NationStates Jolt Archive

It was a quiet morning for the people living on Ptolemy Island, a small volcanic island that had been dormant for the past thousand years. The island was devoted to olive farmers, who had been given the entire island to work with. The fertile volcanic soil proved invaluable to agriculture, making it one of the most productive farm zones in New Haven.

Chief Geophysicist Erwin Gerhardt of Ptolemy Island sat at his desk, drinking a cup of coffee as he was about to begin his day. His Advanced Geophysical Analysis Computer Datalink kept him informed of what the weather was going to be and what the latest seismic readings were. As he looked away for a second to check his email on a seperate terminal, the ground beneath the New Haven Geophysical Service station on Ptolemy began to shake. There had not been a serious earthquake on Ptolemy in two-hundred years, now the datalink was registering the equivalent of a Richter Scale 6.2! Books fell off their shelves, the monitors began to shake off their tables, stopping just short of the edge before they fell.

Gerhardt immediately got on the phone with his HQ. "NHGS station on Ptolemy Island reporting a 6.2 earthquake several seconds ago!" As he made his call, damage reports began to pour in over the datalink. "Damage reports are coming in now, looks like we bit the bullet on this one. No serious dwelling damage, and no injuries..." Just as he finished, he heard a loud BANG off to the northwest, where the crater rim was. He leaned back, bending the shades down as he watched a column of steam and ash rise into the air... Mount Ptolemy was now active!

OOC:

Link to Ptolemy Island location picture in relation to TIS:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v609/Firelance235/Ptolemy.png

Somewhere in the skies above Ptolemy Island

Whether or not they had expected it or not, it didnt matter. These scientists who had been studying the maritime waters from the air could see the smoke in the distance. It wasnt too far in the day, and maybe something would once again distract them from a nice lunch back at home. Instantly turning the aircraft toward the smoke, they knew it was required by law to investigate any kind of these incidences, in case it was emergency. Of course, they also were aware of airspace laws so any kind of observation would have to be done via powerful binoculars. Fortunately, for such a mission as Maritime Observation, they had that kind of equipment on board.

Zooming in, it was plainly possible to see what was going on.

"Ah, seems like a local earthquake has set this baby off. Mount Ptolemy is coming alive boys!" reported the scientist while still watching.

"How serious?" asked one of them.

"Im not sure, get in touch with New Haven Authorities. Doesnt look too big though, but I cant tell from here," he replied, yet still watching.

It wouldnt be long before they had reported it back to the station in Ravenspire. Certainly, Riddick wouldnt proberbly be interested, but you never did know how large the incident was, or how big it was to be. Scientists were never born fortune-tellers.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Base IHF-I-KI1 (a.k.a. "Crystal Albatross 3-Theta")

Kajoris Island, the Tiburonese Haven Strait Islands, 22 miles off the coast of the Former Alliance State

6:23 AM, Haven Strait Standard Time, July 28, NCE 202

Steven Rajkumari-Donnell had been working the morning shift early at the Natural Disaster Prevention Center at CA3T for the past several weeks now, a new recruit to the force. He didn't really mind his co-workers' surprise at his being there at first- he was in it to save the environment, including the people that lived on it. And it was because of this that on July 28, 37 minutes before opening time, he saw something that would change his life.

The seismometer reading was printing something highly unusual.

And then- he felt it. It's how he knew he was not dreaming. Half of the Former Alliance State felt it, and the other half would know about it by midday. He checked the graph- a 6.2. Good. It was evident that Tiburonese Haven was not at the epicenter- this was much milder than an epicentric 6.2, and it didn't appear to come from Shen-Zhou. The only difference that day would be a surprisingly high tide. But the next day and the day after that had to be prepared for. No doubt the multinational robotic large wave detectors strewn along the strait would have felt it and reported it to all of the Haven Strait nations. And he had to join, as a member of the NOAA.

This would be an interesting water cooler moment. Much better than the normal blather.

New Haven Geophysical Service Earth HQ; Continential City Government Citadel

"This is quite interesting indeed," Director Samuel Livingston said over the phone as he looked over the seismic data. "Are you sure it was a 6.2, and that your instruments weren't lying to you?"

"Sir, we run diagnostics them twice every week," Gerhardt said on the other end. "We're also receiving reports of tremors felt in Tiburon, Hattia, and in the Scarlet Isles. There was definately an earthquake, and all measurements say it was here." Livingston lit up a cigar and puffed on it until it was firmly lit.

"We're going to need help on this one," Livingston said. "I've already contacted the President, and he has agreed to allow foreign geologists to plant seismographs and take gas readings to determine if Mount Ptolemy is going to erupt. Hopefully it'll be lower than a VEI 2, and no higher than a VEI 5."

"Sir, previous eruptions here have been in excess of VEI 5 on every so often," Gerhardt replied. "The only time it lets off anything lower than that is to build up the cone, and those hasn't happened in quite some time. It is quite possible the volcano is backing up and could unleash one hell of a bang, but we can't be sure until we map the internal structure."

"Thats why we're calling in foreign experts," Livingston said, tapping his cigar against the edge of his desk. "We don't have experience with this kind of thing, even on our planets these things stay rather docile. Hell, we almost got our budget pulled because there aren't ENOUGH earthquakes and volcanoes to warrant our budget beyond issuing a 10-day weather forecast! Get on it Gerhardt, invite whoever is willing to come to you. Have a good day, Erwin." The phone clicked, and Erwin hung it up before grabbing his government contact lists. He thumbed to the first entry in his book, the Austar Union. They were supposed to have had a maritime survey team nearby at the time of the eruption, maybe they could loan a few people...

OOC:

The following people may send geological survey teams to Ptolemy Island:

All USR members
All Concordat members
The FKC
Pilot
Austar Union
Feline
Scandavian States
Hogsweat
Freethinkers
Pauldustllah
Ancient and Holy Terra
Terra Malus
Yoboland
Kelanis
Menelmacar
Barentsburg
Omz222
Concentria (west and east)

OOC: NHSR- Cocentrica's extremely inactive, and we live near each other and are ICly allies, so he allowed me to pretty much be Cocentrica.

OOC: Not a problem, Tib.

OOC: Will post more later on.

In just a small older aircraft, it was a team of seismic geologists who had been sent. The previous team of Maritime Observation had already arrived at home before the invitation had been extended to them. With them they carried an array of more advanced computer equipment, along with the information data readings of each of the sensors throughout the ocean. Apparently, the earthquake reported had been picked up by the sensors, but only small activity had been picked up since. If something more was to come however, these scientists would find out. And if there was nothing more, including no after-shocks which was more rare, then everyone would have a field day playing with their new shiny equipment.

Touching down on the island wasnt a problem, since they had already been given prior authority. These men had all the relevant papers nessassary to prove their identities and reason for being there. Such a nation though as the New Haven Socialist Republic was respected for their given hospitality, and although the extend of a hotel for these men was to pitch a tent, they were thankful enough that the scientists here would give them some good, solid earth. Now it was time to meet with them perhaps, since they were the leaders of the observation.

"Let them decide on a good course of action," said Robert P. MacKai, the leader of this team's operation.

New Haven Geophysical Center field office/campsite

A small jeep, its hydrogen powerplant working quietly, approached the camp as the men in the back got out. The driver backed the jeep up and drove back off to the actual Center in the distance.

"Good afternoon, colleagues!" Gerhardt said. "Allow me to introduce myself, I am Erwin Gerhardt, Director of the Ptolemy Island Geophysical Center. My party consists of Ms. Mary Lovell and Dr. Brian Johnson of the Center's primary HQ on Earth in Continential City. Please, we'll show you to your tents."

The tents provided to the teams were sturdy battalion command-size military tents, with solid walls, comfortable bunks for eight people, a portable propane cooking stove, an old-style icebox (with ice blocks being delivered on demand from a local fishing village), a sophisticated water purification unit, and a portable Geophysical Information Datalink with satellite internet and communications access. The whole thing was a dark jungle green, standing out like a neon sign against the clear blue sky.

Off in the distance, the plume of ash and steam that had continued since two days ago ceased, and an unfelt swarm of smaller tremors (ranging from 1.5 to 2.8) quietly shook the ground, being felt by sensors but not by humans. Around the volcano, farm animals began to become restless, domestic dogs and cats beginning to run away from their owner's homes in ever increasing amounts. Something was happening in Ptolemy, something that would soon be revealed to the teams.

Robert took in the surroundings as he approached the main Center of Operations. It seemed, different; Something wasnt quiet right here. Overhead, there were a larger than normal amount of birds flying in the direction away from the volcano, presumably to get from the falling Ash, which was somewhat lighter in the given area. Maybe closer however, would be a problem for living creatures. He was greeted by the man however, and took his hand in strong grip.

"Ah, nice to meet you Director Gerhardt," he greeted respectfully. Pointing to his team, he introduced them all to him, "My name is Proffessor Robert P. MacKai, this is Professor Helen Gartwiether, this is Peter Falconia my assistant, this is Johnathon Cuuzie, Helen's Assistant, and this lucky last Gentleman is our friendly socialogist, Dr. Ulysis Hortaman. He specialises in the socialogy of animals and their interactions with each other, and humans."

He followed the man after initial greetings, and was actually amazed at the tent which had been established for just a small team of Observers. This could be a neat little holiday afterall; Some time away from the office was much needed, and they prefered it on the field anyway. With such luxury, they could even be comfortable, unlike many of the small trips throughout the past.

OOC: Allanea has requested, since Hestonia is a possible tsunami target, to send a team. If you ignore Allanea, just don't respond. Otherwise, lets have a good RP.

IC: The NHGS crew went back to their division-sized military tent (bunks for six people, icebox, propane stove, a conference area for members of the various teams to meet and discuss their findings, and two long tables with computer equipment from one end to the other on both tables). They set their gear inside the tents at the feet of their bunk beds before taking a few minutes to check recent seismic activity.

"Looks like we had an earthquake swarm a few minutes ago," Dr. Johnson said as he reviewed the most recent data. "Nothing larger than a 3, but we'll have to put in a few more sensors before I can accurately call this harmonic tremors."

"If the tremors go harmonic, the computer should be able to give us an alert," Lovell said as she moved around to see Johnson's monitor.

"Of course, the sensors we put down aren't that sensitive," Gerhardt replied. "That, and we only have a basic concept of what harmonic tremors are from textbooks from foreign countries. In all seriousness, it could be producing harmonic tremors now and we wouldn't know until the volcano erupts."

OOC note: Harmonic tremors are a real good sign of magma rising in the chamber below.

IC cont':

"We don't even know how large the magma chamber is," Johnson said. "It could be relatively small, or we could have a VEI 7 brewing."

"I'll be damned if its higher than 5," Gerhardt replied. "At that point, the island becomes uninhabitable and we start getting significant ashfall on the nearby islands."

"But we could be dealing with a potential 7 or 8, right Erwin?" Lovell asked.

"Potentially, yes," Gerhardt replied. "Until we know the size and status of the magma chamber, we could be dealing with any number of scenarios. Lets just narrow it down and work from there, ok?" His two comrades nodded as they went back to work.

"Still picking up that earthquake swarm," Lovell said as she kept her eyes on the monitor. "We're going to need as least twenty sensors to get an accurate reading of the magma chamber size."

"I'll get right on it and see if the Austar Union team wants to help out," Johnson said as he left the tent.

Having arrived and settled for just a small time, the Austarian team were enjoying a nice cup of coffee each when a man poked his head into the bunker politely and smiled. Remembering his face and name, Proffessor Robert P. MacKai stood to his feet and welcomed him inside. Upon taking off his hat, Johnson was offered a cup of coffee, which he polietly declined.

"How can we help you then?" asked Robert, while taking a sip of the hot liquid.

"Ah, I was sent by the main crew back at the Central Base, to see if you wanted to take part in our studies with us. At the moment we have set up a few sensors measuring the degree in harmonic tremors, relating to the mountain up there," replied Johnson, "Was just wondering if you might be interested in lending a hand, considering your expertise in these fields would be a most welcome addition."

"Of course," exclaimed Robert. All around him, his team were nodding in agreeance. "Look, just give us a few moments to gather our things and we'll be right over."

Johnson nodded, and quickly disappeared. Taking the last sip from his coffee, he gathered his bags and lead the team outward of the tent, toward where the Host Scientists were working. There, they would unload a degree of advanced equipment, particularly for the study of volcanic activity and earth tremour. If there was an eruption of sorts going to happen this team, complete with Dr. Ulysis Hortaman's degree of socialogy, would be able to detect both its activity and magnitude.

OOC: You probably noticed that I took the liberty of playing out the invitation myself, so I hope you dont mind. If you do, I can always delete this post :)

The C-130 was a bit of an expensive piece of hardware, especially for a university, but when you just got yourself a ten-billion Federal grant, you tend to get a bit... well, wasteful is really the only word of it. But of course Professor Harvey Nelson, Junior of the University of Concord, did not mind a singe bit. He viewed this as an excellent opportunity - not just in terms of research, but also in terms of being able to fool around with some of the best, most expensive toys any geologist or geophysicist could ever dream of.

As the gaily-colored aircraft approached Ptolemy Island, Harvey, head of the Geology team, nodded to his friend, Sandra Michaelson, the Geophysicist. She winked at him, pressing a couple of buttons. Immediately, the set of sensors mounted inside the craft began filming, creating megabyte upon megabyte of ultraviolet, infra-red, and ultrasound imaging of the mountain and it's surroundings. Probes were dropped into the water - NMX-34 Disposable Underwater Seismographs, in fact. "Simple" digital camera took picture after picture of the mountain slopes, to later compare with earlier-era footage of Mt. Ptolemy.
The C-130 spun around the island before it began setting up to land. The University of Concord Geology/Geophysics Ad-hoc Mission [GAM] would do a tourough job, and the job for them would start even before their landed. When they did, they would already have some pretty interesting raw data to show the Islanders and their other colleagues in Haven.

Not only was the expedition equipped with the newest electronics, but also the world's latest pharmaceutics. Aboard the aircraft were stored stimulants of a dosen sorts: amphetamines, caffeine, and even the Holy Grail of pharmaceutical science - pure, unadulterated, adrenaline in pill form, just in case they would have to work twenty-four, forty-eight, or even seventy-two hours straight watching the mountain. Those who dedicate themselves to science - any science - often give up the luxuries of life, even such as a good night's sleep.

The C-130 came to a stop on the runway. Professor Nelson kicked the door open and said, smiling: "O.K., folks, let's get rollin'!"

The driver was waiting at the Ptolemy Airport, an old defense base from well before the UnAPS-Allanean War. The driver was a veteran of that war, retired Major Richard Scott, and he was trying not to let his feelings of the war interfere with the goal that needed to be accomplished.

"Welcome, I assume you're the team from Allanea, is that correct?" Scott called from the jeep. "Come on then, we'll have a few trucks come by for your equipment and gear. Just bring along any data you have and we'll get you settled in your tent."

OOC: Not a problem, AU. You can RP the character while you're setting up your gear and such.
------------------------
IC:

Mount Ptolemy, crater rim

A large Maurader Mk.II dropship, borrowed from the military by the NHGS, hovered near the crater rim as it began dropping instrument packages around the crater rim (and two inside the crater rim).

"Attention Geophysical Base, you guys should be getting readings from the instruments now," the Maurader's pilot radioed back. "We thought you'd like to know that there has been no appreciable lava flow, so the last event was just probably the volcano clearing its throat. We're going to grab some lunch and we'll be at the airfield if you need us."

"Copy that, we'll call you if we need you," Gerhardt said as he attempted to access the instruments on and in the crater rim. His computer terminal started showing data, ranging from seismograph information to gas analysis. He was reading an ever increasing amount of SO2 when his computer terminal gave off a steady alarm. He rolled his chair on the plywood floor over to another terminal, which was gathering data from all of the deployed sensors. It brought up an image of the seismograph data converted to sound, played it sped up and flashed an alert on the bottom of the image: Sustained Harmonic Tremor Detected. Gerhardt picked up his handheld radio and called up his team and the Austar Union's team. "Hey guys, I'm getting some fairly interesting readings back here. When you get your sensors deployed, you may want to come take a look."

"What is it, Erwin?" Lovell radioed back.

"The computer just alerted me to harmonic tremors... the lava inside the chamber is starting to move up. We need the rest of those seismographs operational before nightfall so we can figure out how much eruptable magma there is under Ptolemy..." Just then, a small swarm of earthquakes, ranging from magnitudes 3 to 4, shook the base camp.

"Erwin, is everything alright?" Johnson radioed.

"Yes, we just had another small Earthquake swarm, but it was more intense than last time," Gerhardt said as he checked his sensors. "Ranging from 3 to 4 near base camp, but I got a 4.7 near the crater. It seems the volcano is starting to build up more rapidly than anticipated."

"We'll get our sensors set up as quickly as possible and meet you back at base camp," Dr. Johnson said. "Keep us posted if these swarms getting any more intense."

"Roger that, Doc. Erwin out."

Of course the equipment had been established all around the immediate area. Any kind of sensors regarding harmonic tremor had already been established by the Havenites, so they were recieving simple readings from them. In the meantime, the radio call had come to them from the Havenite team to go have a look, so they sent Professor Helen Gartwiether to go have a look. She had also been trained to understand underdeveloped technology, so at least Helen would understand what it means on their readings. Out on the field however, Dr. Ulysis Hortaman was rather busy studying the insects. Presumably he could have been wasting time, however he had just made a very important discovery. Tiny tiny insects, from ants to cockroaches were all slowly weaving their way away from the base of the volcano. As fast as their little legs could carry them, it looked almost as if there were some kind of organisation to them. In the meantime, the birds were visually disturbed.

'This is troubling,' thought the Doctor to himself. 'I have only ever seen something of this magnitude once in the history of my studies. Smaller, for sure, but so many insects couldnt be wrong'.

Immediatly, he gathered his belongings and decided to leave isolation for the camp not too far away. If his estimates were correct, New Haven could be looking at a very grim situation indeed. And if the situation was a grave as he imagined, the teams wouldnt want to on the island when, or if it erupted.

All of the teams arrived at base camp later that night, bringing with them all their data and awaiting the major announcement from Gerhardt on the projected intensity of the pending eruption.

"Ok ladies and gentlemen, its time to see how much eruptable magma is under Ptolemy," Gerhardt said as the teams began to arrive back at base camp. "I'm inputting the data from the last several hours into the computer, and we should get a rough estimate of how this is going to play out." The computer screen in front of him began to generate the terrain before fading it out, showing the caldera below.

"Impressive," Gerhardt heard from the back of the group.

"We've been working on this system for a while, it was originally developed to find oil deposits in the Haven Straits," Gerhardt said as he plugged in the seismograph data. "Ok, we have one Hell of a magma chamber under this island, I'd say somewhere along the lines of [Mount St. Helens] or even [Krakatoa], maybe even [Tambora]. This isn't good."

"No shit," Lovell said. "How much eruptable magma is there?"

"Uhh, using the data we've gotten over the last few hours, which isn't much, we have anywhere between..." Gerhardt pushed the enter button, the computer worked through its calculations, and came up with a single, but terrifying number. "My God... 25 cubic kilometers of eruptable magma."

"Thats a [Krakatoa]-style eruption," Dr. Johnson said. "We have a [Krakatoa] sitting within a geological stone's throw from three major cities. Oh shit, I gotta sit down."

"That can't be right, the computer must be misinterpreting the data," Gerhardt tried to rationalize to himself.

Proffessor Robert P. MacKai stood to his feet just as Gerhardt began to doubt the results. He had with him some evidence that the Havenite team could in fact be correct, if not incorrect. From what they had found, the eruption which was growing closer and closer could in fact be larger than Krakatoa by several sizes. And this evidence was more than damning, nobody could doubt nature itself.

"Sir, if I may interject," he opened with respect, "But from the data that we have also found this eruption could be much larger than we have ever seen before. Our sources indicate a steady increase and rise of siesmic activity, and given their magnitude and pace it would be rather safe to believe the results your team has assembled. Not only that, but our Doctor here has presented to us several pieces of evidence, of an increase of animalistic disturbance. This animalistic disturbance is very typical of such possible disasters as these, given their sensitivity to nature and the environment they live in. Given at how large their disturbance has been rated however, it only complements the estimation that something much larger than we could ever imagine is on our way. Krakatoa if I may comment, was nothing but a peanut to this elephant."

"The computer program was only designed to find major concentrations of disturbances," Dr. Johnson added. "If we take into account the sheer area of the chamber and figure that there are lesser concentrations, or even a semi-uniform layer of eruptable magma, we could in fact be dealing with..." Johnson broke out his calculator and a sheet of paper. "50 to 70 cubic kilometers." Gerhardt accepted defeat, sighing as he sat back in his chair.

"We have a high-end VEI 6 in our backyard, almost a VEI 7. This cannot get any worse," Gerhardt said.

"It could, but I wouldn't say that if I were you, its bad luck," Lovell replied. "We need to start running simulations of what is going to happen. Professor MacKai, doesn't your team have a few computers capable of performing explosion simulations of the Ptolemy Caldera?"

"Yes, we do," MacKai replied.

"Alright then, I need to call the Geophysical Service and notify them to the situation," Gerhardt said. "They'll undoubtedly inform the President, and this will go from bad to worse in a heartbeat. I'll have them begin notifying the Geophysical Services of the various countries on the Haven Straits immediately"

Proffessor MacKai nodded and approached Gerhardt later just after the meeting. He simply wanted to have a quick word with him before they left the island, for there was nothing here for them now. The studies were completed for the most part, and the results despite grim had been determined. After he had the casual chat with Gerhardt, MacKai would gather his team and their equipment, and leave back for Ravenspire in the north of Haven. Once there they would report back to Riddick, who would in turn report to Indigo. Of course they wouldnt be happy, but hopefully they could make a difference. Soon, the situation would be worse than it was today.

"Proffessor Gerhardt, if I may?" asked MacKai pulling him quietly aside. He handed over a small disc, "On this disc you will find a full simulation of what to expect from the eruption if estimations are indeed correct. Now, its not going to entirely be correct, but it can give you a rough estimation based on current figures. I will in the meantime, be back at the Ravenspire facility in the north of Haven. I am in no way a religious man sir, but I pray for your people in this time. You can be assured that Riddick is no man to leave his friends in turmoil, and neither is Indigo. Godspeed, friend."

"Ok everyone, grab your gear, we leave in two hours," Gerhardt said as he started packing his personal belongings into suitcases. "Don't worry about the equipment, the military will come and get it for us! The Geophysical Service wants us enroute to Continential City by dawn.

"Come on Doc, get your shit, lets go!" Lovell called back to Johnson as he grabbed the last of his gear and got in the back of the second jeep the NHGS had near base camp. "Call Scott, tell him to get the Allaneans back on their plane and out of here. Tell him the expedition is evacuating."

"Scott, this is Doc, tell the Allaneans that we thank them for coming out here, but they gotta get out of here," Johnson radioed. "The expedition is evacuating."

"Roger that, Doc," Scott radioed back. "We're turning back to their plane."

"NHGS dropship, we need pickup at the Ptolemy Airport for departure to Continential City," Johnson radioed to the airport.

"Roger that, boss, we're already there and our ramp is down. Park the jeep nearby and get onboard, out."

The team arrived at the Ptolemy Airport, grabbing their gear and putting it on the dropship's ramp as soldiers began hauling it in for them. The dropship's ramp picked up, and the team was enroute to Continential City for a Haven-wide press conference.

IC:

URGENT MESSAGE TO ALL HAVEN NATIONS
FROM THE NEW HAVEN GEOPHYSICAL SERVICE OFFICE IN CONTINENTIAL CITY
[04/26/2005 1100 EDT]

RECENT INFORMATION TAKEN BY SURVEY CREWS ON MOUNT PTOLEMY INDICATE A MASSIVE ERUPTION STRONGER THAN KRAKATOA IS BREWING UNDERNEATH THE MOUNTAIN. POSSIBLE ERUPTION STRENGTH RANGES FROM VEI 6 TO VEI 7 DUE TO THE LIMITED NATURE OF THE DATA COLLECTED.

ALL HAVEN NATIONS ARE ADVISED TO BEGIN PREPARATIONS FOR THE EFFECTS OF A POSSIBLE ERUPTION INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE CHANCE OF INCREDIBLE TSUNAMIS OF ALMOST ONE-HUNDRED TWENTY FEET CLOSE TO THE ERUPTION AND MAJOR ASHFALL OUTSIDE OF NEW HAVEN TERRITORY IN SOUTHERN HAVEN.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONSULT THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:

http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=413433&page=2

A PRESS CONFERENCE WILL TAKE PLACE SOON TO ADDRESS POSSIBLE SCENARIOS AND EFFECTS TO HAVEN NATIONS.

---------------------------------------------
OOC:

Sorry for all caps, I wanted to make this look official.

A man sat in a room. The room was pitch black, except for the glow from a large LCD screen. Suddenly, there was a knock on the door.

"FUCK! THAT'S FUCKING BULLSHIT! THERE WAS NO WAY THAT HIT ME!"

There was another knock.

"What?"

"My leige, I have urgant news from Haven."

"Enter."

The door opened, and a man entered the room. The man inside recoiled and shielded his bloodshot eyes as the light filled the room. The intruder flipped a switch, causing the man to recoil even more as the overhead lights came on.

"As I was saying, your magesty, I have news from Haven."

"Continue."

"It seems that Mount Ptolemy in the former Island States is going to erupt in a massive explosion."

"And? It's all over the net. Don't tell me that you interupted my game for that."

"There's more. It seems that projections indicate that there will be a tsunami. Forodren Cormandor is in danger."

"I see. Have the Quasar II made ready. I'm sick of this game anyway. Fuckers cheat. I need a vacation"

"Yes, your magesty."

"One more thing."

"Yes?"

"I want the intelligence department to track down the user that goes by the name 'McClown23'. When they find him, have him killed. He wallhacks."

"Consider it done."


An hour later, the 880m ship left it's dock in A Baoa Qu. The sunlight shone on it's reflective black hull as it made it's way to Earth. Before long, it was time to enter the atmosphere. The re-entry was rather uneventful, and the ship made it's way to 10,000m over Haven. As the ship neared Continental City, she dropped quickly, eventually coming to rest in the sea off the coast. On the top of the ship, a hidden bulkhead slid back, and an elevator rose to replace it. On the elevator was a black Shark Class shuttle with the king's personal crest painted on in various places. The shuttle lifted off and flew to the city.

"Control tower, this is King Damien Nightbane. I'm coming in in a Shark Class shuttle. Requesting landing clearance."

"Landing clearance confirmed," Continential City Air-Traffic Control radioed. "Be advised, we are under a Potentially Heavy Ashfall Watch. All vehicles incapable of flying in heavy ash will be grounded if it turns to a warning. You'll need to talk to the CCATC Commander if your vessel does have such capability. CCATC out."

"Thank you, CCATC. I'll speak with him right away."

The shuttle made it's way to the designated landing area, and touched down. Nightbane parked, locked the doors, and made his way to the conference. His black, spiked plate mail and assorted weapons most assuredly got him some odd looks.

Continential City Citadel - Press Conference Room Gamma

Members of the press from all over Haven gathered in the room as the Director of the NHGS and the Ptolemy Survey Crew (plus a few meteorologists and disaster relief agents) walked in and took their seats.

"Good morning," Director Livingston said as he looked at the cameras and reporters in the back. "The past few days have shown remarkable increases in activity within Mount Ptolemy. It has gone from being dormant to potentially being the worst natural disaster to strike New Haven ever. Our survey crews have found evidence that the volcano has the potential to unleash a high-end VEI 6 eruption, on the order of 60 to 80 cubic kilometers of eruptable magma. Since the volcano's main vent and side vents have become sealed, the terrain has deformed dramatically, and we're getting reports of much more substantial earthquake activity, with swarms reaching well into the lower 4s on the Richter Scale."

"What kind of damage could we see from such an event?" Cassidy White of New Haven State News asked, her questions guided by the government and what it wanted answered to the public.

"The immediate danger is the blast, which will totally destroy Ptolemy Island," Gerhardt said as he leaned forward to his microphone, the Austar Union's data streaming up onto the large screen behind them. "The resulting blast will probably be heard as distant artillery fire as far out as three thousand miles. It will be the loudest natural sound ever to be heard in Haven, and we strongly suggest people do NOT remain on the nearby islands to witness this event. We have a webcam set up on a nearby island, please view it instead of watching it for yourselves."

"After the blast, ash will begin falling, it will be rather shallow closest islands, with amounts remaining between 5 and 15 feet into the continential landmass," Lovell said as she sat forward, the map showing the ashfall distribution. "Continential City, here, will get about teen feet total." Whispers began to go back and forth between the gathered press. "The nearest islands, however, will be possibly hit by pyroclastic flows, but we're not so sure. However, we're evacuating the peoples of the nearby islands to Freeport for evacuation to the colony worlds... immediately."

More whispering followed as Dr. Johnson's mic kicked on. "The worst will be from the tsunami. We're expecting all of the energy of the explosion that will become the tsunami to shoot northward, along the Haven Straits. Anyone south of the former Island States will just have their tides go up a little more than usual, one or two feet, nothing too serious. We have comprimsed the following information to let everyone know how high the tsunami will get before making landfall in their nations (bear in mind folks, this is worst-case scenario and most likely to happen):

the former Island States: 140 feet
Pilot: 110 feet
Freethinker Outpost: 120 feet
Scarlet Isles: 110 feet
Tiburon southeast and eastern coast: 90 feet
Forodren Commandor far southwest coast: 75 feet
Ancient and Holy Terra southeast: 75 feet
Jonderese Outpost: 70 feet
Barentsburg (southeast coast and in isolated spots): 60
Hestonia (in isolated spots): 60 feet
Hogsweat (southern coast): 50 feet
Scandavian States (on outlying islands and in isolated spots): 40 feet
Edolia (in isolated spots): 35 feet
Ravenspire: 5 feet
Points along the southern approaches: 3 feet

"I really suggest people in coastal areas in these areas get to higher ground or into towns with high sea walls, especially those high enough to take the tsunami."

"Are there any further questions?"

"Samuel Jones, New Haven State News, what is the detailed plan to evacuate those on the closest islands?"

"We'll be taking those who can be evacuated to the Pedestrian Gate on Freeport for transport to a remote planet far from New Haven territory," Director Livingston stated. "They will be provided with emergency shelter, food, running water, replacement clothing and other necessities. Beyond that, its rather classified."

"What about the major cities?"

"All major cities will be safe from the threat of a tsunami," Gerhardt replied. "The primary threat for Continential City and Freeport is the ash that will accumulate. Based on forecasts, several feet of ash will rain down on Continential City. Freeport, on the other hand, will get a few inches at best. Look, we already covered this in our briefing. Please, prepare for evacuations or for rough times ahead. If you do not feel safe in major cities, move to higher ground. If you do not wish to get trapped in the cities when the ash begins falling, make plans to head to Asherton City or to the colony worlds until this is over. I'm not kidding anyone when I say that if anyone feels unsafe, its time to evacuate."

"Any idea when Ptolemy will erupt?"

"Judging by the amount of activity and the rate at which it is increasing, anytime beteen now and a few days from now, maybe a week. We're not sure. This conference is over, thank you all for coming."

The message from New Haven was ranked as emergency priority, and thus reached the desk of Liëssa Ciryatan, Consulacör of Foreign Affairs, within an hour. Her first reaction was disbelief, but as she checked the authenticity of the message and began doing background checks on Mt. Ptolemy, she found that the report was true. Immediately she took the document and rushed to the office of the Erasito.

The next hour, phone calls were being made and an emergency division was being sent to Luín Anarórë equipped with helicopters, cargo aircraft, and other military vehicles. Enormous naval vessels used for transport were cruising at top speed along the ocean's surface to enter through the Haven Straits and rescue hundreds of thousands of coastal residents. Millions of tons of sandbags were already being shipped. The emergency effort was in full swing.

Ëtaros had ordered the Consulacöra of Foreign Affairs to put out a statement saying that the Ëchanor Doctrine (http://s7.invisionfree.com/KIST/index.php?showtopic=116) will be in effect during the rescue operation. "I expect that Haven can handle military vessels entering the Straits due to the emergency at hand. The government owns no civilian vessels and I haven't enough time to try to rally private companies to come to our aid, though they may if they wish." Speaking further, the Erasito declared, "All nations in Haven have my word that no Etaran military vessel shall not take advantage of this situation and attack foreign vessels unless attacked upon first. If they do, I will take immediate action to punish the perpetrators with an automatic death sentence in the fashion so wished by the possible victim."

In Luín Anarórë, the magistrate, Erumnós Ëchanor Eledhwen, has been making his own preparations, and has successfully evacuated at least two coastal cities already. Most refugees are being taken to the far Northeast of the colony in the most mountainous regions. Hvittsted, former capital of Lietuveska, is not being evacuated at this time. It is hoped by officials that the city's position in the crowded inlet will protect it from assault.

"This incident is proving a very important lesson to the nations of Haven. Our greatest problems do not lie with political tensions, economic upsets, or simple quarrels over territory. We are truly united against a common enemy: the scourge of nature. Let this prove to us that we should not take the survival of our nations for granted. Let it teach us that we cannot and must not be disillusioned by the belief that our only enemies are artificial. May fortune be with us."
-- Erumnós Ëchanor Eledhwen

Stovetop Island, 130 miles from Ptolemy

Soldiers were knocking on doors as dropships continually dropped in or took off, taking evacuated persons off to Freeport for transport off to Far Haven, a secret New Haven stronghold planet on the edge of known space. The next time the people looked up at the stars, they would be too far away from Sol to see it even as a faint and fuzzy dot.

A marine Lieutenant banged on the door of an old farmhouse, probably having been around since the area was first settled. It wouldn't stand a chance against the 130 to 140 foot tsunami that was coming, the ground on Stovetop was on 20 feet at its highest (and relatively flat all across, hence the name).

An old man, who looked to be in his seventies, walked over to the screen door and peered at the soldier. "What do you want?"

"Sir, I'm sorry to bother you, but this island is under mandatory evacuation," the Lieutenant said. "Mount Ptolemy is going to explode, and this island is going to be one of the worst hit."

"Nonsense," the old man replied, waving his hand in disgust. "Mount Ptolemy has been standing for longer than my family has known. Hell, my great-great-great-great-great-grandfather was the leader of the expedition that found Mount Ptolemy."

"Thats nice, look..." The soldier began to say. "I can't force you to go, but I will have to ask you to give us a list of your next of kin, because when Ptolemy erupts, you're going to be dead in a matter of minutes." The old man looked at the soldier for a few seconds.

"I'll grab my things."

"You do that, we'll have a vehicle waiting for you out front."


DIRECTIVE TO ALL BORDER STATIONS AND AIRFIELDS

A MANDATORY EVACUATION ORDER HAS BEEN GIVEN BY THE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF. ALL FIGHTERS ARE TO IMMEDIATELY BEGIN TRANSIT TO ORBITING CARRIERS OR TO BALTIC ISLAND. DEFENSIVE GRAVSHIPS ARE TO SET SAIL FOR THE FAR SIDE OF ASHERTON ISLAND. THIS IS NOT A DRILL.

As soon as the order was given, hundreds of fighters and gunships lined up on the runway, taking off in quick succession at low Mach speeds, quickly climbing into the skies. There were no dropships to evacuate, they were all involved in civilian and military evacuations to Freeport for offworld transit.

Beehive Carriers began to gather in orbit, docking as many fighters and gunships as they could before transiting for New Haven. The remaining fighters made an effort to get to Baltic Island, and all of them but five made it (the five having encountered problems with their drives).

Continential City

Riot legions marched through the streets in formation, deterring people from looting or rioting as evacuations took place. No one wanted to bear witness to ash falling from the sky like snow. Caravans of people got onboard the USR HyperRail, going to see family or friends in Hattia or Edolia. Others got on buses or above-ground trams and set off for the mountainous regions to the east.

Freeport

The first successful evacuation using Pedestrian Hyperspace Gates was taking place, the gate having retained connection for over six hours. Fusion generators near Freeport kept the system running for as long as possible, but a power failure now would trap tens of millions of refugees in Freeport when the ash began to fall.

Asherton City

It had been months since the Hattian ultranationalists lobbed a nuke at Asherton City, the debris mostly cleared out and construction of the Asherton City Citadel well underway. However, refugees from the nuclear holocaust now made their way to the far side of Asherton Island, just in case. Tens of millions joined the march: children, men, women, the elderly, all of them wishing that the end would soon come for their constant struggle.

New Haven State News

"In a reversal of long-standing policy, President James Newman has lifted the ban on non-allied vessels crossing New Haven territory on treks across the Strait. As the President put it himself: We couldn't stop anyone at this point if we tried."

"In other news, evacuations are well underway across the former Island States. Hundreds of millions of people have taken to public transportation or to their own two feet to carry them away from danger. Military dropships are being used in round-the-clock evacuations on the islands closest to Ptolemy, and are continued to do so until either everyone who wishes to evacuate has done so or until Ptolemy erupts."

"In sports..."

Chamber of Command, the Isle of Ravenspire

Riddick pondered over the data which had been pouring in throughout the whole of Haven, and most importantly from the island in question. It seemed that a massive eruption was already imminent, and that even the data from his own computer resources told him of an incredible Tsunami to come. Yes perhaps it had shown the whole of Ravenspire being relitavely safe, but it was most probably unfortunate for those if anything, for those who would not be safe from the distaster's bone-breaking waves. People already knew this, and the reports were flooding in, no pun intended.

"Lord Riddick, I have recieved the latest data on the Ptolemy Disaster," reported a small balding man, probably in his thirties. "It seems that the Etarosi and the New Haven Socialist Republic have begun with full scale preperation efforts. The islands have become a sort of massive exodus if anything."

Riddick's response was perhaps harsh, but fair. "There is nothing we can do already. I am not willing to lose men in this disaster, for if I do then we will be no better off to aid the troubled afterward. Our time and involvement will come later when the devestation has been done. It is imminent already, but we have nothing to fear so far. Ravenspire, will remain safe."