SD.Net World(RAR!) MK II

[Redleader34]

Rocking Red New Years for the leader of the Royal Rail Republic

Red Leader spent a wonderful evening at the Red Technocracy, touring the country, visiting the many facilities and museums of the glorious nation. He visited the people's workers party museum, placed a flower on the graves of the Unknown Soldier, and managed to meet the leader of the Red Technocracy.

Code: Select all

3R 2008 Budget Report

5 500 000 000 Total Funds Acquired

Total Funds Spent

3 790 000 000
 
710 000 000 Surplus

Money Sources

Internal FUN Tourism

500 000 000 

Sales of Pharmaceutical

1 000 000 000

Taxes, tarrifs, fees

3 000 000 000

Pure Fruit/Vegetable Sales

1 000 000 000

Money Out

540 000 000 Nuclear Plant Fees

50 000 000 Custom A225 Fees

100 000 000 Internal Expansion

2 000 000 000 Internal Affairs (Schools, Hospitals, the ilk)

100 000 000 Network Start-Up Costs (GSEN Started this year)

400 000 000 Military Payments, Repair Fees

500 000 000 Shipping Fees (Includes Repairs, Insurance, Renting Fees)

100 000 000 Rail Upgrades (Separate from Internal Affairs due to Act 10-2D)

1 000 000 000 Education Expenditures.

Future Expected Payments

20 Million on merchant Fleet formation
100 Million on Ekranoplan Fleet Formation
5 Million on Training Ekranoplan Purchases
10-70 million on new Flagship Medium Range Frigate 
540 Million on Nuclear Power Plants

[OOC] Almost Final, will work over the numbers again[/OOC]

[Beowulf]

Special Advertising Supplement

Northray Corp announces start of SaTV service

This service is provided by a satellite in the increasingly crowded geosynchronous orbit. For price as low as $20 a month, plus the cost of the equipment, a consumer can receive up to 500 channels. The dish is a simple fixed installation, requiring no maintenance, making it easy for consumers to use. When available, content is transmitted in 1080P60, allowing consumers to see the nose hairs of the actors.

[General Deathdealer]

Baal Daily News

Grand Duchy's FY2009 Fiscal Report Released

Code: Select all

INCOME (USD) 
Income tax------------------------------$800M
Sales tax-------------------------------$800M
Tariffs---------------------------------$500M
Oil Sales-------------------------------$1500M
Rum Sales-------------------------------$600M
Total-----------------------------------$4200M

EXPENSES (USD) 
Social security-------------------------$300M
Research--------------------------------$800M
Medical services------------------------$200M
Education-------------------------------$100M 
Military--------------------------------$2500M
Police, firefighting--------------------$30M 
Infrastructure--------------------------$600M
Investment in industry------------------$600M
-----Sanguinius Shipyard Modernization--$1000M
-----FCS Purchase-----------------------$375M
Birth Rate Gratuity---------------------$30M
Government Salaries---------------------$6M 
Other-----------------------------------$100M
Total-----------------------------------$4166M

TRADE (USD)
Exports---------------------------------$2600M
Imports---------------------------------$2000M

GDP by end of year----------------------$8966M USD
Annual GDP growth-----------------------6.2%
GDP per capita--------------------------$26,370
Inflation-------------------------------2.9%
Population below poverty rate-----------3.4%

Total estimated population--------------340,000 
Total population growth-----------------0.07% (incl. immigration, emigration, live birth and deaths) 
Life expectancy at birth----------------69 male, 71 female 
Total literacy rate---------------------86%

The Ministry of Finance spokesman stated, "It has been a good year. With most of our big projects completed, this coming year looks to be even more prosperous for Baal."

[General Deathdealer]

Baal Daily News

Aircraft Purchase Approved

Today the Ministry of Defense announced the purchase of 10 F/A-18E Super Hornets from the Republic of Shinra.

"This purchase will allow us to better defend our airspace as well as perform search and destroy missions in the war on piracy."

The exact details of the sale were not announced, but it is said that the Duchy received a good price for the top of the line aircraft. Also included in the deal was the training of the pilots and ground crew for the aircraft. All of the training is to take place in the Republic of Shinra.

"Purchasing these aircraft will strengthen our already strong relationship with Shinra. We are very grateful for their generosity in this sale."

The pilots and ground crew left earlier today to begin their training.

[General Deathdealer]

Baal Daily News

Munitions Plant To Increase in Size

The Ministry of Infrastructure has announced that the Animus Munitions Factory will increase in size and modernize this year. The modernization is due to the purchase of the 10 F/A-18s from Shinra.

"We need to be able to produce our own armaments and ammunition. This will allow us to supply the new aircraft and any other new military hardware we purchase."

The Plant will be upgraded to produce missiles and bombs for the new aircraft.

[Mr Bean]

BBC Reports
BBC File Photo:New Years 2010 in New New York


"For the first time Live from the Capitals of a dozen countries, the BBC hosted a smash hit News Year's Party, hosted by the star's of five different countries and live broadcast in three languages. This years New Years Party was one for the books. It's estimated that 71 million people tuned in last night or were at one of the broadcast areas as the clock clicked over from 2009 to 2010. The side by side view from the Capital of the UKB, the Republic of Pezookia and the People's Republic of Canissia was widely popular."


"During the Traditional open air King's Address on New Years, our Monarch King Blackadder the VI took the time to address concerns over Mess/OMSK tension, the spending on the Space Industry, the State of our Military, the efforts of Task Force Zoro in piracy suppression and various national and local matters. After the speech the King left the stage and in a mingled with the crowd for an hour before making his goodbyes and leaving via security transport to return to the palace.


"Two final items of note, a Press release has been put out stating that the King plans to make a announcement tomorrow and that it is of high important, and as well the discussion of the FY'10 budget was expected to wrap up by this weekend and be available to the public by Monday.

[Mr Bean]

"BBC Reports"
Annual World Leader's Conference called for in February. To be held on the International Island of Atlantis.

(OOC:When I say February I mean this coming RL Sunday)

[General Deathdealer]

Baal Daily News

New Flagships for the Navy

The Ministry of Defense announced today that they had purchased 2 Keira Knightly Class Destroyers from Wilkonia.

"This will give our Navy a little more punch as well as giving us more modern warships so we can better coordinate our efforts in the war on piracy."

Details about the deal were not given, but the sale includes a full load of Tomahawk Cruise Missiles and Sea Sparrow Anti-Aircraft Missiles, as well as training for the crews of the ships. It also was not announced if the original names of the ships will be kept or if they will be renamed.

Crews for the ships will depart tomorrow for Wilkonia to conduct joint training with the Wilkonian Navy.

"Like our recent deal with Shinra, this deal only strengthens our relationship with our ally Wilkonia. We would like to publicly thank them for their generosity in this deal."

[CmdrWilkens]

Wilkonian Finiancial Ministers indicate sales will benefit the emergency fund

Several sources at the Ministry of Finance today indicated that the proceeds from the recent and expected sales of mothballed Keira Knightley-class Destroyers will benefit the emergency fund. They indicated that while Wilkonia continues to be the largest international supplier in silver that the fund is not nearly as large as they would like. Moreover the fund was used to help offset the cost of the initial design and procurement of the class so sendind money back into the fund seemed logical. Defense Ministry officials have been mum but at least one senior Naval Officer indicated that any money put into the fund was a good thing. "We could always use a large war chest in waiting. God forbid we actually have to fight but in the gap between starting hostilities and moving to a war footing that cash reserve would be critical."

[Coyote]

The People's Republic of Canissia puts in a bid for the following vessels from Wilkonia:

4 Keira Knightley (Flight IIA Burke) class Destroyers
5 Andrea Corr (Ticonderoga) class Cruisers

[Coyote]

Colonel Rassnar, the King's aide-de-camp, put his hand over the cell phone and leaned over to speak quielty to Arik.
"The Qudlivan Free State has put in an impressive bid for a Keira Knightley destroyer."
"Okay," Arik nodded, "I don't want to get intoa bidding war. Let's just bid on the rest of the vessels at the asking price."

Arik was acting on some quiet hints from his finance minister. The Canissian Republic had avoided big-ticket purchases and extravagant expenses for the most part, with the two exceptions being the hydropower project shared with the Red Technocracy and the purchase of the automated cargo ships.

Otherwise, the People's Republic of Canissia had stayed out of most wars and concentrated on trade and infrastructure. But at some point, the economy would need some sort of spending program to provide jobs and stimulus.

The offer to purchase some ships --Cruisers, at that-- was a good one, and it kept him from having to divert resources towards building them. King Arik saw more benefit in the construction of more numerous, smaller ships, and to that end he was going to unveil the Anuket-class program soon.

Based on the old Earth Nanuchka class missile corvette of the Soviet navy, the Anuket-class was a reworked version of the ship with NATO-standard weapons systems and better engines. The reworked class, named after the tempramental Egyptian goddess of the Nile, would be a TLAM-carrying ship that bridged th egap between the small, fast hydrofols and the larger Destroyers based off the Earth Arleigh Burkess.

When Arik had first arrived on New Terra, he'd toyed with ideas for mid-size Aircraft Carriers based off of various European and Russian designs, as well as a 'through-deck cruiser' type classes. But an arms race and the economic trouble that went with it weren't how he wanted to conduct business.

But as the People's Republic of Canissia expanded its role in the world, taking on pirates and anarcho-terrorists in the far-off Central Sea, the need for some larger ships could not be denied.

Purchasing some cruisers would fill the need, while allowing his own shipyards to concentrate on the Anuket class development.

"Anuket" (Nanuchka) -class missile Corvette

ANUKET IN-GAME VERSION ("Anuket" was the goddess of the Nile in ancient Egyptian mythos-- very tempramental)
Displacement: 560 long tons (569 t) standard, 660 LT (671 t) full load
Length: 59.3 metres (194.6 ft)
Beam: 12.6 m (41.3 ft)
Draught: 2.4 m (7.9 ft)

Machinery: 3 shaft COGAG turbines at 11,000 hp each
Speed: 48 knots (89 km/h)
Range: 1650 at 14 knots (26 km/h), operational autonomy for 10 days.

Armament:
6 BGM-109 Tomahawk TLAMs
1 RIM-7 Sea Sparrow SAMs
1 Mk 75 76 mm OTO Melara
1 Phalanx CIWS (Block 1B)
Crew: 60

[Shroom Man 777]

The Sovereign Shroomanian Sentinel
UN-ALLITERATIVE SPECIAL: HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM THE PRIME MINISTER!


The Prime Minister celebrates the New Year!

"I would like to commemorate this event with a simple statement addressed to all the world's peoples," the Prime Minister said. "Let us eat, drink and be merry!"

Year 2 has been a time of great change for the New World. While there was a rise in piracy and maritime violence, many were relieved to have no repeats of last year's Syndromian Strike, Shadow-Mangka, or Astorian-Libertopian crises. Yet, despite this, the world also saw the continued proliferation of nuclear weaponry and an all-time high in OMSK-MESS tensions. For many of the Central Sea nation, the creation of the Fungal Union of Nations and the continued economic growth it brought was one of the few bright spots for what was otherwise an uncertain and anxious year.

"And I'd like to congratulate my comrade, Secretary General Stas, on finally marrying the beautiful Sky Marshall Anna," the Prime Minister added. "I would have gone to the wedding myself, but you know what it's like, being in two separate nations. Perhaps I can catch them in the Shadow Empire, at their honeymoon."

"Nevertheless, this is a fine time for everyone! Forget your worries, at least for the moment, and bask in the joy of the moment!" he said as he straddled a Triceratops.

[Lonestar]

Austin Republican
The Assembly passed the FY11 Naval and Air bill today, which calls for 5 F-16Is for attrition, 4 new C-130Js, 1 E-9 JSTARS aircraft, and 5 F/A-18Fs. The procurement of two Carnissan UCAV drones for testing has been authorized as well. 3 MQ-9s will also be purchased.

Naval assets procurment are limited, with another $400mil invested in R&D of a new CGN, which is expected to resemble the CSGN that the Tian Xia navy is purchasing. 1 Oceangraphic research vessel has been authorized for the new year, as has 2 Ocean Going Tugs. SM-3 integration for the existing fleet will conclude. FOOTNOTE, the plan to deploy nuclear warheads on TLAMs, has been given $300mil to conclude a design and integration study, with the aim to have it fleet deployable next year. Besides this, there is nothing on the docket except routine yardwork/operating/personnel expenses.

[Vohu Manah]

Qudlivun Free State - Excerpt of Secure Phone Conversation between Grand Duke Vohu Manah and Prime Minister Armaiti Mazda

"Your Grace," opened the Prime Minister, "The Minister of Defense has expressed concerns that we may become too dependent on foreign countries based on our recent technology purchases. Are you sure it is wise to purchase a ship from a foreign country? One arguably that we are not on the best terms with?"

"Our own frigate design is still at best two years away from sea trials and is arguably behind schedule." noted the Grand Duke. "It will also be almost three times the price when you factor in the necessary research and development and I seriously doubt there will be any market for a vessel with its configuration in this world, thus we can forget about recouping our costs with foreign purchases. Of course the destroyer, assuming we have a winning bid, will be undergo a rigorous security sweep and inspection prior to crewing and use, that doesn't need stating. I do find it extremely odd that your Minister of Defense would have the gaul to give me a hard time now over looking at overseas options when he isn't delivering here at home and he specifically chastised me on this very matter. Quite frankly he needs to shut his pie hole."

"Shall I express your sentiment of his performance in that manner?" asked Ms. Mazda.

"Certainly, I have told him such to his face." noted His Grace, "This purchase, especially if delivered this year, will give us a degree of flexibility now that we'd otherwise be waiting for. We still need to dispatch a transport to pick up our order of UAVs and I'm not comfortable without escort. Right now that means at minimum 4 ships, based on our current assets, being sent for this pick up. With this used destroyer, now we're talking two."

"The purchase does raise questions about the development of an offensive capability." The Prime Minister sighed, "Our self-defense forces aren't built for offensive actions nor overseas deployment."

"May I remind you that the possibility of an international obligation was created by your government?" replied the Grand Duke, "The moment your government sought membership in a foreign alliance you created the possibility we'd be summoned by other nations to either act at their behest or act in their defense. As such we should be able to oblige. We will not enter into war blindly, you needn't worry."

"Will this purchase not create some overlap in our capabilities?"

"Entirely possible." continued the Grand Duke, "But they're equipped for different missions. The frigate is better suited to support a peacekeeping operation while the destroyer is probably better equipped for a peacemaking operation. In either case this will give us the means to carry out our international obligations. I still intend on making the Frigate our flagship for the defense forces."

"What do you want to do about the Conference in February?" asked the Prime Minister.

"I'm not comfortable in a room with a large group of people I don't know. Send the Minister for Foreign Affairs or go yourself."

"I'll go, I handle crowds much better anyway." replied the Prime Minister, "Have a good day, Your Grace."

[Grand Moff Yenchin]

Vice President Yuki Amami's New Year Greeting.

"Fellow citizens of Mangka, it has been a great year. After the establishment of the ICAC, 80% of the corruption has been removed from power. The officials and representatives related to the Triads have either been pushed back to wherever they came from, or are now in their deserved places in the prison. We are entering a new era in our history. For the first time, those who are in power must think twice before abusing the power.

"However, this is not enough, we have just been merely cured of a disease, we must also put our efforts in strengthening our nation. The world is changing rapidly. We must adapt and be with the best. Starting from this year, there will be many changes.

"I also warn those who are attempting to reclaim their abused power, don't even think of it. Your efforts will be useless, you will be despised by the people, you will gain nothing. Think twice before trying to do anything.

"I wish you all a Happy New Year."

[Fingolfin_Noldor]

Constantinople Times

Byzantium Imperial Navy purchases 4 used Arleigh Burke Flight IIA hulls.

The Imperial Navy today took purchase of 4 used Arleigh Burke Flight IIA hulls from Wilkonia today at 325 million a piece. They will be retrofitted at the various shipyards in Byzantium and will be upgraded to Komneni class destroyers standard (Arleigh Burke Flight IIA equivalent).

Byzantium Defence Ministry announces intent to begin development of a new tank (Korean XK-2 analog)

The Defence Ministry announced that a new tank similar to the real world Korean XK-2 tank will be developed with the intention of deployment within the next 8-10 years. Bearing many of the features of the current Kilibarni tanks, the new tank will be more advanced and improved in many ways compared to the Kilibarni tanks. "Anatolia is extremely hilly and mountainous and though our Kilibarni tanks have been satisfactory thus far, we need better tanks that can better scale the terrain in Anatolia." says a defence spokesman. There are some voices within the military that advocate a lighter tank for easy foreign deployment (such as the new Japanese tank that's 44tonnes). To appease these voices, a study will be done to see if such tanks are possible, and possibly retrofit an airlift brigade with these tanks.

(It should be noted that in the real world, Turkey agreed to license the technology for the K-2 Black Panther as well)

[The Yosemite Bear]

Tragedy at sea:

Lt. Kendal Miller, commander of the Sea Foxes GEV squadron, along with the crews of three other GEVs died this new years. Miller was the star of the reality series "Sea Fox" as well as was the winning contestant on last years "Total Bastard"*. While The GEVs were comming in fast and tearing into pirate vessels they came under fire both from RPG armed pirates as well as mistaken fire from allies.

Miller was apparently halfway out side his commander's hatch filming the action when he was hit with heavy machine gun fire. Despite wearing personal body armour, miller sustaned fatal back and internal organ injuries. Miller's GEV "Little Bastard" is being sent to the Bear Republic for repairs or to be placed in a memorial. The crew of the "Little Bastard" are currently recovering in a Syndromian Hospital....


Elsewhere: (FUN "Hospital" on Syndromian Soil)
Gunner: someone got another bottle of carbonated wine?
Mechanic: Why can't you just call it Champane?
Pilot and the Radio/Navigator in unison: Who Cares the fuckin Asshole is finally DEAD!!!!


*Immagine if you will a "Big Brother House" or "Survivor" type show, where the audiance gets to vote people out, and the only criteria is to pull outrageous stunts on the other contestants. yes they use the kitchen as the bathroom, replace medication with sugar pills, etc. Miller won by replacing the "Cofession Room House Cat" with one of the cats from "Pet Exorcist" (Which while they may not really be daemonically possessed, are extremly evil SOBs)

Foot note: the total deaths from this action, are: 20, Three full crews: 6 person crew on a GEV, 1 GEV hit by a "Lucky" RPG hit, 1 GEV caught fire and burned after getting hit with heavy automatatic cannon fire (Fratracide from another GEV's 30 mm which had been replaced with the Helo gunship type 30mm cannon), Another one was completly destroyed when it was hit by a naval shell (just happeded to be in the wrong place at the wrong time). Miller Shot in the back by a heavy Machinegun or Light automatic cannon round, was wearing body armour, didn't stop it from causing too much internal injuries. And one ship's mechanic who was working on the engines when the pilot took evasive action to avoid incomming fire)

[MKSheppard]

Blackbeard Program Report 2009

Factory Construction in Shroomania, Zor, Shepnukistan, Pezookia, and the Red Technocracy is largely complete, and full rate production was achieved on October 2009; with the majority of the missiles delivered for 2009 delivered in the last two months of the year.

To date, thirteen batteries and 624 missiles have been delivered to the following customers:

1 x Battalion (Red Technocracy); 48 missiles
1 x Battalion (UKB); 48 missiles
2 x Battalions (Shroomania); 96 missiles
2 x Battalions (Canissia); 96 missiles
2 x Battalions (Pezookia); 96 missiles
2 x Battalions (Zor); 96 missiles
1 x Battalion (New Patria); 48 missiles
1 x Battalion (Duchy of Langley); 48 missiles

Block II "Beard" missiles entered production in April 2009, and have replaced the earlier missiles on the production line; so the majority of missiles delivered this year were the following models:

MGM-174D Fastbeard: (450 km range, Mach 1.3 Sea Skimmer, 400 kg warhead; anti-ship)
MGM-174E Fastbeard: (450 km range, Mach 1.3 Terrain Following, 400 kg warhead; Land Attack)
MGM-174F Fastbeard: (450 km range, Mach 1.3 Terrain Following, 220 x 1.5 kg bomblets; Land Attack)

MGM-175D Slowbeard: (150 km range, Mach 0.9 Sea Skimmer, 400 kg warhead; Anti-Ship)
MGM-175E Slowbeard: (150 km range, Mach 0.9 Terrain Following, 400 kg warhead; Land Attack)
MGM-175F Slowbeard: (150 km range, Mach 0.9 Terrain Following, 220 x 1.5 kg bomblets; Land Attack)

Blackbeard Program 2010 Estimates

We expect to in 2010 the following numbers:

Ninety Battalions and 8,640 missiles (unlike last year, where we had to economize on 48 missiles per battalion to enable all customers to recieve missiles, we will produce at full rate of 96 missiles per Battalion). to the following customers:

10 x Battalions (Red Technocracy); 960 missiles
10 x Battalions (UKB); 960 missiles
10 x Battalions (Shroomania); 960 missiles
10 x Battalions (Canissia); 960 missiles
10 x Battalions (Pezookia); 960 missiles
10 x Battalions (Zor); 960 missiles
10 x Battalions (New Patria); 960 missiles
10 x Battalions (Duchy of Langley); 960 missiles
10 x Battalions (Shepnukistan) ; 960 missiles

This order will complete intial procurement of the Blackbeard system, with further procurements being for attrition.

About halfway through the 2010 production run, the Block III "Beards" will enter production; and as before, will be allocated evenly to all procurers.

Block III Beards:

MGM-174G Super Fastbeard (675 km range, Mach 2 Sea Skimmer, 600 kg warhead; anti-ship)
MGM-174H Super Fastbeard: 675 km range, Mach 2 Terrain Following, 600 kg warhead; Land Attack)
MGM-174J Super Fastbeard: 675 km range, Mach 2 Terrain Following, 330 x 1.5 kg bomblets; Land Attack)

MGM-175G Super Slowbeard (100 km range, Mach 1 Sea Skimmer; 600 kg warhead; anti-ship)
MGM-175H Super Slowbeard (100 km range, Mach 1 Terrain Following; 600 kg warhead; Land Attack)
MGM-175J Super Slowbeard (100 km range, Mach 1 Terrain Following, 330 x 1.5 kg bomblets; Land Attack)

What After Blackbeard?[/b]

The huge industrial complex built up for the Blackbeard program will not fall idle; as orders have already been received for the developmental funding and procurement of the following systems:

MIM-173D Spacebeard - Further evolution of the MIM-173C ABM/ASAT missiles in service with Shepnukistan, Shroomania, the UKB, and the Red Technocracy for mass production.

MIM-178C Airbeard - Air Defense Missile conceptually similar to PATRIOT/S-300.

MIM-179C Airbeard (ER) - Air Defense Missile; takes MIM-178 and mates it to the first stage booster of MIM-173 for enhanced range.

Full scale production of the above missiles is not expected to begin until Q4 2010 and Q1 2011 due to existing orders that must be filled.

[MKSheppard]

Bakewell B-1C Program Report


A B-1C being built at a secret Shepnukistani factory

Action in 2009

All Lot I aircraft (10 in total) were built and delivered to the Shepnukistani Air Force.

Action in 2010

All Lot II Aircraft (29 in total) will be built and delivered to the Shepnukistani Air Force.

Action in 2011

All Lot III Aircraft (35 in total) will be built and delivered to the Shepnukistani Air Force.

Action in 2012

All Lot IV Aircraft (40 in total) will be built and delivered to the Shepnukistani Air Force.

Action in 2013

All Lot V Aircraft (50 in total) will be built and delivered to the Shepnukistani Air Force.

Total Production from 2009 to 2013 will total 164 aircraft, enabling the SAF to form four new bomb wings, bringing SAC up to nine bomb wings.

[General Deathdealer]

Baal Daily News

New Medium Range ADA System for Army

The Ministry of defense today that they are awarding a contract to Raytheron Industries to marry the AMRAAM Missile to the old HAWK Missile Launcher. The AMRAAM Missile is new to the Duchy's inventory, just being procured in the deal for the 10 F/A-18E Super Hornets from the Republic of Shinra. The Hawk is a retired design that could be given new life with this upgrade.

"We currently have an effective short range air defense capability in the Army, but we want to have the capability for a medium range air defense also."

Also in the contract was a request to try and put the AMRAAM launcher on a HMMWV for more mobility.

"There is currently no plan to retire the Avenger or Linebacker systems from the Army. We just want to augment these systems to cover both short and medium ranges."

[CmdrWilkens]

Committee for Imperial Defense announces final sale

The CID today announced that it had completed negotiations for an intra-MESS deal to send the remaining force of mothballed Andrea Corr-class vessels to The People's Republic of Canissia. The purchase price was not announced however spokesman did indicate that the ships would receive a quick refit so that they would be mission capable after being outfitted and the crews trained. The exact date of the transfer was also not anounced though Ministry of Defense officials indicated that the mothball crews would likely be able to sail the ships as soon as the quick refit was completed.

[Lonestar]

The Battalion
Keel Laid for first Tian Xia Strike Cruiser

The keel for the first of the 3 Strike Cruisers ordered by the Tian Xia navy was laid down today at L3 Maritime Systems. The delay for work start has been substantial, first by the Tian Xia decision to procure the LSRN "Future Large Combatant" design rather than the existing CGN-42 class, then by BuShips vetoing a proposal to use Drydock 3 for construction(drydock 3 being the only drydock in the country capable of servicing CVNs) causing a need to build a new drydock to accommodate the CSGN.

The CSGN Class will have two Mk43 72-cell VLS, two navalized PZH2000 155mm guns for gunfire support, two Mk32 torpedo tubes. up to 8 Harpoon missiles, and two Block 1B Phalanx CIWS. In addition the vessel will incorporate the latest AEGIS systems upgrade and SPY-1 radars, as well as Texas Instrument's SSEE INC E signals collection system.

But what has made this cruiser stand out is the flightdeck along the port side. Astute observers may guess that the design is based loosely on the CSGN Mk2 study conducted in the USN in the early '80s. The vessel will be able to operate 6 V/STOL craft and 3 ASW/Utility Helicopters. The vessel will ultimately weigh in at 22,000tons.

Due to the enormity of the project(each vessel will cost a little over $2bil) much has been contracted out to other MESS corporations. The Primary contractors are as follows:

United Flight Industries-Mangka
General Dynamics-Baal
Fulton Naval Services-Wilkonia
Northray Corp-Tian Xia
Hobart Food Machinery-Tian Xia
Canissan Automation-Canissa
Shinra Steel Corporation-Shinra
Humble Machine Tools-LSR
L3 Maritime Systems-LSR
Southwest Power & Electric-LSR
Texas Instruments--LSR

Thus ensuring that the entire MESS has a stake in the success of this class. Ambassadors from Tian Xia, Baal, Shinra, Mangka, Wilkonia, and Canissa were all at the keel-laying ceremony.

Lowell NAVSATs launched into space
The Lone Star Republic launched it's 9th and 10th Lowell navigation satellites into space this morning. The National Aerospace Command confirmed that the last two will be launched at the end of the month, completing the constellation.

[Crossroads Inc.]

Proposal in place for International Airlines, vote set this evening
End of Airship Convention brings final day of Conferences and meetings.


The Following is humbly proposed by the Lord High CEO of Crossroadia in conjunction with all signing member nations for the Creation of “Esdeenet Airlines” All signing nations hereby agree upon the following.

1: All member nations will agree to allow their nations airspace for overflight by Civilian Zepplains owned and operated by the Airlines.

2: All member nations will construct a transport Hub in their capital to service and house Zepplins.

3: All costs and profits from the Airlines will be shared equally among nations.

The airlines will begin with construction and purchasing of a % of zeppelins based upon the member nations. The more nations the sign the more Zeppelins that will be produced for the Airlines.

Current Members:
Crossroadia: Lord High CEO

Crossroadia Rings in the NewYear in style [size]


As Fireworks exploded around the base of the Immense CCC Tower, the Lord High CEO read aloud a dedication speech and a proposal for the next year and what to expect from Crossroadia Industry.

Chief among the new years goals, was the production of a new Electric CarAutoPlant. “In our small world, most effort is put on either aviation, or nautical production, but our people still need to get from place to place in out cities. It would be far better for this to be done on a Zero Emission electric car, then ones that use Fossil Fuels and internal combustion.” The Lord CEO was heard commenting afterwards.



The new Automobile plant is slated tpo be built in the city or Toric, already one of Crossroadias largest industrial cities. At a cost of almost 5 billion dollars, the facility will be an immense structure that will boast production levels that can cater to the immense needs of the SD.Net World.

Among other NewYears promises, construction of a new AirshipPort in Bishotropolis will start soon at a ground breaking ceremony tommarow

[Shroom Man 777]

[I approve of the International Airlines.]


The Sovereign Shroomanian Sentinel
PREHENSILE PENICILLIN!


Cultured fungi. Shroomania makes heavy use of native fungi species in medicine.

While medical experts have yet to find a cure for the rare and exotic flesh-eating fungi that have afflicted several Shroomanians, a nonetheless important medical development was announced today.

Penicillin, an anti-biotic derived from a species of molds, is being manufactured in bulk courtesy of the Shroomanian government and the state-owned MushroomMeds corporation. Unbranded, these medicines will be considerably more affordable than the products of the state-owned pharmaceutical company's rivals - such as Macmillan, and several Mangkan pharmaceuticals.

The Shroomanian government announced that these medicines are to be exported to friendly nations in the FUN - and perhaps the nations in the OMSK and the MESS, should they purchase the antibiotics.

"We cannot risk a pandemic or an epidemic," the government statement read. "The closeness of our nations means that a pathogen can easily spread from nation to nation, island to island, and while containment measures are in place - it might not be enough. All of the facets of our health and medical professions must be attuned to both preventive and curative methods."

During the floodings caused by tropical cyclones, many Central Sea nations saw outbreaks of water-borne bacterial infections. While Shroomania was largely unaffected, due to its location as well as the Ministry of Health's preventive measures, many health professionals were nonetheless alarmed by the health issues that literally plagued other nations.

"Nevertheless," the Ministry of Health warns. "We cannot overuse these antibiotics and care must be placed in their proper prescription and proper usage, so bacteria will not develop resistance to our medicine."


The Sovereignty of Shroomania has led the world in many medical innovations, such as making it compulsory for all doctors and nurses to wear skin-tight latex clothing, to improve hospital cleanliness.

Should penicillin sales push through, it is expected that the Shroomanian government will make a small monetary profit and a much larger health benefit.

[RogueIce]

"Well, I think it's time to vote," said Wilkens.

The votes were taken and tallied, and President Shinra was narrowly the winner. He went around the table and shook hands with Wilkens, and they exchanged a knowing look. We both know what kind of burden this will be. But we also know how necessary it is.

"Well gentlemen, I think it's time we got a move on. Any final business before we wrap this up?"