SDNWorld Redux: Story Thread the First.

PeZook · Post by **PeZook** » 2008-09-02 03:40am

Fabowice, PeZookia

The thread found at the off-loading site was identified as the same kind used in a long retired series of Canissian military BDUs, sold off at surplus auctions to private retailers. Thanks to some creative analysis, and a visit to the company HQ of the producer, the forensics experts were also able to identify the batch which used that particular kind of button. Then it was just a matter of cross-referencing the documentation with a partial serial number of the boot sole, which resulted in the identification of four military surplus stores across PeZookia where the perpetrator could've bought the blouse and boots.

It was a long shot, though: there were no guarantees the suspect bought his shoes in PeZookia at all, or that he would return to this particular store. The owners were not of much help - they got enough customers to not remember any faces.

So it was a matter of sitting outside, snapping pictures and checking them out against known databases, while other police teams worked other leads - which, admittedly, were quite weak themselves. The investigation was in a danger of puttering out.

"That's...sixty three", said Tomasz Walicki, one of the junior investigators working the Voyvodship Police Command. He snapped a couple of photos with his fine Vulpesian digital camera and sent them over for analysis. They listened to yet another standard conversation broadcast to them by bugs planted inside the store. It didn't look suspicious.

His partner yawned and stretched in the passenger seat.

"Jesus, this is the most boring stakeout ever. It's a good thing the store closes in half an hour.", he said, rummaging through a McMillan's bag in search for any loose fries.

"Yeah, tell me about it.", Tomasz was feeling the mind-crushing boredom as well, despite his best efforts to stay sober. He knew that possibly, the fate of all these students depended on them doing their jobs, but it only went so far.

"Another one..."

*snapsnapsnap* - went the shutter, and the pictures were sent off again

Somebody tapped on their window then. It was Amanda and her partner.

"Hey", she said when Tomasz rolled the window down, "How's it going so far?"

"Ah, nothing happening. It doesn't look like we're gonna catch anybody here. One customer just went it, but, well...", he answered, turning up the volume on the signal receiver.

The radio delivered some unidentifiable muffled sounds. Only after a couple of minutes did a conversation begin.

"Hey", came one voice, with a slight hint of a foreign accent, "Do you have any more of those woodland BDUs? You know, the Canissian ones?"

"No", answered the store owner, "Sorry, they're no longer in production, and we've sold most of our stock. Why?"

"Well, I've ripped the button on this one and I can't really find a good enough replacement...", the customer sounded genuinely worried

"Oh, I think I have some spares right here..."

In the police car, Amanda looked at Tomasz incredulously

"Ripped button?"

"Yeah, well...it happens..."

"Yeah, but there's a foreign accent, too. Let's bring him in for questioning."

Amanda waved to Sebastian, who was waiting in a car nearby, and they both crossed the street and entered the store. It looked pretty much like all the others - racks full of various military garments, display cases with knives and compasses and bits of webbing. The customer the comissars were interested in was at the counter, trying to fit a spare button to his woodland camo blouse.

"Excuse me, sir?", Amanda tapped him on the shoulder

"Uh, yes? I'm not standing in line, so go ahea....", he didn't finish the sentence when he saw both comissars. Something in the way they were standing just screamed they're cops you should get out!!!

Then the woman pulled out a badge.

"Comissar Amanda Kulinska, we'd like to ask you some questions. Could you please come with us?", she said, smiling and polite. Her partner's hand, however, was hovering dangerously close to his belt.

"Why? Did I do something?", the man asked, eyeing the area. Do they have backup? Why would they come here? Do they know anything? - these and other thoughts were racing through his head.

"No, we just want to ask you a few questions about other customers of the store.", the woman replied. To her, it was obvious the man was hiding something. After a few years in this business, you learned to read people.

"Oh. I see. Okay then, just let me pay for this button and...", he didn't finish, instead darting off to the back of the store, pushing the owner aside.

"Oh, goddammit...", Amanda murmured under her breath and went after him.

The man kicked open the delivery door - which lead directly to a back alley - but instead of running out onto the street, where backup could've been waiting, he turned left and scaled a chainlink fence separating two lots. Amanda was right behind him: she had no problem scaling an obstacle like that.

"Get us some more backup!!!", she screamed at Sebastian before disappearing behind a corner.

She kept running, carefully pacing her steps and breathing, and trying not to lose the guy. He ran across another street, darting right in front of an incoming car, and continued down the street, pushing aside pedestrians. Amanda followed him without hesitation, and in a way, she enjoyed the chase. It was a simple thing: there was the suspect and there was the cop chasing him: no paperwork, no carefully thought out procedures.

The prey would soon become the hunter, though. The man reached into his pocket and clicked his cell phone's volume control three times, sending a distress message to some of his "friends". They knew he went over to the store, so they should be able to find him quickly.

He rounded another corner, and darted across the street again, running into an alley between two apartment blocks. He was becoming tired, and that blasted woman was right on his tail.

She saw that he was becoming tired, and accelerated. Her gun was out, and it was obvious she could smell victory. A few dozen meters more, and the man couldn't run any more. He collapsed to his knees and raised his hands in resignation.

"On the ground! Right now!", she screamed, pointing her gun at him. With her left hand, she fumbled for her cell phone.

It was then that she felt something hit her head, and realized she'd made a grave - and rather stupid - tactical mistake.

"Christ....what...the...hell....", the man panted, spitting words out, "What the hell took you so long?!"

His friends - two burly men, one of them holding a baseball bat, looked at him crossly.

"How about a 'thank you', Kosta? Let's get her inside before her friends show up."

PeZook · Post by **PeZook** » 2008-09-02 04:32am

Fingolfin_Noldor wrote: "Those sound like valid ideas, particularly when the ocean floor is possibly full of mineral riches. Though I might like to add that we won't see much progress for a decade or so, and the issue of funds is there. Some might not be able to commit to two major projects at the same time."

"Agreed. In this case, we'll propose to resuscicate ISCA in much the same form as before, but also extend their mandate to undersea research and development."

The King took a sip of orange juice and looked at the sunset outside the window.

"We should also sign the Continental Defence Plan as soon as possible. We have the support of all countries on the continent save Vulpesia and Cialan, but they are not critical to the system. I have a feeling we'll be needing this plan quite soon."

"Indeed", answered the Emperor. He was looking at the sunset as well, but not quite: his eyes were turned towards the south-west. Towards Shepistan.

"I sometimes think if pursuing nuclear weapons is such a good idea, you know? Intellectually, of course, we need a way to deter Shepistan and Japanistan, but they make politics really damned volatile, especially once somebody gets in their head they can win a nuclear war with the entire world."

Siege · Post by **Siege** » 2008-09-02 05:00am

Guns at the Sky

Robinson AFB, Kingdom of the Vineyards

The usually already busy air force base was positively bursting with activity now. Squadrons of Vinish Air Force fighters were competing for space and maintenance with recently-arrived SDAF jets and bombers. San Doradan maintenance and logistics crews, security staff and SIGINT personnel squabbled with their VAF counterparts about suddenly occupied space, about the myriad cables that caused the incautious to nearly trip and fall, about the placement of prefab barracks, and about a thousand other petty things. C-130H-30 Hercules aircraft of the SDAF came and went, unloading missiles, spare parts and heavy equipment at the air force base.

“What the hell are those?” gawked the VAF captain nominally in charge of coordinating the new arrivals as a C-17 disgorged a set of self-propelled tractors carrying serious-looking missiles.

“Those would be... Wait, let me check...” muttered a SDAF quartermaster. “Ah, yes, here it is: elements of 2nd air defence group, S-300, PATRIOT and Stinger SAMs, plus radars and whatnot.”

“You guys are expecting an air strike?” the captain frowned. That wasn’t part of the plan. The Vineyards desperately tried to remain as much out of the conflict as possible.

“Who knows, with those dirty commie bastards next door anything can happen,” the quartermaster shrugged. “Face it though, with your own ADA and ours present, we’ve got more than enough gear to bloody their noses should they try anything. And besides, if everything works out we might get out of this without firing a shot still!”

Fingolfin_Noldor · Post by **Fingolfin_Noldor** » 2008-09-02 05:02am

PeZook wrote:The King took a sip of orange juice and looked at the sunset outside the window.

"We should also sign the Continental Defence Plan as soon as possible. We have the support of all countries on the continent save Vulpesia and Cialan, but they are not critical to the system. I have a feeling we'll be needing this plan quite soon."

"Indeed", answered the Emperor. He was looking at the sunset as well, but not quite: his eyes were turned towards the south-west. Towards Shepistan.

"I sometimes think if pursuing nuclear weapons is such a good idea, you know? Intellectually, of course, we need a way to deter Shepistan and Japanistan, but they make politics really damned volatile, especially once somebody gets in their head they can win a nuclear war with the entire world."

"Yes, the Continental Defence Plan is vital. Even if we stood by and allow one of our neighbours get wrecked, the two big wars of this century have taught us that it is impossible for us to just stand by and pretend nothing happened. Trade collapses, and we are affected. Too many interconnects." The Emperor sipped on his drink. "But to be honest, we all know that Shepistan is heading for the nuclear bomb. We aren't given many choices here. Nuclear war, I fear, lest some act of God... or Q whatever, will come. It is eat or be eaten.

There are other matters of concern however. The ... problems on our border seem to have taken nasty turns. My personal suggestion is to make these areas SNC protectorates. To be governed with substantial aid from SNC nations, and then protected by peacekeepers. A lot of damage was done to the infrastructure and it will take ages to recover. And .. we have other potential troublemakers. Hopefully our forces will serve as a deterrent to potential adventurers."

PeZook · Post by **PeZook** » 2008-09-02 05:08am

Fingolfin_Noldor wrote: "Yes, the Continental Defence Plan is vital. Even if we stood by and allow one of our neighbours get wrecked, the two big wars of this century have taught us that it is impossible for us to just stand by and pretend nothing happened. Trade collapses, and we are affected. Too many interconnects." The Emperor sipped on his drink. "But to be honest, we all know that Shepistan is heading for the nuclear bomb. We aren't given many choices here. Nuclear war, I fear, lest some act of God... or Q whatever, will come. It is eat or be eaten.

There are other matters of concern however. The ... problems on our border seem to have taken nasty turns. My personal suggestion is to make these areas SNC protectorates. To be governed with substantial aid from SNC nations, and then protected by peacekeepers. A lot of damage was done to the infrastructure and it will take ages to recover. And .. we have other potential troublemakers. Hopefully our forces will serve as a deterrent to potential adventurers."

"I will support this plan, Emperor. It is certainly better than indefinite occupation...however, there are certain elements in the Border States which are firmly intervowen with local governments. They must be elliminated before these areas can be considered stable, lest corruption destroy all we rebuild."

Lonestar · Post by **Lonestar** » 2008-09-02 05:17am

Defense Weekly
Old Dominion suddenly goes on buying splurge

Contracts were ordered this week for almost 3,000 MIM-104Fs, 1,000 MGM-140ERs(the 220km missile tested earlier this week), 8,000 155mm shells, a mix 3,000 M26/M30 purchase, and 1,000 THAAD missiles.

Said a Brickhall spokeswoman; "We need to replenish our stocks following the War of Cities".

MKSheppard · Post by **MKSheppard** » 2008-09-02 05:28am

Shepvda

The fact that the Warmongerers of the Old Dominion are buying a thousand of the same type of weapons that devastated Annapolis during the War of the Cities, should not go unnoticed by the average citizen in the street.

These weapons are pointed at you.

PeZook · Post by **PeZook** » 2008-09-02 05:32am

FASTA bulletin

First Atlas-Sputnik rocket set for test flight next month

Working tightly with the MESS Space Agency, FASTA specialists have managed to apply experiences gained by Old Dominion personell to accelerate their own preparations.

The first modified 8K71 "Sputnik rocket" launch vehicle, officially named the "Atlas-Sputnik", has finished construction and is ready for first test flights. The rocket, once tested and perfected, will carry the first FASTA photo reconeissance satellite to low earth orbit, and later serve as the launch vehicle for first manned forays into space.

"This is a really exciting time for us", said the new Director of Operations, "We are cutting new paths into unknown territorry and developing some completely new techniques - this has only been tried by a handful of people before."

The first test launch of the Atlas-Sputnik rocket is planned to take place on a makeshift testing range near the Comrade Stanislav Rocket Factory.

FASTA Space Center site choices narrowed

Jerusalem, Comona Island and Wilkonia have been narrowed down as the three remaining possible locations for the FASTA Spaceflight Center.

"We discarded Frequesque once it became apparent the large number of unstable states may threaten the peaceful purposes of the launch site. The IRT or Japanistan are, we feel, not optimal choices from the standpoint of accessibility - Japanistan has no access by rail, and it is a long sea voyage to the IRT.

While Wilkonia has the same problems, it remains a viable site for a variety of...other reasons. Jerusalem or Comona Island seem the best choices, offerring an excellent balance between accessability, infrastructure and distance to the equator.", FASTA Director Of Operations was quoted as saying.

Contract awarded to Canissian companies for design of long-range exploration probes

Canissian companies have won a tender for the delivery of a series of remote reconeissance probes, designed to gather data about Selene prior to the manner lunar landing. Experience in drone design, low price and excellent track record with regards to budgeting and deadlines were cited as the main reason for choosing Canissian contractors.

Life In Space conference in Orena begins

In an effort to promote space exploration, FASTA has funded a "Life In Space" conference/convention in Orena's Royal Congressional Hall.

The eight-day conference will feature workshops and seminars on the problems of spaceflight and human sustenance in space, a display of current space technology, as well as a series of physics experiments and simulators, designed to entertain children and show space exploration as an exciting profession, full of challenges and worthy of respect and admiration.

MKSheppard · Post by **MKSheppard** » 2008-09-02 05:33am

Army House, Shepistan

General Sheppard looked at the letter that had arrived from the Old Dominion via diplomatic courier, complaining about San Fuego's contamination of fishery stocks, and laughed.

"Contamination? This is nothing. This is a blatant ploy to make us look like we are the ones responsible for what the San Fuegians do. Send it back, but covered in dogshit."

Results
Fishery contamination becomes spark point between OD and Shepistan.

Fingolfin_Noldor · Post by **Fingolfin_Noldor** » 2008-09-02 05:37am

Constantinople Times

Tenders issued to Kontos Munitions to beef up existing air defence networks

Existing air defence networks are interconnected, but their current data rate needs to be improved. Kontos Munitions was authorised since the beginning of this year to improve the data rate and allow data to be more easily shared and synchronised. It is expected that the contract will be done by the middle of next year.

Kontos Munitions told to replenish war stocks and furnish more anti-air missile rounds

Kontos Munitions was told to replenish the war stocks that were used in the recent conflict in the former Shadow Empire states. In addition, with new anti-air defence brigades being formed, more S-300VM/PMU-2/S-400, THAAD, Patriot PAC3 missiles are being acquired. Asked why, a military spokesman replied "We foresee potential air threats, and quite frankly, we deserve to be rather paranoid when it comes to air defences. And in any case, we did use quite a lot of munitions pacifying the Zagorian scum."

Study launched to fit a massive sonar system, inclusive of a towed array, to be fitted onto a frigate

A study was launched to design a sonar system that could monitor our seas and oceans with high sensitivity. The design of the system should be completed soon and the platform possibly deployed sometime next year.

Post by **K. A. Pital** » 2008-09-02 05:40am

Livorno Harbor, PRSF

The Gorshkov-class carrier "Garibaldi" slowly left harbor.

PRSF Navy now had a free hand to engage it's enemies after the Crimson Navy basically secured Livorno harbor and the coastal areas for them.

"Garibaldi" was not alone - it was followed closely by a DESRON of four exported Sovremenny-class destroyers and accompanied by two Slava-class missile cruiser. Three Neustrashimy-class frigates were in forward patrol.

All seaworthy PRSFN submarines have long been deployed to the area of potential conflict - only 2 Kilo-class subs remained in port.

The "Garibaldi" was in extremely poor condition - far worse than the accompanying battlegroup. It's airwing was complect, but several copters were taken off due to disrepair. The rust and corrosion due to lack of capital overhauls which are required each 5-10 years, were covering many parts of the ship.

Cruising at 30 knots and moving south-east of Livorno, the PRSFN battlegroup was on a direct link with the Crimson Navy flagship, the "Ural", which tracked all naval movements and missile launchers with it's radars.

Admiral Giampaolo Di Paola was to lead the PRSF Navy into this crucial naval battle.

South Frequesque coastal areas
Standing on the bridge of "Garibaldi", he was determined to crush the enemy opposition that sought to overwhelm the PRSF.

- Readings from KAPUSTA show two carrier groups deployed in the Westchester bay region some 600 km away, - heard Paola the communications officer. - We're closing in to their forward patrols.

- Raise the fighters! Their only effective weapon at this range is the Tomahawk and the fighter... but not engaging us at this range is not feasible, so they will do it.

- Any launches?

- Yes! Their Tomahawks are launched, and their fighters are as well.

The Slava-class cruisers were not sleeping - their S-300F SAMs activated, launching 16 missiles in a barrage.

PAF MiG-29Ks rising from the "Garibaldi", getting readings from a Yak-44E AEW&C plane - if one could see a close-up of the machine, one would not the PAF insignia on the plane were freshly painted over - flying across the forward battlegroup plane, were closing in and shooting the newest CSR-built RVV-AE missiles against incoming craft, missiles as well as fighters.

The greatest naval battle of modern age has started.

A massive swarm of Tomahawks approached the "Garibaldi", but so far the screen managed to deflect the enemy launches - the Tomahawk's slow speed allowed to use the weakest screen elements, whilst launching heavier weapons against better foes.

But there was one more thing Admiral Paolo was waiting for...

40,000+ feet over Westchester Bay

- Muha-1 reporting to Nest - we are closing in, - the Tu-22 Blinder wing, escorted by MiG-23s, was rapidly approaching the enemy - and one by one launching 6 AS-4 'Kitchen' missiles from a safe long-range distance.

- Good. The mighty Atlants will help you out.

Westchester Bay

- FRECOM-1 and FRECOM-2 both have launched their first salvo at 310 miles... there are 24 targets, all of them "Sandbox" missiles.

phongn · Post by **phongn** » 2008-09-02 05:56am

Diplomatic Communique to San Dorado

To the august Board of Directors of Sand Dorado,

It has come to our attention that our ideological brethren of San Dorado may face significant new challenges with foreign intervention into the affairs of Frequesue. The alignment of Westchester with its former parent nation, the new war between that nation and the PRSF, the intervention of the CSR - clearly, the nations of Frequesue are in a new and less secure position.

The Incorporated Republic of Tonkin seeks to secure the position and strength of its brothers in San Dorado. We would like to open negotiation regarding how to best secure your nation, your people and your profits.

MKSheppard · Post by **MKSheppard** » 2008-09-02 06:18am

Joint Special Stability Operations HQ

"So, it is agreed?" asked the Shepistani Colonel to his counterparts around the table.

"We shall inspect every shipping container and sack of food that enters the country," shouted the Japanistani Major on the Committee to Reduce the Importation of Arms and Drugs (CRIAD) "Even if it takes a thousand years!"

"Um, what about the Cascadian relief efforts to re-open the ports? Wouldn't this 'inspect everything' mandate enormously slow down relief operations once the Cascadians have completed demining operations?" asked the Canissian Captain who was his country's delegate on the CRIAD.

"We cannot trust the Cascadians," spat the Japanistani Major. "We know for a fact, that you can smuggle two 23mm quadruple antiaircraft guns inside a shipping container filled with so-called humanitarian aid; as the kempetai have found out in New Sumatra."

Results
Japanistani kempetai police teams assisted by Shepistani National Police (SNP) will inspect every bag of "humanitarian aid" that enters the ports of Al-Akharabat; even if it takes a thousand years. Canissian personnel will also inspect aid in their area of operations.

Post by **Steve** » 2008-09-02 07:25am

Adams Capitol District

World eyes were moving away from Veleria toward Frequesue as the war between the People's Republic of South Frequesue and Westchester aka Tian Juo threatened to escalate due to the entry of the Crimson Star Republic and Tian Xia into the mix. This development was not being taken well by the leadership in Cascadia, as it provided the perfect opportunity for Japanistan and their "friendship partners" to make aggressive maneuvers.

"The port of el-Kalim mine-sweeping operation is continuing," Edward L. Winfield, the Secretary of the Navy, reported to President Garrett in the confines of the Presidential Office. He was for the moment alone, giving the President a personal briefing on naval operations in the Velerian situation as well as stumping for his service to get some of the Congress' recent largesse (The Navy had an eye on, at the very least, getting another Defiant ordered before 2012). The Cascadian defense budget for the year had, with the Japanistani and Shepistani behavior in al-Akharabat, been increased by nearly $10 billion in one-time appropriations with necessary budget increases to come from having a larger force. And for a country of just under 25 million souls, having a fleet that surpassed the old-Earth British Royal Navy - in a country with over twice the population - was a slight strain of its own, no matter how sophisticated the Cascadian shipbuilding industry was or how much the average Cascadian was willing to pay for national defense (and the average Cascadian was quite a bit more forward about his expectations than an American back home would have been, Stephen had found).

"The Keller Creek suffered some slight damage a couple days ago from the mine-clearing operation at el-Kalim, but by indications the damage isn't severe and they're capable of maintaining operations," Winfield continued. "By our count our force and the Shinra Republic mine warfare ships assigned to assist have cleared roughly four hundred mines. About half the mining barrage."

"Only half? They've been on station for nearly two months now," Stephem muttered. "I mean, how fast can they clear them?"

"They're trying to go as fast as safely possible, but the Shepistanis, well, they might not be the most technologically-sophisticated nation in the world, but mine warfare is decidedly biased in favor of the mines. Frankly we're lucky that between Shinra and us we've only lost four ROVs and have had no deaths among diver teams."

"Ah, well, I was hoping we paid those hundreds of millions of dollars for our fleet of top-of-the-line counter-mine ships for something closer to at least a mine per day," he guffawed. "There are times I think I should have agreed to Admiral MacCallister's recommendation before the remining. Challenge any new mining attempt by air."

"Frankly, MIster President, if we'd done that the Shepistani bombers might have returned a third time, with anti-ship missiles instead of mines." The SecNav shook his head, graying blond hair cut short. "Cascadia simply doesn't have the manpower or the military right now to deal with the two 'stans, not without major MESS support."

"I'm aware of the grumbling in the Military Command that we should've left the taking of el-Kalim to MESS, if they wanted to, and focused on maintaining Van Halstoff." Stephen rubbed at his forehead, contemplating that they were ultimately right. "I'm going to see if President Shinra has a timetable for further Shinra participation in the el-Kalim operations but I'm not hopeful now that Tian Xia and the Crimson Star Republic are on the verge of conflict-by-proxy in Frequesue. Anyway, thank you for the heads up."

"And what about CVA-04, Mister President?"

"I'll think about," he replied

As the meeting ended, a phone call came from the State Department, forwarded directly from Secretary of State Chris Parnell - yes, Marina was probably chuckling over that little bit - informing him that the talks in the al-Itani capital of Hasiyah had born fruit. At least that was going well.

There was also, of course, the matter of Astarias. So far the pariah state's involvement had been peaceful, but the fact was that most of the civilized world and most of the uncivilized world for that matter hated Astarias, and any open involvement with them would be a PR nightmare. For the moment, they would be kept to the local level involvement looking toward keeping the area stable with the Caravo economy beginning to shrivel up due to the cutting off of the drug trade and piracy.

It didn't take long to realize Astarias is being run by Veg, not at all. They're too much like Pendleton to be anything else....

General Actions

With nearly half the minefield cleared, the port of el-Kalim will likely be available for open commerce in about two to three weeks, necessary given that the smaller and open port down of Karshash is overloaded and still only handling a meager amount of material, a bare pittance compared to local supply and humanitarian needs that strategic airlift was having to try and meet.

An agreement has been announced from Hasiyah, capital of the Republic of al-Itani. Al-Itani, Tanvarika, Ashant, Yulanti, Fredonia, and Adabani have agreed to make their region an "exclusion zone" by which none will permit an outside power to use its territory as a base of operations against another. Cascadia has pledged to turn um-Kasrah Air Field over to formal al-Itani control in exchange for indefinite overflight rights and use of the airfield as support for Van Halstoff Base. The Kanagwa Border DIspute between Yulanti and Fredonia is going to be submitted to Cascadian arbitration.

A replacement RT-15 (KC-777) has been ordered from Boeing for the craft that crashed near Ketagaran in Serenity, as the investigation has made it clear that the failure of the craft's engines was due to a material defect in the fuel line that was unique to the lost aircraft.

Provincial police have arrested Jieshi Solidarity Front spokesman Gui Hua-hu on charges of inciting a riot during a protest at the Jieshi capital of Shanxi. Among seized materials from his apartment are letters indicating that the JSF and its eastern counterpart, the Army for the Liberation of the Jieshi People, have begun attempting to approach diplomatic representatives of the Crimson Star Republic in Cascadia for "support". (OOC: Stas, Beo, you can do what you want with this. Basically a small group, I envision, but the tensions in Frequesue are making them think they can appeal to Stasograd as a "national liberation revolutionary movement". Also, Beo, I figure that whenever the ALJP acts up it with JSF loudmouth support it can serve to strain Tian Xia-Cascadian relations.)

The Cascadian defense budget, due to the appropriations for expanding the Air Force, has reached the plateau of $60 billion (OOC: my earlier estimate of a $40B budget are wrong, consider that amended to $50B). Estimated increases for the next fiscal year will bring the Cascadian defense budget past the 5% GDP mark.

The Association of Cascadian Sailors are holding a public rally to promote their petition for Congress to fund the construction of a fourth aircraft carrier. One spokesman has even remarked that if the funding is not there to do it with, they can always "cut the Army down to size, Lord knows they just sit around and do nothing anyway". (OOC: Suffice to say the Cascadian Army and Navy don't get along too well save when they're griping about the Air Force getting more funding whenever it manages it.)

Fingolfin_Noldor · Post by **Fingolfin_Noldor** » 2008-09-02 07:34am

PeZook wrote:"I will support this plan, Emperor. It is certainly better than indefinite occupation...however, there are certain elements in the Border States which are firmly intervowen with local governments. They must be elliminated before these areas can be considered stable, lest corruption destroy all we rebuild."

"Excellent. We should commit civil servants to train their local counterparts, while offering scholarships to the locals to go to our universities for education, and then step by step, we will rehabilitate the country. As for corruption, we might have to try dismantle local power structures. My only worry is that we alienate some segments of the population and the entire area degenerates into some tribal war. Let's hope for the best then."

Basilleus ran in together with his PeZookian counterpart. "Trouble in Frequesue sires. I don't think you are going to like it," said Basilleus, as the King Paul and Emperor Heraclius IV read the reports.

"What in the world is Comrade Stas doing in Frequesue?" the Emperor sighed. "I foresee.. some diplomatic friction coming."

Siege · Post by **Siege** » 2008-09-02 07:40am

Diplomatic Communique to the Incorporated Republic of Tonkin

The Board of Directors welcomes your concern and interest and would gladly to business with the IRT, whose interests and ideology so closely match our own. Did you have anything specific in mind?

Station One, San Dorado's News Source Supreme

Breaking news! The naval task force currently stationed in Tian Jiao territorial waters reports that the PRSFN has opened fire on the approaching Tian Xia fleet elements, our ships are tracking dozens of missiles in the air right now, none apparently aimed directly at them...

Hold on... Our task force now says that they are... Wait, let me get this right... The Paragon claims the destroyer Steadfast is moving in to assist a PRSFN submarine in trouble... They are transmitting live footage...

According to the reports we are receiving now directly from the Paragon the Steadfast is assisting a PRSFN submarine in Tian Jiao waters... Naval Command claims the South Frequesuan ship experienced an explosion in its torpedo room and had to perform an emergency surface ascent... I repeat, our destroyer is moving in to render damage control... More on this and the battle unfolding in the South Frequesuan Ocean as the crisis unfolds, here live on Station One... Right after this commercial break.

[OOC: I know it's not a Kilo, but there's preciously little footage of screwed-up subs out there

.]

PeZook · Post by **PeZook** » 2008-09-02 07:58am

Fingolfin_Noldor wrote: "What in the world is Comrade Stas doing in Frequesue?" the Emperor sighed. "I foresee.. some diplomatic friction coming."

King Paul frowned and put down his folder, containing website printouts and a short typed report.

"This threatens to escalate further. I can understand why Stas would want a naval base in Frequesque, but he should be reining the PRSF in, rather than encouraging them to fight.

I hope nothing happens to the Tian Xia battlegroup, of course. That would pose...many problems", he rubbed his chin, "PeZookia will have to declare neutrality, I'm afraid, but I will offer to mediate if Tian Xia has any grievances to settle with the CSR. Can I count on Byzantium to call for de-escalation as well?"

Post by **K. A. Pital** » 2008-09-02 08:17am

Crimson Navy Flagship "Ural". Admiral's CP.

- So then, Selin, what are our "friends" really doing there in Westchester? - spoke Admiral Chelpanov to a man in a business suit next to him.

- Comrade Chelpanov, basically those nimrods are in there to capture a uranium mine, - answered the PCIA officer with some notes of disgust.

- Doesn't sound too good, sure. But carry on.

- It's not like they have other choices though, their economy requires export goods to lift itself from the crisis. One they caused themselves, one might note. What a bunch of pathetic little warmongers.

- And their success?

- They are pushing to the river with their armored divisions - they currently have 3 tank divisions, with only one brigade in the first division equipped with their modern MBts, and 2 mechanized divisions, all of which are undercomplect. They are heavily suffering due to the enemy's air superiority, but they are pushing through nonetheless. Most of their hardware are copies of our T-54A machine. Here, have a look.

All those photos were made yesterday by PRSF frontline reporters. The fact that they could not find better tanks to take shots of indicate that their Type-96 tanks are facing the heaviest fighting, probably somewhere deep in enemy territory.

They have 1 mechanized APC division here in Livorno, and some reserve draftees - the most poorly trained folk - stationed in cities and towns as garrisons.

- What of the enemy formations?

- They are smaller and weaker, especially when facing such a massive assault. Air wings can inflict losses on armored groups, but they cannot slow down their advancement since the ground defence line is basically crushed - how'd you see 5 divisions against a force which basically amounts to just about nothing? - Selin smiled. - They may have problems with forcing the river under heavy fire, but frankly, if I were Westchester's leader, I wouldn't have counted on that.

Currently PRSF fields around 55,000 men in the conflict zone, with around 23,000 in reserve, 8,000 in Livorno and 10,000 in the S.A.R. East, their operations staging ground.

The opponent, Westchester, fields around 18,000 front-line troops. Tian Xia airdropped some 10,000 to 18,000 men into the fray, but not all of them are deployed to the frontline, so the People's Army has a chance of catching some units undeployed if it advances fast enough.

DarthShady · Post by **DarthShady** » 2008-09-02 08:22am

Location: Marek City, The Zagor Empire

Members of the Black Hand moved silently through Marek City, eliminating enemy patrols and sneaking in towards the palace and their objective.

"Sir, look here."

"What is it?"

"This group of enemy soldiers is dead and it doesn't look like an artillery strike."

"Someone was here before us."

"But who Sir?"

"I don't know but we must hurry, this mission does not have a fail option."

Lonestar · Post by **Lonestar** » 2008-09-02 08:37am

Foreign Ministry Statement

The Old Dominion looks upon the actions of the CSR in Tian Juo with much trepidation, and requests that a diplomatic solution be used to resolve the differences between Tian Xia and the CSR.

The CSR appears to be, as we say, 'itching for a fight' over a patch of ground not worth one Dominion Grenadier. We request that the CSR step back from it's imperialist ambitions in the name of general peace and order.

PeZook · Post by **PeZook** » 2008-09-02 08:42am

PeZookia calls for a cease fire

(OOC: I assume the engagement is over, just that most people don't know the results yet, since obviously Beowulf would be needed for that)

Following the last missile exchange between the PRSF and the united FTO fleets, in which a Tian Xia battlegroup was apparently fired upon, the PeZookian Royal Court called all belligerents to come to an immediate ceasefire and negotiation.

"The CSR battlegroup operating in the area threatens to further escalate the conflict ; Should a mistake be made, and CSR ships be taken for PRSF naval assets, the damage to international relations between the Old Continent and MESS nations will be grievous and possibly - irrepairable.", said King Paul, commenting on the Royal Court's call for peace, "We urge all involved sides to come to the negotiating table, to prevent further loss of life. I am sure an acceptable solution can be found which does not necessitate further bloodshed."

Master_Baerne · Post by **Master_Baerne** » 2008-09-02 08:53am

Baernish Ministry of War
Private Communique
FROM: Her Excellency Countess Truman, Minister for War, in consultation with Their Excellencies Counts Adalo and Brumidis, Field and Air Marshals.
TO: Indhopal Command

We request permission to base a wing of MiG 31s and an armored division within Indhopali borders, the better to respond to whatever may occur in the PRSF.

PeZook · Post by **PeZook** » 2008-09-02 08:59am

Fabowice, PeZookia

"What the...why the hell did you bring her here?!", the huge, bearded man screamed at his subordinates. They called half an hour ago, saying they were in trouble...but he didn't expect them to bring a gagged and tied cop with them in the trunk.

"We thought she..."

"You thought? It doesn't look like you did!", the giant was furious. He knew his subordinates weren't particularly smart, however he thought he could trust them with not fucking up such a simple thing.

"What else were we supposed to do, Milan? The only other option was to kill her...", one of Kosta's friends tried to defend their actions.

The man called Milan slapped him in response.

"No! You should've left her right there and took off! Do you have any idea what will happen now? The entire Voyvodship will mobilize to look for her! There will be roadblocks, the police will search the city house by house if they need to!"

There was silence. Amanda lay motionless on the floor of the small suburban home, her face covered by a black hood. She listened to the conversation, though, knowing better than to struggle and invite violence.

Milan looked at her, trying to think of a good solution. His business here was over, he realized. He'd need to move everything and get rid of that fool Kosta. It was his fetish for military garb which got them into this mess, after all, coupled with spectacularly poor judgement.

"We'll have to get rid of her anyway. Load her into my car, we have to get moving before the cops block off all roads. Did you at least turn off her cell phone?"

All three of them nodded at the same time.

"Yeah, we got rid of our phones and threw her into a trash can in the city."

"Good. Get moving, I have to make a few calls."

While Kosta and his friends dragged Amanda away, Milan grabbed his phone. He could kill her and dump the body somewhere in the woods, of course - but this ran risks. PeZookian police were really good at forensics, and murder always left one trace or another. The recent wave of nigh-forgotten crimes being solved using new techniques was testament to that.

It would be much cleaner to smuggle her out of the country and then kill her. But, of course, this option was much harder.

Yes, Milan thought as he dialed the number, Kosta has to go.

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

Eastern PeZookian border

Sergeant Kowalski, PeZookian Border Guard, was out on patrol. He usually did them alone, patrolling a rather quiet part of the border - nothing really happened here with any regularity, especially since the Army stormed into the Zagor Empire.

Of course, patrolling alone also made it easier to accept bribes for letting through human smugglers from Sjenska. He figured out ways to circumvent his SUVs recording devices, and intimate knowledge of procedure allowed him to mask the crossings. None of his superiors realized anything, and he was smart about spending the money. For all everybody knew, he was just a loner.

Of course, he was kinda worried: The human smugglers have apparently began moving people to Sjenska, which was unusual. Why would they? It was far easier to bring people here from wartorn Border States shitholes and force them into prostitution,rather than kidnap PeZookians.

Kowalski was too deep in this to do anything, though. He figured that once he accumulated enough money, he'd run to the IRT and let his successors deal with the matter.

He was driving out to another meet right now. Smugglers from Sjenska were supposed to cross the border at midnight, and he was supposed to be there, accept his bribe and look the other way. Three guards, one truck, twenty people in total.

His cell phone rang all of a sudden. His special cell phone.

Kowalski cursed. He didn't like surprises, but he had to pick it up. He pulled over and fished the phone out of his pocket.

"What?", he said angrily into the receiver

"I have another package for today. Can you make sure it gets through?", the voice on the other end was, as always, pure business.

"When?"

"Two, maybe three hours"

"No way. There will be UAVs over the area then."

"Can't you do something about them? I'll pay extra"

"How much extra?"

"Fifty percent. And it's just one woman,but I'll need transport to the other side."

"Transport? How the hell am I supposed to arrange that?"

"There's a truck coming today. The goods will move into the country on foot - tell the truck to wait for us."

"Are you an idiot? It can't wait here for three hours ; They'll almost certainly be discovered!", Kowalski screamed,wondering if his employer lost his mind.

"I'll pay you double"

Kowalski paused for a while. Double?, he thought, For one person?

"Triple", he replied

"Done", replied the voice, after a brief pause

"Good. Wait for my instructions."

Fabowice, PeZookia

There were sirens and squad cars, UAVs and helicopters, even search dogs. They all descended upon the apartment blocks like a swarm of hornets.

One of their own was kidnapped today. And whoever did that is in deep shit now, though Sebastian Watroba, Amanda's partner. PeZookian police treated such things seriously: The force was nothing like the "millitsia" from just thirty years ago, complacent, fat, corrupt and inert. The last King introduced reforms and had PeZookian cops train with experts from around the world, making them effective, if a bit agressive. Certainly, their spirit of cameraderie was very strong.

Officers were hard at work interviewing witnesses. Monitoring cameras from all around the area were being reviewed. Roadblocks were established on roads leading out of the city, and helicopters equipped with FLIR pods were looking for suspicious cars - with people locked in their trunks. They already had Amanda's cell phone, and the forensics lab has managed to secure some partial fingerprints off it. If whoever it was who kidnapped her was noted in the police database, he'd be found real soon.

"Tomek! Anything came up yet?", Sebastian shouted to his colleague, who was collecting reports on witness interviews

"Several people saw a car drive across the lawn, about an hour ago. There are tire prints, too, and the techs think they can have an ID on the car within the hour."

"Anything else from the witnesses? Color, make?"

"Their reports are pretty conflicting, so far I got a...", Tomasz looked at his notes,"...minivan or sedan, blue, white, yellow or light green."

"Damn!", Sebastian cursed out loud. He knew that every wasted minute meant Amanda was closer to death. If his experience in these cases was worth anything, they'd take her to the nearest forest and execute her. Suddendly, his radio came alive.

"W11 to 00, come in", the speaker squawked

"This is 00. What's up?"

"A helicopter just spotted a white sedan in a forest clearing fifteen kilometers from the city. AT units are on their way."

"Roger that!"

Sebastian put down the mouthpiece.

"Tomek!", he shouted, "Keep an eye on things here, I have to go!"

He got into his car and drove away, with tires screeching and siren blazing.

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

Fifteen minutes later, forest clearing near Fabowice

"Oh yeah!"

"Oh God!"

"Oh yeah, baby!"

"Oh God! Yes! Yes! Fuck me harder!"

The car war rocking from side to side, an empty vodka bottle rolling around on the front seat. The young couple, in the throes of passion, were certainly surprised when a strong spotlight shone in their eyes.

The helicopter was hovering low above the clearing.

"THIS IS THE POLICE! DROP YOUR WEAPONS AND COME OUR WITH YOUR HANDS UP!", the megaphone boomed above the forest. Ten uniformed, heavily armed men surrounded the car, pointing submachine guns at it.

When they dragged out the naked couple, it became obvious they made a mistake. Sebastian arrived at the scene late, when both teenagers were busy hastily dressing themselves, and very embarassed police commandos milled about.

"Aw, fuck.", was the only thing he could say.

Post by **K. A. Pital** » 2008-09-02 09:03am

PCIA Diplomatic Communique to the Old Dominion and PeZookia

Tian Xia has declared war on a CSR-friendly nation immediately upon said nation accepting CSR Navy into harbor.

No CSR ships are involved in the hostilities between PRSF and Tian Xia.

The CSR Order of the Crimson Star Taskforce resides in Livorno and only does patrols which are necessary to ensure it's safety from faulty, misguided or ill-conceived submarine or aerial attacks and any provocations.

The CSR Navy Ships are awaiting the cessation of hostilities to cross the South Frequesque seas and resume travelling around the world.

Fingolfin_Noldor · Post by **Fingolfin_Noldor** » 2008-09-02 09:09am

PeZook wrote:I hope nothing happens to the Tian Xia battlegroup, of course. That would pose...many problems", he rubbed his chin, "PeZookia will have to declare neutrality, I'm afraid, but I will offer to mediate if Tian Xia has any grievances to settle with the CSR. Can I count on Byzantium to call for de-escalation as well?"

"I'm going to get a earful from my MESS allies. This places me in a difficult position," grumbled the Emperor. "Yes, you can count on my support. And I need Decius to make phone calls assuring my MESS allies that I will press Comrade Stas to rein in PRSF in."

Calling Basilleus over, "Compose a message for Stas,

Comrade Stas,

Would you please try to get PRSF to back off from attacking Tian Xia and Tian Jia and withdraw back to their recognised borders. There is absolutely nothing to be gained from this conflict. Call a truce and try to avoid starting a proxy war. We already have enough problems in our own backyard. Thank you.

Yours truly,
Heraclius