SDNWorld Redux: Story Thread the First.

PeZook · Post by **PeZook** » 2008-08-29 03:39am

Orena International Airport

"Present arms!", shouted the PeZookian sergeants, as the huge airliner carrying the Byzantine Emperor taxied into position. It was a lukewarm Mediterreanean day, and the gathered officialls all wore rather light clothing.

The King himself, along with his wife, walked down the aisle formed by paratroopers in ceremonial uniforms, presenting their rifles. An saber-wielding officer stood at attention at the end of the line.

"Emperor Heraclius, on behalf of the people of PeZookia, I welcome you on our soil with bread and salt, as is our tradition.", the King spoke, and shook the Emperor's hand. Two women wearing traditional outfits approached, bearing a huge loaf of bread and a small bowl of salt, and presented them to the Emperor.

Fortunatrly, both sides had ceremony masters, and they both briefed each other beforehand about the local traditions - so an aide was on hand to accept the bread on the Emperor's behalf.

After a further bit of ceremony, both natonal leaders boarded an armored limousine, which ferried them towards the Royal Palace.

Post by **Sea Skimmer** » 2008-08-29 03:52am

Open Communication from Imperial Japanistan to Shinra Republic

Imperial Japanistani has only the highest praise for Shepistani JAPF cooperation and blames the second mine strike confusion on the failure of Cascadian forces to establish a presence in the Joint Forces Command Area. It is vital that all ports not properly secured remain closed. Japanistani forces have now secured Al-Sukin City in strength, and the freshly landed 29th Infantry Division is now pushing to link up with Canissian paratroopers. Minesweeping and repair work has already begun on Al-Sukin City airfield to return it to functionality. Convoy No.4 Velaria has also already departed and will land large elements of the 524th Mechanized Corps in support of Shepistani forces holding port Mesr-Al-Mein.

Japanistan is aware of the impediment mining has created to foreign naval movements and will include a detachment of mine countermeasure vessels as part of the No.5 Velaria movement, now being assembled. Thanks to the employment of newly activated naval reserve merchant ships and transports Japanistani predicts that this large movement of fifth ships will be able to complete the initial phase of deployment of 1st Expeditionary Peacekeeping Army.

Post by **Steve** » 2008-08-29 03:56am

Written with Norse

el-Kalim

Colonel Abd-al-khidr al-Icanti was escorted into the presence of Colonel Alex Watson, commander of the 2nd Marine Brigade, in his HQ facility in the abandoned Mayor's Palace for el-Kalim (the Mayor himself had fled ignomiously given much of his fortune came from piracy). The burly, wolf-haired Marine nodded to his equal in rank and offered a hand. "Colonel al-Icanti, welcome to the el-Kalim Base. I have to say we got a bit of a scare when your forces were coming in hot and heavy with no radio contact."

Colonel Al-Icanti shook it, before answering, "Yes, but circumstances required speed. It was a political issue." He casually rolled his head a little as if to say 'You know what that is like'.

"Ah, the folks back home didn't want to look like they were sittin' with their hands on their rears while everyone else is moving into this hellhole of a nation." Watson chuckled at that. "Well, as you know, we're here for humanitarian aid and to make sure that there are no... improprieties taken by other powers looking to keep troops here. This being on South Veleria's border, it's no surprise Astarias would be looking to get involved."

"Indeed this is true. I certainly can't see how this place can be of benefit to anyone. However such things are for the lords and masters in Winchester to decide." Al-Icanti spread his hands at that, "I am here to help keep the peace in the southernmost region. To that end I would like to set up provisional boundaries, between our respective humanitarian operations. After all good fences make good neighbours."

"It would be good to make sure we don't wind up shooting at each other on accident," Watson agred. "Now, I'm no diplomat and I can't give any formal agreement, and I can't speak for Tian Xia or the Shinra Republic, but come on over to the map and we can make notes on where our lines will be, then figure out how we'll do any joint ops that are necessary.

By the end of the meeting, the Cascadian and Astarian forces had agreed to a rough line of control running east from the coast just south of el-Kalim to the reasonable extent of the Cascadian position. Watson figured that this wouldn't be taken too kindly back home - the Astarians' practice of mass chattel slavery had turned them into an international pariah perhaps more hated than Shepistan in some ways - but he wasn't about to be hostile and get good Marines killed for a shithole like al-Akharabat.

Post by **Sea Skimmer** » 2008-08-29 04:09am

Japanistani Convoy No.4 Velaria At Sea

The ships had mostly come from convoy number 2 which had conducted the landing at Al-Sukin, and returned 4500km to Japanistan in just eight days. After five days of loading and the joining of a number of mobilized reserve transports it had departed with 41 ships embarking landing forces and equipment. The naval escort was light but included several destroyers and frigates along with an oiler.

Early in the trip however, three transports broke away and began steaming south without a message being flashed. This diversion confused many of the quasai civilian merchant crews, but they knew better then to ask questions. Later, when another pair of transports veered north, the confusion became strong suspicions… but with the radios monitored by embarked agents of the Special Armed Police the merchant seamen had no means of investigating the situation, nor informing others.

PeZook · Post by **PeZook** » 2008-08-29 04:41am

One day before the Emperor's visit, the Royal Office

"It can't be done, sire", said Tomasz Krelewski, current director of FASTA operations, "Nobody on Earth will ever be able to build a 3000 tonne rocket."

The King looked at the man he appointed director. Well, the man someone who's memories the King had in his head did that, actually.

"Director, you may not think much of me, but I believe the talented engineers FASTA employs will be able to overcome that obstacle."

"Sire, the sheer size of the rocket makes it impractical at best! The physical limit is pretty much around 1000 tonnes, anything bigger will become impossible to handle."

The King shook his head. He knew for a fact there was nothing impossible about a huge moon rocket: he's seen it done. Of course, he couldn't say that outright. Or could he?

"Director, I am tired of your lack of vision. If you cannot be counted upon to push the FASTA towards new, unexplored territorry and agressively overcome such obstacles, then I have no other choice. I want to see your resignation on my desk tomorrow morning."

There was silence. The director's entourage didn't dare to protest, despite the fact all of them thought the same: the King was either a great visionary, or completely insane.

Result: Director of FASTA Operations is fired for his lack of vision.

Convoy No. 4 Velaria, immediate vicinity

The ORP "Orzel" was one of the many submarines tracking the Japanistani convoy, being very, very careful to stay hidden: which was made all the more difficult by the myriad maritime patrol airplanes and gunboats agressively attempting to sanitize the area. It was stressful duty, especially during snorkelling: and even despite the crew's best efforts, the convoy was steadily drawing further and further away.

Captain Grolewski was leaning on the chart table in the boat's control room, trying to build a good picture of the situation. The convoy was huge, which made indetifying individual ships a bit of a gamble. Of course, it also made tracking it a little bit easier.

"Captain, this is sonar, I'm getting some separating contacts!", came a call from the sonar station.

The captain came over, sipping on his coffee mug.

"Identification?"

"Well, it looks like a few ships, merchants, are separating from the convoy."

"Mark them in the system"

A minute later, an ensign doing TMA at the light table finally got a solid result.

"Well, sir, it looks like three merchants, veering south."

"Huh. Strange...we'll inform command when we come up to snorkel."

"Will do, sir."

Before they did, another pair of transport separated from the convoy. The information was quickly shared with other Continental powers, with requests that maritime patrol aircraft be assigned to monitor the movements of these ships.

Grand Moff Yenchin · Post by **Grand Moff Yenchin** » 2008-08-29 06:39am

Serenity Sentinel

40 F-22As Ordered from Canissia

The Ministry of Defense has confirmed that 40 F-22As have been ordered from Canissia. This marks the 4th military related deal during the last few months.

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

Shenong Ga Facility, Blue Sun Corporation

The lab technicians checked the series of rats, it has been 28 days since they have been infected, 70 days since they have been immunized. All of them were still happy and healthy. The PI rechecked the data, and sent a request to his superior for animal test on primates....

Mt. Phoenix Command Post, Location Classified

The atmosphere in the office was awkward. General O'Henry of the Joint Staff, as Gen. Peng heard, was a very "NormClass" person. Which meant one would expect severe chickenshit from him. Next to him was Admiral Leng, Commander in Chief of the Serenity Naval Force, rumored to be descendent of the Imperial Leng Dynasty.

Sitting opposite from these three was Rear Admiral Shirou Kaieda, who was responsible for many drills held during the troop-wide exercise. Including that involved with the KSS Kage and Shadow.

"We have recieved a warning and complaint from the Old Dominion. That last maneuver of yours caused some ripples and frowns on MESS high staff." General O'Henry said as his hands were flipping on the report files.

"Yes sir. I'll take full responsibility."

"Very well. After some discussion with Admiral Leng and some high officials, we've come up with the conclusion of demoting you to Commander. You'll be serving a post at the Taoist Port."

"Taoist...Port?" Kaieda didn't seem to recall such a place.

"Yes, Taoist Port. Your formal orders and paperwork will arrive a couple days later."

Lonestar · Post by **Lonestar** » 2008-08-29 07:08am

Uncle Crab's Crabshack
Commander Sir Timothy Harrison, commanding officer, ODN Diving Detachment, settled into the booth at Uncle Crab's Crabshack, a popular seafood restaurant. It had been a busy month, once a directive had been received from on high to begin immediate recovery of the PT-76s and BMP-1s from the failed attack on the West Chesapeake territorial holding. Upon pulling the 60 or so vehicles out of the sludge from the bottom of the bay(not including those disabled or destroyed in the wetlands along the coast), they were loaded onto a train and headed elsewhere. Probably for scrap, as the military of the Old Dominion never missed a chance to earn money.

The South Sea King Crab put down in front of him looked delicious, and he scarfed down the several pound monster with a frenzy that offended most senses. Harrison washed it all down with two pints of local brew, then got up and headed back to his hotel room.

Then IT happened.

Harrison stumbled into the hotel room and ran for the bathroom. The next morning, the hotel staff that found him described the scene as an "unholy combination of projectile vomiting and explosive direrhea." Unfortunately, Cmdr. Harrison was not the only one afflicted...

Results: Tainted crab is now being served in Old Dominion restaurants.

National Defense Executive Order #49-08
1. In recognizetion of the overwhelming dependence on oil our economy has, measures must be taken to mitigate the economic disruption in the event of a shortage(war, embargo).
2. Therefore, effective January '09, all new non-commercial vehicles in the Old Dominion must be flex-fuel capable. Flex-fuel is defined as being able to use gasoline, ethanol, or methanol.
3. Further more, the National Strategic Petroleum Reserve shall be increased to 400million barrels. The addition 100 million barrels will be stored at new facilities near the Augustine border.

Setzer · Post by **Setzer** » 2008-08-29 07:09am

FASTA Bulletin

From: FASTA, Sirnoth Branch
To: FASTA, Shroomania Branch, Pezookia Branch
Re: New Developments: life support system

We're pleased to report a promising breakthrough with regards to future space travel.

Kelp is commonly used in mass produced foods in Sirnoth, but since we can't exactly haul a chunk of ocean floor around with a starship, we turned to algae instead. The machine we have developed, the Ryan Industries ZPR-204, uses algae to generate oxygen and food. The algae gel produced tastes rather bland, so we'll need to pack some hot sauce.
The average man will need 2.3kg of food each day, based on naval crew's food consumption.

Our goal is to have 1 liter of algae water produce 600 grams of food, 600 liters of oxygen, and consume 720 liters of C02. This would require 18 liters for a crew of three.

Current yields are 25 grams of food per liter. The units we have now can do the job, but it would require more liters per crew, and we understand space is at a premium. While it does not currently meet desired weight requirements, further development is clearly a prudent investment.
The equipment will mass 50kg plus the algae cultures, the total mass of which is determined by yield per liter.

We are currently experimenting with a system to channel an astronaut's waste into the algae, using fertilizer the old fashioned way.

We're also experimenting with crabs or fish, to be fed on the algae. If you can get them into space, they might provide a bit more variety in the diet.

Shroom Man 777 · Post by **Shroom Man 777** » 2008-08-29 08:09am

Freetown, Republic of al-Akharabat

Mayor Milo McKenzie, MacMillan's manager of their new (tiny) properties in al-Akharabat, was in a good mood.

He had to give it to the Cascadians, and the Canissians. They were finally able to secure a free port, and so the shipments were at last coming in. So-called "humanitarian" aid shipped by MacMillan's Maritime Mercantile.

Previously, the Dark Liquid and Mushroom Marines had to rely on hand-me-outs from the Canissians - spare stuff that had been crammed on their giant zeppelins (MacMill compensated the Canissian government, of course). But that was no longer the case.

Now, the first of the MacMill ships were coming in and landing on the free port of Kashrash and they were unloading booze, water purifiers, cigarettes, generators, food, blankets, medicines, heavy machinery, and whatnot.

These supplies would be used to uplift the local populace, improve their living standards, and bring Freetown up to Third World standards (because beforehand, it was Third World substandard). The water purifiers would make the water safer to drink, and the booze would be a contingency - alcohol was preferable to contaminated water, and had caloric content. The tobacco would wean the people off the marijuana (which was weaning them off the khat), and would return them to productivity - as stoned miners were lazy miners... and the Canissians and Cascadians didn't want potheads working with them on their airfields.

There were also mosquito nets, pesticides and copious amounts of DDT - to defeat the local malaria endemic. There was even equipment to set up a local theater, for the entertainment of the people of Freetown. Radios, roofs, ropes, rotors and rifles. The rifles were particularly important in killing off the beasties.

Oh, and there were more (armed) Dark Liquid operators - along with MacMillan corporates.

They were here to stay.

[OOC: Cascadia and Canissia can set up military presences and shit, but the MacMillan dudes are gonna be doing more civilian-oriented stuff. We'll be winning hearts and minds! We're giving the people beer and pornography!]

Fingolfin_Noldor · Post by **Fingolfin_Noldor** » 2008-08-29 08:17am

Imperial Chronicles

They arrived in the palace, and then the two heads of state were in the tea room chatting about various matters of state. "You know King Paul, everytime I look out of my palace out into the Mediterranean, I see countless problems and threats, that however beautiful the view is, I cannot help but wonder what to do with these problems. To the south is Japanistan, which ... has proven difficult to deal with. Then you have the usual nonsense from Shepistan," the Heraclius sighed.

"We of course have our dreams. We are pouring money into FASTA, and other projects of worth. I am already getting a earful from the Prime Minister for the myriad of projects we are getting involved in, though he agrees many of the projects will return money to the economy and keep it going. Defence needs have ever been the biggest item on the budget, with a huge ship building program going on, and then the need for new radars, aircraft, SAMs. The bill is huge.

Of course collaborating helps to reduce much of the cost. It does not change the fact that there are many concerns to deal with. As Decius has told you, I am highly supportive of the joint defence network. The atomic program I am also highly supportive of a joint collaboration. Helps to reduce the burden on my budget.

What concerns me is Comrade Stansilav's reluctance to work with Shroomania. The burden of history is always there and, sometimes it's hard to see beyond the past."

PeZook · Post by **PeZook** » 2008-08-29 09:35am

FASTA Bulletin

From: FASTA, PeZookia Branch
To: FASTA, Sirnoth Branch, Shroomania Branch, Byzantine Branch
Re: Re: New Developments: life support system

Thank you for the heads up. I'll bring it up on the next meeting of the Technology Planning Comittee.

This technology will be excellent to use at a permanent lunar outpost, especially if theories concerning the presence of frozen water on Selene get confirmed by reconeissance probes. It would do much to reduc weight of necessary supplies that we'd need to ship from Earth.

I'm sure your people can get more funding for research into the matter from FASTA Permanent Lunar Presence program.

Please see the attached files for our current concept for life support on a short ten-day Moon trip.

P.S. By the way: don't tell anybody, but there's something weird about the top brass. The Director Of Operations got fired yesterday by the King himself over engineering objections: word is the king basically told him his objections are bullshit. How the hell would he know?

Shroom Man 777 · Post by **Shroom Man 777** » 2008-08-29 09:51am

FASTA Bulletin

From: FASTA, Shroomania Branch
To: FASTA, Sirnoth Branch, Pezookia Branch, Byzantium Branch
Re: New Developments: power plants

The Shroomanian Atomic Research Science Experiment (ARSE) has submitted a design for low-power nuclear generators called radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs) for potential lunar and extra-lunar missions requiring long-endurance power sources.

For more near-to-earth power sources, solar power (which Shroomania has lots of experience in) will provide an adequate source of energy.

Please see the attached files for a pretty postcard of the Faith Park solar power plant.

P.S. Does anyone know who's going to replace the Director of Operations?

-CCC

PeZook · Post by **PeZook** » 2008-08-29 10:05am

Orena, Royal Palace. Tea Room.

"Stas is under pressure from his government and people ; It's quite understandable he's reluctant to deal with Shroomania, since it's a former colonial power. Communists are bound not to like that."

The King took a sip of his tea.

"I personally think, however, that this isn't an insurmountable obstacle. Shroom has already extended a hand in friendship, and all that's needed is for someone to gently nudge Stas's people into the right track. We could do it with a slick propaganda campaign and fair foreign policy. I've been thinking we could run a series of documentaries in both our TV networks about socialist policies in Shroomania, and then arrange a cultural exchange program between the CSR and the rest of the Old Continent. Have both sides praise each other's achievements, talk with Shroom not to mention their colonial past. Basically, let's show the Shroomania has learned lessons from the CSR and is working hard to improve the fate of the average worker. No ideological language or suggestions, though.

Of course, we'd need to sweep MacMillan under the rug, and do something about that idiot of theirs who is trying to run his own empire in Valaria."

Post by **Coyote** » 2008-08-29 10:16am

AO Dog
6 Km north of al-Akharabat

Landing Zone Dog was now Area of Operations Dog, and would, before too long, be upgraded to Camp Dog. Beyond that, as more permanant facilities were built and amenities such as plumbing and electricity were brought it, it would be upgraded to a Fort, and probably given a new name.

But for now, the dirt berm that surrounded the AO was big enough to reach from the recognised border of al-Akharabat up the full length of the AO, easily encompassing the recently-completed airstrip, the tent city where the Army forces were staying at, and the offest 500m OP that the Japanistani forces had set up.

That afternoon, the first of many C-17 flights were to initiate the landing strip, and begin offloading supplies in earnest.

The Royal Air Force ground controller assemblies were going to be first, so that a tactical field tower could be erected for better command and control of incoming aircraft. Air-conditioned trailer units for the electronics suite were brought in, a disassembled air traffic control radar, and of course the first of a prolific array of all sorts of antennas.

Meanwhile, the Army Engineers got to work on a second airstrip, the bed of which had already been laid, smoothed, and prepped for paving. Aircraft would be able to land on one and take off on another, as needed, to increase operations tempo.

Ground crews were moved in, and portable hangars were unloaded, the Army and Air Force engineers both assisting to build the large, pre-fab structures. In the background, bucket loaders filled Hesco Bastionsto reinforce the berm, and in places where the bastions were already in place behind the berm, walkways were begun and triple-strand concertina wire was laid out along the top. So far, the Canissian forces had been lucky not to run into any of the jungle creatures that had plagued the Japanistanis in their earlier LZ-- the Katangwans had said that the monsters largely stayed away from the area where there'd been long-term human habitation, and the creatures became more bold the farhter away from the villages one got. They still refused to go into the jungle themselves, however.

After the portable electronics and prefab hangars were set up, maintenance facilities would be brought in and expanded, and fuel tanks would be built. Construction materiel was till brought in by Zeppelin-- when they weren't servicing in al-Akharabat proper.

There was still much work to do.

Operation Helping Hand: Forces on the ground so far:
AO Dog: Task Force Viers
1 Airborne Infantry Legacy Brigade "I-Pathfinders"
1 Airborne Infantry Legacy Brigade "II-Pathfinders"
3 Airborne Armored Brigades
1 Combat Engineer/Construction Battalion

al-Akharabat Proper: Task Force Sharran
1 Infantry Mechanized Legacy Brigade "Black Wolves Spearhead Brigade"
2 Infantry Mechanized Brigades
1 Heavy Armored Brigade "Iron Horse Spearhead Brigade"
1 Combat Engineer/Construction Battalion

Fingolfin_Noldor · Post by **Fingolfin_Noldor** » 2008-08-29 10:22am

FASTA Bulletin

From: FASTA, Byzantine Branch
To: FASTA, Sirnoth Branch, Pezookia Branch, Shroomanian Branch, Crimson Star Republic Branch
Subject: X-Band Radar

Kontos Munitions and the Defence Science Institute are currently working on an X-Band radar that might prove useful for monitoring the flight of our rockets. Constantinople Shipyards will construct the vessel that will carry the radar, in command and control vessel. Estimated time of delivery is mid next year.

Note also that the Nuclear Energy Institute does have specifications and designs for small scale nuclear reactors, and the Space Science Institute is working on experimental rocketry involving nuclear rockets and plans to do tests soon.

Siege · Post by **Siege** » 2008-08-29 10:51am

BLOCK WAR

The Sprawl, outskirts of San Dorado

All around, the sirens blared. The red lights on top of the police cars flickered. Overhead, a helicopter whizzed, the roar of its blades audible even over the sirens’ wail and the chanting of the crowd. A bright searchlight swept down from the helo through the clearing clouds of the emetic gas, the artificial fog torn apart by the cold night breeze. Many of the crowd lay groaning on the ground, clutching their stomachs, their threadbare clothes caked in their own vomit. Some of them, the smarter ones, had covered their faces with handkerchiefs.

Still more and more people entered the square. Their thin, haggard faces were drawn and angry. A few brandished clubs. Many more clutched pistols, and a few held home made petrol bombs. Lasky leaned against the side of his armoured riot bike and wondered where they all came from.

Scum, he thought. That’s what you are. You stand there, and you shout protests against the Directors, and you really don’t have a clue. You shout about the prices of living, and you protest against the involvement with our allies. You don’t want us to fight in the south. Idiots! Don’t you know that if we don’t fight, the other nations out there will eat us alive? You call yourself idealists, but you are all just fools.

“Ready for the word, lieutenant,” said sergeant Trask. Lasky looked at him and then at his men. The squad of Armed Interdiction Police was drawn up in a disciplined line, their riot shields interlinked, their nightsticks held ready. Their rebreather masks and black hardvests made them look ominous and insect-like in the gloom. Pride filled Lasky’s heart. The contrast between these disciplined defenders of the San Dorado way and the ragged rabble of the protesters couldn’t be greater.

Stretcher bearers were already carrying casualties both from the crowd and the police toward the waiting ambulances. Lasky thought that, if he had his way, he would dump the wounded protestors in a ditch outside the city limits. It was the best place for rubbish like that. He walked over to one of the stretchers and looked down at the scarred face of its occupant. “What’s your name, boy?” he demanded.

“Wheeler, Anthony Wheeler. I’m a citizen-shareholder. I’ve got rights! I want a lawyer!”

Lasky grabbed him by the throat and pulled him upright. “Lawyer, boy? Lawyer? You’re gonna wish you’d never been born. It’s resocialization for you!” The kid looked faint. Lasky let him go and gave his attention back to the crowd.

“Brutes, murderers, killers!” they shouted. They were all covering their faces from the gas now, and they were ready to charge the line again.

Brutes, you call us. Lasky liked the sound of that. It suggested strength and brutality, and these troubled times called for both. I’m proud to be a brute, if that’s what people like you call us. Someone has to stand up for the way of our forebears. You would hand our world and our lives over to our enemies on a silver platter. You are all traitors. You should be lined up and shot.

A wave of stones pattered like rain off the riot shields. A blazing arc marked the progress of a petrol bomb. It landed before the police lines and exploded in a shower of glass and flame. The line wavered for a moment but held. Suddenly, Lasky had plain had enough. His face mask felt tight on his face. He lovingly stroked the handle of his officer-issue sidearm.

“All right men,” he shouted in his chin mike. “Forward. Maximum force. Let’s teach these scumbags a lesson they’ll never forget!”

He saw the men nod in agreement. Riot bikes revved up. The line opened to let the tracked bikes through and then marched forward behind them. Nightsticks rose and fell. Skulls split. Blood flowed. The chanting stopped. The screaming started.

---

(hi guys, back from vacation!)

---

San Dorado Spotlights

- President Hank and the Board of Directors return from the summer recess.

- The Board of Directors has allotted $15 billion in treasury funds for San Dorado's participation in FASTA. In addition, the Board has agreed to open the Camp Kittyhawk Rocketfields to FASTA should a launch site in San Dorado prove advantageous.

- The Board further has approved the construction of a roll-on roll-off material transport for the city-state's marine corps. The ship will built by Blues Brothers Shipping in La Palma. Construction is to commence immediately.

- Elements of the SDA's 1st Airborne Brigade have been dispatched to the southern border. Rumour has it they will cooperate with the Tanstaafl 3rd Legion in a sweep of the triborder region, which has recently become a hotspot of militia activity.

Post by **Coyote** » 2008-08-29 11:06am

Camp Talisman
1 KM East of Khalid

"At ease! Captain Rafi Oren said sternly, and had the satisfaction of seeing the collection of Katangwan soldiers come to a modified position of 'parade rest' in passable manner. They acted like either new, raw, recruits who were unsure, or battle-hardened veterans of war that had no time for parade-ground pleasantries.

Captain Oren suspected it was a combination of these.

"Your men are doing very well," Captain Oren said to the Katangwan sergeant next to him. "The weapons are clean--" under the circumstances, he thought, "--and the men seem motivated."

"T'ank you, sah," the sergeant replied, "We ready to fight well."
"I am sure of it," Oren replied, "The people of Canissia are ready to help you," Oren said loudly, for them all to hear, "The progress men such as yourselves display here will convince the King that we need to invest more in the future of al-Akharabat," he said. There were murmurs and smiles in the ranks that would not have been tolerated in professional Canissian service, but Oren knew to let it go.

"I will be your new training officer," Oren said, "The Caravos are getting a training officer in the south, but I am a Paratrooper, meaning you will be trained by one of the best!" he said. This time, the mean cheered and laughed, again, something that Oren let slide. "Over the next few weeks, we will try to bring in things such as new uniforms, maybe new weapons, and teach you to use radios, and maybe even tanks," he said, to more grins and even some applause.

Some of the men made the same superstitious gestures at the mention of tanks; they had seen the giant, lumbering Canissian heavy tanks and were intimidated, calling them 'the green monsters' and likening them to the creatures in the jungle.

"But for now, today, we will begin training on better ways to fire your rifles. We have some targets over the next hill, which we will be using, so-- Sergeant, if you'll form the men..."

"Yes, sah!" the Sergeant said, and the first day of Basic Training kicked off for the small, slowly-morphing army.

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

Khalid City
Abandoned Government Schoolhouse
ALF HQ

"Hahahaaa," the round, jovial face of Colonel Johan S'vimbi practically filled with teeth as the Katangwan leader expressed his happiness.

"For years, we die down here," he said, "We waste away, and no one cares. We fight Addeed and his Caravo bullies, and no one cares. Addeed sends his drugs, and all the civilised world talks, but does nothing. He captures our pretty girls and sells them to perverts, and no one does anything but cluck their tongues and mutter, 'tut-tut, what savages!'. But now," he said, leaning back and patting his ample belly, "Now that the Japanistanis re-assert their mining claim, then the Canissians come-- and now, everyone else wants to help the poor, backwards savages of al-Akharabat."

"Colonel, please," General Viers said, "Canissia was in negotiations with you and Addeed months ago, well before the Japanistanis landed at Lungga."

"Oh, yes, General," S'vimbi said, "Oh, yes-- but we talked and talked, and it was going to be more talk from the West, wasn't it, until the Japanistanis moved and lit a fire under your asses," S'vimbi said, and smiled at the frown on Viers's face. S'vimbi let the man stew for a moment, then waved it all aside.

"Nevermind," S'vimbi said, "You are all here now! Now everyone pays attention to al-Akharabat! I suppose I should send the Japanistanis a thank-you card, eh?" he said with another roaring laugh. "Look at what we get from those Shroomanians-- they are mad, aren't they? Liquor and pornography..."
"Colonel, if you are offended, I can ask them to stop--" Viers began. S'vimbi shrugged.
"You might want to tell him to tone it down, these handouts," S'vimbi said, "I know my village elders are not pleased, not pleased at all, at the effect this is having on some of the youth. And if the Caravos see this stuff..." he inhaled through his teeth, a sign that trouble would boil over if left untouched.

"I'll pass it on," Viers said, "But what I came here to talk about was the road. We are connecting our base to the city, and we will need workers who can be trained and will work hard, to help us build the road."

"I know a village I can talk to," S'vimbi said, "But I want to add one condition. You do not just use these men for their work. Your men will teach them what they are doing, how, and why. I will not sit back and just let you give my people fish; I want you to teach them how to fish."

"It will be done, Colonel," Viers assured, "We are training your ALF men to be--" he almost said 'a real army' but didn't want to insult S'vimbi "--more effective. And eventually we will get them some armored vehicles, things like that." At his desk, S'vimbi smiled andnodded with satisfaction.

"So, eventually I am sure, we will unite north and south, and be a real nations again," S'vimbi said, "And then it will be time to pay th ebill, I suppose? What is going on the al-Akharabati expense account for the generosity of the Canissian people?"
"My government has already discussed mineral rights and offshore drilling with you," Viers said.

"Yes, of course," S'vimbi said. "And I am sure you mentioned this to Addeed, too."
"Yes," Viers said, "You know we did. We've kept you both informed of each others' negotiations."

"And you are training his men, and arming them, too, I suppose?" S'vimbi asked, tracing lazy circles on the dust of his desk with his finger.
"We are not arming any one group more heavily, if that's what you're getting it."

"What I see is simply an escalation of the conflict between us," S'vimbi said, "With more destructive weapons. Surely, this is not the best course of action. Not the most responsible course of action. I am looking out for my people," S'vimbi said.
"Yes, and we support you," Viers said, "We also support a peace accord of some sort with Addeed." S'vimbi nodded.

"Addeed, perhaps, we can deal with. Perhaps," S'vimbi said, "But his religious advisors, his clan leaders-- they whisper poison in his ears. We cannot deal rationally with them. What will the good soldiers of Canissia do if they insist on fighting with these new weapons?"

"If rebel clans refuse to abide by the peace accords-- whatever they may be, in the future-- then... they will have to be brought to heel," Viers said. S'vimbi smiled.
"I can get all of my people on board," S'vimbi said, "I can at least get them to listen to the Canissians. You will bring things to offer them, of course, but they will listen to me. If you help me deal with the rebal clans-- when the time comes-- then Canissia and I will have a most excellent working relationship."

***

Coiler · Post by **Coiler** » 2008-08-29 11:14am

The next day marked the bloodiest air battle over Frequesue since the Coilerburg-Indhopal clashes near the end of Iler's War, as well as the only noticeable success by the Minoy air force.

The Coilerburg air force had not been expecting any aerial opposition, and both its machines and pilots were unprepared for the Minoy fighters. Yet for better or worse, the Coilerburg flight commander ordered his planes to press the attack on the convoy.

As the Coilerburg planes were not equipped with anti-air missiles for this mission, their pilots attempted to improvise, closing the distance and using their guns against the old Minoy Mirage IIIs and MiG-17s.

Three Gripens fell in aerial combat, in exchange for only two MiGs. Two more fell to ground fire during their mostly unsuccessful attacks on the supply convoy. Only one barge was sunk in the attack.

It was a day that was full of unexpected moments for both sides. Coilerburg wasn't expecting Minoy to deploy air cover, and Minoy wasn't expecting Coilerburg to keep pressing the attack instead of turning back.

When the remnants of the strike force landed and President Jeffrey heard what happened over Lake Shroombee, he personally consulted with the head of the air force. The two agreed that Coilerburg had been caught by surprise, and that adequate preparations would prevent that from happening again. Jeffrey argued for maximum agressiveness, as any aerial war of attrition would favor Coilerburg, and that the Minoy supply lines needed to be disrupted.

When the next strike was launched, this time the Coilerburg air force was ready. The planes were loaded with AAMs, and their pilots prepared to face enemy fighters.

This mission was the exact opposite of the previous one. Two Mirages and two MiGs were downed by the Coilerburg Gripens at no loss to themselves, who went on to strike the convoy with much greater success than the previous mission.

While the skies above Lake Shroombee were filled with planes in deadly combat, Coilerburg warships were moving into the proper position to fire cruise missiles at important targets in Minoy. The cruise missile strikes were mostly ineffective, but one such missile scored hit on a barge loaded with munitions, causing it to detonate spectacularly.

Throughout the next several days and nights Coilerburg planes and missiles pounded the assembled transports, flying round the clock. What was left of Minoy's air force sortied the next day out of pure desperation-it shot down a single Coilerburg Gripen and lost three planes. Wishing to save what little he could, the head of Minoy's air force issued an order to ground and hide the remaining aircraft.

Supply transports were being sunk with increasing rapidity, and the head of Minoy's navy was killed in a cruise missile strike. President Jeffrey urged the planes not to let up, to "Keep hitting till they get the hint and stay in port."

Siege · Post by **Siege** » 2008-08-29 11:50am

FIELD TRIP

Camp Kittyhawk AFB, San Dorado

Camp Kittyhawk air force base was buzzing with frenetic activity. Even as the helicopter carrying the president arrived there were still technicians hustling back and forth, making final preparations to the escort flight of Rafale fighters and the president’s personal aircraft, a sleek Ralson Aerospace RA-500 Thunderwave.

Stepping out of the arriving helicopter even as its blades came to a final rest, President Hank himself looked noticeably better than before his brief vacation. Being left mostly alone for a week had allowed him to settle into the routine of an actual leader, rather than someone pretending to be that. The prospect of visiting someone real rather than a figment of Q’s imagination – because that was still how he looked upon most of the world, no matter how tangible it all seemed – had also worked wonders on his mood.

Escorted by four agents of the PSS the president quickly made his way over from the helicopter landing pad to the jet liner, transferring the status of Pride One, the presidential flight, over from the helicopter to the jet merely by being on it. Having no other passengers to wait for its engines screamed to life, and within minutes the plane and its twin escorts were airborne and headed for Shroomania.

Sinking into the soft leather seats, President Hank poured himself a glass of 1968 Chateau Corley, a fine Vineyardian red wine. Sipping from the glass, he placed his feet on the seat opposite him. It was a long flight to Farbanti.

Post by **RogueIce** » 2008-08-29 11:55am

Communication from the Shinra Republic to Imperial Japanistan

We recognize the difficulties in communications has led to avoidable errors, and to rectify this we will be sending liason officers to join with the Joint Forces Command Area. We will also request that the Cascadians join us in working more cooperatively with yourselves and the Canissian planners in the JFCA.

We would request also that you deliver the minefield schematics to our liason officers for the ports of el-Kalim and Kashrash so that our own mineclearing assets already in the area can begin to work. We are sending a battalion of Marines who will relieve Cascadian forces at Kashrash, allowing them to focus efforts at el-Kalim to ensure a properly secured port. Elements of our own Navy will further reinforce the anti-piracy patrols in the area.

It is our hope that with your cooperation we can clear these two ports by the time our Marines arrive, or at the least to ensure a secure shipping channel to offload our troops in the most effecient of means. Further, clearing of the mines will allow us to more rapidly deploy follow-on forces to ensure the continued security of these ports against pirate use, as well as the security of al-Akharabat as a whole.

Post by **RogueIce** » 2008-08-29 11:59am

--++OPERATIONAL IMMEDIATE/SECRET++--
TO: COMPHIBRON FOUR
FROM: COMWESTFLT

Proceed to Kashrash off the coast of Velestria to relieve Cascadian forces already working to secure the port facilities.

Landing operations are authorized via air assets, however landing via seaborne assets is NOT authorized prior to clearance from MINEWARRON TWO.
--++OPERATIONAL IMMEDIATE/SECRET++--

Post by **Coyote** » 2008-08-29 12:10pm

Seaside Palace, Canissia

"Reports in from al-Akharabat, sir," Colonel Rassnar said, handing the King the latest intel folder. Arik took it and read it-- it was a quick and simple update on the events in the war-torn region.

"Three terrorist attacks on Japanistani troops," Arik noted, frowning, "Caravos, I see. Those bastards are going to be trouble."

"President Addeed implied in his latest communique that his people would need more support to offset their loss of income," Colonel Rassnar said, frowning as well at the audacity of the greedy little man who was little more than a thug. Arik sighed.

"I suppose we should have forseen this," he said, "Addeed knows that there's a bit of tension in the Japanistan-Canissian relationship, so he's going to see how much he can rock the boat, and how much we're willing to pay to keep things smooth."

"We could respond in kind," Rassnar hinted, "And just support S'vimbi, letting Addeed wither on the vine."
"Tempting," Arik said, "But as soon as we cut Addeed loose, he'll turn his drugged-up whackos loose on all of us down there, and make our lives hell. This has real quagmire potential if we don't play our cards right."

"So far, sir, people are watching the Coilerburg war on the news, and not paying attention to Veleria," Rassnat said, "We might be able to... how do the kids put it these days? 'Bust a move' down there while there are distractions elsewhere?" King Arik smiled.
"Next thing I know you'll be going to raves," the King said, "No, I want to keep Addeed aboard for now. I'll tire of his extortion soon enough and either cut loose S'vimbi's men... or maybe encourage Japanistan to work out their frustrations."

"Japanistan has used a lot of stick so far," Rassnar said, "And not much carrot."
"Well, we've had a sort of natural division of labor," Arik said, "They provide stick, we provide carrot. And in truth, it's actually Shepistan that carried out the bombings and minings... the Caravos are just venting their frustration at Shepistan's allies."

"What about the port mining?" the Colonel asked. The King shrugged.
"Well, let's face it, the mining of the ports did us a big favor. It shut down the Caravos' smuggling and piracy operations, forcing them to rely on us and our Zepps for delivery. Now every time a Canissian zeppelin shows up, we literally have them eating out of our hands. And we don't get the blame for the mining. I would have loved to mine the ports myself, to be honest, but I wasn't willing to risk pissing off the locals. But what's done is done... and to be honest, it was exactly what needed to be done. So I'm not going to look the gift horse in the mouth."

"And in the meantime?" Rassnar asked, "What about other relief ships coming in?"

"Hey, as our forces move in and take control over villages and ports, we de-mine the airfields and harbors. That way, the only harbors and ports that are open for use are the ones unde our control, and we don't have to worry about unauthorized use on the others. Thjis really was a smart move."

"Very well, sir," Rassnar said, "Anyhow, a messgae is in from Representative Foxglove," he said, "She wants to know what our position is on the open announcement of President Stanislav to build atomic weapons."
"oh, hell..." Arik muttered. It had only been a matter of time...

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

Crimson Star Embassay, Canissia

The protests were peaceful, but full of obvious anger.

"No nuclear weapons!" the kids from the local University shouted, "Bin the Bomb! Bin the Bomb!" they shouted, arms locked. Police watched from nearby, ready with riot gear, but so far the protests had been peaceful.

And it was no secret that many in the government, even the police, found the idea of nuclear weapons appalling.

Novaterra was remarkably open to nuclear power, but nuclear weapons, concurrently, were viewed as an aberrant perversion of what was ordinarily considered a blessing-- the clean energy of the released atom.

With the recent decision of the Crimson Star Republic to develop nuclear weapons, the ideological clash was begun. In his office, King Arik Coyotus-I had different concerns: he wasn't worried about Stas, and in fact was perfectly fine with having Stas around as a counterbalance to Shep.

But in this world, no one would understand that. His population expected action-- harsh words of condemnation for the once-superpower CSR acting "irresponsibly" and "aggressively". He sighed with sadness-- they would, essentially, have to stage a diplomatic crisis...

...or a Cold War, even.

"Fuck, sometimes I hate this job," Arik said as just a few blocks away, the chants of the crowd could be heard over the faint hum of traffic.

"Bin the bomb! Bin the bomb! Bin..."

***

Lonestar · Post by **Lonestar** » 2008-08-29 12:22pm

Port of Wilmington

The IRT car carrier edged it's way up the Cape Fear river. It was a smaller type, and was still really too big for it's cargo. The vessel docked at one of the quay walls, where the merchandise would be off-loaded, inspected, and sent off to Camp Swampy.

Defense Daily

WHIRLWIND continues in the Old Dominion as ground units engage in large exercise

Almost 300,000 MESS soldiers are engaging in a large combat evolution as part of the WHIRLWIND event. Very noticeably, the participants are engaging in chemical warfare gear. One Brickhall spokeswoman said:

"Yes, we are training to fight in a CBR environment."

When asked what that stood for she said:

"Chemical, Biological, and Radiological."

Radiological?

"Uh…yes. You know. In the event of, uhm…a nuclear powerplant being destroyed. Or something."

Fingolfin_Noldor · Post by **Fingolfin_Noldor** » 2008-08-29 12:50pm

PeZook wrote:Orena, Royal Palace. Tea Room.

"Stas is under pressure from his government and people ; It's quite understandable he's reluctant to deal with Shroomania, since it's a former colonial power. Communists are bound not to like that."

The King took a sip of his tea.

"I personally think, however, that this isn't an insurmountable obstacle. Shroom has already extended a hand in friendship, and all that's needed is for someone to gently nudge Stas's people into the right track. We could do it with a slick propaganda campaign and fair foreign policy. I've been thinking we could run a series of documentaries in both our TV networks about socialist policies in Shroomania, and then arrange a cultural exchange program between the CSR and the rest of the Old Continent. Have both sides praise each other's achievements, talk with Shroom not to mention their colonial past. Basically, let's show the Shroomania has learned lessons from the CSR and is working hard to improve the fate of the average worker. No ideological language or suggestions, though.

Of course, we'd need to sweep MacMillan under the rug, and do something about that idiot of theirs who is trying to run his own empire in Valaria."

"Heh.. that may or may not work. Some .. of the more staunchly capitalist "pigs" might find socialism too much of an affront, and the communists would think the same of the capitalists. There's quite a huge culture gulf there. Might take as long as a generation for that to ease over.

As for MacMillian, seriously, I can't tolerate another IRT wannabe on my own doorstep. Whack them with some sanctions to make sure they don't go create trouble."

Shroom Man 777 · Post by **Shroom Man 777** » 2008-08-29 12:50pm

Freetown, Republic of al-Akharabat

The Canissian commander stood there before the office of the new Mayor of Freetown.

"Fine," Mayor Milo McKenzie conceded. "Less booze and less pornography."

"Very good, your honor," General Viers nodded, with a slight smirk of satisfaction. Technically, the MacMillan man was the Mayor of the whole place, but in reality, he was at there only by the grace of the Canissians, and with the tolerance of the ALF and their Colonel S'vimbi. "The Colonel was concerned, you see. The village elders have expressed concern over the... material you are so freely distributing. Certain cultural values, you see. Then there are also the Caravos to consider."

"We were going to install a functioning economy, so that the people would actually have to pay for these handouts. So that they'd become commodities instead of handouts, and so that the locals can actually use their well-earned cash to buy whatever they want," McKenzie replied. "'Course, with your advisory, we'll have to accelerate our plans - and increase the prices of intoxicating substances and naughty parchments. But hey, it's all good. It provides an incentive to labor."

McKenzie popped open a bottle of cheap Vinish wine and offered some to the Canissian, who took a glass graciously.

"So, General, do you like what we've done to the place?" McKenzie allowed himself to smirk. He knew his was a tenuous position. A paltry few Dark Liquid PMCs and some Mushroom Marine Force Recon operators who were out in the jungle doing who knows what - probably scouting the Japanistani and Shepistani positions, or probably getting chewed on by whatever beasties were out there - was all he had. If the Canissians wanted him gone, or if Colonel S'vimbi wanted to beat him with stick, then there was really nothing he could do.

"I think there's been some progress," General Viers conceded. "I say your people have done considerable progress, in the weeks they've been here. At first, your towns were impoverished, with the malnourished populace working in the mines. But now, they've got electricity, clean water and medicine. I'd say it's a start, certainly a good way for your company to open up a new avenue for future expansion."

"The corporation is always on the lookout for new markets, new customers," and new gold mines. "And new places with untapped resources. We're bringing these people progress."

With booze and porno.

That, and the fact that the small shit towns had turned from small shit towns into small no-shit towns, was probably what made Colonel S'vimbi take notice of the whole place, which no one really gave a rat's ass about beforehand. That, and the fact that the locals had voted a whitey as their new chieftain - or 'mayor'. Probably the only reason why the ALF militia hadn't killed the lot of Milo McKenzie's men was the fact that the MacMillan men were friendly with the Canissians. It was a new dynamic, a new situation, and a tenuous one too - for everyone those involved.

Anyway, speaking of shit...

"My men are also helping the locals dig out a new well. They used to collect their drinking water from the river, downstream from where the herders shit their cows."

"Ah," the Canissian General nodded. "And I take it that you now have the necessary plumbing equipment, thanks to the recent shipments to Kashrash?"

Before McKenzie could answer, a local woman in what looked like a secretary's uniform came into the office and promptly informed the Mayor of his appointment to the opening of a new clinic - which was being staffed by a Dark Liquid mercenary medic (and former abortionist).

"Um, if you'll excuse me General, I have some matters of state to attend to," McKenzie stood up and reached to shake General Viers' hand. "But before I go, I'd like to say that if it weren't for the efforts of Canissia and Cascadia's militaries, we wouldn't have received the supplies we needed. And by we, I mean the people of Freetown. Thank you for your time, General Viers."

"Thank you for yours, Mayor."