SDNWorld Redux: Story Thread the Fourth

[RogueIce]

OOC: Backdated to just after Cascadia announced the Pacific Union, the Shinra Republic made a statement of support for the proposal. And now, to the semi-present!

Mirakar, Miratia

Delegates from the Shinra Republic, Cascadia, the Vineyards, Indhopal, Tian Xia and of course the Miratian government itself were gathering at a conference center in the Miratian capital. The subject at hand was the resolution of the tensions resulting from the Tian Xian mission in Mortimer's Claim. The attendee list was explained as those who were involved, Miratia as the host, and the Shinra Republic and Cascadia who had been "invited" by the respective sides (Shinra by Tian Xia and the Vineyards, Cascadia by Indhopal) to help guide the discussion. The truth of the matter was that much of what was to be discussed and largely been agreed to through back channel discussions. However, the conference would serve the purpose of working out certain final details - as well as being a convenient show for the international press. Amongst other reasons, President Rufus Shinra had come up with the idea as a way of showing that multinational summits could work, despite the results of the previous MESS/CATO Summit. But he was taking it one step at a time, starting off with a local meeting to resolve a relatively local dispute.

And so it was that the meetings began, the broad details already worked out, with further details being decided upon in an atmosphere of, if not total friendliness, than certainly calm and restraint.

Results
Basically establishing what's been going on via PMs for the past day, while setting up an IC point so we can have some time progression in the story.

EDIT: And I throw in IC support of Steve's Pacific Union proposal.

[Pollux]

"Sir! Colonel! Sir!"

"Yes, Major, what is it?"

"They're sending fleets! Planes! Everything!"

"They are...?"

"Yes, three or four. Also, the Cascadians are ready to begin an airlift."

"Tell them they have the go ahead, and begin moving refugees to the airport. Get in touch with those fleets and give them up to speed on the situation. Also, I want our troops pulled back from Dubozemsk and the Bay Bridge blown, now."

"Yes sir!"

RESULT:

Refugees are beginning to be moved to the airport to await airlift.
Misterian troops are being stationed near the embassies of friendly states in order to protect them.
The Republican Army withdraws from the city of Dubozemsk, and destroys the bridge across the Bay to Empyrean City.



The NDF holds Dubozemsk, Trudologorsk, and Dolinagrad.
Berezalug and Sankt Roza are contested.
Most of the refugees are either in Empyrean City proper or Ostrov Rytsara.

[Bluewolf]

4:00pm, ½ mile from Farbanti International Airport, Shroomania:

Michael was surrounded by flames, everything was on fire, and twisted screams came from all sides. The smell in the air was like roasted metal and flesh and it burnt his nose. There was nowhere to escape; a large piece of metal had fallen on top of him. His vision was one of just smoke and fire. He tried to pull himself up, hoping to lift the metal but there no hope. No chance. No escape, only the endless flames endless flames and tortured screams of agony that encircled him. He spluttered without end as the deadly smoke flooded into his lungs. Soon either the raging flames or smoke inhalation would kill him. It was really a race to see which would kill him first. Michael reached out onto a metal bar, hoping to use it to wrench the beam up. It was a foolish move. His hand was burned with a sickening sizzling sound. He screamed in pain with no way to stop it.

A shape appeared through the flames. A little boy, his clothes charred, his face blackened from ash. His body was weak and malnourished. Michael noticed his arms were bony and were bleeding badly. The look in his eyes was one of bleak despair. “You promised us that you make sure everything was Ok”. He croaked weakly. “Now we are all going to die. Mummy, Daddy, everyone. Its all your fault!” The kids croak turned into a strangled squeal and more beams of burning metal started to coat the floor, hitting the kid and setting him alight with a cry. Michael screamed in agony and in horror as he began to be ignited as well. “It’s all your fault”. The boy screamed one last time as Michaels vision was filled with flames.

“Oh god no!” He cried out as he opened his eyes to see the lights of the cabin. Sir, are you all right?” Said one of his aides who was sitting next to him. “You seem distressed.” Michael looked at her with a disturbed face. The dream still echoed in his mind and it was a hard to get rid of.

“Yes” He said with a long silence looking at his hand before clutching his head with it. “Just a nightmare”

“You need some water sir, you look distressed. “ She wasted no time in waiting for his reply and ordered a drink from one of the cabin crew.

“Your fine now Sir. It was just a dream but judging by how you looked, it must have been a real nightmare.”

“Yes, yes dear god it was”. Michael had never had such a disturbing nightmare in all his life. He knew the stressed of his job were getting to him but to this extent? Michael felt like he was going to go crazy at the rate he was going. The news on becoming a CATO observer slipped by but luckily, sparingly the nuclear arms question had been mercifully not discovered yet. Only when it would be the right time would it be known. It was not spite or a malicious ignorance but simply a way of making sure that his opponents could not destroy him over several things and that his everything was dealt with at a fair rate.

Yet now information and leaks were becoming common. It was harder to keep things under wraps and that difficulty would probably continue on. It was just surviving really and doing what was best for his country; something that he was about to show again, despite what the others thought. His actions to help evacuate refugees from e Misteria would also further prove that.

“This is your Captain speaking. We are about close to landing at Farbanti airport. Please return to your seats and buckle your seatbelts.”

Michael sighed and looked down at the city below him. Soon, maybe, it would become a lot easier.

Orena, PeZookia:

Carl walked through the streets. To many he would simply be seen as another citizen of the country. He would be seen as a practical nobody who was just going about his daily life. His clothing was what a typical PeZookian middle aged man. Yet this was a complex illusion. Carl was a fabricated man. His name, date of birth, parents, siblings, next of kin and other details had all been made up with a legitimate looking fake birth certificate to prove it. His education was supposedly one of politics and history, again the qualifications, accurate to the finest detail yet fake.

The man even had a local accent as well as being able to speak fluent PeZookian. His training was not cheap, took time and effort but when done, he could blend into several countries with ease and now he was about to do one of the largest missions he had ever undertaken. He eventually walked into a quiet park area to a phone booth, which he soon got in. Putting coins into the machine he waited for his call to be picked up.

“Hello? Are you there? Good good, yes I was starting to wonder if you were still here. Anyway I have a request for you. I need two things. One thing is that I need some form of contact that will help me relay the results of private meetings in both the parliament and the monarchy.

Secondly, I will need to be given a place as a new member of the parliament.”

Result:

Michael Thomas feels the stress of his job.

Talks about CATO, the whaling/North Pole Project start in Shroomania

The spy operation in PeZookia starts to get under full swing.

[phongn]

TONKIN AIRLIFT

EMPYREAN CITY - In a surprising move, Tonkin-flagged airliners and heavy airlifters have joined international efforts to evacuate the refugee population of Misteria. Freighters and naval forces are also said to be en-route to "assist in this humanitarian crisis." The government further urged the new Misterian government ...

[Pollux]

The former Grand Duke of Belapol's Palace, 11 km outside Belapol,
Shortly after the arrival of the Cialanese diplomats...

"What do you mean you can't do anything about them?" bellowed one of the diplomats, his face red with exasperation.

"Sir, as I told you earlier, the National Defense Force is not under the jurisdiction of the Misterian Army - there really, truly is nothing we can do," replied General Mikhail Yablokov, cool and collected as he always was, and was famous for, a cigar in his gloved hand.

"Don't keep up that line of bullshit! They were fighting for your flag, alongside your men! We've seen the footage, and we've read the reports."

"True, during the heavy fighting of the revolution, the NDF was provided indispensable assistance to our efforts. That does not change the fact they were only working with us because we have remarkably similar, and, in many cases, the exact same goals."

"They're completely out of your control? All of these, these NDF goons?"

"In actuality, no. For the most part, NDF units listen to our radio broadcasts, and stand down when we order them to."

"So why haven't you ordered the NDF in the Bay Area to stand down yet?"

"Ha! We already have. In fact, we have ordered all NDF units in Misteria to. These Empyrean City units, however... they're difficult. Very zealous. Most of them either went to or have other connections to that radical school, Berezalug. While they have certainly made excellent advancements in the fields of socialist theory - you really should read some of their publications, most fascinating - they are notoriously difficult to control as soldiers. Unprofessional, perhaps, but they are convinced that they are completing the revolution through their actions."

"So, what you're telling me that one and a half million people are at risk of being slaughtered by a bunch of arugala-eating crazies, and you can't reign them in at all?"

"Not without risking a destructive schism in the revolutionary movement, no. I am sorry, but our hands are tied quite firmly."

"You realize that, if one and a half million people die, you will have a full-fledged international incident on your hands?"

"Not on our hands, on the NDF-"

"No one outside of Misteria is going to care about the distinction! All they will see is men with guns killing civilians, and assume the army did it."

"...yes..." Yablokov's air of calm was rapidly disintegrating as he realized what that entailed.

"Your country is barely a week old. Do you really want to take that chance?"

Yablokov remained silent as he got up and walked over to the window, his back to the diplomats. The smoke from his cigar lazily drifted up toward the ceiling.

"For God's sake, one and a half million people. You can save them! You might be the only one that can save them!"

It seemed like half an hour before Yablokov finally responded, and he continued to face the window as he did so:

"...I... I'll relay this to the Supreme Soviet, but I can't promise anything will be done."

"At least something might be done."

"Yes... perhaps."

Yablokov tossed his cigar to the tile floor and crushed it with his boot.

"Perhaps."

RESULTS:

The Communists might do something to defuse the Empyrean City situation... maybe.

[Bluewolf]

Outside the waters of Empyrean City, Misteria


Evacuation of Empyrean City

From: Admiral Calvin Christon

To: Commodore: Jullian Saun

In light of recent events, your task unit is to move in and land the freighters near one of the harbours of the city where intel has shown many of the refugees are starting to gather. The CNS Beachhead is to also deploy its marines and vehicles so that a safe area of the city can be secured from any potential anarchy or fighting. Helicopters shall be used for intel and lifting refugees. It has been made clear that Cialan is not seeking military aggression yet is merely trying to save as many as it can who want out before the situation completely collapses, despite some assurances otherwise. It has been made clear to the UCSR and the new government in Misteria that we have no opposition to them and your actions must reflect this. A close eye is to be kept on the freighters and they must be protected from any threat. We will be appealing to other powers, in particular, the UCSR and Langley to help move people as the freighters capacity is very limited.

Result:

Seeing the situation getting dire, Cialan deploys its forces in getting as many out of the city as possible.

It is made clear that Cialan is not against the new government.

An appeal is made to help provide efforts to get people out who want to go by providing either more ships or somewhere to house people for the current time.

[RogueIce]

++--IMMEDIATE--++

TO: Commander, BG-4
FROM: Commander, Pacific Fleet

PHIBRON-4 and appropriate escort elements to be dispatched ASAP to waters off Misteria. Marine aviation elements to be utilized in evacuation of refugees from Shinra Republic embassy grounds and any other areas directed. Marine ground elements to be dispatched to Shinra Republic embassy only repeat only to reinforce SRMC Embassy Security Group personnel during the current crisis. ROE is to return fire only when fired upon and when doing so does not unduly endanger noncombatants.

[Shinn Langley Soryu]

Langley Royal Office Private Communique
FROM: Duke Lelouch Lamperouge
TO: President Stephen T. Garrett

In the event that military flights are allowed into Empyrean City for evacuation efforts, Cascadian and Alaskan airlift assets are authorized to make use of Langley Air Force bases for faster turnaround flights of refugees and humanitarian aid. In return, I ask that airfields in Van Halstoff Territory be made available to Langley airlift assets for that same purpose.

Respectfully yours,

Duke Lelouch Lamperouge

---

- DESU - DESU - DESU -

ATTN: Langley Navy Combined Expeditionary Fleet

Marine aviation elements are authorized to evacuate refugees from Langley embassy grounds and any other areas directed. Marine ground elements are authorized to be dispatched to Langley embassy only to reinforce Langley Army security personnel during the current crisis. Engage only when fired upon and when doing so does not unduly endanger noncombatants.

- DESU - DESU - DESU -

---

Fenette Air Force Base, just outside Ashford City


Langley Air Force C-17 Globemaster IIIs line up for takeoff

The Langley Air Force's strategic airlift assets, while small in number, were still highly valued for humanitarian missions, and the evacuation of Empyrean City was to be their largest endeavor yet. The C-17 Globemaster IIIs and Antonov An-124s of the Langley Air Force 1st Strategic Airlift Wing were marshaled out of their hangars at Fenette AFB, loaded up with humanitarian supplies, and sent to Misteria to drop off their goods at Belapol before diverting to Empyrean City to take on refugees. C-130J Super Hercules and Antonov An-22s stationed at other air bases were also mobilized for the effort, while KC-130R Stratotankers were scrambled to provide fuel for the transports making their journeys to and from Misteria.

[Steve]

The response note was fired back to Ashford from Adams immediately: flights by Langley AF airlift to Ying AFB in Van Halstoff or, if necessary, Welles Island AFB in Welles Territory, would be authorized.

In Van Halstoff Territory, Ying AFB personnel worked furiously to begin preparations, joined by civilian and military denizens of the Territory. Facilities for the refugees would have to be readied, meals and drinking water arranged...

In Cascadia and Alaska their respective Airlift commands, already linked from years of officer exchanges and further now in anticipation of possible joining under the new Pacific Union, readied for such an operation, while sealift assets were contracted and prepared to ship needed supplies to Van Halstoff.

[Pollux]

+++PRIORITY+++

FROM: USRM Central Military Command, Belapol
TO: All USRM Forces

Both Army Divisions on the isle of Osvobozhden, are to immediately proceed from Belapol and Novgorod Vostoka to the Empyrean City Bay Area. They are to solicit the support of all NDF units they encounter on the way, and have permission to seize any civilian assets necessary to transport their soldiers and NDF recruits to the Bay Area with all possible speed. They are to be joined by any assets that can be transported by helicopter from other islands. All land based troops are to enter the city of Dubozemsk and await further orders.

Helicopter-borne troops are to initially secure the old Royal Intelligence Offices, the Dubozemsk and Empyrean City airports, the University of Misteria at Berezalug, the Empyrean Canal Control Center, and the Dolinagrad Kreml. Once these areas are secure, they are to await further orders.

All flight-capable interceptor craft are to conduct patrols over Empyrean City, intercepting any and all non-Misterian air traffic, and either escorting them out of Bay airspace or to the Empyrean City airport. Foreign aircraft already at the airport are to be prevented from taking off.

All ships of the Misterian navy are to prevent any ships from leaving the Bay Area, and are to escort ships that intend to dock to safe berths.

All NDF cells are to be reactivated immediately, and are to conduct patrols of the cities and countryside as directed by army officials. All military and paramilitary assets are to be placed on high alert. Insubordinate NDF troops are to be arrested.

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES ARE ANY FOREIGN TROOPS OR ASSETS TO BE FIRED UPON. LOYALIST UNITS ARE TO BE ENGAGED WHERE ENCOUNTERED, EXCEPT WHEN DOING SO WOULD RISK DAMAGE TO FOREIGN ASSETS.

[Raj Ahten]

Fenraven, Indhopal

While it seemed that most of the worlds fleets and news media were turning their attention towards Misteria, the people in Indhopal were saving all their attention for rumors about the conference in Miratia. The possibility of devastating war was on the forefront of some minds, but those on the right especially were glad the president was standing up to Tian Xia at last. No doubt Tian Xia would be sent packing out of Mortimer's claim! More moderate voices and humanitarians were hopeful that a solution to the "CFR problem" might finally be at hand.

[Bluewolf]

8pm, Empyrean City

Marines had been deployed swiftly and had several goals. A perimeter area had already been set up with troops closely guarding the edges. Organisation for the thousands of refugees that had already rushed to the perimeter like mad sheep had started and a massive line was starting to form as the large freighters docked. Passports and other identification was called for which was a hard job for such a large number of people who many had just rushed to the line without any thought of packing anything. It was a mammoth task as more and more came. Troops patrolled up and down to make sure that there was no fighting or squabbling.

Meanwhile other troops had rushed to the Cialan embassy to get everyone out of there. Much relief came as several armoured cars and APC’s came down the street and there was little time wasted in getting them out. The goal of getting to the airport was swiftly ruled out however. Troops were flooding back into the city and it was becoming active again with what remaining air forces there were flying in the air. They had too few men to risk any fight breaking out and their main focus was on the ones who were ready to be loaded onto the ships.

Helicopters were deployed in limited number to avoid confrontation. Boats were moved out of the way so that the freighters could get in and after three hours, 3 ships were already full but the people kept coming and coming and it would be obvious that the rest would be filled in a short space time.

However there was a problem as the ships set forth to leave Empyrean city. An order that all non Misteria ships were to dock and not leave the city was given. However the CNS Barrow with the 3 freighters started to make their way out of the city and back into international waters with the CNS Pyre trailing nearby, but not leaving the area. The order to stay was ignored as was the order to fully dock.
-------------
RE: Naval Restriction

To: Commander of the NDF Navel Forces
From Commodore Jullian Saun
We will not be contained within Empyrean City or be forced to dock. Our mission is one of aid and we will not be bullied into staying. We fully intend to take as many refugees out of this city as needed and we will defend ourselves if that’s required.
-----
Communique to the Duchess of Langley

To: Duke Lelouch Lamperouge
From: Defence Minister Ross Jevis
We ask that our refugee ships and naval assets which are helping the evacuation of Empyrean City are allowed to use your ports to supply and refuel and to move the currently transported refugees to a safe location. This is in light of the recent evacuation efforts.
Result:

Cialan gets its evacuation process underway.

Cialan ignores the naval restriction and will defend itself if needed.

Cialan seeks Langley’s aid in helping to find a place for the refugees to go as well as using ports to supply.

[Pollux]

The Dutiful, Slava-class CG

Pavel Andreyevich Akimov was furious. Who the hell did this Saun think he was? He crumpled the printout of the message up and fired back:

To: Commodore Julian Saun
From: Admiral Pavel Akimov

You must return to the docks now. As far as I am concerned, you are kidnapping citizens of the USRM, and, unless you adjust your course immediately, will be treated as pirates.

We will not ask again. Dock immediately or face the consequences.

[K. A. Pital]

Stasograd, Crimson Square

Over five thousand throats roared in unison "Long live the Revolution!" as the Su-35 jets overhead composed a crimson star and the letters U.C.S.R.

It was the Parade of the 100th Anniversary of the Great October Revolution, and this 100-year jubilee was probably the event of the year in the Union. Troops marched over and over, chanting the national hymn.

As the Army General and the Minister of Defence rolled through the square on their cars, the soldiers cried out triple hurrahs which was a common salute.

Then the tanks, mobile SAM platforms and APCs rolled through the square, shaking ground at the point of their pass.


The Parade was accepted in person by the nation's leaders, including the acting President Shady and the Supreme Soviet members. It was finished by early afternoon.

Severomorsk, 61 Communar Shipyard


...Strong in our friendship tried by fire, long may our crimson flag inspire, shining in glory for all men to see!..

The sound of the hymn faded and only the sound of the water splashing on the carrier bow remained. The second nuclear supercarrier of the 1143.8 project was finally steering away from the shipyards. The crisis of the biowar years severely hampered construction, but it was continued slowly and steadily, until finally the ship was ready. It was planned to have an airwing similar to it's cousin, around 40 fifth-generation CFN-01 fighters and a dozen stealthy MiG SKAT drones for assault operations; as well as 4 newest Ka-60 anti-submarine warfare helicopters and 4 An-71 AEW&C jet-powered planes.

The ship's massive defence envelope consisted of VLS batteries filled with S-500 mid- and long-range missiles, as well as 4 CIWS-CADS combined missile and gun pods to defend against incoming threats, not to mention the 4 RBU-12000 counter-torpedo systems that could also deploy mobile minefields. The ship also had a few packs of counter-torpedoes from the Paket-NK system.

This 350m giant was ready to join it's brother in the seas of the world - another testament to the might of the Union, which was launched right on the day of the 100 Year Revolution Anniversary. The directors of the 61 Communar Shipyard quite overjoyed, and not only due to the launch of the carrier... they knew that with the completion of this vessel, the docks are being freed for something yet more massive.

Today the ship that was undergoing sea trials for the last month, would take part in the celebrations - it's flight wing today consisted of the UCSR ace show group who were to demonstrate higher flying arts over the North Sea Gulf. Some awe for the spectators who crowded on the banks, and some advertisment for the shipbuilding industries.

[Bluewolf]

CNS Barrow
To: Admiral Pavel Akimov

From: Commodore Julian Saun

Kidnapping of citizens of the USRM? We only wish to take those who do not wish to live in your country. You have imposed a restriction on us without warning. I do not wish for a fight though but our ships cannot be restricted like this. We are willing to contest this will your superiors if need be. There has been enough bloodshed already.
------------------------
Meanwhile the CNS Blue Wolf silently monitored the proceedings, unknown in location. Its torpedoes were ready and armed in case of an attack on the Barrow and it would only take a matter of time to fire them. Yet that would in the end lead to a diplomatic incident and a possible risk of the other ships. Word had been given that the 4th and 5th freighters were being loaded. The situation was tense; now, even the Barrow was readying herself for a fight. Not wanting

Result: Tensions rise as the ships ready themselves for possible defence.

The rumor of the SSN Blue Wolf arriving is true.

Cialan is willing to talk over this restriction.

[Lonestar]

Official Foreign Ministry Statement
We are monitoring the situation in Misteria very carefully, and we are distressed by the deployment of Cialan troops outside of the scope of citizenry evacuation. We prevail upon both the Supreme Soviet and Cialan forces to stand down and peacefully exit the area.

[OOC: Edited because I misread Bluewolf's original post]

[Pollux]

Aboard the MNV Dutiful...

"They're not changing course sir!"

"Whores. Fire a warning shot off their bow, and then give them one final warning. Make it clear we will not give them another chance."

The MNV Dutiful's 130mm cannon barked, and a column of water rose several dozen meters off the CNS Barrow's port bow.

To: Commodore Julian Saun
From: Admiral Pavel Akimov

This your last warning. Return to the docks immediately or the fleet will be forced to open fire on your warships. The Supreme Soviet has assured me that no harm will come to you or your crew.

"Have these three frigates and this destroyer move to cut them off. Order the Adventurous to come to the Barrow's starboard side."

"And?"

"...and arm the missiles."

RESULT:

Two Slava-class cruisers, three Neustrashimy frigates, and a Sovremenny destroyer are moving to intercept the Cialanian fleet.
The Misterian fleet is as yet unaware of the sub.

EDIT: Added results for clarification.

[Bluewolf]

RE: Naval Restrictions.

To: Admiral Pavel Akimov
From: Commodore Julian Saun

You are indulging in an act of violence against ships and transports that carry Cialanian diplomatic staff. Attacking these people is considered an act of war and is frowned upon. I warn you to back off now and let us transport the rest of our diplomatic staff out of your country. We will also withdraw troops as soon as we can from your territory. You would be a fool to not take heed of this.
-----
The ships were still ready for a fight but hopefully this would get through to the Admiral and maybe there would be no bloodshed after all.

[Steve]

Presidential Office


Too much was happening at once. The smoldering situation in the ex-CFR. The Empyrean City standoff. And the Pacific Union proposal, which was stalled in the Alaskan Congress. Stephen was tempted to get some of that leftover vodka he'd shared with Stanislav just to take the edge off.

"We may have passed a hurdle in Jieshi thanks to the news that our representatives are talking with Byzantine Heavy Industries about their K-2 and K-3 tanks," Parnell remarked from his seat. "Grant's legislature still hasn't gotten a cloture vote but the tide's starting to turn there thanks to the popularity of this thing. Alaska, though...."
"Maybe I should advise Cizaldo and Rice to do as I did," Stephen remarked. "To submit the vote to the constituent parts of Alaska as well as the Congress."
"You think that'd get the Congress to agree?"
"Not until the individual provinces did, but maybe. I mean, for this Union to be meaningful we need Alaska in it, otherwise it's just Cascadia plus Adabani with a pretentious name." Stephen thumped his desk. "If need be I'll fly to Anchorage to make the pitch myself."
"I'll forward the idea to Rice," Parnell said. "Now, Misteria...."
"They're blocking all traffic, air and sea?"
"Yes, and forcing anyone who enters to remain at the airport or in berth at a dock. They've sortied their fleet and are flying their air interceptors to enforce this."

"Unacceptable. We have a right of access to our embassies," Stephen remarked in irritation. "Plus some other country might get itchy on the trigger-finger and blow this thing up. Have a message drafted where we refuse the air blockade only when concerning travel to our embassy. Tell them that starting tomorrow at dawn, their time, Intrepid and Concordia will be sending their helos to our embassy under escort. We will transmit a flight plan to them and our craft will adhere to it strictly to reassure them as to our intentions. Any attempt to challenge them with force...." Stephen took a breath for a moment, knowing that the mere wording of this next part could be the difference between peaceful resolution and conflict. "Any attempt to challenge them with force will be taken as a hostile act and we will respond accordingly." Sighing, he sat back in his chair and muttered, "God help us all." Aloud he said, "Call Ambassador Cherenko, please inform him I would like to speak with him."
"And what about Robert's idea of a last resort?"
"Backburner it," Stephen grumbled. "We'll use it only if we absolutely have to."

Actions:
Cascadian note transmitted in the clear to Misterian revolutionary regime.
President Garrett informs the UCSR Ambassador to please inform his government of Cascadia's desire to maintain peace in the Misterian situation and for UCSR assistance in bringing the new regime to the negotiating table.
Cascadian analysts are looking over the files of Misterian expatriates and those living on foreign shores who were government officials of the fallen Republic.

[phongn]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Incorporated Republic of Tonkin is now offering immediate citizenship to any person in the Empyrean City zone, with initial offers of resettlement in Rangatara, Tonkin, Svalbardia or as corporate management in Klavostan. Relocation assistance will be offered as well as educational and employment incentives ...

---

Diplomatic Message to the provisional Misterian Government

The Incorporated Republic of Tonkin demands that it be permitted free transit to its embassies and consulates within Misteria as well as securing the safety of our citizens presently awaiting evacuation. Tonkin reiterates that while it the Republic wishes to avoid conflict, any and all means to protect her citizenry will be undertaken.

---

Tonkin-World-Airlines 2707

Tonkin's 2707s were the fastest airliners in the world. Sleek, elegant swing-wing designs, they cost a small fortune in maintenance, but ticket sales were always high. They carried some of the most powerful supersonic engines ever developed. And - quietly - they also had a defensive suite to protect them in the takeoff and landing phases. Advanced IRCAM, though no jamming equipment. Once at altitude and full-speed, they were very difficult to intercept indeed. And so - with passenger loads of Tonkinese nationals - not the newly-minted sort - awaiting evacuation, TWA was pondering a very interesting question.

Can an airliner outrun a MiG?

---

RTAF 'Shroomtofortress', 55000 ft, approaching Misteria

Freedom of the skies. And Tonkin was about to inform Misteria exactly what the implications might be should it try anything particularly foolish. The great corporate state had no desire - perhaps even no stomach - for war. But it saw the opportunity for excellent PR, for trained labor and professionals, and the chance to poke some revolutionaries in the eye. And so - four strategic bombers were flying at high altitude, higher than Misterian fighters could easily operate. Transponders were on, EW set to enhance radar returns. And they were going to overfly Misteria.

[Shinn Langley Soryu]

Langley Royal Office Private Communique
FROM: Duke Lelouch Lamperouge
TO: Defence Minister Ross Jevis

Assuming your ships are able to pierce the Misterian naval blockade, they are free to make use of Langley Navy facilities to refuel, resupply, and offload refugees. I suggest contacting the Cascadians to ask for use of their facilities as well. The best of luck to your sailors.

Respectfully yours,

Duke Lelouch Lamperouge

---

Empyrean City, Misteria


Currently-grounded Langley Air Force C-17 Globemaster IIIs offload their remaining supplies at Emyprean City International Airport

As soon as the Langley Air Force's transports had touched down in Empyrean City, the Misterian revolutionary military had enacted its aerial and maritime lockdown of the country, confining them and any other unfortunate aircraft to the ground until further notice. Langley's diplomats sent notices to the Misterian revolutionary government to lift the blockade to allow aid to come in and refugees to come out, but it would be a while before they could get their reply; in the meantime, all the transport crews could do was wait until they got the word to move out once more.

"Maybe we could bribe those Misterian soldiers with all these eroge and hentai doujinshi we're sitting on right now," at least one loadmaster idly mused.

[DarthShady]

"Call Ambassador Cherenko, please inform him I would like to speak with him."

Ambassador Cherenko received the call and after making a quick call to President Shady, he was on his way to meet with President Garrett to discuss the situation and hopefully bring about a peaceful solution to the crisis.

Diplomatic note
TO: Communist Government of Misteria
FROM: President Shady of the UCSR

Comrades I must say that I am pleased with the success of your revolution, but I also must say that some of your actions are foolhardy and threaten to undo all that you have accomplished. It is necessary that this crisis is resolved as soon as possible, without any unnecessary loss of life. For this purpose the Union will dispatch a fleet of ships to assist in the evacuation of foreign citizens and to help secure Misterian waters. I am also sending my foreign minister Yuri Andropovsky to meet with you and help resolve this matter diplomatically. I trust you will see the wisdom of my words, before the situation escalates any further.

[DarthShady]

RED ONE CHANNEL: The UCSR deploys Naval assets into Misterian waters


A battlegroup lead by the "Ivan Drago" Ulyanovsk-class carrier is en route to Misterian waters. The purpose of the battlegroup is to help evacuate foreign citizens and show support for the local communist government, as well as to provide assistance to the citizens of the war torn country. "Hopefully the presence of Union Navy ships will help ease the tensions and influence the local government into resolving the current crisis through diplomacy.", Said President Shady at a press conference earlier today.

Battlegroup:
Pr. 1143.7 ULYANOVSK Carrier: UNS "Ivan Drago"
1199.0 Anchar nuclear destroyer/cruiser: 2
Destroyer pr.21956: 4
NEUSTRASHIMY Frigates: 4
Pr. 677 LADA Submarines: 2
Type 071 "Yuzhao": 1
Ivan Rogov BDK: 4
Pr.320 Yenisey dedicated hospital ship: 4

OOC: Too much?

[Siege]

Private yacht 'Golden Heart', somewhere on the Atlantic

Sidney clucked his tongue as he read the front page article. 'Unrest in Misteria!' it declared in bold black capitals. He looked pleased: it was good to for once not be in the eye of the storm. The NFT had a helicopter cruiser stationed at Paradise Island which could theoretically make it to Misteria in little time, but in light of the international response mustered so far the Syndicate had decided against it. One ship more or less wouldn't make or break this situation, and who knew what other crisis might pop up.

He continued to leaf through the pages, putting down the paper only briefly to sip from a cold beverage before reading on. The sun beat down on the massive aft deck as the ship made its way toward the equator, headed for PeZookia, the Tri-Cities and the Tall Ship Races.

Finally his eye struck a small page-six article that drew the former president's attention. 'Warlord's Aide Shot At Border Crossing' said the headline, and the article continued to explain how a certain Edgar O'Donnell, an accomplice of Mortimer O'Donnell, had been shot and killed by border guards whilst trying to illegally cross into Sabika. Sidney's smile widened. “Suitably recompensed” indeed.

Sidney put the paper away and savored the sweet taste of success. A loose and potentially incriminating end had been tied up, and he was now in possession of an ample source of off-the-books cash and currency. He grinned and folded his arms behind his head, enjoying the warmth of the sun and the soft ocean breeze. Life was good. Maybe he should put in a brief stop at Farbanti...

[Shroom Man 777]

To: The government of Misteria
From: The Ministry of Shroomanian Homeland Affairs in Foreign Territories (SHAFT)

The most imperious Sovereignty of Shroomania expresses its explicit displeasure at the impounding of foreign aircraft and sea vessels in the Misterian territories - the aircraft and sea vessels that had been sent in with the clearly stated diplomatic and humanitarian goals of extracting various foreign nationals from your dilapidated nation's confines.

Though the Sovereignty fortunately does not have any of its citizenry standed in your fringe world yokel backwater, the same cannot be said for other nations - not the least of which being the Sovereignty's good Commonwealth ally, the Duchy of Langley, whose fleet of military transport planes you have impounded in your lands despite their peaceful mandate. This, and the preceding incidents in your waterways have been most alarming... and displeasing.

Thus, in the name of the Combined Alliance Treaty Organization and on behalf its member nations, and the goals of internationalism and humanitarianism, we request that the government of Misteria cease and desist its questionable activities and rectify the aforementioned errors in judgment. As an incentive, the Sovereignty would willingly recognize Misteria's new government and establish further socioeconomic ties with your quaint little nation in return for the mentioned and requested concessions.

Failure to heed the international community's request of peaceful passage for foreign planes and ships will indeed be most regrettable. But not for Shroomania.


Most Sincerely,

Lord Melchett McMeistervater
Minister of SHAFT