NationStates Jolt Archive

Due to lack of UN enforcement of international treaties, and due to ancient claims by explorers made on behalf of the Crown of Lavenrunz, and with territorial developement of research areas aided recently to a large degree by the National Corporation Thule Gelleschaft:
the Empire of Lavenrunz has laid claim to the continent.
1. All foreign groups and/or international research bodies must recognize this claim or depart the continent.
2. No military installations but those of Lavenrunz and her allies will be allowed to remain.
3. The waters and airspace within 200 miles of the continent are to be entirely vacated within two days' time.
4. Those nations in alliance with Lavenrunz will have normal access to ports and other facilities. Further economic/political matters to be discussed in allied councils only.

Empress Aurora von Sachshausen

An aloof, arrogant, yet interested Imperial Tag.

The Lord Protector of Starblaydia calls for an international alliance to get "them cheeky fukkers" off Antartica, in a statement released today.

He goes on to say that Antartica is an international research facility and must be protected for the entire globe, not expolited by a single oppurtunist nation.



OOC: Calling for the alliance because there's no way little old me can push a Jan 03 Nation around :oops:

The Director having heard the news, is shocked. He jumps up and immediately pens a letter to Empress Aurora von Sachshausen.


We have heard about your latest move.

We must ask, as lovers of the creatures,
will the penguins be protected?

May the cooler (pun not intended) be with you,
The Director.


He then sends the message, and waits, a anxious, yet somehow mocking look on his face.

Foreign Affairs Minister Marc Newells has released this statement from New York and Jersey, where he is currently based:

'Claiming Antartica is against international law, or at the very least, against many nations' wishes. It is a place where scientists do research, and I agree with my Starblaydian counterparts that it must be protected, and not claimed for the sole purpose of using the continent as a base for a single nation.'

I have a felling the current Antarctic Horde, Shinoxia and the rest, will have something to say about this one


TaG!!!

Fortunately then, Lavenrunz has stated no intention of interfering with research work...

~ Random foreign office statement in response to objections.

The Federation of Glorious Humanity, as an ally of Lavenrunz, supports them in this venture and is also planning to establish a colony on the continent. We look forward to discovering more about this truly fascinating place.

Mark Albert
President
Federation of Glorious Humanity

Fortunately then, Lavenrunz has stated no intention of interfering with research work...

~ Random foreign office statement in response to objections.

Unless, of course, you don't recognise the claim. Every nation with an interest in research has a right to partake in that objective on a continent that is techinically not owned by anyone.

<snip - some nonsense about penguins>

Plus, laying 'claim' to a continent is rather idoitic, in my opinion

From "The Lord-Protector's Fireside Ramblings", Sunday 5pm, Starblaydi Radio

Elisa looked over the memo and shrugged. "We got enough cold here as is... she can have it..."

Official[/i] Letter]
Empress Aurora von Sachshausen,

President Victor Solis sends his regards, and fully recognizes your claim to Antarctica. Should you wish to sub-contract some of our researches for any projects you may have planned, we would be most willing to discuss specifics over more secure channels.

-Elisa Day, Director of Foreign Affairs
The Semi-Autonomous Technocratic Oligarchy of the Most Glorious Hack

"No! Save the penguins! They must not be abandoned to Lavenrunzian labour camps! We must fight the power!"

~A random environmentalist, upon hearing the news.

+ Glorious tag of d00m!

To the Director of Water Cooler de Novo

As far as is known, penguins of some species only are actually on the protected list. Other kinds are very common but from what I understand they are not very good to eat. Perhaps they could be ground up for leopard food and their down used to stuff pillows or in some forms of manufacture. Please send me any updates on international agreements regarding penguins.

warmest regards
Empress Aurora von Sachshausen


Empress Aurora had often looked at the blue cold line of Antarctica from her hunting lodge overlooking the sea. Now she was actually on an Imperial Arktika class Destroyer headed for Queen Maude Land. She sighed as she had her Equerry send off the most recent letter. Outside, dark grey seas pounded at the fleet of ships heading southward.
"This has to be the weirdest letter I've ever sent." the young blonde Empress complained. "And why don't we have a Ministry of the Environment?"
"Because it falls within the Ministry of the Interior, Majesty." informed Baron Ehrfurt.
"Ask Von Effner where Starblaydia is, and what it is." she mumbled as she began to prepare the next letter.


To Director Elisa Day

Please thank the President for his kind thoughts. It would be nice to get a letter from him personally sometime. Not that I don't like you--I regretted you getting promoted, which is selfish but only because it meant you couldn't be Ambassador anymore. Anyway, thanks for the letter of support.
Yours affectionately
Empress Aurora.


The Baron begged the Empress to please let him write the next letter. The Empress refused. "No way, I'm on a roll!" she enthused.

The Brotherhood will recognize the Lavenrunzian claim to Antarctica, as long as our base near Argentina is allowed to remain and is recognized as Brotherhood territory. The base functions both as a military training camp and as a classified research complex, and is of medium size, with about 2000 personnel stationed there.

"The Shiree would be unlikely to recognise Antarctica itself... let alone any nationstates claim to it.."

~ Tellenic Aperinian immigrant, BRightOn, Watfordshire

-----------------------------
Council of ministers
-----------------------------

“They did WHAT?”
Hans van Mierlo, the Knootian foreign minister, could hardly believe it but the diplomat simply droned on.
”Several major powers have already recognised this claim… of course, there have been protests. However it would probably not be in our best interests to protest too heavily.”
Van Mierlo sat back, pondering the insanity of it all. What was Lavenrunz up to this time?

He took care to write the young Empress once more.


To: Empress Aurora von Sachshausen, Empress of Lavenrunz etc etc
From: Hans van Mierlo, minister of Foreign Affairs of the Dutch Democratic Republic

I must say that the recent claim of Antartica by the Crown duly surprised us. The Crown has similar claims to the territories of the DDR by hereditary right that have been invalidated by time and treaty. International treaties have long been regulating the ownership of territories and I know the Empire as a nation that has always honoured such treaties with the great care and devotion that befits Your Majesties rule.

While no fixed Knootian research base currently exists in Antarctica, the DDR has always received the right to place one and researchers and explorers of my nations nationality have visited the continent on a regular basis. We would very much like for this to continue, in the spirit of the international agreements that – we consider- duly commit both our nations.

We are not entirely sure which nations the Teutonic Empire considers to be her allies, given that no formal alliance binds the Empire to the DDR at this time but various bilateral agreements and the KIST agreement. Would Your Majesty consider the Knootian presence to be allowed to continue under this decree? And how about those other signatories to the Knootian International Stabilisation Pact? If Your Majesty would decree those nations as allowed to access the continent by given decree, this would so much to lay our more practical concerns to rest. Especially if such interests are guaranteed by form of treaty or agreement.

Yours sincerely,

Hans van Mierlo

Blah.

I claim Earth! Yes, all of it. It's mine. Get off or die.

Blah.

I claim Earth! Yes, all of it. It's mine. Get off or die.

[OOC: pardon me for posting a third-rate laconic substandard post, but unfortunately the last time my computer shut itself off without warning i lost a rather large post i do not feel like retyping.]


We neither recognize your claim to Antarctica, nor are we prepared to condone the wanton seizing of a large piece of humanity's common environmental and natural patrimony by a single nation acting for the furtherment of it's own interests. Further, we will inform you that we will steadfastly ignore your totally illegitimate exclusion zone of 321.8 kilometers surrounding the Antarctic continent and will uphold the right of any other nation or group to do so, by any means that prove to be necessary. Antarctica is part of the common territory of Man; we urge you to removve your forces and to cease interfering with the legitimate activities of others.
We would, however, be most highly interested in the motives and justifications of this particular land grab, since Antarctica is of no value, except for the furtherment of general scientific knowledge.

Saluting you despite our differences,
Comrade Fouad Saluki,
Praesident of Foreign Affairs




Despite our many differences, we seem to have a common goal: to prevent the Empire of Lavenrunz from establishing a Hegemony over the Antarctic continent. We would be most interested in co-ordinating efforts towards this objective.

Peace and Prosperity,
Comrade Fouad Saluki,
Praesident of Foreign Affairs


[OOC clarification: by 'ignore' the exclusion zone I did of course mean to do so in a strictly IC manner, not to get out the ingore n00k. Also, i won't actually be putting that part into application just yet as Cirdanistan has absolutlely nothing to do with the Antarctic.]

"And you're kidding me, right?"
"No sir, Empress Aurora of Lavenrunz really has laid claim to Antarctica."

The King Vampire Louis, upon hearing the message from Foreign Minister Sheeana Jones, rubbed his head. He had heard of many ridiculous claims in his time, but this one was definitely one of the most outrageous.

"Any interests in Antarctica for Atros?"

Defense Minister Mirko Grabowski stepped up.

"No, Sire. But we have to think about the future, you know. Antarctica holds a lot of future, not just for us, and we have to protest against this."
"But we are but a small nation. Lavenrunz will just brush us aside." Louis replied.
"True, but other nations will do so, other nations more powerful than us. This is a chance to put ourselves on the world stage at little cost to ourselves." Jones said.
"True, true.....very well then....."

[code:1:89540b4825]
To: Empress Aurora von Sachshausen, Empress of Lavenrunz etc. etc.
From: Sheeana Jones, Foreign Minister of the Gothic Underworld of Atros

The King Vampire Louis the First has authorized me to inform you that he does not approve of Lavenrunz laying claim to Antarctica. International treaties have stated that Antarctica should remain a free land for all nations, and Atros would like it to remain that way. We recognize that a great nation like Lavenrunz may not deign to notice a small nation like Atros, but other nations have a stake in Antarctica, and they will protest against your claim, only to your detriment. We hope Your Majesty will reconsider this venture.

Yours Sincerely,
Sheeana Jones
Foreign Minister of Atros[/code:1:89540b4825]

OOC:

Rora, did you check it out with North-West Antarctica? You know, that Sisgardian nation that has most of his population in what his name says? :?

---

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has decided to take an official position on the present situation.

It has come to my recent attention that the Teutonic Empire of Lavenrunz has laid claim to Antarctica, a continent that has been protected by international treaties for the past century. While it does concern my government that Lavenrunz has taken the said course of action, it is definately nothing to fret over.

I can see the legitimacy to your claims, and my government will most likely recognize Antarctica as the sovereign territory of Lavenrunz. However, as a KIST signatory, I must inquire whether your nation will allow us to continue whatever operations, economic of course, we currently have in Antarctica. Perhaps as new trade partners may we reach a desirable agreement.

Lastly, I must urge you to protect all natural wildlife in Antarctica. Natural habitats such as Antarctica are very fragile, where it is not known how to combat human expansionism. We beg that you may pass a law that will ensure the protection and survival of all wildlife in Antarctica, notably penguins.

Very sincerely,

Nathan Korvana
Minister of Foreign Affairs

Categorically, SeOCC refuses to recognize any one nation's claims to Antarctica, much less on the basis of ancient explorers' supposed claims. The supposed good intentions aside, a sudden and unprovoked land grab is hardly the proper method for those 'committed to protecting these resources and the seas around them.'

If the Empress wishes to protect the environment there is a General Assembly set up to do just that, and as Lavenrunz is a UN member, we call upon their government to recognize international law and rescind their unsupported claims to Antarctica.

MoP Frontdesk

OOC:

Rora, did you check it out with North-West Antarctica? You know, that Sisgardian nation that has most of his population in what his name says? :?Also Southantarctica :lol:

The Brotherhood of Nod’s claim is recognized; it would be pleasing to have a conference with the Brotherhood’s officials responsible for the area to determine exact boundaries, overflights and the like. Moreover, mutual safety of air and seas should be confirmed due to the violent nature of the region.


Aurora paused. “You know...half these people can’t be bothered to address me via a head of state. The ones who can’t, well...crap on them. You answer this one from Cirdanistan.”


To the Government of Cirdanistan

With regret, we must convey that according to the discovery of the continent by Captain Petr von Thessmar in 1549 the entire continent, with exceptions to certain territories not disputed later owned by other nations, belongs to the Empire of Lavenrunz.
With warmest regards
Baron Ehrfurt, Equerry to Empress Aurora von Sachshausen



To his Excellency Nathan Korvana
Minister of Foreign Affairs

The Empire of Lavenrunz, as a member of KIST, will fully acknowledge economic and research involvement by other member states, though the details will be worked out within that body. It is not our intention to simply lock out interests in the continent.
As to protecting the environment, we are setting up a Ministry of Antarctica for that purpose.

respectfully
Karl von Effner
Foreign Minister



To the Ministry of Politics, SeOCC

The Empire of Lavenrunz would have backed up international treaties if that was the best move possible. However, I have to honestly admit that I didn't think of that at the time. Furthemore, backing up international treaties has in the experience of this country not always been the wisest or best way to do things. If possible, could you please send me a more detailed scheme that I may consider?

warmest regards
Aurora von Sachshausen
Empress of Lavenrunz


The fleet had arrived at the Filchner Ice Shelf. Although it was spring, still the air was fierce, and large chunks of ice majestically strolled past the warships. Aurora could see white clad personnel of the 1st Antarctic Corps forming up on hovercraft to land, while helicopters began to move inland to the base established there. It was only a normal sized one, with about 2400 personnel, and snow tractors were still at work building more landing strips. She felt an excitement. They had arrived, and the great work could begin.

---

OOC:

Rora, did you check it out with North-West Antarctica? You know, that Sisgardian nation that has most of his population in what his name says? :?Also Southantarctica :lol:
OOC: These places cannot exist. "North" Antarctica would be a ring-shaped plot of land on the coastal area, while "south" Antarctica would be the area close to the true pole. It is impossible to define an area that would be "east" or "west" Antarctica.

[quote]
To the Ministry of Politics, SeOCC

The Empire of Lavenrunz would have backed up international treaties if that was the best move possible. However, I have to honestly admit that I didn't think of that at the time. <snip>

warmest regards
Aurora von Sachshausen
Empress of Lavenrunz

OOC:

LOL. :lol:

TSMIT Broadcaster
Encryption: Triumvirate Standard
Broadcast type: Diplomatic / Military
To: Empress Aurora von Sachshausen
Return transmission band: Open
IDENT: Devon Treznor - Treznor

Congratulations on your claims for Antartica. Much like Seward's Folly for the United States, I'm sure it'll eventually pay out to be a very valuable piece of land. For the moment, however, many nations in the international community have their own interests in the land. For my part I support your bid, but I urge temperance in dealing with complaints. I have faith that you have the vision to turn a wasteland into an asset, so long as you use a delicate touch. I stand ready to support you as needed. Good luck!

http://www.pwfc.org/images/gallery/smtorso3.jpg
Devon Treznor
Emperor
<end transmission>

((OOC: For the public record: I'm assuming that, as the Lavenrunz player told me, I got a letter too with similar reassurances as Lietuveska got, given that both Lietuveska and moi are part of KIST. I'm also looking forward to the promised thread on how to deal with economic issues that may arise.))

((EDIT: Oh, yeah, and of course we care deelply about the environment and the penguins too. I like penguins.))

OOC:

Rora, did you check it out with North-West Antarctica? You know, that Sisgardian nation that has most of his population in what his name says? :?Also Southantarctica :lol:
OOC: These places cannot exist. "North" Antarctica would be a ring-shaped plot of land on the coastal area, while "south" Antarctica would be the area close to the true pole. It is impossible to define an area that would be "east" or "west" Antarctica.

OOC: Tell that to a rather huge Sisgardian nation :wink:

If any of the wildlife of Antartica is harmed, UnHoly Rage will unleash its massive army and reclaim the land for nature.

I will support Unholy Rage. My army will devastate those who oppose us. Joining the military in my nation is compulsory, giving me a deadly army of 1.85 billion.

Official Allanean Government Communique

We fully recognise the Lavenrunz governments claims. However, the following questions must be asked:

1.Will Allanean be allowed to come and hunt those penguins that are not endangered?

2. What is the tax status of the area? Any good for Allanean investors?

3.What is the projected value of an acre of land?

FROM: Elysia, New ArAreBee, Mars.
TO: Lavenrunz, Earth.

SENDER: Vandir Chaug'nir
TO: Aurora von Sachshausen

"Ahem. Empress, while we have not communicated much with your nation before, however we must insist that you change this course of action."

"Most of our complaints come from your demands, which we find quite unsatisfactory."

1. All foreign groups and/or international research bodies must recognize this claim or depart the continent.

This really isn't much of a choice here. As an empire, I'm sure you know this is blatant imperialism, so I won't bother explaining that. So I'll take this opportunity to dispute your claims. You say that your explorer discovered it first, and therefore you have the right to kick out the current inhabitants.

To that, I say, since our local aliens, the ArAreBeens, were exploring Earth 70 Million years ago, we therefore claim Lavenrunz and kick out and/or force the current inhabitants under our dominion. But wait, we can't do that, because it isn't morally correct at all. This is rather extreme, but you get the point.

2. No military installations but those of Lavenrunz and her allies will be allowed to remain.

The above applies here.

3. The waters and airspace within 200 miles of the continent are to be entirely vacated within two days' time.

According to my Earth Geography, this would mean you claim some of the territorial waters and airspace of current Nationstates and islands? This also blocks off some of the water routes below South Africa and Argentina. Do you intend to impose tariffs on such ships?

4. Those nations in alliance with Lavenrunz will have normal access to ports and other facilities. Further economic/political matters to be discussed in allied councils only.

"I may be interpreting this wrong but, are planning to enforce you export/import laws on current bases/strategic ports? If so, see the first example."

"Also, out of curiosity, we would like to know what Lavenrunz plans for the seventh continent. Out of curiosity of course. This message was meant to be sent in a pleasant tone. Just to remind you if a translation error or corruption occurs during the process."

This message brought to you buy Frank's Discount Communications. From Laserlinks, to telegraphs, Frank makes sure your stockholders don't laugh!

You hunt those penguins and you will feel the wrath of Unholy Rage and of Conrado. :twisted:

Diplomatic communication
To: Laverunz diplomatic channel
From: Sketchian DiploCorps
Re: Antarctic claims
Msg:
The Holy Order of Sketch refuses to acknowledge the Antarctic claims made by the Teutonic Empire of Lavenrunz. By virtue of being a UN member nation, Laverunz is bound by the dictates of the UN. As clearly stated within the UN bylaws, the Antarctic may not be claimed by any nation and is open for international use. Therefore, all such claims pertaining to ownership of said lands are be null and void. However, due to lack of Sketchian influence within the body of the UN, and the lack of any interest whatsoever in Antarctic claims, Sketch will take no personal action on the matter.

What Sketch will address is the ludirous territorial waters claim made by the nation of Laverunz. The Holy Order of Sketch has always acknowledged territorial water claims of up to 20 miles off the coast of any nation, and sees no reason to change this policey. Any attempts to impose upon the free movement of Sketchian interests outside this 20 mile will be met with all due force. Furthermore, attempts to remove any allies from the continent will be similarily met with all due force.

3. The waters and airspace within 200 miles of the continent are to be entirely vacated within two days' time.


Though I'm not against this one bit. Only term 3 bothers me. A two hundred mile area is litteraly overkill. By doing so you'd be cutting off several outposts on remote islands and the man made ones. We are willing to fallow all but this term. Only up to a 20-22 mile area we find to be more appropriate.

Wesley Coil
~Empire of Phalanix's Ministry of Forign Affaires

Ahem, as Taraskovka correctly noted, the nation of North-West Antarctica is an independant, sovereign nation residing partially within Sisgardia, and mostly made up by about 40% of the Antarctican continent. We know of at least one other nation (North East Antarctica) residing on the continent, and we are quite sure that they are equally interested in your so-called claim to our land. We have resided on the continent for quite a while, and have no intention of leaving now. As such, we wish to respectfully decline all of your requests as to a claim to the continent. If you wish to dispute our possession of Antarctican lands militarily, we would call in the full involvement of our allies to protect North-West Antarctica.

Whattever you take of Antarctica outside NWA is fully up to you, we have no right to dispute it. We do, however, suggest you talk a bit with North East Antarctica (http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/49472/page=display_nation/nation=north_east_antarctica) first as to resolve any territorial disputes before anyone has to get angry.

Have a nice day. :)

--
Jet Black LXXXI, Minister of Foreign Affairs

Please do not enter the areas claimed by Nianacio.
OOC: I don't really have much there; it's mostly a useless claim.
Joining the military in my nation is compulsory, giving me a deadly army of 1.85 billion.It does not work that way.

3 days ago

Louis: It is as i guessed. Lavenrunz, being the great nation they are, has not deigned to recognize the protests of Atros.
Sheeana: But there is one other thing. Not only has Lavenrunz refused to listen to other great nations, there are those who support the Empress in her venture.
PM Tyler: This cannot do. The UN clearly states that Antarctica should remain a free land, unclaimed by any, and free for all.
Louis: That is correct. Tyler, this is the Seal of the Royalty of Atros. [gives Prime Minister Tyler the Seal] On my part, go to the UN HQ at Geneva, and put your stand across to the delegates of the United Nations. Lavenrunz must abide by international law. If she doesn't, other nations will follow suit, and then dark days will befall us all.
Tyler: Exactly my thoughts, Sire.
Louis: Well, what are you waiting for? We have no time to lose! Task a diplomatic SR-72 to yourself if you want, just do it as soon as possible!

Today, at the UN Palace of Nations
And from the Gothic Underworld of Atros, we have Prime Minister Tyler, speaking on behalf of the King Vampire Louis the First, head of state of Atros. Today, he shall give a speech on the claims of the Empire of Lavenrunz on the free continent of Antarctica.

Tyler: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen, fellow delegates, and my fellow men. The King Vampire Louis the First would have been here in my place, if not for circumstances prohibiting him to be here, and therefore i must deliver his speech in his place.

A few days ago, the Empire of Lavenrunz laid claim to the free continent of Antarctica. The laws of the UN strictly prohibit any sovereign nation laying any claim on Antarctica, and all nations have observed this law......until now. Therefore, it is with deep regret that i proclaim, that Lavenrunz has not even deigned to give her friends respect! Lavenrunz has, without so much as a by-your-leave, has unlawfully entered a land which is to remain free, and turned her nose up against international public opinion! The UN, if it is to remain relevant, must call upon Lavenrunz to observe the laws she has so wilfully broken, or otherwise impose economic sanctions against her. It is international law, my friends, and law means law, a set of protocol to which all signatories MUST abide by, and the claims of ancient times cannot apply.

Therefore, on behalf on the King Vampire Louis the First of Atros, I call upon the great Empire of Lavenrunz to renounce her claims to Antarctica, and to observe the international laws set down by our forefathers at the conclusion of World War II. Until then, The Constitutional Monarchy of the Gothic Underworld of Atros will cease all current economic activity with Lavenrunz, effective today. We beseech the UN to do the same, as and when Lavenrunz renounces her claim.

To Her Majesty the Empress Aurora von Sachshausen of Lavenrunz, the King Vampire Louis assures you that he would rather maintain at least cordial relationships with Lavenrunz, and he hopes this episode will not mean that things take a turn for the worse.

With that, i end my speech. Good day.

OOC: I hope i did that right :)

Having received the reply concerning the penguins the Director nods his head, and prepares another message to the Empress.


We feel that, like,

leaves in the autumn,

your claim,

shall soon die,

Not before turning a nice shade of yellow, however.

We are glad,

That you thought of the penguins.

May the cooler be with you,
The Director


He then sends it, along with a copy of relevant treaties re: Antarctica.

[OOC- I'll do a real responce later, but...

[tongue in cheek pendantry]Having quickly looked over the list of binding UN proposals in the game, I see nothing about Antarctica... I know the Real World UN has such regulations, but... well... I thought Lavenrunz was bound only by the NS UN...[/tongue in cheek pedantry] ]

[OOC- I'll do a real responce later, but...

[tongue in cheek pendantry]Having quickly looked over the list of binding UN proposals in the game, I see nothing about Antarctica... I know the Real World UN has such regulations, but... well... I thought Lavenrunz was bound only by the NS UN...[/tongue in cheek pedantry] ]

OOC: I'd say the existance of several sovergine nations within the lands she's trying to claim are somewhat more relivent.

Oh, and TAG

I'd just like to note that I spit upon your claim on Antarctica, as it is a territory my horde has inhabited for a millenia. Try to remove us from our rightful homeland and your people will suffer in ways you could not even begin to imagine. We eagerly await your arrival. Please do the best you can to layden your people with as much gold and weaponry as you can. Good loot makes our warriors very happy.

Violator

http://membres.lycos.fr/egsweb/e_gs_images/jeux/warcraft/120x140_image08.jpg

OOC: Please check your maps people. 200 miles is the normal limit for nations offshore, first of all. Otherwise no one can defend their coast properly. Second: Antarctica r/l is more than 500 miles OR kilometers from the closet major body of land, South America.
Also, I think that 200m off your own coastline is standard, and reasonable. Think about it, how else would you defend your coastline? Because technically someone could sit in international waters and fire missiles into your country.
http://encyclopedia.thefreedictionary.com/territorial%20waters
(courtesy of TMG Hack)

To Vandir Chaug'nir

The points you make are most significant, and I urge you to consider however that Lavenrunz has never stonewalled or avoided diplomacy. The major complaint is the one about the regional limit, which we find is not necessarily pertinent. However, we are willing to be reasonable about it where people claim territory in Antarctica itself.
This is a vast, rich and yet rather desolate land, near our own country, which we have avoided actually involving ourselves with. No longer. Whatever happens, Lavenrunz is involved and will remain so. The precise nature of that involvement is all that we are prepared to negotiate.

with warmest regards
Aurora von Sachshausen
Empress of Lavenrunz


The South Pole

Snow tractors made a white storm of activity. Vivid bright red planes were being re-coated with a special defrosting agent, while in the distance a line of Mountain Infantry on skis being towed by BV-206s moved off on a recon patrol. The area was dotted with old quonset huts, capriciously appointed wooden buildings of older explorers, and the buildings constructed and being constructed by the Empire. Empress Aurora’s arrival was greeted by cheers of personnel present. Thirty Camelias shivered resentfully and crouched near her feet.
She smiled and lifted her hands with joy as the Imperial Flag was raised, and God Save the Empress was played—though it was a recording, to avoid freezing the lips of a band to their instruments.



To The Government of Allanea

1. It is entirely possible that wildlife hunts of non-endangered species may be organized.
2. Tax status will be that of Lavenrunz itself, though Lavenrunz’ involvement with the WBO and KIST will predominate trade.
3. Land values have yet to be established. At present all land not claimed and recognized as belonging to other nations belongs to the Throne.


Aurora sighed as she felt warmth again, in the new Government Headquarters at the South Pole. She looked over the letter from Atros again. "Vampires. Why are there always vampires? Are these creatures actually represented in the UN?"
Karl von Effner studied a model of a whaler that was on the mantle near the fireplace. "Apparently so, Majesty. But I have an answer worked out for Your Majesty's approval."


To the Foreign Ministry
Gothic Underworld Kingdom of Atros

We regret to say that your earlier message arrived late, and apologize for what may have appeared to be our ignoring your questions on the part of your King.
The Empire of Lavenrunz' claim is strongly felt, and we advise that you go to the International Mediation Council to discuss the matter, which is made up of both UN and non-UN members.

with greatest respect
Karl von Effner
Foreign Minister




Press Release on the part of the Empress:

The Empire of Lavenrunz has claimed Antarctica. Thus far, some nations have claimed territory on the continent although none have opposed the landing of troops of the First Antarctic Corps.
Discussions with Sisgardian nations also claiming territory will be discussed. Their claims of large sections of territory are not entirely agreed with and will be met accordingly but with courtesy and amiability.
Thus far, direct and plainly stated claims, such as that of the Brotherhood of Nod, are respected and understood.
Currently, the Belinghausen Sea is being occupied by the Second Imperial Fleet, which is patrolling for security reasons.
Other concerns we urge to be taken up with the International Mediation Council.

Baroness Toll
Imperial Press Secretary

[OOC: 12 miles is the standard internationally-agreed limit on territorial waters (as indeed Hack's link actually says); some nations claim 200nm but even the US can't enforce that, it's a huge ammount of sea which would take to much effort to lock down tightly; they drag out their claim when it comes to industrial fishing and the gulf of mexico petrol, and that's about all. Heck, even during the late Cold War they had to acknowledge it was bullshit because it was easyer to conveniently "forget" about the 200-mile claim than to stop the Akula IIs and Victor IIIs from sneaking into such a large body of water; and re:firing missiles from international waters, that dosn't change a thing. Firing missiles is firing missiles, wherever you are (plus, cruise missiles can be fired outside of a 200 mile limit anyway).
In conclusion, i'm sorry but 200 mile territorial waters is:
a) ridiculous
b) unenforceable (try calculating the area you'd have to watch over :wink: )
c) unjustifiable
no offence meant, but claiming that much is just stupid.

200 miles of economic exclusion zone might be a more reasonable, however (though isn't it 100 miles IRL? i'm not sure, LOS's not really my field of expertise.
IC post to come later. ]

OOC: Frankly, I find all this rather nit-picking. I really couldn't give a flying fuck about what the limit is. I chose an arbitrary number. It's open to negotiation. If people try to bully me about it or want to make a big deal about it, they are welcome to.

[OOC: yes it is nit-picking. I confess. I am a nit-picker and cannot resist the temptation, and yes you're perfectly entitled to pick arbitrary limits IC. However, since you stated something OOC, i could not resist the nit-pickiness inside me.]

Elisa read the responce and smiled, having enjoyed her trip to Lavenrunz, if not all the company, when the UNMC was founded. She sent the Empress' comments up to President Solis, and was delighted by his responce. She quickly wrote a reply to Aurora.


Empress Aurora,

Thank you for your kind words. I confess that I accepted my promotion with a bit of reluctance, as I quite enjoyed myself in your country, talking steaks and SeOOC thugs not withstanding. I have some vacation time coming up, so I might see about a visit.

Also, I'm pleased to attach a brief note from the President.

Yours,

Elisa.

Empress Aurora von Sachshausen,

Ms. Day brought to my attention your desires for a personal note, and I feel that it would be appropriate for me to apologise for such an oversight.

Allow me to extend my best wishes for you and your claim of Antarctica. I would also like to reaffirm my nation's view that the claimed laid by you is wholly and completely legal, and perfectly within your nation's sovereign rights. I am also pleased that you are responding with far more restraint, tact, and grace than many of the nations disputing your claim, especially those representing the terrorist organization C.A.C.E.

Should you require anything of me, Ms. Day, or my nation, feel free to request, as we are more than willing to help friends, allies, and fellow Non-Democratic Alliance nations.

Cordially,

President Victor Solis

[OOC Note for Cirdanistan: Click the link dude, EEZ is 200 nm. Furthermore, many nations on NS claim 200nm territorial waters. Like me.]

i am willing to send my militia of 30 million and well-trained army of 2 million to anyone wishing to give me money!

[OOC: ok, didn't read the link in full, EEZ is 200, you're right...
200nm is really unenforceable for territorial waters, of course, especially in these days of submarines, besides being ridiculous and not very sueful, but if NS nations want to claim, let them claim. All sorts of ridiculous things happen in IRL to. Tensions just add spice to the game :) ]

To the Foreign Ministry
Gothic Underworld Kingdom of Atros

We regret to say that your earlier message arrived late, and apologize for what may have appeared to be our ignoring your questions on the part of your King.
The Empire of Lavenrunz' claim is strongly felt, and we advise that you go to the International Mediation Council to discuss the matter, which is made up of both UN and non-UN members.

with greatest respect
Karl von Effner
Foreign Minister


In the South Pole

Unknown to the security forces of Lavenrunz, an Atrosian SR-72 spy plane was in the area, taking photographs of the proceedings. Having gathered all neccessary information, the SR-72 proceeded to turn back to load its pictures to the Atrosian Military HQ, also known as the Pyramid, and a much-needed defrosting.......

Later......

Looking at the pictures, Louis sighed.

Louis: They have even built an entire building on Antarctica without anyone knowing. Looks like they are serious. I knew we should have claimed a research outpost before something like this happened.

Grabowski: As you can see, Sire, they have military facilities and forces stationed.....
Louis: Indeed i can see, Mirko. Thank you for pointing that out. Now, next thing is.....what do we do?

At this moment, Foreign Minister Jones arrives with a letter

Jones: Sire, a return note from Lavenrunz.
Louis: Indeed? Well i would've thought they wouldn't care about Jason's (Tyler) speech....let's see now.

He reads the letter

Hmmm........what can this mean?

Jones: One of two things, Sire.
Louis: Very well, name them.
Jones: One, the Empress may very well be listening to public opinion, and wants to use the chance to put across her reasons. Two, this could be just a delaying tactic.
Louis: A delaying tactic.......well, that's quite common.........
Jones: What do i do, Sire?
Louis: Hmmm.....recall Jason. Send a delegate to the IMC, as Lavenrunz suggests. Let's wait a few nights. If Lil' Miss Empress Aurora here doesn't do anything for these few nights, we make our next move.
Jones: Upon your orders, Sire.

Official Allanean Government Communique

We fully recognise the Lavenrunz governments claims. However, the following questions must be asked:

1.Will Allanean be allowed to come and hunt those penguins that are not endangered?

2. What is the tax status of the area? Any good for Allanean investors?

3.What is the projected value of an acre of land?

The Brotherhood of Nod’s claim is recognized; it would be pleasing to have a conference with the Brotherhood’s officials responsible for the area to determine exact boundaries, overflights and the like. Moreover, mutual safety of air and seas should be confirmed due to the violent nature of the region.


The Brotherhood agrees to further define the boundaries of our Antarctican territories. Non-military mutual protection against natural hazards within the Antarctican area also has the Brotherhood's interest. We would be delighted to recieve a representative of the Lavenrunzian government to the Brotherhood's Temple in Cairo to further discuss the matter.

OOC: Menelmacar claims and enforces a 200-mile territorial sea limit on all external coasts and claims all internal waters as its own. (Menelmacar is, primarily, an archipelago). I know several other nations have similar policies. Tahar Joblis claims a 500-mile limit, though I continue to dispute their ability to enforce it. I should note to Cirdanistan and others who are thinking of testing the Teutonic Empire's resolve that Menelmacar stands by her allies, and intends to take the Empress Aurora up on her offer to allies of Lavenrunz. Thusly, I'll take great glee in seizing or, if necessary, sinking any Cirdanistani ships that I happen to spot wandering into that zone (provided that's cool with Laverunz, of course.) ;)

Oh, and Lavenrunz, darling, do check your TG's. \^_^/

~Siri

OOC: We expect your responce.

OOC: We expect your responce.

OOC: If you looked in Lavenrunz's large post, you will see that they have addressed your nation's questions. :?

To The Government of Allanea

1. It is entirely possible that wildlife hunts of non-endangered species may be organized.
2. Tax status will be that of Lavenrunz itself, though Lavenrunz’ involvement with the WBO and KIST will predominate trade.
3. Land values have yet to be established. At present all land not claimed and recognized as belonging to other nations belongs to the Throne.

*tag*

OOC: Sorry

Official Allanean Government Statement

1. In that case, would you allow an expedition of six Allanean Nationlal Rifle Association Board Members into the territory, who wish to "explore the possibility of sporting hunting of non-protected penguins"

2. At what price will it be possible to purchase land for an Allanean Consulate in the Antarctic?

Aboard the Edenbar station, "Wasn't Aurora the one who snubbed our invitation without even a responce?" The other TMI officer nodded,

"Yup"
"Should we inform the Empress?"
"Why not?"
"It bothers me, when Thelas tries to seize territory we get invasion threats, when Lavenrunz does it, they get pats on the back"
"I know, I know"



To: Empress Aurora

It was unfortunate that you were unable to attend the Spring Ball, although I guess that Thelas and Lavenrunz have not have a stellar relationship.

As a fellow national leader I can imagine that you wish to expand territory, as Thelas no longer has any interests in earth, we do not care what your actions are, but, as Thelas and Lavenrunz are both part of the KIST, we would like to ask if it is possible to keep our research base in Antarctica.

If you need any aid what-so-ever do not hessitate to ask.

~Empress Ithenril nos Galadriel

1. Menelmacar, you'd take great glee in sinking ships? Sounds kinda sadastic to me.
2. Lavrunz, what about fierce local resistance? There's nothing like an angry penguin. :)

To: Empress Aurora

Your Imperial Majesty,

It is with some concern that I note of your declaration that the Teutonic Empire of Lavenrunz has annexed the continual landmass Antarctica.

Like many nations of the world Celdonia has enjoyed access to the continent for research purposes and is loath to relinquish such rights. Nor are we in any position to proclaim recognition of any other nation's rights to claim Antarctica as sovereign territories. I am therefore somewhat concerned.

I am further concerned that your ally Menelmacar, appears to be threatening to escalate whatever disagreement exists on this matter between yourselves and those nations who object, into a "hot" incident by threatening to sink ships that intrude upon your declared territorial waters. I need not point out that the fact that the threatened nation is a close ally of Celdonia.

Empress, clearly you have concerns for the future of Antarctica and, whilst I may not agree with your chosen method of protecting the continent, I would urge you to explore alternative, less confrontational, methods of achieving your aims.

I truly hope this matter will not escalate into an unbearable situation.

With warmest regards,

President Tony Clinton.

{Tag; For Intelligence Purposes}

OOC: Celdonia, note that the post of El Grande Elfy was entirely OOC. Since she never posts, it doesn't matter anyway.

OOC: Celdonia, note that the post of El Grande Elfy was entirely OOC. Since she never posts, it doesn't matter anyway.

OOC: Well, I thought it was an OOC post that sort of slipped into IC but if not then ignore the paragraph about it.

OOC:

Rora, did you check it out with North-West Antarctica? You know, that Sisgardian nation that has most of his population in what his name says? :?Also Southantarctica :lol:
OOC: These places cannot exist. "North" Antarctica would be a ring-shaped plot of land on the coastal area, while "south" Antarctica would be the area close to the true pole. It is impossible to define an area that would be "east" or "west" Antarctica.

It's quite simple. North-West Antarctica's borders are a fairly thick roughly crescent shaped territory in Antarctica. The West refers to the fact that NWA was founded in the western hemisphere on Antarctica. The Prime Meridian and International Date Line more or less cut Antarctica into two pieces, NWA was founded on the left or Western piece, and expanded around the south pole, keeping mainly to the northern regions of the continent. While only about half our population resides actually on Antarctica, it makes up the large majority of our land possessions. We would appreciate recognition from Lavenrunz that we exist, and we don't particularly want foreign soldiers breathing down our backs anytime soon.

For reference, here's a map of NWA's territory:
http://home.comcast.net/~ktwilson9999/antarctica.gif

Matich will recognize Lavenrunz's claim to Antarctica if we are allowed to keep control over South George Island and we are allowed to have a base on the continent.

a fairy tale. once upon a time, the evil land of Ziotah declared its annexation of Greenland. but Greenland was already occupied by the Inuit Free State of Kalaallit Nunaat. and so the Kalaallit Nunaat Liberation Army was formed under the leadership of General Susan Aglukark, to fight for the freedom of our beloved land. okay it wasnt such a pretty land to pale-skinned Qanullit, but to us it was home. and you know what? we won. isnt it only right that we now extend the hand of friendship to the free land of northwest antarctica? And so we do: Kalaallit Nunaat recognizes the sovereignty of NWA and will stand with you against any threats to your land by the cackling empress. from the land of the aurora borealis, we salute our polar comrades.

Empress Aurora;

While the Dominion cannot condone the actions of your state in attempting to unilatterily claim antartica and has thusfar refussed offical comment, I feel on a personal level that I must warn you that several Kanuckistani corperations are known to operate facilities within antartica, the largest amoung them being Uniphase Armouries Interversal, a major defence contractor, with atleast five thousand personell in antartica, likly more; the rest are relativly unimportant, tho likly armed and stuborn to some degree.

While I have been unable to discern the location of the antartic facility, I have discovered that it is, as I have come to expect from UAI, heavily armed, and that they are preparing to resist with lethal force should you attempt to remove them.

I have to strongly urge that you ignore them, so long as they keep to themselves; they are extreamly dangerous when provoked, and life is far too precious a thing to be spent on any but issues most dire.

Signed;
Bob McBob, Minister,
Department of the Exterrior,
Kanuckistan

OOC:
Mostly underground facility which resupplys via shadowfield cloaked transport to and from orbit; it's a verritible fortress, but passive cammo and IR-stealthing lends it extreamly low visibility(well, atleast unless you're looking for it, which I imagine you will be now). I'm not particularly fussy about where it's located as I don't know much about antartic geography, so long as it's on rock and not ice; feel free to pick a convient location for it if you choose not to ignore it.

OOC: Sorry guys, was doing my civic duty yesterday and greasing the wheels of democracy. I'll catch-up in a bit and rejoin, as it were.

ooc: I wonder if anyone here claiming to have assets in antarctica can back up the claim with, say, links to relevant threads were they were constructed or at least mentioned... Before this thread was started...

With the exception of nations that have antarctica as necessary background (NWA, NEA), that is.

ic:

The Deceiver

Climax in the antarctic?

And as the (so far verbal) conflict continues, Lavenrunz seems to basically ignore the opinion of significant parts of the world while going through the occupation of the antarctic.

Not only that, but according to the most recent news, Lavenrunzian ships, military vessels, have been seen in the Bellingshausen Sea, openly threatening North- West Antarctica, which occupies the coastal area bordering the Bellingshausen Sea.

According to sources in the three councils, the possible move of SFN- forces to protect NWA citizens in antarctica is discussed and 'may happen anytime'.

More on page 3, 'Teutonic Genocide in the antarctic?'

[ooc: taggishness. Oh, and yes, I did check the maps.]

ooc: I wonder if anyone here claiming to have assets in antarctica can back up the claim with, say, links to relevant threads were they were constructed or at least mentioned... Before this thread was started...

With the exception of nations that have antarctica as necessary background (NWA, NEA), that is.



OOC:
Nope, but that's mainly because I've been trying to move UAI from national background material to independent RP material as of late.

While the Protectorate Bodies of the Territory of the Nomadic Peoples of Ish-mael firmly decry the seizure of Antartica by The Teutonic Empire of Lavenrunz, we do applaud the (totally unsubstantiated) rumor that Empress Aurora von Sachshausen intends to allow gay marriage within the claimed territories. the PBTNPI is less sure what to make of their alleged plans to put Ronald Reagan on the 10 Lavenrunzian Mark bill.

Since the PBTNPI has no official intelligence gathering agencies, we are depending on what someone heard from someone, who heard it from their cousin at the market today.

(In an undisclosed location inside the Order)

"General, I have an urgent report from Admiral Naismith!" The secretary officer hadn't even bothered with normal courtesies and just burst into General Vance R. Kaerion's inner office. SSG. Eppen was always a real stickler for proper proticols, so the message in hand must have even overridden that.

The Sergeant laid the report on the General's desk and stepped back, snapping to an almost inspection-perfect parade rest. Kaerion waved his hand and picked up the hardcopy sheet. "Take a seat, Mr. Eppen. I'll have a dispatch for you in a moment."

Kaerion's eyes scanned down the page, and his complexion grew darker as he reached the bottom. He skipped back to the beginning and read through another time before laying the paper with a hiss of exhaling breath. "While we've always stood behind Lavenrunz in the past, this time, it appears they've just suffered a massive stroke and have gone crazy. No doubt you've brought some background for me?"

"Uh, yes sir." Eppen said, pulling out his PDA. "It seems they're moving to take over Antarctica in its entirety, although we're not sure as to why yet--S2, just like the rest of the Kestrels, are still setting up shop and haven't gotten through all background on this affair. What S2 WAS able to tell us is that Admiral Naismith is correct--the 43rd SeARMOR Battallion was operating out of Base NOMAD. D Co. of the 482nd Engineer Battallion is also there, working on the TMRP."

Kaerion rubbed the side of his face and closed his eyes. "I don't need this happening right away like this...And especially not the TMRP. We can't lose Base NOMAD...is there any way we can pass it off as being nothing more than a research facility without revealing too much of what we're up to?"

"No sir, unless you think they'd not notice the Salamanders patrolling the ocean around the entry, as well as the guards inside the Surface Entry. And if they wanted to inspect, got past all that without noticing, they'd certianly notice the big hole in the map we'd have to give them that wouldnt show the Launch Bays for the SeARMOR and Cargo Subs."

"No would have been sufficient, Mr. Eppen. But I see your point. What do the Enginneers have to say about the project?"

Eppen shifted uncomfortably as he pulled up the next bit of information on his PDA. "They say, sir, that they really would prefer being closer to the magnetic pole-the TMRP seems to definately have a reaction to the magnetic field polarity there. If we are forced to evacuate them...well...The TMRP is lost."

"One thing after another, always trying to destroy this. We can't afford this setback. Tell Admiral Naismith to take the Fleet to two-fifty miles offshore and be ready to move in to recover Base NOMAD if the operation is discovered or is real close to it. Tell him he's also authorized to send a Spec Ops unit to keep watch and gather intelligence...and to make sure they've got a way out of there ASAP. Dismissed, Sergeant."

Eppen stood up and nodded to the General before slipping back out to the outer office to compose the order. General Kaerion watched his back leave the room and the door close before letting out his breath. Chaos, it seems, was always supposed to follow him and his Kestrels.
************

"Admiral?"

Admiral Naismith paced the command center of the Kestrel Navy Ship (KNS) Onos, aggrivated. "Bring the Fleet up to two-zero-one miles from the shore. We will not be cowed by them, no matter where we might have stood with them in the past."

"But Admiral! What about the order from the General?"

"Petty Officer Montenez, when I believe I need your imput on following orders, I'll ask you, but in the meantime, you will relay my order, and the Fleet WILL move to where I direct it. Also, you will direct the Black Suits to an immediate launch. They are to go ashore snoop around, and give me some bloody intelligence!"

"Aye-Aye, Admiral!"


((The Order returns, preparing to create havoc once more! The Mods -might- give me the OLD Order back, which'll be real nice, as I'll have the pop and economy to support the claims I've just and will be making....))

http://img69.photobucket.com/albums/v210/Spaar/Nationstates/inn.jpg
Imperial News Network
Hail the Führer, Long Live the Empire!

State Press release

The camera clicks on to the image of the Iraqstani flag and in the bottom right hand corner the image of the Iraqstani Guard sits regaly, the eagle with wings outstretched clutching a swastika in it's talons. Cameras flash like a lightning storm as Carlos walks to the microphone and the two generals flank him on either side.

Clearing his throat Carlos begins to speak. "Pure and enlightened peoples of Iraqstan, allies and enemies alike. Of late there has been much protesting to the claiming of antartica by the Teutonic Empire of Lavenrunz and it is now time for the National Socialist Union of Iraqstan to voice it's support of the claims made by our sovreign allies.

Her majesty Empress Aurora of Lavenrunz made a bold and honourable move in claiming Antatartica as part of her teutonic empire, and such has shown resolve to protect and defend such a pristine and beautiful land from rape and pillaging by the unenlightened masses. Threats of force whilst veiled in flattery and respect have as usual been put forward and now in defense of our righteous allies Iraqstan pledges her support to the Teutonic Empire. Furthermore we do hence forth recognise Antartica as being a sovreign state of Lavenrunz and warns all that an attack against sovreign soils is an act of war that will be met with the full support of Iraqstan.

We extend to Aurora our honourable pledge to defend her lands from all hostile invaders and to continue to support and prosper along side our mutual friend and ally. An act of hostility against Lavenrunz will be considered an act of hostility against Iraqstan and we will defend our ally with all force nessecary to end the threat." Saluting the camera Carlos turns as his two generals snap to attention and follow him from the stage.

On the ground Public Security Service soldiers begin ushering the journalists out and the camera once more returns to the double flag image of Iraqstan and the Iraqstani Guard.

http://img69.photobucket.com/albums/v210/Spaar/Nationstates/inn.jpg
Imperial News Network
Hail the Führer, Long Live the Empire!

[OOC disclaimer: insulting behaviour by characters ICly may not, by any stretch of reason, be taken as representative of any OOC opinion by the player himself.
OOC precision: no-one with even a minimal ammount of erudition would ever think it is grammaticaly possible for "-istanis" to inhabit a nation named "-istan"; like all rules this one has it's (unique) exception, Pakistan, because the meaning of "Paki" would make it passably arrogant for people to refer to themselves by that term.]

Halls of the Revolution, New Grey Havens, Cirdanistan

Sigrid Andtern de-capsulated the bottle of Red Star Dark Ale with a quick twist of the wrist, then returned her attention to the matter at hand.

"So, basically, they just say 'Piss off, we've got a not-very-valid claim to an entire continent, and we're gonna enforce it wether you like it or not' in diplomatical language?"

Fouad Saluki smiled ever so slightly as he answered.

"It's a valid way of seeing things. Of course, we don't know how seriously they take that kind of claim-most people would consider they don't even have a valid claim to having discovered it, since I very much doubt their captain mapped the entire continent back in 1549. If he did so much as a map of a quarter of Antarctic coastlines, i'd be very surprised, and most certainly they have no map of the interior from that period."

The Chairwoman took a swig of ale and leant forward to pkace the bottle on the table. Fouad pudicly averted his eyes-Sigrid had nothing on above her rather short and rather tight tank top, possibly because Fouad's air-conditioning settings, although reasonable, were still high enough to make most ethnic Cirdanis uncomfortable; after all, if you went far enough North you could find places were notions of summer and winter were replaced by day and night without straying from Cirdani territory.

"So, their claim is total and utter bullshit?"

Although the corners of Fouad's mouth turned down in reprimand at the language, his eyes betrayed amusement.

"In Cirdani law, their claim is invalid. In international law, their claim is invalid. In gut-felt moral law, their claim is what you called it."

"I guess we'll have to do something about it, then. We don't want war, of course, but we sure as hell won't let ourselves be intimidated by the Teutomoronic Empire of the Lavvies. " She turned to a young woman in an unmarked People's Revolutionary Air Force uniform who had not spoken previously. "Ingrid, what is the status of our special forces units at present?"

Major Ingrid Feuersturm cleared her throat before replying.

"The RSR is scattered all over, but we could still muster up a squad or a platoon; however, there is an even better solution: the HrimUlfhednar [OOC: which litterally means "Wolfskin-clad warriors of Frost"]. They're currently bored to death in their base camp, the location of which we are theoretically unaware of". She winked. " To the point where some of the soldiers are reportedly ready to file applications to be transfered back to Red Storm. Their specialized training is more appropriate to the Antarctic anyway, since it can't be all that different from the local Pole, and their involvement is far, far easyer to deny-officially they're not even a ceremonial guard, they simply do not exist."

The Praesident of Military Affairs, realising she had mechanically sat at attention while delivering her recommendations, slumped back into her chair. Sigrid took another long swig of ale, and Fouad reflected on how bad she was at hiding the fact she was contemplating her options. The Chairwoman liked to make it seem her carefully thought-out decisions were in fact snap-choices. He realised with a start that she was unconsciously setting out the bases for a potential cult of the personnality, but he brushed his worries aside. She was above suspicion.

She placed the bottle back on his desk. He didn't approve of her habit of drinking alcohol from the bottle(he himself only drank rarely and even then with the utmost moderation), moreso even than her language, but she was a good friend and he agreed with her politically; given that no-one was perfect, she was a reasonable choice to lead the State, in his eyes, and he was glad the majority of the population agreed; he had heard of instances in which democracies had selected horrible leaders, and he was glad the Cirdani people had so far showed sufficient insight-or luck, he reminded himself-to avoid doing so. Sigrid's voice pulled him out of his reverie brutally, and he realised she'd finished outlining her plan. He quickly mastered his impulse to make a face.

"So, i leave the application up to you."

Ingrid's swift response spared Fouad the embarassment of having to ask Sigirid who she was talking to.

"It shall be done, Commander."

Ingrid was another good friend, but occcasionaly her military manners got on his nerves. As she rose from her chair and Sigrid started to follow her, he caught the later by the wrist and, as she turned an inquiring face at him, smiled shamefacedly. The Chairwoman understood instantly that he had, once again, wandered into his thoughts and forgotten the oustide world at the wrong moment, and, sighing in both annoyance and almost sisterly forgiveness at the same time, sat back down to explain the plan of action to him again. Ingrid halted in midstep and cocked an eyebrow at the two, then resumed her quasi-military march out the door, pulling it shut gently behind her.

"Now she'll think we're having an affair." Sigrid said, half in anger and half in amusement.

"I thought she suspected you of having a lesbian relationship with Aïcha?"

Sigrid laughed out loud. They both liked the (temporarily ex-)Major, but her conception of human relations was somewhat off-kilter.

CACESA Launch Base, Somewhere In Celdonia

While the CACESA program was held up in red tape, the bases were being put to good use by the Celdonians and their Northerm neighbours- a statement eloquently demonstrated by the blast-off of a Cirdani Bifröst II launcher rocket. As it rose through the atmosphere's upper layers, it shed it's first-stage booster before reaching around 1150KM of height and releasing the first two elements of it's payload, a Mìmir reconsat and it's mate, a Loki signals intelligence/electronic warfare satellite. While the Bifröst II shed it's second-stage booster and accelerated in order to release the remainder of it's payload, a SeOCC EDW satellite, into geosynchronous orbit, the two satellites' own booster packages activated, the mini-rockets bringing them into position and stabilizing them into a circumpolar Low Earth Orbit above the Antarctic.

<Encrypted message, NDA protocols>

To: Empress Aurora von Sachshausen
From: Nathicana D'Aquisto

Salutations. I have been observing your recent claims and the furor surrounding them with some interest. A bold move, Aurora, and one that seems to have several nations, understandably, in a bit of a twist.

I've chosen to approach you personally rather than make any public comments at present, as first, I'm curious as to what inspired this claim, and second, I wish to make a respectful suggestion.

In reading your public claims and subsequent followups, I've noted what some might have missed - a willingness to negotiate. One nation in particular seems to have rather strong claims there already, bolstered by the fact that they are living there and have been for some time. I'm speaking of course of North-West Antarctica. The map provided seems to show still a sizeable chunk of the continent open - if one doesn't take into count the various small scientific outposts and the like, of which many already seem to be working with you.

Given the circumstances therefore, I would strongly encourage you to request either an intervention by the International Mediation Council as you have mentioned, or at the very least open discussions in a neutral location where all those with interests can gather, air their concerns, and negotiate for a mutually beneficial and non-violent resolution to this situation.

Seeing as you already have forces in the area, I would suggest you move quickly towards talks. Set them up, make the invitations, get people talking together rather than simply arguing back and forth in a public display. If you don't take the initiative, I'm not sure who will. It will I think help allay any unfortunate misunderstandings militarily. There are those, after all, with itchy trigger fingers, and I would hate to see your fine nation embroiled in another conflict over something such as this.

Again, these are of course suggestions, though I would be quite interested in knowing more of what you have planned here. While an ancient claim is quite interesting and all, and could be construed as valid grounds for such, this sudden move has had me admittedly confused. As always, at your discretion.

I look forward to hearing from you. Best of luck in your endeavors, and may God bless and watch over you.

--Nathi

Naval Dock #02, Athena, Southern Cirdani Coast

Sloop Captain[OOC: equivalent to Lieutenant-commander] Säefäer supervised his crew casting off the mooring-lines in silence, while the auxilliary engine began taking the CRS Inexorable into the channel. His face set, hiding his emotions from crew and passengers alike, the captain walked back into the control post as the icebreaker's titanium armoured bow nudged into the midst of the channel, soon followed by the stern. People's Revolutionary Navy personnel on land swiftly gathered up the 'lines'-actually thick steel cables-while the auxilliary engine was shut down. the icebreaker drifted for a mere moment, then the main engine came to life and she started picking up speed. A long journey had begun.

In the early hours of the morning, the icebreaker CRS Inexorable was dispatched to the Antarctic with a team of scientists aboard, in order to take measurements of the effects of gloabl warming and prepare a possible scientific expedition.

Naval Dock #02, Athena, Southern Cirdani Coast

Sloop Captain[OOC: equivalent to Lieutenant-commander] Säefäer supervised his crew casting off the mooring-lines in silence, while the auxilliary engine began taking the CRS Inexorable into the channel. His face set, hiding his emotions from crew and passengers alike, the captain walked back into the control post as the icebreaker's titanium armoured bow nudged into the midst of the channel, soon followed by the stern. People's Revolutionary Navy personnel on land swiftly gathered up the 'lines'-actually thick steel cables-while the auxilliary engine was shut down. the icebreaker drifted for a mere moment, then the main engine came to life and she started picking up speed. A long journey had begun.

In the early hours of the morning, the icebreaker CRS Inexorable was dispatched to the Antarctic with a team of scientists aboard, in order to take measurements of the effects of gloabl warming and prepare a possible scientific expedition.

Naval Dock #02, Athena, Southern Cirdani Coast

Sloop Captain[OOC: equivalent to Lieutenant-commander] Säefäer supervised his crew casting off the mooring-lines in silence, while the auxilliary engine began taking the CRS Inexorable into the channel. His face set, hiding his emotions from crew and passengers alike, the captain walked back into the control post as the icebreaker's titanium armoured bow nudged into the midst of the channel, soon followed by the stern. People's Revolutionary Navy personnel on land swiftly gathered up the 'lines'-actually thick steel cables-while the auxilliary engine was shut down. the icebreaker drifted for a mere moment, then the main engine came to life and she started picking up speed. A long journey had begun.

In the early hours of the morning, the icebreaker CRS Inexorable was dispatched to the Antarctic with a team of scientists aboard, in order to take measurements of the effects of gloabl warming and prepare a possible scientific expedition.

Naval Dock #02, Athena, Southern Cirdani Coast

Sloop Captain[OOC: equivalent to Lieutenant-commander] Säefäer supervised his crew casting off the mooring-lines in silence, while the auxilliary engine began taking the CRS Inexorable into the channel. His face set, hiding his emotions from crew and passengers alike, the captain walked back into the control post as the icebreaker's titanium armoured bow nudged into the midst of the channel, soon followed by the stern. People's Revolutionary Navy personnel on land swiftly gathered up the 'lines'-actually thick steel cables-while the auxilliary engine was shut down. the icebreaker drifted for a mere moment, then the main engine came to life and she started picking up speed. A long journey had begun.

In the early hours of the morning, the icebreaker CRS Inexorable was dispatched to the Antarctic with a team of scientists aboard, in order to take measurements of the effects of gloabl warming and prepare a possible scientific expedition.

Imperial Rocket Corps HQ, Astra City, Lavenrunz

The flickering screens all around the command center showed the satellite views of the various orbits of the former GUDA satellites that Lavenrunz had taken control of at the end of that organization's existence. General Franze had come in and was approached by the senior duty officer.
"What is it, Colonel?"
"Several things, my General. First of all, there's this deployment of a foreign satellite, whose signals are currently blocking our attempts to read it, but the pattern is suggesting that it's one of SeOCC's. It's been placed in a perfect position, pretty much, to look over the Antarctic installments. Tracking the trajectory--well, to be honest, we feel it had to have come from Aperin. We're trying to pinpoint an exact location."
"I see." the General sighed and ran a hand through his short bristly hair. "Nothing strictly illegal about that...no one owns space. But we're going to have to expend resources to cover our own signals now. Well, it had to happen sooner or later. Contact the ISA for me, find out if they can make adjustments to one of our battle satellites to do electronic countermeasures to that thing up there."
"Yes, Excellency."
"Meanwhile, my job is now to tell the Chief that we may be having our transmissions monitored by CACE, for the time being. Wonderful."
"They are coded, my General." pointed out the Colonel.
"For how long?" the General asked rhetorically as he took out a cigar, then remembering that there was no smoking in the room, irritably replaced it.. "Thank you, Colonel What was the other thing?"
"Signals regarding a group of Kestrel ships moving to part of the Antarctic coastline. They don't say where or which one."
"Very well. Thank you."



To Mr. Bob McBob, Minister of the Interior

Sir, it would be wise to consider that Lavenrunz always is ready to discuss, though we do not merely conciliate. The fact that you have a base in the area stresses the need for avoiding uncessary effusion of blood. There is no animosity between our nations, nor should there be, and in fact we would prefer to meet with representatives of your country at some time in the near future regarding this matter. However, please be advised: any action by the troops you have in your area must be solely to guard your facility. Any placing of heavy equipment, (ie tanks, artillery, attack aircraft, etc) or of reinforcing beyond the numbers you have suggested will be considered an act of hostility.

respecfully yours
Karl von Effner
Foreign Minister




Lavenrunz will have to consider claims of South George Island by Matich vis a vis the claims of others.

Count Rosenburg
Ambassador to Greater Prussia



OOC: I do wish people would telegram me rather than assuming I've ignored posts. I might MISS posts, or conversations on IRC, but I very rarely ignore anyone.
IC:
To Her Majesty Empress Ithenril nos Galadriel

I was laughing at your comment about our 'stellar' relationship, since we could hardly be expected to have anything else with the Star Empire!
In fact, as often happens, there were so many correspondances going on that I did not receive your invitation until it was quite late, and you may not be aware but I was holding a formal audience on that day.
As to research stations, and all such things, I intend to hold a conference on Antarctica. It seems that there are so many great questions opened by this matter that it will not be possible to answer them all with one group after another.
Most affectionately
Empress Aurora von Sachshausen




Dear President Clinton

I remember that my Mother had very good relations with Celdonia in spite of the occasional moment of ego getting in the way. What concerns me are several things.
1. Environmentalism is something new for Lavenrunz, and needs to be done carefully. At the same time, it seems that the slow process adopted by most of the world is not working.
2. Antarctica is ours. That is beyond dispute. In what precise way is the real question.
3. Some of your fellow CACE members are acting up a bit. To be specific, I was told that a satellite has been launched by someone in Aperin, and that it is capable of spying on our transmissions in the area. I wish you'd take it away.
If you have specific ideas about how things could be done in a satisfactory way I would like very much to know what they are.
with warmest regards
Empress Aurora von Sachshausen



OOC: Kestrel Order...could you maybe give some indication of WHICH coast you are going to? It's not like Antarctica is Gibraltar or something.

Also, to the Sisgardian nations, I'm not ignoring you, just putting together my conference post.

OOC: Just FYI http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?p=3292625#3292625

IC:

"Nathican..." Aurora sighed. She suddenly so much missed the dark haired strange woman she had met at that long ago party that she ached. She needed a real friend, with her. She felt tears hotly fill her eyes...Isadora. Countess Katori. She had been her companion for a long time, had been with her mother as lady-in-waiting. Dead. Died in Nathicana's arms. But as always, her advice was wise and to the point. She was determined to take it, and after writing the Dread Lady a note of thanks, she dashed here tears away and went to meet with her advisors about the upcoming conference.

Meanwhile...

Carrier Group Kaiserin was receiving orders to intercept the ship from Cirdanistan. An AWACs was sent into the air, and the ships began to spread out over the general area of possible advance into the sea destined to become a Lavenrunzian lake.

"Admiral, we're approximately two-zero-five miles from the North-East coastline, approximately four-two-eight miles east of the Meridian. SigInt reports that we've been picked up by various detection systems."

Admiral Naismith nodded and set his coffee back onto his desk. "Thank you, Petty Officer. The fleet will stop here, rather than press too close. The General would be most perturbed were I to spark a war. Again. As for the detection, there wasnt much we could do about that, not with the signatures put out by ships the size of the Onos and Falcon's Claw. Has there been any word on the General, the Agamemnon's Fleet, and what the Lady-Commander are all doing?"

"Negative for the Lady-Commander yet, sir. Its possible she's waiting for Intel to tell us just what's going on." Petty Officer Montienz pulled his PDA out of his pocket and pulled up a report file. "As for the General, he's just notified us that he'll be boarding the Agamemnon and leading the Second Fleet south to join up with us. It says here he's quite perturbed with your decision to close even further."

Naismith barked a laugh. "That old man needs a little annoyance every now and again, keeps him on his toes. Is there anything else, Montienez?"

The officer nodded and continued. "Yes, Admiral. The Kestrel Flame has had it's trials cut short and they're already loading her to move out with the Second Fleet."

Naismith sat up and clapped his hands together, rubbing them, smiling. "Wonderful! That will give us all four Super-Capital ships! See to it that they bring along a few extra tenders to resupply our ships as well. Did they send the Third Fleet status?"

"Yes sir. Third fleet is staying put, re-securing the Order coast, while the Third Army resecures inland. Things aren't too bent out of shape back in the Order, but there was enough of an issue with the Bombardment that they need to provide alot of civil aid."

The Admiral nodded and pulled a chart up on his computer. "Damn. If this thing explodes, we're going to be stuck in the middle of a logistical nightmare. Second Fleet arriving might just be the spark for that, too. The General say why he's bringing the Second Fleet into this?"

Petty Officer Montienez abruptly stood up and walked to close the water-hatch into the office. "Yes, Admiral. The TMRP is being too highly valued to allow it to be damaged, destroyed or taken. He wants both fleets available in case they find Base NOMAD, so that we can blast our way in, recover NOMAD and the TMRP and get the hell back out."

The TMRP was becoming more and more of a nusiance as the project wore on--While it was essential to the Kestrels to be completed, it was not a life-or-death matter. And it was foolish, as well, considering the consequences if the world found out what exactly they were up to there...or if it succeeded, for that matter. One government had already seen to an attempt to destroy the Kestrels, and the TMRP would be a ticket to play right into their hands.

Naismith suppressed a shudder. "Any word on the Black Suits?"

"Not yet, sir...."

************

"Alright, we hit the communications silence window in three minutes, which means you dont say a damn word, even if a shark's gnawing your ****ing leg off! Anyone got any last words?"

The commchannel was flooded with chuckles as the order was acknowledged. Despite the levitiy, there was some truth in the statement--the SeArmor, while rated to handle extreme pressures and depths, didn't ever react kindly to large sea predators--the pressure applied by shark teeth on such a small area of contact could punch through the armor with only a fair bit of effort..and the effects of such a loss of suit integrity would be undoubtedly fatal. Of course, finding a shark stupid enough to attack a pack of eight, large metal creatures would take an effort on a different scale entirely.

"Yeah, sarge! Can we shoot the shark if it starts gnawing on us?"

Specialist Gavin was the sarcastic one, always willing to put out the "Sarge" joke, among others...even if the "Sarge" in question had no tolerance for it. That, of course explained why, after six years of service, he was still a SPC, but didn't hinder him from finding his way into the Black Suits. Luckly for him, this time around, Staff Sergeant Benno was one of the more tolerant squad leaders. Indeed, SSG Benno had been in SPC Gavin's place at one time, explaining why after eighteen years he was only at his rank.

"No, If it's you its chewing on, I think we should let it be." Private First Class Vereco interjected, cutting off the much less savory comment on Benno's tounge. Vereco was a new addition to the unit, but she had already proven herself in combat in the last campaign. With only two years under her belt, she was quickly becoming a shining star in the Kestrels, and if her already decorated career continued the way it was going, she'd be outranking both of them inside of the week (or so the joke went.)

Another chorus of laughs echoed in the suitcomms, before ebbing away and SSG Benno speaking up again. "Oops, time's up. We're at fifty miles out, rig for silent running....now." Each soldier went back into work-mode and began working their emissions-control software. No need for the Salamander IIs to be found before they'd already done a bit of digging.

The water grew a bit darker than before, and now, in silence and darkness, each soldier was alone in a cocoon of metal and glass, without even sight to reassure them of their comrade's presence.

The cold was always the hard part.

Dear President Clinton

I remember that my Mother had very good relations with Celdonia in spite of the occasional moment of ego getting in the way. What concerns me are several things.
1. Environmentalism is something new for Lavenrunz, and needs to be done carefully. At the same time, it seems that the slow process adopted by most of the world is not working.
2. Antarctica is ours. That is beyond dispute. In what precise way is the real question.
3. Some of your fellow CACE members are acting up a bit. To be specific, I was told that a satellite has been launched by someone in Aperin, and that it is capable of spying on our transmissions in the area. I wish you'd take it away.
If you have specific ideas about how things could be done in a satisfactory way I would like very much to know what they are.
with warmest regards
Empress Aurora von Sachshausen


Empress Aurora,

Thank you for your reply, and please allow me to address the points you make.

1. I agree with you. The world’s progress in such matters is indeed poor but, as you say yourself, such concerns are new to Lavenrunz. Perhaps it might be better to consider declaring the Antarctic a protectorate of a committee of the UN, environmentalism and those capable of enforcing its protection amongst them?

2. I am afraid I feel it prudent not to answer that point directly.

3. Unfortunately, whilst the current situation exists I am in no position to do so. As are no doubt aware a great many CACE nations take environmentalism very seriously (perhaps to the detriment of other concerns it may be argued) and are gravely worried by recent developments. I can't ask for something with nothing in return.

Empress, you will know that Celdonia is a nation that has always sought to avoid direct conflict. In troubled times we have in the past always been willing to talk. When our respective allegiances have acted as a wedge between our nations we have managed to remain cordial. Our soldiers have fought side by side. Let this move, no matter how noble in intent, create a barrier between us that become insurmountable.

Lavenrunz has always enjoyed the reputation of being a nation willing to talk, so I suggest that we talk. You clearly have deep concerns regarding the Antarctic, but you are not alone. I therefore suggest that we convene a council to discuss its future and ensure that its future can be safeguarded.

I sincerely hope that you shall give this suggestion your utmost consideration.

Warmest regards,
Tony Clinton
President of Celdonia

As the duly appointed founder of Antarctica I inquire as to your claims. Is it Antartica or Antarctica whose sovereign lands are being threatened...?
They are two separate regions. Please clarify so that we will know whether some total annihilation is in order.
It comes as quite a shock that anyone would claim my region of Antarctica. I further have to admit that I have only read the first two pages of this diplomatic dialogue as any further pronouncements regarding Antarctica are resoundingly worthless.
We await your apology.
Antarctica Founders of Joop
Ministry of Total Annihilation

The now dead nation of the Terran Republic had this to say.

The Terran republic has decided that the nation of Laverunz is violating international nationstates law, and has decided to haunt the nation of Laverunz with it's whole population of ghostly minions, all 1.8 odd billion of them.

This has probably been said, but it bears repeating.

The Antarctic Continent has been claimed already, and every square inch is either settled or planned for settlement. So, unless you REALLY want to face the hordes of the Antarctic continent, I suggest you withdraw your claim to our homeland.

Good day, sir.

Gaia Rodina

tag

OOC:: Lavenrunz, please consider all Kestrel Order posts to be actually those of the BWO. Thank you!

To Mr. Bob McBob, Minister of the Interior

Sir, it would be wise to consider that Lavenrunz always is ready to discuss, though we do not merely conciliate. The fact that you have a base in the area stresses the need for avoiding uncessary effusion of blood. There is no animosity between our nations, nor should there be, and in fact we would prefer to meet with representatives of your country at some time in the near future regarding this matter. However, please be advised: any action by the troops you have in your area must be solely to guard your facility. Any placing of heavy equipment, (ie tanks, artillery, attack aircraft, etc) or of reinforcing beyond the numbers you have suggested will be considered an act of hostility.

respecfully yours
Karl von Effner
Foreign Minister



Minister Karl von Effner;

Kanuckistan has no offical interests in antarctica; Uniphase Armouries Interversal is a privatly owned corperation and, beyond joint ventures and certain NDAs, we have little say in what they can or cannot do outside of our boarders.

Furthermore, they have stonewalled my offical inquiries as to their antarctic operations by denying any such base exists, and then invoking the Trade Secrets Act to prevent inquiries which may have proven they were lying.

If you wish to discuss the matter with a representitive of UAI, I can relay an invitation to your conference should you wish to extend one, but I am unsure if you will find them very cooperative.


Signed;
Bob McBob, Minister,
Department of the Exterrior,
Kanuckistan

It is the Imperium's honor, as the United Emirate ally of Lavenrunz, comrade in arms, and friend of like-mind, to fully substantiates, supports, and recognizes Lavenrunz's claim to the continent of Antarctica. We congratulate them on their recent endeavor as we pledge them our support in this matter.

Drakonia will take any action, it deems appropriate, to support our ally and protect their territory. Any who take overt or covert action against Lavenrunz will be met with like force. We have no wish for conflict, nor see any need of it, but will come to the assistance of our friend and ally if it is required.

We wish the conference can resolve any differences on the current land disputes and we fully intend to attend said conference to voice our support for our friend and ally.

Eternal may Lavenrunz and Drakonia endure; eternal may our friendship endure.

Drakonian Diplomatic Corps.
located in Drako Throne,
capital of the Grand Dominion of Drakonian Imperium

In Antarctica

A boat, carrying six well-armed Allaneans, lands at the shore. No sooner do they step on the Antractican shore than a lone penguin is spotted by the team. The leader smile as he catches the creature in his shotgun sights and squeezes the trigger...

The first Allanean NRA Charity Penguin Hunt has begun.

[OOC:please excuse the multiple posts. When you get our old friend the Internal Server Error, there is unfortunately no way to know if your post has made it or not, which i find an encouragement to erring on the side of caution.
Also, L i've got no idea if the SeOCC satellite actually can snoop on Antarctica, that's his call not mine; the satellites that are snooping on you for sure are two of mine, one recon and one sigint/EW one :P .]

Asgardr Military Base, Under the Mountains of Central Cirdanistan

The control room used for the satellites was both exiguous and deep inside the base's entrails, a recent addition to Asgardr's ever-expanding underground sprawl that had come with the space program. The cables linking the control instruments with their communication antennae ran through a good part of the base, only recently with the protection of a hastily affixed steel tube. Hopefully, the satellite control center would soon be resited in a newly-dug tunnel room, with more space to accomodate the bustle of intelligence experts and satellite handlers.

In a corner of the room, the current watch team for the new satellites over the Antarctic was busy getting their first report ready. The young man hanndling the Mìmir satellite checked to make sure the team supervisor was looking the other way, then lit a stick of cannabis. Strictly against regulations, but it was the first time he was dealing with an actual satellite, and he needed to calm down. Besides, it wasn't as if he needed to do the data interpretation; all he had to do was supervise a machine gathering it at a point of the globe which was regularly diametrically opposed to his location. Hiding the stick from view behind his monitor (and hoping the air conditioning machines would keep the smell from becoming noticeable to the supervisor) he called out:

"Commander, the ice's albedo is wreaking havoc on my visible spectrum instruments. Requesting permission to change main recording to infra-red."

The supervisor, a middle-aged woman devoid of military rank but holding a senior commission in the PRES, the Cirdani intelligence agency, turned slowly towards him. She had considerable experience-at least in the terms of the still young Cirdani space program-of supervising satellite operations, and the decision was an easy one for her. She had already taken it more than once when the ice cap under surveillance was the Arctic.

"Permission granted, Ensign Carder."
She thought out loud "Hmm, the air smells funny in here. The ventilation must be acting up again."

Carder almost breathed a sigh of relief; when she said the air smelt funny he had really thought he was in trouble. Quickly, he typed the necessary command lines and sent them to the satellite, and took a long pull on his spliff as soon as the supervisor's back was turned. The girl at the next console smirked at him, and he winked. She was military like him, and military personnel liked to share a joke at the PRES' expense (the reverse happened to the military also, all to often for the young ensign's taste). Besides, she was cute.

He hid the stick again in the nock of time as the supervisor turned around again, and focused on his monitor. The blurry white-yellowishness, similar to what one sees after to much staring at the bright sun, that made it hard to discern details and messe dup the contrast was gone; instead he had a clear picture, artificial colours coded to represent the average frequency of IR light emitted, with the objects brighter for higher ammounts of energy radiated per unit of surface. The ley was somewhat complex, but to one who knew it the picture detailed very accurately the temperature of items and people, theoretically more so than by using an actual domestic thermometer. The background ice was an uniform dark blue, almost black; the Lavenrunzians appeared dull yellow, their cold weather suits holding back most of the light they radiated with little effect on it's frequency, while their equipment ran the gammut from dark purple to vivid bright red. The heat would help discriminate between similar-looking pieces of equipment.

"Commander, it seems as if they're implanting a military camp at the Geographical Pole."

"Very well, Ensign. Check up on the Nod base, that coastal bit near the Magnetic Pole where activity was reported on the original orbit, and the Blackwolf Order fleet. What'd we get from the Loki?"

"It shall be done", Carder answered, already typing up the necessary swivel instructions for the satellite, and thinking about his spliff smoldering on the far edge of his desk. Meanwhile, the cute girl at the next console gave her own report:

"Plenty of surface and satellite chatter, consistent with level supposed in Hypothesis I."-Hypothesis I was that Aurora was herself present-"I can't tell you what they're saying, though: all their comms are encrypted. Nothing nasty, however; most likely mere garblers. Assuming they're speaking Lavenrunzian German, i'll have their talk in clear soon and-oh, unless they've got a major Aurora Australis display, they've just aimed some ECM at my sat."

"Can you filter it?"

"Yes, once i pinpoint the source-gimme a sec..."she abandoned her crisp manner as the realisation of the gravity of what was happening occured to her. In a war, satellites would work against each other this way. Relax,she thought,it won't come to a war over a a plain of ice.

"Shit-oh, ok..."she looked up, grinning sheepishly at the supervisor for a moment, before turning her head back towards the monitor as she spoke"Sorry, Commander, it thought they had jammed my connection for a moment, but it was random. With the tightbeam, they can't even know how we're bouncing the signal...ok, i'm running a MA[Motion Analysis]on the opposing EW sat, should be able to set up a directional filter...of course, since garbled comms arn't unlike jamming signals, there'll be an error margin, make it longer to crack the code..."

Signy Island, South Orkney Islands, 600 km from the Antarctic Penninsula

Doctor Ruth Hornberg had fallen asleep on the long trip, lulled into slumber by the regular sound of the C-130's turboprops as the cargo plane flew south towards the Antarctic continent. She was rather abruptly awakened by the pilot's voice over the intercom. "Gentlemen and Lady, we are passing over Coronation Island and beginning our descent, we'll be on the ground on Signy momentarily. Might want to check your seatbelts and secure anything that can bounce around."

Hornberg checked her belt automatically; it was of course still securely fastened. Then she shifted around and little and stretched, trying to work a kink out of her neck and make her posterior a little more comfortable in the bucket it was strapped into. Around her, the soldiers who were also riding on this flight did the same.

Ruth Hornberg was just past her fortieth birthday, a marine biologist hailing from Connorville on the west coast of Glorious Humanity. Her brown hair was pulled into a simple low maitenance ponytail, and she spent most of the landing rubbing the last of the sleep out of her gray eyes. She did feel very rested and ready once she woke up fully, which was about the time the plane's wheels bumped down on the runway of the Signy settlement. She was of slight build, petite even, though the parka she was wearing didn't show this. In fact, none of her clothes showed her figure off very well, the pants and boots that went with the parka designed to keep a body warm rather than flatter it.

As soon as the plane's hatch opened she followed the soldiers, also covered in cold weather gear, out of the plane, maneuvering around a few crates of supplies. The air on her face was bitterly cold, and she remembered that this island barely broke freezing during the summer, and right now due to the reversed seasons in this part of the world it was approaching winter, which meant things would only get colder. Hornberg was snapped out of her thoughts by a voice calling her name.

"Dr. Hornberg? Dr. Hornberg?" The man who'd been calling for her stopped when she waved and approached her. He was just a hair taller than she was, which made him a little short, with short black hair and blue eyes.

"Dr. Ruth Hornberg, right? The new marine scientist we've been waiting for?" When she nodded, he stuck out a hand. "Edmund Price, meteorologist. I'm also the unofficial welcomer and the official coordinator for the science teams. Have a good flight?"

"Decent enough," she answered, shaking the offered hand. "I managed to get some sleep on the flight." She glanced up at the sky. "Though it seems to be getting on for nightfall already."

"Nah, you're in plenty of time," Price laughed. "Dinner's not for a couple more hours. Just short days and long nights at this time of year. At least we have day and night this far north. I rather pity the chaps in the mainland stations inland. They got nothing but darkness. This way." He led her towards one of the large buildings that made up the settlement.

The Signy island colony had been a research outpost, but with Glorious Humanity's declaration of support for Lavenrunz's claim to the continent it had been decided to expand it into a full-fledged settlement. The center of the colony was still the series of four large, low concrete and stone buildings that housed the data gathering and laboratory materials, with the huge transmitter antenna that picked up satelliete weather reports and data from research stations on the mainland in the center. All around the research buildings though, new construction was going up. Streets were being laid and paved, and new buildings, most of them housing, were being constructed. Dr. Hornberg noted one looked like a barracks, another civilian housing, and yet another looked like a larger generator building to power the new additions. She'd also counted a couple dozen armed soldiers on patrol, and many of the men working on the construction had a military bearing.

"What are all the new additions?" she asked Price.

"Well, they think they can make a colony out of this, so they're expanding it accordingly," he answered. "They're expanding the complement of scientists, so they're putting in housing for the new scientists and their families if they have any, barracks for a two hundred man garrison, and housing for the soldiers' families. Also a couple small stores, a cinema, an armory, and a post office so the families can send letters home if they like. They're improving the docks and expanding them, and they're also putting in facilities to maitenance the ships that will be staying here. We're going to have a few icebreakers on hand year round now, so with a lot of hard work and some luck we won't be frozen in this winter. The icebreaker crews will be living here too, so housing's being put in for them and their families. In a few months, when the current stuff's done, we'll be adding a school for the kids that come here, and maybe a fancy hotel or something for tour groups."

"I see," she nodded quietly. "Where does that mean I'm staying?"

He laughed. "You're getting a bed in the original research facility. The new housing isn't ready yet anyway."

"Why so many soldiers?" she asked then. "Why do we need a garrison and a barracks and an armory? This is a research facility... reseach town now I guess," she amended.

"Politics," Price sighed. "Always the bloody politics. There's a big fight over Lavenrunz's claim to the Antarctic."

"I know that, but still..."

"Government's not taking any chances," Price told her. "If somebody gets it in their head to try to force Lavenrunz off, they may come for us too, us being a Lavenrunz ally and all. That's why we're out here on the islands instead of putting the town on the mainland like the Lavenrunzians are doing. Out here we're harder to touch but we can still get people to our research stations on the mainland if we have to."

"That's rather depressing," Hornberg commented. "A research station having to be garrisoned against potential attack."

"Way of the bloody world," Price replied. "No room for just science, gotta play the political game too. Well, with any luck we won't be involved in that." They'd reached the closest of the research buildings, locked with an electronic lock. Price produced an access card from a pocket of his parka and swiped it through the reader next to the big steel door, which clicked and then sung open automatically. He turned and gestured for her to enter. "Let's get inside. I'll show you to your quarters and you can get yourself settled, then meet the rest of the science teams at dinner."

Dear President Clinton

Your points are all very well taken. I wish you would yourself and encourage other nations of CACE to attend: if we can actually address people’s complaints in a general forum then we can avoid an uncessary conflict. Also it would be wonderful to be in more direct communication with your country again. Let’s bury the hatchet, forget the bad blood that made SATO keep our nations apart.

Affectionately
Empress Aurora von Sachshausen


Berkner Island, Antarctica

Adelie penguins, looking almost like formally dressed stout little people forming an audience to observe the Lavenrunzians, were shuffling about the rocky icey shores as amphibious craft released snow tractors and snowmobiles, helicopters and BV-206s into the area. The area they were landing in had research stations and an old whaling post. Furthermore, the barking of dogs was heard; it was a proven fact that one of the most effective ways of going inland during the rougher seasons was by sled. There had been some kind of foolish regulation against bringing domestic animals before. However, it wasn’t like, apart from the penguins, skuas, seals and walruses that there were a lot of indigenous wildlife in danger of destruction. This wasn’t Tanah Burung.
However, in spite of confidence shown, prayers said by the chaplains were earnestly attended. There was something eerie about the strange continent, all told. It was so bleak, so desolate, the weather so inclement.
Admiral von Neurath, who had been appointed the regional commander in chief, explained the grand strategy thus far at a meeting on the main settlement being established on Berkner. A string of bases were to be established from Thurston Island on the Bellinghausen Sea to the West Ice Shelf, from Queen Maud Land to Mount Erebus.
The Empress had departed, having inaugurated the South Pole base. It remained for those left behind to establish the rule of Lavenrunz over the world’s most hostile continent.

[OOC: OH, and, L, about intercepting that icebreaker...given that she'll take, even at high speed, the best part of a week to reach Antarctica, you might want to wait before deploying the ships tasked with stopping it. Oh, and you might want that AWACS to stay on the ground for most of that time, to. ]
CRS Inexorable, Northern Gulf of Aperin

Sloop Captain Eidur Säefäer climbed out of the open hatch and on to his icebreaker's deck, breathing in a great draught of air. Already, the sun's disk seemed to sink into the waves, far away in a sky dyed red. Eidur sighed his contentment-it was good to be back at sea, even if there was the prospect of danger to be faced at the end of the trip. Turning his gaze over the ship, he constated with pride it was in perfect trim.

A woman, in a white Department of Science parka, stood near the bow, gazing over the bullwark at the sea stretching endlessly ahead. She turned her head slightly, and he got a glimpse of fair skin and brown hair catching the light, and on impulse the captain strode over to join her.

"Good evening."

He leant on the forward bullwark, watching the sunset in the distance.

"It's a beautiful view, isn't it?"

A moment of silence past, then she answered, without moving her head.

"Good evening, Captain."

Another pause. Eidur swallowed awkwardly. Special operations women were proverbially icy, but it was the first time he had an occasion to actually confirm the adage. He was about to turn and leave when she spoke again, almost startling him.

"My team's equipment won't suffer from the radioactivity, will it?"

The voice was, he reflected, beautiful. Beautiful in the same way as an ice cathedral floating southwards in springtime, both magnificent and forbidding.

"No, of course not; the radioactivity level in the reactor watch station is nearly the same as up here."

She twitched at that; uncomfortable at the idea of something she couldn't fight being able to kill her, he guessed.

"What i meant is that the watch station is on the right side of the outer reactor shell-that's the external layer of shielding that covers the coolant pipes, the engine and the reactor maintenance spaces in addition to the reactor core. We havn't even painted the radioactivity warning onto the door yet."

"Oh."

He hesitated. Should I just leave her alone, or attemtp to keep up the conversation?and why did i talk to her in the first place?He realised he really wanted someone to talk to; cruises on a nuclear-powered icebreaker were lonely affairs, especially for the captain. It reminded him of something Marx had wrote about alienation; the armed forces had to be the only professional body left in Cirdanistan were professional relations could get in the way of your personnal relations with someone.

"Arn't you worried about having to swim around once we get there? hypothermia strikes much faster in water than in air."

"No member of my team will catch hypothermia."

The tone of voice was hard. He realised he had offended her.

"No, it's not what i meant-but dosn't the cold risk adversely affecting your ability to...well, do whatever special forces teams do."

"No. The whole point of this unit is specialisation in operating in extreme cold conditions. We have the equipment, training and physical conditioning to carry out our mission, even in the coldest climate on Earth."

He was wondering what he'd say next when she turned towards him.

"And incidentally, Captain, it is a beautiful view."

He smiled, then realised he still didn't know what to say. Supposing introductions were in order, he blurted out

"It's Sloop Captain Eidur Säefäer, by the way."

"Ulfrùn Sigrùndottìr. It's rare to meet a man with as apt a family name as yours, Eidur."

He grinned.

"I guess that's what made my choice the Navy when I joined up."

He jerked his head towards the still-open hatch, near the rbidge where the night watch were relieving their crewmates.

"Shall we go below decks? It's beginning to get dark. Or i could order the decklights switched on."

She shook her head.

"No. I've never seen the stars from so far South."

"Then wait until we reach the Alcaerin Ocean. I've never been there myself, but from what i've heard you wouldn't know you're on the same planet."

ooc: re: the sattelites, yes, Cirdanistan has indeed launched one of 36 satellites from SeOCC that are designed to intercept any and all satellite transmissions, and pick up whatever radio comes their way. and, naturally, they come equipped with a full array of jamming suites to keep anyone from knocking them out of the sky.

also, in reciprocity for prior policies, acts against SeOCC satellites are an act of war.

Space

The small group of shuttles came in slowly, at about 9km/s, decelerating. on board were a few drones, spacedy garbageman, so to speak, their job: Keeping earths orbit clean of garbage that could endanger commercial space operations.

Six shuttles, to be correct, each one of them supposed to take six of the newly detected objects in orbit.

Junk...

Indeed, it is junk, and they will take care of it.

F*cking third- world nations, clogging orbital traffic lanes with their sh*t. An operator on the ground, controlling the (unmanned) shuttles, cursed, slightly frustrated. Well... Wont be there for long. Start operation.

Slowly, tiny drones with chemical propulsion thrusters move from the shuttles towards the satellites. They look a bit dirty... Well, must be impacts from the f*ckload of debris in earth orbit. Slight interferences are noted, apparently, they have been noticed. Or not. It is not like the mindless drones (One would prolly call them 'roboters', but DAians tend to prefer more... 'fancy' terms) would care.

And then, the first is grabbed. Again, the thrusters on the drones begin their work, carrying it back...

The whole operation doesn´t take long. For a moment, the operator checks the label of the junk, optic sensors on the drones making it possible.

SeOCC... Well, no wonder. F*cktards, putting them in the way. Should sue them for it.

Once completed, the shuttles will, of course, return to the ground. Garbage like this is, of course, recycled in DA, where raw materials are precious.

The operator opens a coke, relieved. A faint sigh. God, I hate this boring job. I just hope Marianne has some good surprise for me, it's my birthday...

** Representatives of SouthAntarctica emerge from deep caves long established by its large population and surveys the effects of several days of blizzard that during the Antarctic winters frequently bring the temperature of the perpetual night down to 90degrees below freezing. Snow tractors, ice statues, and various other pieces of machinery litter the environment suggesting violent events of recent days. It will be a long summer cleanup. For now, the winds are lifting, and it is time to return deep under the mountains to lie under a thick doona and hot water bottle.

However, it wasn’t like, apart from the penguins, skuas, seals and walruses that there were a lot of indigenous wildlife in danger of destruction. This wasn’t Tanah Burung.

Mm, perhaps not. But the marine biodiversity of Antarctic waters is a pretty serious concern, and safe secluded "beaches" for spawning etc are vital to it. Albatross populations are especially at risk. The Southern Ocean around Antarctica teems with life. (Just wish i had time to take part IC right now.)

http://www.greenpeaceusa.org/media/publications/antarcttext.htm

LIES!

Despite what those boring reports say, all the continent really is is ice, and resources.

None of the natural resources are presently exploited; iron ore, chromium, copper, gold, nickel, platinum and other minerals! Coal and hydrocarbons have also been found in small, uncommercial quantities. And what about oil under the ice? Or the possibilities it has as a safe, remote dumping ground for nuclear waste?

They may have words, but we have proof that there is nothing there:
http://www.virginia.edu/insideuva/2002/18/images/antarctica.jpg
Picture of the uninhabited non-environmentally interesting
dreadfully boring and ripe-for-exploitation continent in question

This statement was brought to you by Icebound Industries - speaking on behalf of major Knootian corporations interested in making the continent useful.

Brotherhood South-American Space Exploration and Investigation Agency, Lima, Peru

"Did those blips just eat that one other blip?" one of the staff thought aloud, turning to the guy next to him, with a confused look on his face.

"Uh...it seems like it. What was that blip anyway?" It appeared just a few days ago."

The first guy turned back to his monitor. "It was a Cirdanistani satellite, launched two days and approximately seven hours ago, made by Seocc or at least their design, type S-21I-7a".

"Are they at war with anyone?"

"Not that I know of. Maybe they are now."

"Let's try if we can find out what those blips were. Relay this info to the other agencies."

"OK. Let's hope they'll leave our sats alone."

"Let's hope so...for them."

ooc: for the record, my satellite did not just get eaten, for numerous reasons that i won't hijack this thread with. suffice to say, it's still there.

OOC: SeOCC, suffice to say that unless you give us all a good reason, your sats are so much junk in Angstian cargo holds, as opposed to so much junk in orbit. Not wishing to hijack the thread is all well and good - judging from past experience, it'd deteriorate very rapidly into a flamefest - but simply saying "it's still there" doesn't cut the mustard at all.

OOC: Okay, lemme see if I got this straight. SeOCC (or rather, one of your allies) launched three satellietes from one rocket, positioned them all over Antarctica (in one smooth shot), and has since been gathering data. Now, Der Angst grabs said satellietes. Your response, what you were really saying: "Umm, you can't touch those cause I say so. I don't have any reason, but I say so, thus it is so."

And you say he's the immature one?

Anyway, back to the story.

IC:

The deck of research vessel Seal Hunter

The Seal Hunter was ironically named, since it hearkened back to time when such ships launched with the intention of killing seals for meat and pelts. It's purpose though, was now to peacefully seek out such creatures so that the scientists aboard could study them. It was a smallish vessel, actually smaller than the icebreaker that was helping it out to sea, butting errant chunks of frozen water out of the way. There were still a few more weeks before the sea froze solid, and with any luck by the time it did they would either have the equipment (it was supposedly en route) to continue their studies unabated, or the icebreakers (there were three more due soon) would be able to clear the water around Signy Island.

The Seal Hunter's destination was a patch of pack ice about half an hour in good weather from Signy. A group of crabeater seals had been spotted there, and though seals were not Dr. Hornberg's specialty, she had come along on the expedition anyway for something marine related to do. Hornberg studied whales, but she'd arrived a little late in the year for them. Most whale species were beginning to head north, though she believed she'd get a chance to see a few of them before they had all headed to winter quarters. Hornberg had only just arrived yesterday, so she'd taken a ride along on the Seal Hunter in the hopes of seeing some whales while they were at it.

"We're coming up on the place," Dr. Jeremy Rodgers spoke as he came up next to her on the deck, interrupting her thoughts. Dr. Rodgers was the seal specialist, and he was looking forward to this. Though actually a few years older than Hornberg, he had a youthful enthusiasm which made him appear younger. He looked younger too, his face so smooth that many people mistook him for being a man around thirty. He had light blonde hair and blue eyes that sparkled with good humor and excitement whenever he was discussing his studies. Right now he was wearing a blue parka, and a pair of binoculars dangled around his neck. These he lifted to his eyes to scan the approaching ice. "Bloody good we got some clear weather today. Can almost see them with the naked eye... ah, there's the roly-poly buggers."

Hornberg fished her own binoculars out of her parka and put them to her eyes. A group of dark shapes suddenly resolved into several creatures relaxing on the ice just ahead. They did look rather roly-poly, and Hornberg commented so.

"Most seals are," Rodgers answered. "Lots of blubber and fur to keep them warm you see. These guys though, they really need it I'd wager, given how they get around."

"Get around?" Hornberg asked curiously.

"Oh yes, crabeaters are among the most well-traveled of the seal family. They go many miles inland, and can swim impressively far. Fortunately looks like we caught them at naptime." He screened his eyes and looked up at the sun, such as it was. Then he nodded. "Yup, just a little past sunrise. Anyone got a watch?"

Hornberg had not even noticed that some others had joined them on the deck, Rodgers' assistants. He had three, all grad students. The Seal Hunter had a total crew of ten, and the people involved with running the ship were doing so. One of the kids glanced at his watch and answered. "8:30 AM."

"Perfect," Rodgers nodded. "Probably been out hunting all night, and now they're digesting. Go get the rifles."

"Dart and tag?" Hornberg inquired as the kids left.

"In a manner of speaking," Rodgers replied. "We could tranq a seal, but that would be waste. Crabeaters can be unfriendly, and I wouldn't want to wade into that pack to get whoever we nailed. We're going to tag them without getting near them."

"GPS dart?" Hornberg guessed.

"You got it," Rodgers grinned as the assistants returned with five rifles. Hornberg raised a brow at the number. Rodgers grinned. "Thought you might want to take a few shots yourself. You know how to shoot one of these don't you?"

"Of course," Hornberg replied. "This is that new gas rifle out of Lindben." She refered to Lindben University back in Glorious Humanity, whose extensive research ventures around the world coupled with lots of funding had made them a premier science gear designer.

"Yup, a T-10. Useful thing, shoots small darts loaded with anything you want in them. Effective up to two hundred yards. Works kind of like a supercharged paintball gun. You play paintball, Dr. Hornberg?"

"No," she shook her head, raising her rifle and sighting on the blubbery critters. A small scope made it easier. "How many we tagging?"

"We have fifteen darts, and I want to put them all on," Rodgers replied. "That gives us a lot of buggers to track, and tomorrow I intend to be out here doing it again. With any luck we'll know where the congregate all over the continent. Then we can start working on something resembling accurate counts."

"You don't have any?"

"Crabeaters can be hard to track because they move around so much, and that, combined with the Antarctic climate, makes it hard to figure out where to find them in concentrations, which makes population counts hard." Rodgers was siting. "I got the bull in the center, the one with the scar on his back. Whatcha think Tim?" he inquired of one of his students. "How do you think he got that?"

"Looks like mating fight," Tim answered after examining the critter in question. "Unless he got it when he was young."

"Good boy," Rodgers congratulated him. "Now we're close enough. Someone tell the crew to stop the ship, and signal the icebreaker to stop too. Then we'll get shooting."

The darts they were using had small, lightly barbed needles that would puncture the seal's skin, but due to their small size would stick in the blubber layer rather than going through to muscle. They had an expected life of six months, after which (it was hoped) the barbs keeping the dart in place would break and the thing would fall off. For six months though, the small GPS transmitters would be broadcasting the seal's every move. A GH satelliete which made a pass over Antarctica once a day would note the positions of all active beacons every time it passed over, and send it to Signy, where it could be analyzed on site and also bounced back to Lindben, Rodgers' sponsor university back home. This would allow them to keep tabs on the seals during the winter months, when any other form of tracking was difficult to impossible.

ooc: for those wishing to express in depth opinions, please movehere (http://invisionfree.com/forums/CACE/index.php?showtopic=1429).

for those who seem to have forgotten, DA is on my ignore list. thus, he cannot scoop up my sat, he does not exist to me. that is all.

[OOC: yes i launched three satellites from one Ariane V rip off. If you see any problems with that, i [auto-censor to avoid souring player-to-player relations with GH, original text replaced with:] would like to inform you it is done with the RL Ariane V, that the space shuttle usually launches two, and that generally speaking multiple launches are the norm throughout the modern aerospace industry. As for my satellites being gobbled up, DA didn't post anything about that, and if he did it would have been a godmode-they're hardly likely to keep to orbiting as usuall with some unidentified space shuttles incoming. Not to mention i don't usually recongize nations with psychics and future tech.]

OOC: *sigh* Can't we just forget the bitching - from both sides - for once?

OOC: Warmly seconded, Weegies.* This goes for both the SATO Montagues and the CACE Capuletti's. Lets move on.

*This OOC statement does not mean a withdrawal of support for the point of view of Der Angst, or the non-recognition of events but rather a request to just leave the matter be given its relative insignificance to the RP and not ruling out someone else attempting to destroy the satellite (again) at a later time.

Wombat News Report (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=153815)