StarDestroyer.Net BBS

Orena, Royal Office

This was...not really a surprise for the King.

"So...General Sheppard...what, exactly, are you threatening to do to my diplomatic staff - which has not comitted any crime, I'd like to remind you - if we go through with prosecuting Al-Fakim?"

PeZook wrote:"So...General Sheppard...what, exactly, are you threatening to do to my diplomatic staff - which has not comitted any crime, I'd like to remind you - if we go through with prosecuting Al-Fakim?"

"If Al-Fakim is not turned over to us in oh, two hours; I will instruct my Special Republican Guard to secure your embassy for your own personnel's protection against the more...unruly elements of Shepistani society."

Sheppard let that hang in the air for a moment, the SRG had a well deserved international reputation after it was responsible for the deaths of about 300 hostages in two different airplane hijackings 15 years ago when they stormed the airliners on the tarmac with fragmentation grenades....Of course, people had stopped hijacking airliners near Shepistan after those two incidents...

"Whereas we shall then try them for various uh...crimes that we no doubt will discover as we search through your embassy."

MKSheppard wrote: "If Al-Fakim is not turned over to us in oh, two hours; I will instruct my Special Republican Guard to secure your embassy for your own personnel's protection against the more...unruly elements of Shepistani society."

Sheppard let that hang in the air for a moment, the SRG had a well deserved international reputation after it was responsible for the deaths of about 300 hostages in two different airplane hijackings 15 years ago when they stormed the airliners on the tarmac with fragmentation grenades....Of course, people had stopped hijacking airliners near Shepistan after those two incidents...

"Whereas we shall then try them for various uh...crimes that we no doubt will discover as we search through your embassy."

There was silence on the line for a minute or two.

"Very well. You can have Al-Fakim back, along with all your diplomats currently in PeZookia. We'll be sending a chartered airplane with them aboard within the hour, I suggest you tell your consulate to start packing.

I expect my people to go back to PeZookia on the same airplane, general."

PeZook wrote:I expect my people to go back to PeZookia on the same airplane, general."

"Very well. They will be on that plane."

An hour later, Orena International Airport

There was no goobye ceremony - the personell of the Shepistani Consulate in Orena were issued a note informing them they were being considered persona non grata in PeZookia due to actions of their government, and got an hour to pack and destroy all classified documents. Nobody attemped to interrupt them.

The streets were cleared for the motorcade at about the same time first reports surfaced about the stand-off at the PeZookian embassy. While Al-Fakim was being escorted - in handcuffs - to the airport, telephones at the Royal Palace began ringing.

And they never stopped, even as police escorted Shepistani diplomats onto the airliner, waiting on the tarmac. Al-Fakim was sat down there, and the handcuff keys were given to the Shepistani consul, along with the ceremonial knife and derringer pistol that were confiscated after the Congressional Hall incident.

An hour and ten minutes later, the BAM A320 airliner took off, and headed for Shepistan, escorted by a pair of Eurofighters.

Later that Day, Annapolis International Airport

As Al-Fakim was carried off in a stretcher towards a waiting ambulance, and the Shepistani diplomats and consuls deplaned, several buses rolled up and from them, Pezookian diplomats and consuls left, headed towards the waiting safety of the BAM A320.

Orena Evening news

FUN conference opening ceremonies postponed

Our reporters at the scene report that due to the diplomatic incident with Shepistan, the opening ceremonies for the FUN conference have been postponed several hours. Sources confirm the King made the decision after Shepistani tanks surrounded the PeZookian Embassy, claiming he needs to "Assure the safe return of our diplomatic personell".

Embassy in Shepistan evacuated ; PeZookia to break off relations?

With the evacuation of the PeZookian Embassy in Shepistan, experts claim it is likely all diplomatic relations with Shepistan are in danger of being broken off. No formal declaration has been issued yet by the Royal Palace, and Foreign Ministry officials declined comment.

Royal Office, Orena

"They've left Shepistani airspace? Good. Make sure they get home okay."

The King put down the receiver and sighed. He was half-dressed, wearing his pants, belt and a half-buttoned shirt. He postponed leaving for the conference because he was waiting for that call.

As he buttoned up and slid the sleeve pins into place, he wondered if he's made the right decision. Announcing his intent to prosecute Al-Fakim was an impulse, born out of a desire to stick it to the arrogant Shepistani consul. It seemed right, in a way, that Al-Fakim would see justice for what he did...however, it didn't quite turn out like that.

Perhaps I should've just handed him over?, the King thought, brushing his suit jacket...In the name of peace...

For some reason, he was convinced he would've felt guilty anyway. Right now, he just felt guilty for escalating the situation to the point where people - his people - could've died.

There are days..., he continued this line of thought while doing his tie, When this job sucks.

He flipped the light off and walked out the door.

P.C.I.A. Informs: Generic yearly rotation of diplomats announced

PCIA Serviceman Chest Sign

The Diplomatic Corps, which since January of the current year are directly subordinate to the PCIA, are currently undergoing a planned rotation.

Most, or all, have been replaced with PCIA servicemen during the rotation period.

Commenting on the change, President Stanislav stated: "The challenges in our dangerous world require of our diplomats extreme vigilance and unquestionable loyalty to the CSR".

OGONEK: The real TRUTH about everything!

Today: PCIA-trained elite soldiers are replacing civilian diplomats of the CSR across the world - our resident PCIA expert, dissident Freedomski, thinks this is connected to the Shepistan diplomatic incident at the FUN Conference yesterday.

OGONEK: So, mister Freedomski, as I understand, that is your pseudonim?

F: Yes, I changed it to Freedomski because I could not stand this regime. I used to be called Romanski, Romanski, you know, the old royal family, intelligent victims of those crimson thugs...

OGONEK: Is it true that you used to work for the PCIA?

F: Those accusations are of course false! But, I know everything about the PCIA and it's internal structures.

OGONEK: So you think this PCIA-instigated replacement of civilians with trained officers, many of whom are quite probably former Spetznaz servicemen and Border Guards, is connected with the Shepistan incident?

F: Of course! The murder of a diplomat by a Shepistani was predictable. This [censored] nation should have never been trusted. The true problem is that our government is more busy with repressing freedom at home, than nuking the hell out of dirty arabs and their insane leaders. Which is what I think it should do, and immediately...

OGONEK: But Mr. Freedomski you are a staunch pacifist?! You decried the PCIA for ethnic cleansing and various population transfers, as well as repressions against dissidents...

F: I can say only one thing, there's just one thing I hate more than communists and their socialist underdogs, I hate the [censored] in their [censored] desert.

OGONEK Commentary: This interview with Mr. Freedomski has been approved by the PCIA for publishing in the local newspapers. It clearly shows to most rational citizens of the CSR that Freedomski and his fringe, mentally unstable followers are not in their own mind.

His Majesty, King Leighton-I of the United Kingdom of Zoria, has received advice from the Zorian Admiralty that, given the concerns of increased military activity, it would make sense to mobilize a larger portion of the Zorian Navy.
---

On Commonwealth Now...

Commonwealth Now is a non profit political orginization begining in 1972 that advocates "Zorian Colonialism". In praticular this means setting up economic client states on the Eastern Coast of Velaria known as the Zorian Commonwealth. Think of it somewhat along the lines of the Colonial ambitions of the US after the Spanish/American War. This is a fairly small minority that only a few hardline nationalists pay any respect to, but they do make a stink every once and a while, inviting national attention.

Flash Video transcript on the "Commonwealth Now" Websight www.commonwealthnow.zor

Video Begins, Forboding music black screen with white words in bold text appearing

"This is what is today"

Quickly moves to a montage of brutal scenes of Velarian militiamen with AK-47s fighting, of starving children, extreme backwardness, child soldiers and various other images of Death and dispair.

Naration-"Velaria is a land of poverty, war and misery. People here live in a perpetual dark age as waring tribes fight for petty goals as the masses dwell in inhuman conditions, struggling just to see the next sunrise. There lands are rich in resources, yet they are unable to make use of them to help themselves."

Turns to an animation of Japanistani soldiers invading and brutally conquering Velaria

Naration-"A wealth that has attracted the forces of the Japanistani Empire. A nation of brutal conquerors who desire to see all the world bow before them. Should Velaria fall to them, they shall have what they need to begin a campaign of global Conquest."

The screen then turns black again and the music stops, then a new set of bold words appear

"What can be done"

The Music is now hopeful, and new pictures (clearly drawings, a few animated) appear of Well Equipped Soldiers with Zorian Sholder patches and Zorian Armored Vehicles moving in and stopping warlords. This is followed by Zorian Contractors rebuild wartorn cities, dig wells and as doctors and nurses treat children. Zorian Drill sergents train native soldiers, equiping them with modern weaponry while factories, railways and mines are opened up and cities become cleaner and more modern as the flags of eastern coastal Velarian nations fly underneath the Zorian Compass Rose.

Naration-"But that needs not the case, Zoria can end the misery and destruction that plauges Velaria. We can put an end to the incompetent despots who seek nothing more than to live in luxury while their subjects suffer, to end the militias that spread death and destruction for pointless vendettas.. We can bring forth stable standing armies and police forces with the equipment and training to bring law to anarchy and to make the subjugators think twice before invading. We can set up friendly nations able to trade with the world. We can develop there industries, so that there economies can bloom and prosperity benefits there people, while at the same time providing our industries with development contracts and new materials. This dream is the Zorian Commonwealth, an alliance of Zoria and various rebuilt nations that shall bring peace and prosperity onto our nation, and onto that of our remade allies. Help us make this dream a reality."

[OOC: I was typing this down a while ago - before this sudden flurry of activity and Setzer's subsequent post. Then I hit 'preview' and my school's shitty computer fucked me over. Fuck them.]



Royal Congressional Hall, Orena
Yesterday, Something-Something Unreal Time

It happened so fast.

After a brief exchange of words, the Shepistani representative promptly stabbed the Old Dominion diplomat in the chest. With a knife. When the blade was finally pulled off, blood sprayed from Minister Evan Mironov's bleeding breasts in a rather evocative sight.

More evocative was when Mironov rammed a broken champagne glass into representative Fakim's face, right on one of his eyes. Much blood was spilled everywhere.

As the FSS men separated the two mortal combatants, Fakim - his face a grotesque and bloody now-cyclopean visage - pulled out a tiny pistol and tried to kill Mironov with it.

He missed, and shot an ice-sculpted mushroom instead. Luckily, the mushroom exploded into countless sharp shards that lacerated innocent bystanders by the hors d ourvres table.



As the mushroom exploded, Prime Minister Shroom was chewing on a piece of snack sushi. He noted its suddenly odd taste, a coppery and metallic flavor, no doubt imparted by that strange blood-red wasabi sauce. It had a peculiar, yet strangely familiar taste.

The glass-sharp shards of ice missed the Prime Minister entirely - not even coming close to him. Which was more than could be said about everyone around him.

"Argh! CUNTS FOR EYES!" the Baernish ambassador screamed inhumanly as he covered his bloody face. "My glasses! My glasses! I can't be seen without my glasses!"

The poor man flailed about wildly and staggered drunkenly.

"Prime Minister!" Alison cried as she ran to her boss. "Sir, are you alright? Did you get hurt?"

"No, I'm fine. Thank you," Shroom replied nonchalantly. "How 'bout you? You okay?"

"Yeah -"

"CUNTS FOR EYES!" the Baernish ambassador screamed as he staggered towards the two. "I have -"

"Ja, fotzauge," Shroom finished for him. "Um... Ali, get this guy some help."

As Ali gave the stricken man some medical attention while bringing him to some EMTs, Shroom went over to the ruined table for another glass of champagne, feeling like he needed one badly, but it turned out that the remaining one was broken and filled with blood - Is that the Shepistani representative's eye?

He decided to be somewhere else, and so he went somewhere else.

He found Lady Anethga by the balcony, and she was visibly distraught, showing all the signs of shock.

"Hello again, Melfirth," Shroom began as he neared her. "Are you alright, milady?"

The Lady Ambassador of Sirnoth turned to face the Prime Minister of Shroomania, and he saw that she hadn't escaped the violence unhurt. There, betwixt her bosom, was a small cut - no doubt inflicted by a flying piece of sharp ice.

"Prime Minister..." she began.

"Your br-" Shroom began to utter, but stopped himself. "You're bleeding," he finally managed to say. He pulled a clean hanky from his pockets. "Here, you should put some light pressure on it, to stop the flow."

"Thank you," Melfirth said quietly as she took the Prime Minister's handkerchief, and his hand, and placed it on her chest.

They stood there like that, for a while, until Shroom decided to let her keep his hanky.

"Excuse me," they both said at once, mutually surprising one another. Shroom gestured to Lady Anethga, letting her go first. "I'd... like to be alone for a while, Shroom."

"Of course."

She gave Shroom his hanky back and excused herself as she took a comb from her purse and went to the ladies' room to compose herself.

Shroom wiped his brow with the unstained side of the hanky and decided to join King Paul.

Lady Anethga wrote:Lady Anethga rejoined the Prime Minister and King Paul. "Shepistanis and Old Dominioners fighting again. It seems I take a piece of home with me wherever I go. " She took a small comb out of her purse, and combed some shards of glass out of her hair. "Having given the matter some thought, I rather think that space research is our best option. The Sovereign just sent me the new budget figures, and we have a hefty surplus demanding to be spent."

LIVE on ShroomSatTV
The Sovereign Shroomanian Sentinel
SHEPISTANI SHAVING SLICE - DIPLOMATIC DERRINGER DISASTER

The Shepistani representative, Al-Fakim, not only stabbed the Lonestar Foreign Minister Evan Mironov, but also produced a carbon-fiber derringer - a tiny pistol undetectable to metal detectors - and attempted to finish the job.

Fortunately, Al-Fakim missed. However, Minister Mironov is currently in critical condition due to his stab wounds.

While the Shepistani representative was allowed to carry his ceremonial knife, due to the fact that it was not sharpened (though nonetheless it was quite pointy), how exactly he managed to smuggle his weapon into the Royal Congressional Hall is still being investigated.

Aside from the non-metallic construction of the derringer, making it invisible to metal detectors, it is believed that Shepistani representative Al-Fakim concealed the weapon in his crotch area and...


*click*



The Hanoi Hilton Five Star Hotel, Orena
Today...

Prime Minister Shroom woke up at noon. He had been awake well into the night and had slept rather late - only to end up being plagued by nightmares.

Nightmares of Shep having his brains blown off by Bean - King Blackadder. But now that Bean was in charge of Khitan, a Mongoloid nation, the flashbacks had Bean in the shape, form and likeness of Genghis Khan - laughing manically as he ventilated Shep's cranium.

Shroom laid there for a while, trying to erase the lingering memories of the nightmare by thinking happy thoughts, by remembering what exactly he had been doing before turning in for the night.

It turned out that Lady Melfirth shared her Sovereign's enthusiasm for the space program. She discussed the matter with him and King Paul, but Paul hadn't been in the best of moods due to the rather unexpected international incident, so the King went with his Queen, and the Prime Minister was left with the new Ambassador.

He spent the night explaining his Big Bang theory to her, and she got the thrust of it rather well as they stargazed together. In the Orena Observatory. Along with a few world leaders and diplomatic hangers on.

The diplomatic dinner had been so rudely interrupted and prematurely adjourned by the whole stab-shooting deal, so Prime Minister Shroom ended up taking those who weren't ready to turn in for the night for a tour of the PeZookian capital. The Prime Minister was rather familiar with Orena, having been there 'before' - so he took them to some sights still open at night, such as the Planetarium and the Observatory.

The Stubble Telescope was open, and visitors could only take a gander through its astral looking glass at night and with the assistance of the Observatory's scientific staff - who were totally not expecting a bunch of night-lively Prime Ministers and Ambassadors and Presidents to be crashing in on their Planetariums. They were rather excited and embarrassed and unsure of what to do with all the visiting very important persons, so Shroom ended up clapping the head honcho over the shoulder - and doing some free FASTA promotion for the crowds.

It really got the various diplomats and leaders, like Shady, excited and enthusiastic over FASTA and space research and stuff. Even the Fungal Secret Service men got in on it.

All in all, it was a good night - and Shroom ended it by walking Lady Melfirth Anethga to her room, kissing her hand one more time, and wishing her pleasant dreams.

Now, Shroom rubbed his eyes and thankfully, the memory of his not-so-pleasant nightmare faded away.

It was a brand new day, and the FUN Forum would begin - without the Shepistani ambassador, consul, representative, or knife-wielding sociopath.

Without the Lonestar representative too...

Shroom yawned and decided to get do his morning rituals. Alison would be waiting for him, with a whole folder full of homework for him to read through on their way to wherever the meeting was being held. He remembered last night, and remembered how she had decided not to join the Prime Minister's moving party, excusing herself by saying she had actual work to do.

Prime Minister Shroom decided that he would read her reports this time.

As he sat himself on the toilet, the TV droned on about how full body searches were being considered - with FSS men making sure no weapons were crotch-concealed.

MESS Summit
"Well, Evan appears to be in stable condition." Lonestar said, putting down the note an aide just handed him. "The whole incident just amplifies the danger Shepistan poses to the world. We really need to get the ball rolling on some projects to enhance our warfighting abilities. Since the Old Dominion is situated so close to the equator, it makes logical sense for us to be the primary launch pad for MESS space programs. In addition, I've already awarded some contracts to Combat Optics to build communications satellites…we just need someone to build the launcher. SATCOMMs are absolutely vital for us if we are to have a advantage over everyone; otherwise we got a couple hundred naval ships out there with degraded communications/coordination capabilities, as well as UAV programs that are jokes…"


Lonestar paused. "As some of you know, we've already awarded a contract to acquire large amounts of Uranium for a weapons program. It does NOT make sense for the LSR…excuse me, the Old Dominion, to be the base of the fabrication plant. I believe Beowulf has something to say on that subject…?"

Royal Congressional Hall, Orena: Auditorium



"Ladies and gentlemen, the King of PeZookia!", said the keynote speaker, directing his words to the packed auditorium in the Royal Congressional Hall. There was some conservative applause from all gathered representatives, as King Paul walked out onto the podium. He laid his notes on the speakerstand, smiled to the crowd and began the opening speech.

"Ladies and gentlemen ; Honorable representatives of the FUN ; Envoys of the world. I would like to thank you for attending this conference in such great number ; I am indeed pleased by commitment to world peace such a gathering signifies.

It is doubly important, since the issues to be touched upon during this conference concern so much more than just the FUN. Defence, trade, science and research, space exploration and international dialogue are all matters of crucial importance for the world at large. It is my sincerest hope that we can lay the foundation here for projects and initiatives which will last centuries.

Thank you for your attention, and let us proceed with meaningful discourse. Let us strive for great things - together!"

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

Orena Evening News

FUN conference begins

With an opening speech, King Paul kicked off the FUN conference in Orena today. The opening ceremony was delayed for more than 8 hours due to a diplomatic crisis sparked by a Shepistani diplomat stabbing the Old Dominion foreign minister during a pre-conference banquet.

Representatives from all over the world are expected to discuss matters related to mutual defence, science projects, trade pacts and space exploration.

Initial "Atomics Weaponization Study" contract issued to Orena University

The Defence Ministry has issued a contract to study the possibility of weaponizing atomic energy. Similar studies are being conducted by Shepistan and Japanistan, with the eventual goal of producing enhanced, next-generation weapons.

"This study is supposed to determine the level of potential these weapons hold, and if they are capable of changing the strategic balance of power in Shepistani favor.", said one Defence Ministry official.

AEN does not know if other countries are participating in the project.

Royal Congressional Hall, Orena: Auditorium

"Hi everyone!" Shroom began, and he waved at the various peoples and envoys and diplomats and world leaders around him. He grinned at Paul, winked at Lady Melfirth Anethga, and waved at Alison - who waved back before resuming in biting her nails nervously.

"Hi, Prime Minister Shroom!" chorused those in the Auditorium who were with him last night at the Planetarium, including Premier Shady and King Leighton-I of Zoria, and Lady Melfirth.

The lot of them tried to hide their grinning, since Vinish and Byzantine booze hadn't erased the memory of the Prime Minister in the Planetarium clambering atop the rather large model Solar System display and dancing on the planet Saturnia's rings while the whole thing rotated and revolved around the Sun. If the Prime Minister had any regret, it was that the more dignified leaders of the world hadn't seen his stunts of dickery.

The Prime Minister rubbed the back of his head - which was still a little sore after his little jaunt at the Asteroid Belt.

"Before we begin with such matters like FASTA, in which I will reiterate to those who weren't there what I said last night about the benefits of space exploration, and the importance of such a cooperation on promoting world peace..."

Those who weren't in on the shenanigans wondered what the Prime Minister was talking about. They would know, though, since Shroom was certain there were journos watching his escapades... Goddamn Paparazzi.

"I know this is a bit late, but let me just congratulate Ninhursag's President Vohu Manah, and First Lady Armaiti Mazda Manah for the birth of their first child, a baby boy!" Shroom smiled, and the various delegates and representatives all went:

"Awww!"

"Is the President here? Well, he's probably with his wife, at home with their baby. I wonder if he's watching us, though. If he is, then congratulations, mang!"

"Now," Shroom continued. "On to serious business."


LIVE on ShroomSatTV
The Sovereign Shroomanian Sentinel
EQUINE EDITORIALS: CRIMINAL CONFLICT CULPABILITY


The still-smoldering ruins of the Shepistani Widow’s and Orphans Administration building.

The Conflict of the Cities, a brief but bloody battle has left hundreds dead and countless more injured and homeless.

It is just the latest in a string of never-ending battles between Shepistan and the Old Dominion that has left the land ruined and ravaged, but it is far from the last war to be waged by both sides.

In the decades of constant warring, both sides have become bitter enemies - and to those manning the trenches, and the missile batteries, the laws of engagement have become merely guidelines to be ignored at will.

The recent indiscriminate violence is a testament to that. The first blow was struck by the Shepistanis, when their missile allegedly malfunctioned and veered hundreds of miles off-target to unintentionally explode college students in Williamsburg, Old Dominion.

The Dominionite counterattack was no less audacious - as their missiles rained down submunitions on Shepistani civilians, including widows and orphans in the Shepistani Widow’s and Orphans Administration building.

The O&A building was leveled. There were no survivors.

The ensuing rounds would be no different from the first and second strikes - as both sides targeted their cities and inflicted collateral casualties on civilians and innocent bystanders.

These skirmishes have become a yearly routine for those living in Shepistan and the Old Dominion. The governments and military of both sides have shown, time and time again, no compunction against inflicting indiscriminate collateral damage.

These are, by definition, war crimes. The wanton destruction of cities, towns and villages, and any devastation not justified by military necessity.

But in Shepistan and the Old Dominion, there is no culpability. The war criminals in both governments and both militaries are free to wage war as they wish - perhaps for decades more, with neither side victorious and with the victims being the people of their own countries - the very people they swore to defend.

There is no culpability for the war criminals of these conflicts.

Constantinople Times
A paper by Veritas News

Byzantine Airlines issues an order to BAM

Byzantine Airlines, majority owned by the government (30%), has placed an order to the Byzantine Aeronautics MacMillian (BAM) for 20 A340-600, 10 A330-200 aircraft, 10 A330-200F, 20 A380-800. It also expressed a vote of confidence to the A350 XWB by placing an order of 30 of the aircraft. The company did not indicate the variants of the A350 XWB it would order. BAM president, Heralkos was elated by the order, saying that the company was on track to launching the aircraft in 3-4 years time.

Byzantine Airlines did indicate that orders for the 787 are still on the cards, and it would meet relevant officials to place an order of up to 30-40 of those aircraft.

The Sovereign Shroomanian Sentinel
BIG BAM BUY


The Luftlichen logo.

Shreutsche Luftlichen, Shroomania's flag carrier and primary airline, has announced that it is ordering new aircraft from Byzantine Aeronautics MacMillan (BAM) to bolster its already existing fleet.

The order include:
14 A320
30 A321
3 A330-300
4 A340-600
15 A380-800

Luftlichen has also confirmed 20 orders of the A350-900, a new airliner currently under development by BAM and scheduled to enter service by 2013.

Press Conference
Seaside Palace Briefing Room




"Majesty, what about the assassination attempt of the Old Dominion Ambassador in PeZookia? What is your response?" the loud and obnoxious woman from the Sun Telegraph asked. Arik smiled and gave no outward hint that he could not figure out how they formulated such stupid fucking question. What am I going to say? I think it's funny?

"I find assassination to be a deplorable means of doing business," the King said earnestly, "Ambassadors and diplomats must be able to conduct business in safety, or else there's no reason whatsoever for diplomacy to be had."

"Do you think this was carried out at the behest of the Shepistan government?" another blowhard asked.
"I don't know that there is any evidence to support that," the King said, "And without an investigation, it would be irresponsible for me to theorize."

"What about the resulting standoff with the Pezookian embassy personnel and the Shepistani Army?" an older, white-haired man asked from one of the smaller papers.
"It was resolved," Arik said, and he was tempted to leave it at that-- but he knew it would be interpreted as flippant. "Shepistan wanted their ambassador back; they got him back although doing so by, in my opinion, over-reacting. I have sent messages to the Shepistan foreign ministry stating my protest over the matter... " he couldn't help but give a wry smile, "...which was probably simply filed away with the number of other protests that have gone back and forth between Shepistan and various MESS members in the past."

"Will there be a MESS reaction to the situation, beyond protests?" the Sun-Telegraph woman asked again.
"I have asked the Canissian Embassy staff in Shepistan to come home, and asked the Shepistani Embassy here to return to their homes as well. Diplomacy will be woirked out through third parties, if a neutral arbiter can be agreed to."

"Would that include Japanistan?" the older man asked. "Are we going to open relations with them more after their siezure of the civilian airstrip in Veleria?"
"Let's remember that the airstrip in question, and indeed, much of the territory around that airstrip, is a standing mining claim filed decades ago by Japanistan. That claim was never challenged in any treaties or international forums, so Japanistan's action was really nothing more than a redeployment of troops and no cause for alarm."

"Then why the sudden and dramatic invasion-style airborne landing of those troops?" asked a younger man, dressed casually in jeans and a t-shirt. King Arik Coyotus-I looked over at one of his aides with a questioning glance.
"Marvin Gekler," the aide whispered to him, "He's a big wheel in the independent news blogger world." The King nodded his thanks.

"Well, Marvin, I can only guess as to why the re-assertion of control in their territory was done so dramatically; perhaps it was an opportunity for an exercise. The mine may have found something valuable and they want to secure the territory... in all, Japanistan moving forces into a territory it already owned is no cause for alarm in my point of view."

"What about the potential ecological damage, or rumors of massacres of a native village?" Marvin asked.
"There are international forums that handle ecological issues," the King said, "and other forums that investigate human-rights issues. Itis not the duty of the Royal People's Republic to run after everyone and look over their shoulders to see to it they are playing fair. We're neither the global police nor global nannies. Now, if there are no more questions--"

Hundreds of hands shot up and voices started calling out. The KIng smiled and nodded.

"--Good. Thank you for your time, and I have a conference to get back to."





Results:
Canissia states its position on Shepistan "Ambassadorial War".
Canissia asks its diplomats in Shepistan to return home; sends Shepistani diplomats in Canissia back to Shepistan.
Position on Japanistan clarified-- no cause for alarm.

Canissian National People's Parliament
Foreign Ministry





Foreign Minister Haim Meltzer was finally able to get through to the foreign office of Japanistan, after a bit of shuffling-about in various ministries. But soon, he had Deputy Foreign Minister Hazake on the line.

"How may I help you?" the Japanistan DFM asked politely.
"Minister Hazake, this is Foreign Minister Haim Meltzer of Canissia," he said, "I have a couple of items I'd like to discuss with you; one, we'd like to expand our consulate with you to a full Embassy, and we were hoping that Japanistan might be willing to act as an arbiter between Canissia and Shepistan in any future discussions." The line was quiet for a moment.

"Yes," Deputy-Minister Hazake said, "Well, I will have to bring this up with my superiors, of course."
"Of course," FM Meltzer said, "I understand. King Arik Coyotus-I would like to include Japanistan in future rounds of diplomacy as a regional partner, after all."

"Very good," DFM Hazake said, "I am sure we will have much to discuss."
"Indeed," FM Meltzer said, "One other thing-- your country's prescnce in Veleria..."
"Yes?" the Deputy-Minister asked, his voice more guarded.
"Canissia was planning a similar stake in the region, and I have been instructed to let you know ahead of time so there is no misunderstanding. We are not contesting your claim in any way; in fact we publicly honor your claim and we will not interfere with your people in any way."

"I... will pass this information on," the DFM said. "Thank you for letting our office know," he said.
"All in the intersts of diplomacy, I assure you."
"I am certain. Thank you, Foreign Minister."
"And you, Deputy-Minister Hazake. Goodbye..."



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



Air Refueling Point "Gamma"
en route to Veleria





Lead elements of the 5th Airborne Division's elite 1st Pathfinders Brigade were already en route to Veleria...

Imperial Chronicles

"So Decius, what do you think of the situation in PeZookia?" asked the Emperor.

"King Paul practically crumbled before Sheppard's threats. Not that I entirely blame him, but Shepistan again displays it usual flippancy with regard to international conventions," said the Exarch, over the telephone.

"Indeed. You saw the encrypted orders?"

"Yes Sire, and I agree with your stance."

"Basilleus does too. Also, I wish you to convey the message to King Paul, that Byzantium stands by him and ready to help him if required."

"Yes Sire."

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

The orders were sent to the Byzantine Consulate in Shepistan. The Consulate staff got to work obliterating all files, equipment, computers and any thing possibly sensitive. When they were done, they headed for the cars waiting for them. A Byzantine Airlines aircraft had been chartered to pick them up. The cars drove to the airport and the staff and the consul headed for the aircraft, and flew off for Constantinople. The Consulate was now deserted.

When the airplane landed at Constantinople International Airport, the Shepistani Consul in Constantinople was summoned to the Foreign Ministry and he was handed this message: That Shepistani diplomats and officials were persona non grata for their representatives' actions in PeZookia, and that the Byzantine consulate in Shepistan was withdrawn until further notice. Shepistan consulate staff were given 2hours to vacate the premises, and they were escorted to the chartered Byzantine Airlines aircraft, and sent home.

Waters off Los Angeles, Shinra Republic

The SRS Harrier was one of the newer Gorgon-class frigates to join the fleet. She was just completing some workup exercises when her crew received their first taste of combat.

An explosion jetted water up across the bow of the ship, and the whole ship shuddered. Immediately General Quarters was called - "This is no drill!" - and DC parties sent forward. A flash message was also sent off to the commander of the LA naval base informing them that an explosion had just damaged one of their ships.

The crew, despite being taken completely unaware, were well trained and eventually brought the damage under control. Five sailors died, however. As they composed a follow-on report, the initial conclusion was that it was a mine strike. The fact that they had hit a mine when the Republic had no mines along its harbors made this difficult to believe, however there were precious few other explanations for what could have happened.

As the Harrier was being towed into port, orders were prepared for Mine Warfare Squadron Two to get into the area and start sweeping. MCMs and MH-53s were also ordered to start checking out other harbors along the coast, and a general message sent out to all MESS commands to be on the lookout for possible mines.

As Navy investigators puzzled over just where the Hell a mine could of come from, a message was sent to the President.

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

Seaside Palace, Canissia

President Shinra finished reading the message, and lightly coughed to get the attention of his fellow heads of state.

"It would seem that one of my ships was mined, gentlement. Outside my own harbor. The Navy, thus far, has no idea where it came from, and has offered no theories without proof. Prudent of them. However, the cynic in me says that the timing of some mine that just so happened to be near my waters, after the stunts Shepistan has pulled recently, striking one of my ships, is hardly a coincidence.

"Not that I can prove it, yet. But I personally would not be surprised if that son of a bitch had something to do with this. He just doesn't learn, does he? It's like he has some pathological need to try and create conflict that I'll never understand."

Rufus sighed sadly. That sociopath Shep will start us down the road that brought an end to Nova Terra just because he can. "My Navy tells me that they've sent a message through MESS channels to be wary of possible mines. But I thought I'd give you all a heads up now."

Shroomania

Coilerburg ambassador Carl Borisson had just finished an enjoyable dinner at one of the finest restraunts in all of Shroomania, when an infamous incident occured.

As he was leaving the restraunt with an old war buddy of his, a large shirtless man charged at them, yelling in manly rage. The ambassador cowered and tried to run, while his friend stood firm. He knew he could take him. A former RAT who had lived for weeks in conditions unimaginable to a man used to comfort was more than a match for a loser who pumped himself full of deadly steroids just to feel good about his physique. The man threw a punch that the ambassador's friend dodged easily, before striking back.

Wham! A kick in the shins, followed by a knee to the groin and a trip. The Shroomanian was down on the ground, and soon found himself the victim of several blows to the face.

When police and medical authorities showed up, they were not surprised in the least. After all, Shroomania had been experiencing a rise in violent crime.....

CANISSIAN INTELLIGENCE REPORT:
Top Secret -- Eyes Only-- Burn Before Reading
Subject: SHROOMANIAN WEAPONS RESEARCH


SHROOMANIAN WEAPONS RESEARCHERS ACHIEVE BREAKTHROUGH IN IMPORTANT M-SWISSARMY-16 VERSION OF PERSONAL WEAPONS.

EXERCISE EXTREME CAUTION IN ATTEMPTING TO ACQUIRE/LIFT/CARRY EXAMPLES OF THIS WEAPON; HERNIA MAY RESULT.

RECOMMEND PERSONAL WEAPON BE REGARDED AS 2-MAN LIFT/CARRY



END REPORT

Shroomanian Aerospace Defense Weekly

Shepistan Announces two new programs

Light Attack Plane: The LAP Program is intended to replace Shepistan's aging fleet of F-84L Thunderjets on a nearly one for one basis. Estimated procurement is about 500 units. Primary drivers are cost, cost, cost and cost. The competition is open to any aerospace firm which can deliver the required number of aircraft.

Multi-Role Combat Aircraft: The MRCA is intended to replace the F-105, F-106, and F-101 in frontline service in the Shepistani air force in about 10-15 years. Program definition is still continuing

+++Formal Letter to the Shepistani Government+++

General Sheppard:

We are formally requesting that Al-Fakim be extradited to the Old Dominion on charges of attempted murder, assault and battery, assault with a knife, assault with a firearm, and violation of the Rules of the Field of Honor(glove full of ball bearings). We are sure that he was rogue and not acting in accordance with your government policy, so we see no reason why he would not be remanded to Old Dominion authorities forthwith.

Very Respectively,

Justin Journeau, Minister of Justice.

+++Formal Reply to the Old Dominion Government+++

Mr. Jorneau,

We formally deny your request for extradition, seeing as due to the extraordinary enimity between our two countries, Mr. Al-Fakim would not be able to get a fair trial.

We will instead try him in our own court system.

Very Respectively,
Abdul Hassan Al-Walid
Ministry of Justice

MKSheppard wrote:+++Formal Reply to the Old Dominion Government+++

Mr. Jorneau,

We formally deny your request for extradition, seeing as due to the extraordinary enimity between our two countries, Mr. Al-Fakim would not be able to get a fair trial.

We will instead try him in our own court system.

Very Respectively,
Abdul Hassan Al-Walid
Ministry of Justice

Mr. Al-Walid:

Due to Shepistan's actions in preventing the host nation of the incident from trying Al-Fakim, we do not think that the Shepistan Ministry of Justice is taking the situation as seriously as they should.

Should Mr. Al-Fakim not be remanded immediately, we will be forced to try him in absentia.

Very Respectfully,
Justin Journeau, Minister of Justice.