SDNWorld Redux: Story Thread the Fourth

[Coyote]

CASCADIAN CONFERENCE


King Arik of Canissia sighed in obvious frustration. "Is the honorable delegate from Miritia going to continue to stoke the fires of discontent with attempts at clever sarcasm? If so, I'd like to continue discussions at a later venue where the parties involved can discuss things in a more mature manner. We've had quite enough difficulty in this already."

[Fingolfin_Noldor]

CASCADIAN CONFERENCE


King Arik of Canissia sighed in obvious frustration. "Is the honorable delegate from Miritia going to continue to stoke the fires of discontent with attempts at clever sarcasm? If so, I'd like to continue discussions at a later venue where the parties involved can discuss things in a more mature manner. We've had quite enough difficulty in this already."

Decius spoke slowly, "I believe what the gentleman President from Miratia is trying to say, is that he is fearful that should he decide to join CATO as a full member in the future, or as an observer regardless, he would suffer some degree of retaliation be it in the form of bilateral ties or trade ties. Now I am of the opinion, that all this is on the basis of good faith, and that if either side were to enact such retaliation, it would compromise this premise of good faith. Otherwise, this would effectively annul any detente achieved at this summit.

I believe this has applications on the issue of Frequesue, and I also think that while we must "respect each others' space", we should also respect the locals' wishes and that interference with local governments should be minimized, and if possible, nonexistent. Frequesue should not be carved up like some succulent lamb at the slaughter house. All this on the basis of good faith. Proxy wars and the like, are pretty much not welcome."

Decius turned and looked at the Emperor, who was sitting next to President Shady. The Emperor nodded his approval and Decius returned the bow.

[Siege]

Many Happy Returns



Camp Kittyhawk International Skyport, outskirts of San Dorado City

The supersonic jet slowly taxied to a stop in front of the red carpet and the waiting helicopter. Stairs folded automatically out of the aircraft before the door opened and the Presidential pair emerged onto the sun-battered runway. No band played; the welcome-back-committee consisted of a few aides and security personnel and a single member of the Syndicate.

“Sir, madam”, Iago Morgan welcomed the two with a smile. Then a faintly curious frown creased his features. “You look ten years younger!”

“Thank you, Iago.” Sidney took the compliment in his stride. “You look good yourself also.”

“No”, Morgan’s frown depeened and looked from Sidney to Daphne, then back again. “It’s not just a figure of speech. You both look ten years younger. Sidney, you don’t look a day over forty.”

“Thank you, Iago”, Sidney repeated casually. “It’s a miracle what a few days off can do to a man.”

The financial wizard rolled his eyes, realizing he wouldn’t get a straight answer here. “Yeah, fine. If you’ll please join me in the helicopter? I’ll get both of you up to speed on all the recent goings-on.”

“After you”, gestured Sidney. As he stepped into the helicopter he threw a last look at the airport and grinned. He felt so full of energy he thought he could burst. He turned back and sat down as the helo spooled up its engines. “Let’s get back to work!”


Hank is back!

---



NFT headquarters, one hour later

“… so that’s where we stand with respect to the summit,” Iago finished.

“That’s preciously little progress”, Daphne concluded. “Looks like we were right in sending Charlie, there’s no point in personally attending something so obviously going nowhere fast.”

“She won’t thank you for it, but it’s true”, Iago shrugged. “Speaking of which, Sidney, you’ve got a meeting with President Ahten coming up. We’re not sure what his goal is, but Charlie seems to think he wants to smooth over the recent prickliness between Indhopal and the NFT.”

“Indhopal’s been a trustworthy partner of ours for years. I would very much hate to see us drift apart”, the President frowned. “If there’s something to repair I’ll certainly be happy to try. Besides, President Ahten’s an excellent conversationalist, so meeting him is no chore by any stretch of the imagination.”

He paused briefly. “But first, Iago- the both of us want to send King Paul a personal congratulatory note.”

---

Handwritten note, delivered to the PeZookian royal family together with a huge packet of baby girl-related presents from a variety of highbrow NFT brands.

Dear Paul and Agatha,

Welcome to parenthood! Congratulations with the birth of your daughter, and may your happiness grow, year after year. We wish Lena a world filled with blessings!

Sidney & Daphne

[Coyote]

Decius spoke slowly, "I believe what the gentleman President from Miratia is trying to say, is that he is fearful that should he decide to join CATO as a full member in the future, or as an observer regardless, he would suffer some degree of retaliation be it in the form of bilateral ties or trade ties. Now I am of the opinion, that all this is on the basis of good faith, and that if either side were to enact such retaliation, it would compromise this premise of good faith. Otherwise, this would effectively annul any detente achieved at this summit.

I believe this has applications on the issue of Frequesue, and I also think that while we must "respect each others' space", we should also respect the locals' wishes and that interference with local governments should be minimized, and if possible, nonexistent. Frequesue should be carved up like some succulent lamb at the slaughter house. All this on the basis of good faith. Proxy wars and the like, are pretty much not welcome."

"A far more rational way of voicing said concerns, thank you," King Arik said. "It reflects my concerns. As mentioned, Tian Xia and Frequsne need to come to some sort of accord on their respective boundaries; and that accord needs to be reached between them as much as possible, with as little interference as possible, from fellow MESS and CATO members.

"Here is what I fear-- that a smaller nation, with inclinations toward either MESS or CATO, it is unimportant-- should decide to take rash action against its neighbors while under the assumption that the larger alliance will shield it from retaliation. We have to be prepared for this," the King pointed out. "I have no intention of throwing Canissian boys into the sausage-mill to support someone else's petty war of aggression; I will however defend someone who had been unfairly encroached upon. I think this is reasonable to expect of any of us.

"Now, if we can agree that none of the larger alliance will support wars of aggression, while any of us are expected to support wars of defense, it should be spelled out in any future agreement. I have my concerns that headstrong leaders will seek an alliance, then use that alliance to instigate retaliation against neighbors for past wrongs. We've tried rushing about blindly in good faith, and it has brought us to this point. Things need to be spelled out.

"As for retaliation for involving one in other alliances, well, once a person joins a rival alliance, it is to be expected that some things will be closed off to them. That is the price one pays when deciding for one alliance against another; a rational leader must take that into account before signing away neutrality. I have to suppose, when someone signs onto CATO, that leader has taken a careful look at the world, his population, his needs, and made the choice that CATO provides him with more of what he wants and the MESS doesn't-- or vice-versa. Choose one alliance over another, and yes-- you'll probably loose some access to the alliance you distanced yourself from. If that's unbearable, then stay neutral.

"But sudden, flash announcements of people joining alliances after last-minute meetings tends to make people nervous and can present people with sudden, overnight shifts in the balance of power. The long-term strategic distrust this sows is not worth the risk-- or so I say, anyhow. The 'retaliation' will be far more harsh on a nation that has 'pulled a fast one' than on any nation that has given open intent to join a rival alliance, and allowed for business to be wrapped up in a civilized manner first, instead.

"So, fair warning for alliances stands. If people can't stand that idea, stay neutral."

[Ryan Thunder]

"But sudden, flash announcements of people joining alliances after last-minute meetings tends to make people nervous and can present people with sudden, overnight shifts in the balance of power. The long-term strategic distrust this sows is not worth the risk-- or so I say, anyhow. The 'retaliation' will be far more harsh on a nation that has 'pulled a fast one' than on any nation that has given open intent to join a rival alliance, and allowed for business to be wrapped up in a civilized manner first, instead."

Ryan was becoming mildly impatient with those who continued to get his title wrong. On the other hand, arguing that they call him "Supreme Leader" seemed pretty silly, so he restrained himself, but it bothered him nevertheless.

"My good sir, how is an announcement of future membership any less 'flash' than an announcement of impending membership? Either way, you know that they're in the process of joining that alliance. It changes little." Ryan replied, "So what do you hope for, then? An opportunity to dissuade them?"

[Fingolfin_Noldor]

Decius nodded in the direction of the Canissian King. "I believe a first step would be the issue of 'influence' and how we should choose to define it. No nation likes getting oppressed. And nations do like to be told of how to behave. No nation likes to have someone barging close to his territory with lots of weapons that are offensive in nature. Nations like to have free will. It is what their citizens voted for at every election, or at least have an impression that their leaders are serving their needs, and not totally subservient to the needs of other nations and compromise their security.

No doubt recent actions on both sides have simply damaged the good faith, or whatever relations that exist on both sides. I do not believe that it should always be an "us vs them". There will always be friction and distrust. Of that there will never be doubt. No one forgets past grievances easily. But what done is done. I think everyone here has a bone to pick with everyone, as evident by the.. initial exchange at the start of the summit. No doubt those motivations were the reason why some in Frequesue chose to join CATO and the MESS.

The balance of power has been shifted. I do not think we should continue arguing and then cheering like a bunch of sports fans cheering their favorite football team. I think we all agree here that wars should be of defensive nature, and that we should also avoid ever reaching the stage where we are all breathing down each others' neck and in the boxing ring ready to let lose ourselves. Communication is important to ensure that never happens.

I also propose that we have a series of confidence building measures in which we try to build trust through cooperating in various projects and so forth. FASTA and the MSA are important avenues, as well as other possible projects such as particle colliders and so forth. I believe the foreign ministerial meetings can be expanded as such for other kinds of ministerial meetings, and then we go from there."

[Coyote]

"My good sir, how is an announcement of future membership any less 'flash' than an announcement of impending membership? Either way, you know that they're in the process of joining that alliance. It changes little." Ryan replied, "So what do you hope for, then? An opportunity to dissuade them?"

"There is a huge difference between 'we intend to sign an alliance, which will be in effect in three months', and 'break out the champagne, we just signed an alliance'. The sudden shifts in geo-political situations is harrowing. I'm quite frankly surprised we haven't had more panic at last-minute announcements. It appears to be attempts to outflank and one-up people for no other purpose than to play political games-- games that are, at this level, dangerous. We owe one another the common courtesy of a formal announcement and preparations beforehand.

"As to why, I would think that would be clear. A formal announcement beforehand gives ample opportunity to display that the other, rival alliance is not being surprised with a sudden announcement; it is polite statecraft. It also gives opportunity for people to divest from that country if they so choose... or invest, perhaps, if the opposite is desired.

"As to attempts to dissuade there may well be, perhaps, but I think by that time it is too late to try to dissuade someone... what you'd be talking about would be more akin to a bidding war for that country's loyalty, and I for one do not want to buy an alliance with someone who could again be bought out by a better bid later.

"I'd like to remind you, mister President, that the guidelines being proposed here would apply to the MESS as much as to CATO or anyone else who signs this treaty. It is not a one-sided measure; it is an attempt to reign in willy-nilly expansionism and bring a sense of civilizing to any increase in political growth or influence."

Decius nodded in the direction of the Canissian King. "I believe a first step would be the issue of 'influence' and how we should choose to define it. No nation likes getting oppressed. And nations do like to be told of how to behave. No nation likes to have someone barging close to his territory with lots of weapons that are offensive in nature. Nations like to have free will. It is what their citizens voted for at every election, or at least have an impression that their leaders are serving their needs, and not totally subservient to the needs of other nations and compromise their security.

No doubt recent actions on both sides have simply damaged the good faith, or whatever relations that exist on both sides. I do not believe that it should always be an "us vs them". There will always be friction and distrust. Of that there will never be doubt. No one forgets past grievances easily. But what done is done. I think everyone here has a bone to pick with everyone, as evident by the.. initial exchange at the start of the summit. No doubt those motivations were the reason why some in Frequesue chose to join CATO and the MESS.

The balance of power has been shifted. I do not think we should continue arguing and then cheering like a bunch of sports fans cheering their favorite football team. I think we all agree here that wars should be of defensive nature, and that we should also avoid ever reaching the stage where we are all breathing down each others' neck and in the boxing ring ready to let lose ourselves. Communication is important to ensure that never happens.

I also propose that we have a series of confidence building measures in which we try to build trust through cooperating in various projects and so forth. FASTA and the MSA are important avenues, as well as other possible projects such as particle colliders and so forth. I believe the foreign ministerial meetings can be expanded as such for other kinds of ministerial meetings, and then we go from there."
Decius nodded in the direction of the Canissian King. "I believe a first step would be the issue of 'influence' and how we should choose to define it. No nation likes getting oppressed. And nations do like to be told of how to behave. No nation likes to have someone barging close to his territory with lots of weapons that are offensive in nature. Nations like to have free will. It is what their citizens voted for at every election, or at least have an impression that their leaders are serving their needs, and not totally subservient to the needs of other nations and compromise their security.

No doubt recent actions on both sides have simply damaged the good faith, or whatever relations that exist on both sides. I do not believe that it should always be an "us vs them". There will always be friction and distrust. Of that there will never be doubt. No one forgets past grievances easily. But what done is done. I think everyone here has a bone to pick with everyone, as evident by the.. initial exchange at the start of the summit. No doubt those motivations were the reason why some in Frequesue chose to join CATO and the MESS.

The balance of power has been shifted. I do not think we should continue arguing and then cheering like a bunch of sports fans cheering their favorite football team. I think we all agree here that wars should be of defensive nature, and that we should also avoid ever reaching the stage where we are all breathing down each others' neck and in the boxing ring ready to let lose ourselves. Communication is important to ensure that never happens.

I also propose that we have a series of confidence building measures in which we try to build trust through cooperating in various projects and so forth. FASTA and the MSA are important avenues, as well as other possible projects such as particle colliders and so forth. I believe the foreign ministerial meetings can be expanded as such for other kinds of ministerial meetings, and then we go from there."

"Agreed, hence my call for a council of united nations where diplomats could work full-time to diffuse situations, rather than wait until misunderstanding and discontent has built momentum and we have to call tension-filled special meetings where everyone comes armed with grievances and defensiveness."

[Beowulf]

Ares Blog

Tian Xia Navy orders additional SM-2 and SM-3 upgrades

A spokesman for the Navy has been quoted: "Although the SM-4 series is a wonderful upgrade for the Standard Missile, we prefer the additional flexibility and number of missiles available on ship with the SM-2 and SM-3." This likely refers to the ability to dual pack the SM-2 into a Mk41 VLS cell, and the ability to, with a Mk57 VLS cell, quad-pack SM-2.

The SM-2 will recieve a new active radar, eliminating the dependance on illumination radars. Both the SM-2 and SM-3 will also recieve a GPS/INS auto-pilot. This will enable both to be used in the land attack role. In conjunction with the radar and imaging infrared seekers, this allows them to hit moving targets as well.

The spokesman continued: "We will, however, still utilize the SM-4 ABM and ASM missiles."

EMC2 successfully demonstrates IEC fusion

EMC2 has been investigating Inertial Confinement fusion since 1985. It was founded by Dr Robert Bussard. Recently, their WB-8 device has achieved break-even. The Department of Peace, which is funding this program, is investigating shor and shipboard applications.

[Shinn Langley Soryu]

LIVE on ShroomSat/StratTV

The MESS and CATO alliances have been drawn into open conflict in the aftermath of the sinking of a Baernish naval task force off the Costa del las Cincos Muertes! As the forces of both alliances clash on the continent of Frequesque, a small group of Shroomanian and other CATO pilots discover the truth behind the attack on the Baernish fleet! Can they get this information to the leaders of the alliances in time and end the conflict before it threatens to consume the entire world? Will the true perpetrators be punished?

A SHŌJI KAWAMORI and TONY SCOTT film
THE UNSUNG WAR

MACMILLAN MULTIMEDIA and SUNRISE-KADOKAWA MEDIA HOLDINGS present a SHŌJI KAWAMORI and TONY SCOTT film "THE UNSUNG WAR"
JESSICA STRAUS EDDIE FRIERSON JOHNNY YONG BOSCH STEVEN BLUM BEAU BILLINGSLEA YURI LOWENTHAL SAM RIEGEL PAUL ST. PETER
LIAM O'BRIEN JB BLANC JOSHUA SETH D.C. DOUGLAS KIRK THORNTON JAMIESON PRICE WENDEE LEE
YUICHI NAKAMURA MEGUMI NAKAJIMA AYA ENDŌ HIROSHI KAMIYA JUN FUKUYAMA HŌKO KUWASHIMA
KATSUYUKI KONISHI MEGUMI TOYOGUCHI TŌRU ŌKAWA SANAE KOBAYASHI SŌICHIRŌ HOSHI and KIKUKO INOUE
music by YOKO KANNO and KEIKI KOBAYASHI editors LEE HAXALL and CLOVIS MANN
production designer THOMAS "ROWDY" DOYLE director of photography LEE WILSON executive producer SHINICHIRO WATANABE
special effects by INDUSTRIAL LIGHT & MAGIC written by SHŌJI GATŌ SHŌJI KAWAMORI YŌSUKE KURODA and HIROYUKI YOSHINO
produced and directed by SHŌJI KAWAMORI and TONY SCOTT

THE WAR BEGINS 10.21.2016

---

One of the trailers being streamed on the official MacMillan Multimedia and Sunrise-Kadokawa sites for the upcoming film:

[Siege]

To The Skies



Jerusalem Space Center, Byzantium

The five titanic engines on the massive Saturn III rocket ignited with an earth-shattering roar, pushing the huge rocket into the sky. As the ground crews rushed through their checklist and frantic chatter echoed between Comona Island and Camp Kittyhawk the rocket ascended faster and faster, powering toward the heavens as it shed subsequent stages.

All things considered however the mission controllers had an easy job of it. This mission was not anywhere near as complex as the lunar injection missions they were now halfway used to performing. Still, the mission was unique in its own right, and so dozens of military and civilian radars and telescopes tracked the climb as the rocket headed into orbit. In the Mediterranean the brand-new command & ELINT ship Mount Kingdom scrutinized its trajectory with its prodigiously powerful X-band radar.

Finally, as the payload section powered over the Atlantic, at a signal from Camp Kittyhawk mission command the cargo separated from the rocket and settled into a perfect low earth orbit.



The NFT’s manned orbital laboratory was safely deposited into its preplanned orbit. Later that week a Silver Star orbiter would deliver the first crew to the laboratory, whose intended job it was was to observe various spatial phenomena and conduct microgravity experiments for various NFT industries.

[Fingolfin_Noldor]

CATO Military Journal

Fast track testing of the Energia rocket continues

The Energia rockets have been subjected to a heavy test schedule, with as many as one rocket launched every month. Engineers have been working round the clock to get the rocket certified for manned space travel by 2018. "We have had 2 failures out of 7 launches. The last two launches were magnificent, and the rocket worked like clock work. This is a very important project for us, because the Vulkan rocket, which is a follow on rocket, is even more demanding, with 8 strap on boosters versus 4 for the Energia. We are putting in maximum effort into making sure the rocket works as intended. CATO Engineers working on the Vulkan rocket are making full use of the flight data we are obtaining for the Vulkan," says a project spokesman. The Vulkan rocket is projected to be one of the most powerful rockets ever to fly. In other news, CATO rocketry engineers are saying that they have begun doing engine tests of an RD-270, which is a more modernised version of the RD-170, featuring the use of LOX/LH2 fuels and up to 10-20% more thrust than its predecessor. The actual thrust was not disclosed. However, the rocket will be used to launch one of its first payloads at the start of the space year.

MiG-105s and S-2 spacecraft to be acquired

CATO will acquire an undisclosed number of space craft, to be stored on top of Solid fueled rockets, typically Zenit-2S and Zenit-S rockets.

Ocean Geographic Satellites

A series of Ocean surveillance satellites will be launched into space from next year. The expressed purpose behind these satellites are to map the ocean depths with LIDAR and space bourne radar. The satellites will respect Japanistan's space exclusion area and not orbit over Japanistan in the zone itself.

[Lonestar]

Dominion Defense

MSA preparing probe to outer solar system

MSA-Dominion is preparing to launch a advanced probe to the outer solar system next year, where it will pass through the asteroid belt and survey the Saturn and Neptune systems.

"MSA-Dominion's pure science missions have been largely limited the NEAR mission to Ganondorf, and the Prospector probe to the moon." NAC Director Jim Hickman said in a conference call. "The space plane program has been used purely as a proof-of-concept, especially as the X-20B Stretch only made 3 flights before the program petered out. Since then the program has largely been geared towards keeping the Lowell Constellation updated, deployment of survey satellites, and the AEHF program to replace our aging MILSTARs."


The tentatively titled "Outer System Surveyor" will be powered by 3 RTGs. It will carry a variety of advance sensors and…[More]

Results: I couldn't remember if we called the outer solar system planets something else

[PeZook]

Virtue Of Courage



62 miles NNE off San Dorado Harbor, San Dorado

The weather was gorgeous, thought captain (ret.) Jarosław Dębkowski, as he watched the rising sun. The light tropical breeze was enough to dispel the usual sweltering heat of these waters, and at the same time gently propelled the beautiful sailing ship on a southbound course. Under full sail, the Virtue of Courage utilized passat winds to proceed south, tacking ocasionally to remain on its course towards San Dorado. By evening, they'd catch some of the shore winds which would take them directly to their destination.

For now, the crew wandered lazily on board, young Academy cadets taking advantage of the weather conditions to wash their clothes, read up for their exams or just plain goof off. Captain Dębkowski smiled to himself, remembering when he was a cadet - commanding an ex-Shroomanian destroyer in the time right after World War II. This was his last cruise, and the grizzly old sea dog would certainly miss the open sea.

"Captain?", his first officer, Nataniel Kreft asked cautiously, not very eager to interrupt his commander's silent thoughts, "The Varuna has left harbor. They will meet up with us on schedule."

"Excellent...", the captain looked at his watch, "We will clear the decks after dinner.", he said, looking at the drying laundry hanging from the tacking, "Did we manage to find that NFT flag?"

"Yes. There is a reprimand for the boatswain's mate waiting for your signature."

Dębkowski smiled. Discipline had to be maintained, though the gorgeous day made it hard to scorn people for slight mistakes. He waved his hand dismissively, "Just give him a few more morning watches. We can let the reprimand go this time."

The ship's bell rang out along the decks, and bosun's whistles ruined the lazy attitude with their piercing shrieks. Cadets began running, putting on their work clothes, grabbing guitars and books and running below decks.

"Four bells! Noon!", the Officer Of The Deck - a cadet himself, learning the ropes on this cruise, shouted out, "Second watch prepare for the meal!"

Captain Dębkowski and his first officer watched the sudden bout of frantic activity with nostalgia, but were interrupted by a watchman.

"Starboard watch! Motorboat on the traverse, three o'clock!"

Kreft raised an eyebrow, reaching for his binoculars, "A motorboat? So far from shore?"

"Perhaps they need help?", the captain offered and grabbed his own binoculars, but not before calling out the radar cabin, "Radar, report."

"No contacts!", came a muffled response through the voice tube.

"Odd..."

Both officers crossed the deck to the starboard side and scanned the sea. The watchman pointed in the right direction, where clouds of sea spray were visible.

"What the hell?", Dębkowski muttered to himself, seeing what looked like a converted rowboat with an attached outboard motor.

"Skipper! I see weapons!", the watchman suddendly shouted out, "Rifles and RPGs!"



"He's right."

The mood suddendly turned very tense. Rest of the crew sensed something was odd, and turned towards the flying bridge with worried looks.

Captain Dębkowski observed the speedboat for another minute. He felt danger, that nigh-forgotten feeling, and his mind quickly snapped iself out of the lazy cruise mood. He considered his options, his resources, his ship and crew.

Goddammit, if only I had the old girl..., he thought, referring to the destroyer Burza he used to command. The Virtue Of Courage was not a fighting ship, though it did carry a small firearms safe - it was, after all, a comissioned naval vessel. Of course, they had no chance of outrunning the speedboat at all, but then...

The captain's thoughts were interrupted by a a loud crack, followed by a bullet whizzing amongst the rigging. The students ducked, but their captain just calmly lowered his binoculars, having come to a decision.

"Are we going to surrender?", Kraft asked his commander.

"Don't be ridiculous!", Dębkowski snapped back at him, "I am not giving up a Navy ship to a bunch of pirates!"

The captain turned to his crew and officers.

"Sound general quarters! Clear the ship for battle!"

Result: The Virtue Of Courage is attacked by Frequesquan pirates, and will make a stand fitting of its name.

...it also signals for help, obviously

[Siege]

Fortuna Belli Proving Grounds, South Pacific Ocean

“Three… two… one…” counted Dr. Gerald Hastly, “ignition!” He pressed the big red button on the control panel and was rewarded with the ear-rending shriek of the drone’s two aerospike engines powering up, blasting the tarmac with fire so hot it was nearly invisible. Another button and the brakes abruptly disengaged, driving the small aerospacecraft rapidly down the runway until the lift under its narrow wings pushed it into the sky.



Seconds later the drone was up several thousand meters, supersonic and still accelerating, something which doctor Hastly could follow through the network of ground-based and airborne radars that surrounded the islands of the proving grounds.

At a single command the small automaton accelerated up to Mach 2, then executed an about turn and came back, still accelerating until it had pierced the Mach 3 barrier. Finally the craft cut back and engaged its airbrakes, descending toward the same runway from which it had ascended mere minutes earlier.

Only then did things go south: the drone slammed into the tarmac at a velocity far exceeding safety margins. The impact effectively annihilated its landing gear and sent the drone scissoring down the runway at high speed, sending showers of sparks every which way until it slammed into one of the safety walls, in reality not much more than a great mound of dirt running parallel to the runway. There it continued to lay, smouldering quietly, until the fire crews arrived to douse it in fire-retardant foam.

By that point however Hastly was no longer paying attention. Barring the final touchdown his drone was finally beginning to function as it was supposed to—and more importantly, the aerospikes once again had functioned exactly as they were supposed to. As the first fire trucks arrived on the scene of the crash he was already on the phone with his colleagues back in San Dorado: It was time to roll out the S-2AE prototype.

Results: After years of testing and prototyping the OCD is ready to roll out a manned aerospike-powered aerospacecraft.

[Fingolfin_Noldor]

CATO Science Journal

Molten Salt Reactor shows great promise after 3 years of operation

After 3 years of operation, the molten salt reactor, co-designed by Byzantine Heavy Industries and Byzantine Nuclear Energy Institute, has shown great promise. Generating 100MWe, the reactor has generated critical data essential for its eventual upscaling. "The Thorium fuel cycle is proving to be quite efficient. The only serious problem with the Thorium fuel cycle is that other fissile elements are required to be mixed with Thorium to ensure the mixture achieves criticality. Research is also being directed towards processing the resultant products," says a Byzantine Heavy Industries spokesman. Research into the use of molten salts as a coolant has also be stepped up, because their ability to function at high temperatures, low pressure operation, high power density, relatively better electric conversion efficiency, passive safety systems, and better retention of fission products in case an accident occurred.

Joint CATO project to launch a nuclear reactor into space

A joint CATO project to launch a nuclear reactor into space has been revealed. The project involves testing the feasibility of operating a nuclear reactor in a space environment, where electricity will be generated via the use of thermoelectrics. The reactor will likely be launched into space within the next 5 years. "We are in the last stages of planning, and likely we will hope to launch the reactor latest by 2022," says a Byzantine Nuclear Energy Institute spokesman.

Mission of the DSP-1 and DSP-2 probes continues after more than 3 years of operation

After more than 3 years of operation, the DSP-1 and DSP-2 probes have contributed much to humanity's understanding of Mars and Venus. The two probes have also given the development teams much valuable experience necessary for future probes. "We have learned a lot of lessons on the probe designs and we will incorporate those lessons to future probes. DSP-3/4 are slated to launch end of next year and we aim to go to Jupiter and Saturn," says the chief engineer for the Deep Space Probe project.

Launch of space telescopes

After more than 4 years of research and funding and construction, the Orena Technical University, University of Farbanti, Byzantine Space Science Institute and the UCSR Space Research Institute say they are ready to launch a series of space telescopes from next year. The first to be launched will be a space observatory designed for a range of wavelengths, from far ultraviolet to Gamma Rays. The telescope is expected to have a 10 year research time period.

[Raj Ahten]

A Diplomatic Affair

It had been years since resident Raj Ahten had visited a foreign capital. The parliamentary chaos that had paralyzed Indhopal had prevented any visits. With order restored the President was eager to visit San Dorado again. Relations with them had been much rougher than than he intended lately.

Arrangements had been made with San Dorado and president Ahten was on his way. He was in a small executive jet and a C-17 was bringing in his other support staff.

President Ahten had high hopes for this visit.With the Occidental situation settled relations between the NFT and Indhopal should be smooth sailing from here.

[Fingolfin_Noldor]

Diplomatic Communique to Foreign Ministry of Indhopal

Dear Sir,

Years ago, we cooperated on the Teravolt range ring particle collider. However, budget cuts and all put an indefinite hold on the project. We are interested in reviving the said project, and are certain we can also obtain funding from both within Byzantium and the UCSR. If you are still interested, we are prepared to fund the project and to commit the necessary intellectual resources required to make the project a success. You are most welcome to include your Frequesue neighbours in the project if you so wish.

I look forward to your favourable response.

Yours Sincerely,
Exarch Decius, Foreign Minister of the Byzantine Empire

[Siege]

Stately Visit

The President of Indhopal was welcomed with all the pump and circumstance that befitted the arrival of a friendly head of state. There was the Navy Band, merrily playing the Indhopali anthem; there was an honour guard –which seemed to inordinately spook the President’s bodyguards- there was the red carpet, the carefully screened bigshot audience, the remote platforms for the cameras of the press and of course the official words of welcome by President Sidney Hank, which were mercifully short.

“President Ahten, it’s been too long”, Sidney smiled as he vigorously shook the man’s hand. “I’m glad to see you’re still alive-- and on top of things, no less.” He motioned toward the row of helicopters that awaited dignitaries of two of Frequesue’s most influential nations. “Shall we?”

As usual in this time of year the skies were cloudlessly blue, affording a spectacular view of the San Dorado City skyline. Sunlight glittered off the million windows of the Central Districts, the forest of skyscrapers that was the downtown area gently tapering off into the artificial canyons of the mid-class residential blocks, which in their turn segued into the tumbling chaos of the Sprawl.

The helicade followed roughly the meandering flow of the Dodgson River toward the Central District, the helicopters shooting over suspension bridges and monorail overpasses, river barges and pleasure yachts. On the shores the buildings grew progressively taller as the convoy approached downtown, until the helicopters appeared to be soaring above a chasm of steel and glass divided by the brownish-blue of the river.

Then abruptly the Dodgson broadened. Up ahead lay a series of islands in the stream, heavily built up just like the rest of the surrounding area. The helicopters zeroed in on the biggest of them all, which contained the NFT headquarters.



The HQ was a set of four large entangled skyscrapers on the southernmost tip of Silver Island. From its private heliport it was a quick trip to the offices of the President, and soon enough Raj and Sidney were sitting in the latter’s office as an aide poured them a drink.

“I know it doesn’t have the grandeur of the Presidential Palace”, Sidney said, and a pang of regret crept in his voice as he indicated the spacious room around them, “But I kind of lost that privilege when I changed jobs. At least the view is pretty good from up here as well.” He took a sip from his beverage. “Anyway, it’s good to see you again. How’ve you been doing these last few years?”

[Raj Ahten]

“I know it doesn’t have the grandeur of the Presidential Palace”, Sidney said, and a pang of regret crept in his voice as he indicated the spacious room around them, “But I kind of lost that privilege when I changed jobs. At least the view is pretty good from up here as well.” He took a sip from his beverage. “Anyway, it’s good to see you again. How’ve you been doing these last few years?”

President Ahten was still marveling at what he had seen from the air on his way in. He had never quite understood why San Dorado allowed such chaos and squalor to rule its streets while it also a world leader in space flight and other high tech industries. Barring any humanitarian considerations, surely as arch capitalists they could see that chaos at the bottom only hurt productivity? He wasn't here to discuss their political system though so President Ahten got on with the business at hand and said,

"I've been holding up. The rumors of my political demise that were circulating a few years ago have proved to be much exaggerated. My own fate though is insignificant compared to the fate of Indhopal. On that front things could have been better but to look forward, not backward, is the new thinking these days.

That's ultimately why I'm here; to help chart the future of our nations and I daresay the continent of Frequesue. The FTO and its dream for the future may be dead but certainly not our relationship. My ambassador tells me there has never been so much to discuss with the new economic pact and other joint ventures!

One area we do not cooperate as much as we used to though is in the area of security. Our recent agreement to guarantee the security for the Occidental zone shows we can still work together though. The elephant in the room as far as security in Frequesue is concerned is tensions between the MESS and CATO.

Leaving aside what the public thinks of the matter I believe that it is imperative that the tensions are cooled and that direct engagement is the best way to bring this about. I'm sure you'll agree a major war between the MESS and CATO would be in no one's interests. Personally I believe that the CFR is the most likely flash point for further problems. I also don't see much coming from the Cascadian conference. At most I believe the Costas situation will be stabilized. So how do you think Indhopal and the NFT can work together to reduce tensions in Frequesue?"

[K. A. Pital]

Duchy of Baerne

Stanislav's mood was bright. No one expected wonders from the IRT trip; at least they weren't outright hostile and didn't scream about "Communist Imperialism" and other such blah.

The former President of the Crimson Star Republic arrived in the Duchy of Baerne without pompous ceremonies. He asked for an armored cortege, considering the recent events in Frequesue it wasn't unreasonable - but didn't take other specific precautions.

The cortege drove off softly...

Result: Stanislav is in Baerne. Any talk can be commenced at once.

[PeZook]

Virtue Of Courage, p.2

Ether

Mayday, mayday, mayday, all stations, all stations, all stations! ORP Virtue Of Courage, sailing ship, under attack by pirate speedboats, position follows...request immediate assistance!

Mayday, mayday, mayday, all stations, all stations, all stations! ORP Virtue Of Courage, sailing ship, under attack by pirate speedboats, position follows...request immediate assistance!

62 miles off San Dorado Harbor, San Dorado

The crew stood there for a second, not really understanding. However, an Academy instructor and veteran sailor serving as the Chief Boatswain on the cruise snapped them out of it, turning to the cadets and yelling at the top of his lungs.

"What the hell are you waiting for?! General quarters! Get this deck clear! Hammocks outside! Move it!"

The cadets all passed basic training before they were assigned to their mandatory tour of duty, and could take orders like good soldiers. Almost instantly, the clustered group broke and the deck exploded with activity, full of footsteps, boatswain's whistles and shouts.

"Commander Kraft, here is a key to the gun safe. Distribute the arms as you see fit amongst the non comissioned officers and form a marksman squad. Ensign Marczewski will lead them."

The First Officer saluted smartly and grinned, "Yes sir!"

While cadets cleared the decks of all obstructions and loaded their rolled up hammocks into special nets lining both sides of the deck, the remaining officers reported on the bridge. Captain Dębkowski eyed them, like he used to do with men under his command before they would have to deal with a trying situation, "Gentlemen, we are under attack by Frequesquan pirates. I have decided not to surrender and make a stand here. Here are your orders..."

Despite the obvious shock at the announcement, all officers held up quite well, except perhaps some slight paledness amongst the younger ones.

"I want all the billhooks and fireaxes we can find on board, ready to be used at a moment's notice. Ensign Ostrowski, I the cooks will man firefighting gear at the starboard side. On my command, you will douse the speedboat. Make sure to remain hidden untill the signal is given."

Ensign Ostrowski was an officer in name only, in command of five cooks in charge of the galley. Still, he always dreamed of partaking in real action, and couldn't help to smile.

"Yes sir! Right away, sir!", he shouted and ran below deck with agility that looked almost unnatural in a 150 kilogram man.

"Commander Bosak",the captain turned to the only woman on board, "First and second watches are to stand ready to drop all sails after the initial engagement. Afterwards, they will be on damage control. Organize them now."

"Aye!"

"We'll maneuver on engines. First I intend to pretend surrender, douse the speedboat and attempt to evade any further attempts at boarding untill help arrives."

The captain frowned now, turning to the ship's doctor, a pleasant old civilian, "Finally, I need the infirmary ready to receive casualties."

The doctor took this order stoically, "I shall do what I can, but we have no specialized trauma equipment."

"I understand, but we're not that far from shore. Helicopters will evacuate the worst cases...I hope."

Another series of bullets whizzed above the ship's deck, some even ricocheting off various steel rigging ropes. The captain cleared his throat, took one last look at his officers and announced loudly.

"Gentlemen, to your stations!"

The officers still present shouted "AYE!" in unison and ran off to tend to their duties. The pirate speedboat was close now, close enough that most of the potshots taken by its crew were actually able to hit the hull of the ship - though, thankfully, not anyone on board.

Captain Dębkowski watched the situation carefully as his crew made necessary preparations. Firehoses were unfurled and two concealed positions for them prepared behind the protective barrier of tightly packed hammocks. Bosuns and chiefs received their firearms and took position on the starboard side as well, while commander Bosak saw to it that all men who'd work on the masts wore proper protective equipment. A bosun's mate along with two sailors took some initiative, and was preparing molotov cocktails using gasoline from the emergency generator - which the captain didn't order, but acknowledged a good idea when he saw it.

"Sheets loose, sails to flutter. Run up the white flag.", the captain said, softly. Nevertheless, the officer of the deck repeated his command, and in seconds, the Virtue Of Courage slowed down to a drift, its sails fluttering in the wind.

The pirate speedboat also slowed down, approaching their prey. Its crew saw the frantic activity on board, of course, and didn't know what to make of it - they thought the ship to be a pleasure cruiser, something for rich San Doradoans to do when they had too much money for their own good. Then again, it clearly displayed a PeZookian flag, which was confusing.

Finally, the boat's skipper gave the order, and the small craft accelerated, speeding towards the sailing vessel.

"They're approaching. Excellent...", captain Dębkowski muttered to himself, and checked his crew. Suddendly, a watchman shouted out.

"Water spray, four o'clock! Looks like more speedboats, sir!"

The captain said nothing, nodding instead. The odds just became worse, but there was no return now. The pirates approached from the starboard side, exactly as predicted, hollering and waving their weapons in a threatening manner. Two of them threw grapples up in an attempt to climb over the side and board the ship.

Dębkowski looked at his crew and cried as loud as he could:

"Let fly!"

Several things happened almost at once, taking the pirate boat completely by surprise. First, the white flag came down, and a PeZookian naval jack rode up to the top of the mainmast. Second, two sprays of high-pressure water hit the speedboat, blinding its crew and washing one of them overboard. Third, a virtual rain of Molotov cocktails descended upon their small craft. Screams and random shots filled the air, as the captain gave another order.

"Engines flank, rudder hard to starboard!"

"Aye, engines flank, hard to starboard!"

The ship moved, propelled forward by its engines, and turned hard - capsizing the speedboat. One of the pirates managed to climb aboard nevertheless, but was confronted by armed bosun's mates and taken prisoner.

The other boats drew closer, however, and seeing the fate of their comrades, opened fire. One of them carried a heavy machine gun and a good operator to go with it - as gunfire raked the decks, ripping up the rigging, ricocheting off metal and decks, and wounding several sailors.

"Drop all sail!", the captain commander now. The ship had to get rid of the fire hazard before an RPG round actually hit and ignited them. Naval cadets swarmed the masts, working quickly to reel in the massive sails and secure them.

There were three more boats, as the watch dutifully reported. They drew closer with each passing minute, with twice the speed of the venerable sailing vessel. The fire was becoming more and more accurate as the distance shortened.

"I want rifles on the stern! Try to take out that machine gun!", the captain shouted over the noise of battle, and a bosun armed with a Beryl rifle quickly made his was to the flying bridge. Suddendly, an RPG round screamed overhead and got tangled in the rigging. The thick ropes deflected it towards the deck, where it careened and exploded. Someone screamed, clutching his face, and the pristine white hardwood deck was stained with blood. An orderly rushed to the wounded man, amongst screaming and chaos, having to dodge men coming off the masts.

"Commander Kreft, maintain order on the deck!", Dębkowski shouted to his first officer.

"Aye! Hold your stations! Nobody leaves his post unless ordered to! Damage control teams below decks!"

Another RPG slammed into the ship's side, shaking the deck. It punched a hole in the steel hull, and smoke billowed out of it.

"Damage report!", Kraft shouted into a voice tubes. Disjointed, chaotic reports came back.

"Radio room hit, sir! Midshipman Doyle is dead! We have a fire!"

"Well, I sure hope somebody heard our distress call...", Kraft muttered to himself, before yelling to one of Bosak's chiefs, "We need a damage control team at the radio room, right now!"

Ether

Mayday, mayday, mayday, all stations, all stations, all stations, ORP Virtue Of Courage taking heavy fire from several pirate speedboats, please assist, may....

[Lonestar]

Dominion Defense

City Center of Nexus City under Coalition Control
Coalition civil affairs announced yesterday that the city center of Nexus City is under control of the liberation forces. , bringing an end to the Cortes Regime in Sirnoth.

As yet much of the Cortes leadership is unaccounted for, although coalition bombs and rockets have been used non-stop on command and control bunkers, collapsing them and killing everyone inside. Due to the relatively primitive nature of the bunkers, Combat Optics MGM-140-ER-EP has been able to wreck havoc on Sirnothi bunkers. The Explosive penetration warhead was developed after the one week war to take on Shepistani armored air defenses.

The PCA has confirmed that a new Chief Executive of the committee will be announced within 2 weeks….[More]


Wythe County arrives at Souda Bay
The combatant tender Wythe County has arrived at the Byzantine Imperial Naval base at Souda Bay, Crete, to prep the former IBNS Honorius and IBNS Consul for transit to the Old Dominion. The two ships have been renamed Elizabeth City and Arlington, respectively.

The Wythe County will spend several weeks modifying the DDGNs by way of installing Dominionite comms suites and modifying the aviation facilities so they can operate CA101s. Among the more esoteric modifications will be the plumbing facilities.

"They just have holes in the deck." A ODN sailor complained. "Seriously. Anatolians prefer to squat rather than sit like civilized folk. Hey, you aren't writing this down, are you?"…[More]

[DarthShady]

Cascadian Summit
In Goddamn Unreal Time

The President was enjoying a quiet drink with members of his entourage, during a break from the official meetings, when a knock on the door was heard. One of the aids quickly moved to open the door. Yuri Andropovsky, PCIA Chief and foreign minister of the UCSR entered the room. The man smiled and approached the President.

"Comrade President, I see you are enjoying yourself.", he said with a grin.

"Not really.", President Shady answered, "This conference isn't going anywhere and frankly, my patience is at an end. I'm returning to Stasograd, and I want you to take over here."

"Of course Sir.", Yuri said and took a seat, signaling an aid to poor him a drink, "I told you we shouldn't expect much from this summit. It seems my prediction was true."

"Indeed.", Shady said and took a sip of his drink, "But I had hopes, that something good might still come from it. It is quite a disappointment."

"Something could still change.", Yuri commented.

"Perhaps, but I have no more patience for arguing.", Shady smiled, "So I leave things in your capable hands."

With that Shady got up and shook hands with Yuri.

"I'm leaving now.", he said, "Keep me informed, should anything of interest happen."

"Of course Mr.President.", Yuri said.

Result: The President is going back to Stasograd. Yuri Andropovsky will take his place at the conference, provided that the conference does continue.

[Lonestar]

Virginia Dispatch

Cape Fear River heads to Tian Xia base for port visit

The FFG Cape Fear River is heading to Port Nike, a Tian Xia base on the Northern coast of the F-ing continent. The Cape Fear River will engage in MIO exercises, as well as naval gunfire support fire mission exercises with Tian Xia personnel…[More]

[Coyote]

Ether

Mayday, mayday, mayday, all stations, all stations, all stations, ORP Virtue Of Courage taking heavy fire from several pirate speedboats, please assist, may....

CANISSIAN ROYAL NAVY, PORT COSTAS


"There it is agains, sir," the radioman said, "Then it just cut off."

The OD frowned, and read the log back again, looking at the times the previous calls were made, the location given...

"Let's have two F-18s do a flyby and see what's up, and get the RMS Leopard ready to go." The Leopard was one of the Frigates on station with the MEU.

"Aye, sir."

Within minutes, two Royal Navy F-18s were flying off the ramp and into the air. Intended for reconnaissance, they had ammo for their autocannons and a full tank of fuel. Light and fast, they banked out to sea to investigate the garbled distress call.