SD.Net World(RAR!) MK II

[Mr Bean]

OOG:You know I should have sat down and exaimed how much these systems were costing me before? Also I should have done this year to year to ensure all countries were investing as much as before.. Retro-con Ahead! /OOG

BBC File Photo:Royal Radar Mapping Satellite(Artists Impression


"A statement from the Space Department today, it appears there have been several large irregularities in the funding during the past two years by the internal accountants the UKB space program, a Probe has show today.

Because of this and several other issues with the economics of the UKB Space industry the House of Lords has insisted the full budget and member-nation contributions be published in full. Here are the rough budgets that have been published so far.

2008
140 Billion UKB
50 Billion Shepnukistan
40 Billion Red Technocracy
5 Billion Sovereignty of SHROOMANIA
100 Million Vulpesia
235.1 Billion Total Budget

Projects Complete in FY 2008

Proton-M Refinement, Plans, Testing and design
900 Million Dollars

Construction and production of Proton-M Assembly facilities
28 Billion initial estimate, 29.2 Billion final cost. The UKB posses enough facilities to build close thirty Proton-M rockets every Quarter.

Royal GPS System(33 Total Satellites)
2.4 Billion dollar estimated cost, 4.1 Billion with over-runs and four failed launches

Royal Radar Mapping System(20 Total Satellites)
1.6 Billion dollar estimated cost, 3.3 Billion due to over-runs and one craft loss.

Construction of launch facilitates at White Sands
Initial estimate at 18 Billion for all five launch pads and control centers, changing mission requirements and the additions of the SPIRAL Project raised costs to 44 Billion dollars

Other Major costs

All other costs such as Payroll, Building and Launch pad maintenance, Construction and site improvement totaled in at just under 50 billion dollars(49.3 billion) but due to the large number of small items will not be listed in full here.


The remainder of FY-2008 budget was devoted to starting projects completed in FY-09 or Research and development. Such as the SPIRAL Project, the OMSK radiological satellites. HISCO and other up and coming needs.

BBC File Photo:Shroom-Sat (Artists Impression)

2009
135 Billion UKB
55 Billion Shepnukistan
11 Billion Red Technocracy
2 Billion Sovereignty of SHROOMANIA
100 Million Vulpesia
203.1 Billion Total Budget

Projects Complete in FY 2009

VULKAN Heavy Lifter Testing
2 Billion final cost

VULKAN/Energia Construction Facilites
15 Billion Dollars final cost, 12 can be produced per Quarter

Shroomanian/UKB GEO Communication/Internet Satellites
1.7 Billion Dollar estimated cost, 1.7 Billion Dollar Final

Launch of First Humans into Space
3.4 Billion counting various payloads and testing and rocket costs

Initial Testing for SCORECARD and initial test launch
34.2 Billion dollars

Deployment of "WAO" Weather and Observation Satellite system for global weather monitoring.
5.1 billion dollars

Initial SPIRAL testing
9.3 Billion dollars

Construction of Atlantis three pad launch facilities
Initial cost 9 Billion, final cost 12.9 billion dollars

Republic of Vulpesian Photographic LANSAT Satellites.
2.3 Billion dollar estimate, 2.5 billion dollar final

Maintenance of existing satellite system/Run-costs
5.5 Billion dollars


Other Major costs

All other costs such as Payroll, Building and Launch pad maintenance, Construction and site improvement totaled in at just over sixty billion dollars (61.3 billion) but due to the large number of small items will not be listed in full here.

Further money was spent directly on R&D for a variety of projects, many of which never got off the ground. Some of which are still in development and one, HISCO is show mostly on the 2010 budget.

125 Billion UKB
40 Billion Shepnukistan
10 Billion Red Technocracy
6 Billion Byzantium
7 Sovereignty of SHROOMANIA
188 Billion Dollar total budget

Projects set to complet in FY 2010

HISCO System
18 Billion initial estimate, 39 billion projected final cost, possibly as high as 42 billion end cost

SPIRAL
14 Billion test, 7 billion production

Improvements, upgrades and further refinements to UKB and Atlantis launch facilities
3 Billion

Construction of HISCO Ground stations and Routing Centers across the Globe.
15.6 Billion dollar final cost estimate


Export Rocket construction costs
4 Billion

The remainder of the FY 2010 budget is not yet public but we expect it will be shortly

BBC reports

[PeZook]

Embarrasing mistake revealed - a Red Technocracy bound FCS filled with homoerotic calendars

In a moment that surprised everybody (Particularly Prime Minister Shroom), a Red Technocracy crew onboard the ISCA-built FCS "Worker's Toil", which arrived in a destination port two weeks ago, presented nearly 600 issues of the "Burly Shipyard Worker Men" calendar which they collected during their maiden voyage from Paradiso, PeZookia.

The calendars were signed "Love from Shroomania" and, apparently, were placed on board the ship during final outfitting in Shroomanian shipyards.

When asked for comment, Shroomanian authorities denied all knowledge of the calendars and suggested to inquire at ISCA management. ISCA press corps directed us towards the Shroomanian Foreign Ministry, which claimed they procured the calendars on orders from Prime Minister Shroom the 777th himself.

We've managed to secure an interview with the Prime Minister for later this week, and we'll see what he has to say.

[EDIT: Edited out Shroom's reaction, since I don't want to RP him more than necessary]

[Shroom Man 777]

The Sovereign Shroomanian Sentinel
FUN FLYING


A Fungal "Facetmobile", a single-seater MacMillan product.

The skies of the Central Sea are filling with many strange and bizzare aircraft, from private planes that bear more resemblance to stealth fighters, to family-sized hot air balloons in the shape, form and likenesses of deep sea octopi.

The recent pirate scare has caused many private citizens to hire private pilots to charter private flights, in private, and now private aircraft are taking to the skies - lifting off from and landing on airstrips all over the FUN nations.

With the permission of local governments, enterprising corporations like MacMillan have constructed many civilian airstrips all over the archipelago, from North Point in Shroomania, to the most southern parts of quiet NeoGoomba, Republicsburgstatesville. From mere dirt-roads to paved plane-paths, even the remotest corner of the FUN is accessible to the well-moneyed Fungal fellow.

This small-time grassroots approach at air travel contrasts heavily with the big news of Crossroad's attempts at creating an Esdeenet Airlines, an initiative that the Shroomanian government and the MacMillan corporation have expressed mutual interest in.


MacMillan goes into the Zeppelin business - with license to the non-nuclear Bear Republican designs.

While many private flyers have expressed concern that Shroomania and MacMillan's interest into the Crossroads-led attempt at an airline monopoly will doom grassroots aviation, the Shroomanian government has stated that it will not impede the freedom of flight inherent to all FUN-loving people, and MacMillan has also declared that it has no intentions of displacing its loyal consumers.

Affordable flying lessons are available all over the FUN, graduates receive internationally-accredited aviation diplomas.

[Lonestar]

Giving a Speech at the Global Conference

"Good morning. I would like to begin by announcing that the Lone Star Republic finds 'New terra' to be a perfectly acceptable name for our world. The LSR also proposes that we name our moons Sam, Max, and Guybrush." Lonestar's mouth made a crooked smile.

"Second, the LSR enthusastically supports a Biological weapons ban treaty, as well as a chemical weapons ban(excepting tear gas and similar non-lethal crowd control measures), and a partial test ban treaty prohibiting atmospheric and underwater nuclear tests. The LSR would expect all signatories to adhere to the treaties, but would not penalize any country that refuses to sign them."

"My, how progressive of you." Came a sneering voice at his right. That the rest of the crowd wasn't reacting led Lonestar to conclude that the voice was following him again. He plowed on.

"However, the LSR will not support an international court, or any proposed limits to nuclear weapons. If such treaties are created, we will not sign them."

"Third, I am pleased to say that the first manned Orion Command Service Module lifted off this morning carrying three MESS Astronuats, Cpatains Starling and Usler from the LSRN, and COL. Hayate Yagami from the Tian Xia Air Force. The capsule made two orbits and was picked up by the the LRS Palo Duro, all three are in great condition. The MESS has joined the rest of the world in entering space."

"That is all."

[Coyote]

"I approve," Arik said, tiredly, "Let's let Adrian in, and let's set up the NAT with Phongn." With that, business wound down, with a few more votes that Arik agreed to. With a feeling of great relief, he got out of the conference hall and went to the airport. The Canissian Royal Airlines Z-001 Zeppelin arrived to take King Arik to the next big meeting-- the international conference at Atlantis.



"How was the conference?" Miss Katerin asked. Arik was grumpy.
"I hate meetings," he said, "We yakked for, God, weeks and really just kinda pecked at all sorts of issues. Or, that's how I feel, anyway. It could just be that we ran out of coffee and donuts."

"You so love your coffee," Miss Katerin said, "And the donuts, well, maybe a little too much."
"Keep me honest," Arik said, his mood lightening. "Anyhow, I'm glad you could make it. This zeppelin tour will be the closest thing to time off I get for awhile, it looks like."

"Well, King Paul left a message for you," Miss Katerin said, "About the ISCA budget for FY 2010." She handed him the sheaf of papers from the leather briefcase she carried. People underestimated his Personal Assiatants; they focused on the Personal and forgot about the Assistant part. Each of them actually were secretaries, in a way, that handled routine contact from different areas of the world and helped organize things into quick and efficient briefs for the King to go over quickly.

"Mm, yes," Arik said, looking over the summary. He looked at a few in-depth articles from the original documents, provided for referral. "Mm-kay," he said, "Looks good. I want to make sure we get a chunk of the shipbuilding, which looks like it's a given. I want to get our dockyard industry in shape."

"Already allocated," Miss Katerin assured. Arik pored over everything else, trying to get himself focused on the next orders of business.
"Gods, I wish we could just go back to the semi-isolationist days of unfettered debauchery. Things were so much simpler then."
"Well, Miss Siobhan is aboard, and we have a pallet load of chocolate pudding," Miss Katerin said with a sly smile.
"The kids?"
"All at the palace."
"Sweeeeet..."

[Shroom Man 777]

The Sovereign Shroomanian Sentinel
CONFERENCE CONCERNS

1. Official world name

It is the position of His Majesty's government that New Earth or New Terra should become the official name of our new world. The name should be something everyone living on the planet should be able to read, understand and empathize with, which is why a Latin name is not desirable.

2. International court

His Majesty's government believes that while an international governing body would be desirable, practical concerns make the proposal unfeasible at best, and downright dangerous at worst. In addition, the proposal is far premature, seeing as only the feeblest forms of international law actually exist today between nations, and thus the spectrum of competence for such a proposed tribunal would be unclear and narrow.

3. Extension of the bio-weapons ban

His Majesty's government was under the impression this was already the case, with potential bio-weapons factories kept under scrutiny by international inspectors, to make sure that pharmaceutical research may be conducted while disallowing biological weapons.

4. International Travel Laws?

It is His Majesty's position that all countries should be free to institute their own travel laws and restrictions. Such restrictions may be necessary for a variety of reasons, such as preventing a brain drain or instituting a quarantine.

However, a brief set of international laws concerning the treatment of citizens of foreign nations should be put to discussion. Such a treaty should regulate law enforcement concerns, extraditions, arrests as well as human dignity and rights of all travellers.

5. Tariffs/Embargos

His Majesty the King is of the opinion that every country should be able to institute their own tarrifs on imported and exported products if they deem it necessary.

Prime Minister Shroom the 777th states that he concurs with his colleague King Paul, who the Prime Minister believes speaks in behalf of the Fungal Union of Nations in these particular topics.

Also, the Prime Minister would like to say that he disapproves and disagrees with anyone or any news organization that claims that the Red Technocracy, a Shroomanian ally, is "a tyrannical frostbitten nation." The Prime Minister states that anyone who claims so has not "visited that advanced nation and does not know that Comrade Stas' tries his best to ensure that his countrymen are happy and gay."

"Which is why, of course, we have sent tons upon metric tons of pictographic calendars. To state that our nations and our fabulous peoples stand side by side with one another. Shroomanians and Red Technocrats love one another!"

"Perhaps our next shipment of happy calendars should be delivered to the Lonestar Republic, to show them the love."

After his statement, the Prime Minister went on to argue for the limitation of strategic nuclear weaponry.

[Coyote]

2010 GLOBAL AGENDA MEETING


The Following Topics are on the adjenda for the 2010 meeting

Topics
1. Official World Name
Various countries have names they call our planet, New Earth, New Terra, Rapture is popular with the Orthodox.

--The People's Republic of Canissia officially supports New Terra, although "Caprica" also has a nice ring to it. While not all of us come from cultures back on Earth where Latin is the basis for modern language, we are all familar with English and aware of its Latin roots; the term "Terra" has also been a popular name for Earth and Earthlike planets in science fiction, and so this would be a fitting homage to an established tradition, especially under the circumstances of its creation and our being here.

========================

2.International Court
We have no UN, we have the FUN, the MESS and the OMSK. Can we, should we have a signal international court all countries can agree to and who's judgments we should respect? And if so, who should it's members be made up of?

--The People's Republic of Canissia supports an International Court ONLY if it is limited to resolving differences in trade and commerce. We do not support a court that would be concerned with criminal matters and creating tension with regards to sovereignty, jurisdiction, extradition, and so on. A International Court of the High Seas for resolution of legal disputes on international waters would be the only exception, and even that support is given cautiously.

========================

3. Extending the ban on Biological weapons
Should the ban on Biological weapons be extended from simple use and selling to also include development?

--The People's Republic of Canissia supports this but is concerned that strict guidelines need to be agreed upon regarding what constitutes "development". An international incident can be cooked up for propaganda reasons with regards to just about any biological research, including pharmaceuticals. Also, stores of existing and known bioagents should be preserved in the event an attack actually is used by a rogue nation, and vaccines are needed. A guarded facility at Atlantis, with multi-national guards, may be needed for such a repository.

========================

4. International Travel Laws?
Visa? Passports? What do people need to travel to diffrent countries? Outside OMSK Free travel police no positions have been made clear. If a citizen wishes to travel from Pezookia to Tian Xian what does he need to do?

--The People's Republic of Canissia believes that a Passport-style system like on Old Earth, with RFID chips implanted in sturdy, plastic ID cards, would be sufficient. Individual alliances can agree to free-travel agreements if they so choose.

========================

5. Tariffs/Embargo's
Hot or not?

Tariffs and taxes on international trade are a good source of revenue for governments. Many of us have already agreed to the treaties Canissian King Arik proposed a year and a half ago:

International Food Trade Agreement: IFTA
This would be the treaty that lifted taxes on the trade of nutritious, wholesome foodstuffs for all signatory nations. While non-nutritious snack foods could still be taxed, food that provided daily dietary requirements for health and well-being were exempt from tariffs and other restrictions.

Freedom of Medical Aid Agreement: FMAA
This treaty stated that medical aid for any nation would not be used as a tool of political or economic coercion-- with-holding medicine in order to gain a political or economic advantage would be a violation of the treaty, and punishable by multi-national sanctions.

Otherwise, Embargoes should be retained as a possibility because it is a good way to show displeasure without resorting to war.

[K. A. Pital]

Supreme Council Approves Delivery Plan for High Value Industrial Goods Deliveries in FY 2010
Deliveries include leftover items from FY 2008-2009 orders yet undelivered, and new FY-2010 orders

Newly established MINISTRY OF PROLIFERATION building.

Ministry of Proliferation Report:


Byzantium:

4 An-124 and 5 An-225 - Antonov plant greatly expanded after demand upsurge for Antonov cargo planes, more resources available this year since An-225RRL for the Royal Rail Republic was so sophisticated it took a lot of the plant's personnel and resources, especially regarding interior design.

50 Mi-28A - Mil plant devotes all resources to completion of the large order
30 Il-96-400 - Ilyushin plant capacity expanded due to good orders
----------------
2 Beriev AI (Phalcon radar) AEW&C craft
5 Tu-160 (5 to be delivered next year, plant capacities are being upgraded to assemble craft faster).

Langley:

6 A-90 Orlyonok assault/cargo craft
18 STRIZH-1 ekranoplan trainer-fighter (optionally the copilot's cabin is fitted with a single 12,7-mm machine gun)

Vedra:

2 Il-96-400

10 Murena hovercrafts (delivered over the next 2 years)
4 Antares class patrol boats (delivered over FY2010)

Shroomania:

5 Zubr landing hovercraft (delivered over the next 2 years)
20 Dzheyran landing hovercraft (delivered over the next 2 years)
20 Murenas landing craft (delivered over the next 2 years)

As a special offer for it's good military order, Shroomania will be supplied with 1 KM-class Ekranoplane and 2 A-90 Orlyonok cargo/assault Ekranoplane free of charge

Private bidder:

1 Pr.775M "Cesar Kunikov" landing ship (MESS Ropucha II)

Royal Rail Republic

1 Sputnik class passenger hydrofoil
3 Cyclone class passenger hydrofoil
3 A-90 Orlyonok Ekranoplans
10 STRIZH-1 ekranoplans (copilot MG custom)

Black Sormovo's production docks and construction halls for Ekranoplans are being expanded and are working at peak capacity. The Red Technocracy's domestic order for hydrofoils also expanded production lines, allowing for more tonnage to be made in a single year.

[Shroom Man 777]

The Sovereign Shroomanian Sentinel
(ISCA) SHROOMANIAN SEA SHIPPING, FUN FERRIES


An Automated Commerce Vessel diligently harvests the oceans' fisheries.

As the valuable Fast Commerce Ship and its derivatives sail the seas with much success, many have expressed concern over the Automated Commerce Vessels that were, along with the first-generation FCS ships, amongst the first ever vessels produced by the multinational yards of the ISCA - back when the organization was just starting off with Shroomanian, PeZookian and Baernish shipyards.

While Baerne benefits from the combined profits of the FCS, many Baerneans feel that the country's own indigenous innovation - the robot fish-killing harvesting machine - has been largely forgotten amidst the success of the FCS and the competition it is facing from its Wilkonian counterparts.

Because of this, private parties in Shroomania have lobbied to increase production of the fishing-ship variant of the ACV - citing that while trade and transport are specialties of the FCS, the ACV cannot be ignored as it is an ideal fishing vessel and that fisheries are an important aspect of the Central Sea economy.

"From canned sardines to sushi, we all eat fish and we all need fish," said a Baernish fisherman who captains and crews an ACV all by himself. "It would be unwise to overlook the fishing industry."

The Automated Commerce Vessel is fully capable of operating unmanned, but is usually crewed by a handful of people. Due to the automations of the vessel, however, the crews are drastically smaller than those found on conventional fishing trawlers. The automations help ease the burdens and rigors of catching Krakens and filleting fishes.

While fishing vessels have little to fear from piracy, as tons of aromatic fish carcasses are hardly considered as 'booty', the ACV has faced considerable opposition from environmental groups that believe the automation and mass-deployment of fishing vessels will ultimately lead to the depletion of Central Sea fisheries.


In other news...


N'ton and Shroomania design nuclear-powered passenger ship for Shepnukistan.

The joint ISCA effort between the Republic of N'ton and the Sovereignty of Shroomania has announced that the nuclear testbed prototype has been extremely successful and that the plans for a large passenger cruise vessel powered by nuclear means will be soon actualized.

[Mr Bean]

3 Am Local Time, Red Technocracy
"General Secretary! You have a call from the Atlantis"
What? Who? I need information!
"Sir, The caller ask simply that you contact him within the hour at a phone number provided"
Did he tell you why I should give a fuck?
"Sir the call came in to the Private line in the your office"
Shit... He knows I work late, but not that late, alright we'll call him, get a secure line set up in the private communication room, then clear the hall.

03:43 Local Time, Red Technocracy
Swearing to himself, wearing a hasty donned suit he stormed down the hallway, three of his personal security following behind.
As he cross into the room he waved them out. The room was featureless but for a single table, a chair and a phone, both sound-proof and heavily shielded this room was reserved for direct ultra secure communication only.
He lifted the phone and spoke

For future information your Grace I only work until one, why is this so urgent?

"Hello General Secretary, it is urgent, I've got a live one on my hands and it's going to affect all of OMSK, we need to call a meeting as soon as possible. "

What's so damn important, it can't wait until a decent hour?

"What do you know of the ongoing troubles in Terra Libertia?

Three warlords, but an uneasy peace why?

"A month ago after the crack-down on Piracy several of my people were contacted by a group we traced to Sultan Ibrahim. They were offering cash, and lots of it if they could get their hands on the tanks and IFV's we are cutting down.

...I had a report of that here as well, a function of Ibrahim's contacted us to see if they could acquire some of the ships were were selling off

"I've had other reports, the thing is who's feeding him all that cash? That by itself would be enough to keep my intel people up at night, but it gets worse, in the last twenty four hours I've received two messages. One from Lord Ramsley requesting much the same as Ibrahim's people, but as well he's asked us for the UKB's support in his petition to join the ISCA. And as for the second... well the second was delivered in person and the reason I'm calling you tonight. Would you like to tell him yourself General?"

General? Who's there with you?

I am, Mr Secretary, on behalf of my people, I Supreme General Alexander of the United Libertian Army have traveled to Atlantis in person to request meeting of the OMSK.

For what purpose Supreme General Alexander?

For the sake of my people I feel it necessary to petition for the right to join the OMSK coalition.
-----------------------------------

[K. A. Pital]

Red Technocracy, 03:50 Local Time

- General Alexander, this is a matter of extreme importance, - the Secretary General rushed his hand to a blood-red ALMAZ Cellphone, - We will have to call up a Summit, and a Security Council meeting at once. ... I hope your location is secure. Where are you? Ah, understood. I shall await you in OMSK. Be careful; we can send Spetznaz units right now to protect your safety and ensure a safe arrival. Yes, I wish best of luck to you and your people, - Stas put down the line.

Hell, - he slid the cellphone and chose "ARRAY CALL", - Message to all OMSK nations. We have an urgent matter to discuss.

Then he put down the phone, but in a second called a new number.

- Ania? You're still at Outer Heaven? Back to Omsk at once; report immediately upon arrival. I'm ordering a lockdown of the city centre for the OMSK Summit.

[Fingolfin_Noldor]

Byzantium's Position
Topics
1. Official World Name
The proper title that should be be Nova Terra. Byzantium's linguistic experts believe that if we are going to have Latin in it, make it fully Latin. Otherwise, Constantinople would also be known as New Roma which sounds disjointed compared to Nova Roma.

2.International Court
It is the Byzantine Empire's position that it would prefer to gover itself with its own codex of laws, which are an evolution of the old Theodosian and Justinian codexes. Whereas it believes in an international arbitration court for trade disputes, all other disputes ought to be settled between countries peacefully.

3. Extending the ban on Biological weapons
Byzantium supports this ban.

4. International Travel Laws?
It is Byzantium's position that passports of all nations be recognised, and that if countries would like a visa free system, it should be settled in agreements between countries.

5. Tariffs/Embargo's
Byzantium prefers the lowering of tarrifs to promote trade.

[RogueIce]

"I'm sorry," began Adrian. "I don't have full details ready for you yet." He looked even more nervous than before.

"Don't worry, my friend. We'll give you time to get your affairs in order. We weren't exaclt ready to go right out of the box either," smiled President Shinra. "When you're ready, let us know and we'll be happy to welcome you to the MESS."

He looked around, and saw that everyone, Arik especially, was ready to go. "So I think that settles things for now, everyone. Summit concluded."

((OOC: No, this didn't take a little over a year. Let's just retcon it to delayed reporting))

MESS Summit Concludes

"Hello, ladies and gentlement of the press. I come before you not as just the leader of the Shinra Republic, but as Chief Administrator of the MESS. First, let me give you all a basic rundown of how we work."

With that, several aides started handing out briefing binders, and transmissions started flying all over the new world.

================================
Massive Entanglement of Survivalist States (MESS)

The MESS was formed as a co-operative body modeled on the European Union and built around the central goal of fostering a more unified world given the blank slate on which the rulers are able to draw. Using experience garnered from several thousand generations of human life on Earth the MESS is dedicated to creating a new and vibrant community of nations in this new world.

Membership:
The MESS currently includes the following member nations:
The People's Republic of Canissia (Coyote) [L4]
Wilkonia (CmdrWilkens) [L4]
The Lonestar Republic (Lonestar) [L4]
The Shinra Republic (RogueIce) [L4]
Tian Xia (Beowulf) [L4]
Pepsi Presents the People's Republic of North Pornistan (consquences) [L4]
Enderistan (Ender) [L4]
Republic of Mangka (Grand Moff Yenchin) [L2]
Principality of Tongdijuana (SPC Brungardt) [L2]
Grand Duchy of Baal (General Deathdealer) [L1]

New members may join the alliance provided they pass a majority vote of all member nations present at the next available summit. Typically these are held annually. In the event of a tie or if there is not a quorum to do business the Chief Administrator/Councilor may accept membership. Such an acceptance may not be revoked. No nation may be forced out of the MESS save by a unanimous decision of all other nations or by their own request.

Governance:
The MESS is not a supra-national government but rather a collective body for matters of trade, education, technology, and international diplomacy. All policy decisions are handled by the Administrative Council consisting of one representative (Administrator/Councilor) from each nation, regardless of size, and subject to veto by the current Chief Administrator/Councilor. That office is filled by a bi-annual vote of the membership of the MESS to serve as principal spokesperson and executive authority over matters governed by the treaties inherent in MESS membership. This includes appointing all judges to the Court of International Law (subject to confirmation by the Council) and conducting foreign policy on behalf of the MESS. The Council itself consists of plenipotentiary representatives of the member governments and when concurring by 2/3rds majority their actions carry the weight of a signed treaty. The First Administrator/Councilor, selected from the members of the Council, serves as a de-facto second to the Chief Administrator/Councilor, and would take over in the case of the Chief Administrator/Councilor's inability to function, until such time as he or she is able to resume office or an election is held, whichever comes first. The First Administrator/Councilor otherwise acts as any other Administrator/Councilor and has no other formal powers.

Administrators and Councilors are differentiated by name only: Administrator is the title used if the Council member is a nation's head of state, while Councilor is the title of a representitive sent on behalf of the head of state. The difference in titles is purely cosmetic, however, and both hold equal weight on the Council.

Economics:
The MESS is an internal free-trade zone with import and export duties levied only on goods moving out of or into member nations. All economic activity between member nations, while subject to local oversight, passes without duty or tariff. In this regard the MESS Bureau of Customs Enforcement is the principal agency for monitoring activity. They serve alongside local enforcement to inspect and review all inter- and intra-MESS trade.

Concurrent with this the Bureau of Weights and Measures is the intra-MESS agency which is responsible for the setting of the universally applied standards for all matters of economic and technological activity. They also supervise and regulate, through the Regulatory OmniBank, the currency of the MESS: the Regulatory OmniBank credit (or ROB).


Example image of the Regulatory OmniBank credit (ROB)

Education:
All MESS members are governed by the same rules in terms of credentials for post-secondary education. All public and private institutions are required to be certified by the Bureau of Education in terms of both rigor of curriculum and quality of facilities in order to offer degree programs. In turn the Bureau also offers the most heavily subsidized residency and internship program in the world. Funding is available to offer almost all master's and doctoral candidates posting within a member nation’s educational or research establishment within 6 months of graduation. Placement rates amongst bachelor’s recipient’s remains slightly higher but there is an 80% in-field placement rate within the same 6 month timeframe.

Research and Development:
As part of MESS membership access is granted to all projects which are conducted under government funding. Thus out of the roughly 35 billion in intra-MESS research grants all results, including for projects deemed classified, member governments are granted access.

Military Position:
The MESS includes, as a requirement of entry, treaties of mutual defense and re-insurance. The language requires all members to come to the aid of any other member nation if they are attacked by another. In turn the MESS forbids acts of aggressive war and any member who commits such an act may be expelled by a unanimous vote of the other nations.

===========================

"While I wish I had more time to give you, other matters stand before me. Such as the International Conference I will be attending shortly at Atlantis. There's a lot to do to prepare for it, since I'll have to take your questions at a later time. Thank you for your understanding."

((OOC: Yes, I'm going to retcon the summit ended before the IC at Atlantis and I have been there with my delegation since the start. Other MESS members are free to have shown up or sent delegates in their stead as they choose.))

[Coyote]

The knock was quiet, yet insistent. The door opened a crack, and dim light poured in.

"Whuu--?"
"I'm sorry, Excellency, but there has been a... development."

King Arik Coyotus-I sighed, and hauled himself out of bed. Miss Jia and Miss Isabelle made grumpy noises and rolled over while Arik fumbled for a robe.

"What is is?" he asked as he shuffled to the door. Colonel Rassnar waited discreetly outside.
"The warlord Ramsley," the Colonel said, "His aide-de-camp, a Darkic Radic, contacted us about an hour ago."

"An hour ago?" Arik asked. Why couldn't it just wait, then?
"We had to confirm," Rassnar answered the unasked question. "It seems that 'mister' Ramsley is a tad bit upset at the affront he feels he received from the OMSK."

"What the hell?" Arik asked, still blinking at th elight. His brain was slipping gears, it seemed.
"Spim Ramsley felt he had a deal with the OMSK Pact, or at least Blackadder, to tacitly support him as the official leader of Libertia. He's attended conferences at Atlantis, he's allowed BBC access... but now he sees his rival, General Alexander, being courted on. So he's decided to talk to the MESS-- or, at least, Canissia."

"What does he want?" Arik asked, "And why do we care?"
"He wants a working relationship with us... and he says he has information that it is General Alexander's forces that have been engaing in piracy on the high seas, using Libertian warships to fatten his own pockets."

"I see," Arik said, latching on. "So that frigate we sunk..."
"He claims it is one of Alexander's, sir," Colonel Rassnar said.

"Fire up the commo suite," Arik said, "Let's talk to the MESS..."




Results:
MESS hotline activated.
Lord Ramsley making counter-offer.

[Grand Moff Yenchin]

Mangka's Position at the Atlantis Meeting

1. Official World Name
New Terra

2.International Court
Mangka supports an international court over trade and commerce. Other international disputes are expected to be settled between the involving nations.

3. Extending the ban on Biological weapons
Conservative. The definition of "developing" is unclear.

4. International Travel Laws?
Passports issued by nations and visas reviewed by embassies.

5. Tariffs/Embargo's
Mangka supports the autonomy of nations and alliances over both matters.

=====================================

[Coyote]

Propaganda leaflet distributed quietly on university campuses throughout the MESS nations:


"THEY KILL MY COUNTRY"

WHERE IS INTERNATIONAL OUTRAGE?

They come in the night and kill the innocent villagers that have pledged their loyalty to Lord Spim Ramsley. Morning finds their grisly calling card: bodies sans limbs, or heads. "THEY" are the militants that support the tyrant General Alexander.

Now General Alexander is making his nose brown with the powerful OMSK pact; why is he the honored guest when Lord Ramsley's people suffer?

True people of Terra Libertia call upon decents of all nations, and on the powerful MESS in particular, to put a stop to predations on the innocent!

SUPPORT THE PEOPLE OF FREE LIBERTIA!

LORD SPIM RAMSLEY; THE LEGITIMATE LEADER OF TERRA LIBERTIA, WILL BRING PEACE AND JUSTICE!

[Lonestar]

Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Second series of raids brings LSR closer to finding location of missing Officers of the Peace

The Department of Public Safety launched 4 seperate raids across the nation today, netting 40 criminals believed to be associated with the Mangka Triads.

To make matters worse, evidence has surfaced that the Triads are money-laundering for various Libertopian warlords. "This is unacceptable, and I will remove all influence of these terrorists from the Lone Star Republic." Attorney General Boggs said.

Triad-related groups have been on the rise as the LSR seeks greater integration with the rest of the MESS.

Texas Tobacco Company posts record gains
The Texas Tobacco Company posted record 1st Quarter profits today, leading to speculation of an upcoming stock split.

[Redleader34]

Royal Rail Republic's position

1. Official World Name
Nova Terra

2.International Court
Each nation to their own sovereignty, this is too much international politicking nothing more

3. Extending the ban on Biological weapons
The Royal Rail Republic would like to know the exact definition of development. Some of our prototype drug lines could be by some hyper strict standards, be called "Biological Weapons Plants," when in all, we are turning FUN imported Fungus, into new biomedical products.

4. International Travel Laws?
As a Tourist Nation, the answer is quite simple. A valid Passport from any nation is allowed, and visas can be purchased upon arrival at any of our travel facilitates. Any stays more than 6 months must be arranged before travel.

5. Tariffs/Embargo's
Left up to the nation in question. There should be no treaties against this issue.

[Zor]

His Majesty's Government of the Sovereign Kingdom of Zoria Official Stance

Planterary Name-The Name Nova Terra is fitting for this planet.

International Court-In terms of international and trade disputes, His Majesty's government supports the formation

3. Extending the ban on Biological weapons-The People and King of the Sovereign Kingdom of Zoria are of one voice on the issue. We stand for the Forbiddence of the Development of Biological Weaponry one hundred precent.

International Travel Laws-Zoria beleives that this issue should be handled at the Alliance Level.

Tariffs and Embargos-The King issues that the right to maintain Tariffs and Embargos is a useful method of international political pressure that does not require. The Sovereign Kingdom of Zoria states supports autonomy national autonomy on this matter.

[Grand Moff Yenchin]

[OOC] since the atlantis summit ended 12 days ago, I'm back in....[/OOC]

Gym, Presidential Mansion

"Mr. President, Sir, urgent message from the MESS hotline."

Sonija was at the gym door, ready for some hot aerobic action.

Yenchin frowned, "Can't the Vice President handle this?"

"Well, King Arik did leave a note specifying you. And of course you know what Madam Vice President will do if you...."

"Alright I get the point..." Yenchin said as he prepared to leave.

"Um...can I stay here while you're busy?"

"Of course you can." It would be nice to see her hot and sweaty.

Study Room

The left half of the 100-inch screen was showing all kinds of info on Libertopia, on the right half, images of the other MESS leaders were shown.

After double checking the info, Yenchin said, "This sounds interesting. But I'm a bit skeptic on what Ramsley plans to offer us in turn. He has the coastlines, but isn't Saddamistan near that place? Last time I heard, his 'Euphrate Elites' are a bit scary."

Spy image of Euphrate Elites Water Troops (EEWT)

[Raj Ahten]

Things had gotten very interesting in Terra Libertopia over the last 48 hours; too interesting for ProTec and the state of Indhopal's tastes. The last thing they needed was to be embroiled in a proxy war between the grand aliances. The commanders in Libertopia were furious with General Alexander. He had given them no warning at all about his petition to join OMSK. Personally, they thought none of the major players would want to let the warlords in as full members of their alliances. They didn't even fully control their own territory. This was something ProTec contractors knew very well. One had to travel in an armed convoy at all times to have any real safety.

President Raj Ahten flew into the Iron General's capital immediatly to have a meeting. He wanted to disuade the General from joining any major alliance. He foresaw that leading to devestating proxy wars in the area. He also had a suspicion that the General might just be making noise to speed up ProTec's offensive. He also wanted to remind him that ProTec was the only one to deal with them as a legitimate government in the past, so he should continue to trust them now. Raj Ahten intended to sweeten the contract with deals to help develope the mines in the warlord's area, at fairly generous terms.

The reactions of the major powers would be key. ProTec and Indhopal needed to gauge the international winds before acting any further. The offensive was on hold until further notice. Indohopal's diplomats also made visits to the MESS nations, as well as speaking at the international conference in Atlantis, with the goal of reminding everyone that Ramsley was basically a pirate who threatened the international order. Polite questions were also asked of the OMSK nations, asking how they would respond to Alexander's offer.

[RogueIce]

BBC reporter Phillip Skyhan was on his way to the homes of several Zablanian refugees when he saw what appeared to be several UKB governmental vehicles leaving the area.

That's odd, I wonder what they're up to...

He parked his car, got out, and went to talk with one of the refugees. "Hello, I'm Phillip from the BBC. We're doing a followup story on what it's been like for you since coming to the UKB. Could you give us a moment of your time, please?"

"Sure," the man said agreeably.

"So, I noticed that the government has just been by to visit. What did they want?"

"Oh, they were talking about us forming some 'government-in-exile' thing I guess. They said it was so they could figure out what to do with our homeland or something."

"Did they now..." Phillip was thoughtful. Why would they be so interested? This could bear some investigating...

======================
The BBC Reports

"Good evening. Today our reporter Phillip Skyhan discovered that members of the UKB government have approached the Zablanian refugees concerning forming a 'government-in-exile' for the ruined nation of Zablania. Upon further investigation, anonymous sources have mentioned that there were plans to turn Zablania into a UKB military live-fire range, and that they were talking with the refugee population to give the proposal legitimacy. These sources claim that any such plans were strictly preliminary, however, and may not represent the final position of the Government.

"When questioned, Defence and government officials refused to officially comment. We will continue to investigate this story, and report more as it develops."
======================

((OOC: This is what sucks about making an independent and efficient news agency, Bean. Sometimes they stumble across things you didn't want them to know.))

[RogueIce]

"No. No, no, and no. We will not engage ourselves in a proxy war. According to recent reports, they've held a truce there for some time. I will not be a part of inciting a civil war in Terra Libertia, and I won't let the MESS do so either."

President Shinra was visibly shaken as he read the report from ProTec and looked back at the video screens. First that BBC report about the UKB possibly trying to annex Zablania, and now the OMSK was considering backing a Libertopian warlord?

What the Hell are they thinking?

"We have to do something about this, you guys. We can't just let the OMSK start a civil war down there. Especially not when we all know what the end result would be if they were successful: another OMSK vassal state.

"But backing a warlord ourselves is not the way to do it. We'll use diplomacy for now. Let me make a few calls..."

[CmdrWilkens]

Fulton Naval Shipyards Announces Launch of New Carrier

Fulton Naval Shipyards today announced that HIS WHORE Elisha Cuthbert (CVN-46) has finished her basic fitting-out and is ready for full sea trials prior to acceptance into the fleet and full service. This vessel is to be the last in the Natalie Portman-class of nuclear carriers. The Naval Minstry has not yet specified what the long term plans are for the carrier fleet however most of the current vessels are less than ten years old (the lead ship being 12 years). Early statements have indicated that the entire class will go through at least one full out of water cycle before the class is replaced likely sometime in 2023 or 2024.

Concurrent with the launch the Ministry of Defense annoucned that she would sail to join the tail end of CROSSHAIRS '10 to serve in lieu of the standard sea trials. She will join the CVBG led by HIS WHORE Natalie Portman (CVN-43) but will not carry an air wing until after the trials are complete.

Jessup Naval Shipyards Expands International Clientele

While continuing its committment to providing the best vessles for LNG and Cable Laying, Jessup Naval Shipyards announced that it will begin delivering on orders of Clyde-class Cutters within the next 4 months. The first confimred order to the Royal Rail Republic is scheduled for delivery at that time. Jessup's head of naval design stated "We feel that this offering is the ideal solution for small nations looking to protect against the ever present threat of piracy and disorder in their terriotrial waters We also think that the Royal Rail Republic and all of our future clients will be exceptionally pleased with the quality they will receive from our yards."

[Lonestar]

L.R.S. Davey Crockett, off the Coast of Hideko City, Tian Xia

Liberty liberty liberty CPL Holmes hummed. And whores whores whores. Looking down the line of sailors and marines manning the rails, he could see a few sailors, no Marines of course, bouncing on their heels slightly keeping their eye on the approaching city.

CROSSHAIRS '10 was over, and it was as educational as previous ones. The two LHDs were extremely useful for the emergency relief drills, their 3mi long water and gas umbilicals, originally intended to support Marines on shore, had proven more than adequate to help in the simulated refugee camps.

The UNREP details had been interesting. While the LSRN had gotten used to such actions, there had been a near-hit when the CO of the Shinra Frigate Meduse ignored the Dallas County's instructions. The CO had had a new asshole ripped by ADM Ames, the LSRN component leader.

And now, the final, most important part of the exercise was about to begin. Liberty in a foreign port. Like all good sailors and Marines, they had dutifully listened to the "You are an Ambassador of the Lone Star Republic" speech, and duly ignored it.

Liberty Liberty Liberty, whores whore whores. Holmes started to bounce then checked himself. Wait a second, it was him swaying, it was the ship! He tried to turn his head as casually as he could, and he noticed that the ship appeared to be turning around. As did the Jim Bowie. And the various escorts in the Yellow Rose strike group.

"What the Hell..." he muttered. Then there was a whistle over the 1MC, and the OOD spoke.

"Secure from manning the rails. Set watch condition 2."

Using the honed sense of Liberty loss, every sailor and Marine on the ship groaned at once. Master Gunnery Sergeant Hartman began smacking the back of the head of every Marine near him who made a noise. Holmes was one of them.

"Alright assholes, you heard 'im. Back to watch." Hartman barked. Holmes sighed and started to trudge back to berthing, to switch into his Digicams. He looked back and saw that the Yellow Rose was launching F/A-18Fs, and they appeared to be heading West.

Why do those assholes get to go ashore?

Combat Information Center, LRS Davey Crockett
"There's gonna be a lot of pissed of Marines out there, Brigadier General Hodges said proudly. A pissed off Marine was a happy Marine. Unless he really was pissed off.

"And Sailors." Captain Farrell said. He sighed, and looked around his ship's CIC. Quite a few seem to be glaring dagger eyes at him. "Those Shithooks from 3rd Air Cav should be arriving as soon as the Yellow Rose disembarks the Sewer Hornets. I guess someone decided the taskforce needs a company of Rangers." Farrell looked down at the message again."And it looks like the Palo Duro Strike group will be providing all the fighter cover."

Captured MESS Officers of the Peace were in Libertopia. And the Lone Star Republic left no man behind.

Especially if one of those men was Cordell Walker.