SD.Net World(RAR!) MK II

[Mr Bean]

Another thread on these lines.

Today, Q has decided to give the established members of SD.net Forum some power, but decides not to have it contested among other Humans, here each established (50+ posts and not banned) board member is given control of a human state on an earthlike planet somewhere far far away. You can bring twenty five humans with you as well as a house full of stuff, as well as a linkup

The planet in question is would be considered paradice by most people's standards. It has terran ecology transplanted onto it and differs from earth geographically, instead of continents, it is a complex maze of seas and islands, most of which are tropical to temperate due to ocean currents and such. Technology level is basically that of modern day earth, with plenty of fossil fuels. The planet is populated with humans, which are basically a good solid mix of ethnic groups from all over earth with religion being done with one quarter being worshipers of moderate versions of Earth Religions that get along well enough with the rest being either atheists or agnostics.

They assume the title of King/Tsar/Imperator/Ceaser/Whatever, a constitutional monarch. You get a nice Palace in a capital. There is a parliament, but that handles internal affairs. You also have connection to Earth to see how things are going, and for a vacation if so you desire, although only you and your 25 relocated people are allowed to go between worlds with only the cloths on their backs and a backpack worth of stuff.

The size and prowess of your nation is based on your status and postcount. All nations have water barriers.

50-1,000 posts (or having a negative custom title) -Dutchy
-An island between 7,500 Square KM
-Either 250,000 people at a first world level of income or 500,000 at a second world level
-A military of 1,000-2,500 personel (depending on US) and a basic fleet of a couple of Patrol boats and choppers for naval policing. You can de-militerize if so you desire, as is the case with every one of these nations.
-Able to meet local demands for basic foodstuffs, as well as having a single industry/resource export of note, GDP $6,250,000,000 USD per year

1,001-2,500 posts-Principality
-An Island/Island chain with 35,000 square kilometers
-Population: 2.5 Million first world, 5 million second world
-A military with 15,000-30,000 personel with a couple of jet fighters, a dozen or so APCs and other light AFVs and a pair of Halifax-class frigate to go along with a fleet of patrol ships
-Able to meat local food demands, as well as having some local manufacuring of consumer goods and resource export, GDP $62,500,000,000 USD per year

2,501-5,000 Posts-Kingdom
-Total Land Area, 250,000 square kilometers
-Population: 15 million first world, 30 million second world
-Military, 100,000-200,000 personel, Comprable armored/motorized deployment to Royal Army, 150 Jet Fighters, 10 Arleigh Burke-class Destroyers, 40 Halifax Class Frigates and 10 modern Diesel submarines
-Able to produce enough food for export, with industry capable of producing largescale goods such as cars, modern arms industry and some shipbuilding, GPD-$375,000,000,000 USD per year


5,001-20,000 regular posters, Senators and mods minimum-Tsardom
-Total Land Area, 500,000 square kilometers
-Population: 30 million first world
-Military, 400,000 personel, Comprable armored/motorized deployment to double the Royal Army, 300 Jet Fighters, 20 Arleigh Burke-class Destroyers, 60 Halifax Class Frigates and 20 modern Diesel submarines
-Able to produce enough food for export, with industry capable of producing largescale goods such as cars, modern arms industry and shipbuilding, GPD-$750,000,000,000 USD per year


20,001+, Supermods and Administrators-Imperium
-Total Land Area, 1,000,000 square kilometers
-Population: 60 million first world
-Military, 800,000 personel, Comprable armored/motorized deployment comprable to that of the Russian Federation in scale, 600 Jet Fighters, 40 Arleigh Burke-class Destroyers, 120 Halifax Class Frigates and 20 Virginia class Attack subs, one Nimitz class Carrier
-Major food exporter, with industry capable of producing largescale goods such as cars, modern arms industry and shipbuilding, GPD-$1,500,000,000,000 USD per year

There are no other Humans in the star system beyond us and (sorry shep) none of these nations is as of yet has a nuclear arsenal. Each palace is also linked together with a central political web-forum thing for international diplomacy.

So...

1-What do you do with your nation?
2-What happens to this world?

Zor

EDIT-On Request of RougeIce, you can modifiy your fleet acordingling...

2 Halifax FFGs Can be exchanged for a 1 Burke DDG
2 Burke DDGs can be exchanged for 1 Ticonderoga CG/Kirov CGN
2 Ticonderoga CGs/Kirov CGNs can be exchanged for 1 Nimitz CVN
2 Modern diesel submarines can be exchanged for 1 Virginia SSN

Begin!

[Mr Bean]

"BBC Reports"
Due to recent possibility about marine megafauna the island has come under criticisms as vuranable to such attacks but experts agree thank to the large reef areas that surround all sides of the island(Except the south bay) such giant animals will have a hard time getting past the protective reef's in order to attack the island. More-over the water around the island for some miles is shallow compared to the deep ocean, further making attacks near the island highly unlikely. The recent Tsuamia activity resulted in nothing more than a ten foot surge wave which broke itself on the reef causing only minor damage to bay side facilities."

[Beowulf]

Blackbeard Production Plant
Canissia

"So, Mr. Cash, I see from your resume that you used to work for Lockmart Corp. How was your experience there?"

"It was pretty good there, actually."

"Why did you decide to move?"

"Mostly just for the change of place. It was getting kinda boring there."

"Well, thank you for coming to this interview Mr. Cash. If we decide to hire you, we'll call you in the next week."

---

Forbidden City Times

The Peace Department issued a Request For Proposals for it's Future Naval Fire Support program. Top contender is Lockmart Corp.'s POLAR proposal, which fits lengthened quad-packed GMLRS rockets into a Mk 41 VLS cell. This would allow a ship to effectively supply a MLRS battery's worth of firepower. Lockmart has also proposed NATACMS to fulfill this mission.

[Dave]

The Republic of N'ton is sending a five man team of trained negotiators by military helicopter to the II Republic, as well as a similar team to intercept the plane and to find a way to safely force down the airliner without loss of life. They will be backed up by twenty man teams of special forces.

[The Yosemite Bear]

By announcement of Emporer Colin III
a Full imperial pardon for a group of 12 highly trained soldiers currently serving life sentances for various crimes. This is a picture of their commander:


These commandos will be dispatched to complete a very secret and special mission for the Republic.

[K. A. Pital]

OMSK launches

Today another Proton-M launch at U.K.B. space facilities was conducted.


The test, dubbed "Cosmos-1445/2", lifted a general payload of 12 tons into Low Earth Orbit through common airspace.

It has been disclosed that the vehicle lifted two objects, one with a mass of 8 tons, and another with a mass of 4 tons. Indeed, two objects were tracked by New Earth-based tracking stations.

Orbit facts:
Satellite 1 (4 ton): apogee 217 km, perigee 176 km, inclination 50,70, duration 88,3 minutes.
Satellite 2 (8 ton): apogee 221 km, perigee 180 km, inclinatin 50,60, duratin 88,8 minutes

Two objects re-entered Earth atmosphere on de-orbit, but it seems one of them burned up on re-entry, allowing the citizens of Shroomania to observe a fiery star.

The larger, 8-ton object has landed off Shroomanian coast, where it was picked up by the returning RTS Admiral Ushakov.

Joint space program officials have been reached for comment:

- What were the launches? The object that burned up on deorbit, before reaching the Archipelago in earnest, what was it? What do you think about the recent cases of anti-space terrorism? They accuse us of littering space and air!

- We shall not cover to any terrorist demands, especially regarding such crucial area for mankind as space exploration! - commented John Klushko, UAC representative. - If they persist, and it is determined Libertia is the cause of these activities, we will have to take appropriate action.

- As for the launches, these are space exploration testbeds, - commented the UAC spokesman and offered the journalist team a look on an early stage prototype:


No comment on the 8-ton object has been received, although it transmitted to the Flight Control Center what looked like the parameters of an atmosphere-filled capsule.

The ADMIRAL USHAKOV enters the Shroomanian port of Farbanti

A welcome delegation has been called up. The crew is relieved to see land after their autonomous sail.


It's crew went through the city streets in a march, showing our uniforms. In the evening, they were found relaxing in one of the city's bars.


The paparrazi managed to talk to some of them, being most interested in the cargo they brought.

- Ah, you mean those things? - replied on sailor, whose condition was described as being slightly not sober. - Our Kapitan, HURRAH!! - he just - HURRAH!!! - put them on-shore in containers, and a team of our men transported them to the Farbanti Airport, where a cargo plane from our Rodina took them back to the space center.

As to the probe that burned up, the sailor reported that only thermal data was gathered from the probe, and it never was meant to be retrieved, but to burn up on return.

SADDAMISTAN: Condemn, but what else?

The Pravda today issued a condemnation of the actions of Saddamistan in relation to it's actions in Zoria.

Saddamistan is not a signatory to international laws and treaties, and it is acting as a belligerent party.

We fully understand that Zoria does not wish for devastation of war; however, should Saddamistan make any further agressive moves, it will face not only condemnation, but a real possibility of hostilities with the great powers of this world.

OMSK welcomes new member state - the KINGDOM OF NEW PATRIA

Let it be officially known that New Patria's member application has been accepted and approved by the O.M.S.K. security council decision!

[K. A. Pital]

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

[MKSheppard]

Union Aerospace Corporations' new RAR division returns first results

The newly established RAR division working overtime has returned it's first proposal; a nuclear pebble bed reactor-powered third stage for UKB's Vulcan rocket; which raises the amount of cargo that can be delivered to low lunar orbit from the Vulcan's current 32 tons to a colossal 50 tons, thanks to the Nukebeard booster stage.

The RAR division's head was contacted via telephone, and he had this to say:

"This is just the beginning. The engine we have in mind can deliver almost 250,000 kilograms of thrust, which is the equivalent of slightly more thrust than the Titan III's central core can deliver. We're only really limited by the amount of weight the Vulcan can lift to low earth orbit. With the current configuration, we're limited to 100 metric tons. We've done some calculations and if more strap-on boosters are added to the Vulcan, raising it's LEO payload to 145 metric tons, we can stretch the Nukebeard booster; adding more tankage, and raising LLO payload to 75 metric tons."

"We are also confident of producing an ultimate version capable of delivering 150 metric tons to Lunar Orbit if a rocket large enough to lift 277.8 metric tons into LEO can be built. This may be reduced to just 259.1 metric tons if we can increase ISP to 1,190 -- near the theoretical limit for a LH2 powered nuclear thermal rocket."

If the RAR division's Nukebeard proposal is accepted by the UAC Council of Member States, engineering work will begin to transform this proposal into reality.


Drawing of the proposed Nukebeard. Blue is the interstage, Red is the Nukebeard booster itself, and Yellow is a projected payload enclosure

[PeZook]

PeZookian hostage crisis, day two: Royal palace

The pace of the last few hours was frantic, but the situation seemed to be stabilizing. Except in a bad way - the hostages were still inside, the hostage-takers still held hostages and the police still had no options.

"We have a plan, sire."

"Go ahead"

"The airplane has left Shinran airspace, but it's still on their radars. They've turned south, as we anticipated."

"Please cut to the point. I read about this in the morning brief."

"Yeah, well...we'll need co-operation from the Shinra to actually pull off what we have planned...and some more muscle from other countries."

"General, please. I know what you're trying to do, but no decision has been made yet. Present the actual plan." - the King was growing irritable.

"We have plans for a long-range rescue attempt from Terra Libertia using C-130 transports and aerial refuelling. They will avoid Saddamistani airspace on their way in.

We think we could pull this off. We'll need about a company of paratroopers and five transports, plus an aerial tanker or two. Now, everything depends on accurate intel - this is why we need the Shinra to shadow the airplane and perform a series of flybys over Libertia. If the hijackers are as smart as we think they are, they will move the hostages from wherever they want to land into a secure area - this is why we need to strike as soon as possible.

The plan is still incomplete, as we lack maps of the area, photographs of the landing site, et cetera. We were thinking extraction could be accomplished either by landing the transports in a suitable forest clearing and launching them with JATO engines, or by helicopter after steaming a ship into the area."

Everybody listened to the short briefing, but seemed less than satisfied.

"This isn't much to work with, general"

"As I've said, a lot of the details depend on getting accurate intel of the landing area. The airliner just barely has enough fuel to reach Libertopia, so it will have to land near the coast. I'll admit that Saddamistani cooperation would be great, too, but that's wishful thinking."

"We have a hot-line established with Shinra. See what you can do about the intel."

"Yes, sire"

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

Ten minutes later, liaison officers got aboard two helicopters on the lawn in front of the palace and took off, heading towards the airfield. They would later board a Zorian supersonic jet headed for Shinra.

[RogueIce]

The Defense Minister finished his presentation to a visibly angry President.

"These terrorists killed two students. On our soil. Do what you have to, Minister."

A SRAF E-3, escorted by a flight of F-22As will shadow the captured airliner. The carrier battlegroup, on maneuvers in the Western Ocean, will steam towards an intercept and shadow the airliner with E-2s and F-14s. Upon landing, A-6Es will make high-level recon overflights. This data will be transmitted to PeZookian military forces. In addition, a battalion of SR Army Rangers will be transferred to the carrier and will stand off shore. They, and the carrier wing will provide any assistance the PeZookian forces may need.

((OOC: I know I have a carrier helping out at the Bear Republic too. But since my third carrier didn't need a refit and the relief carrier had most of its airwing disembarked, I'm able to have it out and have a mostly full air wing. Training was being conducted, but there are sufficient experienced pilots aboard to fly any combat missions needed.))

[MKSheppard]

First Blackbeard Battalion Turned Over

In a flashy ceremony dominated by aircraft flyovers and a laser show, Union Aerospace Corporation formally turned over the first Battalion equipped with a mix of MGM-174C Fastbeards and MGM-175C Slowbeards to the II Republic of Pezookia, nearly a month ahead of schedule.

Due to production limitations; the Battalion only contained two firing batteries and 48 missiles, instead of the programmed four firing batteries and 96 missiles.

Speaking at the event, UAC's CEO said:

"Yes, we know some are disappointed that the first couple of battalions will have only forty-eight missiles; but we felt that this was the most equitable way to distribute the limited stock of equipment available to us this early in the program evenly; to ensure that everyone gets some capability as fast as possible."

"We're on schedule to deliver thirteen Battalions and 624 missiles for 2009, with production rising to forty battalions and 3,800 plus missiles in 2010. We expect final production numbers to be around two hundred battalions and over nineteen thousand missiles, give or take a couple thousand."

Upon hearing this, both the Pezookian and Shroomanian representatives passed out, but were later revived.

[Fingolfin_Noldor]

Constantinople Times

News Headlines
Byzantium formally requests to join O.M.S.K alliance.
The Byzantine Emperor Heraclius IV formally requests to join the O.M.S.K alliance and to participate in and help co-fund the space program.

"Byzantium needs allies and O.M.S.K appears to be the alliance that most meets our goals." says the Emperor.

The Emperor, himself a Physicist, takes a keen interest in Science, and would gladly collaborate with the Red Technoracy in all fields of human endeavour.

Byzantium announces that it invites nations to join its quest to build the world's largest particle accelerator, the SuperCollider to be built possibly in Byzantium.
"The Super Collider will open up new avenues in Science never before seen and will spur innovation on many fronts, particularly in communications, superconductivity, and also allow us to have a sneak peak in the beginnings of the universe. All nations are welcomed to join us in this great endeavor." says the Emperor.

Byzantium condemns terrorist acts
The Emperor and the Cabinet jointly condemned the recent spate of terrorism.
"This is intolerable and Byzantium will not stand for this. Should any nation require our aid, we would deploy our special forces as required." says the Prime Minister, with the Emperor and the Ecumenical Patriarch at her side.

[K. A. Pital]

[@ RogueIce: I doubt you'd face real resistance in those shithole lands against a carrier with an air wing ready]

We are happy to hear about Blackbeard deployment which is securing the Central Sea for a greater peace and security.

[PeZook]

[@ RogueIce: I doubt you'd face real resistance in those shithole lands against a carrier with an air wing ready]

We are happy to hear about Blackbeard deployment which is securing the Central Sea for a greater peace and security.

[OOC: The question is time ; There's 72 hours left to stage the rescue operation, which is why it is a problem at all.]

Preliminary plans for Operation: Archangel are brewing right now, on board the carrier - steaming at full spead towards Terra Libertia.

CLASSIFIED: INITIAL PLAN OUTLINE FOR OPERATION "ARCHANGEL"

Current assets: one ranger batallion (circa 800 men), partial carrier air-wing, carrier battlegroup.

Carrier shall be in range of Terra Libertia within 24 hours.


Fig.1: 24-hour carrier range, assuming full speed. Red circle marks theorized airliner landing area.

"Archangel" calls for a daring, long-ranged strike on Terra Libertia itself. Shinra air assets shadowing the airliner shall perform flybys of landing area without revealing their presence. Constant surveillance is required to ascertain current location of hostages.

It is advised that reconeissance teams be inserted covertly into Libertia prior to the operation, so as to better ascertain the situation - hostage-takers may attempt to disperse the hostages across numerous locations.

Best time to attack would be directly after the landing, however the carrier will not be in helicopter range for twelve more hours.

Resistance expected is low: lightly armed militias, technical vehicles.

Co-ordination is crucial. Once "Archangel" commences, special forces will storm the school back in PeZookia. It is imperative that both crises are resolved before any information can reach the airplane hijackers.

[RogueIce]

The SRS Broadsword, a Hercules-class cruiser, joins the RTS Admiral Ushakov

Shinra Republic welcomes the ADMIRAL USHAKOV

The Shinra Republic welcomes the arrival of the RTS Admiral Ushakov from the Red Technocracy on its goodwill cruise! In a welcoming ceremony attended by the President himself, he thanked the crew for their part in this mission of peace, and announced that a SRN cruiser, the Broadsword, would be joining them.

"I stand eternally committed to the cause of global peace and cooperation, and I take this opportunity to greet the sailors of the Red Technocracy and wish them a wonderful stay in our country. I am also announcing an exchange program between the ships of our two nations: sailors of our Navy will sail aboard the Admiral Ushakov, and RT sailors will be aboard the Broadsword as they make their journey to the southern reaches of our world."

[PeZook]

ASTORIA NEWS

A police officer is talking with a reporter on the street in fron of the school. Several burned-out cars are seen behind him, as well as ambulances and fire trucks. One of the ambulances has clearly visible bullet holes all across the side.

"The situation is reasonably stable, but we've been unable to get any aid to the hostages. The terrorists refuse to allow them food or medical aid, and have tossed out two more bodies outside the front door, but did not allow to remove them."

"Comissioner, you call this a stable situation? How many more people will have to die before the government takes any action?"

"We will not do anything to endanger more hostages. The terrorists have made this very clear - any attempt to interfere will end with a mass execution."

"So the police will do nothing?"

"We will maintain the perimeter and attempt to establish contact with the hostage-takers. There is nothing more we could possibly attempt."

Nelly, as you can see, the police forces are completely impotent in this situation. With the airliner gone and out of reach, and no rescue in sight for the students here in Astoria, I think we are looking at an imminent governmental crisis of trust.

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

In a large and well-lit room not far from the school, a couple dozen men nodded to themselves after watching the news. The reporters knew nothing, which meant the hostage-takers didn't, either.

They turned back towards the building plans, studying them intently.

"Here." - one of them tapped the plans - "Here's our main entry point."

[Shroom Man 777]

[Goddamn school! It has severely lagged my reaction time!]

A quick update on the Shroomanian Situation:

- The terrorist hostage-taking incident in PeZookia has stunned and shocked the entirety of Shroomania and our people stand side by side with the citizens of PeZookia, Shinra, Shepnukistan and the Technocracy in condemning these deplorable acts. We would also like to express our sympathies to those families, irregardless of nationality, who watch on as their loved ones are in anger. We hope for the best, and wish the brave soldiers and airmen of Shinra and PeZookia godspeed in their coming rescue operation.

- Shroomania is prepared to send a corps of medical professionals to PeZookia to assist in the provision of healthcare and treatment of those held against their will by terrorists in the Astorpia Private Engineering School.

- The successful launch of two Shroom-Sats is a slight relief in these dark times, and so we would like to thank our friends in the United Kingdom of Blackader and would offer them discounts in satellite TV subscriptions

- The Shroom-Sats will be used by the Shroomanian Scientific Society to broadcast to the world's public news regarding their extensive findings in their expedition to the Bear Republic.

[PeZook]

[Goddamn school! It has severely lagged my reaction time!]

It's the Libertopians, man!

- Shroomania is prepared to send a corps of medical professionals to PeZookia to assist in the provision of healthcare and treatment of those held against their will by terrorists in the Astorpia Private Engineering School.

The government of the II Republic accepts this offer with utmost gratitude ; Police forces have already cleared Astoria International Airport of all bystanders, and the media are closely monitored, so as to not allow the hostage-takers to gather any information which may suggest an upcoming rescue operation.

The Foreign Ministry has covertly released information on the planned attack to the relevant allied parties: it is to be conducted by military special forces in strenght, right after commencement of operation "Archangel" in Libertopia. Probable "Go-time" is 48 hours from now, and 24 hours before the deadline is up.

[K. A. Pital]

The Supreme Council authorizes use of Air Force 001 for the most rapid transfer of medical supplies to the II Republic of Pezookia

The plane has traversed the Central Sea, covering the whole distance in mere 30 minutes. The whole trip took 1 hour to do.

The plane also brought Techocracy's newest Artificial Limb Group from the Omsk Central Medical Institute.

[MKSheppard]

Shepnukistani Defense Department Release #6

In light of recent events, the Secretary of Defense is forced to cancel the UV-24 VTOL program; it's 2,000 mile range (1,000 mile radius) with payload is clearly insufficient to meet the new requirements raised by the Libertopian Hijacking.

Accordingly, money already programmed for the UV-24 VTOL program is reprogrammed towards the X-VLRAC (eXperimental Very Long Range Assault Cargo) program tentatively designated as the C-46 Commando II.

"I realize this is a severe blow to Bakewell Aerospace, and our other national partners in the UV-24 program, but events have forced us to reassess our priorities. Regardless, there will be very generous contract termination packages to recompense all for their investments, whether past or planned." -- SecDef Slade

[PeZook]

Time left to end of terrorist deadline: 46 hours

Media briefing

Astoria International cleared of civilians. Heavy transport airplane observed landing.

Situation inside the school critical. One more dead hostage thrown out the door, apparently died of infection.

Military officers leave on a plane towards Shinra ; Final destination unknown.

Parliament convenes for emergency session this evening.

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

The censor crossed out several headlines on the report and handed it back to the intern.

"Don't let these air. If the hostage takers smell anything is wrong, we may see a lot of dead bodies by tomorrow. Leave the one about emergency parliament meeting, though. This ought to placate them."

The intern nodded and ran out of the office. There was a lot of cigarette smoke hanging in the air on the corridor, and plenty of nervous military officers.

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

Royal office

"The airplane landed here, on a dirt strip five miles inland. There are some structures here and here, and IR shows them to be occupied. UAV videos showed about ten hostages being moved into the large building here, while the rest are kept inside the plane. There's a convoy of about ten vehicles, trucks and technicals, moving up a dirt road from the south, probably to pick up some of the hostages."

"How do they keep in touch with the second group?"

"ELINT shows a large comms center nearby. Pretty well equipped for a bunch of goat herders...they probably monitor the news channels. There is no radio activity at the school, so we have a theory that they use pre-arranged signals."

"Like what?"

"It could be anything, really, like releasing hostages at certain times, throwing out bodies or randomly shooting at ambulances."

"But that means...if they have a prearranged 'ok' signal, then if we censor the wrong piece of news..."

"Yes. Then they will start executing hostages at the airplane."

[PeZook]

CLASSIFIED: FINAL "ARCHANGEL" OPERATION PLAN

Stage One, Codename: SHADOW

T+ 00:00:00 Operation begins. Covert reconeissance teams inserted inland. Shadow One, inserted for surveillance of dirt strip landing site. Shadow Two, surveillance of comms center. Shadow Three, surveillance of convoy from the air, convoy destination once located.

T+ 00:45:00 Planned insertion time for covert teams.

Stage Two, Codename: BULLDOG

T+ 03:00:00 Rangers Flight 1 takes off.

T+ 03:45:00 Rangers Flight 1 planned insertion time: two companies inserted near convoy destination.

T+ 04:15:00 Rangers Flight 2 takes off. Chopper strike element (Codename: KILO) takes off.

T+ 05:00:00 Rangers Flight 2 planned insertion time: two companies inserted near airfield.

T+ 05:10:00 Ranger Groups 1 & 2 move in on objectives. Cruise missile strike against comms center. If situation allows, Shadow Two moves in to acquire intel.

T+ 05:30:00 Ranger Groups 1 & 2 seize designated objectives and establish perimeter.

Stage Two, Codename: TURTLE

T+ 05:45:00 Ranger Groups begin extraction of hostages ; "Little Birds" and Seahawks extract the first batch. Counterattacks expected.

T+ 06:15:00 Ranger Group 1 extracts with hostages. All CAS assets directed to dirt strip airfield.

T+ 07:30:00 Ranger Group 2 extracts with hostages. Shadow units converge on extraction point.

T+ 08:30:00 Shadow units extracted

Total planned mission time: 8 hours 30 minutes. Mission highlits subject to change as necessary.

[OOC: Hey, this whole thing is within range of naval artillery!]

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

ROYAL PALACE

"You think this will work?"

"I don't see why not. We have plenty of assets there, and Shinras are as competent as any soldier. Yeah, it should work. Now we just have to make sure things work out in Astoria. The stakes are actually way higher here."

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

Time left to end of terrorist deadline: 38 hours

Nelly, we have a breakthrough here! Apparently, after the Parliament convened in an emergency session, the hostage-takers have allowed food and medication to be delivered for the hostages. A number of civilian sanitation workers have entered the building, carrying the necessary supplies. They reported that conditions inside are awful ; The stench is almost unbearable, as 300 people are crammed into a single modest lecture hall. People are forced to remain silent and immobile ; At least two people have suffocated already.

Meanwhile, the police still take no action to relieve the situation. While negotiators have finally been able to establish contact with the terrorists, they were unable to secure release of any hostages. Apparently, terrorists demanded hand grenades and explosives, and were denied. They have also warned that if the parliament does not make a decision soon, the hostages will be "In even more danger".

Nelly, I am seeing some sort of commotion here...a hostage is being released! A young woman is coming out of the building!

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

ROYAL PALACE

"Our theory appears to be right ; Once that woman was released, they started loading hostages on the trucks."

"Their destination?"

"There is a large compound to the south. We think they will move these people there."

"How long untill 'Archangel' begins?"

"At least one more hour."

[Grand Moff Yenchin]

Mangka TV Evening News

"Earlier today President Y.G. Ma released a statement, condemning the terrorists in PeZookia as well as expressing his deepest sympathy to the families suffering in the crisis. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already contacted WanPharm, the only Mangka pharmaceutical company which has its branch in PeZookia to provide free medical supplies in support for those in need in the situation. This is the first time since the Bioweapon Tension that the Republic of Mangka has expressed its stance on terrorism."

[PeZook]

T-30 MINUTES, ASTORIA EVENING NEWS

Welcome to the evening news! I am Nelly Ritch.

The hostage crisis is deepening! With barely thirty-six hours left untill the end of terrorist deadline, the authorities find themselves increasingly pressed for time. We now go to our reporter on the scene.

"Thank you, Nelly! As you can see here, the situation hasn't changed at all. As completely insane as it sounds, the authorities have agreed to exchange a box of hand grenades for ten hostages! They are apparently running out of options here..."

John, could you repeat that? Do you mean that a box of hand grenades has been handed over to the terrorists?

"Well, not as of this moment, but they are preparing to transfer it now. I have also noticed some strange happenings at the command post, with foreigners going in and ou..."

<transmission is cut abruptly>

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

T-29 MINUTES, COMMAND POST, TWO BLOCK AWAY FROM THE SCHOOL


The command post was located in a small container, easy to move and equipped with modern electronics. Negotiations and emergency efforts were co-ordinated from this room, while attack planning was going on inside a residential building behind the command center. An international negotiating team was assembled there and were talking over their strategy.

The portable phone rang suddendly. Closing his eyes, an N'Ton negotiator put on the headphones and answered it.

"There are supposedly foreigners waltzing around your command center. Explain yourself."

"Who told you that?"

"I heard it on the news, right before the traitor government cut the fucking signal!"

"Calm down, please. Yes, there are a couple of foreigners around here. I'm one of them."

"You're what?"

"I came from N'Ton to help. Your government would just try to lie to you."

"You're filthy foreign scum, that's who you are!"

"The N'Tonians want no..."

"Shut up! Shut the fuck up! I want to speak to a fucking PeZookian, do you understand me?!"

"Yes, of course. But please, calm down. Please."

The N'Ton negotiator nodded towards his PeZookian colleague, who put on his own headphones.

"Hello? You asked to speak to me."

"Are you a PeZookian?!" - the voice on the other side was angry, but obviously tired

"Yes. Yes, I'm a PeZookian. A patriot, just like you."

"The news said there are foreigners around the command center."

"Yes, yes there are. The government is forcing us to work with N'Tonians."

"Wha...forcing you? No, wait. You're playing mind games with me!"

"No, I'm not. I just want to help you. What's your name?"

"I won't give you my name. Stop asking."

"I just want to..."

"I said stop asking, or you get another dead hostage!"

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T-20 MINUTES, SRS "RANGER", FLIGHT DECK

A long row of black helicopters lined the flight deck, bow to stern. Ground crews scurried from one to another, performing preflight checks. It was quiet on the deck, with only the slightest throbbing coming from the ship's propulsion. A silence before the storm.

"Preflight checks complete. Birds are ready to go."

"Understood. Pass it on below decks."

A few minutes later, rotors on three MH-60 Blackhawks started to turn slowly, with a high-pitched whine. At the same time, a group of dark figures started running towards the aircraft, loaded with weapons, wearing night-vision goggles and covered in camouflage.

"SHADOW package ready for takeoff"

"Roger that SHADOW, wind is 3 from 320, overcast 3400. You have no moon."

"Yeah, perfect weather. SHADOW package lifting off."

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T+1 MINUTE, ROYAL PALACE



An intern knocked on the wooden door to the Royal Office. Hearing no reply, she cracked it open slightly and saw the King, sleeping uneasily on the couch. She walked up, cautiously, and touched his arm.

"Wh...what? What is it?" - the Sovereign of the II Republic asked, fighting off drowsiness.


"Sire...'Archangel' has begun."

[General Deathdealer]

0800, General’s Palace
Minister of Defense: Sire, we are pleased to announce that we have a working copy of the Gauss Rifle complete and ready for production. The real beast was getting the heat sink working so the rifle won’t melt.
General Sanguinius: Excellent, most excellent. So tell me what this Gauss Rifle can do.

MOD: Well sire, it will fire a 5mm needle at the same velocity of a 2900 ft/sec, about the same as the standard M4. Since we do not need casings like a conventional bullet, we can fit more rounds into a magazine. A magazine the size of a standard 30-Round clip for the M4 can now hold 50 round wand weighs about the same. The rate of fire is not as great as the M4. The rate of fire on the M4 is about 950 rounds per minute. We are only able to get about 600 rounds per minute out of the Gauss Rifle. It runs off of a power pack that is essentially 10 9V batteries hooked together, so the power pack is not very big or heavy. The current power pack will last for 5000 rounds before it needs to be changed. Changing the power pack is as easy as changing a magazine, so it won’t slow our infantrymen down any. The biggest advantage for the new Gauss Rifle is stealth. There is no noise when firing it and there is no muzzle flash. It is perfect for when you want to take out the enemy, but don’t want them to know where you are.

General Sanguinius: Is the Rifle the only variant we have? Have we tried adapting it to larger weapons?
MOD: The Rifle is the only one we have right here to show you sire. We have a working pistol that will replace the M9, a Light Machine Gun that will replace the M240B, a Heavy Machine Gun that will replace the M2, a sniper rifle that will replace the M40 and M82, a 25MM cannon that will replace the bushmaster on the M2 and M3, a 120MM that will replace the main gun on the M1, and a 155MM that will replace the gun on our PzH2000 AP Howitzers.
General Sanguinius: So we will be able to replace all of our weapons with Gauss weapons?

MOD: Yes sire. The larger weapons like the HMG, 25MM and 120MM that are vehicle mounted will run off the vehicles batteries. But to be sure we will install an extra set of batteries in all vehicles that will be dedicated to the weapons, but will be recharged from the engine like the regular vehicle batteries.
General Sanguinius: So this is the Rifle right here? Can I fire it?
MOD: Yes sire, we know how you like firing guns. The battery pack goes in the pistol grip, and the rest is like a standard rifle.

General Sanguinius: What about our Navy?
MOD: We have a 5” model that will fit on all of our naval vessels except the Reliance Class. Due to not needing gun powder, the gun is a lot smaller that the normal version of a 5” gun. Its mount is about the same as the 76mm. The Reliance Class will receive the 25MM version for its armament.
MOD: The design for the guns is relatively simple once we worked out all of the bugs and we could feasibly go up to battleship caliber. We are also working on a larger version that we plan on selling to our larger allies. It is the same concept as a Gauss Weapon, but it uses a lot more power and would be used to put payloads into space. It is called a mass driver. The Mass Driver would be enormous and require more power than we can generate. But the potential for the space program is tremendous.
General Sanguinius: What are we going to name the weapons?
MOD: The Pistol is the GP1, the rifle is the GR1, the LMG is the GLMG1, the HMG is the GHMG1, and the sniper rifles are the GS1. We just put a G for Gauss and a letter for what kind of weapon..

General Sanguinius: I get the idea. Start production and start arming our troops with the new weapons and bring our ships in for rearming. Also, let’s get this information to our allies. Now, let’s go squeeze off some rounds.




Paragraphs are your friend!-Bean