SD.net's World (RAR!)

Post by **Coyote** » 2008-04-10 11:58am

Foreign Minister Ren Lars looked out at the oblong strip of curled land that was Gottland. It was a small place, and reputed to be very poor. They'd just developed a fledgling air force, and they were having trouble getting basic expenses covered.

Perfect.

As the helicopter banked around, the Trade Minsiter, Rayzha Rumaclin, could see for herself the narrow crescent of Gottland. By the look on her face, she was in agreement with the proposals made by the joint ministries.

"Let's land and go have a talk with the locals," FM Lars said through the radio headset. The pilot gave his thumbs-up and the civilian version of the UH-60 Blackhawk-style helicopter touched down at the main Gottlied airport. The government ministers unbuckled themselves and stood on the tarmac, Trade Minister Rumaclin smoothing some wrinkles from her conservative grey skirt as she did.

"You realize by landing here, it's an International Airport," she quipped. Foreign Minsiter Lars smiled in return. A local delegation was coming to meet them. Handshakes and introductions were had all around.

"What can the people of Gottland do for you today?" the local man asked, smiling at the visitors from Canissia.

"First off, we'd like to say how happy we are to be here," FM Lars said, "And we noticed with great interest that your nation has recently created an air force," he said, with a glance towards the massive Antonov aircraft parked at the far end of the tarmac.

"A beauty, isn't it?" the Gottlander said, beaming. The fresh coat of paint made it dazzle in the noonday sun, and the ground crew-- undergoing training by Red Technocracy advisors-- seemed like ants in comparison to the massive airlifter.

"An impressive bird," FM Lars said, "But we were wondering if you'd had plans to, um, branch out a bit."
"What do you mean, sir?"
"Well... one big aircraft is fine, but so, too, are many more aircraft-- a couple squadrons worth would make Gottland a regional power."

"Oh, in all seriousness, we'd love to," said the Gottlander, "But in all truth, we cannot afford squadrons of planes. After all, each plane has it's own ground crew and pilot-- these expenses add up." The Foreign and Trade Minsiters exchanged a smile.

"We may be able to help you," the Trade Minsiter said, smiling, "Your people can use jobs, I am sure-- and we would love to outsource some of our work to your people. One of our major car-building companies, Gaia-Electric, would like to build an assembly plant here. It would provide lots of jobs, and good income for your people."

"I see," the Gottlander said, "And how does this tie in with an Air Force, if we build cars?"
"Well, that'll be the tip of the iceberg," said the Foreign Minister. "We'd like to have access to your port, and maybe build a small navy base. We can lease the area for you-- it will be small, no more than five ships at most-- and we can help provide joint training for your forces. We can help you do some exploration offshore for natural gas or oil, and for your trouble we'd like to provide your brand-new air force with some brand-new planes... UAVs, actually. Drones."

"Drone aircraft?"
"Yes," Lars said, "Drones are small and easy to maintain, and if your people know how to play video games, they can be taught to fly 'em."

"Wow," he said, rubbing his chin, "So... the money we make off these other deals..."
"Can easily be applied ot offset the cost of the drones," the Trade Minsiter said, "We'll just roll the cost in as, say, part of the lease for the ship dock?"

"How long would you want this lease to be for?" the Gottland representative asked.
"We're very reasonable," FM Lars said, "A definite commitment for dock space for 90 years total," he said, "of which, spaces for five ships for 60 years is guaranteed. After 60 years we re-negotiate to either expand or decrease the commitment."

"I will take this to the capitol..."

Results:
People's Republic of Canissia makes offer to Gottland--
Car assembly factory (jobs! skill training!)
Lease space for small Navy base (real estate income!)
Help explore potential offshore resorces, share proceeds from exploitation.
Canissia will add 2 squadrons of UAVs and training for new air force (planes! Skill training!)

--what says Gottland??

MKSheppard · Post by **MKSheppard** » 2008-04-10 11:59am

Nukistani Times

In light of the recent securing of uranium deposits via a trade agreement with the Duchy of Baerne, the Republic of Shepnukistani announced a deal with the Red Technocracy for the construction of three nuclear power complexes, each centered around a single RBMK-2000 graphite moderated nuclear reactor. Construction is estimated to take 2-3 years. When completed, they will be a huge boon to the economy of Shepnukistan, adding about six gigawatts (the equivalent of three hoover dams) to the Shepnukistan economy, making electricity truly too cheap to meter.

STATS of RBMK-2000:
2,000 MW of Electrical Power
5,400 MW of Thermal Power
226 tons of Uranium in Core

Dave · Post by **Dave** » 2008-04-10 12:16pm

NewsTon
News by the Metric Tone

04/10/08

Top Metallurgical Engineers on PeZookian Site Tour

Several faculty and graduate students of the N'ton School of Mines and Metallurgy are leaving on a week-long tour of future copper mine sites in the II Republic. A spokesman for the University said that the PeZookian Republic had asked the Republic of N'ton if they would assist in developing their copper industry. The government then offered the University a few grants in exchange for the use of their best and brightest. The university will be using the money to expand their small Mining department, said the spokesman, to take advantage of the real-world experience that will be gained in developing the copper mines. Teachers are already planning site tours and speakers for their classes over the next few years. The group of students and faculty will be taken to the II Republic aboard one of the N'ton Navy's Fast Attack Craft.

In exchange for their assistance in developing the II Republic's infrastructure, the N'ton Government will be licensed to build and modify the PeZookian Fast Commerce Ship for the next 15 years. “Despite the fact that we have no maritime engineers”, the government spokeswoman said, “we have many civil and structural engineers who are eager to look at the designs.” The University also noted that the small aerospace department would be doing work to model fluid flow around the ship and find ways to streamline it, making more efficient. One of the freshman aerospace students got a word in edgewise, saying that he thinks attaching a kite to the bow of the ship could significantly reduce fuel costs, before being violently shushed by nearby students.

Shroom Man 777 · Post by **Shroom Man 777** » 2008-04-10 12:23pm

Shroomania would make a counter offer to its FUNGAL AXIS ally, New Gottland, a nation Shroomania has aided recently in a time of crisis.

Car assembly factory (jobs! skill training!) - AND the construction of Armored Fighting Vehicles
Lease space for small Navy base (real estate income!)
Help explore potential offshore resorces, share proceeds from exploitation.
Shroomania will add F-18s and training for new air force (REAL planes! REAL skill training!)

And the Mushrom Military will send veterans from the Sydromian conflict to train the local Gottish forces. These veterans have experienced real combat, so we can train your guys to make sure Civil War doesn't happen again.

Plus, of course, we could lend you Automated Commerce Vessels or Fast Commerce Ships!

[And we've got reconstruction guys fixing up stuff that got trashed in the civil war. We're also willing to sell you guns, at a discount.]

EDIT:

[BTW dudes, the Automated Commerce Vessel is an excellent fishing vessel that is very easy on crew and resources. Like it or not, fishing is gonna be a major industry in the SD World's archipelagos. And the ACV can be modified to a cargo vessel.]

[In light of that, Shroomania is gonna start adding ACV technology to those Fast Commerce Ships of PeZookia.]

MKSheppard · Post by **MKSheppard** » 2008-04-10 12:44pm

Blackbeard Program Announcement

The first prototype XMGM-174/175 and YMGM-174/175 Fastbeards and Slowbeard missiles have been launched at the new Shroomania research complex, and after a brief flight, impacted at the newly constructed firing range in Pezookia.

Production is tooling up for the mass produced C-series missiles; with the first missile ready on 4/12/08 (our time); and the first missile battery on 4/15/08 (our time).

Current research into projected Block II and Block III missiles is underway; with subscale models being fired from Shroomania's railgun complex to gather instrumented data on aerodynamic and heat indexes.

There is a strong likelihood that even before full rate production is achieved on 5/01/08 (our time); that the Block II missiles (D/E/F series) will have replaced the C series on the production line.

Post by **Coyote** » 2008-04-10 12:45pm

"I don't know, sir," the Foreign Minister said, "News had barely hit the Gottland capitol when the Fungal Axis hit 'em up with a counter-offer. They're pretty much copying our offer, but with real aircraft instead of drones."

The King sighed and nodded, unsurprised. Of course a small nation's larger partner would try to step in, it was what politics was all about.

"Well, that's real tempting, from the Gottland point of view," Arik said, "If they take it I won't be surprised. But the cost of serious aircraft is beyond Gottland's price range, as far as I know. They'll be Shroomania's charity, really."
"Well, sir, should we up the offer? Make ours comperable?"

"No," Arik said, "Be prepared to bow out gracefully. But mention that the UAVs are cheaper, and Gottland can afford to maintain them all their own, without having to rely on someone else. For an air force just starting out, it's a good step towards bigger and better things. After all, the Fungal Axis would be there to defend them regardless."

"Alright, sir, we'll be prepared. Should we try to establish an Embassy here?"
"Yeah, we need to get more pro-active on the Embassy thing. Hey, in fact, if Gottland wants, we can go into a three-way deal with Shroomania. The Fungal Axis has a lot of crossover with the OMSK-Pact, so maybe some of that good karma we got with the Red Technocracy will carry over."
"I'll be sure to bring it up, sir..."

Results:
Canissian delegates not going to get in a bidding war with Shroomania over Gottland contracts.
PRC will point out to Gottland that F-18s are cool and tempting, but UAVs, while humble, are much more affordable for a starter air force.
PRC also willing to split three ways on deals as well.

Master_Baerne · Post by **Master_Baerne** » 2008-04-10 12:45pm

Baernish MinFin
File BMF-3

SHROOMANIA and NEW GOTTLAND, Take Heed

The Duke of Baerne proposes that, should New Gottland decide to accept Prime Minister Shroom's offer, the relevant ACVs come from the Sovereign Duchy of Baerne's fleet, as

1: They are nearly 750 miles closer to New Gottland.
2: This would reduce travel time, and reduce the possiblility of pirate attack en route.
3: It would free up some of our shipyards for other construction, as ACV sales have been low for some reason.
4: We have some modifications to the ACV we'd like to test. His Excellency the Prime Minister shall receive news of these shortly, as the senior partner in this venture.

MKSheppard · Post by **MKSheppard** » 2008-04-10 01:03pm

The Blackbeard Multi-national Missile Complex Announces it's Possible Missile Lineup for Next Year

MIM-173 - ASAT/ABM Missile; maximum altitude of 1,000 miles.
MGM-174 - Jointly produced version of ZAASM-1 Anti-Ship Missile.
MGM-175 - Jointly produced version of ZAASM-2 Anti-Ship Misisle.
ZAGM-176 - Proposed Mach 3, 150 km ranged anti ship missile; tentatively given ZAASM-3 definition; made to chase a foreign contract for helicopter launched missile.
ZMGM-177 - Proposed Ballistic missile conversion of MIM-173.
ZMIM-178 - Proposed Air Defense Missile conceptually similar to PATRIOT/S-300.
ZMIM-179 - Proposed Air Defense Missile; takes ZMIM-178 and mates it to the first stage booster of MIM-173 for enhanced range.
ZMCB-180 - Proposed highly mobile space launch booster based on MIM-173 for small (25~ kg loads).
ZMGM-181 - Proposed Solid fuel ramjet-powered Land Attack Missile to replace land attack Slowbeards and Fastbeards.
182 Series - [CLASSIFIED] - Cancelled due to no need.
183 Series - [CLASSIFIED] - Cancelled due to no need.
184 Series - [CLASSIFIED] - Cancelled In Favor of Different Development.

All will be capable of using the same mobile launcher complexes as the currently planned "Blackbeard" system, resulting in considerable savings.

Are you interested? Y/N

General Deathdealer · Post by **General Deathdealer** » 2008-04-10 01:06pm

Single_Stage Gauss Gun. Final version has enough power to go through one side of a coke can, but not the other.

Multi-Stage Gauss Gun. Current version can punch through both sides of a coke can and knock down the safety barrier behind the can. Prjectile is 2mm x 6cm.

Shroom Man 777 · Post by **Shroom Man 777** » 2008-04-10 01:10pm

[Official communication from Prime Minister Shroom to the Duke of Baerne.]

"Of course, my friend, the ACVs would come from your country because - as you've already pointed out, you're much closer to Gottland and your country was the one that started the ACV project, after all. I made my quick counter proposal on behalf of the FUNGAL AXIS and your nation as well, not just Shroomania.

Yes, the ACV sales have been rather low. Perhaps if Gottland accepts the ACVs and report their success, other nations would start lining up for orders. That would certainly be a good thing for your shipyards.

Perhaps we could enter a deal with PeZookia as well? Their Fast Commerce Ship and our ACV seem rather compatible projects, and if we band together, all of our nations would see a profit. I’m rather curious about those modifications you made on the ACV.”

Anyway, I think I was too hasty and reactive in my counter-offer. My move could have been misinterpreted by the Canissians. I think I’ll give them a call. Goodnight, man.”

[Official communication from the Prime Minister Shroom to the King of Canissia.]

“Good evening, your Highness. This is Prime Minister Shroom, of the Sovereignty of Shroomania. I’m sure you weren’t expecting this call…

I understand both our nations got off on the wrong foot, due to the tensions between my friends in the O.M.S.K. Pact and your allies in the MESS. Both of our sides have… misunderstood each other because of those tensions, and I would like to take this opportunity to try and defuse them.

A good subject to start on would be New Gottland. While I was quick to react and counter your offer to Gottland… I’m sure both our countries could make something out that would be mutually beneficial to both of us, and to Gottland as well.

New Gottland is a FUNGAL AXIS nation and if we could make a three-way deal, then it would go a long way in starting out good relations between both of our organizations. Since my country and the O.M.S.K. Pact are allies, it might help resolving tensions between your countries as well.

I don’t have anything concrete as of now, on a three-way deal with Gottland, it’s all been rather impromptu and improvised. But maybe we can start off by opening embassies in each other’s countries?

Yes, that would be good. Thank you for your time, sir. Certainly, both of us have much to think about on the future of our countries. Goodnight, Your Highness.

EDIT:

By the way, would Canissia be interested in buying some Automated Commerce Vessels?"

[End Transmission]

Decue · Post by **Decue** » 2008-04-10 01:18pm

New Gottland is grateful for this great opportunity and accepts under the condition that Shroomia makes an offset commitment and introduces Aunt Maria's Delicious Fish Biscuits to the Shroomania market.

Shroom Man 777 · Post by **Shroom Man 777** » 2008-04-10 01:27pm

[Shroomania would approve the latest Blackbeard proposition, though we wonder if a ballistic missile is really called for...]

[This is an ad.]
The Sovereign Shroomanian Sentinel
FUNGI AND FISH (biscuits)

A new craze is sweeping throughout Shroomania and other FUNGAL AXIS nations. First, it was the Surfing Santa, now it's Fish Biscuits. Specifically Aunt Maria's Delicious Fish Biscuits! From New Gottland!

Because of the wide success of the Fish Biscuits, Shroomanian customers have demanded that the Gottish producers provide more varieties of flavor.

At the same time, health experts have expressed grave concern regarding the proliferation of allegedly unhealthy junk foods and how it affects the health and fitness of the nation's populace.

Though New Gottland has agreed to Shroomania's proposition, Shroomania's government has expressed that it may modify the deal to include Canissian offers and that it is open to friendly negotiations with Canissian counterparts.

Post by **RogueIce** » 2008-04-10 01:37pm

(OOC: I am going to assume that the "war of words" taking place in the OOC thread has translated into various newspaper editorials and statements by politicans and others, since I don't feel like translating it all here.))

BREAKING NEWS: President Shinra to address international community regarding the building "Cold War" tensions

Good evening my fellow citizens of the world. I say this as a member of the broader international community, not just as leader of the Shinra Republic, or even as a member of the MESS. I come before you all now as simply, a fellow citizen living in the world we have all worked so hard to create.

Lately, there has been considerable tension brewing amongst all of our nations. Military buildups have been commenced by all sides, with each laying the blame on the others feet for the need to protect themselves from perceived aggressors. This war of words has spread into all corners: from newspaper editorial pages to national legislative assemblies, spirited debate in local gathering spots to official press releases. All of this has been building up to what many of termed our very own Cold War, much as happened back home on Earth.

I call upon all nations of the world to lay down your rhetoric. To take a moment and step back from the pulpit, breathe deeply and listen to all. The source of these tensions has been too long blamed on each other. We must now recognize that we have all managed to contribute to the growing fear and paranoia in our own way. And it only grows worse as each side continue to insist that they, they are the ones who are correct.

My friends, fellow citizens of the world, these debates lead us nowhere except further down the dark, cold road of distrust and fear. Action must be taken before it is too late to remember that we can work together to achieve great things. The First Great Conference on the Laws of the Sea produced much goodwill and cooperation, including a treaty on the Laws of the Sea and a Biological Weapons ban, which even now has been or is in the process of being ratified by many nations of the world.

Too soon have we let ourselves forget that the greatest way to achieve progress and security is by mutual discussion and cooperation, not empty rhetoric and vicious argument. To that end, I propose we hold a new Conference, one to work out our differences, and allow each nation to better understand each other.

Neutrality Point, which has been graciously donated to the World Community by the kind and generous people of the Red Technocracy, should perhaps be used by the world at large as a means of healing the divisions that have split us, and to seek new ways to promote better understanding and cooperation between all.

Trade. Education. Tourism Friendship. Cooperation. These are the goals we as the international community should aspire to. Not petty arguments and continued militarisation, increased tension and lasting hatreds.

I ask all nations, large or small, to meet together at Neutrality Point. As equals. As friends. And work together to find a way to allow us to all live in harmony, and together achieve the greatness inherent in all of us.

Thank you, and have a good night.

This concludes the Presidental address

Post by **The Yosemite Bear** » 2008-04-10 01:48pm

The Bear republic is slowly beginning their rail program, however with the construction of the Supercollider beginning, both projects are located in the southern most section of the Republic, in their new desert "Advanced Electromagnetic Sciences" University. Place your application now, to be part of the future. Bear Republic, Magnetics.

Master_Baerne · Post by **Master_Baerne** » 2008-04-10 01:56pm

The Sovereign Duchy of Baerne, as a relative nobody on the International Stage, approves of President Ice's address, both on the grounds of fraternal piety and because, let's face it, we'd be squashed if the Cold War got hot.

In other news, three ACVs have been provided, with modular pods and UAVs, have been provided to New Gottland, and one to the Shady Empire. We hope both nations shall be pleased with their new Automated Commerce Vessels, and we hope they make this pleasure known.

Prime Minister Shroom-we would appreciate it if you would make the proposal to Pezookia, since we are neither the senior partner nor very good with numbers.

Shroom Man 777 · Post by **Shroom Man 777** » 2008-04-10 01:58pm

[Yo! Yosemite Bear! Shroomania's railgun experts are perfectly willing to work with your magnet-guys, mang! Scroll down near the bottom. Mang!]

The Sovereign Shroomanian Sentinel
PARLIAMENT PARTIES

The Shroomanian Parliament is a place of insightful sociopolitical discourses and idealogues.

The Shroomanian Parliament was in impassioned discussion in the wake of the Shinran President's international address. The two dominant parties, the Paleopacifists and the RetroRegressives, clashed while key members of the Fundietastic Faction were jailed for suspected pedophilia.

The Paleopacifists hailed President Shinra, leader of the Republic of Shinra - a large neighbor of Shroomania - as a "Great Communicator" and his speech was praised as highlighting the issues and problems plaguing the global stage.

"Those in power are too eager to repeat the mistakes of Earth That Was," spoke one of the Paleopacifists.

The Retroregressives, on the other hand, cautioned that Shroomania must have the means to defend itself. The Retroregressive Party is one of the proponents of the Blackbeard missile program and was influential in establishing political and commercial ties with the Republic of Shepnukistan.

"We have to stick by our allies, Shepnukistan included, especially when they are being threatened by other nations - when other nations violate their airspace, when other nations look to building nukes or bioweapons or other WMDs!" exclaimed a Retroregressive MP.

Prime Minister Shroom, on the other hand, expressed interest in opening wider diplomatic ties with the Shinra Republic and, when asked of his thoughts regarding President Shinra's speech, answered by saying: "Cool."

Amongst the other topics discussed in Parliament was the joint Shroomanian-Baerne Automated Commerce Vessel where all parties unanimously voted to increase the advertisement of the ACV to other nations. And to propose to the Republic of PeZookia that the FCS and the ACV projects see some kind of 'integration' due to their apparent compatibility.

PeZook · Post by **PeZook** » 2008-04-10 02:01pm

THE ASTORIA POST

International Sea Commerce Agency proposed by PeZookian government

The Ministry of Trade has reacted to various proposals and concerns arising on the commercial shipping market by extending an offer to all nations engaged in ACV and FCS projects.

"The Ministry would like to propose a creation of a new generation of highly automated freighters in a displacement class unprecedented before on SD.net world. While the Fast Commerce Ships and Automated Commerce Vessels are an important milestone in the establishment of cross-SD commerce, they are but the first step.

The agency, as proposed by PeZookian Ministry Of Trade, would include the following steps:

1) Integration of ACV and FCS systems to enable production of a single, streamlined, fuel-efficient and low-crew ship model.

2) Joint manufacture and sales of said ships

3) Development of commercial shipyards in all member nations in order to allow production of ships in the 50 thousand tonne class

4) Shared R&D costs for development of new, fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly commerce ships

5) Joint ventures on the location and exploitation of sea resources in a sustainable way, and

6) Development of various ships other than freighters for civilian use: yachts, passenger liners, resource extraction ships.

A common budget would be established for the Agency, which would then allocate resources for investment and ship production. All profit from sales of commercial ships via the agency would be distributed equally amongst member nations.

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

SHINRA REPUBLIC PRAISED BY PARLIAMENTARY SPEAKERS

In a special parliamentary session today, various speakers from all shades of the political spectrum have supported the Shinra Republic's meesage of peace. The first year of SD.net world's existence was hardly peaceful, and any initiative to relieve tensions is mighty welcome.

The King, encouraged by such unified support, decided that Republican representatives shall attend talks at Neutrality Point.

Post by **Coyote** » 2008-04-10 02:02pm

Shroom Man 777 wrote:[Official communication from the Prime Minister Shroom to the King of Canissia.]

“Good evening, your Highness. This is Prime Minister Shroom, of the Sovereignty of Shroomania. I’m sure you weren’t expecting this call…

"Hey, no problem-- good to hear from you, really. To be honest I should have sent out a message stating an interest, but I just wanted to keep things simple..."

I understand both our nations got off on the wrong foot, due to the tensions between my friends in the O.M.S.K. Pact and your allies in the MESS. Both of our sides have… misunderstood each other because of those tensions, and I would like to take this opportunity to try and defuse them.

A good subject to start on would be New Gottland. While I was quick to react and counter your offer to Gottland… I’m sure both our countries could make something out that would be mutually beneficial to both of us, and to Gottland as well.

"Yeah, the tension is a little high, and wholly unecessary, I think. It's all too easy to trip back into that whole cold-war type way of thinking."

New Gottland is a FUNGAL AXIS nation and if we could make a three-way deal, then it would go a long way in starting out good relations between both of our organizations. Since my country and the O.M.S.K. Pact are allies, it might help resolving tensions between your countries as well.

"That would be awesome. You saw the Red Technocracy paper lately, where we're working on that seabridge thing, right? I'm totally open to working with my neighbors, which certainly includes Shroomania."

I don’t have anything concrete as of now, on a three-way deal with Gottland, it’s all been rather impromptu and improvised. But maybe we can start off by opening embassies in each other’s countries?

"Done. I'll let my Foreign Minister know; we'll start assigning some foreign service staff. There's going to be a MESS/OMSK meet at some point in the near future, too, so hopefully we can get more swords hammered into plowshares. I tell ya what, we got a whole world here to play with. No time to be wasting on blowing folks up. Delegates will be on the ground within the week."

Yes, that would be good. Thank you for your time, sir. Certainly, both of us have much to think about on the future of our countries. Goodnight, Your Highness.

'Night, man. And stop by any time for some awesome drinks and fish. I'm trying to stock steelhead salmon and beluga. Mixed results so far. We could consider sponsoring hatcheries... anyhow, that'll be for later. Later!"

By the way, would Canissia be interested in buying some Automated Commerce Vessels?"

[End Transmission]

Oh, hell yeah!

Post by **RogueIce** » 2008-04-10 02:04pm

Shroom Man 777 wrote:[Amongst the other topics discussed in Parliament was the joint Shroomanian-Baerne Automated Commerce Vessel where all parties unanimously voted to increase the advertisement of the ACV to other nations.

The Shinra Republic, in the interests of cooperation and mutual progress, would be most pleased to enter into talks concerning its entry into the Shrommanian ACV project, for both itself and on behalf of the Principality of Tongdijuana, as a means to help bolster their economy as well.

The Shinra Republic, recognizing the Principality's limited resources, would gladly assist in making ACVs available and affordable to the people of Tongdijuana, and would hope to enter into an agreement with Shroomania towards that end as well.

Post by **The Yosemite Bear** » 2008-04-10 02:06pm

Sure, your railgun people are wellcome, right now were building things, but we've erm pulped a frog earlier this week... no we crushed it with competing magnetic fields..

MKSheppard · Post by **MKSheppard** » 2008-04-10 02:12pm

Shep Defense Weekly

Imagery of F-24 in flight.

In other news today, an important milestone was reached in the Nukistani F-24 program with the signing of a contract to construct a 600,000 square foot assembly plant for the production of the F-24.

The F-24, with it's projected 1,600 mile combat radius; will offer the Nukistani Air Defense Command significantly improved capabilities over the existing in service F-22s. There is also much interest in procuring the type for Strategic Air Command for it's Strategic Fighter Wings. It is expected that all of Shepnukistani's 320 F-22As will become surplus after the full order for 500~ F-24s is fulfilled.

There is further interest in further development of it as a medium bomber under the designation B-26 Marauder II for SAC, but no firm deals have been signed yet.

Post by **RogueIce** » 2008-04-10 02:18pm

The President, in pursuit of his worldwide peace initiatives, has proposed to open embassies in all nations so willing, but especially in Shroomania, PeZookia, and the Red Technocracy.

"Shroomania, in addition to its excellent ideas being their ACV and FCS projects, is also our neighbor. And if we can't get along with our own neighbors, what hope do we have?

Further, as I have said to the General Secretary of the Red Technocracy, I fully applaud his initiative in working towards mutual cooperation towards space exploration. While I admit I had, and continue to hope for, fully free space exploration, I recognize the difficulties the General Secretary had to face, and that compromise on this issue, as with so many others, is necessary if we are to ever hope to work together.

I was wrong to doubt you, my friend. I hope you can forgive me.

To that end, I would like to formally request to join the JSEZ. While the Shinra Republic is currently not launching any space assets here at home, instead contributing to the MESS Space Agency, I fully support the use of space by all nations and hope that this act will further that goal. I further call upon my allies in the MESS to join myself and Canissia in our efforts to achieve mutual understanding and cooperation in the exploration of the stars.

Finally, I wish to applaud the intiative by PeZookia to create an International Sea Commerace Agency. I firmly believe this will reap many dividends, not the least of which will be a commonality in merchant shipping that will allow all nations to be able to equally build, service, and support the world's merchant fleets, without having to worry about technical compatability.

I wish to extend my personal offer of the Shinra Republic's support towards this project, and hope I may join the many other nations of the world in pursuit of this worthy goal."

Master_Baerne · Post by **Master_Baerne** » 2008-04-10 02:20pm

Baernish MinFin
File BMF-3

ACV Promotion:

The Joint Shroomanian/Baernish Automated Commerce Vessel is a low-crew, high-capacity oceangoing ship designed for a variety of tasks. Fishing and cargo transportation are some of the most popular uses for this versatile, amazing vessel.

A new ACV under construction at Forgeville yards.

An artist's rendering of an ACV with tanker attachments. More specialized ACVs are avaliable on a commission basis.

The UAVs present on new-style ACVs are military models sans armaments, so you know they're top quality.

MKSheppard · Post by **MKSheppard** » 2008-04-10 02:24pm

Nukistani Times Exclusive Interview With President Shep!

Mr President; there are some who say that your ever increasing arms deals are contributing to instability in our new world.

Poppycock! Since when did defensive weaponry like interceptor aircraft to defend your own airspace and defensive weapons like coastal missile batteries provoke a war? In fact, if you look at Earth's history; it is when both sides are armed to the teeth with enough weaponry to destroy each other several times over whether conventionally or atomically; that war is prevented.

Uh, sir, that's an interesting theorem. Care to explain it?

Why yes. If both sides are very weakly armed in both types of weaponry, both offensive and defensive weaponry; then the balance of power is much more precarious; because a single new weapons system or ship can alter the balance of power dramatically to that side's favor. If however, both sides have ten thousand tanks facing each other across a mined boarder, then the odds of a successful offensive are very low; and thus that deters warmongering.

What of domestic and foreign opposition to the Blackbeard program?

What? Why should we halt a multibillion dollar program just because some unwashed college students feel that it's evil? These programs will provide thousands of well paid jobs for technicians and engineers across many countries.

[OOC anyone else have any questions?]