SDNWorld Redux: Story Thread the Third

[Zor]

Union Press

Happy New Years!

From the Ricewine Shore retreat on the shores of Lake Yurimoto, King Leighton-I wishes the nation and the world a happy new year.

Velerian Agricultural expansion project announced

Ministry of Agriculture Headquarters, Port Victory-Today, in responce to the rapid growth of the Population of Fort Michael and the other Zorian Assests in the Ironridge of agriculture has announced for a plan to sugnifigantly increase agricultural activity in the Ironridge mountians. The plan calls for putting up some 350 plots of land in various ironridge valleys open for staking with assistance in development with full property status being transfered to claiments after five years of agricultural production. Unlike the earlier agricultural development project, non Zorian nationals will be allowed to redgister for claims in Zorian Veleria.

Shroomanian Tourist alledgedly Raped by Wombat


Is this the face of a cold blooded Rapist?

Arisaka Province-Yesterday, Shroomanian tourist Walter Owlson has made a claim that he was Ambushed and Raped by a sex crazed common Wombat while on a nature hike at King Stephen National park...

[Beowulf]

Ares Blog

Tian Xia Department of Peace announces failure to reach 2015 organization plan

Due to technical or budgetary restrictions, parts of the 2015 organization plan failed to come to fruition. The Department of Peace has released a new 2020 organizational plan to be accomplished over the next 5 years. The forecast shows a continued expansion of the bomber force, along with a larger stealth fighter force.

Noteworthy is the fact that there is a new fighter wing designated as being a F-25 wing. This is interesting due to the fact that no information on this fighter has been released. It does neatly explain why the F-26 skipped a number. Also of note is the fact that there are to be two land based F-26 wings.

The TXAF reserve force is to become larger, with the transfer of F-15s and F-16s to the reserves. Additional Air Refueling Wings are to be procured. The additional Bomb Wings are listed without an aircraft. Presumably they will fly the B-1E.

As for the Navy, little change is currently projected in the number of ships. A replacement for the aging LPD-14 class vessels are scheduled, with one reaching service in the next 3 years, and the other 2 years after that, just after the 2020 org plan cutoff. Additionally, the LSD-41 class vessel will be decommissioned. A new LHA is to join the Reserve ARG, bringing that group to the same strength as the other ARGs. An additional two STAR destroyers(DGN-93 class) are to be acquired, filling out the CSGs to programmed strength. An additional four FG-63 class ships are to be acquired, bringing the total to 20. Lastly, a previously unknown class of DGH-1 will be acquired.

Upgrades to existing ships will also be occuring during these next 5 years. The LPD-17 class will be fitted with the Mk41 cells that space and weight were previously allocated for. The remaining four unupgraded DGN-52 class ships will also be upgraded to STAR minus capability. The LHD-8 class will be upgraded to match the standard of the LHD-11.

JDRADM develop continues

The Joint Dual Role Air Dominance Missile is to be the replacement for the AIM-120 AMRAAM and AGM-88 HARM. It is to be effective against both air targets and against SAM sites. It's projected to be slightly greater in diameter, and 2 feet shorter in length.

--

Excerpt from progress report
SRAM III SPO
Tian Xia

Development is proceeding apace. It's been narrowed a bit relative to the SRAM II, which results in a barely noticable oval cross section. This will allow two of them to be packed side by side in a F-26's weapons bay. The air intake can be seen on the belly of the weapon. It's an advanced diverterless design that results in a minimal signature penalty. It's to be effective to the design speed of the weapon, M4. Wind tunnel tests are now in progress.

[TimothyC]

Presidential Retreat Complex, Ragnar Anchorage, Aleutian Islands, Alaska

"So Doctor, How goes Project Tsybin?"

"It is going quite well sir, the test platform shows that the modifications to the TF15 we pulled out of that old Delta Dart shouldn't take up to much space, and the QF-106 should be ready to fly in another month or so."

"How will we be getting it off the ground?"

"First flight will be off of the back of a Starlifter, then we will do a ground test, then, if all goes as planned - the Air Force will rig up a Hustler, and scare the pants off of every single major world power."

President Cizadlo laughed. "One other thing, Mr. Sitkowitz, I presume he is being taken care off?"

"Yes Mr. President, although his main request was that we set up a scholarship in his parents name, to help other lower class rural students study engineering. It seems that his parents saved up for most of their lives to send him to FPI."

[Fingolfin_Noldor]

Excerpt from a Navy Procurement Meeting

"Perhaps we should put a halt on the construction of new destroyers?"

"I don't think we should. Worse case just sell the destroyers to the stingy PeZookians. Though I think we should place cuts on the cruiser force."

"When do you think the new destroyer design will be ready? Do we need to follow that design?"

"Technically no. We built some stealth into the design. As I understand it, Constantinople Shipyards and Naval Design Bureau are discussing with their UCSR counterparts on the design. I think Constantinople Shipyards might resist having a design imposed on them."

"Understandable. They consider themselves equals in the design field. How about the submarines? A joint CATO team is looking into that I take it."

"Yes, and our experimental submarines are involved in the project. This is going to require training up more submarine crews."

"But we intend to start decommissioning our [Virginia] class submarines and our early [Seawolf] class submarines do we not? Also, the Akula IIs were really a stop gap to fill in for the lack of numbers"

"Yes, in which case, I foresee us procurring 10 heavy SSGNs, and 20 SSNs at the least."

[Siege]

Grand Opening

Prime Minister Shroom of the Sovereignty of Shroomania and President Hank of the North Frequesuan Trust laughed boisterously as they descended from the helicopter, onto the deck of what had once been a proud Tian Jiaoan carrier.

The Westchester had undergone quite a metamorphosis. Now docked in one of San Dorado City’s many harbors, work crews were rapidly turning the Midway-class ship into a tourist trap: the Floating Pagoda. It wasn’t done yet, of course. The hotel section was being refurbished even as the two world leaders arrived. Technicians were still ripping old cables out of the conning tower. And work had barely even begun on the flight deck Forbidden City minigolf course.

But none of those were the reasons the two men were here. They were here for Huangi-Di’s Hashery, a Tian Xian-themed restaurant serving finest oriental cuisine. Located directly underneath the flight deck in the bow of the ship the panoramic windows offered a spectacular view of the San Dorado skyline across the Dodgson River.

There were only a handful of guests in the restaurant, all here on express invitation. The owners of the Floating Pagoda were there: real estate tycoon Andrew J. Stanford of San Dorado, Sheik Yusuf al-Dollari of Saudi Shroomania, and playboy-entrepreneur Michelangelo MacMillan. So were the prime minister’s aid Allison, president Sinclair, and all four members of the Executive Board. Sidney thought he saw Lord Moonbeam too, sitting together with some other prominent Lords at a table near a colossal fishing tank, pointing and laughing at the bizarrely coloured and shaped Tian Xian fishes.

Shroom and Sidney were seated next to one of several wax statues of the Huang-Di Beowulf himself:



The centerpiece of the restaurant floor was a scene wherein a statue of Beowulf, in ornate golden battledress, fought off half a dozen black-clad ninja assassins.



“Mang”, Shroom wondered, gazing at the scene. “Did that actually happen?”

Sidney shrugged and sipped of his snake wine. “No clue. Wouldn’t be surprised though. You don’t hear much of what goes on at the Imperial Court.”

“But still…”

“Yeah. Want to know what my favorite statue is?” Sidney pointed. “It’s that one over there, of the Emperor’s vizier.”



A caption underneath the statue read “The Grand Vizier CACKLES.”

“It's supposedly based on a photograph of the vizier taken just after the dismissal of the previous Westchestrian governor”, the president explained.

Shroom raised an eyebrow. “It would appear that the Imperial Court is a silly place.”

“Says the Shroomanian PM”, Sidney grinned. The first course arrived, a cold dish featuring a wide variety of vegetables, served Xiang River style with rice, fish and chopsticks.

“You’re supposed to say a prayer to the Tian Xian kitchen god Zao Jun first”, Sidney whispered. “Legends say the Huang-Di will piss on your dinner if you don't.” And so, not wishing to risk the wrath of the Beowulf, they did.


Result: Dinner party! Also: hi, Beowulf .

[Lonestar]

Dean's Electronics Weekly

Dominion Electronics to close Sirnoth plant
Dominion Electronics will close it's sole fabrication plant in Sirnoth, ending it's 7 year relationship with the Island country. Strikes and civil unrest have increased in the country since the Astarian BW attack, and sagging sales in-country have made it hard to justify keeping the plant open. The plant had originally been built to get around immense FUN and Sirnoth tariffs on telecommunications equipment.

United Sirnoth Communication Workers spokesperson Guy Fleegerman accused DE of using the deepening recession as an excuse to refuse renogiating with the workers. DE denies this.

"There simply is not a market to justify the continual expense of keeping the plant open." a DE spokeswoman said.


National Inquiry Blog
UFOS in Shepistan???
The National Inquiry has learned that odd flying machines are reported to be seen flying out fo the old Shepistani SAC base at Argyle. As we all know, Argyle is where the Shepistani Security Service held extraterrestrials after their vessel was shot down in the '70s…[More]

[Coyote]

Seaside Palace, Canissia



[New Year's Night]
"Oh, hell yeah!" King Arik said as the cask with the champagne was wheeled in. "Sydney Hank is da man!" It was New Years, and they were celebrating, damn it. The various Ministers and their aides, lobbyists, and party hacks were mixing it up in the Palace. Arik had most of the champagne taken to the Royal Family Quarters of the Palace, and had a few distributed for the party-goers.

"Hey, you're displaced as the warrior-king!" called out Finance Minister Erma Felna-- loking un-Ministerial in her low-cut black evening dress, and the cat whiskers someone had drawn on her face with a Sharpie. It didn't matter, everyone was drunk beyond reason. She popped a champagne bottle and sprayed the King with champagne, which he didn't mind one bit.

"What's that mean?" asked Tourism Minister Seela Kimthrel, also quite drunk.
"Remember that eco-terrorist guy, Kert Something-or-other?" Felna drawled, "When he kidnapped Madame Jia, King Arik here parachuted into the jungles with his airborne regiment to free her."

"That was a long time ago," Arik said, feeling himself turn red as everyone within earshot turned to look at him appraisingly. "The kids were barely toddlers, then."
"I about strangled him myself for that damnfool stunt," Karl Tigh said, grinning, "He was never airborne qualified in the Army, either. Learned what to do in the air and on the way to the drop zone!"

"Didja shoot anyone?" Minister Kimthrel asked, slurring.
"I shot at someone," he said, "I don't know if I killed him or not. I only fired two shots the whole time; and really by the time I got there I was with the follow-on forces. The real work had already been done by my airborne. Not like Hank and Garrett. They were in the thick of it." He raised a toast to the two Presidents, and everyone drank heartily.

"Damn, I was hoping folks would forget about that," Arik said quietly to Isabelle later. "It's kind of, I dunno, awkward."
"I think it was wonderful," Isabelle said, "Romantic, even."
"Well, I'd do it again, for each of you individually," Arik said.
"I know. We know," Isabelle said. A round of dancing began, and then there was the countdown to the New Year, and finally the jubilation... which went on until 3:30 AM for Arik and his wives...


**************


Next Afternoon



Even by 1:30 the next afternoon, the Royal Hangovers showed no sign of subsiding. Arik and the women stayed in th equieter sections of the Palace while government functionaries ran errands and made excuses. But the day's business could not be put off forever, and even hung-over Kings had to get busy with the real world.

"Damn, military expansion seems to be creeping up on everyone," Arik said over his third cup of coffee. "I've always wanted to add a few divisions, but..." He'd concentrated mostly on the Canissian strategic defense units; the various laser defense batteries and the like. He'd wante dot keep costs down by simply expanding current technology and capability while maintaining a low overall military footprint-- especially since Canissia had no land threats in the region, Nationalist paranoia about CATO aside.

"I really don't want to make a big deal about Army expansion because I'm sure that there are paranoid nationalist-types in CATO and PeZookia who'd see that as an excuse to start an arms buildup," he said, "And I want to avoid that."

"Still," Colonel Rassnar said, "We should expand the forces. And this isn't about appearing weak; sir, if I may-- this is also about keeping up with our ability to provide aid to the MESS overall."
"Yeah," the King said, rubbing his head, "I will try to ram through another Naval Expansion. Maybe whole new Carriers, more capacity... hmmm."

"Thoughts, sir?" the Colonel asked.
"Maybe... a base in the Vineyards," he said, "They were, after all, a former Canissian colony, and we've been on good terms. The Sabikan incident provides an excuse. I can expand the Army but station divisions overseas so as not to provide a startling build-up here at home."
"Not a bad idea, sir," the Colonel said. "What were you thinking? Heavy armor, motor-rifle..?"

"Actually, Motor-Rifle provides numbers without as much expense as Heavy," the King said, taking a sip of his coffee, "They are also a bit less... intimidating. And I admit a certain fondness for Motorized Rifle formations. You know," he say back, thinking, "This brings to light another idea I've had for some time. A Foreign Legion. Let's raise four Divisions. Two Motor-Rifle, two Light Infantry Paras, and make them Foreign Legion."

"Foreign Legion, sir?" the Colonel asked.
"We can bring in outsiders and let them serve for citizenship," the King said. "Background checks, of course, to weed out criminals trying to flee justice, but after, ohhh... say... eight years of service, they get automatic citizenship."
"I'll help draw up a plan, sir," the Colonel said, and wen to get the official paperwork started.




Results:
New Years, Partying, body painting, edible underwear, debauchery, etc.
Foreign Legion to be raised by Canissia: 4 Divisions.
Will seek a base in Vinlands.

***

[Master_Baerne]

//Encryption Code X-1337//

Baernish Subministry of Procurement
Report to Ministry of War, Department of the Army
CC: Ducal Armaments R&D Department
RE: Byzantine Tank Licensing

Countess Truman and General Alexander,

It is our pleasure to report that negotiations with the Byzantine firm responsible for the design of the Empire's current generation of armored vehicles (B-2 and B-3s of several variants) has resulted in our obtaining the license to produce these vehicles in numbers suitable for a division's use. The cost, already cleared with the Ministry of Finance, Economics, and Industry, will be 1.7 billion ROBs.

Count Sabrino

[Beowulf]

Ares Blog

Douglas reveals contract award for F-15 upgrade

The venerable F-15 Mudhen has been a staple of the Tian Xia Air Force for the past 35 years. This year, it recieves one of the most interesting upgrades yet: internal weapons bays, or a sort. This so called Silent Mudhen upgrade coats the F-15 with RAM, as well as making some minor structural modifications, and using newly designed CFTs with internal weapon mounts. This is supposed to greatly reduce the F-15s radar signature, increasing it's capability in the crucial first days of a war.

TXN sails up Yangtze, delivers Humanitarian supplies to needy in CFR

...

[Beowulf]

Floating Pagoda
San Dorado

A nicely dressed man walked up to the hostess. "Excuse me, miss, can you direct me to your manager?"

"Certainly, sir. Hey, Joe!" she called out.

Joe, the manager walked up. "Sir, I am here to serve you notice of being sued by Tian Xia Crown Corp Ltd, for violation of trademark."

"Wha?" Joe was a bit slow at catching on.

"The likeness of the Huang Di is a registered trademark in almost every country of the world. So, he's suing you."

[Fingolfin_Noldor]

Imperial Chronicles

The Byzantine A380 Airbourne Command Post arrived at San Dorado's airport and then taxied into position. The Emperor has his entourage, with Decius right next to him, got off the aircraft and walked towards the honor guard and the San Dorado delegation, and no less Prime Minister Shroom. "Keep the alcohol away from Shroom," the Emperor muttered to Decius.

"Certainly Sire," chuckled Decius.

[Shroom Man 777]

The Floating Pagoda


The Prime Minister poses with an anonymous bystander.

The visit to San Dorado was as great as ever. Sidney Hank had been an hero and had so graciously regaled the Prime Minister with his exploits - the desolate savanna, the compound fractures and the bruises, how he and President Stephen had to hold their bowels for fear of having their excrement detected by rogue Coilerburgers on the hunt, the scent of cordite and the bowel-clenching fear and...

The Prime Minister took a lot of pictures on his way to the repurposed aircraft carrier restaurant and once out of the public eye and in pleasant neon-lit company, ditched his stuffy suit and went for a Hawaiian appropriate for the San Doradan weather.

"This is a totally awesome way to start the year, won't you say? You went Shroombo and blew like dozens of crappy Coilerburgers away and now you're not just the President of San Dorado - you're now El Grande Presidente of the North Frequesuean Trust!" Shroom said to Sidney with a mouthful of noodles. "It's outstanding! Congratulations! Hey, is that real dog?"

"Nah, it's not real dog" Sidney eyed the dog-shaped dish oddly, knowing how the chef skillfully sculpted the tofu and non-meats into the likeness of cooked canine but feeling revulsion at the sight nonetheless. "But it certainly looks like real dog."

"Cool. I'm gonna have some then," Shroom dug his chopsticks into the "dog"s eyesockets.

"But yes, this is an excellent way to start the year. The year of the 'HUEG KITTEN' no less," Sidney pointed at the various 'HUEG KITTEN' motifs decorating the wax statues of the Huang Di and his Vizier and his Court Physician (who also knew kung fu). "It's totally gonna be a big year for San Dorado, for Coilerburg, for the whole continent as a whole too. I can't wait till they start serving the sake!"

"Let's take the alcohol slow. Heraclius probably still has to lay down the serious business," Shroom mentioned as he finally fished the "dog"s brains out of its nostrils. Sidney eyed him oddly. "I learned that in nursing school, watched the doctor extract part of a patient's brain from his face!"

"Right, we'd probably want to discuss the serious business before everyone gets drunk," Hank went on as he downed the Tian Xian sushi with some jasmine tea. "So no one'll accidentally outlaw Velaria forever and commence bombing in five minutes."

"Eh, we won't have to worry about that." Shroom said innocently. "Stanislav's retired in his dacha, after all."

"Hah!" Sidney laughed. "So, this serious business, what about it? We're agreeable to a CATO base in Coilerburg, in return for the lifting of any and all trade tariffs on Frequesuean goods to the CATO countries and access to the radar feeds of any grid you might set up on that base in the future. I hope that's an acceptable agreement."

"That is muy excellente, El Grande Amigo Presidente!" Shroom laughed, as though the sake was already being served, which it wasn't - yet. "My kameraden, Mike MacMillan over there," Shroom pointed to the Robert Downey Jr. lookalike. "Was also thinking of building a zeppelin and stratellite factory over at Coilerburg, as part of the foreign investment plan. And some monorails and trains too."

"Coilerburg needs all the help it can get," Hank agreed. "Hell, they could probably have you come up with a better name than 'Navapolis' for them."

"Yeah, I'll totally make 'em something nice," Shroom grinned evilly, and then looked to the side as he saw something and got up to wave at the something. "Hey, Heraclius just got out of the loo and now he's coming here!"

"Heh," Sidney chortled. Then he remembered, rather fondly, how he and the Shroomanian Prime Minister had the Worldwide One's Spitting Image show portrayed the Byzantine leader - as an urbane bling-blinging gangbanger out to shoot people in the face. With a shotgun. Sidney just couldn't help but whisper: "Does Heraclius have to choke a bitch?"

"So," Heraclius arrived grandly. "I hope my friend Shroom has stayed largely alcohol-free for the night."

"Yeah, he has," Sidney affirmed. "Decius' drank all the alcohol before they got offered to Shroom. Look at him now, all he needs is Melchett and they'll both be wearing those bosoms of theirs."

"Hey, what's all that commotion about?" Shroom asked, pointing rudely at two people whose discussions they overheard.

"The likeness of the Huang Di is a registered trademark in almost every country of the world. So, he's suing you."

"Yeah, well the Huang Di's public use in San Dorado!"

"Just like a toilet!" someone piped in.

Hearing this, Shroom laughed.

"HA-HAA-HAAA!"

[Shroom Man 777]

Union Press

Shroomanian Tourist alledgedly Raped by Wombat


Is this the face of a cold blooded Rapist?

Arisaka Province-Yesterday, Shroomanian tourist Walter Owlson has made a claim that he was Ambushed and Raped by a sex crazed common Wombat while on a nature hike at King Stephen National park...

From the Ministry of Shroomanian Homeland Affairs in Foreign Territories (SHAFT)
To the Zorian Department of Parks and Wildlife

Dear sirs,

The Sovereignty of Shroomania has received most disturbing news of an alleged crime of the gravest and most indecent nature committed by Zorian fauna on a Shroomanian national, one Walter Owlson, in Zorian territory. Mister Owlson has pressed charges against the offending party and as per Commonwealth law, the Sovereignty requests that your good Zorian government extradite the offender to Shroomania to face trial and summary judgment.


Sincerely,
Melchett McMeistervater

Minister of SHAFT



QUESTION TIME
Farbanti, Shroomania

"Do you think that 'summary judgment' was the rightest choice of words for this matter?" asked a journo from the Sentinel. "I mean, it was just some wombat."

"Yes..." Melchett McMeistervater trailed off for a while, apparently considering his next words carefully.



"I believe a taxidermist is in order then," he then decided.

[Fingolfin_Noldor]

Imperial Chronicles

"The likeness was .. uncanny," observed Heraclius. "Regardless, there's business indeed to discuss.. and I hope that Prime Minister Shroom refrained from anything that would ignite his hyperactivity...

In any case, there is the business of a base and FTA to be signed. Byzantium has no objections to the FTA, especially given that our tariffs are pretty low as they are. Billions of solidi of trade flows between Byzantium and the FTO, so this FTA more or less formalizes the booming trade relationship.

I understand that the FTO is trying to straddle between the various large alliances, but I wonder however, that you would choose for neutrality should war ever erupt between CATO and the MESS, pray tell that doesn't happen, what would become of the bases in Frequesue? I would imagine they would be seized and us evicted?"

[Grand Moff Yenchin]

Serenity Scooper!
-Revealing the truth behind...everything.



Lord Mak Alive?

Lord Eikyu Mak, of the House of Mak, believed to be killed and devoured by cannibals in Veleria in the ill-fated Jackson Expedition, has been sighted by several NGO workers in the Republic of Akori, as well as other eastern Velerian states.

People familiar with palace affairs will recall that Lord Mak was a highly considered candidate to succeed the Throne when King Wentian, father of the current king was feeling that Yenchin was deemed too young by most elders in the Royal Family. However, after news of the Expedition's fate arrived these plans were abandoned.

We of the Scooper! will be further investigating these claims, as well as responses from the Palace.

[Siege]

Imperial Chronicles

"The likeness was .. uncanny," observed Heraclius. "Regardless, there's business indeed to discuss.. and I hope that Prime Minister Shroom refrained from anything that would ignite his hyperactivity...

In any case, there is the business of a base and FTA to be signed. Byzantium has no objections to the FTA, especially given that our tariffs are pretty low as they are. Billions of solidi of trade flows between Byzantium and the FTO, so this FTA more or less formalizes the booming trade relationship.

"Excellent", Sidney nodded. The way this is going I've got a first success under my belt before I even start the new job, he thought and took another sip of his snake wine. "Considering the sheer volume of trade passing between North-Frequesue and the Old Continent I believe the abolishment of tariffs, even if they are comparatively low, will have quite a significant positive influence on our economy."

I understand that the FTO is trying to straddle between the various large alliances, but I wonder however, that you would choose for neutrality should war ever erupt between CATO and the MESS, pray tell that doesn't happen, what would become of the bases in Frequesue? I would imagine they would be seized and us evicted?"

"Eh", the president made a face and a dismissive gesture. "That's such an implausible turn of events it's hardly worth considering. But we can make a deal: in case of war, we'll take over the base, but you'll still be able to come in and refuel there as long as you don't conduct your war from our territorial waters." He lowered his voice a little to prevent anyone from overhearing. "Like Spain in WW2."

[PeZook]

The Aware Human

The truth revealed: Global leaders part of the New World Order!

We've all seen the pictures of Sidney Hank and Stephen Garret fighting Coilerburgian troops. Like in an action movie, the entire world could see the two business-suit clad presidents blowing apart tanks left and right, firing rifles and leading a rag-tag militia to total victory against hardened Coiler veterans.

Nice picture, isn't it? If anybody thought something (or everything) seems odd about it, congratulations: you've just learned to question what you're being told by state-run media. The first step to releasing yourself from the shackles imposed on you by the real rulers of the world.

The Aware Human has been warning you for a long time now that world affairs are nothing more than a huge show, a spectacle of smoke and mirrors and bullshit fed to the ignorant masses. Ask yourselves these questions: what are the chances that a small girl living in a hamlet in the middle of nowhere would have a camera phone, and better yet: be able to record a perfectly framed clip of the two presidents?

The movie is obviously a fake. But what's even more telling is the gigantic show of lies we've seen unfold around the entire event. The media blazed about the international response. We've seen soldiers from all countries converge on Coilerburg. We've seen well-wishes and voices of concern from every single world leader.

Why was that? Why have we been fed propaganda over an obviously manufactured crisis?

The answer is simple. The New World Order has already moved their people into position: leaders of countries as ideologically opposed to each other as the CSR and San Dorado wish each other well and send champagne on New Year's. They are obviously part of a secret clique, a club with an agenda more sinister than any other ideology: The New World Order.

If we do not rise up now, we're gone. The next step in their plan is to make us all dependent on RFID technology, as is already happening in PeZookia and elsewhere. Then, they will enact their plant to reduce world population to 100 million bound slaves, while they lord upon us from their secret moonbases.

THIS MUST STOP!

[Coyote]

Seaside Palace, Canissia




King Arik put down th etabloid he'd been reading for entertainment value and relaxed, leaning back as the sweet and lovely Shawna rubbed his shoulder. He leaned his head back and she leaned forward, and they shared a upside-down kiss.

"Honey, did you know that we, the leaders of the world, are going to lord over the huddled masses from secret moonbases?"

"No way," she said, "You won't take me away from the beach."
"Mmm, good point," Arik said, "Me, neither."

still... hmmm... He hit the intercom on th ephone next to him.

"Colonel, can you call up the space agency guys and ask them to send me everything they have proposed for moonbase ideas? Thanks."

[Siege]

A Bigger Bang

Fortuna Belli Proving Grounds, South Velarian Sea

The missile arched down on a precise trajectory, having been expertly delivered into the weapons box from where the terrain recognition system could guide it to its final destination: a mock-up of a small village erected on a plain near the edge of the island.



The FTO-standard Mk V 475 kiloton fission warhead initiated at exactly the right altitude, blowing the fake hamlet apart in a flash of nuclear fire.

Result: After a year of delays the SGM-1 Ladybird space-to-ground missile has successfully been tested with a standard Mk V nuclear warhead.

[Czechmate]

OOC: Written on behalf of Beowulf.

Mortimer's Claim, Central Frequesuean Republic
Atwa Township, coast of the Yangtze River

Atwa was, by any First or even Second (Frequesuean) world standpoint, a festering hole of disease, poverty, and overarmed militiamen extant solely because of its' moderately-maintained deepwater pier. It was, therefore, decided by the Huang Di himself (upon suggestion by one of his advisors) that one of the TXN's Hope-class heavy sealift ships and its' escorting squadron would be despatched to bring nearly 30,000 tons of engineering equipment, water transport vehicles, prefabricated housing, medicine, food, and a company each of Imperial Army engineers and Imperial Marines. The sleepy town would, some weeks later, be excited by the sight of the enormous transport ship Determination, the Landing Ship Dock Xi'an, and their escorts dropping anchor in the massive Yangtze.

The Empire had come to Darkest Frequesue.

[Master_Baerne]

Baernish Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Urgent Communique
TO: FTO Central Command

It is the opinion of the Sovereign Duchy that the recent occupation of parts of the CFR by Tian Xian forces is a grave violation of the stated aims of the FTO. We ask what our unified - and it must be a unified - response shall be, proposing a firm request that the Tian Xian soldiers be withdrawn post-haste.

[Karmic Knight]

The Coup (II)

“Sire, it is imperative that we wait, The coup must wait until all is planned and support is assure, combine this with your, ambitious,” schizophrenic, even, thought General St. Paul, “plans for your Kingdom.”

“Yes, yes, but we must move quickly if we are to stay one step ahead of the usurper, and one step ahead of whatever forces he has operating to counteract us,” the former ruler said.

“I assure you sire, we can only move up the date of our actions by at most a month. It would take that long to assure we are coordinating our operations properly.”

“You have two weeks, General.”

“As you wish, Your Majesty.” not that that will do any good.

[Fingolfin_Noldor]

Imperial Chronicles

Excerpt from Minutes on Discussions on from future LHD carrier

Specified requirements:

• 1. Large Island deck, 300m long max, 75m wide max, to allow for full operation of CATABAR aircraft without need of STOVL aircraft, and to allow for large scale helicopter operations. Must also allow for simultaneous recovery and launching of aircraft. Estimated air wing: 12 Su-53/Su-39 aircraft, 4 Ka-52, 8 Mi-28BM, 8 NH-101, 12 NH-90, 12 NH-95, 4 E-2D AEW aircraft. Potentially 50-60 aircraft when fully configured as a battle carrier.
  2. Well deck must be at the minimum as large as that on the Wasp/America class. Also required to be able to ship one enlarged Marine Expedition Unit (approximately 1.5-2 x current size)
  3. Propulsion should either be gas turbine or nuclear. The nuclear option should be closely studied if the carrier were to exceed 65,000 tonnes. However, as it stands, the aircraft carrier is estimated to be 70-75,000 tonnes.
  4. Modularized design required, to allow to quick reconfiguration possibly for full battle carrier configuration.
  5. Requirement to design a new landing craft to accomodate the B-3 Black Tiger tank.
  6. Installation of S-500F system, and 32 cell VLS system to accomodate as many as 4x32 S-500-C missiles, and 6-8 point defence stations. Modularised design may grant an extra 32-64 cells at cost to air wing (about 10-20 aircraft) when configured as a DDG/carrier hybrid.
  7. Estimated construction commencement date: 2018-2020. Roughly at the same time as the new Continental class.

[Fingolfin_Noldor]

"Excellent", Sidney nodded. The way this is going I've got a first success under my belt before I even start the new job, he thought and took another sip of his snake wine. "Considering the sheer volume of trade passing between North-Frequesue and the Old Continent I believe the abolishment of tariffs, even if they are comparatively low, will have quite a significant positive influence on our economy."

"Indeed. Actually, it has occurred to me somewhat, Arabia is pretty undeveloped land. It would be interesting to set up something of a resort city further up the Arabian Gulf nearer Mesopotamia. Plenty of untouched sand and so forth there. Set up a high way system between Arabiapolis to this resort city, and then the people working in Arabiapolis can drive up to this resort city on the weekends for family get aways. Set up a rail system to ferry people over from Arabiapolis Airport, which should be approaching completion this year, and we are in business essentially. Are you interested in getting involved?"

"Eh", the president made a face and a dismissive gesture. "That's such an implausible turn of events it's hardly worth considering. But we can make a deal: in case of war, we'll take over the base, but you'll still be able to come in and refuel there as long as you don't conduct your war from our territorial waters." He lowered his voice a little to prevent anyone from overhearing. "Like Spain in WW2."

Well, you know, base rights are a sensitive issue, and potential ... problems arise sometimes during a period of high tensions... It pays to.. know the legalities of the deal in question...

[Siege]

"Indeed. Actually, it has occurred to me somewhat, Arabia is pretty undeveloped land. It would be interesting to set up something of a resort city further up the Arabian Gulf nearer Mesopotamia. Plenty of untouched sand and so forth there. Set up a high way system between Arabiapolis to this resort city, and then the people working in Arabiapolis can drive up to this resort city on the weekends for family get aways. Set up a rail system to ferry people over from Arabiapolis Airport, which should be approaching completion this year, and we are in business essentially. Are you interested in getting involved?"

The president leaned ever so slightly forward, something an astute observer would take as an obvious sign of interest. “I most definitely am”, he said and put down his glass. “That is to say, I know people who will be. Some of my former colleagues with Standard Oil tell me that their compounds are growing restless, seeing as there isn’t much in the way of entertainment for the engineers and drillers in Arabia.” Sidney smirked. “The Caliphate is not exactly Disneyland, is it? We’d be more than happy to help do something about that.”

He picked his glass again and emptied it in one gulp. Then he gave the Emperor a calculating look. “Though I’d like to know who else could potentially get involved, I mean apart from Universal Construction and the usual suspects. So tell me worshipfulness”, he continued with a hint of a smile. “What kinds of businesses would this resort city harbour? I’m told the Arabians are kind of… touchy, when it comes to casinos and movie theatres and the, ah, seedier forms of entertainment that we in San Dorado take for granted.”

Well, you know, base rights are a sensitive issue, and potential ... problems arise sometimes during a period of high tensions... It pays to.. know the legalities of the deal in question...

Sidney sighed. “I know, I know. You’re right, but the idea is simply depressing.” He pensively looked at Shroom, then turned his gaze back to Heraclius. “The PM here informed me of what transpired… Ah, before. So yes. Anyway…”

The president steepled his fingers. “We can facilitate a base for you at the Navalopolis facility near Fallston. The place is two naval stations really, an older Coilerburg navy harbour, and a whole new set of docks, warehouses and quays a good two dozen miles down the coast that then-president Stone ordered built to house the new ships his government had ordered from Byzantium.”

Sidney poured himself and the others a new round of wine. “Of course they never got around to using the expansion. If you guys decide to take it you’ll save us the trouble of having to find a good use for the place. It’s bound to be a bit ramshackle from neglect, and you might have to expand it a little further if you want to accommodate your fancy Kirovs and supercarriers, but it’s bound to be up and running faster than a whole new base.” He smiled. “Of course it also means our own ships will sortie just a few miles from yours, but I’m sure that won’t be too much of a bother.”

“As for terms, let’s say standard renewable twenty-year lease”, the president counted on his fingers. “The local government will be responsible for external security, CATO handles internal base security, the NFT will require an on-base liaison office to ensure smooth communications, and all data from the facility’s radar installation will be fully shared. CATO will agree not to conduct war or warlike operations from the base without our express permission. In case of a war with the MESS the NFT will temporarily assume responsibility for the base until the cessation of hostilities, but during that period CATO vessels will be able to refuel at the facility. Did I miss anything?”

Then he knowingly looked Heraclius in the eye. “Oh, and before I forget”, he continued slyly. “The prime minister here told me he was already thinking up a name for the place. I thought you might want to know and perhaps, ah, head him off?” He winked, and took another sip of the snake wine.