SD.Net World(RAR!) MK II

PeZook · Post by **PeZook** » 2008-04-21 04:11pm

ECONOMICS MONTHLY

FIRST FCS WAVE LAUNCHED

Aftef four months spent on construction slipways and in drydocks, the first Fast Commerce Ships built under ISCA management have been launched at several shipyards.

These new ships will serve a major role in the growing archipelago trade.

Shepnukistani-ordered FCS "Highly Enriched Uranium" being launched at the National Shipyards, Shadow Empire

These FCS ships shall now undergo a period of final outfitting, before leaving to their purchasers under their own power in two months time. This event, dubbed the "Great Merchant Convoy" is planned to involve a major galla. The ISCA is planning to invite national leaders from various countries to the ceremony, so that they can observe a gigantic convoy of almost a hundred FCS and ACV ships moving out from the Central Sea to their destinations.

The Red Technocracy bought by far the most FCS ships this year ; However, a joint venture with the United Kingdom of Blackadder promises to fill up ISCA shipyards for FY2010 with orders for a modified version, funding for which is being assigned right now.

ISCA slipways and drydocks have now been scheduled to undergo a frantic overhaul, in preparation for laying keels of the second set of ships - this time, they will consist of FCS and ACV vessels, some built in pairs, side-by-side in the large drydocks.

Post by **Coyote** » 2008-04-21 05:25pm

The People's Republic of Canissia will warmly welcome the visit by the Bear Republic's zeppelein, and would love to sit down and discuss tourism ideas with the BR.

Fingolfin_Noldor · Post by **Fingolfin_Noldor** » 2008-04-21 05:32pm

Constantinople Times

News Headlines

Emperor of Byzantium announces intent to visit fellow O.M.S.K. members in a whirlwind tour on board the IBFS Justinian.
The Emperor of Byzantium Heraclius IV has announced his intent to visit fellow O.M.S.K members on board the IBFS Justinian. The carrier, the flagship of the fleet, will be escorted by one Komneni class Destroyer and one Basil class frigate and an Aegean class SSN. A support ship will accompany the fleet as they make their tour. The tour is a good will visit where the Emperor, accompanied by the foreign minister and the trade minister, will discuss various issues with the various rulers.

phongn · Post by **phongn** » 2008-04-21 05:51pm

Grand Moff Yenchin · Post by **Grand Moff Yenchin** » 2008-04-21 05:55pm

Mangka Daily News

Minister of Transportation Arrested for Corruption

[Wanhua] The Minister of Transportation, R.L. Ding, has been arrested by the Independent Commision Against Corruption (ICAC) officials for bribery and embezzlement. According to ICAC officials, Ding has accepted at least 4 million ROBs from various companies in the past 2 months. As well as embezzled nearly 8 million while in office.

This is the 3rd high government official in the Cabinet to be arrested since the ICAC was established. So far the ICAC has arrested 24 officials, showing that they are determined to fight the corruption in the Government. Observers predict the next wave of investigations might be targeted at parliament and citizen representatives, a controversial move made legal with the ICAC and Sunshine Laws earlier this year.

Lonestar · Post by **Lonestar** » 2008-04-21 05:56pm

The Battalion

CROSSHAIRS '09 began yesterday off the Southern Coast of Tian Xia, with every MESS member participating. The Texas strike group, along with the recently completed Davey Crockett are the naval assets that the Lone Star Republic sent to participate in the exercise.

"The events on Zavlania...Zablania...Zablornia? Have taught us that we need to work better in coordinating for peacekeeping-type missions, which is the theme of this year's exercise." CNO Oscar Saldana said. "In this year's scenario, we are practicing taking and seizing parts of a small island nation which is threatening civilians. Obviously, we will also be boning up on our robot-combat skills."

Post by **Mr Bean** » 2008-04-21 06:22pm

BBC Special Report

Now lets go live to Peter Greste who has been in Terra Libertia for just under a month now and is standing by live in mountain town of Arad, Capital of Supreme General Alexander of Liberaltopia.

"Thanks you Alister. It took some doing but Supreme General Alexander has agreed to let us come and go as we please but we've been required to take along two official state guides when our crew leaves, but other that that we've been as free to film as we would be back in the UKB."

Do the guides interfere with talking to people? Or where you go?

"Not at all, they keep track of our movements and seem to be more concerned nothing happens to us than what we do or where we go. The only time they stopped us is when we went to one of the Silver mines, they insisted we bring along a Inspector with to ensure that none of our people went anywhere they might get hurt. Otherwise we've been filming with not a simple bit of complaint except for some of the locals who refused to talk on Camera but would talk to us if we did not record them"

What have you found in your week there Peter?

"We'll it's only been five days now but what we've seen is that people here are just as watchful as they were in Magalia. But for different things. Banditry is almost a tradition around here so most every family keeps a few fire-arms handy. The General established a universal militia last year and they train alongside his army every few months. We've were brought to see one group training alongside some of the General's elite guard.

Yes we have that video, how are the people there?

"Except for the fear of bandit attacks life goes on here Alister, the Sultan's men don't come into the hills in large numbers because the two times they tried that the General's army massacred them. And Lord Ramlsey's men maintain an uneasy truce with the General forces but it's believe by most people that his militia does nothing to discourage the bandits on their side of the mountains.

Sultan Ibrahim men have attacked the General's army?

"Not directly no, the Sultan issued a statement saying they were rogue units and that they were fleeing his soldiers and went so far as to thank the General for killing them. Few people here believe it, most believe the Sultan sent them to get an idea of how tight the General defenses are. "

Thank you for your time Peter

"No problem Alister"

That was Peter Greste reporting live from the mountain stronghold of General Alexander in Terra Libertia

CmdrWilkens · Post by **CmdrWilkens** » 2008-04-21 07:36pm

Ministry of Air Defense Announces Contract Award

The Ministry of Air Defense today announced that Douglas Aircraft of Tian Xia has been awarded a five year contract to produce and equip a new squadron of mid-air refueling craft for the Wilkonian Air Service (WAS). No extended comments nor exact specification were available aside from the brief statement that the total craft allotment would be based on the KC-767 frame and that procurement would cover the needs for a full operaitonal squadron (6 planes) along with standby aircraft to cover maintenance overhaul periods. Seperately the Ministry announced the intention to begin deploying more land based squadrons in future joint MESS exercises in order to better prepare pilots for the challenege of mid-air refueling.

Overall the ministry expects the first delivery to take place by the middle of FY10. Funding is already in place to begin retrofitting all interceptor squadrons by the first quarter of FY10. The air Service budget for FY09 was severely trimmed due to the concerns in equipping and upgrading the Army cutting procurement budgets to only those projects deemed absolutely essential.

Zor · Post by **Zor** » 2008-04-21 07:43pm

Minerva

Leviathan Migration

Just when you thought it the beaches were off limit, it becomes safe again to get back in the water. Marine Biologists have concluded that the Leviathan (L. Saddamistani) Population has been undergoing a migration eastwards. While local fishermen and Tourists are relieved, there is consern about the destination of this mass migration. Exactly where these creaturess are going is not known nor is their destination known, although it does bring them very clsoe to the Most Curious Kingdom of St. George. His Majesty's government has contacted the Saint Georgian Government in notification, although it is not known if this is their final destination.

"This is an unusual patern of behavior for the Leviathans" Dr. Arisaka of the Hirohito Institute stated "We don't know what triggered it, it may be part of their ususal migratory patterns, or it may be due to a near exaustion of the local food supply, whatever the reasons it has not affected the Leviathans we have in captivity, but we must be cautious. I have seen what these things can do to a Deer."

Post by **RogueIce** » 2008-04-21 08:16pm

SRS Independence to participate in CROSSHAIRS '09

The Defense Ministry announced today that the deployed Battle Group centered around the carrier SRS Independence will be taking part in the joint MESS exercises named CROSSHAIRS '09.

Following the exercise it has been rumored that the carrier would then proceed to operate off the shores of Mangka. The Navy has denied these rumors.

Post by **Beowulf** » 2008-04-21 08:37pm

TXS Vigilant to particpate in CROSSHAIRS '09

The Peace Department released that the Vigilant carrier strike group would be Tian Xia's naval contingent for the annual MESS military exercise. It will be joined by the 2nd Infantry Regiment (Airborne).

CmdrWilkens · Post by **CmdrWilkens** » 2008-04-21 09:56pm

Wilkonian Committment to CROSSHAIRS 09 Announced

The Ministry of Defense announced today that the Carrier Battlegroup led by HIS WHORE Scarlett Johansson (CVN-45) will be participating in this year's MESS joint exercises. Also joining them will be the First Submarine Patrol Squadron comprising HIS WHORE Adriana Lima (SSN-501), HIS WHORE Alessandra Ambrosio (SSN-502), HIS WHORE Ana Beatriz Barros (SSN-503) and HIS WHORE Keeley Hazel (SSN-505). Currently no Army forces are expected to participate though planners emphasized that barring changes to the format next year will see a significant involvement in place of other units. This year's exercise will also mark the first step towards qualifying two Interceptor Squadrons of the WAS for inflight refueling.

Shinn Langley Soryu · Post by **Shinn Langley Soryu** » 2008-04-21 10:02pm

The Ashford Times

RED TECHNOCRACY DEFEATS TIAN XIA FOR TRAINER BID
Yakovlev Yak-130 to be adopted by Air Force for jet training, light strike

The Yakovlev Yak-130: Training the future aces of the Langley Air Force and bringing pain to pirates and insurgents.

Recently, the Langley Air Force issued requirements for an advanced jet trainer and light attack craft to help train and prepare its pilots for the future acquisition of jet fighters and to provide a measure of aerial strike capability.

Two countries immediately jumped at the opportunity to peddle their wares. The Red Technocracy, a fellow member of the OMSK Pact, was willing to provide the Yakovlev Yak-130. The nation of Tian Xia, on behalf of the MESS, offered the T-45C Goshawk, a navalized version of the BAE Hawk.

Ultimately, the Air Force decided to pick the Yak-130, stating that the T-45C in its base configuration did not fully meet the light strike requirement. Four Yak-130s are guaranteed for delivery by the end of the year; Air Force officials are currently in negotiations with the Red Technocracy to secure an additional four airframes.

Fingolfin_Noldor · Post by **Fingolfin_Noldor** » 2008-04-21 11:21pm

Constantinople Times

News Headlines

IBNS Justinian launches, together with the IBNS Alexius Komneni and the IBNS Basil II Bulgar Slayer and the IBNS Aegean and sets sail for the Red Technocracy

The IBNS Justinian launched today together with the IBNS Alexius Komneni and the IBNS Basil II Bulgar Slayer and the IBNS Aegean and sets sail for the Red Technocracy. The Emperor sails aboard the Justinian together with the finance minister, trade minister and education minister. The ships, prior to launching were blessed by the Ecumenical Patriarch and a group of onlookers cheered as the pride of the Imperial Byzantine Navy set sail.

Grand Moff Yenchin · Post by **Grand Moff Yenchin** » 2008-04-22 12:28am

Mangka Daily News

Amphibious Reconnaissance & Patrol Battalion Participates in CROSSHAIRS '09

[Clearwater Bay] Yesterday the Amphibious Reconnaissance & Patrol Battalion of the Mangka Marines boarded the MNS Serpent to join the CROSSHAIRS '09 MESS joint exercise. It has been rumored that the Military Police Special Service Platoon will join the exercise due to the importance of their future role, however, General Mary Chih, spokesperson of the Ministry of Defence, denied these rumors, saying that the MPSSP's mission hasn't changed, and currently there are no plans for them participating in MESS exercises.

The ARPB (Provided by the MoD Military News Network)

Post by **K. A. Pital** » 2008-04-22 12:54am

PRAVDA

NAVAL GREETING: Commitee for Defense says "just a coincidence" when asked about the parallel MESS maneuvers

The Red Technocracy Navy and the arriving Byzantium ships staged a huge arrival parade in the waters off the north coast of Red Technocracy, to commemorate the eternal brotherhood of our great nations.

The pride of Red Technocracy's Navy, atomic carrier "Ivan Drago" led the way. Whether this parade is a part of a larger planned naval exercise, remains to be seen.

RED PARADE: High visitors arrive in OMSK

The Emperor was accustomed in Omsk shortly thereafter, and treated to a military parade, opening with jet flyby of a recently opened Orthodox Church.

"Our government is officially atheist; however, we do recognize the right of our citizens to practice any faith they want. This is important, as our great nations share a common cultural background. Let this Church be a temple of tolerance and friendship, and strengthen the brotherhood of nations" - said the Secretary General in an opening speech.

The Parade rolled on with S-300 SAM complexes, Msta-S and Coalition-SV self-propelled artillery pieces demonstrated to the high visitors.

Later on, the visitors were taken to a seaside hotel complex where informal talks were held.

Fingolfin_Noldor · Post by **Fingolfin_Noldor** » 2008-04-22 01:12am

Constantinople Times

News Headlines

The Emperor Arrives at Red Technocracy

The IBNS Justinian arriving

With great fanfare, the IBNS Justinian arrived at the Red Technocracy, escorted by the RTS Ivan Drago. The Emperor visited the new christened Orthodox Church. The Emperor blessed the church and prayed there before he gave a speech together with the Secretary General. "Today is a great day for both our nations, and this church here shall stand a symbol of our enduring friendships between our two peoples.

The two later together with their ministers met to discuss various items on the agenda, including a possible airliner deal and other matters of state. When asked about the recent MESS military maneuvers, the Emperor merely shrugged and said that the MESS is free to do as they wished.

Post by **K. A. Pital** » 2008-04-22 02:11am

PeZook · Post by **PeZook** » 2008-04-22 04:38am

ASTORIA EVENING NEWS

New tax plan causes uproar: Government called socialist, economists fear for growth.

The government announced today a new tax plan for FY2010, causing an uproar amongst enterpreneurs and economists.

The plan calls for an increase in taxes for the top two income brackets, placing a higher tax burden on the richest 30% PeZookians. Two lowest tax brackets are to be lowered slightly. Experts calculated that it will mean a total increase in the tax burden by 7%.

"This new economic plan reeks of socialism: why should those who earned their money part with a disproportionate amount of it? It is bad enough we do not have a flat tax rate ; But to increase the top tiers will unduly punish those willing to take risks and start their own companies for actually suceeding! It is preposterous!", claimed John Kulinsky, an enterpreneur.

Several non-government organizations staged protests outside the Parliament yesterday, though they were small in scale.

The King, when asked for comment, had this to say:

"Modifying or scrapping the plan is out of the question. We need these funds to finance better education and health care for our citizens. And, frankly, the income distribution in PeZookia is abysmal right now: the top 30% we are targeting with this plan typically earn six times the national average wage. Such a distribution only breeds social problems later on which hurt everyone ; Part of the government's role is to deal with those problems before they arise."

Several economic experts, however, disagree with the King.

"PeZookia in enjoying a period of extremely high growth, and this plan will kill it. We should remember that a rising tide lifts all boats. Frankly, I find the King's decision bizarre and suspect. We know he's planning a trip to the Red Technocracy quite soon, and I think he may have become enamored with socialism."

Details leaked about Astoria Hostahe Crisis investigation: Former military officers accomplices to atrocity?

The AEN has managed to secure information from an unnamed source inside the Republic Intelligence Services that former members of the military may have been instrumental in procuring weapons for the MCP terrorists who took hostages in Astoria.

These officers were working with the Ministry of the Interior to maintain covert weapons caches scattered throughout the Republic. They thus possessed the necessary information to procure military-grade weapons for the terrorists.

A review of internal security procedures in underway, with officials investigating how, exactly, the stored weaponry found their way into terrorist hands.

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

COVERT COMMUNIQUE TO GOVERNMENTS OF SHADOW EMPIRE, SHROOMANIA AND THE RED TECHNOCRACY

The Foreign Ministry of the II Republic of PeZookia, speaking in the name of His Majesty the King, informs our friends and allies that the following people are wanted for questioning in relations to the Astoria Hostage Crisis:

1) Josif Kutschinsky: Former military intelligence officer engaged in planning insurgency operations in case of foreign invasion.

Believed to have sold information on the location of several weapons caches ; Evidence gathered after the AHC suggests ties to MCP movement.

Currently residing in Shroomania, undergoing review for citizenship.

White male, 35 years of age, 173 centimeters, brown hair, blue eyes, photograph attached.

2) Carl Mostovitsky: private security consultant, former light infantry officer. Believed to have organized the weapons for monetary gain ; Probably worked as a middle-man for as of yet unknown faction.

Currently residing in the Red Technocracy as SIA student of aerospace engineering, second year.

White male, 27 years of age, 176 centimeters, black hair, brown eyes, photographs attached.

3) Beth Romanovska: former lecturer of the Astoria Private Engineering School ; Believed to have sold information to attackers which aided in planning.

Currently residing in: Shadow Empire, citizen, runs a small trade company involved in electronics.

White female, 34 years of age, 160 centimeters, blonde hair, blue eyers, photograph attached.

The Ministry respectfully requests that these individuals be made available for questioning by officers of the Republic Intelligence Service.

DarthShady · Post by **DarthShady** » 2008-04-22 07:46am

COVERT COMMUNIQUE TO GOVERNMENT OF PEZOOKIA

We have apprehended the female suspect Beth Romanovska, we have not questioned her because the emperor believes that your government should be the first to know if this women possesses any useful information.

Picture of the arrest

When shadow oficers came to arrest her, she did not resist. She is being held in a military base awaiting transport to the Republic of Pezookia, or the arrival of officers of the Republic Intelligence Service.
The emperor has ordered us to give the Pezookian government our full cooperation.
Where would you like to question her?

PeZook · Post by **PeZook** » 2008-04-22 09:28am

Since the suspect is a citizen of the Shadow Empire, the RIS feels it will be best to question her at location. A team of RIS interrogators has boarded a government airplane for a flight to the Shadow Empire.

We hope the questioning will reveal crucial information about the identity of the group which orchestrated the attacks, and thank our allies for their co-operation.

Redleader34 · Post by **Redleader34** » 2008-04-22 11:53am

3R NEWS NOW!

REDS WIN ROYAL RAIL REPUBLIC CONTRACT!

A computer projected image of the future Royal-1

In a stunning upset, chief Craftsman Red Leader has chosen to take an order for the Red built An-225, over the Mess Built 777We are here live with Red Leader himself, who is currently answering questions.

3r Media: "So, Mr Leader, why did you take the Red built jet, and the Mess aircraft?"

Red: Well, I wanted to think for both now, and the future. Currently, I am looking to have a heavy lift jet for both diplomatic purposes, and have heavy lift ability, in case another tragic international crisis happens, I could be able to help out the local neighborhood.

3R: What about fuel economy? Won't it be expensive to run this jet on a regular basis?

Red: With the sheer costs of repairing the 777, it would require me to have to send the jet to Tia Xan, at minimum to repair, while with the Red jet, I could do most of the repairs in house, or only have to request a newer module for damage controls.

3R: Is it true that you just purchased the An-225 because according to one source "It was cooler?"

Red: I would never make important economic choices based on this alleged cool factor.

3R:What about the Jet Train Proposal? Have you accepted that, or is that all rumors

Red: That is all rumor at best. We are mulling over many offers to outfit our high speed rail systems.

3R: Thank you for your time, Mr. Red

Red: It is no problem, after all, this is from your hard earned taxes, the people have a right to know

Royal Tabloid: For all your Retroactive needs

Reds, in my Society? Its more likely than you think.

Hello fellow Citizens. I am Richards Reeds, and I fully oppose our Craftsman's purchase of a Red Product. This could lead our nation, to the path of the OSMK powers, which are little more than sub nations in this great, menace to world Peace! With our position, if we were to join the Red, we would be the targets of MESS retaliation! We should oppose thi, and only buy MESS products! Let us support the MESS, and not the Red Menace...

Red looked at the paper, and sighed... "I go how many light years from earth, and it looks like a copy of my old history books... I hope the atomic plan goes well..."

Post by **Coyote** » 2008-04-22 12:02pm

King Arik Coyotus-I of Canissia had returned from Vulpesia feeling refreshed and relaxed, enjoying his brief time off. It had been particularly entertaining watching his own assistants and those of General Sanguinius engage in numerous rounds of beach volleyball... but duty called.

"Ahh, military exercises," the King said with a sigh, "Crosshairs '09. We shall include the Canissian Marines." He signed off on the order and went on to the next. "Mmm," he said, concern in his voice, "Terrorism... piracy... odd, considering this world started with stability and resources..." He wondered if this was something endemic to human society and psyche.

"The news is grim, Excellency," Colonel Rassnar said, bring this King his breakfast.
"Indeed. We've managed to stay out of it, but how long? I cannot help but think that, even given as near-perfect a situation as one could ask for, humans just insist on creating reasons for conflict."

"Conflict defines us, Excellency," the Colonel volunteered, "Given a perfect situation, without boundaries, may be too unnerving for a social animal adapted to the demands of danger for survival."
"Very astute, Colonel, I think you have something there." Arik folded up the reports and put the folder on the table as he dug into his morning chow.

"There is the increase in disease across the Strait, too," Arik mentioned, "The Red Technocracy-- encephalitis, I believe? How are we doing on that?"
"Every rainy season brings an increase in disease," the Colonel said, "So far we've done well enough, but there has been an increase in hospital visits, and there's the usual scramble to make sure there's sufficient vaccines. But it is within the health budget."
"Good," Arik said, sipping at his coffee, "Looks like our robotics program is coming along well."

"It recives a lot of support from research universities, sir," the Colonel said, "University-age students see robotics as an alternative to enacting a conscription law, so they are quite eager for its success."

"You know," Arik said, "There are those that say that a time in the service is good for citizenship."
"True," the Colonel said. He knew the King was engaging in some Devil's Advocate style banter, as a ways of addressing things. "But we do have the national service initiative which creates a sense of shared community-- and it seems to be sufficient. Bearing arms for the state is not the only, or most necessary path to this."

"Yeah," the King said, "Yeah, I agree. Still, it is an easy way to boost manpower... eh, we'll stick with the 'bots. We just have to make sure we don't get too cocky about jumping into things just because we have 'bots..."

CANISSIAN ROBOT PROGRAM CONTINUES TO MAKE STRIDES

Anti-aircraft robot read for field tests.
FORT GAROU-- Colonel William Axman continues to wax enthusiastic about the Canissian military's expanding robot program.
"With more robots, we can maintain readiness without having to resort ot conscription," he said, "Allowing more workers to remain in the economy. A win-win situation."

When asked about the per-unit-cost of building a robot, as opposed to the idea of a adult volunteer that simply walks into a recruiting station, Axman insisted that the whole spectrum of costs has to be looked at, and in a more detailed examination, the cost-benefits ration becomes more apparant.

"A human walks into the office and he's 'free of charge', but he's not a soldier yet," Axman said, "He has to be trained and equipped, fed, housed... a robot is purpose built and programmed, and needs only a recharging station, not three hots and a cot."

Colonel Axman also went on to explain that a robot can stand guard all night, and doesn't need creature comforts to sustain fighting spirit.

"They just roll into battle, ready to go," Axman said.

Experimental armored car undergoing terrain tests.

"The idea is not to replace the soldier," King Arik Coyotus-I said in a prepared statement earlier today, "But to enhance the soldier's range of abilities. I know from experience that one thing that always needs to be done is convoy escort duty, and commanders are always needing people to man gun trucks to take supplies through dangerous areas. These are long, tiring missions, and susceptible to ambush," he explained, drawing on his own experience in war while on Earth That Was.

"What we want is a command structure wherem for example, there is a convoy commander vehicle that serves as a sort of 'node' for four or five automated armored cars. These robo-cars follow the command car, using their artificial intelligence to adjust themselves to the convoy based on mission requirements, expected threat, terrain, and traffic."

The "Ripsaw" robo-tank: the shape of things to come?

The automated vehicles would be able to react immediately while the flesh-and-blood soldiers would have time to put together a more coherent and appropriate response to danger.

The critical factor is judgement-- trying to program the "shoot/no-shoot" paramaters to cover every possible scenario, and have a processing speed for the AI that allows these parameters to be used fast enough to make a decision without the computer having to "think" about it.

"If anything, we're going to be overly-careful," Colonel Axman assured, "If there's any doubt, the 'bot will hold fire, and wait to see where the humans fire, and then add their firepower to the fray. Better safe than not!"

Post by **Coyote** » 2008-04-22 12:58pm

MESS NAVAL-PHASE OF CROSSHAIRS '09 EXERCISES "UNDERWEIGH"

The combined Flotilla of the Canissian Navy's single Carrier battle group, and embarked Marines, deploy for MESS operations.

"An important part of readiness is preparedness," Colonel TC McQueen said as he stood on the foredeck of the Royal Canissian Navy's carrier, the RMS Galactica. "There are problems in this world, and so far Canissia has managed to keep their hands clean. One of the ways we stay safe is by showing the world we're ready to fight-- not just by ourselves, but as part of an integrated alliance. We show our resolve-- together."

His Marines were ready to fly, and in fact eager to get the exercises started. Drones were going to be expanded by the shipload to allow the pilots to indulge in some live-fire dogfights over the empty sea. It was hoped that there could also be a "invasion" of one of the islands, with thousands of paintball-equipped warriors, to provide a little more fun.

"The top dogs back home want to give all the fun to the robots, someday," Colonel McQueen said, "I say my hard-charging, heart-breaking Marines are the better bet! Now get out there and make me proud!"

"WHAT ARE THEY GOING TO DO ABOUT THE PIRATES?"

While the military deployes to joint exercises with other MESS members, some back home wonder what is going to be done about the rising threat of piracy to intantional commerce.

Piracy is a growing problem as down-and-out types in various poor and neglected countries turn to piracy was a fast way to make a buck. While partially-automated FCS-type vessels have few crew to effectively combat boarders, it falls on the military or other enforcement organizations to do something against this menace.