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Constantinople Times

Misinformed Lewis Buckner, PacUnion Assemblyman from Yukon should learn when to "be silent"

Byzantine foreign policy specialists at the University of Constantinople regarded recent remarks by Cascadian Lewis Buckner, PacUnion Assemblyman from Yukon that "CATO is wholly dependent on the UCSR" as seriously misinformed, and criminally ignorant. "For an Assemblyman from Yukon whose nation claims neutrality, such remarks do not make us regard the his country even remotely neutral. We expect better from this Assembly man in doing his best to uphold his country's neutrality and not trying to ignite disputes," said one. On the Assemblyman's pro-MESS leanings, one remarked, "Given the holier than thou attitude held by many MESS leaders, I suppose Lewis Buckner would 'fit just right in'."

On MESS-CATO relations, one remarked, "Given the growing disconnect between the MESS and the rest of the world, it is clear that it seems not only are value systems completely different, where one side is willing to support the bullying of smaller nation states, while the other is an ardent defender of national sovereignty and peace and prosperity. It seems this disconnect will only serve to divide the world even more, and many CATO leaders have since lost patience for any more peace deals and conferences, and would rather damn the MESS and get on with their lives. CATO as an economic bloc is more than self-sufficient to sustain itself alone." On whether detente be achieved, one sarcastically said, "I suppose it will be useful if the MESS can keep the dogs in the kennel, or if the MESS starts to learn when not to act like they are in some kind of primitive tribe defending the indefensible." On the installation of Al-Sheppard as leader of Sirnorth, one commented, "Either MESS leaders are sticking their head in the mud pretending nothing has happened, or they truly are in cahoots with a mass murderer, or both. Considering OD's use of nukes in war and now this, we should not be surprised. Even if it wasn't Al-Sheppard, just about any member of the Shepistani leadership should be charged in the courts for war crimes and crimes against humanity. The bastard was lucky that he wasn't arrested on the spot in Shroomania because diplomatic immunity would not save him from justice."

Colossus class battle carriers detailed

The Ministry of Defence has indicated that it plans to replace over the course of the next few decades the Imperial Navy's Wasp class LHAs. At 65,000 tonnes loaded, the carrier will carry up to 40 aircraft, possess an angled flight deck, and possess the option of a well deck. The carrier will be nuclear powered. PeZookia, NFT, and Shroomania have indicated interest and it was indicated that Shroomania helped co-fund and design some aspects of the carrier. The PeZookian carrier will be constructed in Shroomania, while the NFT's carrier will be constructed pending the refit and expansion of a suitable dry dock with Byzantine assistance. The NFT indicated that they will choose the no-well deck variant. More details about the carrier will be detailed later. The MoD has indicated that the first Continental class carrier has begun construction, along with the first Colossus class battle carrier.

(OOC: DId some edits)

CFR Peacekeeping Operations Update

Indhopal has maintained its heavy presence in its sector of the multinational peacekeeping zone despite the relatively low levels of violence. In fact commanders say that is due directly to the army's heavy presence. The humanitarian situation seems to have stabilized and NGO's and the army have now begun the slow process of reconstruction. The western CFR is in a horrid state of disrepair; most estimates say that no appreciable investment has been sunk into infrastructure for over 30 years.

As part of the transition to reconstruction operations the 2nd parachute regiment has been replaced by the Royal Marines Regiment. The 2nd is known as a hard charging unit and is Indhopal's primary quick reaction force. The Marines meanwhile are known for their effectiveness in counterinsurgency operations and have the sort of equipment organically attached to be really effective in the more swampy areas of the western CFR.


Troops from the Royal Marines Conduct Counter Insurgency Operations against a notorious local bandit gang.

Cross continent Connector Underway!

President Raj Ahten said that the combined road/rail corridor across the CFR, dubbed thee Cross Continent Connector, was now officially under construction. So far the only ground being broken is on Indhopal's side of the border with the CFR, but survey teams have been dispatched across the CFR to confirm the best routes for the project.



The president said he was heartened by the responses he had received from private conversations with regional leaders and said that with work beginning in earnest it was his hope that more nations would officially sign on to the project.

Security is known to be a concern with this project and as a result Indhopal has contracted work out to numerous private security firms to guard project personnel and material. Many of these contracts have gone to Klavostani firms, but other reputable firms from across the continent have also been hired.

Royal Palace

"...And so we'll be watching the offensive in Sirnoth closely." SECWAR DiBacco said. The two were alone in Lonestar's office.

"Thank's Eric, but surely you didn't want a priavte meeting for a routine update?"

"No, I didn't." Wordlessly DiBacco opened his folder and handed him a letter, the War Ministry symbol watermarked on it. Lonestar read the first paragraph, then stopped.

"You aren't serious..."

"Matt, I'm done. I've been at this for...well, for almost two decades if we count the last one. I'm going to retire from government service and sit on the farm. May hit the lecture circuit. I'm done."

"Why?" Although Lonestar already knew the answer.

"I cannot in good conscience continue working with...with that man." DiBacco said. "I understand why you did it, and the need to have someone rapidly bring order to Sirnoth, but this is the end of the line for me."

Lonestar leaned forward and rubbed his temples. He opened a drawer and dry-swallowed some aspirin. "Eic, he..."

"..Killed Evan Mironov this time around, and most of us last time around. I guessed I had...hoped you wouldn't string this along, but you did. I don't know why...if Shep acted the way he did on the ship he would have been found 'hanged to death' in aft steering."

"I guess I can't convince you to stay on?"

"No, you can't."

Lonestar sighed. "I have to ask..."

"Lips will remain sealed."

"Thank you. I don't suppose you have any ideas for a relief?"

"Oscar Saldana is leaving the ODN after about a gazillion years of service this month. He would probably be a good interim."

"Fine." Lonestar stood up and shook his hand. "Fair winds and following seas."

Results: Shake up in cabinet begins...

Saint of Sinners (2)



Bissauru, Velaria

I awoke just as the rickety bus began its final, winding descent down the hills into the capital city. Even this early in the morning the heat was oppressive, but I'd grown used to that back in Frequesue. What I hadn't grown used to was the smell of twenty-four people, cooped up in a bus for three days straight, some of them carrying chickens and other small lifestock.

I'm a private person. I don't like other human beings much. Comes with the territory. So when I get stuck with a bunch of total strangers in a banged-up vehicle built in the UCSR sometime during the War of the World for three days, that's about as close to hell as I imagine it's possible to get on this blasted planet.

I rode into town on an Antonov 12, from Paradise Island straight down to Bissauru. The pathetic six-plane squadron that passed for the local air force had no chance against the seasoned Egyptian barnstormer who'd flown me in. Not for the first time I wondered who was paying for this operation. I didn't have much time to think about that though, because the mercenary pilot decided to bore me with stories from his time in the service of the Sultan of Zahedan all the way down, until at the end I was praying for someone to shoot us down.

But he got me there in the end. I got off as the plane reversed its engines and took off into the night again, leaving me stranded in southern Velaria.

Bissauru. What a goddamn hole in the ground. No-one came here for fun. The country had always been shit, but after the Pathogen War it'd gotten even worse. The plagues that ravaged the island of Astaria had spilled over into Velarian Astaria, and from there into its neighbors. Tens of thousands had died before the diseases burned themselves out. 'God-President' Teodoro Macías had claimed it was divine punishment he'd called over the unruly masses of his fiefdom. If that was the case I wondered why he stayed in his bunker for six months – surely as a 'god' he had nothing to fear?

But then we'd see how godly he really was soon enough.

It took me two weeks to navigate my way down the northern half of the country. No-one noticed me. I was always good at blending it if I had to, and the people here are pathetic wretches who've learned to keep their heads down and ask no questions. Or most of them at least. One time a punk tried to force himself onto me. I put a knife through his gut for his trouble and left him in a ditch to die. Another time I stumbled across a band of brigands attack a village and got the hell out of Dodge. Not my problem.

Halfway through the country I finally got to a city worth of the name, where I grabbed a bus down to the coast. This bus. I groaned as we drove through a pothole with a bone-jarring impact, then rumbled out again. I don't know how old exactly this thing is, but when it was built they apparently hadn't heard of suspension yet.

Outside the outskirts of the dilapidated capital city passed by. I've any number of urban wastelands in my time, but Nguema beats everything. Roads were cracked. Many houses seemed abandoned; some had bullet holes in them or had clearly burned down. A few had been badly patched up, clay being substituted for bricks. Technicals of security forces rumbled through the streets. At least once I saw men in khaki uniforms beat someone on the street. I frowned and shrugged. Clearly I at least hadn't been hired to ice a good guy this time.

We stopped in a square in the center of the city. Here the buildings were slightly better maintained. I got off the bus, glad to finally be rid of all the other idiots, and made my way to the agreed-upon hotel. It was called the Savoy, a horribly misplaced name if ever I saw one. Maybe the owner had a weird sense of humor; he apparently was known for his discretion, so as far as I was concerned he was entitled to it. I exchanged a few brief words with the man at the desk, feeding him a bullshit story about how I'd come down from up north to visit my family in the city, and how I'd reserved a room. He nodded in a bored fashion and handed me the key to my room.

Once there I lifted the floorboard in the right spot and smiled as I saw the case hidden under the floor. It was exactly where we'd agreed it would be. I lifted the case out and opened it. Everything was there: my customized Dragunov, my scopes, the Shroomanian AS50 rifle I'd been promised, and a whole lot of ammo. My smile widened as I lovingly brushed my hand over the familiar cold steel of the rifles.

I was in business.

Global Press Roundup

"With the recent OD "funded" offensive in Sirnoth, the world's hack political cartoonists have been out in force; making the most of the claims that "Ree Anh" is acctually Al-Sheppard, the imagery was just too good to pass up..."

From the english language dailies in the CSR comes this cartoon:



And from Crossroadia's Corporate press:

Black Sands test range

"We are go for test. Target barge acquired. Feeding coordinates to impactor."

The satellite had been lofted several weeks ago. Due to it's nature as a test vehicle, it would be reentering the atmosphere nearly whole. The IOC birds were of a different design for the satellite, but the impactor inside was identical. It currently sat in a geosynchronous orbit, another difference from the IOC birds.

"Impact coordinates set. Engine ignition in 3 seconds."

High above Nova Terra, the satellite sprang to life as mechanical components started moving again. Variable injectors shrank to their smallest size, in order to ensure high jet velocity until pressure built. Thermal batteries ignited, providing power to the high speed pumps, that pushed the salt water out of the injectors, into the reaction chamber. The flow velocity was cruicial. Too slow, and the reaction chamber would blow apart under the forces. However, the engine had been tested multiple times at this point, and was considered to be decently reliable.

Also reliable was the guidance system. It utilized a high precision inertial system augmented by the Lowell GPS system. Using a much more conventional set of RCS thrusters, it would be active until reentry. After reentry, essentially none of the systems mattered anymore.

This was because the warhead, such as it was, was a solid block of tungsten. Tungsten was used both because of it's density, but also it's equally important high melting point.

The impactor came in like a meteor. Unlike most meteors, however, it didn't break apart, or slow down much as it hit the atmosphere. Also unlike most meteors, it came nearly straight down through the atmosphere. Thus, it maintained most of it's speed, and kinetic energy. Approximately half of it was ablated away as it came down, at it's incredible velocity, but the half that remained was enough.

The other half of the impactor ablated away on impact, releasing it's kinetic energy into its surroundings in the form of thermal energy. It missed directly hitting the target barge by scant meters, but that was well more than close enough to transfer enough energy to crush the barge into flinders. The Sasquatch system was operational.

Indophal Inquirer

note, this is a small paper of the kind funded by dance club ad revenue that you find at metro stations in DC, not a serious paper

The following articul was written by a blogger under the pseudonym of Shroomdart, the Indophal Inqurer does not necessarily agree with or endorse his politics


The Old Dominion Leader, Lord Fairfax

The latest move by the Chimp Lord and his Minions has already resulted in MILLIONS of people fleeing from Rhee An Sheppard's latest brutal assault.


Refugees wade north away from recent fighting

It does not matter if Re Anh Sheppard is indeed Al-Sheppard, or his brother as the latest claims and counterclaims in the news say; what matters is the matter of fact, that the Old Dominion is backing a "Sheppard" led assault on human rights, human freedoms, and human dignity in it's vassal state of Sirnoth.

Not content with controlling the crater archipelago, the Old Dominion's War Whores, led by the Chimp Lord, are looking abroad for the latest chances to export their weapons of WAR AND DESTRUCTION.

Minutes of Meeting, PacUnion Seat, San Magdalena
31 January 2018

Present:
Stephen Garrett, POTUPR
Robert J. Dale, SecDef
Christopher Parnell, SecState
Dr. Alex Wilkers, Director PSID


PRES. GARRETT: So, now that we've mentioned the Misterian issue, I believe Doctor Wilkers had another item to discuss?

DR. WILKERS: Yes, our Velerian policies...

SEC. PARNELL: They're not a major issue. I mean, aside from the tensions in Hadhramara, and that's not our playground.

DR. WILKERS: Maybe it should be.

SEC. DALE: What do you mean, Doctor?

DR. WILKERS: For many years Cascadian influence has been along the northern shores of Veleria. But do we not have interests in Southern Veleria?

SEC. PARNELL: Aside from San Marin, the nations of South Veleria have been far too unstable to attract much in the way of investment.

DR. WILKERS: But you don't deny it's there? I can tell you Alaska has had friendly ties with San Marin for decades and we provide the majority of Al-Ghazzara's oil. Actually, we also provide quite a bit to the Republic of South Veleria.

PRES. GARRETT: Former Astarian Veleria.

DR. WILKERS: The one and the same. As you may remember, Cascadia has also played a part in helping them rebuild.

PRES. GARRETT: Not a major one, though.

DR. WILKERS: Perhaps, but allow me to get to the point. The new Pacific Union cannot simply continue concerning itself with what were solely Cascadian interests. I understand they and Adabani interests were virtually the same, but Alaska has its own old interests that we must uphold to maintain the Union. Do you agree?

PRES. GARRETT: You know I do. The Pacific Union has to be more than just Cascadia with a new flag and a lot more territory.

SEC. PARNELL: So you think we should start getting more active in Southern Veleria?

SEC. DALE: We're providing air support to the anti-piracy patrols there already, but our naval rotation doesn't really permit for us to project power off the South Velerian coast as we do in the North, not without reducing our presence in Northern Veleria's waters.

DR. WILKERS: Mister Secretary, I was thinking more along the lines of letting the Air Force handle this situation. Besides, soft power is just as important.

SEC. PARNELL: I'm not convinced that we have the reach. Cascadia was straining itself maintaining its military position in Veleria. In the new Union we're going to be spending more money on uplifting Adabani than expanding our forces, we risk overstretch in getting too involved in South Veleria.

DR. WILKERS: Gentlemen, our alternative is to do nothing and risk that eventually these countries will fall into CATO or MESS orbit. While our relations with both are cordial, I have no doubt that inevitably, as the Cold War intensifies, we may see pressure to 'choose a side'. The stronger position we have, the easier it will be for us to resist any such pressure.

*pause*

DR. WILKERS: May I also remind you all that Cascadian SIA, which my organization has inherited, has remaining contact with various... 'organizations' in the South Velerian interior?

PRES. GARRETT: You're talking about Project Gold Mine. I ordered those ties severed after the Pathogen War, their sole intent was to put pressure on Astaria's little alliance and given what happened...

DR. WILKERS: Mister President, just because direct ties were gone doesn't mean unofficial avenues were kept. How else do you think your own attacks on Davin Muballi were so successful nearly five years ago? Reconnassiance flights may be useful but having direct intelligence on where his strategic stockpiles were located, where his logistical network was already thin, that played a key role in the success of the airstrikes. These connections are useful.

PRES. GARRETT: So you're talking about restablishing ties with these groups? Why?

DR. WILKERS: I'm not talking about full ties. But connections we can use to keep tabs on local events, to be prepared for the next Davin Muballi or Shroomvez/Macías conflict. Connections we can expand if something happens.

PRES. GARRETT: You'll understand if I remain skeptical, Doctor. The Pacific Union's interests are primarily in the North Pacific. Even with Alaska and Cascadia pooling resources we have enough on our plate as it is.

DR. WILKERS: Well, sir, perhaps we should have called ourselves the "Union of North Pacific Republics" then.

PRES. GARRETT: Very good sarcasm, Doctor. But I think we should take a respite and get a bite to eat before resuming this discussion. Gentlemen, I'll see you again in an hour's time.


Transcript Ends

CATO Military Journal

HyFly II entering final stages of testing. HyFly III in the works

HyFly II has entered the final stages of acceptance testing. The missile, produced by Kontos Munitions, is capable of MACH 6 cruise and high speed MACH 8 dive and has range double that of HyFly I at 2000km. To be deployed in special missile regiments, bombers and warships, the missile will offer greater options to military commanders. HyFly II represents a greater refinement of hypersonic missile technology, offering quasi-ballistic flight paths. The government has also issued HyFly III requirements and Kontos Munitions has begun work on the missile. The missile is expected to be must faster than HyFly II.

R-88 and Klub III testing entering final phases

Joint testing of the R-88 air to air missile between the Byzantine Imperial Air Force and the UCSR Air Force has begun. The missile, with range at 300km, was jointly developed between Vympel and Kontos Munitions and features a new seeker, which in addition to having a cryogenically cooled focal plane array Infra red imaging seeker, Active Radar seeker, Inertial guidance and datalink updates, will also feature a small LIDAR seeker with undisclosed range. The missile can be used for ground attack.

All variants of the Klub III missile, the replacement for the Klub II, have begun final phases as well. The missile features a new stealthy air form and is expected to enter service by next year. It is developed jointly between Novator and Kontos Munitions. Other CATO missiles entering final phase of testing in what is a major revamp of all existing missiles, include the Kh-201, Kh-215, Kh-211

New Possible Light Tank for Airbourne, Mountain and Marine Comitatenses


BL-1 Tank

Byzantine Heavy Industries showed off their latest product: A BL-1 tank. The BL-1 is likely to be intended to equip Airbourne, Mountain and Marine Comitatenses Legions. At 44tonnes with the option of removing 4 tonnes of passive/active armour, the tank offers greater flexibility to the Army in its ability to rapidly deploy its rapid response forces. The tank will use the same 120mm ETC gun found on the B-2A tank, as well as use the same ammunition. It will incorporate most of the advanced features of the B-2A and B-3 tank. Production is expected to begin soon with many units being re-equiped with the tank.

(Notes: I will likely include more items later)

Maternity ward waiting room, Sacred Heart Hospital, Ashford City

It was early morning, and authority truly equaled asskicking in the waiting room of Sacred Heart's maternity ward, as Lelouch was currently beating any and all comers at video games. His winning streak came to an end when Sayoko none other than Dr. Yagokoro herself came in to inform him of the joyous news.

"Your Highness," Sayoko said as she tapped Lelouch on the shoulder.

"Just a few more seconds, ma'am," Lelouch said nonchalantly as he finished off his opponent in the current game. Once he was done, he set down the controller, stood up, shook hands with the other players, and turned to face Dr. Yagokoro. "Oh, I'm sorry about that, Dr. Yagokoro. Did the deliveries go well?"

"Your consorts are just fine, Your Highness. Kallen and Shirley's respective deliveries went along smoothly. While we had to perform a C-section on C.C., she came out of that just fine."

"May I see my wives?"

"Not right now. They need their rest right now. We can show you the babies, though."

Dr. Yagokoro and her assistants led Lelouch and Sayoko towards the nursery, where multitudes of babies were fast asleep, tired from the ordeal of their deliveries. When the good doctor pointed out Lelouch's children, all he could do at first was stare at them in stunned silence. After several seconds, he suddenly burst into tears.

From that day forward, Lelouch's life would never be the same again. The prospect of fatherhood presented itself as a truly enigmatic beast, offering both pain and pleasure in equal proportion; however, Lelouch was confident that he would unravel its secrets, that he could endure the torments of childrearing in order to experience the true joy that came with being a father.

---

RESULTS:

Lelouch has four kids, as follows:

With C.C.: One son, John, and one daughter, Catherine (twins!)
With Kallen: One daughter, Karen
With Shirley: One daughter, Amy

Indophal Inquirer

Time Travelling SHROOMSON?



A recent discovery of a 2,000 year old bust with a remarkable resemblance to the late deceased Michael Shroomson is raising heads in archaelogical circles. Does time travel exist? And why Michael Shroomson of all people?

Somewhere in Japanistani Sumatra



Captain Wantabe, formerly of the Japanistani Strategic Planning Staff, muttered as he filled out requistition forms for anti-malarial tablets that were in heavy demand in the more remote parts of Sumatra.

"Sir, there's someone to see you." shouted his aide from outside the tent.

"I thought I gave orders to not be disturbed!"

"Sorry Honorable Sir, but these gentlemen are from New Toyko, and they have sealed envelopes for your eyes only."

"Send them in."

Flight Evaluation Test "Everest"

The late evening liftoff was new to operators at the Old Dominion's Fort A.P. Hill but even more unique was that this would be a remotely piloted launch. The X-20 series was almost a distinguished old lady at this point for the Air Force ground control team as more than a half dozen members hadn't yet entered high school when the first test flights of the X-20 program were taking off. Today with heavy lift rockets powering much larger craft the X-20 was primarily a training tool and a seldom used one as spaceflight was never a cheap proposition.

This flight would indeed be training but it was mostly an evaluation of a whole host of systems. While the STAR Battlespace Management System had demonstrated great strength against a whole host of surface, subsurface, and airborne threats whether subsonic or supersonic the one area not yet demonstrated was against spaceborne threats. Likewise the LIM-167 Sprint was entering its fielding phase but had never been tested in the STAR system as the fielding trials were done with dedicated controller setups and not cross-linked information.

Lifting off in the gloaming the flight was launched at the direction of the OD controllers in order to better test the reaciton of their fellow MESS members to the north. While the defending team knew that a strike would happen some time this week only the OD would have control over the actual lift time. In turn their STAR links were temporarily disabled for the exercise in order to better simulate a launch from a state not visible to most of her assets.

The X-20 lept skyward burningfor a polar orbit it would, if all proceeded as planned, never reach.


Control Bunker, "Yankovic" Installation, Wilkonia

The mood had been tense all week and waiting through five days in which a few supersonic passenger flights had caused temporary alert jumps was far from easy on the controllers. They had received their "war warning" message just over 104 hours earlier indicating that a hostile power with space capable bomber units was engaging inactivity judged to likely result in hostilities. The umpires would periodically inform the participants of "diplomatic negotiations" and "rising international tensions" which mostly served to creat fodder for truly bad jokes.

Now entering the 105th hour of the exercise the south by south-eastern watch desk made the beginning official:

"Launch confirmed, track matches flight profile of hostile birds,"

"Liason do we have scheduled civy launches?"

"None on the baord for at least another 16 hours and that's a comm sat going up from the Cascad...Unionists."

"Track matches flight path for hostiles."

"Comms initiate query on GUARD and open frequencies."

...

"No response,"

"Tracking reports rapid change in target profile, vehicle is manuevering for alignment to destination in cerntral American Highlands."

"All stations the safety is off, system in FIRE mode. XO confirm."

"XO confirms, launch granted."

Miles away on one of the two semi-permanent rail spurs dedicated for the Panama province's aird defense squadrons the huge support rails for the MIM-171 Kinetic Energy Interceptor angled upwards. When the array and the stations to the north, mostly "Bien", confirmed ideal intercept solution two spires of flame lept syward.

Built as a 4 stage system the MIM-171 had been designed in conjunction with the "Sasquatch" system to present a defense against similair high speed high energy impactors. Planners felt the best way to knock such an attack off course was to beat it with a bigger stick, thus the -171. While certainly effective, at least in simulation, it was definately expensive and this would be the first live fire test of the system.

Burning upwards and seeking to bracket the space in which the target could manuever and not crush a human crew (or break itself apart for thaat matter). With two more missiles already set to launch northwards in the R.A.A.N conspicuously close to the MSA's pricnipal launch facility, the umpires and controllers were left to watch on their screens as the three blips converged.

Suddenly there were a host of extra blips.

"Multiple launches from target, seperating at speed and losing altitude, they are on powered descent"

"Tracking where are they aimed at?"

"All four are staying to high to hit us unless they want to burn off a lot of delta-v and get no impact, most likely target is Vandeburg or just north of there at White Sands in Tian Xia."

"Cross-link to everyone is active?"

"Yes sir."

"Then we stick with our bird."

Seconds closed out and the three largest blips continued on their collision courses. The -171s were now well into their 4th terminal stage and were receiving continuous updates from the ground and closing at hypersonic speeds. Suddenly the screens for the Wilkonians changed as the first missile declared itself incapable of manuevering to contact, the target had initiated a negative speed burn at around 5G dropping altitude more than velocity. Unfortunately it wasn't enough to evade the second missile which tore through the X-20 turning it in to a rapidly decaying satelitte which would burn itself up over the central atlantic splashing down off the Florida coast.


Shinra Republic

"Targets."

Two of the seperating payloads began a powered descent towards the Shinran highlands, likely aiming for the huge Vandeburg Air Force Base. They were streaking in at close to 15,000 miles per hour crossing distances most planes would take hours to cover in mere seconds. Suddenly coming the other way were 8 LIM-167 Sprint close intercept missiles. The systems controlling the air defense response recognizedthe lack of manuevering and concluded early generation nuclear/thermonuclear device placing a premium on hitting the targets before they crossed the threshold for ideal airburst height. In turn the decision was made automatically to go with shoot-shoot-shoot-shoot-look sending up a virtual wall of the high speed missiles.

The final report would quickly show it was unneccesarry as the first shoot at each of the targets scored skin-kills turning the dummy rounds launched by the X-20 into small shards of metal that disintegrated from the still significant heat from re-entry. Less than 55 of the dummy rounds weights woudl survive to make ground impact.


Tian Xia

The situation in Tian Xia was similair but notably different. They also had two inbound tracks but with a couple advantages. With the greater horizon due to distance they had a much longer window to see the incoming tracks thanks to the uplink from Wilkonia and Shinra. On the downside their targets were manuevering in descent. While no lateral move was rated for more than 50G it still presented a challenge for the defense computer. Switching in to shoot-look-look mode the ideal pathing was to engage the target as often as possible with new counter-threats in order to decrese its manuevering reserves before switching to shoot-shoot-look.

For the first of the two rounds this would be unneccessary as the third round skyward impacted and broke the round apart. The second was more elusive until finally after the fifth round it engaged a straight line burn and ceased lateral shifts. Now firing shoot-shoot-look two more LIM-167s rocketed skyward. With time ticking down until the strike would be declared effective cheers burst out as the second Sprint turned the dummy round in to debris over the rockies.


----

Results The MESS demonstrates hard-kill capacity against hypersonic Space to Ground munitions and orbital bombers.

Strategic Planning Meeting, Indhopal

General Kincaid from the Air Force was giving the President and his chief advisers a briefing. The mood in the room was rather downbeat.

"The MESS's new air defense system is at least a generation ahead of what we have here in Indhopal. We believe that their claim of being able to engage maneuvering space borne targets is real. These new systems pose a significant chance of nullifying our Silver Streak Force as an effective deterrent. Of course their system does have limits but we certainly don't have the numbers to attempt to overwhelm the MESS's defenses."

President Ahten spoke up,
"So are you saying that our Silver Streak's are worthless?"

"Not at all Mr. President. They still give us the ability to engage in space control operations and attack targets such as carrier battle groups at sea. Also no Defense system is perfect. I'm sure we'll be able to find wholes in their system in time but for now the Silver Streaks are less than optimum as a strategic deterrent."

The President, grim faced, continued,
"And we still lack a hypersonic bomber fleet. At this point it would seem we are relying entirely on the sub force for deterrent. Our triad is looking a little thin."

"Sir,
Admiral Fowler interjected,
"The Silent Service has always been projected to be our main source of deterrent and I wouldn't discount our boys. Especially with our new stealth cruise missiles that are about to come into service."

Kincaid wasn't about to let Fowler go on about his prized submarines the whole meeting.

" Mr. President meanwhile the MESS builds more ASW assets all the time. They and CATO also have huge fleets of hunter killers. I know your men are good but they are constantly having to dodge enemy subs just to reach their patrol routes."

Fowler smiled and said,
"The MESS and CATO may think they rule the seas but our skippers sneak up on them more than they'd like to admit. Regardless of what the enemy thinks I'm confident we could put enough missiles on target to put them in a hurt locker."

It was now Mr Van Der Hoot from the ISIA's turn to speak up,
"What the enemy thinks is precisely the problem though. The grand alliances, the MESS in particular, may now believe they have a decisive advantage over us. We can expect Tian Xia to start pressing in against us again soon and a general increase in belligerence between the MESS and CATO."

President Ahten had an endless list of problems and not that many solutions.

"Well gentlemen to deal with this new situation I'm going to authorize the sub program to go to "crash" production. We need those boats as soon as possible. Proposal Redstone is a go as well; Admiral Fowler you'll be getting those six extra hunter killers you wanted.

For the air force it looks like we are going to be behind the times for awhile longer yet; there just isn't the money available for us to produce our own hypersonic bombers. I'm going to bite the bullet and authorize the forward deployment of nuclear weapons to air defense sites. then we might stand half a chance in case of a war.

That will be all for now gentlemen."

Tian Xian Sea Surveillance Station Zebra

"Sir, I have something you may want to see." began the Sonar Tech.

"What is it?"

"Well, sir, we detected an anomaly on the Block Five sensor lines, something slightly above sea background noise, but definitely not biological. Here's a recording of it, isolated, increased in volume, and sped up for clarity."

*thrum thrum thrum*

"Sounds like a new CATO submarine class, with super-quieting features. Start the SPL logs on it."

"Uh, sir, I already ran it through the computers before I came to you. We have a marginal match for the sound. It's only a 50% certainity, but there is a match, sir."

"Well, what is it?"

"A Shepistani SSAN."

"Stop fucking with me, sailor. All of them were accounted for at the end of the war."

"Sir, what about the rumors that one escaped? The Shroomtober?"

"The Shroomtober is just a myth that people like to talk about. Delete this from your system. It's just garbage."

"Sir---"

"That's a direct order, sailor. I suggest you forget you ever heard this, too by the way."

When the commander of Station Zebra was once again alone, he lifted his telephone and dialed a special number, connecting him with the Tian Xian Special Projects Section.

"Yes, we just detected the Shroomtober. Yes, very faint, very hard to localize down to a specific sea area. Yes, it's been sanitized from our records, and the sailor in question has been told to not ask questions."

LIVE on ShroomSat/StratTV
AUX News Presents:
THE FALAFEL FACTOR WITH PHIL O'LIELY



"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Once more we're here with another broadcast of the FALAFEL FACTOR, with none other than me, myself and I - FALAFEL PHIL 'OLIELY.

"Today, my friends, we're living in dark times. Gentlemen, our gallant young Prime Minister has been struck down in his prime. The death of Prime Minister Shroom marks the death of innocence, an end of an era and the beginning of an unsure future in this increasingly belligerent world.

"For despite Shroomania's tragedy, we are entering a period all-too reminiscent of the Cold War. On one side CATO, the Combine of the Sovereignty and her continental allies, with the Crimsons and Shadows along with us this-time-round, strangely enough. On the other side, the MESS - the mightiest military hyperpower in the history of the world.

"This is a proverbial clash of the titans - both sides having nearly come into physical blows in the recent past, and presently are well in the way of their war of words.

"The media war, the massive Crimson-Shadow propaganda blitz led by former Premier Stanislav aimed at one of the MESS' sore spots, a major point of contention in CATO-MESS tensions, the Old Dominion. The issue now is the OD's employment of former Shepistani warcriminals, perhaps even the biggest mass murdering motherfuck himself - Al-Sheppard, suspected to be going around with a new haircut and a new name as the OD's leader in Sirnoth Rhee-Ann Sheppard.

"The counter-issue, the reciprocation of the MESS, their reply is that former Premier Stanislav has gone senile. That Byzantine Emperor Heraclius has a bad case of sour grapes and hernia, perhaps because of the Shinrans' quality treatment of their former MESS-ally Byzantium."

[quote="*replay of "CANISSIA ISSUES PROTEST OVER BYZANTINE TREATMENT"*"]The National Assembly of the Canissian Parliament issued a diplomatic protest over the sudden negative treatment of the Byzantines vis-a-vis their membership and its conclusion in the MESS Alliance.

"We were under the impression that this was going to be done with some semblance of class and dignity," Defense Minister Ral Tenn said before the press after the resolution had been drafted. "The Canissian position was that this was going to be the opening round of talks aimed at finding a new, more comfortable place for Byzantine involvement. Not to deliver an insulting ultimatum to one who had been an ally and friend."[/quote]



"But today, friends, I'm not here to talk about that crap. The Crimson-Shadows, Byzantines and the Messicans have flung enough shit at one another to fill up all the septic tanks in both continents, with an extra serving to go for the Impact Crater Archipelago. Nope, not today. We're here to talk about the real issues.

"Last year, the Messican Tian Xians expanded their territory in Frequesue. In response to this expansion, Indhopal threatened nuclear war with them. By the way, Indhopal is a non-alligned member belonging to no alliance, not CATO or no one. So, how does this play out for our real issues? Hang on, I'm getting there.

"Before that big MESS-mess-mess, we've also got the Old Dominion sending bomber overflights to far-far-away Frequesue - and one of them ended up meeting face to face with an NFT naval force. It... didn't turn out so well.

"After the Old Dominion incident there was a conference, spearheaded by the Shinrans and the Wilkonians to attempt... repproachment, some form of reconciliation meant to decrease tensions.

"Then six months after that, the Tian Xians expanded their territory into Frequesue. In response, Indhopal threatened nuclear war with them.

"There have been so many incidents - with the MESS as instigators - that everything is becoming a blur.

"The Shinrans, and sometimes the Wilkonians, try to make attempts at diplomatic overtures - but with these incidents happening so many times, these diplomatic overtures seem like nothing but vain platitudes. Perhaps their alliance isn't as cohesive as they'd like us to think. Or perhaps they are much better in coordinating the development of their militaries... than they are at diplomacy.

"But considering that it was the Shinrans that cause Byzantium to leave the MESS in a huff, a very untactful move criticized even by fellow MESS member Canissia, perhaps we should re-evaluate the Shinran attempts at "diplomacy".



"Or simply, maybe as a de facto hyperpower the MESS members know that the alliance will back them regardless of their actions and they then fear none of the consequences."

"Diplomacy. Military action. These are both facets of politics, international geopolitics. Diplomacy, or soft-power, is merely a tool for which nations seek to gain... gainful gains. Military action, hard power, is but another tool for the same ends, one exercised when soft diplomacy is no longer an option, when you don't want to do it anymore or when you are incapable of doing it.

"But consider this. The MESS, the Mutual Economic Science and Security Alliance, has existed since the Second War of the Worlds more than seventy years ago. Their member nations consist of Tian Xia, Shinra, Wilkonia, Canissia, the Old Dominion and Serenity. The Vineyards are an observer. Byzantium was once amongst them. In total they have six members and one observer, after seventy years' existence.

"Compare to CATO. The Combined Alliance Treaty Organization, in its short span of existence since the 2010s, has as its members: Byzantium, the Crimson-Shadows, PeZookia, Shroomania, the nations of the North Frequesean Trust, and Baerne. Observers include Langley and Zoria. Miratia is also an ally. Six members, two observers accrued in barely a decade on this Earth.

"One of the stated reasons for MESS militarism and general alarm has been the downright rapid breakneck pace of CATO's expansion. No, not violent military expansion - but at the rate of which nations peacefully choose to declare themselves aligned to CATO. Why would so many nations turn to the Combine so quickly? It's because the Combine presents themselves as a multipolar alternative to a world that's dominated by a bipolar hegemony in the form of the MESS - a hegemony that does things without consequences, without accountability and without regard for the 'lesser nations' that are inevitably trampled under their militaristic and belligerent stereotypical Messican worldview.

"That is precisely why the Combine has had so much success in so little time. Its founding nations are composed of soviet socialist Crimson-Shadow unions, of PeZookian constitutional republics, or hedonic Shroomanian democracies, of Imperial Byzantines, and has very quickly grown to incorporate in its fold the hypercapitalist San Doradans - and the nations that have voluntarily entered their North Frequesean Trust - and the duchies of Baerne and Langley, and japanorse Zorians.

"Compared to the stereotypical Messican worldview of zero accountability in the face of 'lesser nations', the sheer diversity of CATO is a testament of the Combine's open-ended approach. The diplomatic openess of the Combine has won it the alliance and friendship of not just great powers - but small nations as well, nations that would have otherwise been trampled by unilateral militaristic approach of certain irresponsible hyperpowers who operate without a single iota of accountability towards the greater international community.

"That, my friends, is why we're seeing constant and continuous conflict-causing behavior on part of certain MESS nations. Because they are either unwilling or unable to conduct themselves in accountable diplomatic fashion, they resort to militarism - their only option to contain the Combined Alliance's vastly different approach at winning international allies over.

"The CATO policy of granting observerships before granting member-status was precisely because of the MESS' adverse reaction to the Combine's growth rate. The nations of the Combine open-mindedly listened to the Messicans' concerns and instituted the policy of observership. Out of courtesy, the Combine considered the perspective of the MESS and respectfully accomodated them.

"Unfortunately, it seems that the MESS can't reciprocate even that much. In their stereotypical Messican worldview, they saw and still see fit to abuse the kindness and consideration of their equals - and in the process they pile their bullshit on the greater global community, squandering whatever iota of international goodwill that's left with every metric foot of Messican manure that's piling up higher and higher.

"Some day, I fear that the dams will burst with all their accumulated shit. Then we'll be up to our noses in all the crap they've piled up for all of us. When they shit in bulk in the Combine's toilets, CATO's Combined septic tanks can only accomodate so much."



"My friends, this has been another broadcast of the FALAFEL FACTOR with none other than me, myself and I - FALAFEL PHIL O'LIELY. Thank you and goodnight."

PRIME NOIR



Farbanti, Shroomania

"Khitan? Why the hell does he want me to go to Khitan?", Paul asked nobody in particular, "I mean, it's obvious he needs a place where we won't simply bring in an infantry division, but fucking Khitan?"

"I hope you are not considering actually going through with his demands?", general Kulinsky asked from his screen. The small room below the Parliament Building was full of ridiculously expensive communications gear, which the Shroomanians graciously allowed Paul to use.

"Don't worry, general. I'm not that much of a fool - I know perfectly well he has no intention of actually letting my daughter go."

"If I may, lads...", Melchett McMeistervater spoke from his chair next to Paul, "...we probably should focus our brain-power on finding some sort of a solution, right-o?"

"He gave us ten hours, and we have no idea where he is.", Paul pointed out.

"Sire", it was general Kulinsky again, "You should face the truth. It may not be possible to do anything to save your daughter."

"I am aware of that, general", Paul's voice was cold, "He holds all the cards..."

"Perhaps I should restate. Even if we do not manage to locate Karic, you mustn't do what he wants, under any circumstances."

Paul stared at the table. The general was correct, of course: if he went to Khitan, and was killed by Karic's goons, he'd simply dispose of Lena. If he didn't go, and Lena was murdered, at least PeZookia would still have a King. But he didn't think he'd be able to rule after abandoning his child like that. He didn't think he'd be able to sleep.

"I understand.", he finally said, quietly, "I want concrete proposals now."

"My people have one, actually...", Shady said, "...but you're not going to like it."

"Go ahead"

Paul listened to what Shady had to say...and it was correct. He didn't like it one bit.



Damascus, Syria

The Prince's security people patrolled slowly around the perimeter. They never talked to their "guests" beyond the basic necessities, and the innermost building of the complex was under care of Karic's own security people. What the Syrians didn't know, however, was the fact that their visitors had already worked out their entire security system: the alarms and surveillance were hacked even before Karic got here, their radios were all tapped and their quarters were a prime target for a two-man team with an RPO thermobaric rocket launcher sleeping on the rooftops.

The plan didn't call for all of that to come into play just yet, though. Karic sat on the balcony, watching the sun rise over the ancient city and glancing at his watch from time to time.

"Hello, Abasi", he said when his most trusted aide emerged from the gold-plated doors, "How are things?"

"I never thought I'd become a nanny, boss.", the huge black man obviously wasn't happy with his new assignment, "How much longer?"

"Oh, about two hours."

"And if they don't bite?"

Karic smiled wickedly, "It would be preferable if they did, of course...an attempted armed incursion into Khitan...", the former dictator trailed off for a minute, "Yes, it's a pleasant dream...but they won't."

"I don't think any father could abandon his daughter like that..."

"Ah, but of course. However, you see...he has no choice. He can't be certain I'll release the little brat, and he risks war if he does as I told him. No, he won't come to Khitan...even if he wanted to, his own security people won't let him."

"I think that's the part where you explain the rest of the plan, boss."

"You're right. Sit down...you see, the entire point of that operation in the Tri-Cities was, essentially, to piss off the PeZookians. They'll take risks, higher than before, to take me down."

"And we want them to do that?", Abasi knew a thing or two about his boss by now.

"Of course. I never really expected the attack team to get away with the kid, to be honest. If they simply blew up the boat, it would've been enough, but I have to admit, having such a high profile hostage is an excellent bonus."

"Boss..."

"Ah, right", Karic was obviously delaying the moment, basking in his own brilliance, "Now we just have to let them find us."

"And that will help?"

"Yes. You know how they killed Boguslav Miksevich a while back?"

"Ah.", Abasi remembered Karic telling him about the raid, "Their King is pissed, and so..."

"No", Karic raised his finger, "He will be. Just wait...ninety minutes."

"Oh. Okay."

"In the meantime, take a seat and brief me on our security precautions, please."

Orena, PeZookia (Co-written with Rogue)

The usual welcome was mired heavily by things not immediately apparent to the observing journalists. King Paul seemed tired and haggard, with bags under his eyes that even entire armies of make-up specialists couldn't cover up.

This intrigued Rufus Shinra, though he dumped it on the curb of Paul worrying about his kidnapped daughter. Though he couldn't help but ask, when they finally got away from the official ceremonies and into the safety of the royal motorcade.

"What's wrong? Beyond the obvious, I mean."

"What?", Paul seemed disoriented at first, as if he was thinking about something else, "Oh. Well, I suppose I can tell you...I received demands from Karic. He wants me to give myself up in exchange for Lena's life."

"Oh...", the President couldn't find any other words to say for the moment, though his shock was quite obvious.

"He gave me ten hours. That was...", Paul looked at his watch, "...eight hours ago."

"Damn! What are you going to do?!"

"We have some ideas. The main problem with all of them is that Karic gave us some very specific instructions, and we can't contact him for negotiation."

"Shit." It was the only thing Rufus could think of to say at the moment. They rode in silence to the palace, each man lost to their own thoughts. When they arrived and went in, Rufus made a signal to one of his military aides, a major who, when not wearing the insignia of a Presidential Aide, wore the device of the Military Intelligence Corps. "Karic is the intel community's number one priority," Rufus whispered to the aide. "Find him." The aide gave the briefest of nods - he knew well who Karic was - and went back to his place behind the leaders.

Paul, despite his general distraction, noticed the small exchange and sent a questioning look at Rufus. "Finding Karic just became the number one priority of the Shinra Republic's intelligence community," he told Paul as they entered a quiet - and most important, private - meeting room.

"Thanks. Once again, I'd like you to know that I value our friendship quite highly."

Paul poured himself a drink - a large one, too. It was surprising, because it was a widely known fact that the King didn't drink alcohol at all, save for some select social occasions.

"We have to face cold reality here, though. Karic will most probably kill Lena, whatever we do. His demands are just too outrageous for him to expect they'll be actually carried out...", he stated coldly once both himself and Rufus Shinra took their seats, "...and even if we do acquiesce, he will kill her anyway."

The mood inside the conference room grew even more sullen with these words, though it seemed impossible mere moments ago.

"You said you had some ideas", the President finally said, chosing his words and tone carefully.

"Yes...though neither are perfect. Shady wants to pressure Khitan with threats of nuclear war in order to force them to gather information about Karic's whereabouts, or to make them let us set up an ambush..."

"Khitan?"

"Yeah. I forgot to mention that: Karic wants me to go to Khitan, alone, and wait in a specified place on the coast for his men to, ah...pick me up.", the last words were said with a large amount of sarcasm, "Anyway, Shady's people think Khitan, or some elements within their government, are involved in the plot. My own intelligence people are tossing ideas from plaing chicken with Karic, to faking my own death...but in all cases, we just know too damn little about his intentions."

"Or whether he's in Khitan at all," Rufus mused. "Karic's smart, and I'm sure he's not expecting you to go there alone."

Rufus leaned back in his chair. "I'm not sure Shady's plan is the best one, either. Threatening Khitan with nukes... My intel people heard rumors that Japanistan was trying to cozy up with them. We don't know if it was successful or not, but the UCSR threatening them...well it's likely to get their backs up. Very risky, if you ask me."

The President of the Shinra Republic looked troubled. "And frankly, I agree with you. I think Karic is likely to kill Lena no matter what. If she's even still alive." This was not an easy thing to say, and Rufus could tell it disturbed Paul. But he also knew that the PeZookian King had likely already considered just that possibility.

"Yes, Khitan and Japanistan are very close, and antagonizing them would be...ill-advised at this moment."

Paul sighed, and gulped down his drink in one, "I hate this, you know. The goddamned necessities of rulership...everything you do, you have to carefully consider the consequences, how many people it will hurt, how many people it will help...and the temptation to make yourself more...important is so heavy, so hard to avoid..."

The King stared at his empty glass for a minute, which seemed like an eternity for Rufus Shinra. It was a terribly awkward moment, with him unable to offer his long time friend any real consolation.

"But you didn't come here to give me a shoulder to cry on, right?", Paul said finally, putting the glass down.

"I hope not. But, unless we know where Karic is..." Rufus shook his head. "Two hours isn't much time to find him." Rufus was deep in thought, considering his options.

"Well, what I meant was more...concrete business of statemanship. Like the latest claim by Stanislav, for example..."

Rufus Shinra tensed up a bit. He anticipated questions about the matter, but didn't expect them just yet. He could tell that Paul wasn't comfortable with the confrontation, either.

The questions were never asked, though. A distraught aide walked into the room.

"Apologies for the interruption, sire...but it's him.", the woman said quietly. It was obvious who she talked about.

It was as if temperature in the room dropped a couple degrees all of a sudden.

"Patch him through.", Paul said, his hand suddendly trembling. The phone rang a minute later, and the King picked up - his voice almost not shaking at all.

"No, Karic. I'm not where you told me I should be.", he said into the receiver, "Because I know what game you're playing, and I'm not gonna take part in it..."

Hearing only one side of the conversation was always irritating. In here, it was agonizing, as president Shinra watched the King try and fight a battle of wills with the world's most dangerous terrorist.

"Of course. You will simply kill me and then kill my daughter...you want me, you have to..."

Something changed in Paul's expression. Faint crying of a baby could be heard from the phone receiver.

"Karic! You touch her, you make one hair fall off her head, and I swear to God...Karic! Don't you fucking..."

A single shot rang out from the headset. Paul stood there for a second, mortified and empty, before the phone dropped to the plush carpet.

"My God...he did it...", the King whispered, staring into space, "...he...actually did it."[/quote]

Rufus Shinra bit down the automatic denial that came to his lips; he wanted to reassure Paul that maybe Karic was just bluffing, but he knew the chances of that were near zero.

With a great effort of will, Rufus stood up and went next to Paul, resting his hand on the shoulder of not a King, but a grieving father. His voice cold, Rufus spoke. "We'll find the bastard. And when we do..." His voice trailed off. What would happen to Karic didn't need to be said. Each man already knew.

Gawilghur, Nexus City, Sirnoth

Rhee Anh Sheppard was suffering from a splitting headache. The same headache he always suffered from when his HERV shot was overdue. Ever since Stanislav and Heraclius had begun their idiot PR campaign the Dominos had been exceptionally careful about the delivery process, since the serum was manufactured in a facility in the Old Dominion, flown in the next day, and injected the same day.

He signed off on the last document and glanced at his clock. 2300. Sighing, he pushed the intercom and informed his secretary that he would turning in the for the evening. He stood up, and walked to the door that connected his private office to his bedroom. There was, in fact, a small corridor between the two rooms. The Gawilghur Fortress had once been the home of the Sheppu Sultan, and was crisscrossed with these corridors, some public, some not. He nodded at the pair of Sirnothi Republican Guards in front of his quarters, entered the bedroom, and shut the door behind him.

The room was dark, and Sheppard cursed as he crossed over to his nightstand to turn on the lamp. The only light was moonlight, and the Principality Government had never properly wired the ancient fortress. As he neared the lamp he heard the sound of a deadbolt sliding into place. He stopped.

“Hello?” Silence answered him. He felt the “panic beeper” in his pants pocket grow suddenly warm. He reached in and it burned his hands as he pulled it out. The plastic button was almost liquid as he pushed it down. Cursing, he threw it on the ground. He reached for the lamp

”Ah-ah-ah! That’s a no-no!”.

“Wade?”

There was the sound of moving furniture in response. As Sheppard’s eyes adjusted he could see that Wade had pushed something in front of the door, the only door in this damn ancient fortress. It looked up a bookcase. Wade stood up. He was…squatting? It looked as if he had set two rectangular objects on the floor, in the corners of the room.

“So, Bucher couldn’t take the heat?” No response. “He ordered you out here?”

”Ordered? He didn’t order. I volunteered.” Moonlight glinted off the Katana Wade was drawing. Sheppard cursed, reached under his bed, and brought his SMG up to his shoulder and…the trigger was missing.

”Don’t worry.” Wade began to walk forward. ”I can only promise that the pain is transitory. It’ll go away. Eventually. After I’m done with you.”

“No, NO” Sheppard shouted. “This can’t be happening! You can’t be serious!”

The blade came down. Sheppard screamed in terror, frustration, and pain.


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

“What’s going on?” Officer of the Day Captain Romanos Ved said. “Why the fuck haven’t you two been answering your radios?”

The two SRG sentries looked puzzled, and reached for the radios on their vests. They jerked them away as they realized how warm they were.

“Sir! It seems as if they are malfunctioning!”

“Of course they are malfunctioning, you idiot! Every recorder in his bedroom went offline 5 minutes ago!”

“No, NO” Sheppard shouted from inside. “This can’t be happening! You can’t be serious!” A louder scream followed, then gunfire. The three men pulled on the door, only to find that the heavy cast iron dead bolt was in place from the inside. Ved cursed. “Knock that down, you idiots!” He depressed his radio. “Guard shack, we need personnel up here, ASAP! And what’s the word on the Knights?”

“Sir, no one is answering at he DK Barracks.”

A group of SRG men in full tactical kit came running down the narrow corridor. They forced the doors open with a battering ram, knocking over the bedroom. There was a hiss as smoke released, and the first man in slipped on blood. As the squad spread out in the thick smoke there were two explosions. Most of the men fell as they were caught between the two anti-personnel devices. Too big to be claymores, Ved thought. Much of the furniture and wall decorations caught fire, he steeled himself and entered, feeling his way towards Sheppard’s bed. He felt…he lifted the object and shined his flashlight on it. It was Sheppard’s right hand, complete with the Signet Ring of Sirnoth on it. Looking around at all the carnage he wondered what other body parts belonged to him.

Sirnothi Democrat Inquirer

In a cowardly raid today, the Gilean Freedom Front, apparently upset with Chief Executive Sheppard's crushing of their pathetic insurgency in the mountains of Hecate earlier this month, attacked the Gawilghur Fortress, killing several Republican Guards, and burning several irreplacable rooms of great historical value.

Early signs indicate that Chief Executive Sheppard put up a struggle against his assailants before he was slain; judging from the large amounts of blood, body parts, and shell casings in the Chief Executive's chambers. The corpse has yet to be found, but in accordance with Sirnothi legal tradition, Chief Executive Sheppard was declared legally dead at noon; and his successor, Lord George Cochrane was sworn in as the Second Chief Executive of Sirnoth.

Saint of Sinners (3)



Rebel Camp, Inner Velaria

Hugo Shroomvez was not amused. The rebel leader and former president of Bissauru these days lived in a cruddy, half-demolished town beyond the borders of the nation he'd ruled so briefly. He'd had a fleeting taste of succes before Teodoro Macías rallied his supporters and drove Shroomvez' men out; without Shepistani or Japanistani weapons, they were unable to resist the tide of ill-equipped but fanatical, drug-addled militia the god-president had unleashed. He'd been forced to fall back, and had been reduced to sitting in the jungles of inner Velaria, his once-proud guerillas reduced to little more than brigands with illusions of grandeur.

And now, a convoy of armored trucks had lumbered into his security perimeter, disgorging armed men into his camp as if they owned the place. No, Hugo Shroomvez was not amused and his face showed it as he stomped down to the trucks, pistol in hand. His keen military mind noted they were of a sturdy, albeit few years old, UCSR make. He also noted the men that rode them wore relatively new camouflage uniforms and Kalashnikovs. This piqued his interest, but not enough to completely quell his indignance.

"Who are you?" he demanded angrily. "Why are you here?"

"Mister Shroomvez" a voice replied, and the immaculately dressed man it belonged to stepped into sight from behind one of the trucks. "You can call me Chiffrovitz, and I have a proposal to make."



Two hours later Hugo Shroomvez found himself looking down into a case full of gold bars bearing the faded seal of the long-gone People's Reserve of the Central Frequesuan Republic. He whistled and looked up at the deathly pale man in the conservative black suit. "Strings. There must be strings attached to this offer."

"No strings, Mr. Shroomvez" the man replied. "My employers would simply like to see Mr. Macías go and you... You seem like a good candidate to replace him."

Shroomvez looked at the stranger appraisingly. "Your employers... You mean Stasograd? Or perhaps Sarajevo?"

Chiffrovitz produced a faint smile. "My employers... Your benefactors... At this stage they wish to remain anonymous. And they would prefer you keep word of their assistance a secret. You know how these things go: people talk, words gets around, and before you know it other parties move in to match our bet. It would be a shame if that happened."

The rebel leader looked at the gold. "Indeed" he murmured. Then, louder: "what do you want me to do?"

"Whip your troops into shape. Rearm yourself; I'll provide you with a list of safe contacts you can call. Most of all, be ready to act when the time comes."

"And how will I know that the time has come?"

Chiffrovitz' smile widened. "Oh. You'll know it when you see it."

Shroomhattan Commissioned


Pre-Commissioning Trials on the ex-Jappo Arctic, now Shroomhattan

The SS Shroomhattan, formerly the SS Jappo Arctic has been commissioned into service by the Japanistani oil Company Jappo.

"We had planned to commission her as the Jappo Arctic, in keeping with Jappo's long tradition of Jappo themed names; but the tremendous public outpouring in Japanistan for the former Prime Minister Shroom led to a decision by the corporate board to rename her before commissioning."

Upon this news, Jappo's corporate shares rose by $1.20 Japanistani Dollars, along with it's subisdary Jaxxon, which sells in markets traditionally closed to Japanistani corporations.

Orena Evening News

Tri-Cities Terror Troubles confirmed as perpetrated by Srdjan Karic

Our reporters have reached a classified memo disseminated around law enforcement circles that points to Srdjan Karic, a notorious international terrorist and former dictator of the Sjenska Republic, as the mastermind behind the recent Tri Cities terror attacks.

According to the document, the primary goal of the attack was kidnapping of Crown Princess Elena and assassination of the Queen. The release of the so-called "Rage Gas" in the Tri-Cities was a shielding operation, intented to tie up SAR efforts in the Tri-Cities Bay.

The Royal Office has denied comment about the document.

Rufus Shinra's visit cut short

Due to unknown reasons, President Shinra has departed the Royal Palace via helicopter early this morning. All press conferences and official visits were cleared from his itinerary, and no explanation was offered by the Shinra diplomatic staff, or the Royal Office.

According to some sources, King Paul was also on board the helicopter.

We will bring you more news as the story develops.

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



Secret Military Area 6, somewhere on the coast

The sleek Kamov VIP helicopter touched down heavily on the sun-baked tarmac. It was surrounded immediately by armed soldiers, and its passengers were spirited away into waiting APCs, which in turn quickly left the immediate area.

It was a short ride through the woods from the helicopter pad, before they reached the first checkpoint. Guards checked the papers, and inspected all three APCs carefully before letting them through the massive steel gates.

The second checkpoint was aready underground, right past a large blast door which protected the main part of the complex. Everyone disembarked shortly thereafter, and passed what seemed like kilometers of barren concrete tunnels, lined with electric cables and sodium lights.

"That's...not quite fitting the image of your country.", Rufus Shinra commented dryly, looking around the interiors which wouldn't be out of place in Shepistan or perhaps the Old Dominion.

"What can I say?", Paul shrugged, "We're peaceful, that doesn't mean we're hippies."

The bunker was in fact constructed in the eighties, and was only one of several such facilities designed to allow the military leadership to survive and maintain control of the country even after an all-out nuclear war. This facility's location was in fact well known to most foreign governments, unike Secret Military Areas 4 and 8, which housed a dormant bioweapons lab and a secret prison respectively.

No Shinra agent was ever inside the place, though.

Both leaders finally reached a small briefing room, which seemed to be the only place in the bunker with painted walls. General Kulinsky and a small group of Crimson officers were waiting there, and they all stood up before their guests.

"Thank you, gentlemen. Sit down, please.", Paul uttered, "I was told you may have information concerning Karic's location.", he cut straight to business.

"This is correct, sire.", general Kulinsky had a raspy voice, as if he didn't get enough sleep, "With help of the Shroomanians and Shinra EW assets in the Mediterrenean, we've managed to trace Karic's phone call to a certain switching station. We have been unable to penetrate it electronically, however, and we will need to raid it."

"I'll sign whatever warrant you need, general. Just give me the papers."

The officers looked at each other, "The station is in Egypt, comrade.", a Crimson KGB colonel finally answered.

"Ah. I see the problem.", Paul sighed, "That's why you wanted to see me in here."

General Kulinsky glanced at President Shinra, "Again you are correct, sire."

Sarajevo, UCSR

The Helicopter flew across the night sky, showing it's passengers the beauties of night time Sarajevo. A truly majestic City. Or at least it was if you were sharing a helicopter with the President of the UCSR. The helicopter made haste to one of the most feared buildings on the Old Continent. Temple Prime.

Since the formation of the Union, this former Presidential Palace, had been heavily redecorated and now served as the main command center for NOD. Or at least that was what most people thought. In reality, the building was only one of many such facilities spread across the Union.

The Helicopter carrying the President landed atop Temple Prime and disgorged it's passengers out onto the roof. Two faces were instantly recognizable, President Shady Sirah and DIRNOD Kane. Behind them followed other, less recognizable faces, but they were high ranking officials within the Union Government.

The small group of men entered an elevator and soon they found themselves on their way down, to the bowels of the massive building. Their elevator ride was noticeably long and before they realized it, they were in a secret underground complex beneath Temple Prime.

This secret underground facility was built primarily as a Nuclear shelter, many years ago. It's purpose however had changed since then. It now contained a highly classified research facility, that delved deep into the marvels of science and extracted it's many secrets. Secrets which would be used for the benefit of the UCSR.

"Comrade Liutenant. I think you will find the results of our research most impressive." Kane said with a smile as he lead the group of old men deeper into the complex. "When I took over this project from Yuri, I myself did not expect results so quickly, but our scientists have been working on it for years and now they have made their first great breakthrough."

"I am interested my friend." President Shady said, somewhat impatiently. "But I would prefer it if we hurry this along. Catching the bastard Karic is our number one priority right now."

"Yes." Kane said. "Do not worry. I will personally deliver that bastards head to your friend Paul. But for now...Science!"

Kane shouted with a smile and pushed a button on a small device in his hand. Almost instantaneously a massive metal door opened in front of the small group of men. It hissed and with a flash of light the interior of a large room was revealed. Kane grinned and waved his hand.

"Gentlemen" He said pointing to the center of the room. "I would like you to meet...SICKLE!"

Ares Blog

Reason for Blog Hiatus

The author was recently given an invitation to drive the new JLTV-A by the Tian Xia Department of Peace. I then proceeded to manage to flip it. Maybe I shouldn't have been going 70 mph in it.

Contracts let for airfield improvements

The TXAF recently issued contracts for improvments to airfields to allow a decreased amount of time for a miniumum interval takeoff. These contracts specifically apply to bomb wing bases. A third parallel runway will be constucted, amonst other improvments. The net result is to be a halving of the amount of time taken from alert being issued to all aircraft in the air.

'Big Wheel', SinTEK secure facility, south-central Coilerburg

White lights, painfully bright. Excited voices: "Doctor, the patient's coming to!"

Captain Richard Quinn moaned inaudibly. Every inch of his body flared with nigh-unbearable agony. Every muscle seemed to twitch and spasm uncontrollably.

"Give him 50 C.C. of morphine with 20. C.C. of alcohol" an authoritative female voice said. Quinn couldn't see who it belonged to. In fact he couldn't see much of anything. He felt as if he was floating in a sea of searing fulgent anguish.

"50? But doctor that'll-" a second voice objected.

"He's not a normal patient Higgins, now give him the shot!"

The light faded as he sank into unconsciousness.

---

When he came to again the pain had barely lessened. This time sound escaped from his lips, an animalistic growl he barely even recognized as his own. His arms and legs shuddered uncontrollably. At least his vision had improved, although the light seemed to have a strange tinge to it.

A smiling face appeared above him. He caught glimpses of a white mouthpiece and blonde hair tied in a knot. “Ah, captain Quinn. Welcome back.”

His vision faded to black.

---

The third time Quinn woke the pain was curiously absent. He still, however, could not control the spasms that plagued his arms and legs. Again the face of the female doctor appeared above him.

“I see you are awake again, captain Quinn. My name is Victoria Sheridan. As you have no doubt discovered you have little to no control over your motor reflexes at the moment. Don't worry, that will pass once your brain has fully accepted the chips."

“Head.... Hurts....” croaked another voice. It took Quinn a few seconds to recognize it as his own.

Sheridan nodded. “That would be the effect of the nootropic drugs. I'm afraid it's necessary for your mind to accept the enhancements.”

“... enhancements?”

One of her eyebrows arched upward. “Ah, you don't recall? Interesting.” Sheridan scribbled something down on a PDA. “Probably a side-effect of the drugs. Captain Quinn, you've volunteered for the Enhancile Program. You've been quite extensively cybernetically enhanced.” She smiled, but the smile didn't quite reach her eyes. “I'd show you, but I'm afraid handing you a mirror right now would be... Well let's just say we've learned from past experience that it would be unwise to show you your current... state.”

Sheridan did something to the IV drip, and his vision blacked out again.