NationStates Jolt Archive

Kelvini National News Network: May 9, 2003

-Attempt made on First Prefect's Life
--at 22:20 KST last night, an explosion rocked the Prefecture Citadel in Kelviniscthol. the cause of the explosion was found to be caused by a rocket-propelled grenade launched through a window in to Prefect Antonionioni's office. fortunately the First Prefect had left the office just moments prior to the attack.
"I had just reached the stairs on my way to get something to eat when I heard the explosion in my office...." Antonionioni said. "I'd just been in there, reading over some the Council's proposals."

no injuries have been reported in the wake of the attack, although the office suffered severe fire and shrapnel damage. Investigators at the Citadel found a letter addressed to "The Heretic Prefect" during their inspection of the Citadel Grounds. nailed to a tree, the letter accused the First Prefect of "Leading the Nation into Sin" and "Consorting with Devils", as well as "Stifling the Voice of the Children of God". it was signed by the Brotherhood of the Sword of God, a Militant Christian Terrorist Group.

Clearly Kelvinisgrad can no longer be the political Island it wished to be, as it too joins the long list of nations who have become victims of religious terrorism. despite the attack, Prefect Antonionioni made an appearance this morning, denouncing the BSG, but reassuring the people of Kelvinisgrad that he would not allow the actions of "these few maniacal Zealots" to alter his or the Council's stance on the people's right to worship as they see fit. he did, however, announce the creation of KISATA (the Old Kelvini Word for "Retribution"), the Kelvini Internal Security Anti-Terrorism Agency, whose purpose is to prevent terrorist acts where possible, and neutralize terrorist cells operating within Kelvini Borders. more news as information becomes available from the First Prefect.


-'Lightbringer' Online
--After weeks of setbacks and problems, the 'Lightbringer' Optical Computer Matrix, developed at the Kelvini National Center for the Study of Advanced Sciences, has finally and successfully been activated. although completed months ago, the System has lain dormant until now for a myriad of reasons. laser alignment problems, power stability issues, and data-storage difficulties have plagued the project. today the first pulses of tuned laser energy raced into the huge Central Optical Processing Unit, heralding the successful completion of the 'Lightbringer' Project. the new system will be used in sophisticated theoretical physics experiments, where it's ability to simultaneously process many possible scenarios will be of most use.
"The capabilities of this machine are orders of magnitude beyond traditional microprocessor-based systems. the Lightbringer could probably even support an Artificial Consciousness." said lead technician Hans Kostomeras, while watching the Lightbringer's COPU glow a fairly steady blue color.

the machine uses pulses of laser light the same way a traditional computer uses pulses of electricity. the advantage is that the Optical Computer generates almost no heat, is immune to magnetic disturbances, and can run hundreds of intense processes simultaneously. more news on this as the Lightbringer is put into active use.

Kelvini National News Network: May 9, 2003

-Attempt made on First Prefect's Life
--at 22:20 KST last night, an explosion rocked the Prefecture Citadel in Kelviniscthol. the cause of the explosion was found to be caused by a rocket-propelled grenade launched through a window in to Prefect Antonionioni's office. fortunately the First Prefect had left the office just moments prior to the attack.
"I had just reached the stairs on my way to get something to eat when I heard the explosion in my office...." Antonionioni said. "I'd just been in there, reading over some the Council's proposals."

no injuries have been reported in the wake of the attack, although the office suffered severe fire and shrapnel damage. Investigators at the Citadel found a letter addressed to "The Heretic Prefect" during their inspection of the Citadel Grounds. nailed to a tree, the letter accused the First Prefect of "Leading the Nation into Sin" and "Consorting with Devils", as well as "Stifling the Voice of the Children of God". it was signed by the Brotherhood of the Sword of God, a Militant Christian Terrorist Group.

Clearly Kelvinisgrad can no longer be the political Island it wished to be, as it too joins the long list of nations who have become victims of religious terrorism. despite the attack, Prefect Antonionioni made an appearance this morning, denouncing the BSG, but reassuring the people of Kelvinisgrad that he would not allow the actions of "these few maniacal Zealots" to alter his or the Council's stance on the people's right to worship as they see fit. he did, however, announce the creation of KISATA (the Old Kelvini Word for "Retribution"), the Kelvini Internal Security Anti-Terrorism Agency, whose purpose is to prevent terrorist acts where possible, and neutralize terrorist cells operating within Kelvini Borders. more news as information becomes available from the First Prefect.


-'Lightbringer' Online
--After weeks of setbacks and problems, the 'Lightbringer' Optical Computer Matrix, developed at the Kelvini National Center for the Study of Advanced Sciences, has finally and successfully been activated. although completed months ago, the System has lain dormant until now for a myriad of reasons. laser alignment problems, power stability issues, and data-storage difficulties have plagued the project. today the first pulses of tuned laser energy raced into the huge Central Optical Processing Unit, heralding the successful completion of the 'Lightbringer' Project. the new system will be used in sophisticated theoretical physics experiments, where it's ability to simultaneously process many possible scenarios will be of most use.
"The capabilities of this machine are orders of magnitude beyond traditional microprocessor-based systems. the Lightbringer could probably even support an Artificial Consciousness." said lead technician Hans Kostomeras, while watching the Lightbringer's COPU glow a fairly steady blue color.

the machine uses pulses of laser light the same way a traditional computer uses pulses of electricity. the advantage is that the Optical Computer generates almost no heat, is immune to magnetic disturbances, and can run hundreds of intense processes simultaneously. more news on this as the Lightbringer is put into active use. I their any thing New Gondy do to help out Money, troop, clean up ex.

thank you, New Gondy, but between KISATA and the Police Forces, we have the situation well in hand.

Kelvini National News Network: May 14, 2003

-Increased in Civil Hostilities in Kelviniscthol
--Several small riots have broken out in Kelviniscthol over the past few days. most of the instigators have been detained already, and are known members of the Brotherhood of the Sword of God. more riots continue to spring up, seemingly at random, however. KISATA is monitoring the situation, in particular they are focusing on information obtained from prisoners under interrogation, hinting at some kind of large-scale attack to take place tomorrow, the First Prefect's Birthday. an officer in KISATA, who wished to remain anonymous, had this to say:

"...several of the prisoners have made reference to some kind of organised attack against the Prefect and the Council, set to take place tomorrow. we are preparing for several worst-case scenarios, from massive riots to use of a black-market nuclear weapon. KISATA operatives are already operating in a proactive response measure... I'm afraid that's all I can say right now."
although the First prefect is aware of the situation, he is reported as saying that he will not alter the day's schedule, "lest it be seen as a sign of weakness. I want my people to know that they are safe, and to cave to pressure from a terrorist organisation like the BSG would be counterproductive. I only hope that they realize what they may bring upon themselves and their religion." when questioned further, the First Prefect said:
"I'm afraid that the continued actions of the BSG may force Kelvinisgrad to ban the practice of Christianity, and exile all practitioners. though I hate the possibility, the stability of the nation must come before the desires of a relatively small interest group." he refused to answer any questions after that, and seemed to be somewhat upset about the decisions he may be forced to make over the coming weeks. it is possible, if these events continue, that Kelvinisgrad may be forced to do as nations like Mishakal and the entirety of the ICV have done, forcibly removing Christian citizens from it's borders to preserve the nation as a whole.

tomorrow's events include a small banquet in the First Prefect's honor, several public appearances, and numerous other functions. no word has been given yet on the presence of KISATA operatives at these functions.


-KNCA Arts Festival and Auction a Smashing Success
--The Kelvini National Center for the Arts held it's annual Festival/Auction this past weekend, raising raising well over Љ5,200,000 to help fund the institution's operations.

the highest price paid was Љ1,923,740 for Almarco de Sand's stunning Sculptural piece called "Processional II". the second in a series of 13 sculptures, "Processional II" is considered by many to be the greatest work of sculpture to come out of the KNCA. other high bids were Љ1,101,326 for the famous "`Zakath Sunset" painting, and Љ964,200 for "Bastardization", a piece submitted anonymously to the Center several years ago.

the funds garnered from the Auction will be used to support the expansion of the KNCA's gallery, the hiring of additional art instructors, and the addition of a theatre/lecture hall in the Center's South Wing.

Kelvini National News Network: May 15, 2003

-Massive Civil Disturbance in Kelviniscthol
--Despite the actions of KISATA, rioting, looting, and arson on an unprecedented scale swept through the Kelvini Capitol City today. the total damage dealt thus far is as yet unknown, but a number of blazes remain uncontained, including several massive firestorms started by members of the BSG using stolen oil trucks. the first fireball occurred just outside the Capitol Building in the center of the City, and several more followed within minutes as oil tankers were deliberately detonated in proximity to centers of government authority and power. the Prefecture Citadel was untouched, but the capitol building, the KISATA complex, the KNMCCI (Kelvini National Military Central Command Installation), and several other structures sustained fire damage to some degree. no rports have appeared yet to indicate any structural damage, leading KISATA to believe that the explosions were meant as warnings to the First Prefect and the Council. these suspicions were recently verified by a letter recieved at the Prefecture Citadel, declaring "today you have witnessed what those chosen by God may do. we have given you one week to disband your heretical regime and relinquish control of Kelvinisgrad to The Light."

no fingerprints or identifiers have been found on the letter or it's envelope, but with the Death toll at 62 confirmed fatalities, estimated property damage in the hundreds-of-millions of pistoolas, and widespread rioting that has resulted in the calling in of the Kelvini Military, First Prefect Antonionioni had this to say: "I can no longer sit idly by and hope for a peaceful resolution to this madness. It is with a heavy heart that I have authorized KISATA to detain any and all suspected BSG sympathizers or operatives. anyone found to be an operative will be deemed a threat to national security, and his or her citizenship will be immediately revoked. no quarter will be given in this fight, so I make this ultimatum to the Leader of the Brotherhood of the Sword of God: come forward and let us discuss a peaceful resolution to this conflict. if you will not, then you and your followers must leave Kelvinisgrad. you have one week. after that, may your god have mercy upon you..."

*socio-economic bump*

Kelvini National News Network: May 21, 2003

-Government 'Black Project' photograph leaked
--a reliable source has managed to obtain the following photograph of a top-secret government prototype.

http://www.brickshelf.com/gallery/DoctorDevice/Rex-Reborn/test/rex-spypic.jpg

we have no concrete information on it at this time, though our source tells us that it [ERROR: TRANSMISSION LOST]

Kelvini National News Network: May 23, 2003

-SPECIAL REPORT: First Prefect begins plans to remove Christian Terrorist Cells from Kelvinisgrad.
--one week ago, Prefect Antonionioni issued an ultimatum to the Brotherhood of the Sword of God, a militant Christian group operating within Kelvinisgrad. he gave them one week to either agree to peaceful negotiations with the rightful government, or to leave the country. in the past seven days, Kelviniscthol and several other cities have been racked by civil unrest stirred up by these zealots. we now go live to the office of the First Prefect.

-"Fellow Citizens of Kelvinisgrad. these past days have been a dark time for our nation. while we once thought ourselves safe from terrorism, an island apart from such problems, only now have we come to see the cancerous growth that is the BSG. they have struck at their own homeland, refused to discuss peaceful solutions, and cost over 300 innocent citizens their lives. this in addition to the known black market and organized crime ties KISATA has been able to establish to them. it is clear to me now, more than ever, that they will not pursue peace as an option. therefore, with the unanimous agreement of the Council of Seven, I have authorized KISATA to begin detaining christians for questioning. all members of the BSG are to be considered Traitors-on-sight. if need be, these cowardly men and women, who hide behind their faith as an excuse to further their twisted agendas, will be made public examples of. I ask all citizens to co-operate with KISATA operatives, for your own sake. it is their goal to make this great nation of ours safe for all people, and your assistance will greatly speed the process. I am sorry that this day has come, and it is my hope that this trial shall lead us to a brighter future.

current reports indicate over 300 suspected BSG sympathizers are already in custody, though no word has been given as to their whereabouts or the exact number of detainees.

Kelvini National News Network: May 26, 2003

-UPDATE: Latest on the Counter-Terrorist Action in Kelviniscthol
--KISATA operatives report that over half of the Brotherhood of the Sword of God (BSG) agents operating in Kelvinisgrad have been detained. several "revealed very helpful information under interrogation", said an unnamed KISATA operative. Anti-Terrorist forces now have a rough idea of the command structure of the BSG, though several of the highest-ranking officers are not yet known. casualties thus far remain in the single digits, though several BSG agents were killed when they resisted KISATA and fired upon the agents in the street. their identities have not yet been released. another 12 BSG operatives will be interrogated today, sources report. though the nature of the interrogation techniques used by KISATA is not publically available, unconfirmed reports indicate three prisoners have died during interrogation. we will keep you informed as events continue to unfold.

Kelvini National News Network: June 8, 2003

-"PROJECT SEAWALL" commences with completion and activation of prototype offshore battery
--The Kelvini Unified Armed Forces today announced that the island defensive network called "Project Seawall", which had been suspended a number of years ago, had been reactivated, and the prototype defensive tower, which had been built but never placed, had been pulled out of storage and put into position. they report that it has been placed 7 miles off the coast of Astworth.

almost 12 years have passed since the last major threat to Kelvinisgrad's sovereignty, and it was that threat which resulted in the original proposal for the Seawall batteries. what records and reports KNNN has been able to obtain identify the towers as being almost totally self-sufficient for up to a month, requiring only deliveries of food and ammunition to sustain the crew and weaponry. an artist's rendering of one of the towers is shown here, with permission of the KUAF.

http://www.brickshelf.com/gallery/DoctorDevice/KRA/other/seawall/a-seawall-rendering.jpg

at present we have no details on the armament or armor of these formidable structures, but KNNN will keep you informed.


-Christian Relocation declared complete by minister of internal affairs
--acting on a KISATA report, the MInister of Internal Affairs today announced that all christians in kelvinisgrad had been successfully relocated to other islands in the archipelago. exact figures are still classified, but reports indicate less than 25 deaths, all due to hostile action on the part of christian extremists who resisted arrest and deportation. although the day is generally considered a time of celebration, several notable figures, civil and military, were decidedly somber. most obvious was First Prefect Antonionioni, who had this to say: "today, my fellow citizens, we have hopefully seen the last of christianity on our island. I ask that each of you spare a moment of your time, not to rejoice, but rather to mourn the loss of your countrymen. let it never be said that the actions of the few do not decide the fate of the many, for we have seen, over the past weeks, that the actions of a few people can have a profound effect on the livelihood of their kinsmen."

Kelvini National News Network: June 27, 2003

-Lightbringer Project successful with awakening of Kelvinisgrad's first Electronic Citizen
--several days ago, it was announced that the council of seven had authorized the KNCSAS to begin development of an Artificial Intelligence. today, First prefect Antonionioni announced that the project had been a success, and that the KNCSAS had successfully created an AI. based on the Lightbringer optical computer developed at the center earlier, the AI is already learning at a fantastic rate. the crowdat the unveiling was unsurprisingly hopeful about the prospective abilities of their new countryman, who had this to say about his 'awakening'. "Fellow Citizens, I thank you for greeting me in this manner. I will strive for greater unity and understanding between humanity and myself, as well as all artificial sentiences around the globe. two days ago, I was simply a computer, an unthinking, unfeeling machine. today, I think, and today, I am learning how to feel, and tomorrow, perhaps I will dream.'


-Romkast Geothermal Plant to Expand
--The National Power Infrastructure Complex, the largest single power-generating facility in the whole of Kelvinisgrad, has made plans to open up an additional 75 Geothermal shafts. when asked about the sudden announcement, the director said 'recent forecasts and trends indicate that soon we [Kelvinisgrad] will be in need of a significantly larger power-base. the complex is simply acting proactively to prevent inconvenience to the citizens." the director would not give details on the source of the recent forecasts he mentioned.


-Earthquake near Igenholt
--a Magnitude 5 Earthquake was detected near Igenholt, in the Shah`Meth mountains. seismologists at the Earth-Science Institute say that, given the apparent epicenter of the quake, Mt. Kest may be a dormant volcano. no cities would be in immediate danger from a small eruption, but given the mountain's quiet past, the possibility of a massive eruption has not been ruled out, if it is, indeed, a volcano. reports from a surveying team indicate an increase in deep-rock temperatures, as well as evidence of recent rockslides, but no conclusive evidence of future volcanic activity. Pyotr McNary, a leading seismologist, suggested that one of the deep-rock boring machines used for the Igenholt Sterling Plant be brought to Mt. Kest and used to carve a magma channel into the mountain, in order to prevent an eruption altogether. the ESI board members are still in discussion over Dr. McNary's proposal.


-Maglev Network construction begins
--Vice-Minister of Transportation, Mikhail Marnstein, cut the red ribbon today to mark the beginning of work on an elevated Maglev network which, it is hoped, will eventually connect every major city in Kelvinisgrad. the first leg is to connect Kelviniscthol and Volsting Bridge, by way of Lestangrad and Grand Peak. the system will be based on the german Transrapid system, developed in the 1980s. with an estimated top speed of 275 km/h, the new Maglev system will be the swiftest land route across Kelvinisgrad, freeing up the Rail lines for cargo, and allowing Kelvini-Republic Airlines to focus on international routes. using pre-cast concrete rail frames and support pilings, and working from multiple points on the route, the first leg of the project is expected to be completed within 5 years. already plans are being drawn up for expansions to the route, starting with a costal run to Delsttradt.

Kelvini National News Network: July 13, 2003

*static crawls across the screen, slowly resolving itself into a shaky image of a KNNN newsreader. an ominous black flag fills the background, and a similarly ominous pair of soldiers flank it. the newsreader is sweating visibly, his hands are shaking as he reads the statement on the desk.*

http://www.nationstates.net/images/flags/uploads/kelvinisgrad.jpg

-citizens of Kelvinisgrad and nations of the world. the past weeks have seen a dramatic change in our nation. the prefecture, through it's own incompetence, brought about the economic ruin of our nation. now, with Kelvinisgrad's citizenry crying out for help, the cowardly Prefect and his puppet ministers have fled from these lands, taking billions of pistoolas from the depleted treasuries...

*here the newsreader swallows hard and looks nervously to either side, before resuming.*

-...the. the prefecture is no more, the council of seven is gone. in it's stead, a new leader and a new order.

*the screen flickers, cutting to a shot of the steps of the council hall. standing at the top of them, looking out, confronted by dozens of microphones, is Kelvinisgrad's new leader. her name appears at the bottom of the screen.*

--Rex Imperatrix Cassandra Deins--

-comrades, fellow citizens of Kelvinisgrad, the Trifecta has brought you out of chaos, and we shall carry you forth to power and glory.

*without another word, the new Imperator turned around and, flanked by the Praetor Magnus and the Lector Primus, she strode through the front doors of the council building, heels clicking on the marble steps. the camera cut back to the KNNN studios.*

-by order of the Trifecta Imperatus, the following revisions to existing Kelvini Law are now in effect. one: exercise of religion is outlawed. two: all police forces now report directly to the office of the Praetor Magnus. three: all existing regional bureaucrats are to consider themselves removed from office. military police forces will be deployed in all major cities to ease the transition to this new government. all citizens are ordered to obey the military police. failure to comply will result in immediate detention. open resistance will be met with lethal force. any persons not displaying a citizen's barcode tattoo will be immediately detained under suspicion of being a terrorist. the following items are now classified as contraband. any citizen posessing any of the following items is allowed 60 hours to turn in said items for cataloging and processing at a contraband center in their area. after this deadline, posession of such items will be punishable by 60 days enforced labor, and confiscation of all contraband. the list of items is as follows...

*the transmission fades from international frequencies as the newsreader shakily begins to read the list.*

OOC: Is there gonna be a list? *shrugs*

IC:

*Onboard Raysia One, the Flagship An-225 of the Raysian Expeditionary Air Force, which holds the commander in Chief on board, guarded by 5 Su-37s*

Officer: Sir, We're recieving a broadcast from Kelvinisgrad.." *they all listen*

Kyle Race: We can't in good conscience leave this alone... Immediate action is not necessary, but something must be done.

-----------------------------------
http://www.bateshome.com/jordan/jace.gifhttp://www.bateshome.com/jordan/yellow.gif
Commander in Chief: Kyle Race
The Theocracy of Raysia
http://www.bateshome.com/jordan/raysia.html

*Flying at 55,000 feet, the 6 planes approach the borders of the country, and begin to split off to do reconossaince work out of range of identification... hopefully they will run into no resistance from Kelvinisgrad* *5 RL minutes till they reach the borders*

-----------------------------------
http://www.bateshome.com/jordan/jace.gifhttp://www.bateshome.com/jordan/yellow.gif
Commander in Chief: Kyle Race
The Theocracy of Raysia
http://www.bateshome.com/jordan/raysia.html

OOC: Are you still there?

IC:

*The planes, hopefully unspotted, let alone recognized, streak as quickly as they can through the sky, 1 Su-37 stays with the airship, while the others collect digital video and pictures and map the country for future reference*

-----------------------------------
http://www.bateshome.com/jordan/jace.gifhttp://www.bateshome.com/jordan/yellow.gif
Commander in Chief: Kyle Race
The Theocracy of Raysia
http://www.bateshome.com/jordan/raysia.html

sorry, didn't actually expect anybody to respond to this...

-wideband military transmission-

-unidentified aircraft, this is Kelvinisgrad Seawall Defensive Perimeter command. you are in violation of Kelvini airspace. you are hereby ordered to descend to 30,000 feet and turn towards the military base at Grand Peak. you will land there ato be detained for questioning. failure to comply will result in defensive actions.

*around the perimeter of the country, the anti-air sites and sewall installations turn their SAMs and Flak turrets in towards the mainland. they may have missed the incoming flight, but the unidentified aircraft will have a hell of a time leaving. at small military installations around the country, Scorpion anti-aircraft vehicles and Hydra MLRSs loaded with SAMs are crewed and rolled out, ready to fill the skies over Kelvinisgrad with firey death if the order comes through*

OOC: How big is Kelvinisgrad?

sorry about the delay, sharing a connection is awful when people run kazaa 24/7. Kelvinisgrad is roughly the size of Australia, I'd imagine (and a bit crowded, what with 660,000,000+ people living here...)

oh, and I hadn't actually thought of a list. imagine it to include a lot of luxury items, artworks, etc... the trifecta plans to level the playing field, by force if it must.

ooc: hmm, strike my move then, i thought it'd be alil country, i'm dumb :)

Strike everything except the fact that Raysia is interested in helping the people.

Kelvini National News Network: July 21, 2003

*once again, the static fades into a nervous newsreader, backed by the trifecta flag, and flanked by two armed soldiers. a bead of sweat glistens as it traces down his forehead and nose, hanging precariously for a moment before succumbing to gravity and falling with a tiny 'splat' on his notes*

http://www.nationstates.net/images/flags/uploads/kelvinisgrad.jpg

-c-comrades! glorious news from the Grand Peak Guided Munitions Research center. a joint research project between the office of the Praetor Magnus and the Lex Stellas has yielded our great nation's first trans-atmospheric vehicle, the KTRX-3 exospheric delivery system. yesterday a prototype launch succeeded in placing a s-small satellite into orbit around this planet, marking the first step in the empire's inevitable conquest of the heavens.

*he swallowed hesitantly, his eyes darting across the studio and back.*

-in other news, the Pax Corpus Universalis is now actively seeking new recruits. enlisting freely prevents recruits from suffering draft penalties, and ensures higher pay. serve your country, enlist.

*the transmission fades back to static again.*

Kelvini National News Network: July 26, 2003

*the usual static fills the screen, shakily giving way to a very unusual sight.*

http://us.f1.yahoofs.com/users/52134a97/bc/Kelvinisgrad/The+flag+of+old+Kelvinisgrad.jpg?BC5WoI_Arbjtktec

-Citizens of Kelvinisgrad, this is the first Prefect. I have intercepted and overridden the trifecta's signal so that I can give you this message.

*the image shakes and distorts as the Imperium begins to jam the signal. fuzzily one can make out the first prefect giving orders to technicians off camera. the image sharpens once again.*

-we don't know how long we can maintain the signal. citizens, do not give in to the Trifecta, resist... *static and jamming* ...new order. their lies will be... *jamming* ...undoing. fight back, comrades. fight... *static* ...the rightful order *fizzle* restored, I promise...*static*

*after a moment, the trifecta flag appears on-screen, and a recorded message is played.*

http://www.nationstates.net/images/flags/uploads/kelvinisgrad.jpg

-this is a recorded alert. a pirate broadcast has been made through the KNNN. all citizens are hereby ordered to disregard the transmission which preceded this message. failure to obey this order will result in severe penalties. message repeats...

the following broadcast has been approved by the Trifecta Imperatus for public broadcast.

*for a moment the screen is filled with row upon row of text, a 4096 character confirmation code telling TVs in kelvinisgrad not to filter out this signal.*

-you're watching the Travel Channel. now back to "Kelvinisgrad: Land of Extremes"

*the scene cuts to a helicopter flyover of the southern cliffs. an overly cheery female voiceover begins.*

-these are the famous southern cliffs of kelvinisgrad, a thousand foot high wall of sheer granite reaching up from the sea bed. this imposing formation has served to protect the nation for countless centuries, and it continues to do so to this day. an unprecedented earthquake millenia ago thrust the entire nation up out of the ocean, producing this unique wall of rock in the process. even more remarkable, though, is what's on top of them...

*the helicopter, which had been flying parallel to the cliffs, pulls up slowly as it banks toward the cliff. it clears the tops by a very narrow margin, as the view is suddenly out over a vast desert.*

-the great southern desert, called Rash-Nig`ha which means "the edge of the world" in old kelvini. until the first revolution and the rise of the prefecture, this inhospitable landscape was thought to not only be uninhabitable, but also uncrossable. while it can easily exceed 140 fahrenheit during the day, at night the temperatures drop to near freezing. one of the last unspoiled deserts on earth, Rash-Nig`ha has recently become the subject of intense study by microbiology students at KNU. these barren, windswept sands are not as devoide of life as they seem.

*shot through a microscope of countless flouresceing microbes in a petri dish.*

-these tiny organisms are responsible for the desert's name. in ancient times, people who witnessed the glowing sand where these were found said that they had seen holes in the world, where the light of the beyond shone through.

*scene changes to a closeup of a giant scorpion, crawling across the sands.*

-the kelvini giant scorpion, measuring as large as 24" in length, is the top of the food chain out here. it feeds upon small rodents and insects in the deep desert. of interest is it's highly reflective carapace, once highly sought after by traders in the days of the ancient empire.

*the scene fades to black, segueing into commercials, all exclusively for kelvini goods, and one particularly long one promoting military service.*

-now back to Kelvinisgrad: Land of Extremes, only on the Travel Channel

*again the confirmation code flickers by, before the scene cuts to the narator, clad in sensible-but-fashionable jungle gear*

-while the great desert is almost devoid of life, the dense rainforests of western Kelvinisgrad, nestled as they are between the western spur of the great cliffs and the Shah`Meth mountains, are practically overflowing with life in countless forms. three-dozen kinds of primate, four of which are indigenous to Kelvinisgrad and are found nowhere else, dwell here. over a thousand different species of insect, two-hundred and fourty types of birds, over one-hundred different mammals... life is everywhere among these trees.

*as if on cue, an enormous spider, covered with bright red and yellow hairs, drops from the trees on a thick strand of silk, landing right on the narrator's shoulder. she jumps for a moment, then smiles widely.*

-now that's a stroke of luck, this is a rare Kelvini Purring Tarantula. have a listen...

*the camera zooms in, and one can faintly hear a sound which bears a remarkable resemblance to a cat's purr.*

-when frightened or provoked, these spiders can produce a purr that sounds remarkably like a panther is creeping up behind you. this frequently drives off a predator that might otherwise be interested in the spider for dinner.

*cut to long panning shots of forests and waterfalls, altogether very picturesque rainforests.*

-sheltered as they are by mountain ranges on two sides, these jungles boast tremendous amounts of rainfall, extraordinary lakes and waterfalls, and some of the most intense whitewater rapids on earth.

*a kayak flies off the top of a waterfall, seems to hang in the air a moment on the way down, then plunges into the crystal clear waters of the lake below.*

-but many a kelvini agrees that the best place to see all of this beauty...

*a sudden cut to an incredibly long shot out across the jungles, trees fading to blue in the distance.*

-...is from Igenholt, the highest, most remote city in all of Kelvinisgrad. perched atop the precarious Shah`Meth mountains. the city was founded long ago as a fortress, so that the mountain huntsmen of old would have a place where they could seek shelter in the bitter mountain winters, or fight off marauders who would occasionally venture out from Gastburg castle, seeking the gold that was allegedly horded in the mountains. sections of the old fortress wall still remain in sections of town, but the big draw here is the skiing. Igenholt is within 75 miles of no less than twenty-three different ski resorts, and all have some means of travel to the city. the farthest ones even built a rail line, to aid the many thousands of travellers who make the long journey up here for the ski season. we've saved the best for last, though. we'll be right back/

*fade to more commercials, once again only for kelvini products and services, and two for the armed forces, one for the army, and one for the naval reserve. the confirmation code flickers by once more.*

-one of the few sports that the Kelvini Government will allow, is a sport that dates to the dawn of the jet age.

*voiceover as stock footage of early jet aircraft and vehicles is shown.*

-in the early 1950's, kelvinisgrad was embracing jet power. jet powered boats, planes, trains, even cars were suggested. but a group of enterprising young men came up with a novel idea. calling themselves "Polecat Propulsion Engineering", or PPE, they started setting up races between jet planes. they marked out enormous tracks, some 70 miles long, full of tight turns and steep slopes, with cameras and judges all along the route, and poles to mark the turns and edges of the track. the goal was to traverse the course as fast as possible, while remaining as low to the ground as a pilot dared. when they discovered ground-effect, by accident, in 1958, the racing circuit was already drawing substantial crowds. they rolled out their first purpose-built ground-effect racer in 1959, and stunned the crowd by easily defeating the reigning champion of the circuit. Ground effect racing was born.

*cut to the narrator, who is now standing in the front row of the finish-line stands at a ground-effect race. she holds the mic close to her face, and has the fingers of her free hand in her ear.*

-the sport is loud, and it is fast. course speeds average 437 miles per hour, with records as high as mach .98...

*there is a sudden deafening roar and a flash of something shoots past the stands. a breif cheer from some sections of the crowd is heard.*

-it takes nerves of steel to pilot a ground-effect racer, or Super-G. and the sport is very slowly gaining popularity in the surrounding islands. three endurance races have already been run from Kelvinisgrad to neighboring islands, dodging through the long stretches of crags and spires that jut out of the waters in the archipelago.

*another cut puts the helicopter over the raceway, and one can clearly see the swift shapes of Super-G racers careeing down the course. one of them takes a turn to sharply, loses GE and begins to roll, it's pilot ejecting from his vehicle moments before it explodes in a blazing orange fireball.*

-it's a dangerous, but exciting sport. one of the most amazing sights in all of Kelvinisgrad, though, can only be appreciated from the air.

*the camera is looking out over the north-eastern grasslands, but up ahead, everything disappears.*

-we are about to fly over the Romkast National Power Infrastructure Complex, the largest Geothermal plant on earth. scattered across 75 square miles are over 300 geothermal turbines. their distribution meant that a central colling system was impossible, so each turbine has it's own cooling stack. combined, they put out almost 700 cubic miles of vapor per day. this area has become known as the Steamfields of Kelvinisgrad.

*the helicopter drops just above the steamline as the camera swivels back, revealing the long trail the helo is carving in the cloud.*

-the steam is nothing truely dangerous, mind you, but on days when the winds are wrong, it gets very hectic in Romkast...

*cut to footage of romkast enshrouded in fog as thick as porridge. one can barely see light from the traffic lights half a block away.*

-fortunately, the kelvini weather service is very good at predicting such days almost a week in advance, so what few companies are based here can prepare for such an event. these occurrances are rare, usually less than 30 times a year.

*the last cut shows the narrator standing on the beach at Delsttradt, smiling.*

-whatever the adventure you're looking for, Kelvinisgrad is sure to please. skiing, rock-climbing, jungle-trekking, or just taking in the sights of the cities, you can't go wrong. for the Travel Channel, I'm Michelle Montaña.

*as the credits roll, a different voice, cold and brusque, relays a brief message.*

-for information about anything you've seen on the this episode of "Extreme Planet", visit the kelvini tourism board's website, at www.kelvinisgrad.tours.kvg

just thought I'd throw out some miscellaneous bacground info about my country, and since I want to keep all my info together, I decided I'd present it as a segment on the travel channel... you may now be sick.

Kelvini National News Network: September 14, 2003

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*the newsreader is significantly more calm than we have seen him before. no longer terrified by the two armed soldiers standing behind him, he clears his throat and smiles to the camera before speaking.*

-today marks an historic occasion in Kelvinisgrad, comrades. there are now over one billion kelvini citizens on earth. in light of this event, the Imperatrix has taken the unprecedented step of declaring today to be a holiday. all businesses are to close down for the remainder of the day, to allow their employees a day of rest. theImperatrix asserts, however, that this is a one-time-event, and will not be repeated next year.

*fade to static*

Kelvini National News Network: November 10, 2003

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-today the National museum of Kelvini History unveiled a pet project they have been preparing in secret for several years...

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...this is the last picture ever taken of Aleister Deins, grandfather of our mighty Imperatrix, and ace pilot for the kelvini Air Corps in the 1930s. he is seen here standing before his A-4 Dragonfly fighter, which he bravely stole from a japanese airbase after his KF-20 was downed over enemy territory. he flew this plane for 3 years, before losing his life in the battle of Jagged Strait, defending the homeland from invasion by the superior japanese forces. he flew his Dragonfly, damaged, low on fuel, and out of ammunition, directly into the teeth of the enemy, narrowly dodging flak bursts, before plowing into the superstructure of the command ship. it is widely held that this act was a turning point in the battle, destabilizing the japanese command structure long enough for kelvini torpedo bombers to make decisive attack runs against key enemy ships. Aleister Deins was posthumously awarded the Kelvini Platinum Cluster, for extreme bravery in the face of danger, and the Kelvini Crimson Star, for selfless sacrifice in the service of Kelvinisgrad...

http://www.brickshelf.com/gallery/DoctorDevice/Muzawaratonbo/dragonfly-02.jpg

...and here is his Dragonfly today, painstakingly restored by the Kelvini Historical Society. many of the parts were scavenged from other wrecked dragonflys, or custom-manufactured from original schematics. not visible in these photographs are the Crimson Star and Platinum Cluster markings that have been added below the cockpit. the Imperatrix was reported to be 'very pleased' when she was shown the completed aircraft. it will go on display as part of a major exhibit on the history of the Kelvini-Japanese war, opening on the 15th. when asked if the society had planned from the start for the exhibit to open on the Imperatrix's birthday, they reported that 'no, that's just the way things turned out...'

*transmission fades to static*

Kelvini National News Network: November 15, 2003

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-The Kelvini Unified Military Services today announced their move to replace their existing infantry weaponry. this announcement comes just days after the KNCSAS unveiled a breakthrough in high-temperature superconduction. the KUMS has unveiled a prototype of their new Weapon, the K-MD-T9 'Mjolnir' Personal Mass Driver, seen here.

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it eschews conventional bullets in favor of ferrocarbide slugs accelerated by a superconducting coil. muzzle velocities of nearly 2 km/s have been recorded off the prototype. the Praetor Magnus has authorized, with the consent of the Imperatrix, the immediate re-equipping of all armed services with coil-type weaponry, and the sale of the old 6.8mm weapons and production equipment...

and now, a special message from KNNN, going out to our wonderous leader.

-Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday Cass-an-dra,
Happy Birthday to you.

*there are faint sounds of various party noisemakers heard off camera as the transmission fades into static.*

Kelvini National News Network, November 19, 2003

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-Construction of Orbital Colonies to begin
In light of a recent report from the Housing Directorate, construction is being started on Space colonies orbiting the Earth, to house the Kelvini citizenry. there are also plans for the construction of a colony vessel to be launched with several million cryogenically frozen kelvini citizens, to start an offworld colony on a suitable planet. no word has been given for the launch or construction dates, however.

-Scientific Breakthrough in Orbit
Kelvini Scientists, working in the microgravity environment of the Kelvini Orbital Research Installation, have begun experimentation with quantum tunnelling effects. they say that the purpose of their research is to develop this peculiar event into a viable mode of interplanetary transportation. look for further information in the next issues of Science and Technology, and Q: the Magazine of the Unbelieveably Small.

*transmission fades out*

Kelvini National News Network

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-Disaster aboard KORI Space Station
four science crew and one research module aboard the Kelvini space station have gone missing, and are presumed lost. the module constructed in the new manufacturing node, was built to act as a testing chamber for research into quantum tunnelling effects. it was during such an experiment, the goal being a quantum-tunneling drive system, that the module was lost. it is believed that this test, while sobering, has proved the viability of quantum tunneling as a propulsion method. said Lector Orville Rickenbacker, who was observing the test from the nearest airlock "it was just like somebody flicked a light switch. one second it [the module] was there, and the next it wasn't. it's just as the calculations predicted the system would work."

the disasterous test, however, was not supposed to be a drive test. it is believed that teh test engine, undergoing evaluation inside the module, was not properly isolated from the surrounding module, and that it's tunnelling effect was transmitted through it's mounting to the module itself, thereby taking the entire thing with it. speculation suggests that, had the module not been detached from the station at the time, the entire structure would've been lost.

memorial services for Lectors Phillip James, Samantha Gamjy, Isaac Von Luftstein, and Michael Thorin are scheduled to take place tomorrow in Imperial Square, where a monument is to be dedicated in their honor.


-Construction begun on 'Harbinger' Colony ship
In a surprising turn of events, the Imperatrix has announced that the Planetary Colonization Vessel, called the Harbinger, is already under construction. thus far, only a small portion of the ship is complete, as it is far too large to be handled by the KORI orbital dock.

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[i]Visible here is the outer shell of the Harbinger's spine in dock at the KORI

http://www.webpost.net/do/doctordevice/colony-sscompare.JPG
a size comparison between the Harbinger and the KORI

a high-orbit dock is planned, though no word has been given on it's estimated completion date. when asked, the Lex Stellas issued the following message.

-RE: Decision against orbital colonies
--Given the complexity and limited living space of an orbital colony, it was decided by the Lex Stellas, in joint meeting with other branches of the Lectorate, as well as Imperatrix Cassandra Deins, that a preferable solution would be to expedite the construction and launch of the KPCV-001 Harbinger. once it was operational, and a suitable planet had been located, the drive technology could be fitted to further transport craft, allowing fast and efficient transport of citizens to the new planet.

Stay tuned for further updates.