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CALLING CATO



Presidential Palace, downtown San Dorado

The Prime Minister had arrived. Touching down at the gargoyle-adorned helipad and making swift way into the marbled halls of the Presidential Palace with his retinue of SSS men, aides and Alison along with him. Alison was still sleepily rubbing her eyes and yawning.

The Prime Minister rounded the corners of the familiar place, noting some of the minor changes to it. A couple of classic Tian Xian Ming vases had been replaced with ugly post-modern sculptures, looking all po-mo, and some of the classicalistic portraits had been replaced with Shroomvador Dalis. Shroom reminded himself that this was no longer Sidney's flat, that his fiancee was the honcho of the place now. The Prime Minister reminded himself that he could no longer act at home here or do pirouettes behind the backs of heads of states.

At least, not for now.

He snickered to himself. Yes. Not for now. Not yet.

"What's so funny?" Alison half-asked and half-yawned.

"Oh, just that Shroomvador Dali painting," Shroom pointed impolitely. "Those elephants with their long legs... and fishnet stockings. Very amusing. How artistically abstract. Yes."

"About as artistic as that erotic taxidermy store we visited," Alison commented.

"Quite so!" Shroom clapped his hands and continued on, into the Smoking Room. The last time he had been there was when Sidney Hank received him back when he was still honcho of San Dorado. Back then, they had brought takeout from Big Kahuna and had french fries with ketchup on the Chippendale table in the middle of the room. Around said table now were leather Chesterfields and seated on them were the various leaders of the NFT. Sidney Hank, Daphne Sinclair and whatshisface, Chairman Lorenz. "Hi everybody!"

"Hi Premier Shroom!" Sidney Hank waved back.

"Hey," Daphne greeted back. Not quite as used to the whole informal state of affairs as her fiancee. "Welcome, Prime Minister."

Whatshisface Lorenzo also made an awkward gesture of welcome.

At that, Shroom grinned. Reminding himself of what was to transpire in the near future. Yes. But not now. Not yet.

"Um, Prime Minister?" Alison tugged his sleeve politely.

"Huh?" Shroom turned around and found himself facing the various recently-arrived leaders of CATO coming in right behind him. There was Paul, and Shady - and right after them were Heraclius and James Baerne. They were all here now. It was time to begin. "Gentlemen!"

SEASIDE PALACE, CANISSIA





It was morning, and King Arik had finished his morning fitness routine and was having coffee and breakfast, reading the usual colored folders that detailed the ways of the world over the last 12 hours.

"The expansion of CATO isn't entirely a bad thing," he said to Colonel Rassnar, "It adds stability-- soemthing that can be useful in places like Frequesne. But at the same time, I also see an expansion of trade agreements that come with CATO, riding on the coat-tails of their military expansions... and enhanced strategic position."

"If I may be so bold, Majesty," the Colonel-- not just a majordomo but intended to be a trusted military advisor for off-the-record discussions-- spoke up, "...it would be in our interests to expand the MESS."

"Expand it, yes," King Arik said, thinking about it, "We've never been a closed-door organization, but then again we've also never really pushed for expansion, either. The Tian Jiao thing was actually sort of a surprise for the Huang Di. And in truth, Tian Jiao became an actual provice of Tian Xia, not an allied state..." He rubbed his freshly-shaved chin and took another sip of coffee.

"Maybe what we should do is offer a partial step to membership," he said, "Colonel, tell me, what do you think-- a sort of 'observer status', a way to participate somewhat in MESS membership while on track to becoming full members."

"That would probably encourage a number of states who are interested, but do not necessarily feel comfortable taking the full step," Colonel Rassnar said.

Arik nodded his agreement. "Let's draw up a proposal," he said, "And set up a conference call with everyone else in the MESS."



Results:
MESS Conference call initiated to broach the subject of 'Observer Status' for potential member states.
MESS Conference call-- much more financially responsible than monthly jet trips!

San Dorado



Presidential Palace, downtown San Dorado

“Gentlemen”, President Sidney Hank of the NFT began calmly. “Everyone is arrived, so let’s get down to business, shall we?” He looked around the room. Seven heads of state sat around the table. It was a historic moment. He couldn’t recall the last time San Dorado had been host to an event of this importance.

Sidney looked at Duke James. “We’re gathered here because the Sovereign Duchy of Baerne, a long-time ally and trading partner of the NFT, has applied for membership of CATO. Now, since we’re all here I take it there are no objections… So unless anyone feels a need to make a speech to mark this momentous occasion, let’s get the paperwork done, shall we?”

Karmic Knight wrote:Neither monarch seemed willing to begin, for fear that their goals would be easily picked apart after they began their opening claims. The silence lasted for a few moments before Brandon made the first opening statement, standing, "We both are aware of our goals, I wish to keep all the progress I have made in the Vineyards and the Commonwealth at large, and you wish to retain your throne. I am entirely sure we can come to an agreement that ensure both of our goals are met with satisfactory success for each of us. But know this, I will not back down from this point, the Kingdom of Vineyards will have a democratically elected government, working alongside their monarch, or not. "

Jeffery took Brandon's sitting down to indicate that he was done, "Ah, now that you are done attacking my reputation, my goals are simple, the continued existence of the rightful Vinish monarchy, the returning of pride in our people for our military, and a return to the principles that unified the country, among them being strong authority from their king. That is my reasoning for fighting for my throne."

Rufus spoke up at this point. "Nobody is attacking anybody here, gentlemen. We're working together toward a common goal: peace for your nation." He looked between both of them, and then continued on. "Now, there are a number of governments out there which combine a monarchy with democratic representation. Surely we could look to their examples, and then determine a suitable balance between royal and parlimentary power. Agreed?"

Ares Blog

Longshot wing kit validated for JDAM

The Longshot wing kit was originally designed for use with the Mk50 lightweight torpedo. Since then, it's been steadily tested on other guided weapons, such as the 500 lb LGB. It provides extended range to all weapons it can attach to, and can be jettisoned to provide increase impact velocity. It has now been cleared for use with 2000 and 500 lb JDAMs.

Next generation stealthy bomber project continues development

The NGSB has not yet been given a type classification, but it seems likely to end up as the B-4. All that is currently known is that it will be a flying wing type design, for wideband stealth.

Langley Air Force VC-137C
Orena, PeZookia
Very Unreal Time

Shortly after dropping King Paul off back home in Orena, Lelouch and his companions received word of Baerne's bid for entry into CATO, with another meeting in San Dorado being set up as a result. This put another damper on Lelouch's plans, as he had been planning to visit Canissia after the previous meeting in the UCSR. "Shirley, inform the Canissians that we're going to be delayed, again," Lelouch said with a slight hint of irritation in his voice. "Also, this meeting's in San Dorado, right?"

"Right," Shirley replied.

"While you're at it, call the folks back home and tell them to prepare the gifts for President Hank and Garrett," Lelouch instructed. "We'll give Sidney his after the conference, and we'll hold on to Stephen's until we finally reach Cascadia."

"The...gift?" Shirley asked, somewhat perplexed by Lelouch's cryptic phrasing.

"Remember when he and President Garrett were shot down in northeastern Frequesque and had to fight their way free? It's been delayed for quite some time, but better late than never, I suppose. Also, it's just better if you actually award it in person; vague press releases and shipping stuff through the mail just doesn't cut it for an honor like what I intend to give them. Again, we'll give Sidney his gift, and we'll hold on to Stephen's until we get to Cascadia. Got it?"

"Got it."

Dominion Defense

War Ministry mulls aviation expansion
The first 6 B-1Cs ordered from Tian Xia have arrived at Pope ODAAFB to inaugurate the 4th Strategic Strike Wing. Even as the GSC expands with current generation bombers, the War Ministry has confirmed rumors of a "B-3" in advance stages of prototype testing. The so-called "Sleipnir" is reported to be an extremely high-flying, Mach 3+ heavy bomber that has been in development since the end of the Shepistan. The two YB-3 prototypes were assembled at Argyle Air Base, a former Shepistani SAC base within the quarantine zone. The intent is to replace the recovered Shepistani B-56 and B-89 models with the B-3. Rumors of Tian Xia interest in the new plane are unconfirmed.

The ODAAF has confirmed that new KC-45 tankers will likely be purchased, as the current numbers are too few and the KC-22s are poorly suited for the B-3 and B-1C bombers.

The ODN has reached a deal to purchase several dozen Shinra F/A-18F planes. The planes are less than two decades old and will be upgraded to ODN F/A-18H standard, forming the core of a new carrier wing.

As costs spiral out of control for the YA-12 in the carrier attack competition, it is looking more and more like the XQ-47 will likely be chosen. The A-12 had originally been the favored contender, as the XQ-47 is a UCAV that relies upon communications that may be vulnerable against a more sophisticated foe, but the limited order size and continued difficulties are likely to make the YA-12 too expensive....[More]

Presidential Palace
Downtown San Dorado

"I see no reason to delay this happy event." said Duke James with a smile. "Let's get the paperwork out of the way, then we can celebrate."

Master_Baerne wrote:Presidential Palace
Downtown San Dorado

"I see no reason to delay this happy event." said Duke James with a smile. "Let's get the paperwork out of the way, then we can celebrate."

"Duke James, allow me to be the first to congratulate you.", President Shady said with a smile, "Welcome to the great brotherhood of nations that is CATO." Shady paused to shake the Dukes hand. "I am sure that together we shall accomplish great things. The future is ours Gentlemen...and lady.", the President smiled, "Now, let us start the celebrations."

Fatherhood



Presidential Palace, Downtown San Dorado

Paul left before the party really got started - he rarely mentioned it, but heavy drinking wasn't his idea of fun. Besides - perhaps as a consequence of this attitude - he had a really weak head. So he walked out of the conference room rather early and proceeded through the art-deco corridors towards the helicopter pad, where a chopper was waiting to take him to a hotel downtown.

He was consulting something with one of his assistants when his cell rang. He picked up immediately upon seeing the caller's name.

"Hi, honey! How are you feeling?", he said, genuinely happy to hear from his wife, "What did the doctor say, everything okay?"

"Oh, everything went fine. We just have a press conference tomorrow morning and I'll be home by the evening...come on, are you going to tell me how the doctor's visit went?"

"What? What do you mean you weren't ill...I thought..."

Paul stopped mid-step, surprising everyone who was following.

"Come again?", his voice seemed weak. A quick-thinking BOR bodyguard grabbed one of the expensive decorative chairs and helped his king sit down, "But how...well, yes, I know how it works, it's just...damn!"

Paul seemed in shock. His aides, too, were shifting uncomfortably from one leg to another. A palace staffer or two came over to see what was going on.

"No, it's great!", Paul protested and looked at his watch, "I think I can still catch an evening flight out of here. I'll be back first thing in the morning...but I've got to hurry. Bye, sweetie...I love you too. Bye."

He sat there for a while, too shocked to stand up. Finally, he looked at Kamila.

"Kamila, be a dear and inform the CATO leaders I won't be able to attend the press conference. And please call ahead and reserve return tickets to PeZookia immediately."

Kamila nodded and ran off. It took Paul another few minutes to get himself together.

Damn, he thought, I stared down Shep's bio-attacks and signed death warrants, yet I get weak-kneed over news like that...

"Let's get going, people!", he finally said and entered the elevator.

Pravda
A Presidential Gift

The foreign ministry of the UCSR announced today that a special version of a Tupolev Tu-154 aircraft will be delivered to the King of PeZookia, as a gift to honor the long term friendship between the UCSR and PeZookia.

"National leaders are often required to travel quickly from one end of the planet to the other, and I want my friend Paul to travel in style and comfort.", said UCSR President Shady for this Pravda interview. The plane is already in flight and should land in Orena this evening.

Result: A gift.

“He had to leave suddenly?” Sidney raised an eyebrow when an aide informed him of the PeZookian king’s sudden departure. That’s unusual, he considered. Then he shrugged his shoulders. “Oh well, important business back in town I guess. I take it we’ve arranged for his jet to depart posthaste?”

His secretary brought her head to his hear and explained in hushed tones how the King had in fact arrived on a charter, and not with a private aircraft. “But that simply won’t do!” Sidney protested. “We can’t be seen letting a friendly head of state wait around an airport lounge like a common tourist! And besides, if it’s urgent it’s urgent. Cindy, would you please call his personal secretary and tell her that I’d like for his retinue to borrow my jet for the occasion?”

“Certainly sir. Shall I call CAC to arrange a priority take-off?”

“Please do. Thank you, dear.”

The secretary whipped out her cell phone and left the room. Sidney emptied his glass of champagne and shook his head as he walked back to the animated conversation that was now taking place in the Smoking Room. “Charter jets”, he shook his head. “That’s crazy.”

Fatherhood

Kittyhawk International Aeroport

"He wants me to borrow his own jet?", Paul asked incredolously, as he walked across the VIP terminal, "Damn...I fly charter to save taxpayer's money and everyone now pities me and lends me their jets...", he muttered to himself.

"Uh...should I decline their offer, sire?", Paul's secretary asked, a bit surprised.

"What? Oh, no, no...that would be an affront. We don't want to offend Sidney Hank, he's a bad motherfucker when you piss him off."

Paul's staffers just stared at him, with only Karol smiling knowingly.

"All things considered, sire, perhaps this is one matter we should let go. Respect is an important part of diplomacy, and we don't want PeZookia to lack respect from our peers. Borrowing airplanes from duchies doesn't really help.", one of the aides suggested.

"Oh, fine! I'll buy the damned jets!", Paul replied half-jokingly as they boarded Sidney Hank's supersonic passenger liner. Well, while borrowing airplanes left and right hurt Paul's pride a bit, at least he'd be home fast. And then he'd really have to admit defeat.

Christ, we'll need to form a special squadron just to operate those things, the thought as the Pride One spooled up its engines, San Doradoan rain tapping on its alluminium skin.

This is Worldwide One: News and Entertainment straight from the heart of San Dorado!


Paradise Island Incorporated

Foreign Legionnaires stand to attention on Paradise Island

Paradise Island off the North-Velarian coast is set to become officially part of the NFT. The ruling council of the formerly private colony has announced it has reached an accord with local Syndicate representatives.

The Syndicate has been negotiating the specifics of incorporation with the Paradise colony for several months. Now the colony has agreed to incorporation as the NFTs first Overseas Department. Paradise is set to maintain a significant degree of autonomy, in exchange for the signing of an autonomy statute that puts the colony directly under management of the Syndicate and its local appointees.

Paradise was settled several years ago by dissatisfied Coilerburger adventurers. The colony was never officially a part of Coilerburg, although it received significant volumes of aid from the Stone and Farve governments. Recently the NFT has maintained a presence in the area in the form of the budding Foreign Legion.

King Stephen-I International Airport

There was a slight drizzel as King Leighton along with a group of his acomplished secretaries boared his personnal jet, which would soon launch on a flight to San Dorodo for negotiations on aquiring observership for CATO. A pair of RZAF ZF-12s were prepared for escort duty en route up to entering San Dorodian airspace, while a team of bodyguards had already arrived for his personnal security.

SEASIDE PALACE, CANISSIA





It was mid-afternoon, and King Arik had assembled some of his top military leaders for a semi-formal conference on near-term strategic planning.

"I got the word of approval from the rest of the MESS via quick teleconference," he said, "The idea of 'observer' status for the MESS is formally approved. This coincides with a number of realities we have to take into account now."

"I suppose first and foremost is the sudden, and very rapid, expansion of CATO," said General William Axman, head of the Robot Warrior Research Project.
"Exactly," the King said, "Now, we're on good terms with CATO and I don't necessarily see them as an enemy, but at the same time this strategic land grab is worrying. We can't always guarantee that we'll have the same good relations with future leaders."

"Besides," said General Hunnar Gutierrez, still tired from his long plane ride up from Katangwaland, "Once they realize they have expanded to a position of overwhelming strength, there'll always be the temptation to use it."
"Bingo," King Arik said. "So here's what we're looking at. The planned expansion of our carrier forces by one additional Triton-class Carrier is canceled-- which is no big deal, because we were building support and logistics ships anyway and not so much as a single rivet had been purchased yet."

"Majesty, if I may be so bold, how does canceling a Carrier help our strategic position?" asked General Louis leLombard.
"The Admirtalty and I have talked with the Ministries of Finance, Defense, and the Appropriations subcommittee," the King said, "We're going to start expanding the dockyards at Pearl Point, expand the facilities at Emerald Point, and upgrade the civilian yards at Diamond Point."

"Diamond Point?" General Axman asked, "That's a small yard... It makes, maybe, light freighters?"
"Yes, it'll take over a lot of the civilian shipbuilding that Emerald Point has been doing," King Arik said. "We're going to expand the Navy and the Army simultaneously. I've already talked with the Admiralty; we are continuing with the original spending bill as it was, just putting the Carrier money on reserve until we can expand the ports to build larger ships."

"Like what, sir?" General Viers asked. "Bigger Carriers?"
"I'm talking with the Foreign Office to get a Ford-class ship built for us in Tian Xia or Wilkonia," the King revealed. "Wilkonia has more experience building those ships, but we're also angling for a base in Tian Jiao, so we'll see what comes up heads or tails."

"No complaints, sir, but how'd you convince them of that?" General leLombard asked, smiling.
"The Vinyards situation," King Arik said, "We really didn't have proper air cover for the One Week War, but because most of the heavy lifting was done by the Old Dominion it wasn't so glaringly obvious. But as the sole real task force off the Vinish coast, the lack of both air cover and air strike capability is unavoidable. It's embarrassing that we lack sufficient capacity for both; that plus the CATO expansion lit a fire under the Parliament."

"That and switching to environmantally-friendly SHEL lasers," General Axman said, "Got the Greenies on board."

"We're also going to put SHELs on Cruiser-class ships and larger," the King said, "And use them for point-defense. We're going to try to go to lasers as much as possible and wherever practical. Hopefully we can save space and weight on ships by using energy instead of bullets."

"Excellent," General leLombard said.
"Now, as for the Foreign Legion... the Légion étrangère, in the classic dialect from the Picon province... We're going to expand the Army by a full Corps, adding a lot of capability to our overseas posts. As we fill these posts, we can scale back our regular forces and eventually eliminate them. Having the 'Foreign' Legion deployed overseas is more politically acceptable, even if we still have almost 30% of recruits so far coming from Canissia. Take a look, gentlemen, at the addition being referred to as 'V-Corps":


V CORPS: Légion étrangère: --BEING FORMED (as of MAR09 RL)

COMBAT GROUP I/KATANGWALAND
Major-General Hunnar Gutierrez, Commanding

17th Infantry Motor-Rifle Division:
2 Infantry Motorized Brigades
1 Medium/Cavalry Brigade
1 Attack Helicopter Brigade


18th Infantry Airborne Division:
1 Airborne Infantry Brigade "I-Ghost Brigade"
1 Airborne Infantry Brigade "II-Ghost Brigade"
2 Heliborne Assault Brigades (AS-555 Fennec-2s used as G- or K- Cars; EC-725 Cougars)
2 Tactical Transport Groups: 4 Sqdns. (2 C-130s; 2 C-212)
1 Aviation Tactical Strike: 4 Sqdns. (2 F-15E; 1 YA-10B; 1 FB-111)



COMBAT GROUP II (planned; not yet recruiting) /FREQUESNEAN CONTINENT

(Proposed/TBD)
Major-General Louis leLombard -selected.

19th Infantry Motor-Rifle Division:
2 Infantry Motorized Brigades
1 Medium/Cavalry Brigade
1 Attack Helicopter Brigade


20th Infantry Airborne Division:
1 Airborne Infantry Brigade "I-Nightfighters"
1 Airborne Infantry Brigade "II-Nightfighters"
2 Heliborne Assault Brigades (AS-555 Fennec-2s used as G- or K- Cars; EC-725 Cougars)
2 Tactical Transport Groups: 4 Sqdns. (2 C-130s; 2 C-212)
1 Aviation Tactical Strike: 4 Sqdns. (2 F-15E; 1 YA-10B; 1 FB-111)


--"The motor-rifle brigades, cavalry, armor, etc, will all be the same Canissian kit the rest of the Army uses, keeping costs down. The FB-111 bonbers are being phased out of Royal Air Force service and replaced with B-1Rs for expanded, longer-range strike missions. The F-15s are from our old Reserve units that got replace dby those Shroomanian F-16Ls we got a few years ago. The only new-made, cross-compatable aircraft shared by both the Légion étrangère and the regular forces will be the YA-10B.

"Any questions?"

There were none. The Army was looking forward to its expansion.

"Very good," the King said, "We're going to send a Motor-Rifle Divisdion to help Old Dominion out with some trouble spots in Shepistan. Let's use this as an opportunity for some real-workd training of some of our Reserve Engineer units as well. Let's implement, gentlemen!"




Results:
Observer status for MESS agreed to.
Strategic plans for Army & Navy discussed.

TIAN XIA







Foreign Minister Ren Lars had arrived in Tian Xia to discuss a number of things-- first and foremost, who would be likely candidates for admission into the MESS observer program. But he also wanted to do some follow-up to some earlier questions that had been posited a couple months earlier, from which there'd been no word.



"Hello, Minister," he said to the Tian Xia's Foreign Minister, Kong Shu Han* "Good to see you again, and good to see you remain in good health."
"Thank you," Minister Han said, "Yourself as well, and welcome to the Empire of Tian Xia. I hope you had a good flight?"

"Excellent weather and a tail wind all the way here," Minister Tenn said, "Very smooth. I was wondering if you had a oppportunity to look at th eproposals I dropped off last time I was here," he said.

"The observer-partner status is currently on the agenda among officials at the Palace," Minister Han revealed. "We were wondering, however, about the offer for a base in Tian Jiao."

"Well, King Coyotus is interested in a base for the Légion étrangère in Tian Jiao," FM Tenn said, "And in return, aside from access to the Legion for training, we were wondering of the Empire of Tian Xia would begin the construction of one of the Ford-class carriers on behalf of the Canissian Royal Navy. We can work out a long-term lease agreement with that as a starting point, if the Huang Di is amenable."

"It will be a point worthy of discussion," Minister Han said. "About this project in Katangwa, however... what was it you wanted to work on there? I was not sure I understood the proposal."

"Our Science and Industry Minister, Mark Reebo, would be the ideal man to talk with about that," FM Tenn said, "But feasability studies point to the possibility of making a ground-to-space elevator on a sire on North Katangwaland that is right on the equator. If it goes through, we'd have to have the entire MESS alliance work on it together, but if we can build it, we can bring the cost of lifting items to orbit down to a few hundred ROBs per ton."

"Very worthy of discussion..."



Results:
Canissian Foreign Minister goes to Tian Xia to discuss the following:
Who will we approach for Observers?
Is Tian Xia amenable to building a Carrier for Canissia and negotiating a Légion étrangère base in Tian Jiao?
Also trying to drum up interest in a space elevator in Katangwa.









*I just made this up, Beo, so let me know if you want it changed.

Union Press

Largescale Zorian Norse Temple to be constructed abroad

Assembly of Norse Priests Headquarters, Olafsburg, Viking Island, Olafsland Province-Today, the Assembly of Norse Priests have announced plans to erect two largescale temples to the Norse Gods in Seattle and New Caprica on two recently purchesed plots of land in light of the continuing growth of the Zorian Norse faith abroad. Architechs models of these new buildings have allready been reveiled. Modelled using the classical temples of Haugestrand, Svenstrad and Olafsburg as a base, these temples will rival some of the larger churches in their areas in terms of size and graduer, while having seeting for over a thousand people as well as eleogent shrines to the norse dieties imported from Zoria. Construction is expected to begin.

The WATCHDOG
NEWS THE REST OF THE PRESS TRIES TO SUPPRESS
Royal People's Republic of Canissia's most Loyal Nationalist Media

CATO EXPANSION
The Communists forces of the world have found a new way to engage in Imperialism: by signing "Alliances" with as many states hither and yon as they can dupe. CATO has expanded by three states in a year. Who are they afraid of? Or who do they want to be afraid of them?

For years, many of the nations that make up th ecurrent CATO alliance have criticized the MESS for being a large, far-ranging alliance of unlike states. "For what practical purpose does this alliance serve?" they would ask. Now, suddenly, the tide is turned. Perhaps they have simply realized the benefits of a truly globe-spanning alliance of like-minded individuals invested in security and trade? Or is there something more sinister at work?

Communism, by its nature, produces nothing. It does not grow, it does not nurture, nascent economic growth. In order to expand, Communist nations must harness the growth of Capitalist nations. This they have done so, bringing Shroomania and San Dorado into their folds. What do these nations have in common with International Communism? Nothing! Except that they shall both be used as economic engines, or perhaps slaves, to pull the inert stone block of International Communism around the world.

The sudden CATO expansion is cause for alarm. All loyal Canissians should write the representatives in Parilament and make a call to vigilance against this threat! Write and encourage the King to expand the MESS and protect our trade! We have nothing to loose but our freedom!


ZORIAN RELIGION EXPANDS IN NEW CAPRICA
A new salvo has been fired in the war for our home front. The Zorian religion of Odinist superstition has purchased land to build new temples to their outlander gods. What has become of our youth that they feel the need to worship foreign gods? Where are classic Canissian values in this fight for the hearts and minds --indeed, the very souls-- of our young children?

In the name of "freedom" and "tolerance", our leaders have turned a blind eye to the spread of this foreign propaganda element in our very midst. "Tithe", they will say, "tithe to the foreign gods!" and soon it will be "tithe to us your secrets; who are you loyal to, the princes of Novaterra, or the gods that you obey?"

No longer! Petitions will be going around, city by city, to demand that the Parliament recognise the classical Canissian gods. The ancient Canissian worship had passed from popularity centuries ago, and during the Medieval era the modern religions of the Jesu, the Catholi, the Juidic, the Budhi, Indu and Mohamic were recognised by the government. A few years ago, the ancient observance of Piconese Druidism was recognised, but what of the ancient gods of Canissia?

The long-dormant spirits have awakened, and once again, the worship of Re, Bast, Horus, Anubis and Isis are becoming popular again. It is a direct response to the foreign invasion; a spiritual antibody to a new virus! Sign the petitions when you see them, and demand recognition for the new-old beliefs so that Canissian Dynastic Era Polytheism can once again fill the streets!



SPACE MADNESS STRIKES AGAIN!
ORBITAL MIND-CONTROL LASERS TO BLAME?

On the Pegasus space-tourism flight, mass hysteria and madness broke out once again, oddly, only Miranda Moonbeam, former Cosmonaut and professional adventuring nutcase, seems immune-- perhaps because she has built up a resistance to lunacy?

The theory of the Watchdog is that the CATO nations use their FASTA program to send up unshielded space craft where secret orbital mind-control lasers are used to alter the brain patterns of unsuspecting astronauts. They are conducting human experiments in mind control, for the ultimate goal of using these lasers to turn everyone on Novaterra into mindless slaves of Communism! Possibly these lasers have been used on wide-scale tests on Novaterra already, firing beams from orbit onto Shroomania and San Dorado, as well as the Duchy of Baerne.

On page six, you will find instructions on how to line your hats with a fine layer of tinfoil. You have to make sure the shiny side is facing out...


--Excerpts from recent Nationalist Media tabloids.

Mirakar News
Military Announces Rocket Tests
The military will be conducting rocket tests in Soban province over the next few months. The tests are expected to culminate in the launching of a satellite into orbit by 2018. ... [more]

---

The Armoured Times
The Next Big Thing in Air Superiority
Reliable sources have confirmed that the Airfleet is working on a new and decidedly unorthodox air superiority plane--the largest ever built. Powered by an onboard nuclear reactor and defended from enemy missiles by a trio of highly advanced anti-missile launchers, the new BM-x2 Interruptor "air destroyer" will carry dozens of missiles and have the ability to fight as many as twenty four other planes simultaneously. ... [moar]

Midgar, Shinra Republic

Rufus Shinra was mulling over the various developments of the past month throughout the world, when his Chief of Staff came in.

"Mister President, the Byzantines have told us Emperor Heraclius wishes to visit us."

"Is he going to bring the rest of the pack with him?"

"Not so far as we know, sir," Brian Sinclair said with a smile. The tendency of CATO leaders to all fly off to these meetings had become something of a joke amongst the staffers. And an annoyance as well, given how many times Prime Minister Shroom's long-planned visit had been delayed and preparations put off - again.

"Well, let's get started then. I know the staff has had enough practice at setting up visiting head of state ceremonies by now."

"That we have sir. And while I'm here, the latest from State." Sinclair handed the report of the NFT's 'Overseas Department' to the President.

"Well, I suppose that's somewhat ironic," Rufus said as he looked up from the report. "A Frequesuean nation now has an overseas colony. Excuse me, overseas department."

"I wonder if it had anything to do with all those Foreign Legion...thugs over there?" wondered Sinclair aloud. It wasn't the most diplomatic way to put it, but the opinion was held amongst the staff and even by some senior military officers. They had been taking some of the dregs of the F-ing Continent into it, after all.

"I'm sure they joined of their own free will, Mister Sinclair," Rufus said dryly. Then suddenly serious, he asked," What about Japanistan and Tonkin? Have we heard any rumbling from them? They can't be happy about all this CATO expansion." He'd been getting some pressure to 'do something' about it, and he knew Arik's Nationialists were having fits. Japanistan and the IRT couldn't possibly be taking it any easier than the MESS citizenry. Probably worse, in fact.

"None that I've seen, and I did ask. But Japanistan is so damn closed... And the IRT hasn't said anything public, though I'm sure their 'Nuke First' policy was message enough."

"Well, let's keep an eye on things, shall we?"

"Of course, Mister President."

CAMP TALISMAN, KATANGWALAND


Training in the Canissian Légion étrangère was tough. Recruits poured in from around th eworld, though, to take part in the training... still, it was barely enough to cobble together two or three Battalions.


The first person many would-be Legionairres met was their Drill Sergeant-- in this case, it was the tough Katangwan, Sgt. Rafey Mtumba.




It didn't matter where they were from, Sgt. Mtumba whipped them into shape. They were there to lose their identities as Shroomanians, Byzantines, Crimsons, San Doradans, whoever... and become something better. Something bigger. Each one was to become a Man Among Men.

The first batch to show up formed the 1st Battalion, Légion étrangère, Group-1, Katangwaland. They adopted the title of "Selous Scouts", and had their own battle banner and emblem. It was a proud moment for the raw recruits, to be the first ones to take the leap of faith and enlist. Their motto was the Katangwan words "Pamwe Chete", which meant "forward together!".




Soon, they were out in the field. They had barely enlisted just two weeks before, and they were already learning the essentials of fieldcraft: stalking, tracking, camouflage... no sissy classroom teaching for the Selous Scouts! These brave and hardy men were put in the best classroom available-- the hard brushlands of Katangwa itself.




They were made to clean their rifles in the scrublands, while maintaining 50% security... they marched in the hot sun or the cold night; they slept out in the bush... sometimes the truck with their kit got "lost" and they had to sleep wherever they could find a spot.

It was a hard life, but it was what it took to be the best of the best!

Introductions
The sun hung high in the Miratian sky over the Mirakar Airport tarmac, where the Supreme Leader and a group of representatives from the Assembly awaited the arrival of Prime Minister of Shroomania. A long line of soldiers stood with their rifles at attention on either side of a long red carpet, where the Prime Minister would disembark from his jet. Off to the side, away from the marching band, the tank formation, and the line of howitzers, the press milled about purposefully; cameramen jockeyed for good angles to take pictures from for when the two leaders met. Gero himself and the other officials stood at the end of the carpet, and were wearing fine suits and longcoats for the occasion.

"Well, this looks like it might just turn out alright," Gero mumbled under his breath.

"Did you say something?" one of the representatives, a man from the city of Erat, asked.

"Oh, it was nothing."

"So, Gero, I hear they think our usual form is... insulting?" another piped up.

"Oh, shit. Don't fucking tell me; you didn't get the memo, did you?" he fired back. The man shook his head. "Dammit. Well, yeah, that's right. So just avoid cursing, pretty much. They don't like that."

"Wait, wait; it is our fucking country, right?"

"Oh, fuck you. If you aren't going to do it, then get off the airfield. We owe them at least a modicum of respect, dammit."

"Ah. Point taken."

"Good." Gero looked around at the rest of the officials, "Any other dumbass questions?" Silence. He nodded before continuing, "Good. Now lets just hope the man shows up on time..."

OOC:

OOC:

ADVENT ARRIVAL

The distant sound of rotors could be heard.

"Ah... right on time," Gero consulted his watch with some hint of satisfaction. At least something was going right, for once. "At least something is going right, for once." he muttered.

"I thought he'd arrive in a plane," the representative from Erat said, audibly. He shielded his eyes from the sun with a hand and gazed off into the distance. "Not on a helicopter."

"Yeah..." another bureaucrat concurred. "I thought he'd be arriving on a Shroomcorde. I always wanted to see a Shroomcorde."

"Or a BAM A380. Those things are pretty big. I hear he fits his helicopter in those."

"Do you think he landed on the A380 and then rode on the helicopter?"

Gero groaned. The thrumming of the coming aircraft's rotors were getting louder, making his head throb just a little bit. It didn't help that his cabinet was making a commotion, all over the Shroomanian Prime Minister's preferred mode of transport.

"Look up there in the sky," Erat pointed. "It's not a plane, it's a - "

"What does it fucking matter?" Miratia's master replied irritably. "Airplane, seaplane, helicopter or ornithopter. For all I care, he could arrive in a...

"A... Mister Gero attempted to utter. "A..."



"Jesus titty-fucking Christ."


The humongous Ka-22, gift of Premier Shady to his dear friend Premier Shroom, arrived at the Mirakar Airport with a horrible noise. Four pairs of massive propellers spinning in unison, rota-volvulating blades deafening to everything and everyone. Glass was vibrated, the earth shook subtly, and all those who could hear and all those who could no longer hear covered their ears in fear.

As it neared the ground in preparation for landing, it made a gust of wind that picked up copious amount of dirt and dust - billowing it into the eyes of all who were once eager to see the spectacle. In a proverbial sandstorm, the dry airfield was turned into a whirlwind of lunacy.

Unbearable noise, blinding sand, government officials and military retinues alike broke for cover or fled to the hills, or staggered around dazed, deaf and blind, screaming inaudibly for all sound was drowned out in the noise of the incoming aerodynamic mechanical obscenity.

The Prime Ministerial rotocraft.

Mr. Gero screamed profanities and with both hands, he waved gestures of obscenities.

Then it became silent and the sandstorm subsided. The rotors had stopped, and Mr. Gero became silent as well. He stood there, the only one unmoved by the arrival of the airborne atrocity, while his government cabinet and his ceremonial guard staggered back feebly to their original positions.

They awaited the arrival of the Prime Minister.


The Ka-22's doors opened with a metallic hiss, and condensed mist billowed down from the hatch.

Then and there, the Prime Minister of Shroomania - Shroom the 777th - strode down the stairway that had folded out of the craft's side. Gracefully, in his ceremonial Shroomanian attire of fine leathers, venison and a fanciful wig, he set his booted foot on Miratian ground.

"Hello!" he declared for all to hear and, in the case of the temporarily dazed or deafened, not-hear. "Morning, my Miratian mateys!"

The Sovereign of Shroomania had arrived at Miratia.

Dominion Defense

VC-30 contract awarded
The ODAAF's replacement for the venerable VC-25 has reached a tipping point, operating with only one airplane for several years now since the War of Cities. Dominion Boeing was awarded a contract for 2 VC-30s, based upon the M3 airliner(the M3B "Thunderbird") that will be entering service with Dominion Airways later this year.

In addition, industry insides have reported that the TXAF have approached Dominion Boeing about the possibility of purchasing 2 M3Bs for the Huang Di's imperial transport...[More]