StarDestroyer.Net BBS

To repay the People of the Red Technocracy for the aid they showed our nation during the Syndromian War, His Majesty's Government offers a team of 10,000 Royal Zorian Dissaster Relief Force workers, as well as medical and food assistance.

Zor

Austin
Lone Star Republic

"Other Matt! How nice of you to come," said Lonestar.

"Other Matt, nice to see you too," replied Beowulf. "I came about the special project."

"Oh, that. Come to my office, and I'll get the data brought up. Drink?"

"Thanks. As you may have figured from the press releases, we've got delivery vehicles now. Looking at about a 9 in diameter for the smaller one, 24 in for the larger one. The Air Force is going to see about airlaunching the larger one. If we can fit the ER version into the Tu-160 bays, we may have a very viable solution. Of course, we'd have to do some sort of fighter fit for the other MESS members. Probably fit to Tomcats. F-22s are a bit chancy because of the weapon bays aren't sized for larger diameter weapons. I'll send some engineers over to work on integration of the airframes with the projects."

"Great. I've got some people working on that bridge idea you had earlier. It's going to be damned expensive, but cheaper than that dam system OMSK is trying to put together."

...

The Ashford Times

AN-22 TRANSPORT AND GUNSHIP ORDERS FINALIZED
Air Force to receive vastly improved transport and limited strike capabilities with purchase


FILE PHOTO: An An-22A transport taxis on the tarmac at Ashford City International Airport

The Langley Air Force has finalized its order for two Antonov An-22A transport planes and a single An-22P gunship from the Red Technocracy.

Air Force officials justified their purchase of the two heavy transports by citing the limitations of the C-130J Super Hercules fleet currently at their disposal; during disaster relief efforts in the Bear Republic, Army Medical Corps and Corps of Engineers workers complained that the C-130s simply could not transport enough materiel into the field, be it medical supplies or construction equipment and materials.

Concerning the An-22P gunship, Air Force officials stated that strike capability is a necessity for any air force and that the acquisition of an An-22P will be a vital first step towards developing such a capability.

In the meantime, though, the C-130J fleet has been pressed into service again, this time sending food and medical supplies to the Red Technocracy. "We need those An-22s now," an unidentified Army Medical Corps officer said.

Constantinople Times

News Headlines

Earthquake strikes Constantinople
An earthquake, 6 on the Richter scale, struck Constantinople today. The city has been struck by many earthquakes before, and in antiquity, one major one had actually damaged the Theodosian walls which required repairs. The Hagia Sophia however, remains undamaged as it has always been. The architectural marvel, the church had withstood the test of time for 1500 years and continues to be the center of the Byzantine Orthodox Church. The city was largely unscathed, although some died from falling debris and some buildings were damaged. "Of course we must be constantly prepared for earthquakes. We have been hit by earthquakes so many times in history, it would be foolish to not be prepared for one," says the Home Affairs Minister. Nevertheless, the Byzantine Stock Market closed for the day and the fire department was out on search and rescue at many locations.

Byzantine soldiers at Spetnaz academy join in search and rescue operations.
The Army authorised Byzantine soldiers to join in search and rescue operations to aid their comrades in Red Technocrac.. The Government extends its condolences to the Red Technocracy and its citizens.

New Terra Science

News

Anichkovius Disease in Red Technocracy



A new parasitic protozoan pathogen, the Anichkovius technocracius, discovered by the Red Technocracy pathologist Dr. Nikolai O. Anichkov(1) and named after, has been infecting the people living in the tropical areas of the Technocracy.

In the previous month, scientists from the Republic of Mangka and the Red Technocracy have been working on identifying various aspects of the parasite, including life cycles, routes of transmission, and most importantly, a cure and vaccine.

The parasite is a new species but the life cycle is similar to some protozoan parasites. It can inhabit and multiply in mosquitoes, which act as their main source of transmission. The Anichkovius can infect various cells including subcutaneous cells, epidermal cells, red blood cells, and macrophages. Even without infecting cells, the parasites become a dormant cyst which can resist extreme conditions and be transmitted by contact.

After host cells are infected the parasites multiply and infect neighboring cells. At this point the human host will show symptoms of high fever, nausea. These symptoms persist for 5 days and then tissue necrosis occurs, after this the human host can only survive for two days. Mosquitoes taking up blood could take up the parasites and continue to transmit the disease. Contact with infected tissue would also cause transmission, though mainly in the cyst form.

The Mangka scientist Dr. Jay Chou has so far identified 5 surface proteins(2) on the Anichkovius which are homologous to targets of known drugs and vaccines. Hopefully this will shorten the time of developing means of cure and immunization. With the recent flood occurring in the Red Technocracy, sanitation and quarantine is undoubtly strongly advised.

References:
(1) Anichkov, N.O. et al., (2009) Identification of Pathogen of New Disease in Red Technocracy. J. Clin. Microbio. In press.
(2) Chou, J. et al., (2009) Structure of Surface Proteins on Anichkovius technocracius J. Clin. Microbio. In press.

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS MAGAZINE

SHROOMANIAN PARLIAMENTARY ADDRESS CANCELLED, PEZOOKIA'S KING RETURNS TO CAPITAL

A brief internation scuffle caused far-reaching repercussion today, as king Paul the First was forced to return to the Republic, cancelling his goodwill trip to all friendly nations.

The Duchy of Baerne, a member of both the LUN and the FUNGAL AXIS, has established a small firebase in Terra Libertia and urged all other LUN and FUNGAL AXIS nations to join in what was called a "Crusade" by some Parliamentary members.

The move, later declared a work of rogue elements within Baerne government, was seen by many as a symptom of overgrown ambition on the part of the Duke, while others see it as a dangerous precedent - that an unstable country may drag the entire League of Unaligned nations into an unnecessary and pointless war of conquest - or worse, cause an incident with the dangerous empire of Saddamistan.

While government forces seemed to have regained control and Baerne troops were withdrawn home, the Parliament has shifted 180 degrees in its position: rather than holding an accession vote, MPs discussed a radically different proposal: Namely, that the Republic should leave the LUN.

Called an overreaction by some, and a much overdue move by others, this has nevertheless caused shock in the international community. It is no small secret the Republic does not want war, but this change in stance seems to indicate the populace fears any foreign military involvement after the strains of Syndromian occupation.

The King has been doing his best to assuade those fears, however an accession vote had been put back to an undetermined date.

The King has expressed an intention to continue his goodwill trip after sorting out the situation at home.

GROWING CONCERNS OVER INTERNATIONAL STABILITY

Many intelligence analysts have expressed concern about internal problems that seem to be affecting various previously stable countries.

Some have expressed an opinion that these latest events are somehow connected: than an organization or group is benefitiing from the chaos they cause.

However, there is little evidence for this theory. Recent problems were caused by groups as diverse as the ultranationalistic Movement for a Clean PeZookia, Libertopian pirates and government conspirators. One thing is certain: a global intelligence effort is required to uncover root causes of the problem.

MONSOON SEASON HARSHER THAN LAST YEAR'S

The monsoon season is taking its toll on the inhabitants of the Central Sea, as fierce rains cause flooding and problems with public services.

Mosquitoes are breeding quickly in pools of stagnant water, threatening public health in many equatorial republics by spreading disease and parasites on a massive scale.

Most health officials say there is little risk of a pandemic, and taking simple steps like washing your hands, using mosquito repellent and insect nets in windows, taking the usual yealry vaccinations and draining stagnant water pools present around the home will prevent any serious outbreaks.

II REPUBLIC FORCES PARENTS TO VACCINATE CHILDREN

The II Republic's Health Ministry has mandated that all children take their polio, flu and various other vaccinations this year. Parents are not allowed to exempt their children from being vaccinated, except for valid medical reasons. Already, there have been several cases of children being vaccinated against their parent's will.

Some parents are concerned that vaccinations may cause autism, and there are a few who think they are part of government mind-control program.

Republic's health officials call such accusations ridiculous, citing studies which found no links between vaccinations and autism rates.

NEW MILITARY JOURNAL

AIRBASE CONSTRUCTION BEGINS ON PARADISO ISLAND

Today, the first foundation has been laid under the planned Command Building of Paradiso Island Airbase - the first military-only airport of the II Republic.

The airbase is planned as a training center and main base to the 1st Territorial Defence/Training Squadron, currently receiving training from Shroomanian pilots.

The squadron is planned to move to PeZookia and begin training on their Yak-130 aircraft procured from the Red Technocracy by the end of the year. Halfway through next year, they will move to the Paradiso Island Airbase and begin regular patrols of PeZookian skies.

The base is to host a total of three similar squadrons, which will mean that light fighter aircraft will always be available in case of a crisis.


Planned layout of Paradiso Island Airbase

Repaying the Technocracy for their aid and assistance, The Bear Republic sends two cargo Zepplins with medical and search and rescue personel.

In other news, while drydocks and construction slips are still too badly damaged, Pirate's Bay is now capable of doing spot repairs. And expect to have at least two of the five surviving drydocks and slipways restored by the end of July. As anticipated the BR budget primarily focuses on recovery. However with shipping facilities badly damaged, the BR has turned to expanding their air lift capacity. Not just dirgibles, but other forms of heavy air transport.

ASTORIA DAILY RAG

A nagging question: WHO CONTROLS BAERNE'S MILITARY?!

Barne troops charged onto Libertopian soil and mercilessly blasted anyone trying to stop them. After their murderous work was done, they built a base and triumphantly announced they were there to stay.

Before mothers could mourn their dead sons, and before the free men of Terra Libertia managed to swear revenge, the murderous thugs departed. Their criminal Ministry of State has claimed they were acting on false orders ; Their enthusiasm in massacring almost defenceless locals notwithstanding.

The Rag asks, though: WHO CONTROLS BAERNE'S MILITARY?!

If the preposterous claim that an entire ministry was taken over by terrorists is true, then it turns out that all you need to do is send a false order to their army, and they will merrily go on their way, slaughtering anyone they're told!

What if they come to PeZookia because nobody bothers to verify their orders? What if they land on Paradiso and bomb it to cinders, and then say "sorry" and leave?

Either Baerne employs complete lunatics, or their leadership is so incompetent they failed to notice a false deployment of an entire task force and two amphibious regiments and act accordingly!

Your Grace, terrorists are no explanation for such monumental stupidity. Or is it stupidity? Is it possible that Baerne has some ulterior motive?

Chief Editor of Astoria Daily Rag,

Chief Boombastic

The Sovereign Shroomanian Sentinel
NAUTICAL NEWSFLASH

The Prime Minister has expressed his surprise with the three international emergencies that greeted him with King Paul of PeZookia's sudden and unexpected departure. Those who were relieved with the Prime Minister's seemingly stabilizing psyche are now worrying about the collective mental health of the nation's government as the emergency session of Parliament was entirely composed of PaleoPacifist and RetroRegressive Ministers brawling out while the Prime Minister screamed "Goddamn Libertopians" atop his podium for ten whole minutes before ambling quietly to his private quarters.


The Parliament in an uproar.


The Prime Minister's speaker attempts to silence the Parliament with his shoe.

In the wake of another disastrous gathering at the Parliament, the Government of the Sovereignty of Shroomania has issued these following statements:

1.) A note of condemnation to the Duchy of Baerne, stating that another war is the last thing needed by both the FUNGAL AXIS and the LUN's collective economies. As much trouble as the Libertopians are, it's just not the right way.

2.) The Sovereignty of Shroomania will send a team of medical professionals to the stricken areas of the Red Technocracy. The medical professionals are not only world-finest Shroomanian health care providers, but have had extensive experience in disaster relief from their deployment in the Bear Republic.

3.) The Prime Minister has made a personal call to his ally, King Paul of PeZookia.



[Your Highness... what's going on? Goddamn it, Libertopians?! Again? Baerne! Argh! No! And the LUN? Man... we're having the same problems with the FUNGAL AXIS, too. I can't believe this... but your right, we have to soldier on. We can't do anything rash, man. We have to think about this... am I okay? Yeah, the Parliament's going nuts, that's all. They're worried, I guess we all are. Let's think about this for a while... don't disband the LUN just yet, man. Alright, I'll call you later.]



TEATIME TABLOID TABERNACLE

The Shepnukistanis are obviously the ones who crated this "MK ULTRA" mind-control program. The same one that drove Countess Euphemia in the Duchy of Langley mad, that drove her to kill her own people. We cannot underestimate the nefariousness of the Nukistani's military-industrial complex.

The Sheps say that those mind-control devices are just bombse or missiles. Bombs? Missiles? Open your eyes. The Shepnukistanis also gave Shroomania missiles, missiles and bombs. Blackbeards and Blackbriars and Treadstones.

They are the ones behind the mental breakdown of our Prime Minister. He's fighting them, but his mind is weak.

It's just a matter of time.

It's just a matter of who's next.


The Prime Minister and the whole Parliament has been compromised. The Sovereignty of Shroomania has been compromised. The Duchy of Baerne has been compromised. The FUNGAL AXIS has been compromised. The II Republic of PeZookia has been compromised. The League of Unaligned Nations has been compromised.

We cannot trust in the government, any government. We must take matters into our own hands.

OFFICIAL COMMUNIQUE TO THE DUCHY OF BAERNE FROM PEZOOKIAN FOREIGN MINISTRY

The Foreign Ministry, speaking for His Highness the King, requests the following information be released by Baerne MinState:

1) A full timeline of events, from the deployment of Task Group 31 to the recovery of control over the Ministry of State

2) An evaluation of security problems which lead to the involuntary deployment of a majority of Baerne's army to foreign soil and,

3) Information about the identity and goals of MinState attackers.

The Ministry would like to pass on a strong request by His Highness that a rigorous investigation be conducted into the internal affairs of Baerne's military, and cautions that any deployments of Baerne's forces shall be viewed with caution by and distrust by the Republic, untill such time when the investigation is completed and the people responsible adequately punished.

INTELLIGENCE REPORT FOR ALL COUNTRIES WITH REASONABLY COMPETENT INTEL SERVICES

Readiness level for all PeZookian troops has been raised to HEIGHTENED.

Reference: PeZookian military readiness scale:

PEACETIME: Routine operations only. ZAASM-1 (Fastbeard) missiles stored in two secure facilities, in bunkers. Two Air Force fighters remain armed and ready for take-off at all times.

HEIGHTENED: All Air Force airplanes armed and moved to the off-ramp. ZAASM-1 (Fastbeard) missiles moved from bunkers to trucks and railway cars. Leaves for Navy personnell cancelled.

HIGH: All leaves cancelled. Two pairs of fighters remain in the air at all times. ZAASM-1 (Fastbeard) missiles dispersed to launch batteries. JASD launch batteries dispersed to concealed locations. Pre-mobilization orders instituted.

WAR: Mobilization. Industry placed under government control. Civilian population receives gas masks, survival kits. All units disperse to field locations wherever applicable.

Note: air force orders do not apply yet - no air force.

Shady News

Pilot training begins in Shroomania

Shadow pilots began their initial training in Shroomania today, the training is expected to last several months and make the shadow pilots just as good as the Shroomanian aces. The Shadow pilots met their Shroomy friends and allies with joy and smiles on their faces."We get to learn from the best" -said one shadow pilot. This is a great opportunity for our new air force to gain much needed experience and skill, because they will need it.


Shadow pilots meet their Shroomanian counterparts


Shadow pilot preparing to test a Shroomanian weapon

Medical supplies and personnel sent to the Red Technocracy

Five An-26 departed for the Red Technocracy today, carrying medical supplies and the best doctors the empire has, their mission is to assist in solving the medical crisis.

BBC Reports
"In International news following the worry that the pandemic in the Red Technocracy might spread the UKB goverment has ordered one week quarenten for all people traveling to and from the country as well as ordered civilian air official to be on high alert for possible infected travelers. "

"...also in national news because of disease fears Parliament has looked at the medical budget for this fiscal year and deemed it inadequate. Parliament is exaiming ways that additional funds might be raised.

"In Economic news the GDP last year only experienced a half a percent increase. To 2.11 Trillion dollars, the UKB government remains the strongest in the world due to large gold reserves, in fact this is still one of the few places in the world where gold might be easily mined. Growth was large in several sectors, specifically the space sector, however the amount of government funding need to get these industries going resulted in large government cost over-runs. Now that the Cosmdromes are mostly completed and the Launch complexes set the acutal costs will be limited to satellite launches and satellite construction which are a good deal cheaper than the budget for last year.



"And on the island on Atlantis the international launch complex has been completed, thanks to importing of workers from various countries along with veteran workers White Sand's have ensured the completion of the complex a month ahead of schedule.


To inaugurate the complex, the Crown visited the workers delivered a stirring speech on the drive for man to explore the stars, and later that afternoon the King was in the control room as a Vulpesean photo-mapping satellite was lifted into orbit. As of this afternoon the Atlantian International Space Center is ready

BBC news report

Constantinople Times

News Headlines

Rising Piracy continues to dog shipping

Constantinople Shipping, one of the top shipping companies in the world, reports that its insurance fees has risen over the last year also owing to increase in piracy in many regions, particularly near Zablania and Terra Libertia. "We have been avoiding to ship goods pass many of these regions but it cost money and oil to avoid them altogether. We have taken to carry armed mercenaries licensed by the Government with mounted GPMGs and 14.5mm gun mounts to protect our ships, but some of these pirates come with rockets and those are hard to dodge. Our ships simply steam at full speed when they run past them." Just last month, it was reported that a 10,000 TEU ship was assaulted by a band of pirates and some of its cargo was damaged by an RPG round. The crew fought off the pirates by peppering them with gun fire that resulted in a few destroyed pirate boats.

The Byzantium government urges many foreign governments to step up patrol to stamp out piracy. "As I understand it, many countries heavily depend on shipping and we should work together." says the Trade minister.

BBC Reports
"In National news the UKB Commerce Department has initiated talks with the I.S.C.A about purchasing a license for the production of the Fast Commerce Ship for production locally. There have already been concerns within the Merchant Marine forces that the aging shipping industry is in serious need of overhaul and to make matters worse the problem of Megafauna has left lightly armed UKB ships open to the possibility of attacks from them or pirates."

Baernish MinWar
File BMW-5

His Grace the Duke is saddened by the recent unrest in Fortress Baerne, and by the suspicion and anger this has generated worldwide. His Grace, therefore, will release the following information:

Firstly, a timeline of events:

1) According to Captain MacDougal, the CO of Task Force 31, he received orders ,apparently from the Ministry of State, to

Proceed with all possible haste to Terra Libertia, with the First and Second Amphibious Regiments, there to establish a fortification and supply base, and await further orders.

This he did, as witnessed by the Baernish News Service file, namely BNS-21, to that effect.

The two regiments of His Grace's Army also received orders from MinState, namely assembly and embarkation orders. Colonel Seagrace executed these efficiently, though her diary bears witness to reservations about the line stating that "Absolute secrecy is to be maintained."

Ministry of War officials, on noticing the absence from port of the naval units, sent a query to Captain MacDougal by radio, the transcripts of which can be made available upon request. They asked under what authority he had left the Fortress Baerne, and received an official MinState nonresponse code stating that, due to pressing national security, the units had been detached from MinWar control.

The Minister of War, upon hearing of this, requested an urgent meeting with the Minister of State and His Grace the Duke. The meeting took place almost immediately, and when the Minister of State failed to show up, concerns were raised. A detachment of Fortress Baerne police were sent to investigate the lack of communications from MinState headquarters.

The unit of police were fired upon from upper windows of MinState headquarters, and immediately called upon the Ministry of War to provide support. Three squads of Baernish Intelligence commandos were ordered to seize the facility, preferably without bloodshed. They entered the building, suffered several casualties from determined resistance, and captured the facility, excepting the communications center, within four hours. The remaining insurgents retreated to the communications center, barricaded the doors, and threatened to destroy the building by means of explosive devices concealed throughout.

After a short planning session between MinWar officials, and the BIS lieutenant commanding the strike teams, it was determined that only the codebooks were inexpendable, and so MinWar ComCent was taken by means of fragmentation grenades inserted through air vents.

The codebooks were recovered intact, and Task Force 31 was recalled.



2) The attackers, three of which were taken alive, claim to have been mercenaries under contract to the Radical Democracists, a group that has been active in Baernish society only recently. Apparently, they intend to transform Baerne into a republic by means of blood and fire, and to execute His Grace the Duke. More information will be released later.

National Military Command Center, Austin

"...And that concludes our presentation." The Air Force Colonel clicked again and a new powerpoint slide slid into place. There was a Map of the Monarchy of the Mermaid and the words OPERATION FISH FRY. "Whoops, wrong slide, sorry." The projector shut down.

Lonestar turned to Beowulf.

"So you see Matt, we should be able to provide you with two 9in diameter 1kt devices immediately, with three larger 24in 500kt devices in two months. As you know we're having difficulty getting fabrication in full swing, and domestic uranium extraction is just now significantly ramping up. Most of our devices are small due to our lack of a true long range strategic forces, they'll be slapped on F-16s, A-6s, F/A-18s, and, eventually, TLAMs."

Beowulf leaned back in his chair. "Your job would be a lot easier if you had heavy bombers."

Lonestar shook his head and poured another glass of Liquid Banjo(tm). "No, I already thought about this. We're dumping a lot of money into Fusion, space, applied physics...I'm trying to keep military costs down. It's why I don't have F-22s or F-35s, and why our army used UH-1Ys and AH-1Zs to keep our logistics train shorter. Maybe in a few years." Lonestar shrugged. "...Maybe more than a few years Other Matt. But I'll still have enough to reach out and touch someone."

Those someones, obviously, being the OMSK Pact countries in reach. Which wouldn't be Shepnukistan.

"Fair enough." Beowulf leaned forward. "I have some ideas about other systems..."

Mangka Evening News

"Good evening, this is Wenyi Li. Earlier today we received a video recording by anonymous mail. In the video was an anonymous group claiming to be responsible for the recent attack on the MESS Police Advisors....

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


"We represent a group of normal civillian hard workers. Due to the incompetence of our government, we have suffered from a serious financial loss. Therefore we are forced to bring international pressure, and demand that the government provides us 50million ROB of cash for each officer. No markings, discontinuous numbers. The amount should be prepared in 4 individual bags. Once this is prepared, we will tell announce what to do next.

As you can see, we are serious. Any attempt to rescue the officers will result in people getting hurt. Please take care. For your sake."
================

"After watching this video, our editors immediately informed the police and the original copy has been kept at the Wanhua Police Headquarters as evidence. We were allowed to make a copy for broadcasting.

The MESS Advisor Group is consisted of the best and famous police officers from MESS ally nations, including

Officer Cordell Walker, Lonestar Ranger

Lt. Officer Steve McGarret, Wilkonian Police

Detective Sergeant James "Sonny" Crockett(left) and Detective Ricardo "Rico" Tubbs (right) of the Shinra Republic Police Department

Reclining while watching the news Colin III, petted a Siamese cat. (Ok it was a longhair so that makes it a Burman not a Siamese, but aside for the long fur they looked the same.) The feline purred and painfully kneeded the human's leg, while simultaneeously scenting and attempting to bite the wrist of the hand that was scratching behind it's ears.

Minerva

Military Robotics Test under way

Roctagon Vehicle Proving Grounds: Today, Local up and comming company Vulcan Computer and Robotics has begun the first test of the MICRS combat robot. His Majesty himself personally inspected the three test untis Vulcan had assemlbed for the test before they went under their test course, with the King observing through video feed.

The MICRS Robot weighs (unarmed) in at a 150 kilograms per unit with a tread modual and 160 kilograms with legs and can be equiped with a variety of weapons covering most infantry level fuctions. The unit is a meter tall (1.4 with legs in standard standing position) and a meter long with legs. It has a three hundred and sixty degree field of sight with a top mounted camera as well as a scope targeting camera, as well as night vision, UV and IR sensors. The System is powered by a Diesel Engine and has a maximum speed of 30 KM/H with Treads and 15 KM/H with legs, although it is more capable of climbing stairs and navigating dificult terrain with a leg modual. To protect it against damage, the MICRS has light ceramic armor which gives it decent survivability against shrapnal exceeding that of most infantry and pistol caliber ammunition. The device is semi autonomous, being capable of detecting and diserning Zorian and allied infantrymen and vehicles by markings, unforms, camoflauge patterns and weapons and preforming some rudementry combat proceedures such as taking cover and laying down supressive fire, but is designed to work under direct human supervision, for which a variety of command and control systems have been developed for both up close and personal work and long range control.

Both software and hardware have been able to meet the tests so far, although some tweeking to the designs and programming are required. Should everything go as planned, production will begin next year at an estimated cost of $75,000 dollars per unit. If all goes well, the Military has plans on procuring 1,500 units. Vulcan also plans on sending the test units to allied nations, such as the Red Technocracy, Shroomania and the Second Republic in an attempt to secure foreign contracts.

Corporate Catalogs
MACMILLAN MUSHROOM MULTINATIONAL


The corporation's logo. MacMillan deals with heavy industries, ranging from the defense sector to sea shipping.

Despite recent international incidents, instabilities and calamities, the MacMillan Mushroom Multinational company has seen great financial success and has grown to be one of the largest corporations in the FUNGAL AXIS and the LUN nations - establishing its prominence in the Central Sea region.

The corporation has branched out to many fields, from providing arms to Shroomania and the FUNGAL AXIS and collaborating with the United Aerospace Corporation's Blackbeard Project, to contributing to the Fast Commerce Ship and Automated Commerce Vessel initiatives of the Republic of PeZookia and the Duchy of Baerne that led to the creation of the International Sea Commerce Agency, to investing in the rapidly growing tourism trade of Vulpesia and the snack foods industry of New Gottland, to working with the United Kingdom of Blackadder to bring Satellite TV to the New World. MacMillan has been influential in unifying the nations and peoples of the FUNGAL AXIS and the LUN, working with the internationalist policies and efforts of both Shroomanian and II Republican leaders.

MacMillan Multinational's stated purpose is: "To bring profit to not only ourselves and our shareholders, but also to all of our associates. From the companies we collaborate with, to the governments that allow our business to operate within their territories, to our invaluable employees and customers. We have brought secure jobs and incomes to people and families all over the FUNGAL AXIS and the LUN, and our affordable products are some of the world's finest."

MacMillan Mushroom Multinational was founded by the philanthropist Myco MacMillan, a colleague of Shroom the 777th, the Prime Minister of Shroomania. It is no wonder why both share similar idealist beliefs and why both have pushed for international cooperation through the FUNGAL AXIS.

However, despite the idealism and philanthropy of its founder, MacMillan Mushroom Multinational did not start off as a wholesale internationalist corporation. During its inception, the company was known as the MacMillan Mushroom Munitions Factory and was crucial to the development of several special projects for the Mushroom Military.

The two most notable declassified secret projects include:


The construction of the two "mothership submarines", the Yer Mom and the Yer Face. Both are currently in drydock undergoing refits after serving in Shroomanian and Syndromian waters, where they both proved themselves as capable vessels.


The "Stonehenge" project, the development of a long-ranged railgun defense weapon. The railgun prototype has been suspended, though the UAC's Blackbeard Project has seen the reactivation of the railgun for ballistics tests.

Though both the submarines and the railgun were projects of less-than-benign nature and were relatively successful, they did not last for long as the Shroomanian government opted for a more peaceful approach to global affairs. But as the face of Shroomanian international politics and relations changed, so too did the nature of MacMillan's businesses. The Munitions Factory was remade and began servicing the other non-military needs of Shroomania. Soon, MacMillan's business expanded overseas to Shroomania's allies as well.

When the II Republic of PeZookia called out for a new turbine engine for their Fast Commerce Ship.


MacMillan's fine men answered that call.


And built the Republic its turbine. For outrageous fees.

That was the beginning of MacMillan's international ventures. MacMillan licensed the turbine engine design to PeZookia, and in return gained the license to construct Fast Commerce Ships in its own Shroomanian shipyards. Then the Duchy of Baerne and MacMillan began work on the Automated Commerce Vessel and, through the efforts of MacMillan, both the FCS and ACV projects were shown to have quite similar goals and were subsequently joined, pooling the resources of three nations into the combined venture. This international business alliance would eventually lead to the International Sea Commerce Agency, with everyone getting into the FCS-ACV boat.


Everyone.

The creation of the International Sea Commerce Agency did a lot to better international relations, with the ISCA's members composed of nations from the MESS, the LUN, and the FUNGAL AXIS.

However, this merry maritime development did not come about without its fair share of challenges. Even before the founding of the ISCA, wanton piracy during the occupation of Syndromia threatened shipping throughout the Central Sea, and piracy is once again threatening the seas of the New World. This time, not due to Syndromian scoundrels, but because of the Goddamn Libertopians.

Back then, MacMillan's answer was to turn back to its days as a defense contractor, and the answer is the same now.


MacMillan has outfitted FUNGAL AXIS and LUN trading ships with the armaments necessary to defend themselves. Now, it extends the same offer to all nations whose ships are threatened by piracy and sea monsters.

While MacMillan continues to cultivate its growing civilian enterprises, it has not forgotten its roots as a company that provides for the needs of militaries. The upsurge in piracy attests to the need of affordable military hardware, as does the recent civil war in New Gottland and the looming threat of Libertopian terrorism.


New Gottland has purchased several armored fighting vehicles to quell any possible resurgency.


Through MacMillan, New Gottland has also acquired an airforce.

The latest product to be advertised by MacMillan is the new F-18S (SHROOM) design. The F-18S design basically reduces unnecessary component parts of the aircraft while maintaining quality and increasing reliability and ease of maintenance - making the aircraft more affordable and easier to build.

MacMillan chose the F-18 due to its multi-role capacity and versatility that makes it an ideal all-purpose fighter. The F-18S does not have an extensive range and is not a specialized fighter, as the aircraft is designed not for offensive operations, but for peacekeeping and self-defense purposes, to interdict anything that violates a nation's airspace.


New Gottland's new F-18s, flying high.

New Gottland has purchased the aircraft, and the package includes pilot training with the Shroomanian Air Force (SAF) and custom paintjobs. MacMillan has also invested in F-18 factories in PeZookia.


Fish biscuits. ("DHARMA" flavored) Aunt Maria's Delicious Fish Biscuits.

However, MacMillan Multionational's relationship with New Gottland is not restricted to armored fighting vehicles and F-18s. It can be said that the most defining economic aspect of MacMillan's business in New Gottland is the fish biscuit. Aunt Maria's Delicious Fish Biscuits. It is New Gottland's largest export and is a well-loved snack food throughout the New World and thanks to MacMillan's investments, Aunt Maria now has several rather large factories in New Gottland and abroad, baking biscuits for the entire world.

While MacMillan has given the New Gottish government the weapons with which to defend themselves, the company has also given the Gottish people the means to rebuild their nation and an income to put food on their tables.

"MacMillan's policy is simple. We don't want people to work for us. We want people to work with us."



[TO BE CONTINUED]

Summary:

MacMillan is the biggest company in Shroomania.

MacMillan is an important player in the ICSA - in the making of FCS and ACVs.

MacMillan is an important player in the ICSA - in the provision of half-naked ripped and buffed macho men.

MacMillan invests in Vulpesia so half-naked ripped and buffed macho men can play volleyball in WesFox' beaches. Beaches, man.

MacMillan can put guns on your boats so you can get rid of those Goddamn Libertopian pirates pissing you off. And those sea monsters.

MacMillan sells AFVs and affordable F-18s for nations that want a military strong enough to defend themselves, without worrying their neighbors.

MacMillan helps small companies become big companies and sell biscuits and other products all over the world.

MacMillan brings jobs to families all over the FUNGAL AXIS.

Basically, MacMillan is a big corporation who's founder is a really nice man. Now, maybe a few generations later, MacMillan Jr. could be a complete asshole and pervert his father's company and turn it into a Haliburton. But not yet.

Baernish MinWar
File BMW-6

Analysis of Security Breach:

In the opinion of Baernish Intelligence, the transmission of false orders were made possible by the underprotectedness of the Ministry of State facilities in Fortress Baerne. It is BI's recommendation that a new MinState headquarters be constructed, the old one having been a square brick building several stories high, surrounded by a low wall.

The acceptance of these false orders was caused by much the same problem; one of outdated security measures. The official nonresponse code is broadcast without any form of identification other than a passcode, something we intend to rectify as soon as possible.

It is also BI's opinion that a lack of redundancy in the chain of command contributed to this debacle. In future, all troop deployments will be confirmed by the Duke, and His Grace will have a copy of the codes necessary to recall any units that depart from Baernish territorial waters.

Summary:

Causes
Outdated security measures, both physical and computerized
A single source for order confirmation.

Recommended Action
Construct new Ministry of State facilities
Enhance computer security
Place codebooks under Ducal control, rather than ministerial

ROYAL PALACE, ASTORIA

"...and they will place the necessary codes in the Duke's hands" - the general has finished his presentation to the assembled ministers.

"Jesus, their internal procedures were that bad?" - the King couldn't conceal his shock. With that kind of security setup, a single ambitious minister could easily take over the entire country!

"Yes,sire - it would appear so. Baerne was extremely undermilitarized until relatively recently, and they haven't taken the proper measures to ensure control of their military.", the General was calm. He seemed glad there won't be a shooting war over this.

"Still, 'no response' codes? Who the hell thinks up things like these?", the Minister of the Interior was no less shocked than anybody else in the room.

"Doesn't matter now. They've analyzed their problems and will correct them, so I think we may lay off them a bit. I want to send them a communique, and lower our readiness status to peaceful."

"As you command, sire."

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OFFICIAL COMMUNIQUE TO THE GOVERNMENT OF HIS GRACE, THE DUKE OF BAERNE

It is with utmost relief that the PeZookian government received news of steps being undertaken by Baerne in order to prevent such calamities in the future.

His Highness the King requests nevertheless, than an international advisor team be allowed to move to Baerne and assist in developing of proper internal security and organization measures.

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

King Paul was satisified. What seemed like the start of a major international crisis turned out to be nothing but a fizzle, and so other outstanding matters oculd be taken care of.

He picked up a red phone with a little mushroom painted on it.

"Prime Minister? Hello. Things seem to be quieting down...yes, I think we'll undertake another vote on accession into the Fungal Axis, in a month or two. How is your parliament doing? Ah...I see.

There is another matter I'd like your opinion on. As you know, Canissia wants to enter the ISCA, and I called for a member vote on this matter. So far, Langley and Baerne support him...yeah, I think we can count Baerne's vote. Anyway, we'll vote yes as well, and Shinra probably will, too. What's your opinion on this?"

INTELLIGENCE REPORT FOR ALL COUNTRIES WITH COMPETENT INTELLIGENCE SERVICES

All PeZookian forces have been ordered to stand down. Current readiness level: PEACETIME.

"Oh... I kind of forgot about that. Count me in, those Canissians are good fellows. They got a good King, they're pretty cool.

"Anyway, I'm glad that Baerne incident was handled quickly and cleanly. I'll be sending some of my own people to see to it that there won't be any sequel to this incident. I'm just gonna stick a couple of guys with your delegation and Shinra's. Baerne is a FUNGAL AXIS nation as well...

"When you said that the Baerne incident had severe implications for the LUN and PeZookia's status in it... it made me think of the FUNGAL AXIS as well. PeZookia's accession into the AXIS will change the whole paradigm quite a bit, your Highness. PeZookia is quite an influential little nation...

"What you said about Baerne, the LUN, it also applies to the FUNGAL AXIS. There was that civil war in New Gottland, and while the Shadow Empire has been pretty stable lately, no one has forgotten the Shadow-Mangka incident, particularly not the MESS. I believe that both the LUN and the AXIS have similar problems, and that instead of leaving the LUN and joining the AXIS, the both of us should do something to change the way things are with our nations and both our organizations.

"Both the LUN and the FUNGAL AXIS have their fair share of faults. If we work to fix these flaws while consolidating both organizations' strengths...

"Yes, I think we might end up with something for Year 2 that will surprise the world."


[Time to talk on the spreadsheet!]

Constantinople Shipyards

The shipyards of Constantinople are old as they have existed from the dawn of the Byzantine Empire. In today's Byzantium, the Constantinople shipyards Inc. specialises in a wide range of construction, ranging from oil rigs, to specialized ships of many varieties, used for various purposes such as oil drilling and so forth. We pride ourselves in flexibility and design. We can design and build our own ships as per customer's request, though if customers so wish it , they can purchase or license designs and give them to us to build them.

With 5 main shipyards at Constantinople, Thessalonika, Athens, Trebizond and Antioch, the shipyards busy themselves with many small orders, with one large drydock at Constantinople capable of taking in a Justinian class carrier (Nimitz equivalent). Currently, there are talks between the Navy and Constantinople Shipyards about the possibility of constructing some light carriers that geared for amphibious assault. We cannot comment too much on military contracts.

Currently, major orders include an order from Constantinople Shipping building a portion of the order of he Wilkonian Container Transport from Wilkonian. Considered to be the most advanced transport in the world, Constantinople Shipyards is proud to build these fine ships and it took us only a few months of retool and produce and build these ships.

Constantinople Shipyards is 30% owned by the Government of Byzantium. We are open to joint ventures and collaboration of any sort.

This is Part 1 of the review of Byzantium Companies.

PeZook wrote:-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

OFFICIAL COMMUNIQUE TO THE GOVERNMENT OF HIS GRACE, THE DUKE OF BAERNE

It is with utmost relief that the PeZookian government received news of steps being undertaken by Baerne in order to prevent such calamities in the future.

His Highness the King requests nevertheless, than an international advisor team be allowed to move to Baerne and assist in developing of proper internal security and organization measures.

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

"The Shinra Republic acknowledges this and fully supports this move. In addition, we are offering to send our own observers as well, to work in tandem with those of PeZookia and Shroomania."

The President's chief aide finished taking down this statement and left to see that it would be transmitted.

Hmm, a notice from the ISCA regarding the Canissian entry. I do believe I'll vote yes on this...

President Shinra clicked the reply button, and sent a simple message to the ISCA: "Yes for Canissia."