Aviation Leak
Northray SaTV?
Rumors swirl about a Northray plan to launch a GEO satellite to sell digital TV signals direct to the consumer. Other rumors say that they may be in negotiations with Douglas to allow reception of those signals onboard airliners.
SD.Net World(RAR!) MK II
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Master_Baerne
- Jedi Council Member
- Posts: 1984
- Joined: 2006-11-09 08:54am
- Location: Wouldn't you like to know?
Baernish News Service
File BNS-22
Today marks a great day for Baernish industry, as the Ducal Aircraft Plant finished it's first aircraft, a F-18 jet fighter today. The plant, which currently only produces aircraft for His Grace's Air Force, is expected to continue to provide jobs for Baernish citizens until such time as the demand for air power ceases.
In other news, His Grace spent the day on board the newest Baernish Undersea Habitat, the Turquoise Submarine. Anyone wishing to live underwater should emigrate to the Sovereign Duchy of Baerne. Specialists in hydroculture are particularly welcome.
File BNS-22
Today marks a great day for Baernish industry, as the Ducal Aircraft Plant finished it's first aircraft, a F-18 jet fighter today. The plant, which currently only produces aircraft for His Grace's Air Force, is expected to continue to provide jobs for Baernish citizens until such time as the demand for air power ceases.
In other news, His Grace spent the day on board the newest Baernish Undersea Habitat, the Turquoise Submarine. Anyone wishing to live underwater should emigrate to the Sovereign Duchy of Baerne. Specialists in hydroculture are particularly welcome.
Conversion Table:
2000 Mockingbirds = 2 Kilomockingbirds
Basic Unit of Laryngitis = 1 Hoarsepower
453.6 Graham Crackers = 1 Pound Cake
1 Kilogram of Falling Figs - 1 Fig Newton
Time Between Slipping on a Banana Peel and Smacking the Pavement = 1 Bananosecond
Half of a Large Intestine = 1 Semicolon
2000 Mockingbirds = 2 Kilomockingbirds
Basic Unit of Laryngitis = 1 Hoarsepower
453.6 Graham Crackers = 1 Pound Cake
1 Kilogram of Falling Figs - 1 Fig Newton
Time Between Slipping on a Banana Peel and Smacking the Pavement = 1 Bananosecond
Half of a Large Intestine = 1 Semicolon
BBC Reports
"In National news the first high speed global network satellites have been launched today have been launched from White Sands today. The HSICO satellite system as it's called(High Speed Internet Communication Orbital) is designed around a fourteen transmitter system and is designed to be a long-term system. As full magnitude times the size of a traditional communication satellite it has much improved high speed data links as well as half a dozen communication lasers for ultra-high speed communication with dedicated ground stations. As well it contains three times the estimated amount of radiation shielding around it's computer parts and the transmitters have been reinforced to prevent cracking from micrometer hits. A problem plaguing old Earth satellites.
The expected top speeds are at around 121 Megabits/sec to a use with a 55 cm dish. Or up to 22 Megabits/sec to those with a antenna. Using a dedicated ground station equipped with a full dish the satellite can communicate up to 14 Gigabit/sec. The numbers however are for ideal cloudless sky operation. Under average conditions top speed is only expected to be 70% of that at best.
In order to improve the quality of communications the constellation will be a MEO system set at 1,400 km in trans-polar and tran-equator orbits in a falling cascade pattern except where Saddamistan airspace interrupts the pattern. The expected total satellite system is pegged at 74 satellites in total including spares. And the expected operation time for the system is pegged at 51 years.
Said lead system designer Doctor Kieth Monroe. "These systems were over-engineers we admit it, backups, failsafes. We had to ensure the chance that one of these would fall out of the sky or quit working was small. But as we ran the numbers we started to see that by enlarging the craft for a few extra million dollars we could expand the life of these satellites five fold. It might upwards of 247 million dollars for each satellite now yes, the fact we have to use Vulkan's? Yes expensive, but the fuel and solar panels and radiation shielding add in so much weight we must used them. but when they are still working thirty years from now? Huge savings"
After a long fight with Space Agency and a personal appeal to the Crown, Dr Monroe won his fight and the first four satellites lifted off from White Sands today. Over the next three weeks the next seven constructed will lift off and the satellite cluster will go online over the UKB the Red Technocracy and the Central Sea with portions of the nearby cities having semi-regular access until the next satellites are up at the end of next month.
The full system is expected to be built and launched shortly into FY'10 at a cost of roughly 26 billion dollars.
This is BBC news
Edit 1,400 km is MEO not Leo, fixed
"In National news the first high speed global network satellites have been launched today have been launched from White Sands today. The HSICO satellite system as it's called(High Speed Internet Communication Orbital) is designed around a fourteen transmitter system and is designed to be a long-term system. As full magnitude times the size of a traditional communication satellite it has much improved high speed data links as well as half a dozen communication lasers for ultra-high speed communication with dedicated ground stations. As well it contains three times the estimated amount of radiation shielding around it's computer parts and the transmitters have been reinforced to prevent cracking from micrometer hits. A problem plaguing old Earth satellites.
The expected top speeds are at around 121 Megabits/sec to a use with a 55 cm dish. Or up to 22 Megabits/sec to those with a antenna. Using a dedicated ground station equipped with a full dish the satellite can communicate up to 14 Gigabit/sec. The numbers however are for ideal cloudless sky operation. Under average conditions top speed is only expected to be 70% of that at best.
In order to improve the quality of communications the constellation will be a MEO system set at 1,400 km in trans-polar and tran-equator orbits in a falling cascade pattern except where Saddamistan airspace interrupts the pattern. The expected total satellite system is pegged at 74 satellites in total including spares. And the expected operation time for the system is pegged at 51 years.
Said lead system designer Doctor Kieth Monroe. "These systems were over-engineers we admit it, backups, failsafes. We had to ensure the chance that one of these would fall out of the sky or quit working was small. But as we ran the numbers we started to see that by enlarging the craft for a few extra million dollars we could expand the life of these satellites five fold. It might upwards of 247 million dollars for each satellite now yes, the fact we have to use Vulkan's? Yes expensive, but the fuel and solar panels and radiation shielding add in so much weight we must used them. but when they are still working thirty years from now? Huge savings"
After a long fight with Space Agency and a personal appeal to the Crown, Dr Monroe won his fight and the first four satellites lifted off from White Sands today. Over the next three weeks the next seven constructed will lift off and the satellite cluster will go online over the UKB the Red Technocracy and the Central Sea with portions of the nearby cities having semi-regular access until the next satellites are up at the end of next month.
The full system is expected to be built and launched shortly into FY'10 at a cost of roughly 26 billion dollars.
This is BBC news
Edit 1,400 km is MEO not Leo, fixed
Last edited by Mr Bean on 2008-05-03 01:07pm, edited 2 times in total.
"A cult is a religion with no political power." -Tom Wolfe
Pardon me for sounding like a dick, but I'm playing the tiniest violin in the world right now-Dalton
Austin Republican
The Department of State authorized Southwest Power & Electric to begin offering it's ABWR reactors abroad to certain nations outside of the MESS.
The rapid advances in nuclear power and applied physics in the Lone Star Republic is a reflection of the MESS-wide Memorandum of Understanding, in which participating members concentrate their R&D funds in specific areas, in exchange for the free-flow of information to other MESS members. SP&E is expected to begin marketing a ESBWR later this year, which will have a lower intial capital investment for construction.
SP&E is the leading contractor for the Texas A&M Fusion Ignition Reactor Experiment, or FIRE. Construction of the first Tokamak is underway at the Midland Missile Range, with the plan for the first tests taking place in 3 years.
The Department of State authorized Southwest Power & Electric to begin offering it's ABWR reactors abroad to certain nations outside of the MESS.
The rapid advances in nuclear power and applied physics in the Lone Star Republic is a reflection of the MESS-wide Memorandum of Understanding, in which participating members concentrate their R&D funds in specific areas, in exchange for the free-flow of information to other MESS members. SP&E is expected to begin marketing a ESBWR later this year, which will have a lower intial capital investment for construction.
SP&E is the leading contractor for the Texas A&M Fusion Ignition Reactor Experiment, or FIRE. Construction of the first Tokamak is underway at the Midland Missile Range, with the plan for the first tests taking place in 3 years.
"The rifle itself has no moral stature, since it has no will of its own. Naturally, it may be used by evil men for evil purposes, but there are more good men than evil, and while the latter cannot be persuaded to the path of righteousness by propaganda, they can certainly be corrected by good men with rifles."
From the Vedra Tribune:
Military Begins Modernization Program
The Vedra army took custody of an arms shipment from Shepnukistan. This is seen as a welcome step by many in the army. The Vedra military has long been in need of modernization. Technicals and Molotov cocktails have been replaced by M1 tanks and Bradley IFVs.
An increase in defense spending will also allow expansions of the Navy.
Our fleet of PBRs and missile boats will continue in existing coastal defense and anti-piracy roles, but the two frigates Uriel and Kronstadt will be temporarily out of commision. They will be overhauled to better handle long range missions, as the Republic is more likely to become involved in overseas military operations.
The airforce is seeing the benefits as well. Plans have been placed to expand the airforce to two squadrons, as soon as pilots can be trained. Our two qualified jet pilots are now leading training cadres.
Funds have been allocated to add a transport wing. Our old prop planes will be reorganized into a trainer squadron.
Military Begins Modernization Program
The Vedra army took custody of an arms shipment from Shepnukistan. This is seen as a welcome step by many in the army. The Vedra military has long been in need of modernization. Technicals and Molotov cocktails have been replaced by M1 tanks and Bradley IFVs.
An increase in defense spending will also allow expansions of the Navy.
Our fleet of PBRs and missile boats will continue in existing coastal defense and anti-piracy roles, but the two frigates Uriel and Kronstadt will be temporarily out of commision. They will be overhauled to better handle long range missions, as the Republic is more likely to become involved in overseas military operations.
The airforce is seeing the benefits as well. Plans have been placed to expand the airforce to two squadrons, as soon as pilots can be trained. Our two qualified jet pilots are now leading training cadres.
Funds have been allocated to add a transport wing. Our old prop planes will be reorganized into a trainer squadron.
SCC Criticizes HSICO Design
HUE - The Tonkin telecommunications company Satellite Communications Corporation (SCC) criticized the design of the High-Speed Internet Communications Orbital as "ridiculously over-engineered." Many analysts noted that actual performance is likely to be only a small fraction of the claimed speeds. SCC chief engineers also noted that "it is extremely unlikely that the free-space optical datalink will work through atmosphere, drastically reducing available systems bandwidth. "
Many aerospace analysts also rejected claims that the satellites would be operational for that timeframe. "We don't have a good fix on the local space conditions. There could be significantly high levels of solar activity increasing drag, and these enormous satellites, despite their higher fuel load, will likely be more susceptible. "
New World Mitsubishi Offers US-APWR
HAIPHONG - Mitsubishi is offering their US-APWR design for sale through their ITR-headquartered subsidiary New World Mitsubishi (NWM). This advanced reactor design is based off significant Japanese experience in PWR designs. This reactor design is capable of producing 1.7GWe ...
ITR Begins Work on Sodium-Cooled Fast Reactor
HAIPHONG - A government-corporate consortium has announced that the ITR has begun work on a the Sodium-Cooled Fast Reactor (SCFR), a so-called Generation IV reactor design. This reactor design is intended for specialized fuel cycle management ...
HUE - The Tonkin telecommunications company Satellite Communications Corporation (SCC) criticized the design of the High-Speed Internet Communications Orbital as "ridiculously over-engineered." Many analysts noted that actual performance is likely to be only a small fraction of the claimed speeds. SCC chief engineers also noted that "it is extremely unlikely that the free-space optical datalink will work through atmosphere, drastically reducing available systems bandwidth. "
Many aerospace analysts also rejected claims that the satellites would be operational for that timeframe. "We don't have a good fix on the local space conditions. There could be significantly high levels of solar activity increasing drag, and these enormous satellites, despite their higher fuel load, will likely be more susceptible. "
New World Mitsubishi Offers US-APWR
HAIPHONG - Mitsubishi is offering their US-APWR design for sale through their ITR-headquartered subsidiary New World Mitsubishi (NWM). This advanced reactor design is based off significant Japanese experience in PWR designs. This reactor design is capable of producing 1.7GWe ...
ITR Begins Work on Sodium-Cooled Fast Reactor
HAIPHONG - A government-corporate consortium has announced that the ITR has begun work on a the Sodium-Cooled Fast Reactor (SCFR), a so-called Generation IV reactor design. This reactor design is intended for specialized fuel cycle management ...
Minerva
MICRS Approved by Military, Production to begin soon
Vulcan Computer and Robotics president Mark Quartermain has recently had his dreams come true as the Royal Zorian Army, after careful testing and consideration, has annouced today that the Modular Infantry Combat Robotics System. So far a test order of three hundred units has been put down, with deliveries expected to begin next month and additional orders
"This is a major Sucsess for us and the Kingdom" Mr. Quartermain said at a press conference "I must congradulate our men and woman for this."
Leviathan Destination Confirmed: Libertopian Nightmare
Hirohito Institute: After receiving various messages from fishermen, tagged individuals and garbled radio messages from fishing towns, a disturbing fact about the Leviathan Population has become aparent. While the nature of this mass migration remains a mystery. The creatures have made their move and have migrated to Terra Libertia.
The exact number of Leviathans involved in this mass migration is unknown, although reports of packs of with up to a hundred individuals in the areas of eight to ten meters long are are becoming common on the southern coastline of Terra Libertia. Sizeable wildlife, from Cattle and sheep to Humans are all fair game to these adaptable predators. Their social behavior, combined with natural camoflauge, massive jawstrength and a tendancy to hunt ambush style make Leviathan packs a threat to even technicals in the scrublands of Terra Libertia.
"This is a nightmare" RZMC Legate Hitachi told press at a conference "Not even those Goddamn Libertopians deserve to face this sort of attack from the sea."
MICRS Approved by Military, Production to begin soon
Vulcan Computer and Robotics president Mark Quartermain has recently had his dreams come true as the Royal Zorian Army, after careful testing and consideration, has annouced today that the Modular Infantry Combat Robotics System. So far a test order of three hundred units has been put down, with deliveries expected to begin next month and additional orders
"This is a major Sucsess for us and the Kingdom" Mr. Quartermain said at a press conference "I must congradulate our men and woman for this."
Leviathan Destination Confirmed: Libertopian Nightmare
Hirohito Institute: After receiving various messages from fishermen, tagged individuals and garbled radio messages from fishing towns, a disturbing fact about the Leviathan Population has become aparent. While the nature of this mass migration remains a mystery. The creatures have made their move and have migrated to Terra Libertia.
The exact number of Leviathans involved in this mass migration is unknown, although reports of packs of with up to a hundred individuals in the areas of eight to ten meters long are are becoming common on the southern coastline of Terra Libertia. Sizeable wildlife, from Cattle and sheep to Humans are all fair game to these adaptable predators. Their social behavior, combined with natural camoflauge, massive jawstrength and a tendancy to hunt ambush style make Leviathan packs a threat to even technicals in the scrublands of Terra Libertia.
"This is a nightmare" RZMC Legate Hitachi told press at a conference "Not even those Goddamn Libertopians deserve to face this sort of attack from the sea."
Last edited by Zor on 2008-04-22 11:12pm, edited 2 times in total.
HAIL ZOR! WE'LL BLOW UP THE OCEAN!
Heros of Cybertron-HAB-Keeper of the Vicious pit of Allosauruses-King Leighton-I, United Kingdom of Zoria: SD.net World/Tsar Mikhail-I of the Red Tsardom: SD.net Kingdoms
WHEN ALL HELL BREAKS LOOSE ON EARTH, ALL EARTH BREAKS LOOSE ON HELL
Terran Sphere
The Art of Zor
Heros of Cybertron-HAB-Keeper of the Vicious pit of Allosauruses-King Leighton-I, United Kingdom of Zoria: SD.net World/Tsar Mikhail-I of the Red Tsardom: SD.net Kingdoms
WHEN ALL HELL BREAKS LOOSE ON EARTH, ALL EARTH BREAKS LOOSE ON HELL
Terran Sphere
The Art of Zor
Fort Worth Star Telegram
The Government of the Lone Star Republic acknowledged for the first time that there is an active nuclear weapons program taking place, and a new military command for control of the weapons, National Strategic Command is currently being established. In addition it has been revealed that a fast breeder reactor is under construction near Amarillo.
The number of completed weapons is believed to be small, but two SSNs, the Bass and Roadrunner were taken into drydock early after our arrival on New Terra, and it is widely speculated that the cores were removed specifically to provided bomb material for the program.
el Presidente Lonestar, during the brief press conference, refused to mention whether or not other nations are involved in the program, although 'The Lone Star Republic recognizes the rights of all countries('cept the Libertopians) to pursue tools for their national defense.'
Energy Metals Incorporated, a jointly held "public" corporation controlled by Texas A&M National Laboratory and Southwest Power &Electric, had a $1.50 stock growth during the last fifteen minutes of the open stock exchanges in San Antonio. SWP&E had a $2.00 growth due to speculation that they are the primary contractor for the fast breeder reactor.
The Government of the Lone Star Republic acknowledged for the first time that there is an active nuclear weapons program taking place, and a new military command for control of the weapons, National Strategic Command is currently being established. In addition it has been revealed that a fast breeder reactor is under construction near Amarillo.
The number of completed weapons is believed to be small, but two SSNs, the Bass and Roadrunner were taken into drydock early after our arrival on New Terra, and it is widely speculated that the cores were removed specifically to provided bomb material for the program.
el Presidente Lonestar, during the brief press conference, refused to mention whether or not other nations are involved in the program, although 'The Lone Star Republic recognizes the rights of all countries('cept the Libertopians) to pursue tools for their national defense.'
Energy Metals Incorporated, a jointly held "public" corporation controlled by Texas A&M National Laboratory and Southwest Power &Electric, had a $1.50 stock growth during the last fifteen minutes of the open stock exchanges in San Antonio. SWP&E had a $2.00 growth due to speculation that they are the primary contractor for the fast breeder reactor.
"The rifle itself has no moral stature, since it has no will of its own. Naturally, it may be used by evil men for evil purposes, but there are more good men than evil, and while the latter cannot be persuaded to the path of righteousness by propaganda, they can certainly be corrected by good men with rifles."
MSA announces test of electrodynamic tether system
The MSA is going to launch an test of an electrodynamic tether system. Such as a system would allow a change of orbit, without requiring fuel, but rather, only power. It is planned to be launched with the next batch of Lowell satellites.
---
Northray announces digital satellite television service
The service, called SaTV, is to be launched within the next month. It utilizes a satellite in geosynchronous orbit, broadcasting an encrypted signal. Subscribers, equipped with a set top box, will be able to decode the signal, and watch TV. "500 channels, and there's nothing on," is the service's current tongue-in-cheek marketing pitch.
The MSA is going to launch an test of an electrodynamic tether system. Such as a system would allow a change of orbit, without requiring fuel, but rather, only power. It is planned to be launched with the next batch of Lowell satellites.
---
Northray announces digital satellite television service
The service, called SaTV, is to be launched within the next month. It utilizes a satellite in geosynchronous orbit, broadcasting an encrypted signal. Subscribers, equipped with a set top box, will be able to decode the signal, and watch TV. "500 channels, and there's nothing on," is the service's current tongue-in-cheek marketing pitch.
"preemptive killing of cops might not be such a bad idea from a personal saftey[sic] standpoint..." --Keevan Colton
"There's a word for bias you can't see: Yours." -- William Saletan
"There's a word for bias you can't see: Yours." -- William Saletan
BBC File Photo: The Gurkha's at morning practice
BBC File Photo:New Gurkha pose for the Camera
"The Core of the unit has been conducting training for the past four months.
It was only a two and a half months ago the unit got it's first brand new inductees.
These Gurkha's graduated three weeks ago today. You can see them proudly holding their newly issued official badge the knife the unit gets it's name from.
The Old Earth Gurkha were a ethic group renowed for heroism by the British.
These new Gurkha's come from many ethic groups but that standard of bravery and excellence is the same."
BBC File Photo:New Gurkha pose for the Camera
"The Core of the unit has been conducting training for the past four months.
It was only a two and a half months ago the unit got it's first brand new inductees.
These Gurkha's graduated three weeks ago today. You can see them proudly holding their newly issued official badge the knife the unit gets it's name from.
The Old Earth Gurkha were a ethic group renowed for heroism by the British.
These new Gurkha's come from many ethic groups but that standard of bravery and excellence is the same."
"A cult is a religion with no political power." -Tom Wolfe
Pardon me for sounding like a dick, but I'm playing the tiniest violin in the world right now-Dalton
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The Yosemite Bear
- Mostly Harmless Nutcase (Requiescat in Pace)
- Posts: 35211
- Joined: 2002-07-21 02:38am
- Location: Dave's Not Here Man
Noctodile Hunters found!!!
While the mysteries of this new world's eco-system are still new to us, divers in the Bear Republic have found an organized group, of tool using Native life, that seem to hunt Noctodiles/Leviathans. The Family pods/schools are mammilian aquatics, that have adapted deep webbed manipulative arms. Discussion with the Shroomian Empire, Lonestar Republic and Red Technocracy on what to call these mammals is expected to follow.
Details on exactly what their tool using capacity is, Intellegence and other criteria await us actually capturing live individuals for study.
While the mysteries of this new world's eco-system are still new to us, divers in the Bear Republic have found an organized group, of tool using Native life, that seem to hunt Noctodiles/Leviathans. The Family pods/schools are mammilian aquatics, that have adapted deep webbed manipulative arms. Discussion with the Shroomian Empire, Lonestar Republic and Red Technocracy on what to call these mammals is expected to follow.
Details on exactly what their tool using capacity is, Intellegence and other criteria await us actually capturing live individuals for study.
The scariest folk song lyrics are "My Boy Grew up to be just like me" from cats in the cradle by Harry Chapin
BBC Reports
"In International news there have been two reported attacks by Megafaun in Terra Libera over the past week, two people are dead and tens of thousands of dollars of cattle were found dead outside a village. Lord Ramsley has ordering a counter attack on these Megafauna. Crude home made anti-Leviathan bombs are being hauled out and toss overboard by the Lord's informal Naval. There are concerns by this haphazard use of explosives are damaging the local fishing populations but Lord Ramsley called these steps "hard but vital to counter this threat"
Lord Ramsley has also put out the call for international aid to combat this international menace,"
"Also in international news UKB science officials called the report of a evolved tool using organism is unlikely but possible. However they note if true this would mean the recent heavy use of high explosives to deal with Megafauna attacks could be inadvertently killing these creatures as well."
"And in news on the Megafauna news a 21 Meter shark has been caught and killed off the coast of Atlantis by the crew of a Royal Navy Frigate patrolling off the east of the international island."
"In International news there have been two reported attacks by Megafaun in Terra Libera over the past week, two people are dead and tens of thousands of dollars of cattle were found dead outside a village. Lord Ramsley has ordering a counter attack on these Megafauna. Crude home made anti-Leviathan bombs are being hauled out and toss overboard by the Lord's informal Naval. There are concerns by this haphazard use of explosives are damaging the local fishing populations but Lord Ramsley called these steps "hard but vital to counter this threat"
Lord Ramsley has also put out the call for international aid to combat this international menace,"
"Also in international news UKB science officials called the report of a evolved tool using organism is unlikely but possible. However they note if true this would mean the recent heavy use of high explosives to deal with Megafauna attacks could be inadvertently killing these creatures as well."
"And in news on the Megafauna news a 21 Meter shark has been caught and killed off the coast of Atlantis by the crew of a Royal Navy Frigate patrolling off the east of the international island."
"A cult is a religion with no political power." -Tom Wolfe
Pardon me for sounding like a dick, but I'm playing the tiniest violin in the world right now-Dalton
-
K. A. Pital
- Glamorous Commie
- Posts: 20813
- Joined: 2003-02-26 11:39am
- Location: Elysium
PRAVDA reports - manned space launches run in routine manner
The manned spacecraft launcher plans have been leaked to the public by the OMSK Space Programme representatives, coinciding with another launch of the spaceplane from the U.K.B. space facilities.
It passed over the New Earth and landed in Byzantium, on a military stripe near the capital, without infringing on the airspace of SD Nations.
It remains unclear if the vessel tested any weapon systems. However, orbital ground control centers around the world noted that several old O.M.S.K. satellites have disappeared.
Purported to be Unit 04, defense analysts say the vessel bears O.M.S.K. Space Forces markings and quite possibly carries space-to-space anti-satellite missiles. This latest analysis means that at least 3 flyable planes exist, and two of them are being actively used by the Space Forces for it's military needs.
The manned spacecraft launcher plans have been leaked to the public by the OMSK Space Programme representatives, coinciding with another launch of the spaceplane from the U.K.B. space facilities.
It passed over the New Earth and landed in Byzantium, on a military stripe near the capital, without infringing on the airspace of SD Nations.
It remains unclear if the vessel tested any weapon systems. However, orbital ground control centers around the world noted that several old O.M.S.K. satellites have disappeared.
Purported to be Unit 04, defense analysts say the vessel bears O.M.S.K. Space Forces markings and quite possibly carries space-to-space anti-satellite missiles. This latest analysis means that at least 3 flyable planes exist, and two of them are being actively used by the Space Forces for it's military needs.
Lì ci sono chiese, macerie, moschee e questure, lì frontiere, prezzi inaccessibile e freddure
Lì paludi, minacce, cecchini coi fucili, documenti, file notturne e clandestini
Qui incontri, lotte, passi sincronizzati, colori, capannelli non autorizzati,
Uccelli migratori, reti, informazioni, piazze di Tutti i like pazze di passioni...
...La tranquillità è importante ma la libertà è tutto!
Lì paludi, minacce, cecchini coi fucili, documenti, file notturne e clandestini
Qui incontri, lotte, passi sincronizzati, colori, capannelli non autorizzati,
Uccelli migratori, reti, informazioni, piazze di Tutti i like pazze di passioni...
...La tranquillità è importante ma la libertà è tutto!
Assalti Frontali
Minerva
Leviathans Eat Town
Tunaburg, Southwestern Terra Libertia: What was once a modestly prosperous (by Libertopian Standards) Fishing and Pig Farming Town has recently been decimated, not by bandits or Marauders, but by Leviathans. Recently a large number of these predatory amphibious creatures had moved to Terra Libertia in mass migration and the hungry predatory fish upon arival had turned their eyes on Tunaburg, a minor hamlet with former population of 500. Late at night during a local celibration, the locals killed several of their pigs for a feast, this is beleived to give the area a smell of blood, which attracted packs of Leviathans late that night while most of the Population was out celibrating. The result was that an estimated eight hundred Leviathans were attracted to the area from overland and by sea and desened on the village in the dark of night. The creatures moved into the town, devouring swine and humans, including the laxed guard forces put up during the celibration. By the time the creatures had gotten into town, few people could get into their weapons or the local armory and the Leviathans feasted on the pigs and humans. Sixty five persons managed to survive the ordeal until the Leviathans retreated elsewere. His Majesty's Navy has delivered food and medicine to the survivors.
"It was Horrible!" Andrea Glen, a survivor said to reporters "They just kept comming, if someone managed to fill one with bullets til it died, two more came and ate him and they ate everyone they could find! Some needs to do something!"
Leviathans Beware: Living Fossil comes to the Surface
Victorium: Scientist and Spectators gathered to see the the corpse of a Predatory Creature brought in by fishermen. The Creature was found dead in a net and is beleived to have died comparatively recently. This catch of the day is large fish unlike any other known at the time, being eight meters long, thick bladed plates of bone in place of teath and an armord head with scars. Marine Bioloigsts examined this creature and had confirmed that it was as many amatures beleived it to be, an Dunkleosteus. "The Oceans seem to be turning up all sorts of exotic wonders as of late" one Marine Bioloigst from the Hirohito insitute
Examination of the Stomach of the creature had reveiled the presence of several large chunks of adult Leviathan in its stomach. This is not suprising, giving that this creature has an armroed head and one of the most powerful bites ever known.
Below Artists Recreation of the Fish with human woman included for scaling purposes...
Leviathans Eat Town
Tunaburg, Southwestern Terra Libertia: What was once a modestly prosperous (by Libertopian Standards) Fishing and Pig Farming Town has recently been decimated, not by bandits or Marauders, but by Leviathans. Recently a large number of these predatory amphibious creatures had moved to Terra Libertia in mass migration and the hungry predatory fish upon arival had turned their eyes on Tunaburg, a minor hamlet with former population of 500. Late at night during a local celibration, the locals killed several of their pigs for a feast, this is beleived to give the area a smell of blood, which attracted packs of Leviathans late that night while most of the Population was out celibrating. The result was that an estimated eight hundred Leviathans were attracted to the area from overland and by sea and desened on the village in the dark of night. The creatures moved into the town, devouring swine and humans, including the laxed guard forces put up during the celibration. By the time the creatures had gotten into town, few people could get into their weapons or the local armory and the Leviathans feasted on the pigs and humans. Sixty five persons managed to survive the ordeal until the Leviathans retreated elsewere. His Majesty's Navy has delivered food and medicine to the survivors.
"It was Horrible!" Andrea Glen, a survivor said to reporters "They just kept comming, if someone managed to fill one with bullets til it died, two more came and ate him and they ate everyone they could find! Some needs to do something!"
Leviathans Beware: Living Fossil comes to the Surface
Victorium: Scientist and Spectators gathered to see the the corpse of a Predatory Creature brought in by fishermen. The Creature was found dead in a net and is beleived to have died comparatively recently. This catch of the day is large fish unlike any other known at the time, being eight meters long, thick bladed plates of bone in place of teath and an armord head with scars. Marine Bioloigsts examined this creature and had confirmed that it was as many amatures beleived it to be, an Dunkleosteus. "The Oceans seem to be turning up all sorts of exotic wonders as of late" one Marine Bioloigst from the Hirohito insitute
Examination of the Stomach of the creature had reveiled the presence of several large chunks of adult Leviathan in its stomach. This is not suprising, giving that this creature has an armroed head and one of the most powerful bites ever known.
Below Artists Recreation of the Fish with human woman included for scaling purposes...
HAIL ZOR! WE'LL BLOW UP THE OCEAN!
Heros of Cybertron-HAB-Keeper of the Vicious pit of Allosauruses-King Leighton-I, United Kingdom of Zoria: SD.net World/Tsar Mikhail-I of the Red Tsardom: SD.net Kingdoms
WHEN ALL HELL BREAKS LOOSE ON EARTH, ALL EARTH BREAKS LOOSE ON HELL
Terran Sphere
The Art of Zor
Heros of Cybertron-HAB-Keeper of the Vicious pit of Allosauruses-King Leighton-I, United Kingdom of Zoria: SD.net World/Tsar Mikhail-I of the Red Tsardom: SD.net Kingdoms
WHEN ALL HELL BREAKS LOOSE ON EARTH, ALL EARTH BREAKS LOOSE ON HELL
Terran Sphere
The Art of Zor
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The Yosemite Bear
- Mostly Harmless Nutcase (Requiescat in Pace)
- Posts: 35211
- Joined: 2002-07-21 02:38am
- Location: Dave's Not Here Man
Bear Republic Scuba Divers bring back evidence of "primatives".
Divers brought back a dead Noctodile, with the remnants of a bone with Noctodile tooth point attached by kelp spear still lodged in it's side. The crude weapon appears to have broken by impact, the recovered artifact has been named "Gae Bulg" by Bear Republic archologists. The spear's remains are being made available to others for testing.
The Bear Republic is wonder if any communication or use of these primatives could be made available for helping the people of Terra Libertad.
Divers brought back a dead Noctodile, with the remnants of a bone with Noctodile tooth point attached by kelp spear still lodged in it's side. The crude weapon appears to have broken by impact, the recovered artifact has been named "Gae Bulg" by Bear Republic archologists. The spear's remains are being made available to others for testing.
The Bear Republic is wonder if any communication or use of these primatives could be made available for helping the people of Terra Libertad.
The scariest folk song lyrics are "My Boy Grew up to be just like me" from cats in the cradle by Harry Chapin
In responce to the claims of a new species of Tool using marine lifeform, the Hirohito Institute has sent out a team of twelve biologists to the Bear Republic.
Zor
Zor
HAIL ZOR! WE'LL BLOW UP THE OCEAN!
Heros of Cybertron-HAB-Keeper of the Vicious pit of Allosauruses-King Leighton-I, United Kingdom of Zoria: SD.net World/Tsar Mikhail-I of the Red Tsardom: SD.net Kingdoms
WHEN ALL HELL BREAKS LOOSE ON EARTH, ALL EARTH BREAKS LOOSE ON HELL
Terran Sphere
The Art of Zor
Heros of Cybertron-HAB-Keeper of the Vicious pit of Allosauruses-King Leighton-I, United Kingdom of Zoria: SD.net World/Tsar Mikhail-I of the Red Tsardom: SD.net Kingdoms
WHEN ALL HELL BREAKS LOOSE ON EARTH, ALL EARTH BREAKS LOOSE ON HELL
Terran Sphere
The Art of Zor
Shadow Empire, location unknown
The room was small, with bare walls and only a table and two chairs screwed tightly to the floor. The small blonde was sitting there for the last hour, alone, twiddling her thumbs nervously. She was arrested by Shadow agents and brought to this place about a day ago, hearing some ridiculous claims that she was suspected of terrorist connections. So far, nobody even tried to explain anything.
The door opened suddendly, with a loud metallic bang. She looked up, starled, and saw three men in military uniforms walk in. There was something odd about them...most Shadow government operatives wore various shades of black, but these men were dressed in dark brown.
"Hello, Ms. Romanovska.", the shortest one began, and shook her hand before placing a heavy folder on the table,"I'm major Kulinsky, these are captains Ferber and Tusk. We're officers of the Republic Intelligence Service."
This was the last thing she expected to hear in this place.
"We are here to question you about certain dealings you had with a group called the Movement for a Clean PeZookia some time ago."
"I don't understand..."
"Ms. Romanovska, you have been told repeateadly what you are suspected of. You're a smart woman, and you probably understand that you are in fact in big trouble."
"No, I honestly don't know what you're talking about. I never had any dealings with the MCP."
One of the men suddendly approached the table. He was large and intimidating, and for some reason Beth thought he would hurt her. But all he did was pull an envelope out of a front pocket and put it on the table.
"Please don't lie to us. You met a man six months ago, while you were still working at the Astoria Private Engineering School..."
The name made her stiffen. "Jesus",she thought,"They think I had something to do with that..."
"Yes...I see you are familiar with current events. Now,this man's name was Joseph Bristle, and you started going out together. Correct?"
"Where are you going with this?"
"Answer the question", Kulinsky's tone wasn't very pleasant anymore.
"Yes, this is correct."
"After about a month, he took you to meet his friends, who were very interested in studying at the school."
"Yes, that's right."
"For the next few weeks, you told them about the school during several meetings, describing the layout of the building, the habits of the faculty members, the security setup and number of students."
It was beginning to dawn on her. Everything Kulinsky said was correct...Jesus, she was so stupid...
"Yes...", she said hesistatingly
"Later, Bristle broke up with you, but he did send you about ten thousand us dollars in cash,which you took without notifying the authorities.", Kulinsky seemed to pierce her with his eyes.
"Yes! For God's sake, yes! I took the money and used it to open my company here, in the Empire! What do you want from me?"
"Bristle was in command of the group of terrorists who took hostages in the APES. We want to know the descriptions of other members of his group, and a day-by-day account of your mutual relationship."
"Fine. I will co-operate.", she said weakly
"We'd expect nothing less, Ms. Romanovska."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Well, that went easier than we've expected.", captain Tusk remarked after the six-hour long interrogation was done
"And more fruitful. We've got a name of Bristle's contact outside the MCP and his cell-phone number. This also gives credibility to the theory that the attack was assisted by some outside group.", Kulinsky looked at the pile of notes in front of him, "Who knows what else will prove useful..."
"What do we do with the suspect?", a Shadow operative in charge of the facility asked
"She can go, but I'd like to keep her under surveillance."
"As you wish."
The room was small, with bare walls and only a table and two chairs screwed tightly to the floor. The small blonde was sitting there for the last hour, alone, twiddling her thumbs nervously. She was arrested by Shadow agents and brought to this place about a day ago, hearing some ridiculous claims that she was suspected of terrorist connections. So far, nobody even tried to explain anything.
The door opened suddendly, with a loud metallic bang. She looked up, starled, and saw three men in military uniforms walk in. There was something odd about them...most Shadow government operatives wore various shades of black, but these men were dressed in dark brown.
"Hello, Ms. Romanovska.", the shortest one began, and shook her hand before placing a heavy folder on the table,"I'm major Kulinsky, these are captains Ferber and Tusk. We're officers of the Republic Intelligence Service."
This was the last thing she expected to hear in this place.
"We are here to question you about certain dealings you had with a group called the Movement for a Clean PeZookia some time ago."
"I don't understand..."
"Ms. Romanovska, you have been told repeateadly what you are suspected of. You're a smart woman, and you probably understand that you are in fact in big trouble."
"No, I honestly don't know what you're talking about. I never had any dealings with the MCP."
One of the men suddendly approached the table. He was large and intimidating, and for some reason Beth thought he would hurt her. But all he did was pull an envelope out of a front pocket and put it on the table.
"Please don't lie to us. You met a man six months ago, while you were still working at the Astoria Private Engineering School..."
The name made her stiffen. "Jesus",she thought,"They think I had something to do with that..."
"Yes...I see you are familiar with current events. Now,this man's name was Joseph Bristle, and you started going out together. Correct?"
"Where are you going with this?"
"Answer the question", Kulinsky's tone wasn't very pleasant anymore.
"Yes, this is correct."
"After about a month, he took you to meet his friends, who were very interested in studying at the school."
"Yes, that's right."
"For the next few weeks, you told them about the school during several meetings, describing the layout of the building, the habits of the faculty members, the security setup and number of students."
It was beginning to dawn on her. Everything Kulinsky said was correct...Jesus, she was so stupid...
"Yes...", she said hesistatingly
"Later, Bristle broke up with you, but he did send you about ten thousand us dollars in cash,which you took without notifying the authorities.", Kulinsky seemed to pierce her with his eyes.
"Yes! For God's sake, yes! I took the money and used it to open my company here, in the Empire! What do you want from me?"
"Bristle was in command of the group of terrorists who took hostages in the APES. We want to know the descriptions of other members of his group, and a day-by-day account of your mutual relationship."
"Fine. I will co-operate.", she said weakly
"We'd expect nothing less, Ms. Romanovska."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Well, that went easier than we've expected.", captain Tusk remarked after the six-hour long interrogation was done
"And more fruitful. We've got a name of Bristle's contact outside the MCP and his cell-phone number. This also gives credibility to the theory that the attack was assisted by some outside group.", Kulinsky looked at the pile of notes in front of him, "Who knows what else will prove useful..."
"What do we do with the suspect?", a Shadow operative in charge of the facility asked
"She can go, but I'd like to keep her under surveillance."
"As you wish."
It suddenly struck me that that tiny pea, pretty and blue, was the Earth. I put up my thumb and shut one eye, and my thumb blotted out the planet Earth. I didn't feel like a giant. I felt very, very small.
- NEIL ARMSTRONG, MISSION COMMANDER, APOLLO 11
Signature dedicated to the greatest achievement of mankind.
MILDLY DERANGED PHYSICIST does not mind BREAKING the SOUND BARRIER, because it is INSURED. - Simon_Jester considering the problems of hypersonic flight for Team L.A.M.E.
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K. A. Pital
- Glamorous Commie
- Posts: 20813
- Joined: 2003-02-26 11:39am
- Location: Elysium
PRAVDA: ECSOC calculating powers used fully in the ultimate new tech project
* - computer generated image of the 10-year down the line Air Force Unit 01 replacement.
This project marks a will for long-term technological investment and the development of XXI century technology.
"We need to advance our aviation technology" - stressed the Secretary General in a Supeme Council adress. - "This vehicle will not only be a commercially cost-effective payload lifter, it will also serve as an example of the best technology this world has to offer".
The colossal scramjet project will proceed in two phases: first, a 1/2 mock will be constructed to test the airfraime on M6-10 hypersonic speeds. Then the actual jet. It is important that the frame is perfected before being launched. This is why such terms are required.
"The scramjet could be used for fast resupply missions of space hardware. It's key difference from the current spaceplane systems is the ability to start and land off any sufficiently wide and strong airstrip, and the full returnability of the vehicle. At a competitive price of $10 million per launch, with 20-25 launches per year, it will make it's unit worth in 2,5 years. Very fast, and competitive as far as space technology goes".
The R&D costs could be topped over the course of the flight life of the vehicle. It is projected that with a fleet of 4-5 craft, the money will be recovered and well topped in 10 years.
"This is how we do business in the Red Technocracy" - the GenSec urged all nations interested in advancing spaceflight to join the scramjet project.
* - computer generated image of the 10-year down the line Air Force Unit 01 replacement.
This project marks a will for long-term technological investment and the development of XXI century technology.
"We need to advance our aviation technology" - stressed the Secretary General in a Supeme Council adress. - "This vehicle will not only be a commercially cost-effective payload lifter, it will also serve as an example of the best technology this world has to offer".
The colossal scramjet project will proceed in two phases: first, a 1/2 mock will be constructed to test the airfraime on M6-10 hypersonic speeds. Then the actual jet. It is important that the frame is perfected before being launched. This is why such terms are required.
"The scramjet could be used for fast resupply missions of space hardware. It's key difference from the current spaceplane systems is the ability to start and land off any sufficiently wide and strong airstrip, and the full returnability of the vehicle. At a competitive price of $10 million per launch, with 20-25 launches per year, it will make it's unit worth in 2,5 years. Very fast, and competitive as far as space technology goes".
The R&D costs could be topped over the course of the flight life of the vehicle. It is projected that with a fleet of 4-5 craft, the money will be recovered and well topped in 10 years.
"This is how we do business in the Red Technocracy" - the GenSec urged all nations interested in advancing spaceflight to join the scramjet project.
Lì ci sono chiese, macerie, moschee e questure, lì frontiere, prezzi inaccessibile e freddure
Lì paludi, minacce, cecchini coi fucili, documenti, file notturne e clandestini
Qui incontri, lotte, passi sincronizzati, colori, capannelli non autorizzati,
Uccelli migratori, reti, informazioni, piazze di Tutti i like pazze di passioni...
...La tranquillità è importante ma la libertà è tutto!
Lì paludi, minacce, cecchini coi fucili, documenti, file notturne e clandestini
Qui incontri, lotte, passi sincronizzati, colori, capannelli non autorizzati,
Uccelli migratori, reti, informazioni, piazze di Tutti i like pazze di passioni...
...La tranquillità è importante ma la libertà è tutto!
Assalti Frontali
The Battalion
The first Orion spacecraft lifted off yesterday, with the CSM capsule making one orbit before coming down in the Eastern Sea. The capusle was ummaned.
NAC has confirmed that another unmanned launch will take place later this month, and a third in two months. NAC hopes to have the first manned flight in 6 months time.
The first Orion spacecraft lifted off yesterday, with the CSM capsule making one orbit before coming down in the Eastern Sea. The capusle was ummaned.
NAC has confirmed that another unmanned launch will take place later this month, and a third in two months. NAC hopes to have the first manned flight in 6 months time.
Last edited by Lonestar on 2008-04-23 12:28pm, edited 1 time in total.
"The rifle itself has no moral stature, since it has no will of its own. Naturally, it may be used by evil men for evil purposes, but there are more good men than evil, and while the latter cannot be persuaded to the path of righteousness by propaganda, they can certainly be corrected by good men with rifles."
-
Redleader34
- Jedi Knight
- Posts: 998
- Joined: 2005-10-03 03:30pm
- Location: Flowing through the Animated Ether, finding unsusual creations
- Contact:
3R News Now!
We have entered The Atomic Age!
picture of an atomic reactor for demonstration purposes
The Royal Rail Republic has entered the atomic age, with the newly accepted deal with the MESS nation of the Lone Star Republic. With the accepted deal, over 90% of our primary power needs! This historic deal will enable our cities to have power generation with zero harmful carbon emissions, and help our tropical forests by keeping the environment clean.
Minister John Anderson of the Power and Energy command had this to say. "By using atomic power, we can go out and approve hi-speed rail expansion, and the R-District will not have to worry about a brownout when the peak summer season hits."
Royal Tabloid: Onwards, and Upwards
Students on the move
The Current class of students, in a causal photo captured Exclusively for Royal Tabloid.
With the related deal to build an atomic power plant, The Royal Rail Republic also announced another deal to send some of its best students from the State University, to learn higher sciences, including atomic engineering at Texas A&M. This deal will help in my humble opinion, secure ties with a MESS State. With these young people, we will lead our nation, onwards into a bright Future, of peaceful, atomic power.
We have entered The Atomic Age!
picture of an atomic reactor for demonstration purposes
The Royal Rail Republic has entered the atomic age, with the newly accepted deal with the MESS nation of the Lone Star Republic. With the accepted deal, over 90% of our primary power needs! This historic deal will enable our cities to have power generation with zero harmful carbon emissions, and help our tropical forests by keeping the environment clean.
Minister John Anderson of the Power and Energy command had this to say. "By using atomic power, we can go out and approve hi-speed rail expansion, and the R-District will not have to worry about a brownout when the peak summer season hits."
Royal Tabloid: Onwards, and Upwards
Students on the move
The Current class of students, in a causal photo captured Exclusively for Royal Tabloid.
With the related deal to build an atomic power plant, The Royal Rail Republic also announced another deal to send some of its best students from the State University, to learn higher sciences, including atomic engineering at Texas A&M. This deal will help in my humble opinion, secure ties with a MESS State. With these young people, we will lead our nation, onwards into a bright Future, of peaceful, atomic power.
Dan's Art
Bounty on SDN's most annoying
"A spambot, a spambot who can't spell, a spambot who can't spell or spam properly and a spambot with tenure. Tough"choice."
Bounty on SDN's most annoying
"A spambot, a spambot who can't spell, a spambot who can't spell or spam properly and a spambot with tenure. Tough"choice."
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Coyote
- Rabid Monkey
- Posts: 12464
- Joined: 2002-08-23 01:20am
- Location: The glorious Sun-Barge! Isis, Isis, Ra,Ra,Ra!
- Contact:
King Ark Coyotus-I of the People's Republic of Canissia looked out over the golden sands of Palace Beach. It was a beautiful place, a nice natural harbor, with a small private boat dock and open beachside taverns. A natural "greenbelt" --sandbelt, really-- linked the beach with the whole south coast boardwalk system, allowing citizens access. It was only closed for official state functions, so there were usually people enjoying the clean, warm sands.
"Enjoying the day?" a familiar voice asked. Arik turned around.
"I was," he said. Q smiled.
"Curious," he said, "So many people brought here from that charming little online community of yours... and while most seem to enjoy playing political hardball or one-upsmanship, you and just a few others seem content to sit it out."
"I had--"
"No, no," Q said, wagging a finger at him, "You're not the only one who was deployed or knew hardship. Others here have had plenty of problems but are tackling things head-on. Even Colin, although he is focusing on man versus nature plots."
Arik frowned, and shrugged.
"I guess I'm just a easy-going guy," he said with a shrug. He reached over for his cup of coffee only to find that it had been turned into an obnoxiously-colored cocktail with an little plastic umbrella in it.
"Easy going?" Q mocked is tone, "Or just passive? Isn't that what that girl in Israel said about you? Passive?" Arik refused to give him the satisfaction.
"Sarit. Yes, she said I was passive," he replied, taking a defiant sip of the absurdly colorful cocktail. He refused to admit it was good. Banana-coconut, I think. "But I counter that with the idea that passivity is potentially an overlooked virtue. I'm too unmotivated to get into any real trouble."
"Oh, well, if you're going to defend laziness as a virtue..." Q said. "You know, you're not the only one I'm watching." There was a flash of light, and another figure popped into the room.
"Wesfox?" Arik asked, startled. He had no idea what Wes had been up to, but whatever it was seemed to involve a ball gag and a rubber cheetah suit slathered in mayonaisse.
"Uhh...?"
"Here I gave everyone power, armies, warships, something to protect," Q said, "And you two seem to want little of it. Even Decue got involved in a war, with his tiny island. A tropical paradise," Q said, turning to the disoriented Wes, "Well, at least you have a capitalism streak about you."
"Huh inni hueh huhh..." Wes said, then stopped and unclipped the ball gag.
"I didn't do it for capitalism," he said, "I did it because it seemed like a more, I dunno.. creative and fun use of my resources."
"You guys are invalidating all my theories about human nature," Q said quizzically.
"I doubt it," Arik countered, "Humans build, defend, or tear down things because they feel they have to protect themselves from threat. Real or imagined. There's just different ways to reach the security goal."
"Yeah," Wes said, "I mean... you can, I dunno, intimidate people into being cooperative, but that takes a lot of hard work. You have to maintain your own image as a powerful person."
"And if it's not really in your nature to do so," Arik said, raising his hand, "People will be able to tell, and the implied threat or coercion won't work. I prefer to get along."
"You can't be friends with everyone," Q warned.
"I know. I'm not trying to be friends, necessarily. I'm not that interested in conflict. Except in fiction, anyway."
"But doesn't conflict 'define who you are'?" Q asked.
"It helps," Arik said, "But why would someone constantly need to seek re-definition? Isn't this--" he said, with a sweeping gesture towards the beach and, by implication, Canissia itself "--a nice state of affairs to be at? Why seek conflict to re-define this?"
"Something like this is usually the goal, really," Wes said, looking out the balcony. Q snorted in contempt.
"I'll deal with you later," the annoying --and obnoxiously powerful being-- said. He waved Wesfox back to Vulpesia, and whatever awaited him there.
"You think you're going to sit here, fat and happy in your little kingdom of hedonistic, base pleasures, hmm?"
"Well, not fat exactly," Arik said, looking at his belly. There's always that few extra pounds, but that's really just vanity talking...
"What you need is something to be responsible for," Q said, "Something or someone to have to look out for, to arrange for, to build resources for. You're going to have to worry about the future."
"Uh... I do," Arik said, "I mean, I don't... fret about it, but I do try to take care, not create trouble..."
"That avoiding conflict for the sake of avoiding responsibility."
"The idea of avoiding conflict for the sake of avoiding stupid problems never occurred to you?" Arik asked. "There's a reason why humans continually fail your little tests-- you're looking for a particular answer to justify your preconceived notions, so you keep rigging things or re-defining them to make them fit. The idea that your own perceptions could be flawed is just beyond acceptable for you."
"Oh, I'll enjoy what happens," Q said, "I set the ball in motion last time we met."
"What would that be?" Arik asked.
"Any of your assistants been feeling... less than optimal, lately?" Q asked, a cruel smile on his face.
"Starting a pandemic in the Palace?" Arik asked. "That's cold, even for you."
"A pandemic?" Q laughed. "Oh, no-- just the responsibilities of your lifestyle catching up to you. You know that Colin's diabetes has been reversing itself, right?"
Arik shrugged.
"What are you getting at, Q?"
"There are certain healing properties I've allowed to happen. Even to you."
"Shit. Q, you bastard."
"Au revoir, His Most Imperial Majestic Highness. Might want to consider hiring some nannies."
"Bitch!" Arik shouted, as he hurled the glass right at the spot where Q had just vanished. He stood for a moment, looking down at the ground, where Wes's ball gag still lay. "Bitch!" he shouted again, and kicked the ball gag down the hall.
"Enjoying the day?" a familiar voice asked. Arik turned around.
"I was," he said. Q smiled.
"Curious," he said, "So many people brought here from that charming little online community of yours... and while most seem to enjoy playing political hardball or one-upsmanship, you and just a few others seem content to sit it out."
"I had--"
"No, no," Q said, wagging a finger at him, "You're not the only one who was deployed or knew hardship. Others here have had plenty of problems but are tackling things head-on. Even Colin, although he is focusing on man versus nature plots."
Arik frowned, and shrugged.
"I guess I'm just a easy-going guy," he said with a shrug. He reached over for his cup of coffee only to find that it had been turned into an obnoxiously-colored cocktail with an little plastic umbrella in it.
"Easy going?" Q mocked is tone, "Or just passive? Isn't that what that girl in Israel said about you? Passive?" Arik refused to give him the satisfaction.
"Sarit. Yes, she said I was passive," he replied, taking a defiant sip of the absurdly colorful cocktail. He refused to admit it was good. Banana-coconut, I think. "But I counter that with the idea that passivity is potentially an overlooked virtue. I'm too unmotivated to get into any real trouble."
"Oh, well, if you're going to defend laziness as a virtue..." Q said. "You know, you're not the only one I'm watching." There was a flash of light, and another figure popped into the room.
"Wesfox?" Arik asked, startled. He had no idea what Wes had been up to, but whatever it was seemed to involve a ball gag and a rubber cheetah suit slathered in mayonaisse.
"Uhh...?"
"Here I gave everyone power, armies, warships, something to protect," Q said, "And you two seem to want little of it. Even Decue got involved in a war, with his tiny island. A tropical paradise," Q said, turning to the disoriented Wes, "Well, at least you have a capitalism streak about you."
"Huh inni hueh huhh..." Wes said, then stopped and unclipped the ball gag.
"I didn't do it for capitalism," he said, "I did it because it seemed like a more, I dunno.. creative and fun use of my resources."
"You guys are invalidating all my theories about human nature," Q said quizzically.
"I doubt it," Arik countered, "Humans build, defend, or tear down things because they feel they have to protect themselves from threat. Real or imagined. There's just different ways to reach the security goal."
"Yeah," Wes said, "I mean... you can, I dunno, intimidate people into being cooperative, but that takes a lot of hard work. You have to maintain your own image as a powerful person."
"And if it's not really in your nature to do so," Arik said, raising his hand, "People will be able to tell, and the implied threat or coercion won't work. I prefer to get along."
"You can't be friends with everyone," Q warned.
"I know. I'm not trying to be friends, necessarily. I'm not that interested in conflict. Except in fiction, anyway."
"But doesn't conflict 'define who you are'?" Q asked.
"It helps," Arik said, "But why would someone constantly need to seek re-definition? Isn't this--" he said, with a sweeping gesture towards the beach and, by implication, Canissia itself "--a nice state of affairs to be at? Why seek conflict to re-define this?"
"Something like this is usually the goal, really," Wes said, looking out the balcony. Q snorted in contempt.
"I'll deal with you later," the annoying --and obnoxiously powerful being-- said. He waved Wesfox back to Vulpesia, and whatever awaited him there.
"You think you're going to sit here, fat and happy in your little kingdom of hedonistic, base pleasures, hmm?"
"Well, not fat exactly," Arik said, looking at his belly. There's always that few extra pounds, but that's really just vanity talking...
"What you need is something to be responsible for," Q said, "Something or someone to have to look out for, to arrange for, to build resources for. You're going to have to worry about the future."
"Uh... I do," Arik said, "I mean, I don't... fret about it, but I do try to take care, not create trouble..."
"That avoiding conflict for the sake of avoiding responsibility."
"The idea of avoiding conflict for the sake of avoiding stupid problems never occurred to you?" Arik asked. "There's a reason why humans continually fail your little tests-- you're looking for a particular answer to justify your preconceived notions, so you keep rigging things or re-defining them to make them fit. The idea that your own perceptions could be flawed is just beyond acceptable for you."
"Oh, I'll enjoy what happens," Q said, "I set the ball in motion last time we met."
"What would that be?" Arik asked.
"Any of your assistants been feeling... less than optimal, lately?" Q asked, a cruel smile on his face.
"Starting a pandemic in the Palace?" Arik asked. "That's cold, even for you."
"A pandemic?" Q laughed. "Oh, no-- just the responsibilities of your lifestyle catching up to you. You know that Colin's diabetes has been reversing itself, right?"
Arik shrugged.
"What are you getting at, Q?"
"There are certain healing properties I've allowed to happen. Even to you."
"Shit. Q, you bastard."
"Au revoir, His Most Imperial Majestic Highness. Might want to consider hiring some nannies."
"Bitch!" Arik shouted, as he hurled the glass right at the spot where Q had just vanished. He stood for a moment, looking down at the ground, where Wes's ball gag still lay. "Bitch!" he shouted again, and kicked the ball gag down the hall.
Something about Libertarianism always bothered me. Then one day, I realized what it was:
Libertarian philosophy can be boiled down to the phrase, "Work Will Make You Free."
In Libertarianism, there is no Government, so the Bosses are free to exploit the Workers.
In Communism, there is no Government, so the Workers are free to exploit the Bosses.
So in Libertarianism, man exploits man, but in Communism, its the other way around!
If all you want to do is have some harmless, mindless fun, go H3RE INST3ADZ0RZ!!
Grrr! Fight my Brute, you pansy!
Libertarian philosophy can be boiled down to the phrase, "Work Will Make You Free."
In Libertarianism, there is no Government, so the Bosses are free to exploit the Workers.
In Communism, there is no Government, so the Workers are free to exploit the Bosses.
So in Libertarianism, man exploits man, but in Communism, its the other way around!
If all you want to do is have some harmless, mindless fun, go H3RE INST3ADZ0RZ!!
Grrr! Fight my Brute, you pansy!
BBC Reports
"In International news there has been an outpouring of private donations from several countries to Terra Libertia after the recent spat of violence between the main the factions and the recent death of two dozen people on the north end of the island to mega fauna attacks."
"In national news the rest of the FY'09 budget was released some interesting figures.
One Billion dollars to be invested in upgrades to the nations communications to fiber backbones between cities and between
Five hundred million dollars over four years to upgrade the nations power grid to include all non-ultra high voltage power-lines in the nation.
Two billion dollars in K-12 education investment over the next three years.
There was also a reduce spending on Defense purchasing, the Crown has request the temporary freeze on new military purchases to be on hold for one more year and Parliament has agreed. However the Naval training budget has been exempted from this and there was a 20$ increase on training including the possibility of Joint training exercises between local OMSK and FUGAL nations."
BBC reports
"In International news there has been an outpouring of private donations from several countries to Terra Libertia after the recent spat of violence between the main the factions and the recent death of two dozen people on the north end of the island to mega fauna attacks."
"In national news the rest of the FY'09 budget was released some interesting figures.
One Billion dollars to be invested in upgrades to the nations communications to fiber backbones between cities and between
Five hundred million dollars over four years to upgrade the nations power grid to include all non-ultra high voltage power-lines in the nation.
Two billion dollars in K-12 education investment over the next three years.
There was also a reduce spending on Defense purchasing, the Crown has request the temporary freeze on new military purchases to be on hold for one more year and Parliament has agreed. However the Naval training budget has been exempted from this and there was a 20$ increase on training including the possibility of Joint training exercises between local OMSK and FUGAL nations."
BBC reports
"A cult is a religion with no political power." -Tom Wolfe
Pardon me for sounding like a dick, but I'm playing the tiniest violin in the world right now-Dalton
-
Vohu Manah
- Jedi Knight
- Posts: 775
- Joined: 2004-03-28 07:38am
- Location: Harford County, Maryland
- Contact:
Estate of the Grand Duke of the Qudlivun Free State, Outskirts of Nihama City
The Grand Duke looked out from one of the balconies facing the city and ocean, taking in the nighttime view of his little land. The cool breeze off of the ocean provided him comfort and reminded him of Old Earth, if only briefly. His relatively isolated nation was safe, for now.
An aide entered the chamber, "Will their be anything else, sir?"
"Do I have any more meetings today?" asked the Duke.
"No, sir."
The Grand Duke nodded and waved his dismissal of the aide. He would rather be alone for the moment.
Vohu Manah had just concluded his meeting with the Minister of the Environment. He was getting tired of meetings. Too many interlocking dependencies and too many impatient people. The Ministry's plan to begin mapping out the sea floor surrounding his territory was dependent on the I.S.C.A. delivering his ships in time. Delivery was promised by year's end so he really didn't understand the problem.
His meeting earlier with the Minister of Defense was no better. While the Grand Duke's support for a ground-based aircraft & missile interceptor system was expected the Minister of Defense tried to chastise him for not looking internationally for options. Vohu nearly yanked his support for the minister, though he would have done so solely out of anger. He knew his country couldn't produce everything they wanted, not in a short period of time. Coastal guns and more traditional anti-aircraft guns were relatively easy compared to some of the projects he'd envisioned. A comprehensive air defense shield would be at least three different missile systems. The most obvious threat would be aircraft and missiles, hence his goal for one interceptor vehicle suitable for both.
Some good did come out of today's meetings. The defensive UAV program will have a final total cost equivalent of $200 million USD after research & development is paid for with a yearly cost equivalent of $18 million USD to the military for nine airframes. The three ground-based installations for the UAVs, operating out of the nation's three airports, will be completed by the beginning of September and patrols will start that day (each airport will be assigned three airframes). Work will begin of an expendable UAV system for field deployments.
Thankfully Qudlivun maintains a sufficant arms industry to produce the damn ammo.
The Grand Duke looked out from one of the balconies facing the city and ocean, taking in the nighttime view of his little land. The cool breeze off of the ocean provided him comfort and reminded him of Old Earth, if only briefly. His relatively isolated nation was safe, for now.
An aide entered the chamber, "Will their be anything else, sir?"
"Do I have any more meetings today?" asked the Duke.
"No, sir."
The Grand Duke nodded and waved his dismissal of the aide. He would rather be alone for the moment.
Vohu Manah had just concluded his meeting with the Minister of the Environment. He was getting tired of meetings. Too many interlocking dependencies and too many impatient people. The Ministry's plan to begin mapping out the sea floor surrounding his territory was dependent on the I.S.C.A. delivering his ships in time. Delivery was promised by year's end so he really didn't understand the problem.
His meeting earlier with the Minister of Defense was no better. While the Grand Duke's support for a ground-based aircraft & missile interceptor system was expected the Minister of Defense tried to chastise him for not looking internationally for options. Vohu nearly yanked his support for the minister, though he would have done so solely out of anger. He knew his country couldn't produce everything they wanted, not in a short period of time. Coastal guns and more traditional anti-aircraft guns were relatively easy compared to some of the projects he'd envisioned. A comprehensive air defense shield would be at least three different missile systems. The most obvious threat would be aircraft and missiles, hence his goal for one interceptor vehicle suitable for both.
Some good did come out of today's meetings. The defensive UAV program will have a final total cost equivalent of $200 million USD after research & development is paid for with a yearly cost equivalent of $18 million USD to the military for nine airframes. The three ground-based installations for the UAVs, operating out of the nation's three airports, will be completed by the beginning of September and patrols will start that day (each airport will be assigned three airframes). Work will begin of an expendable UAV system for field deployments.
Thankfully Qudlivun maintains a sufficant arms industry to produce the damn ammo.
Qudlivun Defensive UAV Specification Sheet wrote:
DESIGNATION
MQ-1 Reaper Hunter-Killer Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Old Earth Designation MQ-9
GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS
Contractor: Qudlivun Aeronautical Systems Incorporated
Landing Type: runway
Launch Type: runway
Power Plant: Honeywell TP331-10 turboprop engine, 670 kW
PERFORMANCE
Ceiling: 50,000 ft (15 km)
Endurance: 15 h
Range: 3682 mi (3200 nautical miles)
Fuel Capacity: 1,300 kg (3,907 lb)
Length: 11 m (36 ft)
Payload: 1700 kg (3800 lb)
Weight: 1676 kg (3700 lb) empty; 4760 kg (10,500 lb) max
Wingspan: 20 m (66 ft)
Velocity: 400 km/h (250 mph, 220 knots)
ARMAMENT
6 Hardpoints under the wings, can carry a payload mix of 1,500 lb. on each of its two inboard weapons stations, 500-600 lb. on the two middle stations and 150-200 lb. on the outboard stations.
Typical armament includes: 2x AIM-9 Sidewinder air to air missiles, 8x AGM-114 Hellfire air to ground missiles & 2x GBU-38 JDAM air to ground bombs
Can carry external fuel tanks in lieu of some armaments.
COST
Unit cost: USD 16 million (approximate with ground control equipment)
“There are two kinds of people in the world: the kind who think it’s perfectly reasonable to strip-search a 13-year-old girl suspected of bringing ibuprofen to school, and the kind who think those people should be kept as far away from children as possible … Sometimes it’s hard to tell the difference between drug warriors and child molesters.” - Jacob Sullum[/size][/align]
"Hmm... those T-38s are getting a bit long in the tooth. And the MESS didn't get that trainer/light fighter contract. Get the Peace Department to issue a contract. Supersonic, capable of carrying some munitions."
---
Peace Department announces competition for new advanced jet trainer.
Requirements for this trainer include supersonic flight capability, munitions carriage, and provision for gun carriage. Northray has proposed the AT-38D, utilizing a F404 engine. TXAF airframes would be remanufactured. Douglas has proposed the T-45D, with a new wing design, and an ITEC F125 engine. Again, TXAF airframes would be remanufactured, but the proposal also allows new manufactured aircraft to replace existing T-38s, reducing the number of aircraft types in the inventory.
---
Peace Department announces competition for new advanced jet trainer.
Requirements for this trainer include supersonic flight capability, munitions carriage, and provision for gun carriage. Northray has proposed the AT-38D, utilizing a F404 engine. TXAF airframes would be remanufactured. Douglas has proposed the T-45D, with a new wing design, and an ITEC F125 engine. Again, TXAF airframes would be remanufactured, but the proposal also allows new manufactured aircraft to replace existing T-38s, reducing the number of aircraft types in the inventory.
"preemptive killing of cops might not be such a bad idea from a personal saftey[sic] standpoint..." --Keevan Colton
"There's a word for bias you can't see: Yours." -- William Saletan
"There's a word for bias you can't see: Yours." -- William Saletan
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Coyote
- Rabid Monkey
- Posts: 12464
- Joined: 2002-08-23 01:20am
- Location: The glorious Sun-Barge! Isis, Isis, Ra,Ra,Ra!
- Contact:
Colonel Rassnar looked at Arik, who was particularly haggard.
"All of them, Excellency?"
"All of them," Arik responded, "At least, that what Doc Cottle says."
"An heir is a good thing," Rassnar said, trying --poorly-- to think of a positive spin on the situation.
"An heir is a good thing," Arik conceded, "Half a dozen of them, not so much. I'll tell you some stories from Earth That Was about too many heirs splitting the lands and leading to civil war." H epaused, and tried to stifle a laugh, but failed. The absurdity of th esituation was still shocking him. "But, let's not go splitting heirs just yet. God, I need a drink."
"Is this what that... being was trying to get you to do?" the Colonel asked, "Make a choice between them?"
"I dunno," Arik said, "Perhaps. It'd be like him to make someone face a difficult choice, one tailored to the results of their own weaknesses."
"Well, look at it this way," his aide-de-camp said, "There are many years before this choice has to be faced. Time to make a more informed decision. And let's face it, as a world leader, you certainly won't be expected to get up at 2AM to change nappies."
"Technically, true, but I don't think that's the point. No, I'll do some of that because it's my responsibility, but... no, what Q wants is to see people fight for something. He thinks that what we're willing to fight for defines who we are-- ethically, in particular."
"Look at the bright side, sir, you didn't fight just for the sake of your own comfort and convenience," the Colonel said, "You were given this position and power, and chose to make accomodations with others rather than bully your way. So you cannot thoroughly be accused of being selfish."
"Perhaps, but that's a limited way to look at it. If a person won't fight-- or work-- for themselves, will they do it for others?"
"I've no doubt you'd've been willing to fight for all the people of Canissia, had it come to that."
"Mm, yess... but that's an impersonal responsibility. This makes it personal-- how far will a person, in this case myself, go to secure someone very personal to me? I generally won't abuse power to better myself, but I can't say I wouldn't be tempted to do so on behalf of someone else."
"But how does this stand in relation to the rest of Ne Terra?" Rassnar asked. Arik shrugged.
"I'm not entirely sure," he replied, "I'll probably take my job more seriously, make more of an effort to integrate with the rest of the MESS and secure things with OMSK... I may take a more active role in dealing with the trouble spots of the world."
"Pirates, Libertopia?" Rassnar asked, searching for examples.
"Yeah," Arik said, "Goddamn Libertopians."
"All of them, Excellency?"
"All of them," Arik responded, "At least, that what Doc Cottle says."
"An heir is a good thing," Rassnar said, trying --poorly-- to think of a positive spin on the situation.
"An heir is a good thing," Arik conceded, "Half a dozen of them, not so much. I'll tell you some stories from Earth That Was about too many heirs splitting the lands and leading to civil war." H epaused, and tried to stifle a laugh, but failed. The absurdity of th esituation was still shocking him. "But, let's not go splitting heirs just yet. God, I need a drink."
"Is this what that... being was trying to get you to do?" the Colonel asked, "Make a choice between them?"
"I dunno," Arik said, "Perhaps. It'd be like him to make someone face a difficult choice, one tailored to the results of their own weaknesses."
"Well, look at it this way," his aide-de-camp said, "There are many years before this choice has to be faced. Time to make a more informed decision. And let's face it, as a world leader, you certainly won't be expected to get up at 2AM to change nappies."
"Technically, true, but I don't think that's the point. No, I'll do some of that because it's my responsibility, but... no, what Q wants is to see people fight for something. He thinks that what we're willing to fight for defines who we are-- ethically, in particular."
"Look at the bright side, sir, you didn't fight just for the sake of your own comfort and convenience," the Colonel said, "You were given this position and power, and chose to make accomodations with others rather than bully your way. So you cannot thoroughly be accused of being selfish."
"Perhaps, but that's a limited way to look at it. If a person won't fight-- or work-- for themselves, will they do it for others?"
"I've no doubt you'd've been willing to fight for all the people of Canissia, had it come to that."
"Mm, yess... but that's an impersonal responsibility. This makes it personal-- how far will a person, in this case myself, go to secure someone very personal to me? I generally won't abuse power to better myself, but I can't say I wouldn't be tempted to do so on behalf of someone else."
"But how does this stand in relation to the rest of Ne Terra?" Rassnar asked. Arik shrugged.
"I'm not entirely sure," he replied, "I'll probably take my job more seriously, make more of an effort to integrate with the rest of the MESS and secure things with OMSK... I may take a more active role in dealing with the trouble spots of the world."
"Pirates, Libertopia?" Rassnar asked, searching for examples.
"Yeah," Arik said, "Goddamn Libertopians."
Something about Libertarianism always bothered me. Then one day, I realized what it was:
Libertarian philosophy can be boiled down to the phrase, "Work Will Make You Free."
In Libertarianism, there is no Government, so the Bosses are free to exploit the Workers.
In Communism, there is no Government, so the Workers are free to exploit the Bosses.
So in Libertarianism, man exploits man, but in Communism, its the other way around!
If all you want to do is have some harmless, mindless fun, go H3RE INST3ADZ0RZ!!
Grrr! Fight my Brute, you pansy!
Libertarian philosophy can be boiled down to the phrase, "Work Will Make You Free."
In Libertarianism, there is no Government, so the Bosses are free to exploit the Workers.
In Communism, there is no Government, so the Workers are free to exploit the Bosses.
So in Libertarianism, man exploits man, but in Communism, its the other way around!
If all you want to do is have some harmless, mindless fun, go H3RE INST3ADZ0RZ!!
Grrr! Fight my Brute, you pansy!