SDNWorld Redux: Story Thread the Fourth

[PeZook]

Orena Evening News

Virtue Of Courage enters Farbanti

ORP Virtue Of Courage, one of the only two comissioned tall ships in the world, entered Farbanti harbor today, as the first stop in its tour around the world. The ship carries two hundred cadets of the Naval Academy of PeZookia, and will visit more than fifty different ports all around the planet during its cruise.

The Virtue Of Courage will remain docked at Farbanti for five days, during which visitors will be allowed to tour the vessel and experience for themselves the life onboard a real, still operating sailing frigate. The PeZookian Naval Museum has also prepared an exhibit to be displayed on the vessel's main deck, under the title "The Age of Sail: Five centuries of exploration", featuring materials on sailing vessels from the XIII century onward.


Virtue Of Courage enters Farbanti Harbor under engine power

[Lonestar]

Dominion Defense

Overwhelming Naval and Air Superiority bringing Cortes Regime to an end.


Crumbling over unending bombardment from Coalition naval and Air assets, Sirnothi forces loyal to Cortes have begun fleeing Württemberg and Al-Dathesda in massive numbers. Some are retreating in an orderly fashion towards Nexus City, while others are virtually melting away. Considering the formidable forces in Nexus City loyal to Cortes, the sprawling multi-million resident city has the potential to be a 21st Century Stasograd when Coalition Forces begin to enter the city...[More]

[Raj Ahten]

Indhopal and San Dorado: At the Conference

Christophe began,
"It's good to see you again Commissioner Duquesne. Reminds me of the old days in the FTO. However with the FTO now a corpse, Indhopal is, as you know, reviewing our national security priorities. Border security is now considered to be of utmost importance. The Eastern Occidental may be queit now, but we are both aware of its troubled past and the possibility of future problems. In order to safeguard its borders Indhopal would like to take control of security arrangements in the Southeast portion of the zone, in the area roughly corresponding to the holdings of the O'Connor clan. We are willing to shoulder all the costs associated with the transition."

Duquesne sighed softly. The secretary's words didn't come as a surprise, after the recent ruckus in Klavostan it was patently obvious that Indhopal was trying to expand its sphere of influence - or 'secure its borders', but whichever way you wanted to put it the result was the same. Still, at least Christophe's opening move had been somewhat considerate. Charlie Duquesne, who'd spent years as San Dorado's first-ever ambassador to the CSR, knew all too well that meant there was room for negotiations. Valery Zorin would have been far more blunt she thought and suppressed a smile. Despite herself she kind of missed the sly old wolf, deliberately infuriating as though he could be.

“First of all Mr. Christophe let me begin by saying that I have no definite authority over Eastern Occidental. The ultimate say about matters involving that area lies squarely with the local government in Kirkcaldy. And although I admit we may have some influence there I find it highly doubtful that they would just hand you control over their land. They have bled for that ground, Mr. Secretary, far more than any of our nations can claim to have done, so I have a feeling they will be most reluctant to relinquish control.

Secondly, as you well know the NFT is gradually reducing its military presence now that local forces are capable of handling most matters themselves. We have scaled back our troop levels from a full mechanized brigade to a mere five hundred or so liaisons and advisors, with plans to half that presence again by the middle of 2018. So I have to wonder about the timing of your inquiry.”

She paused briefly to nip of her wine, an excellent Don Gregorio rosé from the south of Cascadia, then looked Christophe squarely in the eye. “Mr. Secretary, I believe our nations go back far enough that we owe it to ourselves not to speak falsely to one another. We have made a move that went against your interests, and as a result your nation feels it cannot fully trust the NFT any longer. This is unfortunate but understandable, but I think we both know that diplomacy does not have to be a zero-sum game.

Eastern Occidental is currently a part of our ‘sphere of influence’ as I think you can put it. And we are not going to give it up- I won’t bore you with platitudes about ‘owing it to the people’; there are valuable resources there that are worth a great deal of money. Platinum, diamonds, titanium ore, bauxite, iron ore, gold, you name it. Extraction of these resources will be a highly profitable venture and a boon to the reconstruction of Coilerburg. You know this, I know this, the Kirkcaldy government knows this.

However, none of this means it cannot also be in your sphere of influence. I think after Klavostan’s recent... deal with the IRT I think you Indhopalis know there is more types of influence than the military kind, yes?”

Duquesne leaned back, considered the situation briefly, and steepled her fingers. “I’ll let you in on a secret, Mr. Christophe. My people have for some time now been negotiating an agreement with the Eastern Occidental government, to associate the region as an overseas department. What that means is that the locals maintain most of their autonomy while the NFT would protect the region in terms of international and intercorporate relations, international trade and such.

Now I could see how that would unsettle Indhopal. And let’s face it- the region will need Indhopal’s goodwill if it wants to truly prosper. So… Let’s see. In exchange for Indhopal not making a fuss, we could agree to take you into the loop vis-à-vis military matters in the region. We’ll increase the tempo of our withdrawal, and you could take over some of the liaison positions that’ll be left vacant. Indhopal is better suited for it anyway. Soon enough we won’t have any troops left there, which’ll save us money and you’ll be able to rest knowing the NFT won’t be launching an invasion of the Western Frontier”, she smiled fleetingly, taking the sting out of the remark.

“And as a final component of the deal… We’re currently building a railroad linking western Coilerburg to Sabika. If we can get Sabika and Omago aboard we can link Coilerburg, Eastern Occidental, Indhopal and possibly Minoy to those two nations. A Trans-Frequesuan Railroad if you like”, she said, referring to the massive Trans-Siberian Express that linked remote areas of the UCSR outback. “A rail link like that would greatly ease the movement of goods, and would thus be good for business. And it would be a profitable venture in its own right, as well as an opportunity for companies from all nations involved to work together. Now wouldn’t that be a nice show of Frequesuan solidarity?”

Chistophe considered the offer before responding.

"In the end this all boils down to trust. Right now the Indhopoli people and its politicians find it very hard to trust anyone these days. For all intents and purposes the NFT is now part of CATO. CATO, which in Indhopal symbolizes the Old Continent and a Colonialist worldview that seeks to use Frequesuean's as cannon fodder against the MESS in their games. By expanding onto Indhopal's border many see that as a threat, even if there are no foreign troops present. Its a provocation which jeopardizes all the work Indhopal and San Dorado have done together over the years.

We've already signed new trade agreements with San Dorado and are continuing our nuclear and other programs as a sign of good faith. The political reality in Indhopal is that President Ahten's government is seen as having given up a lot for San Dorado without San Dorado giving up anything in response. Frankly we are exposing ourselves a hell of lot by continuing the joint nuclear and submarine programs. That could easily be seen by the MESS to mean we are in CATO's pocket. By giving up the Occidental San Dorado would be at least showing the people of Indhopal that we can continue to trust one another.

You also say you intend to use the riches of the Eastern Occidental to help rebuild Coilerburg. That's fine. In the framework of our economic agreement that and much more such as this rail project you propose could continue. In exchange for the influence over one province you would be getting the full economic cooperation and investment of the biggest player in the region.

And to calm any of your own fears and those the citizens of the Occidental might have Indhopal has no intention of lording over those lands as a personal fiefdom. The local leaders would continue to rule, just not in the framework of the NFT. Indhopal's position is we would very much like to see them as a member of our joint economic club but Indhopal, not the NFT would guarantee their security. For them it wouldn't be bad deal at all. The territory under the control of the Yorkshire militias is very much an example of what we wish to accomplish here. Local's controlling their own land with assistance from Indhopal when needed.

Frankly in the end San Dorado has a hell of a lot to lose by alienating Indhopal and a hell of a lot to gain by giving us a little bit back. "

edit: to fix typos

[Shroom Man 777]

LIVE on ShroomSat/StratTV
The Sovereign Shroomanian Sentinel
COMBINE CHANGES

FARBANTI, Shroomania - the Fungal Union Civil Emergency Department (FUCED) will be integrated, along with their civil defense counterparts in PeZookia, the UCSR, Byzantium and the Duchy of Langley into a comprehensive continent-spanning 'Civil Protection' initiative.

As part of the Combined Alliance Treaty Organization's Continental Defense Plan, this Combine Civil Protection will be charged with non-military roles, primarily regarding the protection of civilian populations and their organization in the advent of disasters ranging from natural calamities to terrorist attacks and all-out war. Everything from emergency rations and medicine, disaster relief and emergency response, to fallout shelters will be covered under the purview of the Combine Civil Protection - as it was under the FUCED and the other national civil defense organizations.

"This reorganization will ensure that civil defense can be coordinated on a continental scale - so that in the advent of the unthinkable, the entirety of CATO can work together to facilitate a timely recovery," said Doctor Wallace Breen, Civil Protection organizer of Farbanti - which has been tentatively designated under CP as 'City 17'. "With an entire continent's resources at Civil Protection's disposal, we can marshal truly massive quantities of aid to any stricken disaster zone."

As part of the inauguration of the Combine Civil Protection, drills were held in random areas in Shroomania where the Overwatch and Metro-Cops were able to display their new uniforms.


A Metro-Cop in new Combine-issue gas mask, electrobaton and protective gear guarding a fallout shelter.

[Fingolfin_Noldor]

Constantinople Times

Claims filed to the Old Dominion Government

Claims were officially filed to the Old Dominion Government over the mistreatment of government property. "We would prefer to keep this amicable, and instead are prepared to let by gones be bygones if we can get a suitable apology instead." Sources indicate that extensive damage control over the fracas over the decision to leave MESS, is being executed to ensure that relationships with individual MESS members will be maintained.


Byzantine Airlines indicates that it is still interested in the Sonic Cruiser

Byzantine Airlines indicates that it is still interested in acquiring at least 10 Sonic Cruisers and another 10 on option. "Despite the eviction of Byzantine Aeronautics from the program, we still have an interest in the Sonic Cruiser and are currently in negotiations to acquire them." A decision is due to be announced soon.

[Shroom Man 777]

LIVE on ShroomSat/StratTV
The Sovereign Shroomanian Sentinel
BAM'S BLENDED BODIES


BAM's new prototype blended wing body airplane.

Byzantine Air MacMillan has announced that its next-generation series of airliners, sporting a radical new blended wing body design, has entered advanced testing stages.

"This aircraft will revolutionize air travel," said BAM R&D director Howard Huge. "BWB aircraft, configured for passenger flight, could carry from 450 to 800 passengers and achieve fuel savings of over 20 percent!"

Should the advanced tests prove successful, Shroomanian sources indicate that the first commercial BAM BWBs may enter service in the early 2020s.

[Lonestar]

Government Computer Weekly

Old Dominion acknowledges Byzantine claims

The Old Dominion immediately responded to compensation claims from the Byzantine Empire by stating that "The Old Dominion Treasury will transfer an amount of ROBs equal to the market price of the media destroyed to the Byzantine Central Bank." The Spokeswoman further stated "while we apologize for any hard feelings, the immediate actions of the Byzantine Executive and Legislature gave the Old Dominion and SHAPOD more than enough justification to ensure that all security requirements were met."...[More]


Raleigh Businessweek

In Flux following Executive Order, Sonic Cruiser team rushes to appease Byzantine Airlines
The Dominion Boeing Program Manager for the Sonic Cruiser team stated this morning that the first 10 Sonic Cruisers to Byzantine Airlines will be offered "at cost". Byzantine Airlines had expressed early interest in the program, and had been getting ready to order 10 airframes when the Byzantine Empire left the MESS. Dominion Boeing appears to be moving to head off a potential Trade War following a Old Dominion Executive Order to remove all Byzantine subcontractors from major technological product teams, a retaliation after the Byzantine Empire tightened export controls on strategic materials and products...[More]

[Zor]

Union Press

Helgan Defense presents the next generation of battlefield protection


The latest Armor suit design from Helgan Defence is designed to handle warfare for a new age

Helgan Defense Inc Headquarters, Arisaka Province-Today, Zorian armor development firm Helgan Defense has presented the next generation of Combat Equipment. The system is designed to allow a soldier to fight in dificult and dangerous conditions, offering full NBC Protection as well as built in Radio Equipment, Infared detection equipment and high end body armor that has proven exceptionally durable for it's weight in combat trials. "In this era in which the threat of military conflict and bioweaponry looms, we must stand resolute to defend ourselves against the worst" said president Visari. Test kits have been supplied to various CATO states and to his Majesty's Zorian Military for trials.

[Czechmate]

Operational Map A1 (thumbnail)

Fort Grace, City of Gracemeria, Royal Republic of Emmeria
Planning & Effectations Adjunct ("The War Room")
January 21st, 2016

The room smelt of dust, despite its' recent cleanings. It had, after all, been unused in the seven years since the Duke of Westchester had succumbed to the Huang Di in return for assistance against his marauding neighbor. With the Westchester Dynasty of Tian Jiao replaced by the Emperor's authorities, Konig Chao von Ostchester had declared that round-the-clock staffing of the War Room was no longer necessary and that the Quiet War, which had silently gone on between the two estranged families for a century, would adopt a less urgent stance.

As a result, Emmeria had adopted a quiet nature, silently slipping between the cracks during the Bio War, the One Week War, and the 'zombie scare' which had afflicted the world. It was only now, with lines being drawn worldwide between the MESS and CATO blocs, with reports of an asteroid impact in Velaria, and with Emmeria's silent slumber threatened by the rise of neo-imperialism on both sides of the MESS-CATO fence, that permanent staffing of the War Room had been reauthorized and the Royal Emmerian Armed Forces had returned to an active state.

As a test of the Emmerian military and the Emmerian government's ability to once more work to bring Emmeria the Mandate of Heaven (a concept shared by the inscrutable and calculating Emperor and Empire of Tian Xia), the War Department had suggested that a regime change be effected in unstable, military-run Tanvarika. The Konig, having considered the likelihood of strong MESS or CATO reaction to such an action in backwater Velaria and finding it wanting, had authorized the Department to plan and present an operation for the invasion and occupation of the Republic of Tanvarika. It had taken them some months, but the date of presentation to the Konig and the Secretaries of War and State had arrived.

They sat, impassive, behind a long, curving oak table, the Konig flanked by the Secretaries and their innumerable aides, facing the War Room and the vast display screens there. Every light but one then dimmed, and Generalmajor Maxmilian Liao had stepped into the light. Behind him, the central display screen showed a magnified image of a section of Velaria, as well as a number of variously-colored symbols. Liao cleared his throat, then spoke with as much of the Liao confidence as could be mustered.

"Mein Konig, I present to you Operations Plan T-1, as prepared by the staff of your War Department, for the invasion and occupation of the Republic of Tanvarika. Behind me is Operations Map A1, an illustration of the initial phase of the campaign. We have, by your grace, been allotted for this phase the carrier Ostchester, the amphibious-aviation ship Fort Heinlein, the nuclear missile cruiser Konig Petr, two amphibious transport docks, two landing ship docks, and ten escorts of the Atago and Perry classes, as well as the First Marine Regiment, divided here into Battallion Task Force Able and Battallion Task Force Baker for the purposes of effecting an assault-landing on the northern shores of Tanvarika between the dates of 03-01-2016 and 03-31-2016..."

[RogueIce]

Day One - CATO-MESS Summit, Republic of Cascadia

Rufus Shinra had had a speech prepared, before the conference began. However, after the acrimony over the Byzantine affair, he had scrapped that. And so he listened to the opening remarks, and waited. When the delegates started to head their seperate ways, he sought out King Paul.

"Excuse me Your Majesty," he began, formal around his old friend. "I wondered if we might have a word?" He glanced around around the still crowded hallway. "Some place a bit more quiet?"

[PeZook]

Secreat Military Area 8, central PeZookia

The massive hangar door slid open silently, propelled by hidden electrical motors. A black shape slid out from the huge hardened hangar, pulled by its front wheel by a service vehicle.

Col. Donald Płażyński and Lt. Col. Rufus Jackson approached their spectre, dressed up in their pressure suits. Unlike most pilots, they wore garments resembling astronaut gear: fully pressurized, sealed, with large clear helmets - the Spectre flew high and fast, necessitating higher protection.

They circled the aircraft, checking the work of their ground crew. Everything seemed fine.

As they suited up, their mission plan was uploaded into the on-board computers. Secrecy here at SMA-8 was sometimes excessive, and this mission seemed to fit the bill: there was no briefing, and all parameters, waypoint and goals were only shown to the pilots once they were completely strapped on.

"Fleet excercise, huh?", Płażyński said, checking the seal on his helmet.

"It better be. I'd hate to get shot at two weeks from my wedding.", his copilot replied and have him a thumbs-up, "Everything checks out."

"Emeria, here we come!"

Scarcely half an hour later, the massive Spectre took off and began its long climb. Far below, two Dominion Hawks rose into the air as well, turning east - towards the Pacific.

[PeZook]

Day One - CATO-MESS Summit, Republic of Cascadia

Rufus Shinra had had a speech prepared, before the conference began. However, after the acrimony over the Byzantine affair, he had scrapped that. And so he listened to the opening remarks, and waited. When the delegates started to head their seperate ways, he sought out King Paul.

"Excuse me Your Majesty," he began, formal around his old friend. "I wondered if we might have a word?" He glanced around around the still crowded hallway. "Some place a bit more quiet?"

"Of course", Paul agreed immediately, "My suite, perhaps? I doubt Cascadians bugged them."

[Fingolfin_Noldor]

Constantinople Times

Byzantine Airlines agrees to buy 10 Sonic Cruisers, and placed 10 on option

After days of negotiations, Byzantine Airlines agreed to buy 10 Sonic Cruisers and another 10 on options. "The aircraft would serve our needs perfectly, and we are elated that we and Dominion Boeing came to an agreement on the price and delivery of the aircraft," says Byzantine Airlines spokesman. The airline is expected to exercise its options, most likely when it has received the initial batch of aircraft.

[Shroom Man 777]

LIVE on ShroomSat/StratTV
The Sovereign Shroomanian Sentinel
COMMENDABLE CATO CUISINE & CONDIMENTS


Breakfast in Byzantium, with Byzantine berries, biscuits and cheese.

The Combined Alliance Treaty Organization has begun setting up a series of 'entertainment centers' that, through business deals done via the Combined Corporate Consortium Pact, will feature the best in luxury products all the CATO nations have to offer. This latest enterprise is the brainchild of Prime Minister Shroom the 777th of Shroomania and is a lighthearted attempt to market the alliance to a broader audience through a friendlier and more entertaining image.

Continental Compliments will be the brand name of the enterprise's Old Continental branch of high-class restaurants and entertainment centers, while the international branches will go by the label of Combined Comforts.

The primary attraction of the various CC branches will be a unique showcase of Continental and CATO-member cultures, presented in a wide variety of innovative ways - from restaurants featuring the best in Constantinople's cuisine to Crimson-Shadow vodka-cigarette smoking bars, to Shroomanian Chip n' Dale establishments and even Zorian marsupial petting zoos. Establishments incorporating more Combine cultures will even have attractions such as San Doradan Broadway theaters, Langley cosplay centers and mock Baernish bullfighting arenas with Miratian matadores.

Compliments & Comforts will be opening in cities all over the Old Continent, Frequesue, Langley and even in Cascadia in the Messican continent. Negotiations are underway for branches in the MESS member nations, in the Incorporated Republic of Tonkin, and in the Old Dominion.

"This will en-eagle CATO's cross cultural convection and bring our member nations closer together, while showing the best of our stuff to the rest of the world," Prime Minister Shroom the 777th announced via teleconference from Cascadia. "Not to mention, it'll be fun. Good food, good company, what's not to like?"

"Heaven is where the designers are Crimson, the accountants PeZookian, the entertainment Shroomanian and the food Byzantine," says President Sidney Hank.

Results:
This'll be fun! CATO corporations doing not just joint research and development, but joint malls and restaurants and pubs and joint-joints too!

[PeZook]

Round The Moon

With a roar and blast of flame, the Saturn III booster ignited its five gigantic F-1 engines. The noise and blast wave had to be dispersed by injecting thousands of tonnes of water per second right below the engine assembly - or all personnell in immediate vicinity would be deafened.

The PA system relayed all radio chatter between Selene 5 and mission control. Thousands of people tracked the launch with hand-held binoculars and cameras - but only hi-speed cameras mounted on top of the VAB were able to follow the rocket well enough to get a clear picture.



"Comona, this is Five. All parameters green.", Edward Dębski, Mission Commander, reported calmly. This wasn't a first for him: the man had logged hundreds of orbits in the DynaShroom Commander Qualificatoin Program.

"Copy you Five, stand by for staging."

Amongst shaking and engine roar, the Saturn III jettisoned its first stage. It climbed higher and higher, now tracked by radars instead of ground-based cameras. Two minutes later, the final stage engine shut down - but it wasn't the end for the crew. In order to avoid annoying Japanistan unnecessarily, TLI - or Trans Lunar Injection - maneuver would have to be performed within the first orbit.

Mission control personnell worked furiously, running through their checklists. Automation and computer diagnostic equipment allowed them to perform the usual checks in one-tenth the time: Selene capsules contained orders of magnitude more electronic sensors than former generations of FASTA spacecraft.

"Five, Comona. Telemetry looks clear."

"Copy that Comona. Onboard instruments green."

"Two minutes to TLI"

The Earth sped below, and mission clocks counted the seconds. Hundreds of radars and telescopes around the world tracked the capsule, recording every moment of the flight. Missiles and ABM systems calculated target solutions - just in case the capsule turned out to be an opening stage of a nuclear attack.

Below, at Comona Island, the Booster control engineer counted down, calmly, "Five. Four. Three. Two. One...ignition."

With a computer signal and a tiny burst of ullage motors, the Earth Departure Stage's main engine fired, hurling Selene 5 on a course towards the Moon.



Results: Selene 5 has left low earth orbit. ETA to the Moon: 4 days 3 hours 21 minutes

[Lonestar]

Dominion Defense

Cheseapeake Arms laughs at new Zorian soldier kit

"If you want a easy to move in, micro-climate controlled, combat proven, lightweight NBC kit, buy the Chesapeake Arms 21st Century Warrior Soldier Kit." A CA executive said at a Trade Show in Pezookia "If you want a huge, bulky, filtering unit that juts out several inches from the chest, with tubes" the CA executive "Go with the latest piece of crap to make it's way out of Zoria."

The Chesapeake Arms 21st Century Warrior Soldier Kit began to enter service with Old Dominion forces several years ago, a result of a Old Dominion requirement to make combat in the Shepistan Security Zone easier for MESS Forces. It has continued to prove it's worth in the Sirnothi conflict...[More]

EDIT: Changed Headline

[Grand Moff Yenchin]

Office of Information Press Meeting

The Minister of Information, Vanessa Shih, calmed herself. Ever since she arrived at the post the only thing the media cared about was her marriage and her looks. It caused quite a lot of difficulty on press conferences, which annoyed her. But, nonetheless, she still had to maintain the good image for the Executive Hall, and to an extension, the Palace. Especially when the King and the Palace Spokesperson was not around. It kind of made her jealous of Spokesperson Wenyi Li.


She double checked her script, and started, "Ladies and Gentlemen, due to the latest events involving the Byzantine Empire, the Government of the Kingdom of Serenity expresses its regret over the loss of a MESS Ally. We hope that in the future both nations still maintain a friendly diplomatic relationship."

She sipped her tea, "The Executive Hall has formed a Hall-wide group to handle the various transfers. Byzantium personnel in the MESS Office have promptly left after the Empire's announcement. Our people in Byzantine have also followed standard relocation protocol. Non-sensitive joint projects, such as the bio-tech research are still operating, though there might be some modifications in paperwork and some details. Any questions?" She extended her hand to the reporter from Blue Sun TV.

"Ma'am, Guo-An Shieh of BSTV, due to the tensions between the MESS and CATO, would we be taking further measures against the Empire?"

The Blue media, always so against everything on the west side of Serenity. "I cannot comment on that. Hopefully the Summit held in Cascadia will have good results." She nodded to a reporter from Morning Mangka.

"Naomi Saito of the MM, Ma'am, on the Byzantium's MESS privileges, how are they going to be handled? From what I understand, a revoke will involve quite a few issues."

"The Hall-wide group will be contacting the relevant offices in Byzantium. We will also refer to policies of other MESS Allies." She nodded at the Serenity Sentinel reporter.

"Ma'am..."

"Ma'am, Jack Po of Wuhan Wow, can you comment on tonight's Scooper!? It had some photos of your husband with his nurses..."

"I'm sorry, sir, please stay on topic..." Her secretary tried to suppress the question, as well as the chattering from the press.

"....naked...." Security closed in and began to struggle with Po...

Shih banged the podium. Everyone in the room stopped. "Listen, Mr. Po, quote me, 'None of your damn business.'"

The security promptly tossed Po out of the conference room.

Shih gulped some tea, "Now, where were we...?" She looked at the Serenity Sentinel reporter, "I believe it's your turn."

[Ryan Thunder]

GDR-16 Mourning Star

Operator: "Hey, Sarge, are we good for the test yet?"

Watch Officer Heast: "Hang on a minute, they're still checking the--oh, never mind. Yeah, we're good. Start the countdown."



Operator: "Yessir! Five... Four... Three... Two... One... Launch."



Operator: "Oh bloody hell..."

Watch Officer Heast: (deadpan) "Well, that was certainly amusing, if totally unproductive."



Watch Officer Heast: (beat) "Well, 'looks like its back to the drawing board, bitches."

Results: First missile test is a failure. There will be others. Credit to Venator for the pinwheel image.

[Beowulf]

Ares Blog

Combined gun and missile CIWS for the MESS?

The TXN has finished testing of the new Millennium II CIWS system. It integrates two seperate kill systems, the Millennium revolver cannon, and the RIM-116 RAM missile. It has been designed to be able to be integrated anywhere a existing Millennium CIWS system can currently be installed, and carries a total of 200 rounds for the cannon, along with 10 RIM-116 missiles. It will also be capable of being mounted on the CV90 vehicle, providing enhanced mobile AA capability.

The Revenue Service has decided to procure the Millennium II in lieu of the original for all WFPC contestants which will be armed with the Millennium.

[Shinn Langley Soryu]

Personal Defense Weekly

Langley Armed Forces Join Chesapeake Arms in Laughing at New Zorian Soldier Kit (But Also Try Offering Suggestions For Improvement)


Langley Army SOS Brigadiers evaluate trial examples of Helgan Defense's latest kit


A competing product, Seburo's Light Combat Armor System (LCAS), in action with the SOS Brigade

Initial results of testing by the Langley Army's Strategic Operational Services Brigade and by Langley Marine Corps Force Reconnaissance of the latest products produced by Zorian firm Helgan Defense have not been pretty. While the trial kits sent to the Langley Armed Forces have either met or even exceeded all of the performance standards set for personal armor in regards to ballistic and stab resistance, they have been derided for being too bulky for prolonged use and for having an exposed air filtration system, among other things.

"I won't deny that the Helgan suit is hideously durable, but it shouldn't take a materials engineer to determine that it's just too fucking heavy ," a marine complained. "Similar kits I've seen from Ralson, Gizmonic, Chesapeake, MacMillan, and Seburo all offer equal capabilities for roughly half the weight, if not less. It can be useful for EOD techs if you remove the air filter and put in a spine support and some extra plates just in case, but for line infantry? Between the weight of the armor itself and the weight of your weapons and other gear, just imagine all the fatigue and strain issues. Don't expect to go on long-distance hikes, and good luck trying to take a swim, because you'll sink like a stone if you try."

"As it is right now, the air filtration system is needlessly bulky and complex, not to mention easily damaged," one of the SOS Brigadiers stated. "I mean, exposed tubing? Sackcloth covering the main filtration unit? A guy armed with just a knife can easily wreck your shit in short order if you have to operate with it in an NBC-heavy environment; just cut the tubes or stab into the filtration pack, and you're a goner."

[CmdrWilkens]

"Far Horizons" acknowledges additional program

While still remaining the most secretive and long ranged of all program umbrella in the whole of the Defense establishment the "Far Horizons" program has indicated that a new generation fully mobilized personal combat armor system is under development for transfer to "New Horizons" sometime before the end of the decade. While details fo the program remain highly classified program directors have indicated that this will be a generational step above the current IPV combat system which prinicpally utilizes layered kevlar and ceramic plates along with a battery powered cooling device to help alleviate body heat stress. Most combat system currently in development are considered incremental jumps in the near universal application of synthetic fibers and ceramic force distribution systems.

Limited details mean that speculation has run rampant amongst enthusiast and professional Defense analysts alike with numerous self annoited experts callign the program everything from the personal human tank to a new level of camo-stealth technology allowing for near invisible insertion of assault troops. Aside from acknowledging that the system is not designed to completely supplant the "Dragon Scale" IPV and will be utilized by specialised assault units all indications are that no more information will be furnished until the program transfers to "New Horizons."

[Raj Ahten]

Indhopal Defense News

Inhopal announced today that it will be starting its own advanced combat rifle project. The rifle is expected to make use of MetalStorm technology under license from Byzantium. In fact rumors of a joint development process with Byzantium are circulating. The new weapon system is expected to be a combination grenade launcher and assault rifle similar to what many other nations are developing. The MetalStorm technology is to be used for the grenade launcher component, which is expected to bring significant weight savings. This system is also expected to forgo some of the more exotic features, such as airbursting grenades, of other systems in order to cut down on overall weight and cost.

It was also announced that Indhopal has acquired licenses to build Byzantine designed laser systems, which are expected to see limited deployment in Indhopal's new air defense network and in the navy. Most of the laser's are to be built in Indhopal but certain key components are being imported from Byzantium. According to sources in Parliament the laser weapon systems manufacturing facilities are to be located near the Black Sands nuclear research facility, one of Indhopal's highest security facilities.

[TimothyC]

<For Immediate Release to All Pacific Nations, and all Nations with Manned Spaceflight - Alaskan Department of State>

Notification of Planned Space Flight

The Republic of Alaska issues the following Notice:

Sometime in the next 2 weeks, The RoA plans to launch a Sub-Orbital Manned craft, taking off from Greeley AFB, and transiting south, roughly 20 degrees divergent from a line parallel to the Cascadian Coastline. Mariners are advised to heed any localized watches. Further information will be released when available.

<End Release>

[Fingolfin_Noldor]

Imperial Chronicles

Secret

Internal CATO circular

S-500-H ducted throttleable rocket missile revealed

The S-500-H ducted throttleable rocket missile was revealed and is a work in progress. The missile is designed to have long range of about 500km, ceiling about 25km. The true range will be revealed later. The missile is aimed at reaching a maximum speed of MACH 5+ and reaching maximum ceiling as fast as possible, aided in part by the rocket booster which will form the first stage.

[DarthShady]

Palace of the Soviets, Stasograd, UCSR

"Yes Comrade President, we are keeping a close eye on the situation and are ready to intervene, should it prove necessary.", Yuri spoke into the phone, "And how goes the conference?"

"King Paul held a speech, and now we are waiting to see a MESS response.", President Shady said.

"They are taking it slow, I see.", Yuri said.

"Yes, they are.", Shady said, "But we will wait, a while longer. I must leave now, keep me informed on the situation."

"Of course Comrade President.", Yuri said and the conversation ended.