Livorno, Autonomous Frequesquean Socialist Republic, CSR, late afternoon


- Pleased to meet you, Decius, - Zorin was glad to see someone new from the Old Continent so far away from home. - Vodka or tea?

The C.S.R. ambassador smiled.

- It's here anyway, - he pointed at a teapot and a bottle of vodka standing on a plate. - That's what we have, either-or. Kinda on a dry diet if you ask me, especially with the new policy that the A.F.S.R.' agriculture will get a special boost with massive quantities of fertilizer and other stuff... Green Revolution, eh?

He paused.

- Anyway, I've had good results here... the FTO accepted our view on the situation - I heard you came along to talk to them, right? I think that now the issue has been resolved, we can enter a mutual treaty with the FTO. I already sent them an outline of our proposal...

1) The Autonomous Frequesquean Socialist Republic is the sovereign territory of the CSR, and thus the CSR can take any and all measures required to defend it's territory from possible foreign agression.

2) The number of strategic bombers and other strategic assets like tactical MRBM launchers and cruise missile launchers in the A.F.S.R. may not exceed 10 bombers at any given time during peace, and 100 tactical ballistic or cruise missile launchers at any given time during peace.

The CSR considers bombers with payload over 10,000 kgs to be strategic. Bombers with payload below that are not strategic and thus may not be banned from the A.F.S.R.

3) Weapons of mass destruction: chemical or biological agents - may not be deployed to the AFSR at any given time during peace.

4) For the sake of our commitment to peace, we are open to foreign observers from the FTO. Two observers per military base or airforce base would be allowed.

5) Observers on Crimson Navy Ships are not allowed and in case there would be an attempt to gather intelligence on C.S.R. Naval vessels, deadly force will be used against intruders immediately.

[Siege]

Military Matters Monthly
A MacMillan Publishing Product



The Standard Class Guided Missile Destroyer Lord Thomas Michael (DDG-106) is seen Monday, February 29, 2009 during the christening ceremony at O’Kane Shipbuilding Company in Fortress Baerne, Baerne. She is the first ship of her class, and the first fruit borne by the international Future Arsenal Warfare System Project, launched early last year by the Frequesuan Treaty Organization.

As the ship is to be delivered into the hands of the Kingdom of the Vineyards, the Lord Thomas Michael was christened by a young lady of Sheoth, by breaking a bottle of Vineyardian Champagne against the bow. The ship will depart on a shakedown cruise around the continent one month from now.

The Kingdom of the Vineyards has signed on for three Standard class destroyers and was the first nation to place its order. In total at least 22 ships of the class will be built, of which no less than four are under construction right now: two in San Dorado, and two more in Baerne.

[Fingolfin_Noldor]

Imperial Chronicles

Decius looked at the proposal. "Zorin, they aren't going to be happy about placing that many missiles or bombers here. That sort of firepower is more than enough to gut any of the nations' capital. They are unlikely to even allow that much firepower be placed here. President Hanks has given his word that the FTO will reciprocate if you don't place strategic weapons on Frequesue soil. Surely, the CSR could at least give them some space, and not add to their paranoia? Which incidentally, rivals even the famous Russian paranoia?"

[K. A. Pital]

Livorno, AFSR, Administrative Quarters

Zorin smiled.

- Of course, but you see, you have to start with something. I didn't claim the necessity to place chemical or biological weapons here... and other details can be worked out. That's what negotiations are all about.

- I'm real easy about it - they will of course reply that they would feel much better without a single CSR strategic bomber here, and demand to cut the number of cruise missiles or MRBMs... which we will. There would still be more than enough. You have to have some slack behind you so that the opponent's demand doesn't force you into a corner. Exaggerated force levels are a part of that.

[Fingolfin_Noldor]

Livorno, AFSR, Administrative Quarters

Zorin smiled.

- Of course, but you see, you have to start with something. I didn't claim the necessity to place chemical or biological weapons here... and other details can be worked out. That's what negotiations are all about.

- I'm real easy about it - they will of course reply that they would feel much better without a single CSR strategic bomber here, and demand to cut the number of cruise missiles or MRBMs... which we will. There would still be more than enough. You have to have some slack behind you so that the opponent's demand doesn't force you into a corner. Exaggerated force levels are a part of that.

"So you are willing to scale back, but you just don't want to go down without a fight eh? Well, if you insist... perhaps at least hand something in return? After all, no need to be all stick and no carrot. Remember that if ever we run into Japanistan, or Shepistan for that matter, we will need all the diplomatic support we can get, be it MESS or FTO. Best to get as many people as we can to be on our side?

Would you also endorse a proposal where SNC and FTO agree to cooperate on mutually beneficial projects in Science etc. and also agree not interfere with each others' policies?"

[Shroom Man 777]

LIVE on ShroomStratTV
The Sovereign Shroomanian Sentinel
PROSTHETIC PLEDGE PUSH


Prosthetics are in high demand as many Shepistanis have lost limbs during the One Week War.

The Sovereignty of Shroomania continues its humanitarian efforts in Shepistan and the Old Dominion by providing an unprecedented amount of supplies needed by Shepistanis and Dominionites injured during the war. One thousand Shroomanian peacekeepers are currently deployed in Shepistan, and despite the lack of foreign support, they are nonetheless carrying out their mission.


A food program is underway for underfed Shepistanis.


Shroomanian peacekeepers give candy to children.

However, the continuing lawlessness in the region has made peacekeeping and humanitarian aid efforts difficult to implement. With only a paltry thousand Shroomkeepers, stabilizing any considerable amount of territory in Shepistan will require either reinforcement or the entry of other nations into the peacekeeping efforts.


An Angry Mob riots for food and water.


A Shroomkeeper intervenes, with the aid of an armored vehicle.


While his comrade, and a dog, looks on.

The Shroomanian peacekeepers have resorted to recruiting Shepistanis, particularly members of the armed forces, militia, and police, into their ranks to bolster their numbers.


A Shepistani Shroomkeeper kisses his adapted children, former war orphans.

However, despite the Shepistani Shroomkeepers, numbers are still lacking and an entire country is still in need of aid. Without the cooperation of other nations, the Shroomanian effort in Shepistan may be in for rough times.


A female Shroomkeeper looks on with trepidation.


*click*



Somewhere in Shepistan...


"Turn that TV down," said Staff Sergeant Al-Shepson. Shepson's name translated roughly to 'Sheppard's son', since everyone in Shepistan was the Great General's child. The Great General was their father, a drunken, wife-beating, breast-bleeding father. But a father nonetheless.

Al-Shepson scratched the part of his leg where the stump where his knee was met the female mannequin leg he was using for a prosthetic. With that minor irritation scratched, he put on his game face and prepared to negotiate terms. With that merchant of menace - Nicholas Orlov.



"Now, Mr. Orlov," Staff Sergeant Al-Shepson began. "I will sell you my guns. Two tons of AKA-47s and, in return, I want you to give me more of those Stingshroom missiles to shoot down those damned Dominion drones!"

"A deal's a deal," Nicholas Orlov agreed. He was a man of mixed Shadow-Shroomanian ancestry, coupled with the healthy upbringing of an Astarian. "As always, Sergeant Shepson, it is a pleasure doing business for you."

"Likewise, Mr. Orlov. Just as well, I believe you have something for me?"

"Yes. A gift, a token of my appreciation for our long-standing business relationship."



"A golden gun!" the Shepistani sergeant exclaimed. "I wonder if Shepistan still has any pawnshops left! This, this is very good... Mr. Orlov, I'm touched."

The two men concluded their business and shook hands. It turns out that Al-Shepson also had his right arm replaced by a female mannequin arm.



Elsewhere in the world, the merchants of menace's actions had dire reprecussions...

[Fingolfin_Noldor]

Constantinople Times

20 Pr. 971M submarines to be procured from Crimson Star Republic.

20 used Pr. 971M submarines (Akula II Modernized), will be procured at staggered rate from the Crimson Star Republic. The deal, worth 15 billion, is regarded as a bargain by the Navy. The submarines will undergo a 1-2 year upgrade program which will involved refurbishing the submarines' systems and hull. The submarines' propeller screws will be replaced by a combined propulsion(propulsor/pumpjet) system with the propeller shielded in a fenestron. The submarine's speed is expected to be reduced to 28-30knots, with a silent speed of 20knots. The submarine's acoustics level, weapon systems and sensors are comparable to the Mediterranean class submarine (Seawolf).

There is speculation that the military will acquire Pr. 949AM (Oscar II) and Graney class submarines in the next FY10. The Graney submarines are meant to be a cheaper alternative to the Mediterranean class and Aegean (Virginia) class submarines.

[Coyote]

Diplomatic Messages to the Governments of: The Crimson Star Republic, the Constitutional Republic of Pezookia, the Royal Republic of Canissia, the Duchy of Langley and the Byzantine Empire.

The Vinish King, Brandon, and a group of advisers are heading to Shroomainia for some rejuvenation of unity between our two states, and would like to enquire as to whether the countries receiving these messages would allow the King to spend some time, getting to know the Old Continent, its peoples and its governments, in their countries. The Vinish Foreign Ministry awaits your responses.

- Office of the Vinish Foreign Ministry.

From: Office of the Foreign Ministry, RPRC
To: Office of the Vinish Foreign Ministry


We of the Royal People's Republic of Canissia would be pleased to host a visit by His Majesty King Brandon of the Vinyards. We look forward to this opportunity to get to know our Frequesnean peers. Preparations shall begin immediately.

[Grand Moff Yenchin]

Imperial Chronicles

Royal Palace Serenity

"So how badly did your forces suffer from Shepistan's submarines? I understand that one of the submarines was taken out, but your carrier group took quite a bit of hit. Was it salvageable?

It has not escaped me that Japanistan is mixed in all of this. A lot of the intelligence suggest that Japanistan supplied lots of advanced weapons to Shepistan, almost as if this was some proxy war, or maybe it is.

Do you need any help to rebuild your losses?"

"Thanks but I guess currently we're doing fine. 3 SSNs and 1 CVN were destroyed beyond salvation. Quite a few ships were damaged but at least reparable and are now in our docks. Fortunately we already had some boats and ships in construction so eventually we will have our forces back. It's just that Serenity will have to be more conservative on power projection."

"Now, lets get started..." King Leighton-I began as he sipped a glass of fine Zorian Sake and took a sip of Avgolemono Soup. "The first thing i was considering was the Joint Security of the Pacific against whatever Naval threats may emerge, as such, i beleive that a joint defensive program should be in effect. This would include some fairly standard things, such as airport use rights, access of naval craft to bases for refueling and so on. This would also cover non military aircraft and ships as well, to improve international commerce. An act which should also improve trade between our repsective nations."

"I agree on this program. This will be beneficial, considering that our Kingdoms are now in an interesting position."

The second part of which would be the establishment of a Joint Naval Defense Program. For which i beleive that this would be the best option." Zor pressed a button bringing up a photo on a large screen provided.

"This" Zor said as he jestured a leather clad glove towards the screen "is the Latest Anti Shipping missile from Royal Zordinance codenamed Daikyū. It has a range of 300km, capable of supersonic speeds and can deliver a 350 kilogram warhead to it's target. They can be launched from fixed locals or from mobile launch vehicles. Royal Zordinance has informed be that a cheaper lower range variet codenamed hankyū shall hit the assembly line soon. A network of such devices could provide reliable mobile coastal defense for all Pacific Pact states. We can deliver a couple for evaluation immediately if so you wish."

"Looks like the supersonic missile craze has finally hit the Pacific. I guess the Hall of Tigers can take a look at this."

"On economic and social matters, we should form tighter links between universities in both our respective nations, as well as joint law enforcement programs in which criminals charged with Crimes in Zoria who traval to Serenity shall be apprehended and transfered back to Zoria and vice versa as well as exchange of Criminal and forensic information between law enforcement agencies, as well as a universal reduction of terrifs on all ships in the Pacific Pact." He took another sip of Sake "I hope that you find these conditions reasonable."

"These conditions are reasonable. Considering the approximity of our nations, good interaction can indeed have prosperitous results."

[Siege]

This... Is Station One: San Dorado's News Source Supreme



... a spectacle today off the coast of La Palma as the armed forces test fired a brand-new gadget. The Slam Dunk supersonic missile was air-launched from beneath an F-111 to strike this scrapped hulk 600 kilometers away! Slam Dunk is a two-stage missile with a 450 kilogram warhead and will be integrated into both Navy and Air Force. According to a spokesperson the armed forces are "mighty pleased" with their new toy, which goes a long way to ensuring San Dorado's interests will remain as safely protected in the future as they are now! Of course, after the initial festivities it was up to the Port Authority to put out the fires and clean up the mess...

Meanwhile in Port Regal...

[Fingolfin_Noldor]

Imperial Chronicles

The small fleet of ships arrived at the last known location of the Shroom Viking and fanned out, using their sonar to scan the river bed with active sonar, while the IBNS Corona stayed outside the flotilla, staying as silent as possible, looking out for any trouble. The salvage ships proceeded to map the seabed. It will take maybe a week, but eventually the wreck of the ship will be found.

[Grand Moff Yenchin]

Tower Hyperion, Headquarters of the Blue Sun Corporation



Helios Bleu, CEO of the Blue Sun Corporation was meeting in the boarding room with his staff members. The post-War situtations in Serenity has brought many opportunities. Besides orders of more established military hardware, their connections at the Executive Hall have notified them with various projects going on.

Bleu was quite considered with naval contracts since the vessels lost in the war were constructed by the Tachibana Heavy Industries, their main rival. While it would be likely that the military would stay with the Astute design, the new carrier would gather much interest. The Hall of Tigers mentioned to them that there were no current plans for a new carrier task force. Judging by the HoT's MO this indicated that they would be seeking for a new design. Bleu told his staff to keep a good watch on the HoT, as well as look for more chances.

The R&D Department also mentioned the BioDefense Kit entering human test Phase I.

Tachibana Titan, Headquarters of Tachibana Heavy Industries



Ryotaro Tachibana, President of Tachibana Heavy Industries, was furious. He was expecting contracts for actually 2 Nimitz's post-War, but instead the Hall of Tigers notified him that there would be no plans for even one. Also the halt of 2 Ticos was frustrating.

Kenji, his son, finished reporting the news, and the staff room was quiet, most of them looking at Ryotaro, as if expecting him to give some advice.

"Kenji, this is a good time to test your abilities, what do you plan to do?"
The staff members looked at each other, Old Tachibana was definitely retiring soon.

"Propose a cut down of price to the Navy, or construct a cheaper model, such as the JFK."

"And how would the Navy accept the risk of lower quality, or an outdated model? Even if we insist providing the best on our behalf, do you think the Blue Sun will do the same, when they'd be making money from the aircraft on the ship?"

Kenji frowned.

"Miho, speak."

Ryotaro's daughter opened her folder, "Our connections with the Ministry of Defense has notified us a possible carrier project. No plans of a task force in '10 does not mean there won't be one in '11. We must secure whatever benefit we can get from this project. The same goes with the cruisers. On the bright side we still have the contracts of constructing 2. We can use these to demonstrate some of our new systems, so that when the Hall of Tigers logically announces their need for new types of cruisers we'll have the advantage. Also, besides military equipment, we have...."

"Enough. Tell Kenji what you need and do it. Meeting dismissed." Ryotaro said as he stood up and left.

In the end it's still Kenji who has his name on it. Thought Miho.

==
Result: Corporations vulturing...er...competing for post-war benefits.

[Setzer]

SIRNOTH SUPPORT SENT TO SHEPISTAN

Today, the Sovereign approved the deployment of 6,000 peackeepers to aid the Shroomanians in rebuilding Shepistan.
Along with the military commitments, the Sovereign will be providing food housing, and medical care for victims of the recent war. It is hoped that the increased peacekeeping force in Shepistan will contribute to restoring order in the war torn country.