SDNWorld Redux: Story Thread the Third

[Fingolfin_Noldor]

Imperial Chronicles

"Well Duke Lelouch and King Paul, welcome to Stasograd, again. Here however, we have a different kind of offer, after much discussion, we are prepared to offer you an observership in CATO. If you agree, then you will be granted rights to our technology, participation in the CATO space program that runs concurrent with the FASTA program, a free trade agreement, and also rights to be involved in most of our projects, excepting the most secret ones. Should you wish to upgrade this status to a full membership, my colleagues and I are more than happy to upgrade it, but as of now, it will be an observership. Do you agree to this?"

[PeZook]

Presidential Palace, Stasograd

Paul and Lelouch arrived finally, if a bit late: some lingering issues from Lelouch's visit to Orena took a bit of time to arrange, and the short notice of the visit made matters complicated. They made it, however, and just in time, working out many of the details on the flight to Stasograd.

"You people are crazy", Paul stated matter-of-factly, having entered the office just in time to overhear the conversation about wax statues, "Emperor, President, Prime Minister...uh, President Hank", he added, greeting everyone.

"I can see the good President Shady has already broken out the vodka...heh. I take it the gist of the matter has been taken care of? In this case, allow me to congratulate President Hank on his acceptance into CATO."

After the customary shaking of hands and smiles, Paul sat back and listened to Heraclius bring forth his proposal to Duke Lelouch.

(OOC: Damn you people move FASTA than me )

[CmdrWilkens]

Ministry of Defense announces retirements

In an emotional ceremony the woman who originally sent HIS WHORE Allison Mack (CG-53) on her way off to service in the pacific was present to help retire the cruiser after more than thirty six years of continuous service. While naval officials had originally hoped to get at least 40 years out of the vessels many have been amazed that the Mack has stood up this long.

"She has been involved in more than a dozen minor naval conflicts ever since the Third Caymans War in the eighties," said RADM (Ret) Jack DeMarney her skipper during that conflict. "She has been shot at by half a dozen nations and nearly sunk by the Shepistanis at least twice. In her own way she is a right tough old bird who has been one powerful little [woman] during her career."

Naval officials were also, at the same ceremony, syaing goodbye to the first of their Keira Knightly class destroyers to be retired as the Alexandra DiPietro offficially closed out her last deployment and emptied stores in preparation for being sent to be mothballed at Fulton Naval Shipyards. Both ships while not the lead vessels in their class have been used much more heavily in their careers and with the CGN(X) and DDGN(X) programs already delivering new vessels the Naval decided it was time to rest the most battered parts of the fleet. While now surpassed in virtually every category save personnel onbaord the two classes were once world leaders upon whose design the majority of the MESS built their cruiser and destroyer forces around. Likewise today the STAR program and the aforementioned (X) ships are serving as the basis for naval pwoer in the 21st Century.

All that doesn't change the sadness for Lily Evans who smashed the ceremonial bottle against the hull of the Mack. "Its sad to see her go, though in a way its a nice remidner about how one can age gracefully and be strong right up until the end, I hope that the same can be said about my story one day."


Result: The new cruisers and destroyers are coming online in sufficient numbers that my old ships are getting sent to the museum list, mothball yards, or scrap heap...oh yeah and I'm still building them OOB has been updated.

[Steve]

Seattle Post-Intelligencer

Cascadian State Department mulls complaint over NFT move; legality under Frequesue Neutrality Pact uncertain

ADAMS, CAPITAL DISTRICT - A source in the State Department confirms that the situation with the recent move of the Northern Frequesue Trust, which has withdrawn from the Frequesue Treaty Organization to join CATO, has led to some consternation due to a perceived breach of the Neutrality Pact signed six years ago. According to experts Article 5 of the Pact prohibits signatory Frequesuan nations from joining global alliances to maintain the neutrality of the continent, meaning the NFT would be in breach of the Pact as the legal successor of Coilerburg and San Dorado under one interpretation.

Experts are uncertain on the matter, however, given that the Pact was signed by Frequesuan states acting as members of the FTO, which the NFT has withdrawn from, and if the NFT can be held to the Pact without having first ratified it themselves. Analysts are examining the actions of the newly-formed NFT executive and legislative bodies and any resolutions they passed on maintaining the agreements of their former constituent states to determine the legal situation....

[RogueIce]

Statement from the President of the Shinra Republic

The Shinra Republic views with some concern the recent announcement by the North Frequesuan Trust, acting on behalf of the Corporate Republic of San Dorado and the Republic of Coilerburg, of their membership with the Continental Alliance Treaty Organization. Specifically, attention is called to Article 5 of the Frequesue Neutrality Pact, of which San Dorado is a signatory:

Article 5

The Frequesuan Nations will protect the neutrality of the Continent by remaining independent from all world-wide military alliance pacts and treaties.

The Shinra Republic calls upon the Syndicate of the North Frequesuan Trust, acting on behalf of the Corporate Republic of San Dorado, to answer for this breach of treaty, of which the Shinra Republic is also signatory. We wish to know why this breach occured, and why there was no prior announcement regarding membership in an outside military alliance, and why there has been no declaration of San Dorado's withdrawl from the Neutrality Pact, of which they are in violation. The Shinra Republic remains concerned regarding the apparent secrecy of this breach on behalf of North Frequesuan Trust and San Doradon officials.

The Shinra Republic awaits an answer by the North Frequesuan Trust and the Corporate Republic of San Dorado concerning this breach of treaty.

Rufus Shinra
President of the Shinra Republic

[Karmic Knight]

The Coup (VI)

Outside the Presidential Residence, The Federative Republic of Eutopia



“People of Eutopia, I am here, speaking before you because justice has been upheld, the Eutopian Federative Congress has just voted to name Brandon Michael King of Eutopia, we are no longer a republic, but now a Constitutionally Monarchy, I would like to congratulate the new King, and our people, as we now have a point of reference for our country, a person to look upon to see if we are thinking large enough, small enough. To curtail our factionalism, to hold us to a national standard, people, this is our future, a future of peace, prosperity, and unity.”

“Red Ryder” Discount Store, Somewhere in Mining Country

There were many of these, stores run down because the mine had either run dry, or because the town had repositioned due to new veins opening up, the place was on a map, barely, but it was forgotten, making it a perfect place for a secret paramilitary depot. In this depot were the weapons of war used originally by separatists, before they were placated by Brandon.

The weapons were now open to members of an organization that was dead for ten years, the Popular Front, the Fist of the People, other names for the group were equally inspiring. They had been led by an amalgamation of rabid republicans, socialists, communists, anarchists, and King Brandon. Now they were to take to arms again, to suppress their desire for revenge until a plan was made. They had experience, just ten years between their need, and they were organized.

They Were the People’s Army.

Personal Letter to King Arik Coyotus-II

King Arik:

I would like your assistance in securing a referendum on the, if not legitimate, willed, King of the Vineyards. Your forces would meet with democratic paramilitary groups that are preparing to attempt to reseize power across the nation. While this would be acceptable in returning power to myself, I feel that it would continue a cycle, and I would like Canissia’s assistance in holding a referendum, as it would be less suspect.

- King Brandon Michael

[Beowulf]

Tian Jiao

"Mathilda, you ready to go? I've got the boat ready."

Mathilda smiled at Leon. She lifted the pack and followed him.

--

Shroomston

He wasn't an ambassador. That would imply recognition of Brandon's status. Yet he was here to entreat with the King. The Huang Di wished to speak with Brandon, and a few other leaders with respect to the new status in F-ing. And he wished to speak with them all together. The Huang Di's plan wouldn't work if they could not work together. So, the Huang Di had travelled to Qingdao, ostensibly to observe the function of the various government bureaucracies headquartered in the colonial capital.

[ooc]Baerne and Miratia are also receiving messages that the Huang Di wishes to meet with them. Klavostan isn't, simply because it's going to be run by Czechmate, and he's already in on the plan.[/ooc]

[Lonestar]

Royal Palace

"Jesus Christ." Lonestar muttered. He was glancing down at an brief on the latest upsurge in the insurgency in Sirnoth's Hecate Mountains. The continued deathspiral of Sirnoth's economy was already leading to sporadic violence in Nexus City as well. Sirnoth was the only remaining neighbor of note for the OD, and it's largest trading partner outside of the MESS Economic Area. Jesus Christ Setzer, what's going on?. More and more it looked like BMI's suspiscion, that Setzer was incapacitated in some way and a Junta was pushing things along, was correct. And the Junta didn't know what to do. The entire country was falling apart and all eyes were on the God-damned Kingdom of the Vineyards!

Lonestar took another deep breath. Nothing could be done about Sirnoth, at least not at the moment. As for the Kingdom of the Vineyards...he didn't care and wasn't about to send Dominionite forces to help stage an intervention. But a Maritime Security Task Force had been dispatched to facilitate the evacuation of Dominion nationals. It was modest, no carriers or STAR cruisers, but the goal would be to evacuate the citizenry if need be. And if any of those fuckers attack my ships then GSC will get it's very first operational mission. The door to his office opened, and a Knight poked her head in. "Sir, Baron Blitzschlag is here to see you."

"Send him in."



"Good Afternoon Lord Fairfax." Blitzschlag said. "I just got a call from Dokter Farris. The Superconducting Super Collider has been successfully turned on. Our friends in Tian Xia are celebrating tonight."

"Ready to explore the force of God, huh?"

Blitzschlag snorted. "There is no God. God is something primitives made up to explain how the sun sets."

"Then how do you explain all of us...beaming here?"

"An alien who has a superior understanding of the universe, obviously. Projects like the SSC will help us close that gap..."

Results: The Following ships are deployed by the ODN as Maritime Security Taskforce 17(MSTF-17):
Virginia Capes-LPD
Lord De La Warr-CG
Mount Vernon, Fairfax City-DDGs
York-FFG
Hampton County-AOE

[Ryan Thunder]

A Short Message to the Imperial Court of Emperor Huang Di
The people of Miratia would be delighted to recieve the company of your Majesty [...]

Arrangements will be made as soon as a date and a location for the meeting can be negotiated. We suggest that the Hall of the Assembly would be an excellent location for any discussion relating to matters of international relations. [...]

---

In the Office of the Supreme Leader
Gero was livid. "Sydney Hank, you bastard. You know exactly why we did nothing about Tian Jiao, and yet you used it to excuse this--treachery!" he ranted into the phone, "You gave us your assurances in your speech, but I'll be the first to remind you that talk is cheap. If I get the slightest impression that you're allowing CATO to have undue influence over Frequesuan geopolitics, I'll cut my funding to the Warbler program and repossess the Spectre factory from Ralson. You won't be able to count on our part in the Millenium program, either. That might not seem like such a loss to you, but fuck if I'm going to let something like this roll over without consequence. Did you even think, for an instant, of all the Frequesuan technology you're essentially handing over to those 'tards on the other end of the world? Did you!?"

[Siege]

Trials And Tribulations



NFT Headquarters, downtown San Dorado City

President Sidney Hank held the red phone at arms length, sighing softly as the man on the other side ranted at such a volume his voice was audible across the room. He looked at his assistant and silently rolled his eyes. She had to visibly restrain herself from chuckling.

Gero was livid. "Sydney Hank, you bastard. You know exactly why we did nothing about Tian Jiao, and yet you used it to excuse this--treachery!" he ranted into the phone, "You gave us your assurances in your speech, but I'll be the first to remind you that talk is cheap. If I get the slightest impression that you're allowing CATO to have undue influence over Frequesuan geopolitics, I'll cut my funding to the Warbler program and repossess the Spectre factory from Ralson. You won't be able to count on our part in the Millenium program, either. That might not seem like such a loss to you, but fuck if I'm going to let something like this roll over without consequence. Did you even think, for an instant, of all the Frequesuan technology you're essentially handing over to those 'tards on the other end of the world? Did you!?"

The president found the rambling… Offensive. He had expected a modicum of resentment and bitterness- that was only to be expected. But this outburst was simply unprofessional. Seasoned politicians weren’t supposed to go off like this. It reminded him of the way past leaders of Coilerburg used to jabber and rave.

He sighed again and scraped his throat. “Mr. Gero, I understand you are upset. But let me assure you that it is in no way or shape my intention to harm or obstruct Miratia, or any other member of the FTO for that matter. Do you honestly think I’d simply sell you out? Please. I thought I had a better reputation. I guarantee you that your secrets are safe with me.”

He took a deep breath. “As for your… attempts to intimidate me, I would prefer you didn’t. You are clearly agitated, as you have a right to be, so I’ll forgive you your outburst. But it really does nothing to improve our situation. I would prefer to settle our secession amicably and continue working with you and our former allies in the FTO. I have no desire to cut you off from our industries, from our economy, or from our space infrastructure. Now, I'd like for the both of us continue working together on the Millennium and Warbler programs. But if you want to make things difficult, I will do nothing to stop you.” His voice dropped in pitch. “Although we will, of course, return the favour.”

---

Statement from the NFT Commissioner for Foreign Relations

It has come to our attention that some nations view with concern our recent withdrawal from the FTO and our subsequent alliance with CATO, specifically in light of the Frequesuan Neutrality Treaty.

The FNT treaty was signed by San Dorado in a much different time, in a vastly different world. Today, as the events of recent months have made all too clear, the greatest threats to both our countries come not from outside, or from other big powers in the world, but from rogue elements within our own fold. It is for this reason that we have concluded that the FNT hinders our ability to ensure maximum profitability of our industries, and protect our shareholders from harm.

Let it be said however that although the North Frequesuan Trust now seeks a new framework of our strategic relationship to replace the old, we nonetheless remain committed to the spirit of the Frequesuan Neutrality Treaty, if not to the letter. As such we do not wish to withdraw from the treaty at this time. As a courtesy we are however prepared to do so should other signatories insist on it.

Signed,

Charlie Duquesne
Commissioner, CoFoR

---

Winter Army territory, northern CFR

The ancient Mil Mi-17-1M drifted lazily over Birstall, the whup-whup-whup of its blades following it to the hill-crest landing site. The transport helicopter came to rest on the grassy field that served as the remote village’s heliport and Richard Jackson dismounted together with several other men, glancing appraisingly at the snow-topped mountains surrounded the valley before turning his attention to the welcome committee.

There were five men, four of them armed with the FAMAS rifles he’d sold them a month ago. The last was a bearded, muscular man in the brown uniform of the Winter Army. “Mr. Jackson!” the man exclaimed, stepping forward to shake his hand. “Welcome back. Are you here for business?” There was an eager tone to his voice.

“Pleasure to be back, Colonel Blackmore”, he replied handsomely. “And yes, I am.”

“This wouldn’t have anything to do with your nations changing loyalties, would it?” the colonel continued slyly. “Oh yes, we know,” he continued. “We get TV here too, you see.”

“As a matter of fact it does”, Jackson replied. “We have a… proposition for you and your superiors.”

“Interesting, interesting”, the colonel led the group of men toward the village. “We can talk indoors. But tell me, Mr. Jackson… Now that your nation is aligned with CATO, does this mean we can buy other weapons also?”

“Ah, yes. About that”, Jackson grinned and pointed at one of the people in his retinue, a balding man with a perpetually laconic expression on his face. “I’d like to introduce Mr. Yuri Orlov. I’m fairly sure he can accommodate you.”

---

NFT Headquarters, downtown San Dorado City

“Henry! It’s a pleasure to speak with you again”, Sidney exclaimed when the Sabikan president called.

“I felt it prudent”, Henry Kalawi replied dryly. “Considering I hear you changed sides from one evil empire for another.”

Sidney opened his mouth to reply, then remembered something. A smile split his lips. “Ah, humor”, he smiled. “How is your parliament taking the news?”

“On the whole?” The NFT President could hear the Sabikan leader shrug. “They are positive. We have never waged war with this CATO, so that’s a plus. And the FTO seems upset with you, which many see as another bonus.”

The president groaned. “Yeah, well. Hopefully that won’t last long.”

“My parliament asked me to call you”, Kalawi continued, “to confirm that this new alliance does not change the… understanding between us.” What the Sabikan president left unsaid was that by this ‘understanding’ he meant the reassurance that the NFT meant no violence.

“No changes”, Sidney smiled. “No changes at all.” He paused briefly. “Well, no. That’s not entirely true. Now that I’m talking to you anyway, there is one thing that I’d like discuss…”

“Oh?” Henry Kalawi sounded apprehensive. “Nothing too… invasive I hope?”

The NFT president laughed. “No, you can rest assured Henry. It’s strictly economical. What say you we build some railroads together?”

[Karmic Knight]

Phone Call: (King Brandon Micheal -> President Sidney Hank)

"Congratulations Siege, you did it, someone from here is welcomed as an equal by one of the majors. Hopefully this is a sign of good things to come, but again Congratulations."

[K. A. Pital]

SHELTER 0 secure translation to the Palace of the Soviets

This translation was run via the same secure line - but even then, the networks never connected to the general TV cables spanning the UCSR. Before the image got into the net, it was filmed by a high-definition camera from a gigantic screen in a secure location inside the Palace; so that no direct digital links could be traced to the location of the former President.

This link existed to communicate with President Shady - or any other person who might want to talk with the former ruler during a visit to the UCSR.

Stanislav spoke slowly and his voice was old.

- Comrade Shady, I congratulate you with the immense geopolitical success of the last several days. Really, when I took upon myself the waning Crimson Star Republic, there seemed little hope to restore worldwide respect, immense economic and political power of a mere word of ours. Now, these times have come to pass. We are once again a great nation; united and led by a great leader in whom I place my utmost hope.

- With wisdom I hope that we tread carefully but steadily into the future, reluctant to use force and fear, but winning more and more respect.

- Comrade Stanislav out.

[Coyote]

The Coup (VI)Personal Letter to King Arik Coyotus-II

King Arik:

I would like your assistance in securing a referendum on the, if not legitimate, willed, King of the Vineyards. Your forces would meet with democratic paramilitary groups that are preparing to attempt to reseize power across the nation. While this would be acceptable in returning power to myself, I feel that it would continue a cycle, and I would like Canissia’s assistance in holding a referendum, as it would be less suspect.

- King Brandon Michael

A people's referendum on the matter is the preferred method to deal with the situation; however, the Royal People's Republic is also concerned about the deteriorating human rights situation in the Vinlands. Mass political killings have been conducted, and the need for external action of some sort may build if this continues unabated.

[Coyote]

FOREIGN LEGION RECRUITS FROM SHROOMANIA ARRIVE IN KATANGWALAND


The Canissian Foreign Legion is beginning to recruit from around the world, and surprisingly enough, some of the first recruits were from Shroomania.

No one knows exactly why Shroomanians seem interested in joining the Canissian Foreign Legion; most recruits were expected to pour in from poor countries where joining foreign military services was seen as a way to step up in social status. However, these photos show a certain popularity that the Foreign Legion has with some Shroomanians.




General Hunnar Gutierrez, of the 1st Foreign Legion Division, theorizes: "We assume that for some Shroomanians, the long era of peace and stability in their country has left them feeling a yearning for action and adventure. Foreign military service is a way for these well-educated, first-world suburban kids to get a taste of 'real' life."

The Foreign Legion is forming its first unit and training area in Katangwaland, near Camp Talisman, close to the capitol. Despite being a 'Division' on paper, the truth is the unit is just now forming and there are less than 2,000 recruits. Many arrive without any formal military training, while some have arrived from other nations' armies and are being formed into a training cadre on-site.

Meanwhile, the Canissian Royal Engineers Corps is building the facilities for the recruits, adding onto the existing Katangwanese facilities. Currently, recruits are staying in a massive tent-city as facilities are constructed.

"Part of the Foreign Legion experience will be a reputation for toughness and the ability to endure harsh environments," General Gutierrez said, keeping a perfectly straight face as a pair of new Shroomanian recruits walked past.

[RogueIce]

Midgar, Shinra Republic

President Rufus Shinra boarded the Highwind amid limited fanfare and departed for a vacation, according to the papers. The President had worked extremely hard and had very few vacations, and so the press was not invited along on this trip. The Highwind landed at a Shinra Air Force Base in a relatively remote section of the country. Airmen could watch and see as a man who looked very much indeed like the President left the plane and departed by convoy. There was some retreat out in the woods he was apparently going to, was The Word. The excitement over, they went back to their duties, not paying attention to the various service personnel now departing the aircraft with the President gone.

Also on this base was a Tian Xia Air Force C-17 transport. This was not an unusual sight these days. The Syl naval falicity airstrip was meant for maritime patrol aircraft, not large military airlift. So a common practice was for mail, replacement personnel, and other such items to leave on Tian Xia aircraft already on their way to Tian Jiao, and from there to be transferred over to SRN P-3s and into Syl. Additionally there was now a small detachment of Navy personnel at Qingdao, evaluating its suitability as a possible location for Battlegroup Five to be forward deployed to.

And so it was nobody paid any attention to yet one more passenger in a Shinra Republic Navy enlisted sailor's uniform with a seabag over his shoulder as he boarded the TXAF aircraft. He wasn't the first, or even the last, swabbie the Airmen had seen board a plane headed for the "F-ing Continent" as they called it.

---

Fielding Military City, Province of Tian Jiao

As the C-17 from the home continent set down and began unloading, various passengers got off amidst the cargo. Some were Tian Xian personnel, others Shinra Republic, heading to either a waiting P-3C to go to Syl, or joining the naval detachment here in Qingdao. One sailor, a Petty Officer Third to judge by his uniform, got into a TXN staff car and drove off. Those who saw him figured him as some staff weenie, off to push paper and fetch donuts in some office, and then dismissed him from their minds.

But this staff car did not go to some office. Instead it went to the Governor's Palace, where the Huang Di himself was waiting for its passenger. When the PO3 arrived, he went in and straight to the governor's office.

Beowulf didn't really understand why Rufus was going through all this cloak and dagger nonsense when the President of the Shinra Republic, in a naval petty officer's uniform came through the door. But he'd decided he'd play along anyway. He knew Rufus didn't have much time for relaxation, so if this amused him, there was no real harm done, the Huang Di supposed.

"You know, when I decide to go incognito as military personnel, I at least pretend to be an officer. Got a uniform with captain's bars on it somewhere."

"Well, my friend. There were a couple reasons for this. First off, people pay less attention to lowly PO3s than they do officers. And for the other, well..." He took off his overcoat and pointed to his nametag, on which the name BUCHER was displayed.

Beowulf laughed. And Rufus simply smiled. And then they got down to business.

[PeZook]

The Final Frontier

Novaya Zemlya, April 12 2015

The control bunker was truly massive, built in the heavy style of the CSR and with minimum of unnecessary luxuries. For the hundreds of high-ranking civilian and military visitors, bunk accomodations were rather unusual - but they'd have to do.

Most visitors were not allowed in the main control room, though, and they wouldn't see what the latest test was really about - just the flash and mushroom cloud. The proper results would only be available to those able to see the gigantic screen, not unline the one in FASTA mission control centres.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Poligon 8 at the Novaya Zemlya nuclear testing range.", a young KGB officer announced to the guests gathered at the viewing gallery, "We are about to begin. Please observe the main screen..."

Several hundred meters above, in the Direct Observation Bunker, the less priviledged put on their protective goggles. A megaphone came alive, broadcasting warnings. Sirens blew and hatches were closed.

"Pyat...chetyre...tri...dva...odin..."



The ground shook as the 20kt warhead detonated, and warm wind washed over the control bunker. Invisible to direct observers, a steel plate was violently thrown into the air by the explosion. Hardener sensors and transmitters attached to it have mostly managed to survive the explosion and began transmitting telemetry, to applause of the priviledged few who got to watch the test from within the control room.

"We are reading altitude...four kilometers and rising..."

Radar sets riddling the northern shore of the USCR tracked the plate with tagged radar pulses, transmitting all data to the control center. The payload eventually splashed down into the sea hundreds of kilometers downrange, and the transmission was cut.

"This wasn't all that impressive...", muttered a Byzantine general, watching the engineers congratulate themselves, "...what did we accomplish here?"

"Proof of concept, general. The plate survived, transmitted data and flew in a direction we wanted it to: it's a long, long way from here to workable ships, but every journey begins with a first step.", the BAM engineer explained helpfully.

"Yes...I can see your point. Though it is one dangerous journey we are undertaking."

"Indeed"

The gathered guests watched the ominous mushroom cloud form, many wondering if this terrible destructive energy could ever be used as a force for good.

Result: First basic tests of the Orion starship concept performed by CATO. So far, it made a lot of scientists feel awesome, but accomplished little else.

[RogueIce]

From: Shinra Republic Department of State
To: The Sovereign Duchy of Baerne

Subject: Host of Truce Talks between Jeffery and Brandon of the Vineyards

It is the respectful request of the Shinra Republic that we might use your great nation as a neutral site to conduct a negotiation for a truce between Jeffery and Brandon, regarding the political unrest in the Vineyards. It is our hope that we may be able to engage both leaders in an honest and frank discussion, so that this matter may be resolved without further bloodshed. A representitive of the Shinra Republic will be on hand to act as a neutral arbiter. Should any representitives of the Sovereign Duchy of Baerne wish to participate, we would of course be more greatful for your assistance.

Warren Wright
Secretary of State for the Shinra Republic

---

From: Shinra Republic Department of State
To: Jeffery/Brandon, head of state ((OOC: seperately delivered))

Subject: Host of Truce Talks concerning the recent unrest

It is our desire to assist in any way possible to resolve the current unrest without further bloodshed. To that end, we have requested of the Sovereign Duchy of Baerne that they may provide a neutral site for both leaders, along with a representitive of the Shinra Republic and any representitives the Sovereign Duchy of Baerne may wish to send, to discuss terms for a peaceful resolution regarding the situation in the Vineyards and Eutopia. It is our hope that we can all come to a satisfactory resolution and avoid any further violence.

Warren Wright
Secretary of State for the Shinra Republic

((OOC Note: When the letter was delivered, Baerne was told by the ambassador that the Shinra Republic "representitive" would, in fact, be Rufus Shinra, and that this detail was to hopefully not become publically known. Brandon and Jeffery, should they both attend, won't find out until they get there.))

[Ryan Thunder]

He sighed again and scraped his throat. “Mr. Gero, I understand you are upset. But let me assure you that it is in no way or shape my intention to harm or obstruct Miratia, or any other member of the FTO for that matter. Do you honestly think I’d simply sell you out? Please. I thought I had a better reputation. I guarantee you that your secrets are safe with me.”

He took a deep breath. “As for your… attempts to intimidate me, I would prefer you didn’t. You are clearly agitated, as you have a right to be, so I’ll forgive you your outburst. But it really does nothing to improve our situation. I would prefer to settle our secession amicably and continue working with you and our former allies in the FTO. I have no desire to cut you off from our industries, from our economy, or from our space infrastructure. Now, I'd like for the both of us continue working together on the Millennium and Warbler programs. But if you want to make things difficult, I will do nothing to stop you.” His voice dropped in pitch. “Although we will, of course, return the favour.”

"Mr. Hank, I feel that I must apologize for the outburst and any offense you may have taken from it. You see, we have a somewhat different expectation of politicians here in Miratia than elsewhere, and I tend to slip back into my native form when I am, as you said, agitated," the Supreme Leader responded quietly, "Don't misunderstand the thrust of my message, though. I've no reservations against continuing business as usual--provided that you are indeed true to your word and keep our secrets, well, secret. However, you might trust CATO, and we're even willing to do business with them, as you can see in Erat, where Pezookia constructed a fine shipyard for us in exchange for our a share of our depleted uranium. But nevertheless, we prefer to keep them at arms length." He paused before continuing, "I must question their ability to help the situation in the CFR without doing something as rash as say, driving Imperial forces back to Tian Jiao where they belong. How did you determine they would be able to improve the situation without making it worse than it was already from the perspective of the FTO?"

[RogueIce]

Navy Transitions to F-26; Retires F-14, A-6

The Navy has today announced the replacement of the F-14E air superiority fighter with the F-26, a 5th generation design from Tian Xia. In addition to replacing the F-14, the Navy also plans to retire the A-6F attack plane, with its role being assumed by the F-26 and F/A-35 aircraft. The refueling role of the KA-6F variant will be taken over by S-3Cs, until the Common Support Aircraft, designated the C-46 as its base, assumes full operational availability.

The C-46 is expected to achieve IOC within the coming week.

[Beowulf]

C-46 SPO
Douglas Aircraft
Tian Xia

"The C-46 and the KC-46 have completed flight tests, including carrier landings on the Vigilant. Thus, we feel confident in stating that it's ready for initial operating capability.

"The SC-46 and EC-46 variants still need additional testing. The SC-46 version will require testing to ensure stores compatibility, stores seperation testing. The EC variant still requires testing with the radome, to validate the flight parameters. We predict that the SC-46 will be ready next year, and the EC-46 the year after."

[Siege]

"I must question their ability to help the situation in the CFR without doing something as rash as say, driving Imperial forces back to Tian Jiao where they belong. How did you determine they would be able to improve the situation without making it worse than it was already from the perspective of the FTO?"

“Improve?” Sidney chuckled. “Mr. Gero, the time to ‘improve’ our situation is long gone. Do you not see what is happening? Tian Xia is making inroads in the CFR. Canissia and the Old Dominion send marine task forces to the Vineyards. And my intelligence people are picking up all sorts of interesting chatter from the Shinran naval station.”

His voice grew cold. “The MESS is attempting to carve up our continent, under our very noses, to use it as their private playground. The FTO does nothing to reign them in, can do nothing to reign them in. Oh no, the time for improvements is well and truly past, Mr. Gero. This is a time for damage control, to contain this situation, and if we cannot do that, then I damn well will try to make sure my team at least comes out on top. The FTO frankly wasn’t going to do that, so I had to cut them loose. So I guess what I’m asking is, Mr. Gero, are you on my team? Or are you going to roll over for the MESS?"

[Ryan Thunder]

“Improve?” Sidney chuckled. “Mr. Gero, the time to ‘improve’ our situation is long gone. Do you not see what is happening? Tian Xia is making inroads in the CFR. Canissia and the Old Dominion send marine task forces to the Vineyards. And my intelligence people are picking up all sorts of interesting chatter from the Shinran naval station.”

His voice grew cold. “The MESS is attempting to carve up our continent, under our very noses, to use it as their private playground. The FTO does nothing to reign them in, can do nothing to reign them in. Oh no, the time for improvements is well and truly past, Mr. Gero. This is a time for damage control, to contain this situation, and if we cannot do that, then I damn well will try to make sure my team at least comes out on top. The FTO frankly wasn’t going to do that, so I had to cut them loose. So I guess what I’m asking is, Mr. Gero, are you on my team? Or are you going to roll over for the MESS?"

"Oh, like hell we are." He leaned back in his chair before continuing, "On the other hand, if being 'on your team' means rolling over for CATO in the long run, well, don't count on that, either. In the meantime, however, we'll gladly work with you to counter the influence of the MESS, as they seem to be the more immediate threat." He thought about that for a moment, "Okay, sorry, that's not totally accurate; Most of us will gladly work with you. I'll knock a few heads together to get the rest on board, if I have to. Figuratively speaking, of course."

[Siege]

"Like hell we are. On the other hand, if being 'on your team' means rolling over for CATO in the long run, well, don't count on that, either. In the meantime, however, we'll gladly work with you to counter the influence of the MESS, as they seem to be the more immediate threat." He thought about that for a moment, "Okay, sorry, that's not totally accurate; Most of us will gladly work with you. I'll knock a few heads together to get the rest on board, if I have to. Figuratively speaking, of course."

Sidney smiled. "Then it appears there is an understanding between us. Excellent. I'll be looking forward to the delivery of our first Millennium, Mr. Gero. And as always, it is a pleasure doing business with to you."

[Shinn Langley Soryu]

President Shady's office, Palace of the Soviets
Stasograd, UCSR
Unreal Time

Lelouch and Paul arrived at President Shady's office together, just in time to overhear the last few parts of Shroom and Sidney's discussion about wax statues.

"Yay! Huang Dis for everyone!" Shroom cheered. "Well, except for Lelouch, since he's probably going to be late. Again."

"Maybe he can get a wax statue of the Huang Di's Court Physician," Sidney said. "Who also knows kung fu!"

"Huang Dis for everyone except me, eh?" Lelouch interjected. "Well, I guess just the Court Physician will have to do for me, then. He does know kung fu, after all, so it's not too big of a loss."

After exchanging greetings with the other CATO leaders, Lelouch sat down and listened intently to Emperor Heraclius' offer for CATO observership.

"...Here however, we have a different kind of offer, after much discussion, we are prepared to offer you an observership in CATO. If you agree, then you will be granted rights to our technology, participation in the CATO space program that runs concurrent with the FASTA program, a free trade agreement, and also rights to be involved in most of our projects, excepting the most secret ones. Should you wish to upgrade this status to a full membership, my colleagues and I are more than happy to upgrade it, but as of now, it will be an observership. Do you agree to this?"

After pondering the offer for a moment, Lelouch finally gave his reply: "I agree to your offer of observership in CATO, Your Highness. I will consider upgrading to full membership in the future, but that will take some time, as there are still factions in my government opposed to CATO; General Secretary Ashford and I need to figure out just how to pacify them first."

[Beowulf]

Hong Kong Items

TXN orders 2 new V-class carriers

The new aircraft carriers will be built at Fielding Navy Yard. The first will be delivered 5 years from now, and the second 8 years. They are to be named Valiant and Vanguard, and will mostly likely be the last V-class carriers built for the Tian Xia Navy.