SDNWorld Redux: Story Thread the Third

[PeZook]

Orena, Royal Palace

"That's some good news. Especially after that Rambo stuff they pulled, it's amazing they're both still alive", Paul was of course referring to the video clip now making rounds around the Internet, showing both presidents blowing apart wheeled AFVs and fighting Coiler nationalists, "Hmm...Karol, I'd like to order something custom-made. A pair of leather wallets."

Paul's assistant pulled out his notebook, "Of course, sire. What did you have in mind?"

"Well..."

A couple of days later

"Okay...that's odd", Robert Wittchen said, looking at the finished product. The wallets ordered by the Royal Office were of top quality, made with best materials available and fine craftsmanship of the best leather goods company in PeZookia. They bore an inscription - which, in fact, was the sole reason why Mr. Wittchen was hesistant to send them to his customer, "Are you sure that's what they wanted? It's vulgar."

"Uh, yes, sir. We called the Office, sir, and the King himself assured us that's exactly how it was supposed to look."

"Damn...that's one story I will tell my grandparents, I suppose. Send them off, then. We shouldn''t keep the King waiting."

Twenty four hours later, the wallets arrived at their destinations: one went to the Tower Of Commerce, San Dorado ; the other to Cascadia, to the President's Office. Both included simple hand-written notes from Paul himself.

I hope you like it. It's definitely well-deserved.

[CmdrWilkens]

MSA Publishes Schedule for Pegasus

Today in a press briefing to celebrate the succesful liftoff of Pegasus 4 MSA officials at Johnson Spaceflight Center in Texas distributed the final astronaut qualificaiton list and mission schedule for the remainder of the missions series. They indicated that once the Jupiter and Ares rockets are certified for human flight graduates of the Pegaus program will be shifted there.

The schedule is below:

Pegasus 5:

• Pilot: CDR Boyd Gordon (WIN)
  Co-Pilot: LTC Megan Fox (SRAF)
  Mission Cdr: CDR José Jiménez (ODN)

Pegasus 6:

• Pilot: COL Kyle Kano (CAAF)
  Co-Pilot: LTC Sagara Sanosuke (TX)
  Mission Cdr: LTC John Meadow (WIMC)

Pegasus 7:

• Pilot: COL Brent Johnson (WAS)
  Co-Pilot: LTC Hajime Saito (TX)
  Flight Eng: MAJ Jessica Youman (OD)
  Mission Cdr: CDR Nathan Fellows (SRN)

Pegasus 8:

• Pilot: LTC John Perry (SRMC)
  Co-Pilot: CDR Boyd Gordon (WKN)
  Flight Eng: LTC Hayate Yagami (TX)
  Mission Cdr: COL Kyle Kano (CAAF)

Pegasus 9:

• Pilot: LCDR Michael Nylander (ODN)
  Co-Pilot: LTC Michael Neuvirth (CAAF)
  Flight Eng: LTC Theodore White (WKAS)
  Mission Cdr: COL Edwin Aldrin (TX)

Pegasus 10:

• Pilot: MAJ Jessica Youman (OD)
  Co-Pilot: LTC Megan Fox (SRAF)
  Flight Eng: COL Brent Johnson (WKAS)
  Mission Cdr: LCDR Raquel Luna (CAN)

[Ryan Thunder]

--SECRET--
Final Report on the Warden Incident
[...]
It is without doubt that Shroomanian military personnel have had the opportunity and the means to perform analysis of the Warden that would allow them to exploit some hypothetical weakness of the design in some future combat scenario. It is not unreasonable to assume that they would have made good use of this opportunity.
[...]
Thusly, the panel concludes that FTO submarine power is likely to have been compromised by Shroomania and possibly even Shroomania's allies. The panel recommends that the design of other FTO submarines like the Warden either undergo some sort of significant upgrade or be replaced altogether by an entirely new design.

---

--SECRET--
Proposal to FTO for New Millenium-class Amphibious Assault Carrier
[...]
The issues with the currently employed cargo ship solution were highlighted during the recent fighting in Sabika, where Miratian Greyhelm special forces were without close-air support for several hours in spite of the tactical advantage it would have provided.
[...]
Appropriately, the panel sets forth the following minimum requirements for the new design;
(1.) Accommodations for no fewer than 300 soldiers, as well as relevant supplies and equipment
(2.) Internal storage and staging capability for no fewer than 25 AG-2 Hurricane gunships, as well as fuel and armament for no fewer than two sorties, in addition to (1.)
(3.) Internal storage and staging capability for amphibious landers and troop carriers, such as the MC-2 Cobra IFV, in addition to (1.)
(4.) Operational range of 8000 km at an average speed of 37 km/h.
(5.) Overall per unit cost not exceeding $1 billion.
[...]

---

OOC: these numbers are minimums, remember. The LHD-1 Wasp carries nearly twice as many craft as this one can, a thousand kilometres farther than this one can.

[Shinn Langley Soryu]

Ashford Times Headlines in Brief

Replacement of Ex-Shepistani Aircraft Continues
Byzantine-built interceptors, bombers to replace F-106s, remaining B-56s

Constantinople Shipyards Buys Stake in Nergal Heavy Industries
Byzantine shipbuilders now own 5% of NHI

Byzantine Air Force Finalizes Deal for T-50 Golden Eagles
KyoAvi to produce initial batch of 36 planes for Byzantium

Langley Navy Purchases New and Surplus Airplanes from Old Dominion and Shinra Republic
F/A-18Fs, EA-18Gs, E-2Ds, S-3 family craft to equip aircraft carrier

WOULD YOU LIKE TO KNOW MORE? Y / N

[Steve]

Roterburgh, Coilerburg


After medical checkups were finished and their injuries were cared for, the Presidents had been flown straight to Roterburgh for a more complete medical checkup and a night of rest. Together the next morning Stephen and Sidney had interviewed some very nervous, rattled Coiler officials over a hearty breakfast, the reason for that being clear when Stephen had his brief meeting with the rather intimidating Willy Bank.

After that meeting Stephen had headed to the airport. He was not leaving with President Hank as some expected, having already decided to finish out his Frequesue state visits, but was rather coming to meet an inbound government transport carrying a most precious cargo.

He met it at the tarmac, and the first figure out was a bounding adolescent girl of dark hair and mixed Caucasian and Adabanic (Persian for those from Earth) features. Deirdre jumped into his arms and clamped on tightly.

Almost immediately after this close hug he received another. Sophia embraced him strongly for several seconds before letting go. Her hand was a blur when it smacked into his cheek, a mostly-playful, barely-stinging slap accompanied with a glower. "That was for nearly getting yourself killed with that rocket launcher stunt!"

"Oh, Sophia, come..." His protest was cut off by her planting a strong kiss on his mouth, one he thoroughly enjoyed for a few seconds before she ended it.

"That was for living through it," she remarked playfully.

With this amusing interaction finished Stephen was pleased to see his son Thomas present. A law clerk for one of the Olympian Circuit Court judges, he came arm-in-arm with his fiancèe Zoe Cho, a highly-attractive girl of dark Jieshi coloration and a computer forensics expert. They each gave him a tight hug in greeting.

As this finished, another figure approached from the plane. Slightly lankier than Thomas, Jim Garrett took after his mother's side of the family more than his father's. It had been months since Stephen had last seen him, and years since they'd spent more than a lunch together. He wasn't sure what to say to Jim, as they'd been estranged since before the transfer of the "Earth" Stephen into the "Nova Terra" Stephen due to Jim's disapproval of his father's Presidential run (And victory).

As it turned out, he didn't need to say anything. With tears streaming from his eyes, Jim threw his arms around Stephen. "I thought I'd lost you, Dad," he wept. "I thought I'd lost you, that I'd never get to say..."
"I was afraid I'd lost you a long time ago," he admitted to his son. "But it doesn't matter, we're still here. There's plenty of time for whatever has to be said."
When this tight hug finished, cameras from the assembled world press flashing all around them, the First Family of Cascadia set out to a prepared podium for Stephen to give a short public statement. As he got there applause broke out from the assembled journalists.

"I'd like to thank you all for coming out here and for waiting patiently while I greeted my family," he said. "I'll take questions now."

And the questions came, fast. They wanted specifics on the harrowing adventure in the western frontier of Coilerburg. He gave what he could. Someone asked why he'd chosen to fight and not get away, and with a smile he answered, "A lot of people had jeopardized their lives to protect myself and President Hank, it didn't feel right to leave them to fight a battle we'd brought on them when we, I, could've helped."

"What possessed you to use a rocket launcher on the enemy tanks?"

"Well, they weren't real tanks, for one thing, and for the second.... why not? We were the only ones who could get to the militia's cache of weapons where they were stored."

"Sir, is this going to change Cascadia's policies regarding the Sabikan reunification movement?"

"Cascadia always supported finding a fair, equitable settlement on that issue, and I have spoken at some length with President Hank on whether San Dorado will use its current status with the Coilerburg government to facilitate new arrangements even including modification to the San Magdalena Accords, such as holding plebiscites in minority regions like Halisbad regarding their status in Coilerburg."

A few more questions along that line came before someone asked, "Mister President, are you going to call off the state tour of Frequesue?"

"Heavens no," Stephen replied without hesitation. "I intend to finish it. I promised the people of Frequesue that I would visit them and expand Cascadian ties to their nations, I'm not going to let this incident impede that."

With that said the impromptu press meeting continued for a bit before ending. When it was over the First Family headed to a limo to be conveyed to the Cascadian Embassy where they would be staying. Once in the limo Sophia said, "You should call Rufus Shinra sometime tonight, he called a couple of times during your adventure to check up on us."

"Oh, I will," Stephen answered. "I hope he helped keep you from getting too worried."

"It helped, some," she admitted. Scooting closer to him while the rest of the family checked out the fruit juice containers in the limo fridge, she smiled slightly and rested her head on his chest at the neck. "You know, I also had some other news come before we boarded the flight."

"Oh?"

"Yes. It's about that little Inaugeration Day celebration we had together...." Sophia lifted her head and whispered into his ear.

What she said made his jaw drop in utter surprise.

[Siege]

Pfft, I think I got everything... That's what happens when you wait a month and a half before updating the OOB in order to finish a story.


Military Matters


The Paragon, HQ of the AFSD

S-2 Prototype Launched
The prototype of the S-2 Silver Star interim orbiter was launched yesterday from Camp Kittyhawk Rocketfields. The unmanned shuttle, carried into space atop a Lucrelance III booster rocket, successfully completed two revolutions around the planet before conducting a fully automated landing at the spaceport.

Silver Star is a successor to and based on the S-1 Silver Streak orbiter. “This new shuttle is far more maneuverable, and will be able to carry twice the payload of the Silver Streak”, according to a spokesperson for the Rocket Forces. Silver Star will be produced in limited numbers until the S-3 Silver Shrike SSTO rocketplane becomes operational in 2019.


Lady Freedom Departs For Velaria
The Fortune class nuclear cruiser CNS Lady Freedom has departed Port Regal naval base for the continent of Velaria. Her mission is to wave the flag during visits to various harbors around the continent, but most specifically at Nuparadise. Nuparadise is a colony off the North-Velarian coast founded two years back by Frequesuan adventurers, mostly of Coilerburgian origin.

Says Admiral Amita Ramanujan of the Combined Navy: “[Nuparadise is] technically outside our jurisdiction, so we’re not going to tell them what they can and cannot do. We are however going to advise them on what they can and cannot expect of us.” Lady Freedom is the latest of four nuclear cruisers in the fleet, having only recently completed its shakedown cruise around the continent.


Army Announces Massive Coiler Reorganization
Army chief Sarah Blanchard announced today that she and her colleagues in Coilerburg are set to begin a massive overhaul of Coilerburg’s army. The reorganization includes the disbanding of several battalions and reformation of several more. Several thousand personnel are expected to be laid off.

Says General Blanchard: “It’s not a purge. No, no. It isn’t. All right maybe it is, and so what? They tried to kill our president!” The Coilerburg Army currently is made up of a single mechanized division composed of three brigades, and a single separate airborne brigade. The division structure will be disbanded, and one of its mechanized brigades as well as the airborne brigade will be transformed into an air-mobile brigade. A third air-mobile brigade will be raised as well.

The new army hierarchy will be fully integrated in a multinational command made up of the Corporate Republics of both Coilerburg and San Dorado, headquartered in the Paragon. The new army will be composed of four mechanized infantry brigades and five airmobile brigades, supported by two logistics brigades and two combat support brigades. The Coilerburg RAT command special forces will be retained. In addition to the nine army brigades the Combined Navy marine corps will be expanded to three brigades.


M8 Catweasel Approved For Action

The army has approved the M8 Catweasel armored gun system for wide-scale production. The army initially expressed no interest in the Ralson Arms vehicle, but decided to revisit that decision after ‘the Coilerburg situation’ changed the strategic landscape.

The M8 will be the army's only armoured vehicle specifically designed for delivery by air. It is considerably lighter than traditional main battle tanks and, though well armed, it is not intended to fight other tanks alone. The M8 is capable of Low Velocity Air Drop or more conventional roll-on/roll-off delivery by airlift aircraft, and will become an integral part of all airmobile brigades. The M8 will be produced under license by Rotherburg Motorworks in Coilerburg.


Coilerburg Air Force Overhaul
Together with the army the ailing air force of Coilerburg is to receive a serious overhaul. Its final squadron of Mirage 2000 aircraft will be retired immediately; its force of F-111F aircraft will be upgraded to the F-111X. The number of F-120 Rafale squadrons will be doubled to four.


New Air Defence Groups Formed

Meanwhile the air force has announced the formation of ten new air defence groups to defend Coilerburg. The groups will be similarly structured as their San Doradan counterparts, forming an integral air defence network capable of defending the country against modern threats. The core of the groups will be formed by Coilerburg’s existing S-300 and Patriot launchers, but will eventually be expanded to include UM-1 launchers and laser defence systems. The groups will be tied together through central air defence control nodes linked by hardlines and satellite uplinks, allowing them to coordinate their efforts.


Coilerburg Navy Overhaul
The Coilerburg navy too has been reorganized. Its 27 corvettes have been detached from the navy to become the core of the newly formed North Frequesuan Coast Guard. The remaining vessels have been integrated with the Combined North Frequesuan Navy. To symbolize the transition the SSGN Warden, recently involved in an unfortunate accident in Shroomanian territorial waters, has been rechristened CNS Rotherburg, to compliment its sister ship, now CNS Rochester.


Submarine Refit
After six months of extensive refits the CNS Madame Terror SSBN has left its Blues Brothers dockyard in La Palma to begin its four-month patrol. It is the first submarine to finish refitting after the Warden incident. The overhaul, intended to minimize the damage dealt with the strategic fleet by the incident, includes the fitting of a new and improved fenestron and a massive overhaul of the propulsion system. In the coming twelve months the remaining ships of the SSBN fleet, Tigerfish and Tengo will undergo a similar refit. In the year after that the Rotherburg and Rochester SSGNs will follow suit.


Secondary Spaceport
The San Dorado Rocket Authority has decided to host a second space launch facility at the ailing Torberg Air Force Base in the north of Coilerburg. The new spaceport, provisionally named Torberg Cosmodrome, will initially act as a backup site to the primary SDRA facility at Camp Kittyhawk, but is expected to eventually evolve into a full-fledged regional spaceport serving the north-east of Frequesue. Should everything go according to plan the SDRA has formulated plans to base at least a squadron of orbiters out of Torberg.


New Amphibious Assault Ship
The Paragon has confirmed rumours that it is currently engaged in talks with Miratia over the joint construction of a new class of amphibious assault ships or assault carriers. Although the Paragon wouldn’t reveal any particulars about the specifications of the new ships, rumour says they should “be at least sufficient to circumnavigate Frequesque while carrying a full squadron of 25 helicopters and up to 300 troops and their equipment”, as well as be able to carry fuel and weapons to support multiple sorties of this scale.

The Miratian contract is separate from a deal the Tower made early last year with Constantinople Shipyards for the construction of an LPD, and the new helicarrier Silver Dollar currently being outfitted by Blues Brothers. Silver Dollar is originally a bulk carrier design, militarized and modified to serve as a helicopter platform in North-Frequesuan waters, and will likely remain with the fleet at least until a next generation of assault ships enters service.

[OOC: Ryan, the specifications you proposed look sound to me. We’ll take three, with an option on a fourth.]

[K. A. Pital]

Somewhere over Severomorsk


Comrade Scheglov was one of the few fighter aces who got the permission to train on the NITKA with the Su-53 squadron who would be deployed on the U.N.S. "Comrade Stanislav". He got the assignment here without easy play. He was flying to Halisbad AFB, to get in touch with the international rescue effort, and gunned down an armored column from his Su-35BM fighter-bomber before even landing. The plane's range allowed, thankfully. The masterminds of the U.S.C.R. utilized the mission to save the Frequesquean leaders not just for propaganda.

But undeniably, some good PR would never hurt. Just above him, an Il-76 hovered slowly, and a military photographer took magnificent shots. The photos of his plane would be in tomorrow's front page of the PRAVDA.

"The Hero of the Frequesquean Friendship Mission", doesn't sound too bad. Rumor had it that he also delivered a personal message to ex-President Stanislav, something like "Thank ya commie". But rumors are many things, and only comrade Scheglov knew the truth.

[Fingolfin_Noldor]

Constanstinople Times

Annual New Year and Christmas celebrations

2nd Imperial Comitatenses Tagmata operationally ready

2nd Imperial Comitatenses Tagmata was declared operationally ready and will be deployed to Arabia to defend the Empire's borders. Some further reorganisation was observed, especially after the decision to expand the army by adding more Airbourne divisions and other Mountain Division units.

Su-53 aircraft to be procured to replace all F/A-18E/Fs. Electronic warfare version Su-53EW in development to replace EF-18G

Su-53 aircraft will be procured to replace all F/A-18E/Fs in the navy. The Electronic warfare version Su-53EW is currently under development to replace to the EF-18G in 1-2 years. Meanwhile, the Navy is currently trialing 12 F-26 to see if the aircraft will replace the leased F-14Es in service in the Navy

Su-50 aircraft to be procured to replace some of the early model F-22 and F-15F in a one to one exchange

As many as 72 Su-50 aircraft will be procured to replace some of the early model F-22s and F-15F. "Many of these aircraft have been hard at work for the last 10 over years. While there's an option to rebuild them, we decided for the sake of commonality with CATO members, we will switch to the Su-50. We expect that instrument and equipment upgrades will ensure the Su-50 is a match for the latest F-22 model," Says an Air Force spokesman. The order is up from the initial 24.

MiG SKAT to be procured.

The military will procure an unspecified number of MiG SKAT to replace existing Global Hawks. It is expected that the MiG SKAT will perform a number of roles, such as long range patrol and reconnaissance.

YAK-241 aircraft entering trial phase

A joint Yakolev and BAM project, the YAK-241 is entering trial phase. The phase is expected to last 2-3 years.

4 Improved AEW&CSI Stratellite Systems to be acquired.

The Defence Ministry approved the acquisition of 4 more improved AEW&CSI Stratellite systems from BAM. What sort of improvements were made are unknown, though the ministry indicated that recent upgrades to Phalcon and MESA/MP-RTIP systems and existing stratellite systems include better interoperability with newer aircraft entering service and the S-500 and STAR SAM systems.

MARS-H Hospital ships to be acquired.

A new variant of the MARS series of general purpose fleet logistics support vessels will be procured. The MARS-H is a new series of Hospital ships to replace many of the aging logistics support ships to support the fleet into the next few decades.

Army to acquire more NH-90 helicopters, KA400M air tankers, and KC-45 tankers

The Army will acquire more NH-90 Helicopters, KA400M air tankers and KC-45 tankers to bolster army aviation.

[Lonestar]

Royal Palace

“It was a lovely funeral…”

Lonestar looked up from his food dish and nodded at Lady Sarah Sterling. “I know, I just miss the old bugger. I can’t believe he’s dead. I didn’t think it would affect me like this.”

Sarah cocked an eyebrow. “He was almost like a father after your parents died in High School…why wouldn’t it affect you?”

Because the memories of my ‘real’ life continue to overshadow the memories of this one. “I don’t know.”

“Matt, how long have we known each other?”

“Since high school…”

“Since High School, I know something is stressing you. What is it?”


Lonestar sighed and put his hands on the table. “From a political standpoint, his death could have come at a better time. There’s really no one in the Whigs who wields his influence. The Sirnoth economy is about ready to crash…”

“Don’t remind me, my assets there are in the shitter.”

“…it’s much worse than you think, trust me. The Sirnoth leader hasn’t been seen in public since the BW attack, and we have intelligence that he’s in a coma, but no one is willing to declare him legally dead.” Poor Setzer “The recoverery effort in Shepistan is slow and frustrating, the Delmarva peninsula won’t be declared habitable no earlier than in 2nd Quarter of next year…we had hoped the cleanup there would be finished by last year. Violence continues in East Shepistan, you know I’m referred to as the ‘Great Murderer’ there?”

“You would think General Sheppard would win that title out…in fact I’m sure he would if he were still alive.”

“Yes…it’s a Hell of a thing that happened to Shepistan. And we were starting to drift to a final peace treaty too.” Lonestar shook his head. “Over a hundred million dead…”

“You didn’t kill them sweetie, the Astarians did.”

“No,” Lonestar said, his voice now heavy with bitterness “No, Comrade Stanislav of the Crimson Star Republic did.”

Sarah was taken aback. “What? Are you sure?”

“Pretty sure. Recovered CSR stealthy cruise missile fuselages and everything.”

“Then why haven’t you made that public???”

“For obvious reasons. The MESS leadership knows, although the Byzantine Emperor still deals with the CSR…or whatever the hell it’s called now. It’s why we’ve rushed through the STAR IADS and put those damn sensor towers all over the country. The Reds are just as big mass-murderers as the Shepistanis ever were. Uh, obviously you can’t go repeating this…”

“I’m pretty good at keeping political secrets, Matt. I am the Countess of Loudon.”

“Right…so I guess my thesis is that we’re in just as much danger now as we were when Shepistan was around, maybe more so.” Lonestar glanced up at the wall clock. “Getting late, and me with an early morning session of listening to the Liberals bitch about the newest Naval Expansion Law.”

“Would you like me to stay?”

“Sure.”


Results: Lord Wythe, Minister-without-portfolio is dead. 2 Strategic Projection ships ordered, 4 STAR DDGNs ordered, 4 Improved Astute-class SSNs ordered.

[Steve]

Adams Capital District, Republic of Cascadia

It had been only two days since President Garrett's return from his Frequesuan visit, but Rufus Shinra had wanted to be there sooner. He was convinced to hold off mainly because it was decided the Cascadian protocol staffers deserved some kind of break, short as it was.

On the tarmac, Rufus deplaned from the Highwind and advanced along the red carpet, through the brief ceremony. By now he'd done this sort of thing so many times he was pretty well operating on autopilot. After the hearty handshake with Stephen - both Presidents had a professional, reserved image to maintain - they went off for the private meetings in which the real business of state was conducted.

"So, I hear you made just about every action star ever look like a bunch of pussies," Rufus remarked easily after he, Stephen and Sophia had gotten away from the cameras in a state limo.

"Oh, not you too," Stephen groaned. "I fire a couple magazines and use a rocket launcher and the entire world goes nuts. Now I've got stuff like this coming in." He pulled out the fine PeZookian wallet that had been waiting for him when he got home. "Straight from King Paul."

"You'd better hope your family values crowd never sees that," Rufus commented, not even trying to contain his smile when he saw what was written.

"Oh, thankfully they're not nearly as powerful here as elsewhere," was the quick reply, with a smirk. "Not that I'll advertise this. It's simply too damn embarrassing."
"Oh, I don't know." Sophia took the wallet. "It's a really nice wallet, and it'll make for some funny stories."

"That it will," Rufus agreed. "By the way, the 501st wants to make you an Honorary Ranger." As Stephen rolled his eyes and groaned again, Rufus laughed. "I'm just kidding. Though when my junior military aide thought I wasn't listening, he did say what you and Hank pulled off 'wasn't bad for a civvie and an old guy'."

"It was probably part luck and part opportunity. The Coilers were busy fighting the militia and probably lost us in the chaos." Smirking, Stephen added, "Though it did feel good to blow that AFV up."

"So, after all that, how was the rest of your visit?"

"Oh, it was fine. Had big crowds in a couple countries. Poor Raj is having a hell of a time in Fenraven, he's holding onto his presidency by the skin of his teeth." Smiling, he put an arm around Sophia. "It was better than originally planned since I had my family along with me to see the sights."

"And what's it like getting back to running a country? Rather boring, I presume. But then, we mustn't forget our day jobs, after all."
"Oh, I prefer his day job to anything more exciting," Sophia remarked, getting the word in before Stephen could.
"Boring, perhaps, but it doesn't hurt the feet as much," was Stephen's reply after a playful glower at Sophia.

I know how that works, thought Rufus, thinking back to his Other Life and the various marches he'd been on. Rufus Shinra himself had been a naval pilot before 'RogueIce' had taken over, and thus had never experienced the joys of the ruck march. 'RogueIce' had long since decided Rufus got the better end of that bargain. "Speaking of that business, I suppose you've no doubt heard that, unlike Cascadia, the Shinra Army is growing a bit. Sorry if that causes you domestic grief, but I felt it was needed."

"It won't cause me grief, though if Emperor Beowulf decides to do the same then things change," Stephen admitted. "So far I've managed to keep the Army and their supporters happy with the promise of new tanks, but if something happens that makes them want to raise its size again... Frankly Cascadia needs its navy and air force more right now, but then again I am an un-Cascadian expansionist."

"Unfortunately, in this world it seems to be either keep up with the pack or get left behind," Rufus said. "That's part of the reason I did it, as well as modernizing my forces. I'm pretty sure the arms industry is probably the strongest segment of the global economy, and has been since around, oh, 2008." Rufus shook his head at that, but then he wasn't surprised. Given where the leaders had come from, buying up the biggest, baddest military hardware was almost as inevitable as the huge push for space programs. Despite his remark, Rufus wasn't actually certain which sector was bigger.

"Tell me about it. The Japanistani jump into Veleria and the next thing I know I'm increasing defense-spending by ten billion off the bat to rapidly rebuild the Air Force when the entire point of their low force level was to save money for the 5th Gen upgrades," Stephen lamented. "And when Tian Xia or Japanistan begin building a larger military, we have to follow suit to some degree. Hasn't been a moment's rest... Frankly I'd call for some arms limitations treaty if I thought it'd have a hope in hell of working."

"Of course, Japanistan probably wouldn't go for it, and even if they signed on I doubt they'd actually follow through. Thus CATO won't do it, and so the MESS won't. Our world is too damn small sometimes."

"That it is." The limo was approaching the Presidential Mansion now, and noticing this prompted Stephen to add, "So, we get the impromptu banquet over, and I arrange for a pair of pepperoni, sausage, and extra cheese pizzas from Proccolino's down the street, what do you say?"

"Pizza? I'm always up for pizza."

[PeZook]

The Ring

Fabowice, Voyvodship Police Command Building

The district prosecutor would not change his mind. He made that abundantly clear the moment Sebastian walked into his office. He only added an explanation after some protests.

"Comissar, the only link between Brzytwa and the kidnapping is tenoous at best. Even your illegally obtained confession doesn't really matter."

"Tomasz was abducted right after walking out of that club! There's an obvious connection!", Sebastian protested, utterly flabbergasted. The prosecutor sighed.

"Did the kidnappers testify against Brzytwa?", he asked, staring at the irritating police officer.

"No"

"Did anybody else testify against Brzytwa?"

"Well, no..."

"Then you have no evidence. Stop wasting my time."

"A search warrant, then. I'm sure we'll find something in the club."

"No."

"You're going to kill the investigation!"

"I won't undermine the rule of law because of your whims, comissar. Your time is up. I have actual work to do here. Calls to make, criminals to sentence."



People's Victory, Shadow Republic Of Sjenska

Ana approached the dead drop carefully. She's hardly slept since coming to Sjenska - tracking down Javor was more difficult than it seemed, and in addition to that, she had to scout out the city, arrange a place to stay and figure out how the militsia operated. By the time she arrived to retrieve the drop, she seemed to be dangerously short on time.To make things worse, Ana was beginning to realize that foregoing sleep wasn't the best of ideas.

The dead drop was near a public park, a convenient hiding spot inside a dilapidated free-standing garage. Ana chose it purposefully, since the park was full of the homeless looking for a place to spend the night. They mostly weren't bothered by the local militsia, and so even late at night, seeing a hunched figure in stinking rags wasn't unusual.

Ana circled the park first, taking care to observe the immediate area for anything unusual. She expected Javor to try something, and the only course of action he could take to ensure her silence would be an assassination attempt.

Surprisingly enough, though, it seemed like nobody was watching the drop. Ana retrieved a bag she's hidden in a nearby garbage can, and snuck into the garage to clear out the drop.

Everything up to that point was preparation. With hands shaking due to lack of sleep, she retrieved explosives, a Bizon SMG with ammunition, a knife, grenades, night-vision goggles, a Makarov pistol and a lot of other assorted tools.

Now she just needed to start going through Javor's list.

Akuda Bar, Fabowice, PeZookia

Brzytwa was doing his usual thing. Sitting by his favorite table, taking in money from his lieutenants, making calls and solving problems, while slowly getting drunk. When the night's business was done, he had two girls and a plasma TV in the back for some more fun. He loved this life, the money and power, the feeling of invincibility and total disregard for the law.

Take that idiot from yesterday, he thought to himself while counting the latest cut, One snap of the fingers, and he's taken care of. That's life!

He gulped down another glass of vodka when his cell phone rang. He picked up immediately upon seeing the number.

"Are you fucking retarded?", the voice on the other side said, "What the hell possessed you to kidnap that guy?"

Brzytwa felt confusion, then an onset of panic. He'd never have gotten a call from this number if something really important didn't happen.

"What do you mean? What happened?"

"Your friend from yesterday was a cop. They followed him to Wielki's house and raided it."

"Jesus!"

"Yes. Wielki and your two merry idiots are now in police custody. What were you thinking?"

"I..."

"No, forget it. You know what to do. They don't have an arrest warrant - yet - so you have a few hours to get the hell out of PeZookia."

Chills ran down Brzytwa's spine. He didn't have any idea who was on the other side of the line, but he was someone important in the organization, and if he didn't follow his instructions to the letter, he had no doubts that they'd throw him to the wolves in an instant.

Or to the bottom of the nearest lake wearing cement shoes.

"Yes. I'll get on it right away."

"Good. Leave no witnesses."

With that, the caller disconnected. Brzytwa pocketed his phone and sighed. He had no choice but to leave everything he knew behind. His business, his family - everything.

"Get rid of the girls", he said to his bodyguard before leaving the bar, "And disappear"

[Ryan Thunder]

Mirakar Times -- Army to Expand
The Supreme Leader passed a measure today that adds an additional two regiments to the Miratian Army. In a report to the Assembly a week ago, the Armed Forces representatives stated that the National Guard was "far too few in number" to comprehensively defend Miratian territory from invasion. [...]

One official commented anonymously that "We can't be everywhere that we need to be at once. It would be trivially easy to outflank us. This is a truly unacceptable state of affairs." [...]

The Army has begun a massive advertisement campaign to boost enlistment for the new forces. [...]

---

Bothersome Questions
Hall of the Elected Assembly, Courtyard

"But sir, this is ridiculous! You can't make the army bigger. It'll end up costing us all even more than it does already!" Senator Hamud asserted.

"You read the report, same as I did. We're vulnerable. Taxes are already pretty low, compared to those in other countries." Gero replied. He was half-leaning, half-sitting on the base of a statue. As always, he was accompanied by his body guards; a trio of armour-clad men who would readily throw themselves in the way of a bullet for their head of state. For some bizarre reason, they were constitutionally obligated to follow him literally everywhere, and there wasn't a damned thing for him to do about it. They made exceptions for the sake of his own privacy, but not many. Gero personally found the thought of another man so willingly giving up his own life to save himself disconcerting, and had ordered a set of nearly impenetrable suits of armour, one constructed for each of them. The result had its own psychological impacts, but at least he wouldn't feel guilty if one of them did get shot.

"You--you don't understand, do you? I ran my entire election campaign on not raising taxes."

"You voted against the measure, didn't you? Tell them. Look, the bill has already been passed by overwhelming majority in both Assemblies. I couldn't recall it even if I wanted to. Besides, the rich will absorb most of it."

"But that's the issue, you idiot! My voters are among the richest in the country." The senator blustered.

"They're obviously not as influential as you thought. I told you already, there's nothing to be done about it. You should go back to your office." Hamud looked like he had more to say on the matter, but one of the massive bodyguards interposed himself between the two men like a human wall.

"I'm sorry, sir, but it's time for you to leave." He rumbled through his helmet's speakers. Hamud retreated almost meekly.

---

OOC: Sorry, I was unable to resist.

[Siege]

New Beginnings


Temporary headquarters of the North Frequesuan Trust, downtown San Dorado

Sidney Hank stared from the thirtieth-floor window across the southern tip of Silver Island. He was lost in thought, hands clasped behind his back. The vote had been damn near unanimous. He was still assimilating that fact. After seven years he’d be leaving the Tower and the Palace.

The president frowned. It wasn’t that big a deal. He’d still live in the same city, in his old downtown penthouse in fact until something more fitting could be found. But still. He’d come to like the Palace, with its enormous overabundance of space. Then he smiled. At least until the end of term the Palace would be Daphne’s, so it wasn’t like he’d never see its insides again.

He turned around to look at the sprawling office floor. The skyscraper was empty, its innards stripped by the construction crews who were refurbishing it into something approaching a suitable headquarters. The building, constructed on an islet in the Dodgson River in the heart of San Dorado City, was in fact four interconnected structures that together provided a huge amount of floor space. That was good. The North Frequesuan Trust would be needing it.

President of the Central Trust Committee. Sidney savored the title, a slight smile on his face. It’s not often one gets promoted upward from a highest office, he mused. Nonetheless the vote had gone smoothly in both the Board of Directors and the Congress of Coilerburg: both had agreed to the establishment of the Trust; both had agreed to cede a not-insignificant amount of their sovereignty to the newly established supranational entity.

That had been a surprise to Sidney, who thought he’d have his battles cut out for him. But after the successes – and accompanying soaring dividends – of recent years he enjoyed an unrivaled popularity with the Board of Directors, and Coilerburg… Well, Coilerburg was changing.

Oh, sure there were still hardliners set dead against the alliance with San Dorado. But even they couldn’t escape the fact that their nation was benefiting massively from the city-state’s involvement. In a single year Willy Bank had gone through the hopelessly corrupt and inept administration like a whirlwind, firing the incompetent and crooked, and hiring people far more suitable for the job. Meanwhile investments from the Shinra Republic and Shroomania, from Canissia and Byzantium and from all over Frequesue were streaming into Coilerburg. Dilapidated industries were reinvigorated. Crumbling infrastructure was restored. Suddenly there were jobs, there was power, there were new prospects for a citizenry that had previously been apathetic.

They weren’t there yet of course, not nearly. There was still a very long way to go. Corruption was still a problem, and probably would be for years to come. Many long-suffering industries were still ailing. Elements of the army still resisted its forceful transformation. And nationalist politicians still whined about the loss of sovereignty to ‘overseas exploiters’. And the high-speed restoration was taking a heavy toll on the fiscal budget. But any rational man could see that San Dorado’s involvement in Coilerburg had been nothing short of a blessing. And the Congress of Coilerburg voted accordingly, although Sidney suspected Bank had had more than a little to do with that also. After all the man could be... Quite persuasive.

So now there were two Corporate Republics on the continent, tied together in a single Trust. And he, Sidney Hank, was now officially its big kahuna. ‘The architect of Frequesue’s future’, some newspapers had called him. The president snorted, recalling the wallet Paul had sent him. He’d been called some pretty superlative things lately. Who would have thought, Sidney mused, taking in the empty building one last time as he turned to leave. It’s good to be the president.


Result: The San Dorado Board of Directors and the Congress of Coilerburg have voted in favor of the establishment of the North Frequesuan Trust, a supranational entity that will coordinate matters such as economic integration, cooperation on law enforcement and justice, regional development, defence and external economic-political policy for both nations. Sidney Hank, formerly President of San Dorado, will be the first President of the Central Trust Committee. The San Dorado OOB has been updated to reflect the progressing integration of both nations’ economies and political systems.

[TimothyC]

Fairbanks Polytechnic Institute, Military Liaison Office, Fairbanks, Alaska

The young Captain Crerie was reading a simple short paper that had been submitted to the office that he worked in by one of the Aerospace professors on campus. It had been written by a junior mechanical engineering student here at FPI. The paper was titled simply, “Problems relating to, and solutions for Transient High Pressure Gases, and the Control mechanics thereof”.

As the Captain read the paper, he noticed something interesting. The problems presented in the paper were phrased as ‘Take for an example, a pneumatic system with pressure X, and temperature Y. The only problem was, the figures didn’t match with any conventional pneumatic system that Crerie had ever heard of, they did however match with the inside of a rifle chamber (the good Captain also being an ROTC instructor).

Well almost all of the problems. There were a few that he didn’t recognize, however there was one phrase engraved in large red letters across the top of a page half-way through the last section.....

....Captain Crerie knew how important those phrases were, and immediately ran down and put a hold on the paper, it wouldn’t be published, not even to the school network, and unfortunately Mr. Sitkowitz’s user account would be locked down. This paper wasn’t going anywhere - except for up in the Alaskan military chain of command. This was big.

[Fingolfin_Noldor]

Imperial Chronicles

Sultan Saladin IV of Syria arrived in Jerusalem for his annual pilgrimage to the Dome of the Rock and to Mecca. He was met by Emperor Heraclius IV, who would accompany him during his visit to Jerusalem and Mecca. "As-Salamu Alaykum, old friend," greeted the Emperor. "As-Salamu Alaykum, old friend," came in reply. The two shook hands and walked. After the Sultan and the Emperor prayed at the Dome of the Rock, the two walked about in the Emperor's palace in Jerusalem.

"It worries me every day when I look at intelligence reports on the army strength of Egypt and degree of collaboration of between the Egyptians and Japanistanis. It's obvious the Japanistanis are seeking to use the Egyptian army as a cannon fodder of sorts, to form a buffer between us and Japanistan. The Egyptians seem to hate us with a passion, for some unknown reason I cannot fathom," said the Sultan.

"My emissary to the Egyptian Sultan grumbles every day that the Sultan raves and raves. Of course, the current power behind the throne is the Grand Vizier who manages the Sultan's affairs."

"What of that Dog's son? Is he doing anything? My own spies indicate that he is undergoing some form of education in New Tokyo. God knows what drivel that filth is getting in Tokyo, what with the Japanistanis and their rabid xenophobia."

"My emissary and sources indicate the same thing. I wonder who sent those intelligence agents to mann the fishing boat however."

"How do we know anyone sent them? For all we know, it was a bunch of Japanistanis who wanted to get some radio out!"

"Perhaps. Maybe they were 'foreign missionaries'. Whatever it is, it sparked a reaction from the Japanistanis -"

"Who in their true fashion started mass patrols of their border. Allah curse those infidels. They have also increased their intelligence activities as well."

"Yes they have. In which case, we shall do so as well. But I hear you have matters to discuss with me."

"Indeed I have. In an event of a war, there's a likelihood that some among the Egyptians might want to pay us a visit. A goodly sum of war materiel comes goes to the Egyptians everyday, and I fear that super tank the Japanistanis have created. That scourge of the desert may come knocking with nuclear shells and that is something my generals fear of. Do you have a solution? I hear your engineers have spent sizable quantities of resources developing ETC guns. Can I have them?"

"You are going to need new tanks to mount that gun. Existing T-80s and so forth are too cramped to carry them. But on that matter, yes I have considered it. We developed new ammunition to allow our tanks to strike other tanks at 8km away. As for a direct counter to that Japanistani tank, I have had some discussions with my generals and the head engineers. One of the engineers pointed out that some of the latest artillery technologies, like water cooled barrels and plasma propellants, and other ETC technologies combined, and perhaps some of the newer rocket technologies could provide new ammunition and artillery systems that could sustain higher barrel pressures and fire rate. The PHz-2000 could already fire up to 13 rounds per minute. We can produce an artillery vehicle based on the B-3 Black Tiger tank chassis to fire double the fire rate, and with range exceeding 120km."

"Such a vehicle is expensive is it not?"

"Indeed it is. The current B-3 Artillery variant lacks some of the new technologies. We plan to begin trials eventually, along with a 40mm ETC gun for AFVs."

"Then I would ask if you could supply us or allow us to license produce the older B-2 Black Panther. It's high time my military gets some upgrades, along with perhaps some of your older aircraft that I hear you plan to replace."

"I will bring that under consideration. There is the other matter of Hadhramara."

The Sultan sighed, "Al-Kim is having a mountain of trouble getting the local chieftains to move forward. He just got them to agree on a National Army composed of troops across the country, and to disband the militias and integrate them into the army proper, and also separated from each other. Organising the army is difficult, what with the many dialects and all."

"Do you need my help?

"For the moment, we are doing fine. It will take many years to get the army organised and trained, and there's the matter of finding Mubali."

"Yes.. where is that felon?"

"I wonder..."

[PeZook]

The Ring

People's Victory, Shadow Republic of Sjenska

Ana sat on the curb, staring into the pavement. She slept for two hours this evening, and very lightly at that: her current hideout was a basement under an abandoned building, overlooking a burned down compound which used to store slaves before the Shadow takeover. She often stared at the ruins, wondering how ironic life could be: she used to cash in a percentage from Boguslav Miksevich's operations here, and raised hell when someone raided his place. And now, she was trying to hunt down the exact same kind of people.

A car stopped near the curb, right next to Ana's spot. She was sitting on the steps leading up to an old, dilapidated apartment building, occupied completely by various criminals and lowlifes. The car was her cue - only one person in this place actually had a car.

He got out, looking satisfied and in control. His entourage exited the car as well, each one dragging an absent-minded girl with him, laughing and making crass jokes. Ana risked a quick glance, ascertaining their positions relative to her. At the same time, she confirmed the identity of her target.

Asim Kovac, a mid-level lieutenant in a slaving ring Javor's men were currently investigating. He was seen several times near the place of Nadya's kidnapping, and had ties to many other members of the underworld. Awfully sure of himself,too.

He saw her stare, and something made him loose his aura of self-confidence.

"What the hell are you doing here?"

"What?", Ana slurred, taking care to appear drunk

"Get lost, old hag", he replied, and seeing no reaction, grabbed her arm.

Ana cut into action like an angry cobra, kneeing Asim in the groin and leaning back, uncovering the silenced Bizon she was keeping hidden under her ragged jacket. One of the goons was close to her, while the other was covered by the car's body. She cut down the closer one with a quick burst and rolled to the side, into cover provided by the concrete stairs.

The other man managed to pull out his pistol and fired a few wild shots in Ana's general direction. None of them hit - Ana, on the other hand, aimed carefully and shot under the car, hitting the goon's foot. Once he was down, she pumped several more rounds into him untill he stopped moving. The entire engagement took less than five seconds, and both girls - without a doubt, drugged out of their minds - remained oblivious. They sat down on the curb, clutching their heads and weeping quietly.

Ana left cover and kicked Asim in the face, to prevent him from standing up. The first goon was still moving, so she put another round into his head, and then grabbed Asim, twisted his hands and handcuffed him. A minute later, she left the scene in his car, leaving behind two bodies.

This went well, she thought, driving through the empty streets. Asim was in the trunk, handcuffed and blindfolded. A priceless source of information.

[Lonestar]

Argyle Air Force Facility, Shepistani Exclusion Zone

TXAF Lt. General Jiechi Yang winced as the battered ODAAF C-22 banged on the runway. He and the rest of the visitors had not rated use of a VIP trailer for the cargo space, and the ODAAF didn’t want any VIP transports traveling to the exclusion zone if it could be avoided. The damned NBC suit was hot and difficult to move in, although the cool weather outside mitigated that, and he would not have to don his mask unless a alert went out.

The C-22 taxied to the terminal and came to a stop, with the cargo ramp lowering. The loadmaster gave permission for everyone to disembark, and as he left a civilian in plain khaki NBC walked up.

“General Yang? Glad to see that you could make it.”

“Of course Director Hardy.” Yang smiled. “You know I wouldn’t miss this for the world.”

Richard Hardy, Director of ODARPA’s Global Strike Aircraft Program held out his hand. Yang shook it. “Haven’t seen you in about a year General Yang. Welcome to my humble adobe.”

Argyle Air Force Facility had once been a Shepistani SAC Base, and the hardened climate-controlled hangers that could store 2 B-56s were optimal for the fabrication of the prototype. That the facility was located far away from prying eyes added to it’s utility.

“An interesting location you’ve chosen Director Hardy…I’m half surprised your government didn’t choose to build your nuclear weapons fabrication plant out in Shepistan.”

Hardy smiled. “That program is a bit more public then this. Would you like to see it?” Already the doors for one of the hangers was sliding open, in the dim light of dusk he could see long neck arching forward of the massive delta-body. It looked a little like a swan.

“Big day.” Hardy said to Yang. “First flight is in two hours.”

Results: OD successfully tests Mach 3.2 heavy bomber prototype.

[Siege]

Vacation


Sidney Hank’s penthouse, downtown San Dorado City

“Afternoon, mister president”, she smiled as she entered the room and closed the lavender-coloured doors. The ISS agents that escorted her remained discreetly outside.

Sidney looked up from his newspaper. “Afternoon, miss president”, he beamed back and put the paper down. “Fancy seeing you here.”

She looked around, unabashed curiosity all over her face. Daphne Sinclair had never been inside Sidney Hank’s penthouse before. A faint smile danced around her lips. “I have to say I never pictured you as the lavender type.”

Sidney made a face. “I know. Very 2009 isn’t it? I haven’t actually been inside here in… Oh, seven or so years. You wouldn’t believe how dusty the place was.” He looked around at the white couches and the postmodern interior. “I guess it’s almost retro now.”

“Nice view though”, she said teasingly. She walked to the massive windows and gazed down onto Central Park. “Almost as good as the one from my Palace.”

He grimaced at her use of the possessive pronoun. “Yes, yes. Rub it in. You know what they say. With great power comes, uh, great sacrifice.”

“Hmm-mm”, she muttered noncommittally and pulled a bottle of white wine from a silver rack. “You reckon it’s too early for wine?”

Sidney smiled and leaned back on the couch. “What is it honey, tough day on the job?”

She rolled her eyes. “Don’t you ‘honey’ me. Just ‘cause we’re engaged doesn’t mean you’re entitled to that. It’s not like I never did your job for you before, you know.” She pulled the cork and poured two crystal glasses.

“Ooh, touché m’dear”, Sidney grinned. He accepted a glass and they toasted on their respective ‘promotions’. “How’s things on the old job anyway?”

She shrugged. “Iago’s being enigmatic. Helena’s cheerful. Sam is muttering under his breath all the time. Same old same old I guess. How’s your vacation?”

He sighed. It would be at least another month before the Trust could really get to work. “To be honest, it’s driving me up the walls. I fear that somewhere along the way I forgot how not to work.”

“When you’re not shooting at tanks, you mean”, her grin widened.

He groaned in his glass. “Don’t remind me. And they weren’t tanks.”

“Hmm”, she archly raised an eyebrow and sat down next to him. “Well, if you don’t know how to relax anymore, I guess I’ll have to show you. And… Teach you.”

She kissed him, and suddenly they were both lying on the couch. “Oh dear. Miss president… How very scandalous”, he groused in mock protest.

“You know this ‘president’ thing is going to get old really fast”, she whispered in his hear.

“Oh, no”, he smiled and kissed her back. “No, I really don’t think so.”


Row Your Boat


The Monkeylord in the Bosporus, approaching Constantinople

The CNS Monkeylord approached the harbour Constantinople, its escort of Frequesuan and Byzantine warships festively flying all flags. This was, after all, a festive occasion. The NFT carrier was here to show the flag, as well as pick up an order of new ships for the budding North Frequesuan fleet: eighteen corvettes and three frigates, ordered a long time ago by Coilerburg when it was still governed by Oliver Farve, and the LPD Mysore, ordered by San Dorado when Sidney Hank was still president of only one nation.

Yes, there would be much flag-waving today, not to mention admiralty dinners to celebrate the excellent ties between the commanders of the Byzantine and North-Frequesuan admiralties-- in the hope, no doubt, that everyone would just forget about the Warden. That ship hadn’t been renamed for no reason.

But it was no use brooding over the past. “Let’s not dwell on who did what to who”, Admiral Ramanujan had said. “This is supposed to be a happy occasion!” At least the sailors of the Frequesuan fleet were determined to make the most of it. Most of them had never seen the Old Continent before, let alone the stately old city of Constantinople. They were upstart colonials of the F-ing Continent, and everything older than a hundred and fifty years was new to them. Admiral Ramajuan had decided to forgive them their gawking at the ancient harbour and the waiting Byzantine honour guard in advance.

To pick up a few new ships might not sound like much, but hers was an important task nonetheless. A satellite dish was positioned on the main deck, and there were crews of Worldwide One aboard to televise the journey of the Monkeylord. It was the first major fleet operation in the history of the newfound North Frequesuan Trust, and the authorities wanted to milk it for whatever it was worth. The images of waving Byzantines and happy sailors would dominate the news for days to come.

And it wasn’t over yet. When the fleet was done picking up its new ships, the entire fleet – the Monkeylord, its escorts, and the eighteen corvettes, three frigates and single LPD – would set a course for the Empire of Wilkonia to pick up the first of the new coast guard cutters there. It would be the single biggest Frequesuan fleet to sail the oceans since the voyages of 18th century privateers, something the news anchors would mention at every possible opportunity. And maybe the best thing about it was that it was not just good propaganda: it was also an excellent chance for the greenhorn sailors of the NFF to clock some hours on the high seas.

Admiral Ramanujan smiled as the Monkeylord slowly manoeuvred into dock. It was a great moment for her, and for the fleet. How often did you get the chance to write history as you went along?

[Karmic Knight]

Cloud Ruler Temple, Near Azzan

King Brandon leaned back in his chair, frowned at the article currently on his loading browser, and quickly moved to the homepage of CNBC. On said homepage was the ongoing fallout of both Presidents Garret’s and Hank’s action movie sequence, and of the formers trip to the Commonwealth which had followed. Also among the top stories was also the recent bout of militarization, that the Vineyards Commonwealth would try its damnedest not to either exacerbate, or join.

This doctrine had not made King Brandon popular, people saw military spending as necessary, and the vocal supporters of increased military spending were seeping into the various command staffs, it was starting to become a problem for the King. Also nibbling at the monarch’s shins were newly empowered isolationists, claiming that allying the Kingdom with the likes of the ‘imperialistic’ North Frequesuan Trust, and pointed to the militancy of the rest of the Continent as a reason to tell it to go fuck itself.

Goddamn Militias

Royal Retreat, Also Near Azzan, but not as near to the Cloud Ruler Temple, on the opposite side of the city.

Deep within the Royal Retreat, former King Jeffrey found himself meeting with yet another person who could possibly allow him access to his throne again. This person was General Martin St. Paul, of the Vinish Army, from what Jeffrey’s people had been able to dig up, the General was a fierce nationalist, and was one of the most likely candidates to support Jeffrey’s return to power. The man also was a fan of isolation, making him the perfect supporter to collate the factions currently complaining about the regime.

“General St. Paul, we have much to discuss”


News From the Vinish Press


New Year’s Celebration, 2015

[Master_Baerne]

Assorted Headlines from the Baernish News Service

-Ministry of War to Support Development of Helicarrier: A MinWar spokesperson stated yesterday that Countess Truman has asked the Duke to release funds to aid in the design of an FTO helicarrier to complement the already-formidable stash of native Frequesquan ships.

-Duke James Congratulates Presidents Garret and Hank: A formal letter of congratulation was dispatched by the Duke to both presidents recently involved in an incident in Coilerburg, for actions "Way above and beyond the call of duty, or the level of military competence enxpected of a national figure:.

-Duchy Supports North Frequesquan Trust: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement this morning, saying that the Duchy firmly supports the recently-formed NFT, due to a belief that it will provide a stabilizing influence on the troubled regions of the continent.
_______________________________________

Army Seeks New Equipment - The BDA hereby requests bids on a division's worth of top-of-the-line equipment, including weapons, APCs, and tanks.

[Siege]

Fireworks


Fireworks over San Dorado City


Fireworks over Rotherburg

All leaders who have expressed their concern and/or sent support during the recent shootdown ordeal involving Steve and myself on New Years Eve receive a finely hand-crafted velvet-lined mahogany casket. Inside it are a bottle of finest vintage Vineyardian champagne from Sidney Hank's private stash, and a handwritten note. (Yes, even Comrade Stanislav gets one ).


Dear Friend,

I want to express my sincere gratitude for your well-wishes and support during the recent ordeal involving Stephen Garrett and myself.

Upon our return to Halisbad AFB we found soldiers from all over the world there readying to come to our aid, and once we returned home we learned of the immense outpouring of international concern over our well-being. These things mean a great deal to me.

Thank you all so much for your kind words, your thoughtfulness and your generous support. Together we can make this a better world.

Sincere regards and a happy new year to you and yours,

Sidney Hank

[Shroom Man 777]

Fungal Fireworks!
LIVE on ShroomSat/StratTV
The Sovereign Shroomanian Sentinel



The eve of a new year! 2015! I can't believe we've made it this far! The lightshow over Farbanti's spectacular, mang! And I'm sure it's the same all over the world, from San Dorado to Constantinople to Orena to all over!



The streets are filling with ecstatic people! Shroomanians, hand in hand with visiting Continentals - our comrades in the CATO and Canissia! Our people celebrating the spectacles with Canissians, with PeZookians, Byzantines, Shadows and Crimsons! What a night!

BUT FIRST A WORD FROM OUR SPONSORS


2015 is the year of the cat - HUEG KITTENS! MEW MEW MEW!!

NOW BACK TO YOUR REGULARLY SCHEDULED PROGRAMMING


SHROOM SOJOURN
Unreal Time


10 Shrooming Street, Farbanti, Shroomania

All she could hear from the phone were giggling women and, presumably, the sound of people being hit with pillows.

"Aw mang," Alison sighed and placed the phone down. "That's like the sixth time, man."

She slouched and walked over to the Prime Minister's office.

"Huh? What's up?" Shroom asked her, looking up from the day's copy of the Sentinel - written in new digital paper format.

"I can't raise Arik," Alison shrugged. "I've tried calling, but it seems like they're too busy having sex so I totally don't know if we're totally going through with your visit to Canissia."

"Aw mang," Shroom sighed. "That's a total bummer since we're right next door to them. I could take my Mini-Shroomer and take the Chunnel and be over at the Seaside Palace in no time too!"

"Yeah, I know!" Alison agreed. "So, now what? We can't let your 'Super Shroom Sojourn' get prematurely pulled over by this, not when you've got to go advertise CATO to half the world. Wanna take a detour?"

"Sure!" Shroom looked over at the bit of the paper, below the big blood and guts frontpager about some murder death killer out cannibalizing whores, and read the article on recent events in the F-ing continent. "How about a very far and wide detour?"

"Hmmm..."

"We should totally visit Frequesue, at least to see how Sidney Hank's doing. Goddamn I miss the guy, if it wasn't for the Warden..."

"Well, I'm sure both of you're all over that now," Alison said.

"Yeah, so I hope we're cool. Lots of changes in Frequesue, lots of changes in the Old Continent, so it's high time to rekindle old bonds," Shroom nodded and got up. "Come on, Lusy, let's pack our bags!"

"To Frequesue!" Alison exclaimed. "Viva San Dorado!"



Later


Shroomdrews Shroomanian Air Force Base



"Man, I still can't believe that they can fit my Prime Ministerial motorcade AND Mushroom Marine One in Shroom Force One," Shroom exclaimed as they hauled the helicopter and the limousine into the enormous bay of the Prime Ministerial custom BAM A380.

"While fitting a mini-gym and a convertible sauna-jacuzzi-pool in it too!" Alison added. "Though, I think our trip'll be pretty long - we're gonna be crossing at least two oceans just to get to Frequesue. It'll be exhausting."

"Hrm... what are you suggesting then?" Shroom asked.

"Well, it'd be better if we get there as fast as possible," Alison thought aloud. "I'm feeling the need... the need for speed."

"Oh man."


Shroomcorde - Shroom Force One

The Prime Minister put on his headphones.

Revvin' up your engine
Listen to her howlin' roar
Metal under tension
Beggin' you to touch and go
Highway to the Danger Zone
Ride into the Danger Zone

Headin' into twilight
Spreadin' out her wings tonight
She got you jumpin' off the track
And shovin' into overdrive
Highway to the Danger Zone
I'll take you
Right into the Danger Zone

You'll never say hello to you
Until you get it on the red line overload
You'll never know what you can do
Until you get it up as high as you can go
Out along the edges
Always where I burn to be
The further on the edge
The hotter the intensity
Highway to the Danger Zone
Gonna take you
Right into the Danger Zone
Highway to the Danger Zone

Result:
Since Coyote's AWOL for the moment, I'm gonna head over and hang out with Sidney Hank instead! San Dorado always welcomes Premier Shroomanov with open arms!

[PeZook]

FASTA bulletin

Selene-1 flight a success

Breaking with tradition of catastrophic unmanned test flights, the first launch in the Selene program went without a hitch.

Ascending on top of a baseline Lucrelance II rocket, the Selene capsule rose to 250 kilometers and immediately re-entered the atmosphere, validating the operation of basic flight systems, including orientation, telemetry, power and heat shield.

One more unmanned test flight is planned in the Selene program, followed by a manned launch.

The current astronaut roster includes most astronauts from the initial Soyuz and Mercury programs, augmented by a fresh crop of recruits from 2012, 2013 and 2014 classes.

Soyuz program to continue indefinitely

The Soyuz program was in danger of being cut from the launch schedule due to looming budget cuts: however, thanks to an influx of investment and savings made on rocket development, FASTA announced it will continue development and flights of the vehicle, using it for purposes including training, personnell shuttling to the planned space station and automated resupply.

FASTA Space Station launches

The first FASTA space station was launched shortly after New Year's Eve. The station, named BEACHHEAD-1 is composed of a Soyuz space capsule originally slated for Soyuz-8, carrying an additional orbital module and enough supplies to provide for two astronauts during a period of three weeks. Astronauts Gorbatko and Zendri will perform scientific experiments, space photography and EVA tests throughout their stay in orbit. The station will remain in orbit for 25 days, four days longer than its Soyuz crew, to test unmanned docking systems of the proposed Soyuz-based Progress Supply Vessel.

Selene preliminary crew list (updated: 13.IV.2009)

FASTA has officially released the list of Selene missions and their flight crews.

Legend
MC: Mission Commander
CP: Command Module Pilot
FE/LMP: Flight Engineer/Lunar Module Pilot

Astronaut roster

1.Lev Titov (USCR) (Stroke from the roster due to transfer to the MSA)
2. Georgi Uslov (USCR)
3. Alan Shroompard (Shroomania)
4. Hojo Takamine (Zoria)
5. Alexander Williams (Zoria)
6. Svetlana Savitskaya (USCR)
7. Dale Gardner (San Dorado)
8. Atos Odemanis (Byzantium)
9. Maciej Zakoscielny (PeZookia)
10. Mirosław Dobrowolski (PeZookia)
11. Carter Blake (Vineyards)
12. Reinhold Ewald (Shroomania)
13. Patrick Baudry (Canissia)
14. Maurizio Cheli (Langley)
15. Koltos Kadamanis (Byzantium)
16. Janos Fabian (Byzantium)
17. Edward Dębski (PeZookia)
18. Johan Bauer (Shroomania)
19. Pedro Duque (Shinra Republic)
20. Leopold Eyharts (Canissia)
21. Vladimir Dzhanibekov (USCR)

Selene 1:
Goals: Suborbital systems test
Duration: 22 minutes
Crew: None
Launch vehicle: Lucrelance III

Selene 2:
Goals: Orbital systems test
Duration: 16 hours
Crew: Biological payload (two adult chimpanzees)
Launch vehicle: Lucrelance III

Selene 3:
Goals: Manned orbital capsule test
Duration: 1 day
Crew: MC Alan Shroompard (Shroomania) ; CP Svetlana Savitskaya (USCR) ; FE/LMP Maurizio Cheli
Crew Backup: MC Lev Titov (USCR) ; CP Dale Gardner (San Dorado) ; FE/LMP Alexander Williams (Zoria)
Launch vehicle: Lucrelance III

Selene 4:
Goals: Manned orbital capsule test ; EVA tests ; Life support stress tests ; Service Module Main Engine test ; First manned Saturn I flight.
Duration: 11 days
Crew: MC Atos Odemanis (Byzantium) ; CP Dale Gardner (San Dorado) ; FE/LMP Alexander Williams (Zoria)
Crew Backup: MC Edward Dębski (PeZookia); CP Gus Grissom (San Dorado) ; FE/LMP Hojo Takamine (Zoria)
Launch vehicle: Saturn IB

Selene 5:
Goals: Unmanned CSM-LM stack test ; First flight of complete Saturn III
Duration: 12 days
Crew: None
Launch vehicle: Saturn III

Selene 6:
Goals: Manned CSM-LM stack low earth orbit test
Duration: 10 days
Crew: MC Edward Dębski (PeZookia); CP Gus Grissom (San Dorado) ; FE/LMP Hojo Takamine (Zoria)
Crew Backup: MC Janos Fabian (Byzantium); CP Koltos Kademanis (San Dorado) ; FE/LMP Hojo Takamine (Zoria)
Launch vehicle: Saturn III

Selene 7:
Goals: Freeflight LM engine test
Duration: 8 days
Crew: MC Janos Fabian (Byzantium); CP Koltos Kademanis (San Dorado) ; FE/LMP Hojo Takamine (Zoria)
Crew Backup: MC Alan Shroompard (Shroomania) ; CP Svetlana Savitskaya (USCR) ; FE/LMP Maurizio Cheli
Launch vehicle: Saturn III

Selene 8:
Goals: Lunar Orbital LM test
Duration: 15 days
Crew: MC Alan Shroompard (Shroomania) ; CP Svetlana Savitskaya (USCR) ; FE/LMP Maurizio Cheli
Crew Backup: MC Atos Odemanis (Byzantium) ; CP Dale Gardner (San Dorado) ; FE/LMP Alexander Williams (Zoria)
Launch vehicle: Saturn III

Selene 9:
Goals: "Dress Rehearsal": lunar orbital landing procedure test
Duration: 15 days
Crew: MC Lev Titov (USCR) ; CP Dale Gardner (San Dorado) ; FE/LMP Alexander Williams (Zoria)
Crew Backup: MC Janos Fabian (Byzantium); CP Koltos Kademanis (San Dorado) ; FE/LMP Hojo Takamine (Zoria)
Launch vehicle: Saturn III

Selene 10:
Goals: MANNED LUNAR LANDING
Duration: 10 days
Crew: Not set at this time
Launch vehicle: Saturn III

Further missions and details to be published at a later date.

[Shroom Man 777]

What a lovely coincidence!

LIVE on ShroomSat/StratTV
Sci-Fi ShroomTV



"Oh no! The Giant Space Bats are coming!"

*SHRIEK*

"Die alien scum!"

*EXPLOSION*

"They're coming out of the walls, they're coming out of the walls!"

*SKITTER*

"Want a piece of me? Want a piece of me?!"

*RATATATATA!*

"Game over, man, game over!"

*BOOM!*

"Get away from her, you bitch!"

*HISS*

"You're one ugly motherfucker!"

*BRRRAAAAAAARRRRGGGHHH!!!*

"If it bleeds, we can kill it."

*AHHHNUUUULD*

"ACTIVATE RAY SHIELDS!"

*WRRRROOOOOEEEEEEOOOOWWWRRROOOOEEEEEOOOWWWWWWWW*

"You LOSE General Kanadia!"

*COUGH* *COUGH*

"Jettison emergency escape pods!"

*PEW PEW PEW*

"Run! Get to the chopper!"

*THUD-THUD-THUD-THUD*

"Ground control to Major Shroom, take your protein pills and put your helmet on!"

*FINAL COUNTDOWN*

To be continued...



AND NOW A FEW WORDS BY ALAN SHROOMPARD - HERO OF SPACE:



*ALAN SHROOMPARD*

"Hey there, boys and girls, it's me again - Alan Shroompard!"

*YAY*

"Now, when you're working for FASTA, you gotta carb up before your missions. It's not easy being up there in space, where the Giant Space Bats might get you, so it's really important to be healthy and fit, and you can't be healthy and fit if all you eat are junk foods.

"You've got to eat your fruits and vegetables too, along with lean meats that aren't soaked in oil and fats. A balanced diet is good for your body and if you can eat your broccoli, then you can sure blast the Space Bats away with your phased plasma rifle, space cadets!

"Sure, it might be hard, but let me tell you! When you're in space and all you've got to eat are protein pills and food-tubes that are like meat-flavored toothpaste tubes, then that spinach will seem pretty mighty appetizing. Why, whenever I get back on Earth, I always make sure to have a nice appetizing salad!



"Yum! Doesn't that look tasty?"

*YAY*

"Attaboy, space cadets! Now, what've we learned today? Eating right, that's right! A balanced diet and healthy meals are one of the best ways an astronaut can prepare for space! And you know what they always say...

"You've gotta prepare before you blast off!"

"That's all for tonight, kids! Mission control this is Alan Shroompard, signing off!"



*WOOSH*


FASTA Mushroom Multimedia Management Mission Control



"AAAAAAAAND CUT! Great work, Shroompard!" the director yelled. "Give yourself five! Man, the kids'll love this. Totally awesome, man! Go Joe!"

"Heh, yeah," Shroompard scratched his head and went off the stage. After getting himself a cup of recaf, he decided to go over to the spectators' seats and sit himself beside a very familiar female. Then, coyly: "How was it?"

"Not too shabby, Space Hero," Svetlana smiled. "It was a bit cheesy, but I guess you Shroomanians like to have some cheese to go with your regular gore and guts. I did like the sci-fi show, though, it's not everyday you see Crimson paratroopers shoot Space Bats in the face with Makarovs."

"Yeah, well, too bad they got eaten..." Shroompard laughed.

"While the Shroomanians get to save the day, as always," Svetlana shrugged. "Not a big deal, though it's surprising how over the top your TV shows can get. It's almost as bad as the Shadow's Ministry of Truth propaganda."

"Heh, but you've got to admit, it was a pretty good message, right?" Alan asked her.

"I guess it was. Telling kids to avoid junk foods and eat their veggies is as noble an endeavor as any other," Svetlana replied.

"The rate of morbid obesity in children is on the rise in Shroomania and elsewhere, so it's a problem that needs addressing. Don't you Crimsons ever have five hundred pounder ten-year olds? No? Well, it's probably the consequences of our capitalistic prosperity. Tsk." Alan finished his recaf.

"Mmm... we don't have our children turn into slugmen, but our adult male population does struggle with alcoholism," Svetlana offered.

"Great!" Alan clapped his hands.

"What's so great about an endemic of drunkards?" Svetlana raised her eyebrow.

"Well," Alan Shroompard got up and pulled Svetlana up with him. "This means you've got an excellent message to spread to your Crimson compatriots! On ShroomSat/StratTV, beamed all over CATO!"

"What?!" Svetlana gaped incredulously.

"You heard me!" Alan grinned evilly. "Yo, director! Think we can film another feature?"

"Sure, Alan Shroompard, anything for you, baby!"

"Awesome! Come on, Lana!"

"Alright," Svetlana sighed. "But I'm going to need a shot of vodka first before I do this."


"Greetings comrades! It's me, Svetlana Savitskaya, representing the UCSR! Hello to all of you, space cadets watching!

"Now, as you well know, space missions require competence and precision in the men and women who partake in them. That is why we in the FASTA actively discourage alcoholism. How can a cosmonaut maneuver a Soyuz to fit its probe into a fuel port if you are a drunkard? Nyet, you can't, you see? And when you miss and can't fit your probe into the fuel port, then it becomes a very big disappointment to everyone involved. There cannot be any fuel injection.

*wink*

"So, that is why sobriety is tantamount to space missions, ladies and gentlemen, girls and boys. Being sober is an important part of preparing for launch, and you've got to be prepared before you blast off! This is Svetlana Savitskaya, signing off mission control!"

Result:
Awesome! We increase FASTA recruitment through this!

[Lonestar]

Raleigh Dispatch



Massive transit workers strike in Sirnoth turns violent
The United Transit Workers of Sirnoth entered the 4th day of a general strike across Nexus City, forcing residents to brave foul weather while walking, criving, or biking to work.

Protesters gathered outside the Ministry of Transportation, demanding better wages. Transit workers have not had a cost of living wage increase in 3 years.

The Sirnoth government issued a statement calling the protesters "communist troublemakers", and vowed to have the Sirnoth armed forces run the trains if need be.