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Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Construction Commences on Bridge, PLUTO2 projects with Tian Xia
Construction on the twin "Commerce and Prosperity" bridges between the LSR and Tian Xia began today. The "Prosperity" bridge is a 12 lane(6 each way) automobile suspension bridge. The "Commerce" bridge is a 4 rail lane Cable-stayed bridge that will be able to take both freight and passenger service. Construction is expected to take several years.

The PipeLine Under The Ocean 2 project also began. A colossal series of pipelines will be laid under the Sabine Channel allowing easy transfer of petroleum products.

These projects will bring Tian Xia and the Lone Star Republic closer together economically within the confines of the MESS Economic Union.

"Dateline" Special causes furor
The Red Technocracy accused El Presidente of paying the staff of Dateline for a propaganda piece today. Dateline producer Jessica Meyer said that this was an "outrageous" claim and that they do not accept any money from government agencies in order to maintain journalistic objectivity.

Secretary of State Evan Miranov commented: "Well, it's sad that the Borscht-eating, Vodka drinking, aggressive communists are confusing a private news magazine show with a government. Freedom of speech and press is enshrined in our Constitution. I guess they just can't wrap their heads around the concept. Of course, there are a lot of things they can't wrap their heads around. Like respecting the sovereignty of other nations."

Satellite launch completes Lowell Navigation Satellite Constellation
The final two Lowell NAVSATs lifted off today, completing the MESS GPS satellite constellation.

BBC Reports Live from the International Meeting Hall
The Following Topics are on the adjenda for the 2010 meeting

Topics
1. Official World Name
Various countries have names they call our planet, New Earth, New Terra, Rapture is popular with the Orthodox. Even Steve which the New Gottiland ambassador insists on. A fitting name must be chosen for our world, a name all countries can agree on.


2.International Court
We have no UN, we have the FUN, the MESS and the OMSK. Can we, should we have a signal international court all countries can agree to and who's judgments we should respect? And if so, who should it's members be made up of?

3. Extending the ban on Biological weapons
Should the ban on Biological weapons be extended from simple use and selling to also include development?

4. International Travel Laws?
Visa? Passports? What do people need to travel to diffrent countries? Outside OMSK Free travel police no positions have been made clear. If a citizen wishes to travel from Pezookia to Tian Xian what does he need to do?

5. Tariffs/Embargo's
Hot or not?

All this and more will be discuss in today's meeting
BBC reports.

New Naval Doctrine of Our Glorious Nation aimed for Fast Naval Ships: Demilitarization and a Step For Peace





The Secretary General of the Red Technocracy today announced that it's Pr.1445 Neustrashimy-type frigates are retired and decommissioned almost entirely, except two frigates distinguished as Hero Vessels during the Syndromian conflict, sinking several Syndromian littoral craft in the war.

Those two ships, christened "Loyal" and "Willing", will serve as Good Will Ships of the Red Technocracy.

Since the decomissioning will run over this and next year, the Supreme Council is alarmed at the possibility of selling all those ships on the world market, especially as the "Neustrashimy" frigate is rather overpowered for it's class (as many of our vessels are). It has been suggested that the "Neustrashimy" park be put in conservation at the BLACK SORMOVO shipyards whose enormous territory stretches even further than the coastline of the prime resort and seaport, the Korolev Megapolis.

To replace those ships, the BLACK SORMOVO factory is producing Antares and Uragan at full capacity. Deployment of 10 Antares-class craft and 5 Uragan-class craft is expected this year, and 20 more military hydrofoils over the next year.

There are rumors that the BLACK SORMOVO has been told to prepare the ships for possible future deployment and keep them in good condition, at the same time as Slavic Union rumors circulate in the higher government circles.

News From Crossroadia!!!

Lord High CEO Takes off for 2nd Annual World Atlantan Conference

Taking off this morning from the CCC Tower complex, the Lord CEO left on his personal Zepplen Airship-One enroute to the Atlantan Conference. Travelling light, the Lord CEO left with only a small security detail and a piar of jets flanking his Airship.
"Ive never been one for overly military force following me around when I travel, I like to think I can be accessible to other nations without them having to sign a mountain of paperwork to get through some oversized Security force"
Among the items slated for the conference is the outline for the proposed Esdeenet Airlines. “We’ve already got a few local Nation signing on with us for this, if we can put this before the assembled world leaders, we might get this to be a truly global Airlines." he commented to one of the BBC reporters.

Crossroadian Electric AutoFactory now Taking orders!
With only weeks before the massive facility at Obsen is set to go online, the “CrossroadiaMotors” Autoplant is taking orders on what it promises will be a “no Emission car for any citizen in any price range”
From relatively lowcost medium range cars based on the OldEarth “EV1” models, to extravagant high end luxury models such as a the new “Exelion" Powered by lithium-ion batteries, the Exelion is an eight wheeled vehicle that goes from 0-60 mph in just 4.2 seconds and tops out at 230 mph. Technology doesn't come cheap though, this car will set you back $260,000

The BBC Reports:

MESS Announces CROSSHAIRS '10 Exercise

CROSSHAIRS '10, the annual MESS exercise, will be held off the north-east coast of Tian Xia. The stated objectives are to train in the defense of airspace, disaster relief, and counter terrorism operations, remains the same.

A MESS representitive also stated that the Lonestar Republic's 'Dateline' news program and the John Birch Society do not speak for the foreign policy of the alliance.

"While certain members of our alliance have had strained relations with the Red Technocracy as of late, the MESS as a whole strives to maintain positive relations with all foreign governments."
--MESS official

Our analysts say that this release is reflective of President Rufus Shinra of the Shinra Republic's elevation to a 'chief executive' of sorts for the alliance. President Shinra is well known to have largely ecshewed the politics of international brinksmanship and tension and has publically pledged himself to the maintenance of peace and cooperation amongst all nations.

Bear Republic of course joins the Crossroadian Airship association, however since we started with the zepplins, and are a major power...

Rebuilding The Bear Republic:
finally in 2010 the bear republic has announced the return of coffee exports this summer. Remember while coffee and choclate were destroyed by a combination of coastal waves and being covered in sunlight depriving volcanic ash..

of course two years have gone by since then, and that volcanic ash is extremely rich in the stuff that plants need from their top soil. Furthermore The Republic has finished cleaning up the southern desert of ash. Though the hardened lava is still present and construction of the subway line has continued in 2010 expecting to reconnect southern and northern Bear republic by high speed rail in 2012. Currently North to south travel is accomplished by airship.

The Bear Republic is now selling a fertilizer product manufactured from surplus volcanic ash. In addition to regular flour the Bear Republic has announced that the areas of central Bear Republic hugging the mountains have begun producing Amranth in quanity. This plant is rich in neutrients and highly resistant to fungal infections.

After much damage to our northern rye harvest, by native fungi the BR has decided to sell the damaged grain to the FUN for use in their pharmacutical research. Though "Witch Hunter Ergot Bread" was briefly discussed and rejected. Our Eastern Orthodox and Norse Communities will just have to use wheat, Rice, Corn and Amranth. Palmagranates have made a comeback, as have other citrus. The BR does however report that the new Rye Smut is prolific and may spread to the Technocracy and other nations by airborne vectors. Present hope is that someone in Mangka, or in FUN can find a hybrid that is resistant to this smut. The Smut also does effect Wheat and Corn to a lesser extent, however it is prolific, and contains hallucinagenic and adrenal enhancing properties. (In other news a family pet was killed after rodents from BR testing faculties escaped yesterday, they are apprently violent and very big/strong after being exposed to an unknown chemical)

Southern Desert now being used as a testing ground.
various concept vehicles and airial forces have begun using the southern desert as a testing ground. Prior to the volcanic eruption the southern desert was primarily used as a solar farm. The Desert region contains too much alcali to support plant life and is rather flat in description, thus being the perfect place for a natural airfield. While various poisonus and dangerous metals can be harvested/mined from the desert it has thus far not been widely used for such. Though small scale salt mines are responsible for the majority of the BRs fuel cell and lithium ion battery production. <see last year's scandals:>

His Majesty, King Zor-I of the Sovereign Kingdom of Zoria along with his senior diplomatic team has just departed on his personal Supersonic Jet Vigilence-I to the Atlantean Conference. Among issues that he plans on debating is the risk of biological weapons proliferation. As well, a fleet of cargo planes have been dispatched by Vulcan Robotics and Computers to demonstrate MICRS Military Robots before the international community

In other news, the Zorian Television company Animation Nattion goes on the air next week with a target audiance across most friendly nations. Show line up includes the Simpsons, Futurama, Megas XLR, Avatar: the Last Airbender, Exosquad and the original series, The Theocracy War.

Zor

To: ISCA Budget Committee
From: ISCA Representitive, Shinra Republic
Subject: Supplement to ISCA Procurement, FY2010

In addition to the already budgeted FCS (and variants) and FCS-L orders, we request the addition of one (1) LHS to our order for FY2010.

Sincerely,
Marcus Peterson
ISCA Representitive, Shinra Republic

Austin Republican
2010 Presidential Election Campaign gets underway.

The Democratic National Convention confirmed that Erwin McFibblestein is the candidate for the Democrats this election year. The Whigs have opt to renominate El Presidente Lonestar.




Lonestar

Military service: Yes
Political Service: Yes
Strong Veterans Advocate: Yes
Youthful, Vigorous, Virile: Yes
Quote: "Fuck 'em, and Gawd Bless Texas."


Erwin McFibblestein

Military service: No
Political Service: Yes
Strong Veterans Advocate: No
Youthful, Vigorous, Virile: No
Quote: "Talking things over doesn't make you less manly."


Which candidate will resonate with the voters?

news flash: Rodent threat not the result of lab escapes.

No apparently the labs have been culling and lavathing their rodents, however the majority of the smut infected grain was disposed of. Rodents ate the infected grain, and Bear Republic Medical labs have determined that the Smut not only has a hallucinagen effect, it's also a steroid. The brown or norway rat population here in the Bear Republic have been experiencing some instances of growth to unusual size. However these are no threat to most people (Infants, Toddlers, Elderly, & pets yes, most people no)

The world conference at Atlantis came at a very good time for Raj Ahten, President both of Indhopal and the ProTec corporation. He had been suprised no one had yet acted on the intel ProTec's men had found concerning pirate bases in the warlord Lord Wolsley's territory in Libertopia. The presidet had his chief of inteligence and some of ProTec's proffesionals give a presentaion to the worlds spymasters in which the all the inteligence about the pirate bases was laid out. It was estimated that the pirates operating from these bases had hijacked at least 80 vessals of all sizes and kidnapped over 500 people. It was also made clear that if no one else took action, ProTec would resolve the situation for its clients.

This was not an empty boast. ProTec had used its heavy lift aircraft to greatly increase its force in the Iron General's territory. There were now around 150 trainers on the ground as well as a squadron of ground attack planes. Transport and light gunship helicopters were also part of the force. The Iron General wanted attacks to start immediatly, but signifigant stocks of fuel and ammunition had to flown in; which was a slow process. Including aircrew, techs, base construction crew, and a security detachment, ProTec now had over 750 contractors on the ground in Libertopia. And they were getting ready for battle.

In seperate conferences the delegation from Indhopal supported the wider ban on developement of biological weapons. THey wanted the ban to go even further, and ban chemical agents and their developement as well. They also stated they were in favour of some sort of simple standards for pasports and visas, so travellers would at least know what to expect. What the actual requirements should be for entry, the delegation said must remain individual nation's perogative. They were not in favour of a world court. Extradition treaties were seen as adaquate. (Besides, they were worried their contractors would be dragged before the court.)

BBC Reports

"In Economic news Shroom-Sat and UKB based Blue Sun Communications group have been named to the top 25 Richest Company's list put together by Business Weekly, a spin-off media of the BBC based in Pezookia.
The list of the twenty five weathest company's lists the ISCA as the current clear number one business by both Revenue and Profit. Black Sormovo is currently number one on the list for assists but is only number four on the over-all wealth list.
The full list will be published later this month."


"Also in communication news Shroom-Sat CEO Jark Davis says that Shroom-Stat is dedicated to it's goal of expanding the usebase of Shroom-Sat to 40 million people from it's current mark of 34.8 million by the end of the year. The CEO did not go into specifics but mentioned off-hand things such as promotional offers, advertising and apparently door to door visits by the head of Parliament. When questioned about this Jark refused to comment further but simply winked and nodded and nudged the BBC reporter until the next question was asked.

Back to you Alister
BBC Reports

Ashford Times Headlines in Brief

Entire Royal Family Attends Atlantis Conference
Duke Lelouch, Marquess Schneizel, Marchioness Cornelia, Earl Clovis, and Baroness Nunnally all attending

F-16s Loaned From New Patria Air Force
Intended as stopgap measure until HAL Tejas can be produced in quantity

Army, Marines Place Massive Arms Order
IFVs, SAM launchers from the Duchy of Baal due for delivery by next month

WOULD YOU LIKE TO KNOW MORE? Y / N

ATEF Stand 2: Tupolev



Tu-344-100 medium capacity, medium range twinjet airliner

Engines: 2x D-436T-2 turbofans
Cruise speed: 820 kph
Practical range: 3150 km
Practical ceiling: 11100 m
Crew: 2
Passengers: 102
Max commercial freight modification: 11 tons or 6 LD-3 type containers

Notes: the fuselage is a scaled down Tu-214/204 fuselage, and is unified with the Tu-214 in 60% of the parts and materials. Design features borrowed from earlier discontinued Tu-134 model.

Price tag: $17-18 million dollars
Completion: many per year

Tu-214 - main twinjet airliner

Engines: 2x PS-90A turbofans
Cruise speed: 850 kph
Practical range: 6670 km, with max load 4340 km
Service ceiling: 12600
Crew: 3
Passengers: 210
Max commercial freight modification: 25200 kg, possible max useful load 59000 kg.

Fuel expenditure: 3500 kg/hour

Note: unified with smaller Tu-344 in production.

Price tag: $25 million
Completion: many per year

Tu-144/D/LL supersonic jet liner (MESS reporting name: Charger)

Engines: 4x NK-32-1, NK-144A or RD-36-51A turbofans
Max speed: M=2.35 (2500 kph),
Cruise speed: 2300 kph
Practical range: 6500 km
Supersonic range: 2920 km to 5000 km depending on engine type (progressively longer ranges: NK-144A, NK-32-1, RD-36-51A)
Service ceiling: 20 000 m
Crew: 3
Passengers: 150 (or cargo: 15 tons).

Notes: well, what else can you say? The only real competing aircraft to the Concorde. For those business airlines who understand that their clients do not want to wait.

Price tag: $80 million (in current dollars)

Bomber aircraft - strategic bombers can be procured by OMSK member nations only unless special Treaties and Considerations apply

Tu-95MS-16 (MESS reporting name Bear-H)

Engines: 4x NK-12M(MV) contra-rotating turboprops

Top speed: 925 kph
Cruise speed: 830 kph
Practical range: 15 000 km
Battle range: 6 500 km
Service ceiling: 12 000 m
Crew: 7

Armament:
* - 2x GSH-23L cannons
* - load: 9000 kg, max practical 20000 kg, max overload - 25000 kg

A rotating launcher for 6 X-55 missiles (2500 km, subsonic, nuclear) or X-555 (conventional). Internal bay missile load up to 15000 kg, with X-20, X-22 and X-26 missiles also optional alonside X-55 and X-555.

There are four external wing hardpoints to carry 10 more X-55/555 missiles on the Tu-95MS-16.

Any bomb ordnance, conventional or nuclear, up to 9 tons. Possible to drop FOAB type bombs which weigh around 8 tons.

The Tu-95V modification to drop the "Ivan"-type bomb is only supplied to OMSK member nations under the terms of non-proliferation of the bomber in any case. Possible to drop 50 to 100 Megaton nuclear bombs, weighting 24 tons, with modified bomb bay.

Price tag: $100 million ($80 million for smaller OMSK members)

Tu-160 (MESS reporting name Blackjack)

The Tupolev ANTK does

Engines: 4× Kuznetsov NK-321 turbofans

Top speed: M=2.05 (2220 kph)
Cruise speed: 850 kph
Practical range: 17 400 km unrefuelled (can be refuelled in flight), 10 400 km with max bombload
Service ceiling: 15 600 m
Crew: 4

Armament:
* - two internal bomb bays with possible variable loads
* - standard load 22500 kg, maximal - 40000 kg
Variants:
* - 2x rotating launchers with 6 X-55/X-55M/X-555 missiles each
* - 2x rotating launchers with 12 X-15 supersonic tactical missiles (M=5.0), nuclear and conventional payload possible
* - cluster airbombs (CAB) up to KAB-1500 type
* - thermonuclear and ordinary bomb ordnance (FAB)
* - vacuum bomb ordnance up to FOAB type device
* - mines

Price: $250 million ($200 million for smaller OMSK members)

Tu-22M3 strategic supersonic bomber (MESS reporting name Backfire)

Engines: 2x NK-25
Top speed: 2327 kph
Cruise speed: 930 kph
Range (unrefuelled, can be refuelled in flight): 1500-1850 km at supersonic, 1500-1650 at subsonic ground-skimming flight, 2410 km at subsonic speed on variable heights, 7000 km A-to-B transport flight
Ceiling: 13 300 m
Crew: 4

Armament:
* 1x23-mm GSH-23L cannon
Load variants - 24000 kg max, 12000 kg normal:
* 1 (under fuselage) to 3 (fuselage and under wings) X-22M or KSR-5 missiles (M=3.0, 500 km)
* 10 X-15 or X-27 missiles (M=5.0, 150-300 km) - 6 in internal rotating launcher, 4 on additional external hardpoints
* - bomb load up to 24000 kg, situated on fuselage (up to 12000 kg) and on 4 external 9-lock hardpoints MBDZ-U9-502, typical loads: 69 FAB-250 or 8 FAB-1500 ordnance.

Price: $30 million

Tu-123 DBR-1 Yastreb (Hawk) M=2.5 (2700 kph) supersonic long-range drone

Cruise speed: M=2.5 (2700 kph)
Practical range: 3560-3680 km
Flight altitude: 22800 m start of recon trail range, 19000 end of recon trail range.

Price: $10 million

Investment Project: Tu-2000 hypersonic scramjet-orbital ship


Started in 2009, ongoing. $1,2 billion in research and design allocated last year. The system is worked on by best Tupolev engineers jointly with TSAGI, NPO "Molniya" and it's chief Lozino-Lozinsky.

Forbidden City Times

Lockmart announces development of reusable nanosat launcher

The launcher will be a full reusable launch vehicle system, to be launched from Atlantis. Projected payload is 100 kg to LEO. The system is a two stage to orbit design, which decreases the sensitivity of the vehicle to failure to maintain weight budgets, and increases the probability of project success. Lockmart has released the following rendering of the projected design.



The launch assembly consists of two launch vehicles in a parallel staged configuration. One of the vehicles will land in Tian Xia under automated control, while the other will orbit the Nova Terra before landing at Atlantis. The projected use of this launcher is for university aerospace student projects, and low cost experiments.

Douglas announces sole source contract for Ultra Large Transport Aircraft

The Peace Department awarded Douglas Aircraft a sole source no-bid contract for a Ultra Large Transport Aircraft. This will allow the Peace Department to more effectively transport supplies, especially in relief situations.

Astoria Evening News press review

ISCA BULLETING: Budget wrapped up

The ISCA bulletin has announced today that the FY2010 budget has been finalized and has been submitted to review by member states. It is ISCA's hope that the budget will be approved by the end of the week, and that first FY2010 orders can be placed shortly.

The ISCA has also announced a shipyard expansion program: This year, two countries will receive new ISCA-built dry-docks and investment in shore-side facilities: PeZookia and the Shadow Empire. Next year, expansion is planned for N'Ton, Baerne, Shadow Empire and Shroomania.

(OOC: See the ISCA spreadsheet for data and let me know if I missed anything)

ASTORIA DAILY: FUN Conference On Naval Strategy proposed

The Republic's government has proposed a FUN-wide conference on naval strategy be held some time this year. The goal of the conference would be to determine the defence needs and possible threat vectors for all FUN nations, and to delineate responsibilities and roles of FUN member states in the strategy to deal with those threats.

REPUBLIC TIMES: Republic's government criticzes ProTec

In a news conference at Atlantis, king Paul the First criticed ProTec, Central Sea's number one security company, for threatening to undertake military action against libertopian pirates from the territory of the Iron General - one of Libertopia's most powerful warlords.

"While we are the last country to advocate taking no action at all against pirates, ProTec's planned campaign will only trigger another civil war between Libertopia's ruling warlords. This will bring more misery to the people of this country, whose only crime was being born in the wrong place."

"In fact, pirate attacks in the Central Sea have been stopped cold by powerful naval action by all affected countries. Now is the time to devise a good, permanent and humanitarian solution to the problem, rather than instigating a war in an already troubled and unstable region of the world."

NEW MILITARY JOURNAL: "Ropucha" construction to be moved to the Republic?

The Journal has acquired information that the BLACK SORMOVO, Red Technocracy's premiere naval development and construction yard, is planning to move construction of the Ropucha-class beach landing vessel to the Republic. This information has not yet been officially confirmed.

NEWS MEDIA INTERNATIONAL: Official position of PeZookia on Conference topics

PeZookian government has issued the following press release:

1. Official world name

It is the position of His Majesty's government that New Earth or New Terra should become the official name of our new world. The name should be something everyone living on the planet should be able to read, understand and empathize with, which is why a Latin name is not desirable.

2. International court

His Majesty's government believes that while an international governing body would be desirable, practical concerns make the proposal unfeasible at best, and downright dangerous at worst. In addition, the proposal is far premature, seeing as only the feeblest forms of international law actually exist today between nations, and thus the spectrum of competence for such a proposed tribunal would be unclear and narrow.

3. Extension of the bio-weapons ban

His Majesty's government was under the impression this was already the case, with potential bio-weapons factories kept under scrutiny by international inspectors, to make sure that pharmaceutical research may be conducted while disallowing biological weapons.

4. International Travel Laws?

It is His Majesty's position that all countries should be free to institute their own travel laws and restrictions. Such restrictions may be necessary for a variety of reasons, such as preventing a brain drain or instituting a quarantine.

However, a brief set of international laws concerning the treatment of citizens of foreign nations should be put to discussion. Such a treaty should regulate law enforcement concerns, extraditions, arrests as well as human dignity and rights of all travellers.

5. Tariffs/Embargos

His Majesty the King is of the opinion that every country should be able to institute their own tarrifs on imported and exported products if they deem it necessary.

Bringing the hammer to the Forge:

The Bear Republic requests the purchase of Naval vessels of obsolete design stripped of all accurments to be transported to North Fort Bay. The Bear Republic would also like to purchase ground vehicles (Tanks and APCs) but no extra ammo, or spare parts for the above. In limited numbers. We also would request that those vehicles arriving after the beginning of 2011 be outfitted with controls for remote operation as we assume that tasting will be reaching testing against moving/firing targets. by that point.)

All interested parties please notify Bear Republic Military entertainment contract A7-158639, or "Project Hammer"



North Fort Bay: a Templar GEV with extended stabalizer wings on port & starboard fitted to hold twice the hardpoint settings coasted out, it's 30mm helocoptor automatic cannon stitched apart several fiberglass mock-ups, then Nearing the North Fort, it fired a pair of Hellfire missles at a deserted concrete bunker on a beach. The GEV then traveled back to the harbour.

For 2010, Templar upgrade part I, mass production available soon. over all production costs have been lowered by switching from carbon fiber and radar dispersant materials to plain Airship grade Aluminium/Magnesium alloy. This model is designed for sale to smaller nations at a much reduced cost. The new model designed for coast guards everywhere, includes stabalizer wings, hard points capable of mounting loadouts simular to attack helocoptors, aas well as the 30mm rapidfire autoloaded gun, has been replaced with an Attack Helo grade automatic gun of the same size. These adjustments seem to counter the main flaws in the original templar design. (stability at high speeds, better protection, and of course greatly reduces the expense cited by most smaller nations, including the expense and ease of maintenace question.)

BLACK SORMOVO specialists arrive at Stocznia Polnocna shipyards in the IInd Republic of Pezookia



The PRAVDA today disclosed that one Pr.775M Caesar Kunikov-type Large Assault Ship (MESS reporting name Ropucha II) is constructed at the shipyards.

It is so far unclear who is the buyer of the vessel, but source hint at one of the smaller FUN nations seeking to boast it's anti-pirate and naval landing capabilities.

Secretary General speaks at the 3rd World Conference

"As for planet's name, we prefer simplicity. New Earth. A slavic proverb tells "Simplicity is the sister of talent".

"We think that an international court, the way things stand now, may be excessive regarding national sovereignity. What about asylum seekers who could be forcibly extradicted under such an authority? Maybe it's better for us to settle extradiction matters privately with the other party?

A human rights commission, however, is another matter. We support a human rights commission."

"The ban on Bioweapons should cover the full range of biological warfare activities, including use, sale, development"

"Omsk Free Travel laws suffice for us so far and due to that we already have a relaxed visa regime with the FUN, given we have some dual-member nations, and there's free travel around both FUN and OMSK.

"Maybe easing restrictions towards all FUN nations, even non-OMSK ones, would be our proposal. We have no other issues with travel so far".

"We are enacting tariffs the way we see fit and we do not enter any agreements that we do not find beneficial for our nation, or it's great industries. We suggest all tariff matters be in the hands of the nations themselves, to form freetrade or fairtrade pacts and alliances, but we are against a WTO-like entity".

NEW MILITARY JOURNAL: Ministry of Defence confirms construction of Red Technocracy-designed landing ships in Stocznia Polnocna

The Journal has managed to secure an interview with the Defence Minister today. Amongst other question, we have asked about recent rumors that Red Technocracy designed landing vessels are to be constructed in PeZookia.

"Yes, I can now confirm that we have reached an agreement with the Red Technocracy. The Stocznia Polnocna (Northern Shipyard) section of Amelia National Shipyards has enough spare capacity left to construct one Ropucha along with all the ISCA orderds."

Growing military ties with OMSK seem to be turning into a reality. Local analysts have mixed opinions on the issue: some fear PeZookia may be in danger of jeopardizing FUN commitments, while others anticipate that experience gained at warship construction will prove invaluable for our own navy.

Mangka Daily News

Parasol Corporation Wins Contract for '10 Influenza Vaccine



[Wanhua] With rapid genetic screening, lower effective dosage, and lower price, the Parasol Corporation has won the contract for this year's government issued Influenza Vaccine. This is the 1st year Parasol has won the contract. The Minister of Health mentioned that rapid genetic screening was one of the most important factors that the MoH considered. "With new diseases and mutation rates increasing, rapid genetic screening is very important on determining the pathogen, not to mention using the most correct vaccine and cure."


Expansion of United Flight Industries

[Kamalan] The government owned aviation manufacturing company, United Flight Industries, known for making small intra-nation planes, has received a major expansion starting this year. By participating in a joint MESS project, the company has been provided with top personnel and equipment from MESS allies, as well as increased funding.

Hotel suite, Atlantis

It was dark and quiet in the suite, save for a slight whine of the AC unit. Not even the ocean waves could be heard through the thick bulletproof windows, and only moonlight shined inside, illuminating the silhouette standing near the window, staring at the sky.

The King couldn't sleep. The world was as turbulent as ever, and his duties took a heavy toll on his nerves. More and more, he found himself working late into the night, going over documents and reports. He had staffers, assistants and ministers doing much of the work, but he had to make all the hard decisions himself.

The King looked at his wife, peacefully asleep. When was the last time they enjoyed their time together? If they ever had children, would they have to grow up without a father, who would be always away, concerned with matters of state?

The King sighed, and then something changed, subtly.

"Worried a bit?"

"Not you again, Q...", the King rolled his eyes. It was no use getting angry, anyway.

"Of course, mon ami! Who else? No human could get in here, anyway. You people are pretty paranoid."

"Can you really blame us?"

"In a way. Every inhabitant of this world is a human just like Earthling, with all their little failures and problems. So yes, in a way I can blame you - being human as well - for creating a situation where such strong security is necessary."

"For God's sake, Q. You appear before me once a year, and all you do is preach how inferior us humans are. Do you actually have a point in all this?"

"I may have one, or I may not. You will never know, will you?"

"So it's just another grand experiment of yours?"

"If you want to call it that...but you have been enjoying this, haven't you? Lording over your own nation?"

"I'm not 'lording' over anybody."

"Oh, but you are indeed! You have just used your position to push through a pretty unpopular tax bill. Done like a real King!"

"It's unpopular amongst businessmen and wealthy plutocrats. There's plenty of people in PeZookia who will benefit greatly off it."

"But your precious numbers will fall next year. Doesn't that concern you?"

"Numbers are just a measure of reality. Some will fall, like GDP growth, other will rise, like literacy and the median income. I may be an economist, but I'm not a fool. Every number I go over is created by real people and tries to measure how they are doing."

Q nodded his head in solemn agreement.

"So you are finally starting to get it."

"I'm not sure what you mean"

Q smiled.

"You will find out soon enough."

He snapped his fingers, and was gone.

"For fuck's sake, he's one annoying prick", the King muttered to himself, before going back to sleep.

Baal Daily News

Successful Testing of SLAMRAAM

The new air defense platform being developed for the military, called the SLAMRAAM (Surface Launched Advanced Medium Range Air to Air Missile), was successfully tested at the Central Test Range this past weekend. The system is based off the AIM-120 AMRAAM missile used by the air force and mounted on either a HMMWV or a trailer. The military decided to merge the two together to give the Army a farther reach when it comes to Air Defense. The system is also said to be capable of shooting down cruise missiles. The system uses the Sentinel Radar, which is already used by the Army, for detection and initial guidance.

“This gives the army a farther reach when it comes to ADA as well as the ability to protect the Duchy against cruise missiles. There is, however, no plan to replace our short range air defense with this new system. The new system is intended to augment the short range systems to give the Army a more versatile air defense capability.”


HMMWV mounted SLAMRAAM


HUMRAAM during successful test firing


Trailer mounted SLAMRAAM


Trailer mounted SLAMRAAM during successful test firing


Sentinel Radar

Jessup Naval Shipyards announces new vessel

Jesup Naval Shipyards, already a premier worldwide name from the success of the JGC (Jessup lnG Carrier) announces a new class of vessels. Built for all weather condition cable laying and repair the Reliance class UCS (Underwater Cable Ship) is built to be the new standard in the industry. Complete with ROV line repair systems and the world's best designed thruster suite the Reliance can lay and repair cable in the roughest seas faster than any existing ship. With upgrades including a new hardened control deck built to panic-room standards and capable of withstanding at least 12 hours of forced entry attempts pirates will be unable to take charge of this vessel. Jessup Naval Shipyards also offers special customization packages including the optional mounting of remotely operated, laser-sighted, 7.62mm and 12.7mm machine guns.

Financing and certain optional packages can be discussed with the sales department. WTT and Whisper, the two leading Telecommunications providers in Wilkonia, have already annoucned purchase options as part of a plan to increase capacity to Tonkin, LSR and TianXia.

OMSK Launch



A Proton-M today brought up an 12-ton payload to orbit. The PRAVDA's comment:
"Two SPIRAL spaceships - one of the OMSK Space Forces, OSF-04SS, and another of the OMSK Space Exploration Programme, Unit 01, today rose into the skies to complete some practice tasks."

More than that, the OMSK Space Forces have deemed necessary to release the following videos, apparently taken from the Unit 01 3-man exploration vehicle:

They were translated on Red One and BBC News in prime time.

OSF-04SS launched a total of 5 space-to-space SKB MOP long-range missiles, destroying the currently disused OMSK nations' MEO satellites, noted by ground control to be several GLADOS satellites which were already lowering orbit on orders from ground control. They were hit during their deorbit, at 1000 km altitude over the unclaimed vast water bodies off SDN Archipelago.

Also, two Royal GPS satellites, hovering at perigee' 1600 km height were taken down with a success rate of 2 out of 3. The fourth SKB MOP space-to-space missile either failed to lock on, or simply missed the window due to extreme shooting range.

One of the launches and another direct hit were filmed by the Unit 01, which carried 2 BBC reporters and 1 pilot.

The OMSK Space Forces Press Department today, after much journalistic pressure, released some data about the OMSK Space Forces.

So far they are presumed to have two Orbital ASAT Fighters each armed with 6 space-to-space SKB MOP missiles (presumably, units OSF-04 and OSF-5) and two Orbital Strike Fighters with single space-to-earth missiles currently fitted with a FOAB-type payload (presumably, units OSF-02 and OSF-03). The existence of further units is hotly debated - with many claiming that an entier fleet of SPIRAL fighters is in construction, awaiting the completion of the OMSK's Orbital Space Station programme.

Another debate matter was the ability to fit a nuclear payload on the spaceborn missiles.

- We have no intention to nuke anyone from a space fighter. However, if we must, then we will. The OSF-SE (space-to-earth) type fighters are designed to be a deterrence against large naval units like GVBGs, barring large naval assaults against our nations. They are a potent weapon, and a step towards a greater peace and security. The OSF-SS, space to space fighters, are a defense against enemy satellites, - commented Air Force Marshall Anna, present at the press conference. - You should also know that RT's Air Forces are integrated into the OMSK Space Forces command structure.

Both Unit-01 with two BBC reporters and 1 pilot, and the OSF-04-SS safely flied a usual trajectory, and landed in Byzantium's Constantinopole airport. OSF-04 landed in a closed area, and apparently it was immediately taken on by the Red Technocracy An-124 cargo craft, and transported back into the nation.

Protests rock Astoria in response to tax increase plan

Almost 1500 young men and women took to the streets today under auspices of several non-government organizations in order to protest the increase in taxes planned for FY2010.

"We do not want the government to think for us, to manage our lives and declare what we can and cannot do, buy or eat!", said one protester during a rally of the Young Enterpreneurs Initiative, "Increasing government control over the economy is never good. Why punish young, dynamic and resourceful people for their success? Why force upon them the support of the poor?"

The protests lasted for the better part of the day. Near evening, a small group of protesters veered off their approved area and marched into a poor district populated mostly by low-income families.

Before the police managed to intervene, a massive street brawl ensued between protesters and citizens of the district. Four people were wounded, and police had to use tear gas in order to break up the crowd and prevent the brawl from turning into a riot.

Five people were arrested for disturbing the peace, assault on a police officer, instigation of violence and demonstrating without a permit.