NationStates Jolt Archive

Official Announcement of the President of the United States of Allanea

Friends, Freemen, Allaneans!

As you know, our government has just signed a ceasefire agreement with God’s Own. It can be said that in some respects the war can be called a victory. The enemy suffered greater casualties then allied forces, and civilian casualties in the Reich had been greater then ours. The goal of explaining to the God’s Ownii the basic message that attacking Allanea is not a very good idea has been reached.

However, Allanea has been horribly devastated in the carnage of the wars. More then seven million people were killed, eighty million homes deprived of light and basic amenities, over one hundred and fifty million people are living as refugees in various nations. Strategic targets in Liberty-City have been damaged by EMP effect attacks.

If this is a victory, surely it is not the most glorious one we have every experiences.

Listeners, Allanea needs help – it needs foreing investments, it needs donations, it needs simple humanitarian aid. It needs pre-cast homes for the homeless and medicine for the injured and ill.

Allies of Allanea – we won the war together. It hurt like hell, but we did win the war. We now need to win the peace. Anything that you can do to improve the lot of those harmed by the thermonuclear exchange, both personally and economically, is going to be a victory – another victory – against the foe that wanted to kill Allanea, to isolate her economically and diplomatically, to destroy her spirit, to sap her blood.

But I promise you all – they will fail. With your help, we will succeed. We will establish a better, stronger Allanea then it was before their attack – and by this alone, we will not only ensure they lost – we will ensure those of them that were killed fighting against Allanea and Liberty truly died in vain.

This is all I have now to say.

May God bless those who help those in need.

May God bless Allanea.

Incognitia is drawing together private and governmental donations of both money and materials.
They will be sent shortly.
We trust to your government and people to distribute these where they will do most good.
The present value of donations is approx $100 million standard. More will be sent as landmark figures are reached.

GOVINFORM News Article
The Questarian Charity group Christian Aid has recently stepped up donations to Allanea in light of the massive casualties sustained by Allanean civilians, donations from Churches around the nation whether thye be Church of Questers or Roman Catholic have reached in excess of seventy billion pounds. Coupled with aid charities and government sponsored donations over 400 billion is already being transferred to Allanea, one of the stronger Questarian allies. Major construction companies are offering to rebuild infrastructure at cheap prices.

Northern Coal and Steel has offered to supply all the steel neccessary for rebuilding train tracks, all the trains neccessary for running them, and coal to supply heating and energy to all displaced persons in Allanea.

The Questarian Government, in a move led personally by Generalissimo Fieldingham, has told the Allanean government all refugees in Questers are welcome to stay either on permanent immigration, or until they have a home in Allanea. Furthermore, all refugees in Questers will be given a grant of 600,000 pounds to reconstruct their lives in Allanea. In addition to this, the Imperial Questarian Army Air Service is sending large transports with temporary generators to Liberty City and Army-chartered planes from Northern Coal and Steel are bringing in coal for basic heating.

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Liberty City
Jefferson Avenue
11:32 PM

The first MiS-102 ground its gear to a halt as it skidded along the road, the pilot marvelling at the width and length of the avenue large enough to take a plane. The plane lay dormant as the pilot left the cockpit to meet the Allanean official waiting on the ground to take their aid supplies and the Allanean people who had arrived this late at night to see the first aid trickle into Liberty City.

Well, Allanea hadn’t quite been reduced to a republic of insects and grass. This time. Nevertheless, in addition to the millions killed, there were things that had happened to allaneans far worse than death.

However, that is only one of the many concerns. Among the weapons suite available in the ‘modern milieu’ nuclear weapons are unique in that they attack the provision of life at every level. Misses immolated forests and fields, direct impacts destroy logistics and life, horrifically maiming those unfortunate enough not to be immediately killed, contaminating vast swaths of the environment.

That said, the nuclear weapons employed by God’s Own had been very efficient, designed by more advanced nations, and their targeting packages were aimed for maximum initial destruction, which meant that amount of fallout released by the attack was minimal.

Fallout: Falls. It’s been falling for two days already. There’s not so much that can be done for it, now. It would have been dramatic to ‘gank’ a mushroom cloud.

In fact, it would have been awesome.

In comparison, it’s much less fun trying to target and remove stratospheric nitrogen oxides. Allaneans on the ground might hear the distant thunderclaps of cubic kilometres of air disappearing, being dumped in a compressed yet dissipate form into the crust of the planet, so as to form a net-energy gain operation, meaning that each such action provides power for several more. Of course, eventually they’ll have to sort that out, too, before the stuff seeps out.

Someone is going to be really bored next week, converting that stuff to ozone, nitrogen itself, and the more useful nitrogen oxides and putting them into the right place in the atmosphere to counter depletion of the ozone layer, and generally load soils with the appropriate nitrogen oxides. On the other hand, there’s a pleasing elegance of the whole thing. Creation from devastation.

Somewhere in Allanea, a forest fire blazes. With a titanic thunderclap, a cloud not of smoke but of water vapour appears over it. Already snowing, yanked from one of the planet’s poles. Displacers were quite a bit more effective on environmental gasses than solid objects, due to loss of huge amounts of the gasses being tolerable. Nobody complained if a cloud lost a hand in transit.

[INS Sataissaoth → INS Erisavenus] Good show!
[INS Erisavenus → INS Sataissaoth] I think it pretty!
[INS Sataissaoth → INS Erisavenus] Fair point, but how about this?

A flaming city centre… stops, as the temperature drops to that of liquid nitrogen at ground zero, and similarly cold throughout the rest of the devastated area.

[INS Erisavenus → INS Sataissaoth] You’re a big cheat. You know I’ve not got the hardware to do that.


Above shaken, broken houses, the same deafening claps, in miniature, echo along a winding suburban street, the force of them enough to choke anyone left on the ground, killing them in the manner of thermobaric weapons, as the radioactive dust all around – and the topsoil of everyone’s gardens – is yanked forcibly into the air, disappearing in a green flash, as a free-roaming portal terminus – again, imperfect efficiency – swept up the fallout as though it were a gigantic dust pan.

There was no-one there to be directly harmed by this vigorous cleanup was also due to the prodigious overworking of a hundred ship’s displacers and portals, quietly removing all those human lives in the effected areas that lingered, hundreds of millions of them, to the hospital facilities of the Solarian Response Fleet…

The Rosdivani response following the ceasefire was much the same as it had been before the ceasefire, merely enlargened. Thousands of flights by Rosdivani aircraft continued to aid the injured, and to move vital supplies around Allanea. Ships too began to move, chartered by the Rosdivani government. Most of them were cruise ships, to help aid the return of Allanean refugees. Most of the rest were Navy hospital ships, along with a few carriers and their hospital capabilities, but there were also a few ships simply loaded down with supplies of various sorts. Some with medical supplies, some with food, and still others with construction equipment, to speed up the rebuilding of Allanea.

War. Suffering. Pain.

These words show what the people from Allanea went through. While a majority of countries ignore this and carry on with their perfect lives, doing nothing to stop it, I think they should think again. Leaders have it within their power to alter history. They will only have the will to do so if tens of thousands of people show them that enough is enough.

They can tilt the world on its axis in favor of the helpless, and that's not a difficult thing to do.

So therefore, with Marge Lure creating the melody, I propose to record (OOC: not really record) a charity song that I have written, called "What has happened to Christmas Day?", to help these poor people. If we charged the record at 10 pythons each and if 6 people brought the record, you could plant 50 trees. If 15 people brought the record, the people there would get a cow. If 40 people brought the record, then 10 children would be given a vaccination against nuclear radiation.

Music is something some may do, helping is something we need to do, and Allanea is something we all have to do. That's the way it breaks down in my life. Let's end this suffering now.

Rob Goldelf
Lead Singer of "The Downtown Dogs"

"What has happened to Christmas Day?" Lyrics (1st Draft)

There's too many of you crying
There's no need to be afraid
Far too many of you dying
We can end this sick crusade

What has happened to Christmas Day?
Where is Santa on his Sleigh?
The bombs of radiation
Shall not stop this generation.

The bitter sting of tears
Falls on shaken, broken houses
None will replace the fears
None will replace their spouses.

Protect the Innocence
Give them gifts of hope
The bombs of radiation
Shall not stop this generation.

Protect the Innocence
Give them gifts of hope

Protect the Innocence
Let them, let them cope

Give them gifts...
Give them gifts...
Give them gifts of hope.

Give them gifts...
Give them gifts of hope.

Protect the Innocence
Give them gifts of hope

Protect the Innocence
Give them gifts of hope

If Allanea lets us, and if many musicians are interested, we can save millions of lives.

Coal. Here’s a very basic fuel for you. It’s been used since the age of the Neanderthals to heat homes, to save lives from the extreme cold, to give light and warmth to sapientkind. And when atomics fail – where electricity fails – where basic civilization fails in a flash of thermonuclear fire, people revert to coal.

And coal works. Throughout Liberty-City, lights begin to reappear. Recovery crews make their ways through the streets, setting up basic streetlights, and already in the Liberty-City Teaching Hospital there are lights hospital.

In the next few days, many Allaneans decide to stay in Questers. Some remain there on a Questarian citizenship alone, and a small group even retains dual citizenship, creating what amounts to a small Allanean enclave in Questaria, tacky ‘Allanean food’ restaurants and all.

The oppressive majority however, do return – which is what, one suspects, the immense Questarian grants have been designed to do. The sheer amount of money can help one build a new home if one was destroyed, and even live comfortable for a while until one finds a job again.

In the meanwhile, the Allanean government turns to compensating businessmen who lost their factories, farms, equipment or resources. The four-hundred billion dollar donation is spent on that – or at least as much as the Questarians allow. In a few days, as the Allanean nation begins to recover top-down, the economic wisdom of it begins to be seen.

The nation of Terror Incognitia receives thanks from Allanea, and the money is directed to the same application.

Thanks are given to the people of Greater Menelmacar, again. In the Midlands, a monument to the Lady Sirithil will be built, as a symbol of the gratefulness of the people of Allanea.

This will all happen later however.

For now, the response to all offers is one.

Allanea will accept any and all help.

What is not evident from the dry statistics – the economic growth percentages, the per-capita income, the amount of new homes built every week – is the feeling of the nation.Officially – formally – the goal of the Allanean government has been to avoid the destruction of Allanea by the Shelfordian attacks, while the official – pronounced – goal of the Reich had been to destroy 'the Allanean dogs'.

Regardless, quite a few people are upset. After all, regardless of what Shelford said – who cares what Shelford says, after all – and regardless of what Kazansky said, what the Allaneans had expected from their military was not just beating off the Reich. What they had expected was for the Reich to be utterly destroyed, for the joint allied militaries to smack the Reich a good one and roll the tanks right into Vegana-City.

For many people, somehow even survival seemed a consolation prize.

Different people dealt with it in a different ways.

Congress – which, by the way, was sitting it's final term before the kick-in of the Kazansky Amendments – passed a bill increasing military funding to sixty five percent of the Federal Budget – on the expense of the Public Education budget. Perhaps it had something to do with Kazansky pushing forward to his eventual, and stated goal – the elimination of all public education funding in Allanea.

Additionally, Congress passed the State-Owned Computing Open Source Encouragement Act. According to the Act, all Federal-owned computers were to be switched to Linux or BSD within two years' time, and the money saved from the procedure to be diverted to special aid projects to help the people whose homes and jobs were destroyed by nuclear war. Kazansky was shown on the White House Internet site, signing the bill and posing proudly with his own laptop – with FreedomS.u.S.E. v.20.0 already running. This would have been very funny if not the billions saved by the measure and diverted to emergency assistance.

The military soaked in the blows, and began to form up new units. It became clear that Allanea's SDI system needed to be upgraded, and that Allanea needed it's very own orbital warfare corps. The one extra percent of funding was immediately used for upgrades – creating hundreds of thousands of jobs in the IT and military-industrial complexes.

Black Knight heavy loadbearing missiles took off on daily basis, taking off with orbital artillery sattelites, Brilliant Pebbles, Offensive Brilliant Pebbles, and similar devices. White Knight Orbital Shuttles were purchased and repainted with Air Force black, to do a service to Allanea nobody had yet thought of.

More interestingly, quite a few people begin to think that some of the 'Reichies' – and some of the televangelists in Allanea – may have a point there, when they say that God hates Allanea. Well, it certainly didn't look like he hates it – certainly the war was kind of won by the Allanea – but it didn't look like the Big Guy up there loved it too much, either. And so, Reverend Graham's sermon's began to increase in popularity, religious communities sprang up all over the place, and more and more golden-fish designs began to appear on cars throughout the nation.

Was Allanea becoming Christian?

Whatever the answer, for most Allaneans, it wasn't all that depressing. For most of the people, the war had been won – and it had been, indeed, party time. Kazansky used his authority as President and Commander in Chief to put milions of troops on leave, and they felt happy to rip off their uniforms and armor suits and go out on the town – and happyness is contagious.

Additionally, one milion prisoners were pardoned in celebration, and they, too, hit hard on the booze.

Truly enough – and in the style of most Allaneans – it was, indeed... party time.

And so there are victory parties. Newspapers report that over six million young people from Liberty-City carried out a vast Victory Rave on the fields near the city, that the amount of alcohol consumed quintupled overnight, that Kevin Nivensky staged an enormous orgy in the Allanean Arms corporate towers. The Dead Commie Counter, updated by the Armed Forces Support Association and listing people killed in military action by the Allaneans and nations fighting along with them, now lists 1,227,000,000 enemy casualties. A separate party is thrown to celebrate adding fifty million more people to the count.

As for the economical side of the issue, those 'dry statistics', those 'worthless numbers' do reflect a crucial point.

There are good sides to anything.

Right now, the good side to all this destruction is that a lot of people now have cash on hand, and are willing to begin investing and spending again – on new homes instead of those ruined, on new businesses, on ways to make money. Four hundred billion dollars in compensation tend to kick-start an economy, even if it just got smacked down by a few days of low-intensity atomic warfare. And in a nation where the words 'zoning ordnance' are synonymous with 'tar and feather the mayor and run him out of town on a rail' building new factories is a snap.

Of course, the fact that medical help from the Empire of Greater Menelmacar will greatly reduce medical costs for the entire nation is a good thing too.

And, on a pure technical level, the Allaneans were still around. Auckland – and a few other cities throughout the Reich – were no longer around. Ortillery projectiles had sent homes on fire in the heart of the Reich itself. Hundreds of Reichsflotte ships were on the bottom of the ocean. To anybody's knowledge, none of the actual sailors that carried out attacks against Allanea drew breath anymore.

And thus, for quite a few Allaneans, it was indeed party time.

Public Announcement

Cute Bunny Burger Corporation in Jeruselem is holding a nation-wide fund raising exercise for the people of Allanea. All proceeds of this drive will go the people of Allanea and the reconstruction of the nation. All Jeruselemites have to do it buy CBBC products as per normal and part of the proceed get put into the Allanean fund.

Queen Mariah I of Jeruselem
CEO of Cute Bunny Burger Corporation in Jeruselem

In the Piemon Internation Film Festival, on all of the 100 tickets that Cafundéu will sell to the rich in their country, I have managed to persuade them to give 20% of the profits to Rebuilding Allanea. Also, Rob has spoken to me about his song and I strongly approve of it. He also asked me to get any musicians/singers/band involved in the project. Is anyone interested?

King Sir Monty Python
Eternal Leader of the Funny and Ambassador of Comedy

In the meanwhile, the Allanean economy continued to grow. Electric lighting came back on in Liberty-City, and – as a matter of fact – a totally new suburb was now being built, as refugees returning from Questaria made use of their 600,000-pound grants to privatize and develop thousands of acres of land outside the city. The money coming in from The Great Monty Python and the Cute Bunny Burger Corporation was used as well – and schools began to spring up throughout the country, funded by the donations from Jeruselem. It was expected that the costs of private education would likely actually drop post-war.

In the meanwhile, the Allanean government actually downsized certain portions of the military, decommissioning somewhere on the order of 6,000 aircraft that were being previously retained by the Air Force. Further, ten aircraft carriers were removed from service, and sold to private corporations, to be transformed into floating hotels off the shores of Allanea. The money resulting from this was funneled into constructing more and more suburbs, with green, blue, and red roofs beginning to appear where only the grass once grew.

The Allanean economic growth continued – but some things had to be cut down. And so the Allanean navy decommissioned and gave away large amounts of ships to allied nation. There were obviously reductions of expenses, and they were diverted into targeted tax cuts again. In the meanwhile, the Navy received ten orbital combatants for free, and the Army was building six NPG's – three for deployment on the mainland, and three on Roanoke Island in Haven.

Further, Allanean Arms now made a single move towards the Greater Prussian allies. It hinted, through diplomatic channels, that it could now supply for thte Greater Prussians a number of Mark I nuclear pulse cannon as well. Of course, the Allanean government didn't care .This would be good for the economy, after all...

Official Announcement of the United States Military

As part of implementing the Military Engagement Conclusions and Reform Act 2006, the United States Military will hereby decomission it's stockpileof ICBMs – 10,000 rockets in all. The rockets, of the currently-outdated Minuteman III model, will go to the Greater Prussian military, sans compensation, as replacement for the rockets used up in the defense of Allanea. Additionally, we will scrap completely our current assortment of orbit-based missile platforms.

As for us, we have no longer any need for these devices, for the following reasons:

1.Allanea's need for nuclear deterrence can be well satisfied with our 290 Elenaran Mephet'ran heavy ICBMs, and other, non-ICBM parts of our stockpile of Weapons of Mass Destruction*
2.Any nation and their little sister now has SDI, and possible Orbital Combatant Warships, capable of shooting down most ICBM's at ease. Further, if we launch an amount of ICBMs large enough to actually hit the other guys and cause serious damage, it would likely trigger an 'assured-destruction' response from the probable opponent.
3.Allanea is currently seeking a long-range, guided missile, to replace the Minuteman III in the first-tier anti-missile role..
4.It is our desire to free other nations, not kill everybody. Not that we wouldn't kill everybody and enjoy it, too, we just prefer the other option.

Further, under MECRA-2006, Allanea will soon announce a further downsizal of the Navy, possibly by as much as a thousand ships.

Sincerely yours,
Your Friends At The Department of Defense.

*We at the Department of Defense see it useless to employ the 'Weapons of Mass Deterrence' euphemism, since everybody already knows what we mean.

* * *

In the meanwhile, the amount of donations to the different Christian churches in Allanea quintupled after the war. More and more people were turning to God – and the fact Christian Aid of Questers was the organisation behind the 400-billion grant that helped alleviate the main damage from the thermonuclear attacks helped, too.

Slowly, the amount of listeners to John Graham's online sermons began to increase, and more and more people took his words to heart.

We did not fail in this war because we did not have enough guns!

We did not fail in this war because we did not have enough nukes!

We did not fail in this war because we did not have enough rockets, or sattelites, or brave men willing to fight!

Let me tell you why we failed in this war! We failed, because Allanea is drowning in sin! This is why we failed in this war! Do you want to know why we failed? I want you to look into the depths of your soul, and look at the sin – the sloth – the lust – the horrors that nest there, in your heart! And then I want to see the fool who will look at me and truly tells me it's the missiles, and the rockets, and the fighter-bombers that lost the war! Because guns don't kill people! People kill people! And people lose wars! And we lost this war, and let me tell you why we lost the war:

Because we were proud, and sinful, and offended the Good Lord!

What, did you think such a thing could happen without the Good Lord frowning upon our enterprise?

Look at our cities. Seven million dead.

One out of every thousand – dead, immolated, incinerated.

One out of every thousand.

Does the magnitude of this horror not impact upon your souls, Allaneans?

Do you truly think now that the Good Lord smiles upon this land now, as he did before?

Clearly His blessing is withdrawn from the Reichites completely – but look upon Allanea, her sinful life, her orgies and her perversions – and come tell me again that this land is loved by our Lord.

Portland perished, and New Randsburg perished, and Seattle perished, but perhaps – as we weep for the innocents – we should consider that perhaps it is our sins that have brought this horror upon them. Perhaps, indeed, this is a warning sign:

Perhaps we should reconsider our lives of sin and lust, before it is too late.

The Ridgian government sends five billions bills to be used as the Allanean government sees fit, and all debt occuring from this loan is forgiven.
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Cardinal Marco sat in his office, the man known as Reverend Graham was preaching about sin within Allanea- right from his computer. Two priests sat beside him, and shook their heads. Marco clicked the man off of the screen, and turned on his webcam....
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CRUNN Special Broadcasting- Signal Ready for Pick up by any other network- Signal sent into Allanea
Cardinal Marco sat in his red leathered chair, glass French doors behind him led out to a beautiful view of gardens, then to a cobblestone street with a small restaurant and bakery. His black cassock contrasted with the scarlet lining around his collar, and down, encircling his buttons.

Dear Brothers, especially those in Allanea, greetings in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ. I greet you with the words, Pax Vobiscum, Peace be with you. I do mean this is the truest sense of the word, especially, with you. Your nation has been trashed, and yet you continue to party. Your homes, your family, gone forever, and yet you continue to engage in your practices! How can you do this? You are obsessed with winning, and revenge! Forgive, brothers, forgive! Reverend Graham would make it sound as though God forced you to lose. No, God did not. God hates war, and he does not intervene. He will do nothing to bring peace, unless we work on peace ourselves.

Contrary to what my own government has said, this was not a just war. Both sides are at fault, both sides are wrong, both sides carried out the devil's work. Now, brothers, it has come time to rebuild. You listen to the sermons of false prophets, you engage in sinful partying, and you take no heed of any warnings. However, the Archdiocese of Carmel can help you. The Archdiocese is looking for parcels of land, relatively undamaged, to purchase. These will be turned into centers for aide, chapels, missions, shelters, or simply held onto, until they can be sold, to benefit your economy. We will buy undamaged buildings, houses, and businesses.

However, to prove we are not doing this for profit, I feel that now is the time to turn over a seven billion Reichsmark collection, taken up in churches across Cherry Ridge, and placed into jars on the coutners of stores. This will be turned over to various charities within Allanea, after a backround check to ensure they do indeed help the, ah, freemen, of Allanea. May God bless you, the Father + and the Son + and the Holy Spirit + Amen.

Soon, the video signal was bouncing all over Prussia, and videos were circulating the internet, using the same tactic as Reverend Graham.

The Christians, Muslims, Jewish and other humans under other religions are a peaceful kind unless provoked and thus many have been signing up to the New Propagandian Rebuilding Allanea chapter. Also a fund-raising has been going on, providing the money for food, clean water supplies and the neccesary tools and weapons for farming and hunting.


Those planning on going to Allanea are hoping to arrive in time to salvage anything they can.

In Liberty-City

The donations from Cherry Ridge flow down upon the injured streets like manna from the sky. In part, they are used to pay for restoring street lights and facilities throughout the city. In part, they are used to build things that the Mayor believes the city needs – for example, a series of pedestrian bridges are built throughout the city, named by the different Catholic saints as a form of thanks to the Catholic nation that has given the money, several hospitals, and a lot of money that is invested in helping people fix the damage done to their homes and businesses by the EMP blasts. Similar uses are made of the money in other cities.

And to the offers from Cherry Ridge, a response is given as well – it is given by Michel Demetre, the Cardinal of Allanea:

My dear brothers in Christ!

Allanea needs your donations, and I will gladly arrange for the few churches active in the nation to help and distribute them. But now more then ever – Allanea needs not just your donations in money. The nation is a nation of sinners of different kinds, and it needs your Christian aid to save not just the bodies of Allaneans, but their souls! Send us not just money – send us monks, priests, missionaries, let us now spread the Word of God to the millions who have not been fully exposed to it before.

May God forgive me from saying so, but I feel this horrendous disaster is an hour of opportunity for Christians in Allanea. Perhaps we will not be able to convert even a third of those people into our faith – but every soul we save is a soul rescued from the fire of Purgatory.

My dear brothers, is it not worth it at least to try?

Another Sermon by Reverend Graham

Listen now, for the Good Lord has already spoken, and he had already mentioned this:

“Abide in me and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me you can do nothing. If a man abid not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered: and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.”

Now contemplate on this, for this is the Word of God, and this is the redemption of your nation. Do you truly think that Allanea is based, in the behavior of it's people – in your behavior – on the Word of God? Do you truly believe that you have abided by it? Do you think that a nation famous for it's orgies is a nation which abides by the Lord our God?

Now do not get me wrong. I am not advising that a law be passed against such behavior – after all, I am no Reichite, but an Allanean Freeman like you. The State is no good shepherd and no good watchman against sin. Rather, I implore each of you, individually, to guard against the sin in your soul. I ask you not that you ban some activity or another, or interfere with men's habits through the force of the State. Such is not the way, for it is written: “Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar's, and unto God the things which be God's.” What, then, must you do?

Look not to your legislatures, look not to your governments, but look to your souls and to the sin that lies within them, and so uplift your soul.

This is the way to your salvation.

This is the way to the salvation of Allanea.

And yes – this is the only way.

Najaster, Capital of Kahanistan

Foreign Ministry

Foreign Minister Dr. Margaret Delray sat on a swivel chair at her desk, her feet propped up on her desk, writing a memo on her laptop. An aide entered her office with a file on the recent conflict in Allanea.

"Dr. Delray, the Allaneans are accepting aid to rebuild their nation after the nuclear slugfest they had with God's Own. What's the Kahanistanian government going to do?"

"We want to distance ourselves from the Sovereign League, but it's civilians who are starving to death in the streets," said the Foreign Minister. "Aid to the Allanean government is out of the question, as long as we want to have relations with the rest of the world." But we can't let these people starve to death...

"We'll wire a large sum of money to some big Allanean charity, they'll distribute it to the Allanean people rather than have it find its way into the coffers of corrupt politicians, or putting a new roof on Kazansky's mansion." She remembered the far-right claims of Kahanistanian General al-Ghazi (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Abdullah_Hassan_al-Ghazi) that Amestrian aid given to Kahanistan after the Freekish invasion of Kahanistan (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Invasion_of_Kahanistan_(Kraven_War)) was in fact used to bribe Kahanistanian politicians (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Anti-Amestrianism) into supporting Amestrian war crimes. (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Occupation_of_Torontia) She was determined to avoid a similar diplomatic incident. (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/2006_Kahanistan_riots)

It followed that several hours later, numerous Allanean secular charities received five-billion shekel aid packages. The total amount wired by the Kahanistanian government added up to 550 billion Kahanistanian shekels.

Political differences made it difficult to send aid to Reich civilians, however, despite Kahanistanian neutrality: they had more trouble finding secular charities in the Reich and the political climate would not allow sending anything to the governments of Reich nations. So, they took a leap, wired 1.3 trillion shekels to the International Red Cross, and hoped for the best.

DEMOCRATIC SOVIET REPUBLIC OF KAHANISTAN
Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The Government of Kahanistan extends its condolences to the families and friends of the millions of casualties of the Allanean-Reich War.

We are unable to assist directly in supplying the dispossessed civilians of the warring states, but it is our hope that the hundreds of billions of shekels we have sent as foreign aid will enable the suffering people to purchase basic necessities.

Signed,
Margaret Delray,
Minister of Foreign Affairs

The rebuilding process accelerates even further, pushed to a new speed by the Kahanistani donations. The Allanean Department of Commerce shovels three trillion dollars in corporate subsidies into corporations around Liberty-City, and the place begins to be truly alive again, glinting with lights and new houses. Trillions are also poured into arms industry subsidies, putting millions to work again, producing tanks and guns which would not – strangely – go into Allanean hands at all.

In the meanwhile, offers went out to Knootoss and Rejistania, asking whether the nations were willing to accept free surplus Allanean naval ships.

Brother Cardinal,
I will be willing to send missionaries to counter the protestant preacher gaining popularity. However, I will need bases of support to do so. The Archdiocese of Carmel is willing to buy all Catholic hospitals, and any Catholic properties, minus parishes, to do so. Indeed, will will purchase non-Catholic buildings. Please inform me of any requests to purchase. I am preparing 15 priests, 20 sisters, and 10 lay missioners to send to Allanea.

May Christ prosper, and convert the masses.

+ His Eminence, Joseph Cardinal Marco, Archbishop of Carmel

SERINIDADE-
A proposed Allanea Aid bill was struck down in the voting today, after two weeks of debate and a heavily devided Parliment. Prime Minister Rodgriguez resubmitted the bill to go for a 2/3 appeal however it once again failed.

"It wasn't our damn war, why should we help them?" Said Parlimentary Speaker Alberto Gonzallas. Foreign Advisor Minister Alberto Roberts was dissapointed as well as Prime Minister Rodriguez. "We should be a compationate nation," Roberts told us, "Not these isolated jerks that care nothing of the misfortunes of the world." The vote was 53-22 with no abstantions or abasentee voters. "I honestly was in favor of it," Said Parlimentary Speaker Marah Lopez "I think we need to do more for the international community.
After two strike downs the bill will remain defeated on the floor.

DBC ANNOUNCEMENT

Recently, the Kremlin has announced that one and a half trillion dollars accumulated from the Imperial Treasury, Andropov Petrol and Beyond, and the Grand Imperial Council for the Advancement of the Protestant Faith And Heritage will be sent to the Allanean government in order to help in the rebuilding of the nation.

Also, various Boy Scout troops across the nation, and Red Cross workers, and other GICAPFAH brigades are mobilizing themselves in order to ship to Allanea to aid in the reconstruction process, should they be needed.

Blazhei Voikinov, Chairman of GICAPFAH and Grand Master of the Legio Dei, one of the largest organizations within GICAPFAH, sent out a message of encouragement to the Allanean people.

"I urge you all," he was quoted as saying. "To find your faith in God once more. What is in the past is in the past, and cannot be dealt with. God is with you now. Cherish Him and let Him into your lives, and let him work through you, and when you do this, Allanea shall be stronger than it ever has been before." After the broadcast, a private interview was held, and he had this to say:

"I pray that the allanean people find their faith in Jesus Christ and turn towards him. Having met Reverend Graham and President Kazansky personally, I know that Allanea could not have better leaders in their times of tribulation. I have full confidence that God will bless Allanea and bring her glory once more."

And now for something completely different...

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/8/82/Siberian-larch.jpg/250px-Siberian-larch.jpg
The larch

Press Statement

The Imperial Government has send 100 billion dinars worth of aid to help our allies in Allanea rebuild their great nation. We hope they can be restoring to there nation in a short amount of time.

Xiu'he, the first lentine thought at the beginning this was a faint attack at the rejistani pride since the only part of the military, which is successful is the rejistani navy (due to auctioning of the confiscated goods, it is nearly independent from the budget), but after a short conversation with her ministers decided that the Allaneans were not using subtle insults on the national pride. They would say "the rejistani military sucks!" openly. Therefore the first lentine of Rejistania decided to be in favour of this.

The Kalesic Republic of Rejistania would be delighted to accept that offer.


The Karelan temples in Allanea received good monetary support from Hetkali (and possibly even Divensirsk) to re-build the temples and atakeles as well as to do charity work as described in the karelan Vani-texts.

The rebuilding process continued at an ever-accelerating pace. The large-scale industrial orders, the donations - so far amounting to over one trillion total from abroad – the subsidies to the arms industry – the medical aid from Greater Menelmacar - all those things seemed to be wrought together in a single thread.

Together, they were slowly – and yet surely – moving Allanea back towards the financial prosperity it knew before the war.

While only approximately 0.1% of Allaneans were actually killed in the war, eighty million were left originally without water, electricity, or basic amenities. Only now was light and water returning to the cities from which it was withdrawn during the Reich War.

On December 27th, 2????, Alexander Kazansky himself orchestrated the re-opening of the Liberty-City Stock Market – for the first time after the war, electronics were restored to the immense building.

Trade resumed itself normally, and the wounds seemed to have healed, and yet not all was as it seemed.

Though the wound was closed, a strange feeling of change was now in the air. It seemed that something was done wrong, unattended to, uncared-for, in the war, or perhaps even before the war.

Perhaps that was why Graham was so successful.

On December 24th, Christmas Eve, he spoke to a stadium filled with 30,000 people in the Hash.

On Christmas Day, he spoke to a gathering of 100,000 people in Port-Allanea, in Haven.

On December 26th, he met with the leaders of the big Protestant organizations in Allanea, and distributed to them ten million dollars in donations which he had, in turn, received from his followers.

On December 27th – to an online audience of sixty million people in Allanea and abroad – far more, in fact, that were watching the ceremony of the reopening of the stockmarket.

OOC: Obviously the thread is far from over... :D

The military nodded as they received the news from Rejistania. As a first move - and a stop-gap measure - 40 'Azores' class fast-attack craft (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=8772169&postcount=136) would be given away to the Rejistanis. Those would certainly come in useful, being much more expensive and advanced then what the Rejistanian military could actually afford.

* * *

Non-Christian religions were also 'doing their thing'. The Temple of Karela spread it's monks throughout Allanea, their bald-shaved heads now reappearing throughout hospitals, poor people's homes and immigration facilities all over the nation. They preached their faith, and people heard. In Daikatana, the aid from Ottoman Khaif caused a resurrection of Islam, and soon, the chanting of the muezzins was heard anew in places where it has not been witnessed for generations.

The catholics were now out in force as well. With the money sent from Cherry Ridge, new churches, orphanages, and hospitals sprung up everywhere, and the missioners from Cherry Ridge soon found themselves a lot of work. They found that the big cities of Allanea – Liberty-City, Gush-Katif, Port-Allanea, Yurka, Heston-City – were veritable dens of sin, surpassing perhaps even the disgusting excesses spoken of in the Old Testaments. Prostitution of every kind, pornography and gambling were commonplace, disturbing shows were available off daytime television, and so on, and so forth.

Graham, in the meanwhile, had a solution of his own. He had called upon his closest followers to establish gated communities, to live separately from the horror and corruption of the big cities. That was a thing that the Allanean government approved upon – and Kazansky (who was not a Christian, and had two wives and a plethora of lovers) diverted a large amount of the Ottoman Khaif aid funds to help those refugees who wished it to move into the 'Christian Neighborhoods' that Graham established.

But Reverend Graham decided to go a step further.

He called out to Archbishop Joseph Cardinal Marco, Cardinal Demetre, and Reverend Graves of Reichskamphen:

Brothers in Christ!

While we are not of one denomination, we are all Christians together. It is our duty to consider, first and foremost, the triumph not only of our own church, but the triumph of Christ our God. Is there any way were we can work together to return at least some Allaneans into His fold?

Reverend Graham,
I will keep this messege short. I will be willing to meet with you in Allanea, along with other Christian leaders, to discuss how to banish the sin and immorality from Allanean lands. Together, we will purge the brothels, destroy pornography, and eliminate the scum from television. I will arrange transportation to Allanea, and I have arranged for the embassy to provide housing for myself, if need be. Please respond as to where I should go when I arrive in Allanea, and when should I depart.

God Bless.

+ His Eminence Joseph Cardinal Marco, By the Grace of God and Favor of the Apostolic See, Archbishop of Carmel

The message to Reverend Graves arrived in New Geneva, but had to be forwarded on to reach the High Lord Protector in Allanea where he was overseeing the opening of the newest PCGPE Church in Liberty-City, Allanea.

This was a Grand Church patterned after the Imperial Cathedral in New Geneva, only it was 1/4 the size of the massive iconic structure. The Sanctuary was as long as two football fields and it boasted a 500 rank Skinner-Aeolian Pipe Organ. The massive steeple, though smaller than the one in New Geneva, still effectively could act as a skyscraper with plenty of office space for what was soon to be the offices of the PCGPE in Allanea, the Greater Prussian Baptist Conference in Allanea, and hopefully, for Reverend Graham himself if he accepted the appointment as head pastor of the new Churh.

Dubbed, the Liberty Cathedral, it stood defiantly as a rallying point for all morality and goodness. It rebelled against the rampant hedonism, as its soaring spire stood watch over the city. Its enormous bells could be heard chiming the hour, and occasionally, chiming out familiar hymn tunes that they could float into the hearts of the citizenry. In towering letters on the stained glass front windows a verse from Romans shouted its message to the world. "As it is written, the Just shall live by Faith".

Inside the great structure, thousands were gathered to worship, and to dedicate the sanctuary.

The trumpet rank of the organ, several stories above the altar sounded out a short melody in piecing monophony. The choir, in antiphonal, picked up the melody in unison at first. "Vexilla Regis Prodeunt, Vexilla Regis Prodeunt" then in sweeping block chords and with a rising intensity and volume. "Vexilla Regis Prodeunt, Vexilla Regis Prodeunt, The Banners of our King Go Forth!"

As the final strains of the Introit ascended into heaven, the booming voice of Rev. Graves was heard over the loudspeakers. "Terribilis Locus Iste, Great is this place...but Greater still our God. Our Strength and our Salvation."

Then, the mighty new organ blared forth an elaborate intro to the hymn tune, "Guide us O, Thou Great Jehovah." The 150 voice choir began to process from their places in the narthex up the centre aisle.

"Guide us, O, Thou Great Jehovah. Guide us to the Promised land. We are weak, but thou art able. Guide us with thy sovreign hand. Holy Spirit, Holy Spirit, Guide us with thy sovreign hand, guide us with thy sovreign hand."

As the third verse of the song finished, and the choir stood in their places, Rev. Graves and Rev. Graham processed to their respective pulpits. When the hymn finished, Rev. Graves began in prayer.

"Heavenly father, we thank you that we are gathered today as Christian brothers and sisters to celebrate the gifts that you have poured out on this land in its time of need. In times of old, plagues swept the nation of Israel, they were carried off into Babylon, they were held underfoot by the Greeks and the Romans, and as it is written Lord, they still did not come unto thee.

We know Lord that thou art only-wise and omniscient and omni-present. We know that the disasters which befall our lands, like those which befell Israel in days of old are the signs that you send us Lord to lift our eyes to the mountains from whence our help cometh.

Shine your light on this wicked land, revive it...quicken the hearts of its people and let them not be afraid to stand firm and resolved in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. If you be for us Lord, who can be against us? Let the faithful, especially the new Christians in this land, to put on the whole armour of God and wield the Gospel Sword in defense of your precious word and in the cause of the advancement of your Kingdom.

We pray this in the name of him who taught us, when we pray, to say:"

Then the congregation joined in the Lord's prayer.

"Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, and the power and the glory, forever, Amen."

As the heads of the congregation lifted up, Graves spoke only briefly.

"Most of you here know the perils that the Church faces in Allanea. Most of you know about the wickedness that pervades the very fabric of this country. And I encourage you all not to separate yourself from society and form your own enclaves, but to stand in the midst of the storm, advancing the Banners of our King, as you heard the Choir sing. Rest assured, that with God on our side, we shall not fail. Yet also, yoke yourself not equally with unbelievers...for darkness hath no communion with light and good none with evil. Be ye separate from the unclean thing in your ways of living...but be ye also a witness unto the world for the sake of our crucified and risen lord.

Before we recite the apostles creed, I would like to introduce a man who needs no introduction, the new Head Pastor of the Liberty Cathedral, the Reverend James Graham, who will speak on the Spiritual State of the Union."

“Freemen!” - James Graham raised his hands above the crowd - “Allaneans! Patriots!”

His voice rose above the heads of the crowds and reverberated through the cathedral's walls, repeated millions of times by video cameras, vodcasts and internet transmissions through all of Allanea. “Patriots, the fatherland is at risk!” The voice of the preacher acquired the characteristics of anger. “I know that some of you are surprised by this – after all, the war is over, isn't it? The Reich forces have not destroyed Allanea, have they? Allanea is safe, you think. Allanea cannot possibly be in danger. And yet, you, my friends, are tragically wrong.”

“Allanea is nearly doomed. Look about you! Horrendous orgies, drug use, pornography are rampant everywhere. It is an open secret that many of the ambassadors Allanea sends abroad are even now former prostitutes – in fact, during the last international summit in this very city, the leader of Psychotic Psychos was so disgusted with our nation, that he left in the middle of the conference and did not return. This is how depraved Allanea is. This is how disgusting, even to our friends and allies, the habits and bearing of Allaneans are. Now let me ask you only one single question: if the leader of an allied nation was so disgusted with the bearing of Allaneans he almost withdrew support of us, how do you think this looks in the eyes of the Lord?”

“I will admit to you freely – I am not a wise man. I am merely a small-town preacher with a talent for persuasion, and people listen to me. I do not know how to guide congregations beyond the small one, in my town, nor how to protect the Word of God. For example, I thought that, to preserve the believers from corruption, they had to be separated from the rest of the nation, in their own towns, and neighborhoods, and counties - you have heard today, how Reverend Graves took my argument apart . I was wrong, and I admit it freely. This is why I asked the good Reverend here – and all good Christians – for aid and advice – because we need to know how to save Allanea.”

“Let me restate the message again for you – Allanea is drowning in sin! Open your eyes, open your ears, let your mind contemplate of the magnitude of corruption that reigns here. Look outside – and you will see the very sins of Sodom and Gomorra, of Nineveh and Babel, advertised from twenty-meter-tall outdoor signs. You will see girls as young as seventeen or eighteen celebrating the end of the school year with parties that'd make Delilah blush. You will see perversion and indecency of every sort.”

“Those who are in this church today are lucky – they have heard the Word of God, they have read His Book, and they know why there are here – because they want to be saved. But most people did not hear of this, or were not told enough about the Lord. And Reverend Graves is right, and I am wrong – we are not to withdraw from the cities and into the suburbs or into our own special towns. We must stay here, and take the light of God into these houses of sin.”

“Each of us here was given a gift from God – even two gifts – his own personal talents as a painter, or an artist, or a layer. And another – everybody here has heard his Lord and accepted it. These are gifts, and every single one of us is bound by his duty to the Lord to use these gifts to promote the Lord as His Word. Those gifts are as the silver that is described in the parable of the talent – those who try to isolate themselves, rather then help, are as the slothful servants:”

"Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath."

“I ask you all – if Allanea is to be helped – to think of what you can do to help her – of your own silver talent that you can use to help save people's souls. And do it. Do it was soon as possible – for there are souls out there that need to be saved.”

“That is all. And may God again bless Allanea.”

OOC: Sorry if there are any problems... it's late night now here and I'm half-asleep.

A motocade of five cars pulled up in front of the Liberty City Presbyterian Church (PCGPE). They were all black, and all Mercedes, however, the middle car was modified into a limosine. A man in a black suit opened the back door of the middle car, and a man in a black cassock, with red buttons, red around the collar, a pectoral cross, and a scarlet sash, stepped out. He began to walk to the door of the chucrh, followed by three laymen in black suits. They opened the door, and slipped into the back pew, however, those in the sanctuary would notice his arrival. Joseph Marco, the Cardinal-Archbishop of Carmel, had arrived.

Posted on a website... known to be frequented by Allanean citizens.

... and under what circumstances does James Grahamtard seem to think that he has the right to criticize our way of life? The same way of life that I might remind you all we have been living for centuries, and have you seen all that much harm come to the United States? Let me tell you where we went wrong; foreign policy, the fact that it needs to change is not commonly unknown. The way that we romp and stomp around the world like we own it, we have only one man to blame for this and that is Allanean President-for-life Alexander Kazansky. You want to see change, remove him from government.

In the meantime, he would rather have you believe it to be your fault for the lifestyles you lead than doubt his leadership, and therefore remove him from office by one means or another.

Nevertheless, we enjoy economic prosperity seen like never before... do you really think that God would allow us that if he hated Allanea? To be honest, the idea that my Allanean brothers and sisters are evil is complete and utter B.S. I call out in this desperate time of misleading to my atheist friends, along with church leaders of the Muslim Communities. Fight against this wave of pathetic bullshit while you still can. If you don't want Allanea to become as well seduced by this religious nonsense as Iesus Christi, you will act now.

Kill Reverend Graham before the masses accept these lies in search for the truth, and educate them with the full knowledge that you are right.

Always remember, science is with you.

With Love,

Kate

The men from Cherry Ridge would be met by a small crew of men in black three-piece suits – lead, rather appropriately, by Friedrich Mann, one of Reverend Graham's earliest and most faithful listeners. Now, with Graham's rise to fame, he became his aide, dedicating all his effort to helping James Graham spread the Word. Currently, his role would be simple – he would lead the Archbishop and his man into a conference room somewhere in the immense building of the Church. To the same rule, the Reichskamphian and Dersconi pastors would be led when they arrived.

The room was unusually Spartan for an Allanean conference room – no drugs or hard alcohol of any kind were present, with the exception of two bottles of red Prussian wine. Several plates of different cookies were placed on the desk – and, in front of every chair, a large amount of colorfully-printed pages, describing the sprititual state of Allanea in terms of statistics.

Five hundred thousand prostitutes in Liberty-City alone, in a population of 160 million… LaVeyan Satanism finding appeal, approximately 7,200,000 people throughout the nation subscribe to it's notions…. 20% of the population is atheist, 35% agnostic, 17% Christian, 12% Hashi Inikreasism, 2% practices Judaism, 14% practice other religions… Islam, Scientology, Sirithilism, paganism… Chaos cults are rare, however the Army is forced to repeatedly operate against them in some colonies…

A few minutes after the service ended, Graves would arrive there, as well.

Bazalonians citizens looked on towards the Carnage of Allanea so far unware of the surrupticious involvement of the current administration in the war in the first place, there where many things obvious that Allanea needed industrial and economic recovery, which could only be supplied by foreign aid which it seemed to be getting.

However there seemed to be a deeper need, a cry had erupted the nation had been torn to the core and what it needed was moral guidance ay least until the nation had reforged itself into a cohesive unit once more.

The churches of Bazalonia, Lutheran, Orthodox, Anglican, Presbeterian, nearly every single demonation and practically every single church, not only prayed for the people of Allanea for this dark time but collected and pooled resources and sent combined mission teams to look after those that where forgotten and neglected, the economy of Allanea was getting back on it's feet but still there was a great human cost in terms of lives ripped apart.

These Mission teams ran whatever organisations that the Allanean government would allow, from Schools and education, to those that lost their homes and to those that had lost one or more parents due to the war .1% might not sound like much but in a nation approaching 8 billion people, 8 million dead was quite alot, which meant inumerable people who have been affected directly and indirectly.

While not actively sermonising the Allanea's they certainly made sure that any Allanean that they helped had the opportunity to hear and understand the basis of the gospel. Now was a crucial time for Allanea, for years it slogan had been "God bless Allanea" but the society had now to make a choice, which direction will it take?

There is no "magic bullet" to change a society, there is no realisation or government structural change that will make Allanea great, however great change can come abound just by one person, that person speaks to others, and then they speak to others and so on, until all of Allanea has heard of the good works of these mission teams and the christian message that they brought. Repentence from the wrong we have done, leaving that behind and faing towards our goal to become like Christ to take on more of the personality and love of christ everyday and shed the sin and snares that weigh us down from that goal.

It won't be easy, and will take a long time to acheive but the first steps have been taken on a road that could lead Allanea to heights it could never acheive.

STOCK MARKET HITS RECORD; MANY TURN TO FAITH AFTER WAR

Even as at the editorial staff of the Allanea Times write those very lines, the Liberty-City stock market, recently reopened, had now hit a height of 35,001 points, a point higher then at the eve of the Second Reich War. But stock market growth aside, many remain deeply affected by the war.

On the outskirts of Liberty-City, new neighborhoods now spring up, composed of millions of people displaced by the warfare. Charity operations have purchased thousands and thousands of high-grade, triple-wide mobile homes to house the refugees, and even now the former inhabitants of Portland, New Randsburg, and other cities are taking up residence in new suburban neighborhoods all around the country.

Even the recent surrender of British Londinium forces to the Allanean military without a fight has helped to revive the economy – the money gained as tribute from the Londinian government had been immediately diverted into helping the reconstruction effort.

And yet, many people seem to have been affected on a deeper, spiritual level. Even now, more and more millions stream in to hear the words of preachers like James Graham and his allies, and Catholic and Protestant leadership assembles in the new Liberty City cathedral built with Greater Prussian donations. It is not yet clear what solution the priests and pastors will produce for what they consider to be 'Allanea's spiritual failure' – but one thing is for certain – a change is imminent.

NEWSFLASH!

http://img347.imageshack.us/img347/8415/pinaallaneabth2.jpg
PINA (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Public_International_News_Ariddia) newsflash

The Ariddian Secretariat for Health has announced that the Ariddian Red Star (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Ariddian_Red_Star) will be providing humanitarian aid to Allanea. The Red Star will be supplying medical aid, including equipment, medicine, doctors and counselling support for those affected by disasters.

Dr. Sergei Telkijski (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Sergei_Vyacheslav_Telkijski), spokesman for the Red Star, has said that the people of Allanea are in grave need of international assistance, and has urged individual donations to supplement State aid from the Rêvane authorities.

The first Ariddian doctors are expected to arrive in Allanea shortly, where they will coordinate their humanitarian efforts with the local authorities.

Stay tuned to PINA (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Public_International_News_Ariddia) for further coverage, and for a look back at the events, causes and consequences of the crises in Allanea, with our special reporter Pareesa Rahmati (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Pareesa_Rahmati).

If you are in Ariddia and would like to help the Red Star, contact your local doctor, who will be in touch with the Red Star.

Cardinal Marco nodded, "One moment." He sent the three men away, who returned to the car, and parked the convoy around the corner. They all exited, and hung out by the cars.

When he was led to the room, he looked over the statistics, and his jaw dropped.

"Looks like we have a lot of work to do."

After thinking a few moments, Cardinal Marco said, "You should probably quickly et in touch with a friend of mine, Blazhei Voikinov, from Derscon. He is head of the Grand Imperial Council for the Advancement of the Protestant Faith And Heritage from Derscon. They could help with funding, though they probably already have, and Blazhei is a good man. I suggest he is invited at once."

"Yes, Cardinal." - Graham's assistant said. "It will be done immediately. Oh, and here's the Pastor." - he nodded and smiled to Graham as he came back into the room.

To: All concerned parties
From: The Vrak Ministry of Rites
Subject: Reconstruction

We are heartened to see the generosity of nations throughout the same universe that we all inhabit. We we question though is if the nation of Allanea should be the beneficiary of such generosity.

The nation of Allanea has provoked wars in the past and has been absolutely obliterated as well with, aside from this example, on the recieving end of destruction of the One Day War. The only way that the nation of Allanea has been able to survive is due to the sacrifice of others. Yes, sacrifice since the massive influx of support from the Greater Prussian Empire has been able to keep Allanea afloat at, we suspect, considerable cost.

We believe that keeping such a dangerous nation afloat is unproductive since the nation of Allanea has not demonstrated that it has mended its ways nor learned from its lessons. The nation of Allanea is, quite frankly, a liability to any alliance since it has the proven track record of recklessly endangering itself and others into dangerous and costly situations. We suggest that reconstruction efforts cease and let the nation of Allanea find its own way without any help from outsiders.

Some may believe that one must stick with an ally no matter the circumstances and consider us not understanding the concept of loyalty. We pose this to you; when does loyalty outweigh common sense or your own sense of survival? Does loyalty involve putting yourself in harms way time and time again? Should one be loyal to a clearly reckless and dangerous nation? Vrak does understand loyalty and most nations would be hard-pressed to match our record of loyalty to the Klatch to their own situation. But we believe that constructive criticism is necessary to advance the cause of peace and that those who are consistently demonstrating erratic and dangerous behaviour should no longer be the recepient of such loyalty and generosity. One can only be tested so many times before you question why one continues to support recklessness.

We ask that those offering aid to the nation of Allanea to examine their hearts thoughfully and objectively.

[The Great Seal of the Vrak Ministry of Rites]

Unofficial Flag of the Federated Klatchian Coast

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v666/KingVrak/Klatchiaflag3_golden_hydra.png

Re the concerns raised by the authorities of Vrak

We are by no means an ally of Allanea. We are aware of the deeds of the Allanean authorities, and condemn the Allanean régime as a dangerous one, which holds human rights in contempt and threatens international peace and stability. But that is not the issue at hand.

The issue is the well-being, indeed the very lives of the Allanean people. My government's position is that the people of Allanea should not be punished for their homicidal, repressive government. The humanitarian aid we provide to the Allanean people by no means implies that we condone the actions of the Allanean authorities.

Ulo HO,
Secretary for External Affairs,
PDSRA

Reply from the Archdiocese of Carmel:
The Cardinal has decided that we must help the Allanean people, to rebuild for their sake. All of our donations go to the people, not the government. We know the charges against them as being as bad as the government, however, would their conversion to peace not reform this?

We can not speak for our own government's donations.

The Right Reverend Monsignor William O'Malley
Vicar General

To: Ulo HO, Secretary for External Affairs, PDSRA
From: The Vrak Ministry of Rites
Subject: reconstruction

On the contrary, by rebuilding the nation of Allanea it will only serve to perpetuate a government that, by your own admission is "dangerous" and which "threatens international peace". We believe that by allowing the fruit to wither on the vine the interests of humanity are best served.

The nation of Allanea is dangerous, erratic, unpredictable, and lacking wisdom. It may bother your sensibilities if civilian deaths would occur if all international aid is cut, but if the world is made a safer place then we think that is a small price to pay.




====

To: Monsignor William O'Malley, Vicar General
From: The Vrak Ministry of Rites
Subject: reconstruction

The nation of Allanea has been rebuilt before and yet continued to be a threat to the world. With respect, Monsignor, do you honestly feel that this massive reconstruction effort will yield different results?

[The Great Seal of the Ministry of Rites]

Your Excellency,
We are not rebuilding the weapons factories, the government, or the military. We are providing homes for the poor, feeding the hungry, and covnerting the population. There is a difference.

God Bless,
Rt. Rev. William O'Malley
Vicar General

Your Excellency,
We are not rebuilding the weapons factories, the government, or the military. We are providing homes for the poor, feeding the hungry, and covnerting the population. There is a difference.

God Bless,
Rt. Rev. William O'Malley
Vicar General


To: Rt. Rev. William O'Malley, Vicar General
From: The Vrak Ministry of Rites
Subject: reconstruction

That may very well be, Monsignor, but the same people that you are giving homes to and feeding their bellies are the same people that will strive to build their own weapons and munitions factories. They are the same people that will gladly join the Allanean military and again go forth to attack other nations. The international track record for the nation of Allanea is dismal at best and we believe that despite your noble efforts it will be doomed to fail. The nation of Allanea sent forces to attack British Londinium and also to the Valley of the Giant. Now, certainly the EVIL alliance is questionable at best in regards to morals, it is telling that the nation of Allenea is focused on war instead of her own people. Clearly these actions tell where their priorities lay.

The best way to get rid of a cancer is a thourough and complete cleansing. It may affect your sensibilities to see civilians suffer, but such a sacrifice is needed for the greater good.

{The Great Seal of the Vrak Ministry of Rites]

OOC: Did I also get copies of that letter? I do note, OOCly, that the reason I attacked these people was to aid my allies... so your argument that Allanea doesn't help it's allies kind of falls flat.

To: Ulo HO, Secretary for External Affairs, PDSRA
From: The Vrak Ministry of Rites
Subject: reconstruction

On the contrary, by rebuilding the nation of Allanea it will only serve to perpetuate a government that, by your own admission is "dangerous" and which "threatens international peace". We believe that by allowing the fruit to wither on the vine the interests of humanity are best served.

The nation of Allanea is dangerous, erratic, unpredictable, and lacking wisdom. It may bother your sensibilities if civilian deaths would occur if all international aid is cut, but if the world is made a safer place then we think that is a small price to pay.


To: The Vrak Ministry of Rites
From: Ulo Ho, Secretary for External Affairs, PDSRA

You make a fair point, one which could indeed be argued convincingly. However, we do not believe that innocent lives should be sacrificed in this way. The preservation of those lives remains, to us, of the utmost importance.

Removed at mutual request

To: The Vrak Ministry of Rites
From: Ulo Ho, Secretary for External Affairs, PDSRA

You make a fair point, one which could indeed be argued convincingly. However, we do not believe that innocent lives should be sacrificed in this way. The preservation of those lives remains, to us, of the utmost importance.

To: Ulo Ho, Secretary for External Affairs, PDSRA
From: The Vrak Ministry of Rites
Subject: reconstruction

Then that is where we differ. You believe in your noble cause in helping innocents and we believe that by cutting off all aid to a dangerous nation will be better for world peace. In fact, it could be argued that by actively seeking to halt reconstruction aid to, and here we use your words again, a "dangerous" nation serves humanity greater than by sparing a few innocents that may later join the Allanean military and seek to attack other countries.

You do realize that the nation of Allanea is sending forces to attack New Albor and the Valley of the Giant? We question why it does such actions when efforts could be redirected towards helping their own.

[The Great Seal of the Vrak Ministry of Rites]

Removed at mutual request

Removed at mutual request

Before the meeting began, the Liberty City Presbyterian Church received another phone call, from the Archdiocese of Carmel, office of the Archbishop. The voice of a young woman, entirely composed and confident, informed Reverend Graham's assistant that another representative was coming. If the call was traced, it did indeed come from the Archbishop's office. But not the Archbishop.

An old, white, car whipped around the corner, and into the parking lot, and parked next to the Cardinal's convoy. Out stepped a young man, dressed in a nice looking black suit, with an equally nice black tie. When he stepped out, one of the men in a black suit already there dropped the cigarette he was smoking. "What are you doing here?" The man simply grinned, and walked inside before he could be stopped.

After being escorted upstairs, he tapped the Cardinal's shoulder. When the prelate spun around, he stood up, and whispered harshley, "What in the name of God are you doing here?" The younger man smiled, "Why don't you ask herself?" The Cardinal's face turned red, "Who gave you permission to come? No. How did you even get in here?" He smiled one more time, and ran his hand through his light brown hair. "That attractive niece of yours in your office." The Cardinal was glaring now, but quickly changed the subject, "Where is your collar?" He received a reply he did not like, but which he accepted, "In my closet."

"Well, Cardinal, aren't you going to introduce me?" The Cardinal turned to face everyone else, "I have the pleasure and fortune, or perhaps misfortune, to introduce Father Sean Fitzgerald."

Correcting the Cardinal, he said, with excitement, "Sean!"

Official Press Release from The Vrak Ministry of Rites



Royal Edict from the The Vrak Royal Secretariat


It is with great concern that we note the rebuilding of the unpredictable, erratic, and dangerous nation of Allanea. We believe that nations that are are contributing to the rebuilding of that rogue state should be commended for their good intentions but are misguided in their benevolence. Therefore, while in private exchanges with certain nations that a part of the rebuilding efforts, we have yet to see any decent rebuttal to our arguments - which are that the nation of Allanea will continue to be a reckless nation seeking war, a liability to any and all alliances they are a part of, which thusly means they should not be rebuilt. It would be better for the nation of Allanea to wither on the vine instead of being propped up by the sacrifice of others.

Therefore, the Glorious Kingdom of Vrak shall enact a trade embargo with any and all nations that seek to rebuild the nation of Allanea. All Vrakian companies shall cease and desist operations with those nations and any and all imported goods shall be banned in the Kingdom. Any and all citizens of Vrak shall immediately return to their homeland and any and all citizens from those countries shall be expected to leave the Kingdom within one week.

The edict shall apply to the following nations:

The Vicious Seneschalty of Terror Incognitia
The Empire and Commonwealth of Questers
The Eternal Necrontyr Empire of The Ctan
The Supreme Commonwealth of Rosdivan
The Holy Empire of The Great Monty Python
The Holy Arc of Jeruselem
The Holy Catholic Monarchy of Cherry Ridge
The Holy Empire of New Propagandia
The Democratic Soviet Republic of Kahanistan
The Divine Prussian Empire of Derscon
The Islamic Federated States of Ottoman Khaif
The Kalesic Democracy of Rejistania
The Protestant Triune Kingdom of Reichskamphen
The Prime Ministerialship of Bazalonia
The PDSR of Ariddia


This edict shall take place immediately. Further correspondence can be directed to the Vrak Ministry of Rites.



[The Great Seal of the King of Vrak]
[The Great Seal of the Vrak Royal Secretariat]
[The Great Seal of the Vrak Ministry of Rites]


ooc: I'm making a couple assumptions here in regards to listing off the nations. It would be pretty hard for a nation to disguise its reconstruction efforts, especially such a massive one like this from the media for long. Vrak would be monitoring press releases and whatnot and could likely put together a fairly comprehensive list of donor nations to Allanea. As well, nations that give aid usually don't disguise but instead like to toot their own horn on "Look at me! I'm so generous!" when it comes to doing that kind of thing.

The only nation that remains a question mark to me is Austar Union since I couldn't quite tell if AU is supporting Allanea or not. As well, if you think that I may have not been privy to you being a donor nation, let me know. In other words, if you think I overheard a conversation that I icly shouldn't have, I can remove your name from the list.

As well, this is a trade embargo. It's not a blockade or anything like that. Bascially, I don't know how much trade Vrak does with the above list of nations. Maybe none at all to a whole lot. You can play that you you like and I'm open to ideas.

Let me know if you have any other concerns. Thanks

OOC: Vrak, you should probably read this (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=511788) if you're unsure of the Austarian opinion of Allanea. In the meantime, we haven't offered any comments or public opinions with regards to the reconstruction of Allanea. We're not really in a position to prevent other nations from contributing, nor have we any interests to see the civilian population suffer from their government's mistakes. That said, we have found it particularly ludicrous that other nations are contributing to a 'help Allanea' fund, while he continues to send troops on offensive operations overseas, and could be funding the reconstruction of their cities entirely themselves. Not particularly a good representation of priorities if you ask any Austarian.

Official Press Release from The Vrak Ministry of Rites



Royal Edict from the The Vrak Royal Secretariat


It is with great concern that we note the rebuilding of the unpredictable, erratic, and dangerous nation of Allanea. We believe that nations that are are contributing to the rebuilding of that rogue state should be commended for their good intentions but are misguided in their benevolence. Therefore, while in private exchanges with certain nations that a part of the rebuilding efforts, we have yet to see any decent rebuttal to our arguments - which are that the nation of Allanea will continue to be a reckless nation seeking war, a liability to any and all alliances they are a part of, which thusly means they should not be rebuilt. It would be better for the nation of Allanea to wither on the vine instead of being propped up by the sacrifice of others.

Therefore, the Glorious Kingdom of Vrak shall enact a trade embargo with any and all nations that seek to rebuild the nation of Allanea. All Vrakian companies shall cease and desist operations with those nations and any and all imported goods shall be banned in the Kingdom. Any and all citizens of Vrak shall immediately return to their homeland and any and all citizens from those countries shall be expected to leave the Kingdom within one week.

The edict shall apply to the following nations:

The Vicious Seneschalty of Terror Incognitia
The Empire and Commonwealth of Questers
The Eternal Necrontyr Empire of The Ctan
The Supreme Commonwealth of Rosdivan
The Holy Empire of The Great Monty Python
The Holy Arc of Jeruselem
The Holy Catholic Monarchy of Cherry Ridge
The Holy Empire of New Propagandia
The Democratic Soviet Republic of Kahanistan
The Divine Prussian Empire of Derscon
The Islamic Federated States of Ottoman Khaif
The Kalesic Democracy of Rejistania
The Protestant Triune Kingdom of Reichskamphen
The Prime Ministerialship of Bazalonia
The PDSR of Ariddia


This edict shall take place immediately. Further correspondence can be directed to the Vrak Ministry of Rites.



[The Great Seal of the King of Vrak]
[The Great Seal of the Vrak Royal Secretariat]
[The Great Seal of the Vrak Ministry of Rites]


ooc: I'm making a couple assumptions here in regards to listing off the nations. It would be pretty hard for a nation to disguise its reconstruction efforts, especially such a massive one like this from the media for long. Vrak would be monitoring press releases and whatnot and could likely put together a fairly comprehensive list of donor nations to Allanea. As well, nations that give aid usually don't disguise but instead like to toot their own horn on "Look at me! I'm so generous!" when it comes to doing that kind of thing.

The only nation that remains a question mark to me is Austar Union since I couldn't quite tell if AU is supporting Allanea or not. As well, if you think that I may have not been privy to you being a donor nation, let me know. In other words, if you think I overheard a conversation that I icly shouldn't have, I can remove your name from the list.

As well, this is a trade embargo. It's not a blockade or anything like that. Bascially, I don't know how much trade Vrak does with the above list of nations. Maybe none at all to a whole lot. You can play that you you like and I'm open to ideas.

Let me know if you have any other concerns. Thanks


Official Bazalonian Government Response.

We find it amusing that a nation such as Vrak, which spends nearly half of it's Gross Domestic Product on mainitaining and building it's armed forces, calling other nations "recaleassly war seeking". The only plausable reason that Vrak spends 15,415.19 ( to the nearest 2 decimal places) Dollars per citizen on defense is that itself is a reckless nation seeking war. As to the effect of the Trade embargo being impossed on Bazalonia, first may we note that the Bazalonians that are aiding in the reconstruction are doing so as private citizens with no aid from the government, and the econominic sanction will have if any impact, we have a large array of sources available to us both domestic and international and the attempt to harrass nations which only seek to improve the lives of Allanean citizens both physically, emotionally and spiritually is a great blight on what would otherwise be considered a great nation.

On a side issue, it has come to out attention that The Great Monty Python is suffering under your thumb, it has under intense pressure from your nation has withdrawn it's offer of support, and yet you still impose these restrictions upon it? For shame.

Yours, Sincerly <signature>
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade

OOC: While the following post was not in this thread, TGMP still has stopped funding the current re-construction: Link (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12158509&postcount=16) Bazalonia has had interaction with TGMP over soccer(football) and with the Piemon International Fillm Festival.

PDSRA "unconcerned" by trade embargo

The PDSRA has reacted mildly to news of a trade embargo decided by the government of Vrak.

"As Vrak is not a member of IFTA (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/International_Fair_Trade_Agreement), we have no trade relations with them in the first place," Ariddian Secretary for Trade and the Treasury Jean-François Pariyar explained.

"Again, we understand and respect the concern expressed by Vrak regarding the dangerous regime in Allanea, but we must re-iterate that our priority is the well-being of innocent civilians," he added.

When the notice of the embargo reached King John Antonette's desk, he read it quickly, then crinkled it up, and shot for the garbage can. Score.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Response from the HCM of Cherry Ridge
The crown does not care about this embargo. We have not had much, if any, dealings with Vrak.

*Sealed*

Emperor David Bivens looked at the Allanean President’s announcement with amusement.

“Sir?” General Jack Valkare, Supreme Commander of the Imperial Military, asked over the video comm. The Emperor had stopped mid-sentence.

“Breaking news,” Bivens said with a smirk. “Allanea’s weakened by war. They’re requesting aid.”

“We have enough on our hands in the form of foreign war,” Valkare replied. He knew exactly what the Emperor was suggesting, and it was far from sending help.

“Relax, General,” Emperor Bivens laughed. “While I wouldn’t call the planets bordering the Sector ‘enough on our hands’ to say the least, I was joking. Allanea’s so bogged down in alliances that we’d end up fighting fifty different nations over the next century and a half. I like wars that I can win. Besides, Jack, it was just a joke.”

“I should be going anyhow,” Valkare muttered dismissively from his desk on the frontlines. He hated that desk, and hated that he was in it more. Jack “Lionheart” Valkare was a soldier, not an administrator. “I have some people to attend to…meetings and such.” He saluted on screen. “Valkare out, sir.” Emperor Bivens returned the salute as the video comm faded before him. He then called for his secretary.

“I want Sky Marshall Zephyr in my office within the hour,” Bivens ordered to the secretary. “He and I have some matters to discuss.”

http://209.85.48.8/237/117/upload/p698781.png http://209.85.48.8/237/117/upload/p698783.png
Emperor Dave Bivens - General Jack Valkare

As Sky Marshall Michael Zephyr entered the Emperor’s office, he took off his hat and held it under his arm. Even at war, the skies had been quiet of late. Operation Outreach was aimed at less advanced civilizations spanning the outskirts of the Orion Sector, a task which the marines were more than equipped to handle. So even at war, Sky Marshall Zephyr had little to do.

“They’re sending countless numbers of troops away on leave,” Emperor Bivens informed Zephyr.

“If you don’t mind me asking, sir,” Zephyr replied. “Whom?”

“Allanea,” Bivens responded. “They’ve been somewhat ravaged by war.”

“I take it they want aid,” the Sky Marshall muttered.

“They don’t want aid, they want handouts!” Bivens shouted, slamming his data PADD down on his desk. Taking a deep breath, he composed himself. “I’m a business man, Sky Marshall, and as Emperor I’m not in the business of giving to the less fortunate.”

“You want to sell them aid?” Zephyr asked.

“I want to give it, with the explicit condition that they pay it back,” Bivens said. A smile crept across his face. “Interest will be attached…and harsh penalties if they don’t get it paid off in time.” Zephyr picked up the data PADD off the desk.

“With all the help they’re receiving,” the Sky Marshall commented. “I don’t know if they’ll want to accept.” The Emperor’s smile instantly left his face.

“Don’t give them the choice,” he said, his eyes staring straight into Zephyr’s. The Sky Marshall nodded, saluting and leaving the office. He had much to prepare for.

http://209.85.48.8/237/117/upload/p698781.png http://209.85.48.8/237/117/upload/p698914.png
Emperor Dave Bivens – Sky Marshall Michael Zephyr

Official Responce to the Vrakian Trade Embargo

The Dersconi Foreign Office scoffs at Vrak's hypocritical embargo. While Allanea is not one to resort to diplomacy, we find than an armed and healthy Allanea is a happy Allanea, and a happy Allanea is good for us.

As we have no trade with Vrak, the embargo shall have no affect. However, we thank you for acknowledging Derscon as a major contributor to the Allanean reconstruction effort.

In fact, we would like to encourage all members on the Vrakian embargo list to come together to work on trade agreements in order to better perfect our economies and our people. We invite all nations on the Vrakian embargo list to send a represenative to a conference in Derscon for a trade agreement.

Deo Vindice
_______________________________________________

Blazhei Voikinov and two "assistants" arrived at the Allanean Christian Conference by a special vehicle that runs on plotdivicium, a fuel that has a 100% efficiency rating, and never runs out.

Seeing Reverend Graves and Graham, he walked over in that direction.

"Sirs, it is a pleasure to be working with all of you once more." He smiled and bowed to both of them, his cape flourishing. He was dressed like a futuristic Templar -- instead of chainmail, it was a sort of power armour, but flexible enough to not be cumbersome like a full suit of armour. The cape was a bright metallic platinum colour, reaching all the way down to the floor, brushing up against his jet black boots. His legs were covered in what looked like the same sort of power armour that his torso was covered in. On both breastplates, however, was the Templar Cross, and on the back of his cape, the great seal of the GICAPFAH was embroidered in gold.

Quite a show for the fourth richest man, and third most powerful man, in Derscon.

Posted on ABC News: Online

'An Armed Allanea is a Happy Allanea'
- Deo Vince admits to Dersoni subserviance of Allanea, and shows little regard for 'diplomacy'. [full story]

When the Cardinal saw Blazhei Voikinov arrive, he stood up, and walked out. "Blazhei, I do believe its been too long since I have seen you last. I see you got a new outfit. I like it." He extended his hand to shake, but quickly withdrew it, and embraced him for a few seconds, the usual Ridgian way to greet a good friend.

Father Fitzgerald looked on from the back, thinking to himself, seemingly looking straight through the Cardinal's soul, from the expression on his face.
He turned around after their conversation began, and drifted to his seat, greeting the others assembled.

"General von Verstort reports that the indigenous uprising is of minimal threat to mining operations or settlers, and that additional reinforcements will not be necessary. Commodore Mizhakin Bey agrees with this assesment." The Vice Minister for Eastern Front Affairs shut down the holoprojector; room lights switched back on, revealing the assembled Skeelzanian Imperial Council. "And that just about covers the Sylasc situation."

"Thank you for your report, Herr Igenol. If any negative change occurs, you will alert me." Diana checked off 'Sylasc' on her notepad; one less thing to worry about. "Herr Borlaw, I believe you are next in your Solar report."

"You are correct, Kaiser." Count Borlaw leaned forward from his chair, opening his dossier on the table. "It appears that, during the temporal disruption, the nation of Allanea went about getting itself involved in a war. They claim victory, but at substantial cost. While the first claim is as yet unconfirmed, the second is undeniable.

"The Allanean President has called for assistance in rebuilding his country. As you all know, Skeelzania has had a cordial relationship with Allanea in the past, though we seldom worked in conjunction on such matters. With so much of the Solar community against us, it struck past rulers prudent to build a relationship with one of the few nations that wasn’t disagreeable.”

“And we know where that got us,” harrumphed Grand Admiral Carnelian. “Sol is forty thousand lightyears distant; it takes my ships three weeks to reach. Why should Skeelzania care for a foolish state that went and got itself annihilated?”

“I am afraid you are misinformed, Herr Admiral. Allanea was not annihilated, merely damaged; though it sounds as if a thermonuclear exchange was involved.”

“Not something you see every day among nations confined to a single dirtball,” said a general, drawing polite laughter from his end of the table.

Count Borlaw grimaced. “Gentleman, please. Allanea was once and still is a friend of Skeelzania. They need our help! Skeelzania will be shamed if we do nothing.”

“Pardon me, Minister, but you forget that I am Skeelzania.” Diana leaned back in her chair, contemplating the suddenly quiet room over steepled fingers. “I respect both your and the Admiral’s opinions. Sol is indeed a long way from Skeelzania, but it is still of utmost importance. This was the last item to be discussed today, and if the journey is three weeks, then we can way another twenty four hours. I will decide a course of action by then. Council adjourned.”

Ooc:
AU, yes I was looking for that particular thread but couldn’t find it. Bazalonia, well, okay. I didn’t bother conducting a search for each nation and their activities on other threads relating to this, but merely went by the nations posted in this thread. That being said, if TGMP wants to bring it up icly that they have stopped funding, then we will take them off the list.


IC:

To: Ulo Ho, Secretary for External Affairs, PDSRA
From: The Vrak Ministry of Rites
Subject: reconstruction

We understand your position, however we simply cannot abide by your weakness. Does not a government govern its own people? It would be a simple enough matter to freeze money transfers and whatnot by private citizens to the reconstruction effort. The fact that Arridia is not implies that they support the erratic nation of Allanea.

[The Great Seal of the Vrak Ministry of Rites]

====

To: The HCM of Cherry Ridge
From: The Vrak Ministry of Rites
Subject: reconstruction

With such a well developed argument that you put forth, how could one not be swayed to support the reconstruction efforts? Quite simply put, the Glorious Kingdom is for the better in keeping contact with your nation to a minimum, if only to keep our national intelligence level from dropping.

[The Great Seal of the Vrak Ministry of Rites]

====

To: Deo Vindice, Derscon
From: The Vrak Ministry of Rites
Subject: reconstruction

We fail to see how the embargo is hypocritical. Why not expand on your argument so we can formulate a proper rebuttal? As we see it, the nation of Allanea is unstable, given to provoke conflict with little to no cause, and concentrates more on war instead of helping its own citizens. Perhaps you are familiar with the phrase, “the tail wags the dog”. Which end does the nation of Derscon feel it is in relation to Allanea?

[The Great Seal of the Vrak Ministry of Rites]

====

To: Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Bazalonia
From: The Vrak Ministry of Rites
Subject: reconstruction

Where and how much the Glorious Kingdom spends its GDP is not the issue at stake. However, we shall enlighten your to say that the Klatch happens to be a region full of states that are also heavily armed that seek to gain an advantage over one another. As well, our history is quite violent, to say nothing of the attempts of invaders that have tried to invade the Klatch – which we should add failed miserably.

What you should compare is the Glorious Kingdom’s foreign affairs record compared to that of the erratic nation of Allanea. You will find that the Kingdom is far from being a warmongering state compared to the unpredictable Allanea, which is governed by a pack of madmen. Do you see the Kingdom attacking other nations and issuing ultimatums telling them to surrender while undergoing reconstruction? But Allanea carries out this very practice. The nations listed under the trade embargo are subsidizing the Allanea war machine rather than reconstruction.

The phrase, “tail wags the dog” is apt in this case. Which part does the nation of Bazalonia see itself in relation to the unpredictable Allanea?

In regards to the nation of TGMP, unless the nation of Bazalonia controls its foreign policy, we await word from them in regards to the reconstruction effort. If sufficient proof can be furnished by them, then we shall remove them from the embargo.


[The Great Seal of the Vrak Ministry of Rites]

====

To: ABC New Online Service, Austar Union
From: The Vrak Ministry of Rites
Subject: reconstruction

We normally don’t reply to news services, but in this case we feel that we concur with your assessment.

[The Great Seal of the Vrak Ministry of Rites]

o.o.c.
One minor point, vis-a-vis Skeelzanian aide for Allanea, afaik there is still a state of warfare extant between Skeelzania and the Neptunian treaty powers, Skeelz's vanishing from the thread aside, any movement by its' government or navy through Sol will be interdicted.
And by interdicted I mean shot at.
I wouldn't usually bother to point this out, but as the war Allanea fought was with my puppet, it does seem appropriate for me to keep an eye on his reconstruction.

o.o.c.
One minor point, vis-a-vis Skeelzanian aide for Allanea, afaik there is still a state of warfare extant between Skeelzania and the Neptunian treaty powers, Skeelz's vanishing from the thread aside, any movement by its' government or navy through Sol will be interdicted.
And by interdicted I mean shot at.
I wouldn't usually bother to point this out, but as the war Allanea fought was with my puppet, it does seem appropriate for me to keep an eye on his reconstruction.

OOC: Aye, I figured as much.

To: Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Bazalonia
From: The Vrak Ministry of Rites
Subject: reconstruction

Where and how much the Glorious Kingdom spends its GDP is not the issue at stake. However, we shall enlighten your to say that the Klatch happens to be a region full of states that are also heavily armed that seek to gain an advantage over one another. As well, our history is quite violent, to say nothing of the attempts of invaders that have tried to invade the Klatch – which we should add failed miserably.

What you should compare is the Glorious Kingdom’s foreign affairs record compared to that of the erratic nation of Allanea. You will find that the Kingdom is far from being a warmongering state compared to the unpredictable Allanea, which is governed by a pack of madmen. Do you see the Kingdom attacking other nations and issuing ultimatums telling them to surrender while undergoing reconstruction? But Allanea carries out this very practice. The nations listed under the trade embargo are subsidizing the Allanea war machine rather than reconstruction.

The phrase, “tail wags the dog” is apt in this case. Which part does the nation of Bazalonia see itself in relation to the unpredictable Allanea?

In regards to the nation of TGMP, unless the nation of Bazalonia controls its foreign policy, we await word from them in regards to the reconstruction effort. If sufficient proof can be furnished by them, then we shall remove them from the embargo.


[The Great Seal of the Vrak Ministry of Rites]



To: The Vrak Ministry of Rites
Subject: Re:reconstruction

Please, explain to me how providing aid to those that are in need, the many that have lost their lively hoods, their homes, their families, those without the money to buy food through no fault of their own. 6 million lives lost from this war is bad enough but you seem to be advocating that we just sit back and let people die in the street. No one nation nor organisation can effectively deal with the incredible amount of millions of people affected by this war. And might I remind you that the aid is being donated, collected and distributed by private individuals and organisations. The Bazalonian people have opened their hearts to the Allanean peoples under great stress and I ask where is The Glorious Kingdom of Vrak's heart to those that have been hit hardest by the war. Not the Allanean government, but the people of Allanea. If indeed the Government of Allanea is as bad as you make out then why let their citizens suffer even more?

No, the government of Bazalonia has indeed no say in the foreign affairs of The Great Monty Pyhton(TGMP), we were simply pointing out that according to your own statements that TGMP should not subject to the embargo and we wonder what this says about a nation that presents itself as an international protector against "rogue" governments that you yourself would ignore international convention and impose unwarrented sanctions upon a nation such as TGMP.

Yours, Sincerly <signature>
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade

OOC: I was just letting you know (ICly and OOCly) what was going on with TGMP. ICly Bazalonia thinks that Vrak is just trying to throw it's weight around and totally thinks the government is just trying to score political points at the expense of the Allanean citizens. OOCly I just wanted to make sure that you had the facts about TGMP's aid. And while he should have posted something here he still ICly did so it should count.

To: Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Bazalonia
From: The Vrak Ministry of Rites
Subject: reconstruction

The short answer to your question regarding why Vrak supports cutting off all aid to the nation of Allanea and encourages others to do the same is because the very people you purport to help are the same people that will rebuilt their munition factories, build their tanks, and march to war. The nation of Allanea has not mended its ways, despite suffering far greater losses in the One Day War and continues to go to war before your very eyes.

As far as giving the weak response of private citizens are donating and not your government per say, we ask you this, who governs the people? Is it not a simple matter to freeze all transactions to the erratic Allanea? By not doing so you are merely complicit in re-arming that rogue nation.

When it comes to eliminating a blight on humanity, half measures are not needed. The nation of Allanea is clearly a danger to peace and while it may affect your delicate sensibilities if some civilians suffer, we believe that greater good should be understood here. No civilian population means no rebuilding of weapon factories and sending troops to war which means the world will be a safer place. Let the nation of Allanea wither away. By supporting it you and other noble yet misguided nations are only bleeding yourselves. What you should be doing is asking youselves this simple question; why are we sending aid to a nation that is sending troops to fight in far off distant theatres of war? Surely your intelligence service cannot miss the events in New Albor, among others. Then one should ask; why doesn't the berserk nation of Allanea not focus solely on reconstruction and seek to learn from history? As far as we can tell, the international reputation of Allanea is that of scorn and ridicule. More worrisome is that the nation of Allanea does not learn from the past.

In regards to the Great Monty Python, we shall conduct an investigation into the matter.


[The Great Seal of the Vrak Ministry of Rites]

To:The Vrak Ministry of Rites
Subject: Re:reconstruction

The Prime Ministerialship of Bazalonia is not in the business of telling it's citizens how best to use the money they have, all ventures are being conducted under Bazalonian law and meet all requirements for not-for-profit organisations. There simply is no basis under Bazalonian law for us to prevent humanitarian aid that complies under the conditions that are set by Bazalonian Law.

As for the issue regarding Allanea what is obvious is that there are changes occuring in Allanea, we beleive these changes will be for the best for the Allanea and it's people. Will the nation's government learn from their mistakes? I dunno but I would hazard to make this sweeping and generalised statement. All nations have made mistakes, some learn quickly, others need more prompting. Past behaviour does not necessarily dictate future behaviour. This may just be the proverbial straw that breaks the camel's back. Should the rebuilding and reconstruction build a nation that brings your worst fears to life then Bazalonia will be there bringing the nation under control.

As for the matter over TGMP we are glad to hear of the investigation.

Yours, Sincerly <signature>
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade

“Ladies and gentlemen, I would first like to say that I respect all of your opinions and suggestions, based on your experience in years of service to myself, my family, and your country. They all carry great weight with me, and play much part in my decisions.”

Diana was standing at the head of the table, hands on the edge. Her six foot height was fully drawn up, spine as straight as if she was back on the FS Parade Grounds. The Imperial Council, about two dozen all told, were sitting quietly in their seats, hands folded in laps. All eyes were on her, as she declared the latest policy regarding Sol.

Clearing her throat, she continued. “I have decided that we will indeed aid in the rebuilding of Allanea. I am told they have suffered a thermonuclear attack. As such, I will be diverting eight hundred thousand Rad-X patches, to assist the most afflicted in their recovery. They might not need them, but if there is any radioactivity in the red blood of its people, Allanea will be able to deal with it.

“Secondly, three hundred thousand tons of less exotic medical supplies and emergency foodstuffs will be dispatched. Accompanying all this will be an official delegation, to meet with the Allanean leadership and better determine their needs. These gestures of good will are not to be done in secrecy. They will be on view for all of Sol, and any who monitor Sol. Skeelzania is not, and will not be a country that fears to openly aid its allies.”

Rumbles of agreement arose from the table; Grand Admiral Carnelian looked positively pleased at the thought of Skeelzanian ships entering Sol after so long. He was to be disappointed.

“These supplies, at the total weight of three hundred twenty five thousand tons, will be loaded onto a single freighter, most likely of the Norst class. Our friends in SCARR have graciously provided one for such a purpose. Admiral…”

Carnelian shook himself from his fantasies. “Yes, my Kaiser?”

“This ship will not be escorted with Sternmarine vessels. It will fly a commercial ensign. Past experience has shown that the Solars react badly to even the smallest military force.”

Clasping her hands together, Diana smiled. “Well, that’s that. Council adjourned. Admiral, if you will speak with me privately…

They were on the ramparts within twenty minutes, overlooking the main inner courtyard. Fürstentumschütze drilled in the courtyard and patrolled the walls, the patrollers wearing substantially more elaborate rigs. They dutifully retreated out of earshot when Diana and the Grand Admiral stepped into the sunlight.

“I’m guessing you don’t like my plan,” Diana said.

“Of course I don’t.” The dueling scar on his cheek writhed in consternation. “Damn Solars are just going to shoot up any freighter we send. Have to cow them first.”

“They kicked the stuffing out of us at Neptune. Anything short of the entire Sternmarine isn’t going to cow them.” Diana smiled up at him; he was a good foot taller than she. “But, I promise you this, Lewis. If someone shoots down the first freighter, we’ll run the next through under the guns of your dreadnoughts.”

Carnelian immediately brightened. “It’ll be a second Iranthir, only this time there’ll be no Xeno communist to claim all the credit! I’ll draw up plans immediately. Ishtar and her sisters will be pleased…”

“Don’t get ahead of yourself, Admiral. The Solars might sit on their hands, for once.”

* * *

Three weeks later, 2,400,000 kilometers from Earth on an Equatorial plane

The Brazen Coin emerged from hyperspace with the characteristic ‘blast wave’ of Skeelzanian drives. It had been an uneventful journey, but there was little comfort in real space. This particular patch of real space, anyway.

“Scanners have identified Earth, searching for Allanea… Got them.” Captain von Gulow appraised the blue-white orb on his vidscreen; he’d never seen Earth before. “Rijik, see if you can establish a line of contact with them. Ask how we’re supposed to land this tub.” Getting an ‘affirmative,’ von Gulow turned to the second man with epaulets on his shoulders in the room. “Tell me, Max, what do you think we can expect?”

Colonel Maximillian Secht of the Imperial Army and Special Envoy, shrugged. “Can’t say for certain, Paul. Sol was always a Navy show; Army doesn’t muck around much out here.”

“I suppose that’s true…” von Gulow settled into his stuffed leather command chair. One of the perks of being a Skeelzanian captain was being able to install the biggest, comfiest chair you could afford. “Still, you’ve had to had studied them, just in case we ever had to go in and burn them out someday. Figure they’ll kill us all?”

“It is entirely possible.”

“Ah, well. Be an interesting run, I suppose. Connie, take us up to 70% power. Rijik, is the transponder online?”

“Yes sir. If anyone shoots us, they’ll be shooting a civilian vessel registered to the Sternreich.”


To: Allanean Port Authority (or the closest appropriate agency)
From: Skeelzanian-flagged freighter Brazen Coin
Subject: Landing

Got a load of supplies for you people, courtesy of the Sternreich. Requesting instructions for landing.
Also, got a bloke here to act as an envoy.

-Captain von Gulow, SCARR

We might and should remind the respective governments offering aid to the United States of Allanea, that the Allanean economy is robust enough to be able to handle this situation entirely themselves. Yet, giving them assistance in this time simply rids them of the responsibility of having to clean up the mess they created for themselves.

In the meantime, while I by all means withhold comment on particular conflicts that are happening not in this quarter of the world, we would like to bring to the attention of respective parties that while your aid is being well received and being put to good use... Allanea is stillpursuing offensive operations overseas... which tends to suggest their government has a lack of priorities concerning its civilian populace. Interestingly enough, it was this same foreign policy that led to the destruction of lives in the very first place.

To put it bluntly, Allaneans have proven themselves to never better themselves. While the Kazansky administration is in power, the United States of Allanea cannot, and will not learn from its mistakes.

Furthermore, this also means that your attempts to aid the citizens of Allanea have been fruitless - whilst you have helped them now, you have certainly enabled their government to cause them more harm in the future. If you are really serious about helping the people of Allanea, you will seek out a change in regime within the United States. This is the only solution to saving its people.

Signed,

Michael Thatcherson
Department of Foriegn Affairs and Trade
The Unione of Capitalizt States of Austar Union

Bazalonian aid agencies preasure the Allanean government to at least match donations from Bazalonian citizens to ensure the good work continues and it supported by the government as it well should be.

From the Adrienople Morning Herald
Regular opinion column of the Hon Sir Jacques Antoniou IC KMOP

OPINION Sir Jacques Journée
La plus ça change, la plus c'est la même chose
Some time ago I managed to provoke quite a flurry of comment from the Greater Prussian authorities by exhorting readers not to rush in to donating to the reconstruction efforts in Reichskamphen. For those of you who don't recall, Reichskamphen was begging for donations to deal with a famine whilst spending millions on an extravagant coronation for its so-called emperor and feasts for the visiting dignitaries. Now the United States of Allanea is begging for a hand-out whilst blowing millions on re-armament after a war many say it provoked - certainly a war it didn't want to avoid - with God's Own.

I don't doubt that the people of Allanea's cities are suffering after the nuclear devastation visited upon them, almost as much as the people of Auckland, insofar as there are any left, and we don't know for sure whether there are, since it is so hard to get facts about God's Own, are suffering after the nuclear apocalypse which befell their city. And yet, the United States of Allanea has it well within its means to resolve its own humanitarian crisis, and in a timely fashion, too. Foreign handouts will simply allow Allanea's unelected lifetime dictator, Alexander Kazansky, to spend his budget on more bombs, guns, ships, and planes, when it should be directed to rebuilding shattered cities, clothing and feeding those rendered homeless and destitute by the carnage, and restoring order to the streets....

<snip>

To:The Vrak Ministry of Rites
Subject: Re:reconstruction

The Prime Ministerialship of Bazalonia is not in the business of telling it's citizens how best to use the money they have, all ventures are being conducted under Bazalonian law and meet all requirements for not-for-profit organisations. There simply is no basis under Bazalonian law for us to prevent humanitarian aid that complies under the conditions that are set by Bazalonian Law.

As for the issue regarding Allanea what is obvious is that there are changes occuring in Allanea, we beleive these changes will be for the best for the Allanea and it's people. Will the nation's government learn from their mistakes? I dunno but I would hazard to make this sweeping and generalised statement. All nations have made mistakes, some learn quickly, others need more prompting. Past behaviour does not necessarily dictate future behaviour. This may just be the proverbial straw that breaks the camel's back. Should the rebuilding and reconstruction build a nation that brings your worst fears to life then Bazalonia will be there bringing the nation under control.

As for the matter over TGMP we are glad to hear of the investigation.

Yours, Sincerly <signature>
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade

To: Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Bazalonia
From: The Vrak Ministry of Rites
Subject: reconstruction

We grow tired of repeating ourselves since you seem unable to comprehend our arguments. The nation of Allanea has not demonstrated any ability to learn from its mistakes. One would think that by suffering over 200 million casualties in the One Day War that a nation would seek to rectify its ways. Not so the case with Allanea. In fact, they provoke a war between the Reich and Greater Prussia and proceed to lose over 6 million people. In this case, we do know, unlike yourselves.

Certainly it is not up to Vrak to tell the well-intentioned but misguided nation of Bazalonia how to run its internal affairs but certainly its actions can be criticized, which is what we are doing. Laws can be changed, and by allowing your citizens to aid in the so-called reconstruction of Allanea, your government is complicit in re-arming Allanea.

Thankfully, there are other nations that also share the wisdom of the Glorious Kingdom of Vrak.

[The Great Seal of the Vrak Ministry of Rites]

====

To:
Michael Thatcherson
Department of Foriegn Affairs and Trade
The Unione of Capitalizt States of Austar Union
From: The Vrak Ministry of Rites
Subject: your remarks

We wholeheartedly concur.

[The Great Seal of the Vrak Ministry of Rites]

Sky Marshall Michael Zephyr’s face twisted in disgust as the Imperial 52nd Starfleet crossed into Sol space (http://209.85.48.8/237/117/upload/p698926.jpg). It had been some time since any Imperial military presence had existed in Sol, and to Zephyr, it had not been long enough. Sol was nauseatingly overcrowded, hundreds of nations within one solar system, and Earth was the worst example.

“Keep the fleet tight, Captain,” Zephyr ordered over the visual comm from the bridge of the ISS Apparition, one of three Ascender-Class Dreadnaughts in the Imperial fleet and the flagship of the Sky Marshall. The Apparition was one of the most decorated ships in the history of the Empire, ironic for a vessel which had spent the better part of four years fighting against it.

“Aye, sir,” Captain Hilation of the ISS Bistok replied, nodding in agreement. The heavy and light destroyers shifted together, fighters continuously swirling through the gaps.

Sky Marshall Zephyr’s goal, as Emperor Bivens had put it, was to make the Allanea an offer they couldn’t refuse. Backed by military superiority and an even more vicious legal team, the Emperor was prepared to make sure the terms of his deal would be carried out. Perhaps for your run of the mill mobster or crooked CEO, extorting a whole country would be out of the question. Bivens, on the other hand, relished in the oppertunity.

For Orion, Allanea would be a victory without a single shot fired. Backed by Allanea’s need, Bivens’ support, and some…persuasive tactics, Zephyr would soon be insuring Allanea’s debt to the Empire, hopefully for decades to come. And if not, Bivens had reasoned, if they easily paid back their debt, then he would be no less off for it. Zephyr smiled as the 52nd fleet came to a relative halt about the same distance from Earth as Earth’s moon.

“Contact the Allanean President,” Zephyr ordered, making the final touches to his dress uniform. This was gunship diplomacy at its finest.

At the Liberty Cathedral

And then, Graham spoke.

“Gentlemen, I confess. I am not a very smart man. I am just a village preacher that hit it big with a lot of people. I don't even know why, but when I talk, people listen. Perhaps it is the will of the Good Lord, but as I said, I am not a very smart man, and I prefer not to contemplate such issues as the Lord's Will – it is beyond my ken. The point is, that's what I know how to do. I am not as good at the other things – so I will often make mistakes in them, and this is why I appeal to your advice.”

He paused. “I agree with what Reverend Graves said – we need to reach out to the masses, and in ways that were not contemplated before. I have a few ideas... but they're probably all messed up. I would like it - I really would – if you corrected me where I am wrong.”

“I think we should be doing more charity efforts. I don't mean the war – the economic aspects are likely dealt with by now, and what hasn't been dealt with, the free market will heal in no time flat. But what I mean, we should be dealing with the social ills of Allanea through charity.”

“We must stress all the time that we do not wish the government to ban any activities – this is a libertarian society, and the public would downright tar and feather me if I so much as hinted at that.”

He paused. “Let us show these people that Christian charity and the love of Christ can do more to heal the social ills then they think. Let us start rehabilitation clinics for drug addicts, for people who suffer from PTSD from the various wars, and let us establish better schools. “

“As a matter of fact” - he paused - “Some of you may remember the Demented Schooling Corporation from the time of the Sentient Peoples' occupation of Allanea. At that time, they preserved Allanean culture by creating a network of private schools that covered about one in ten of the nation's children. Today, they are still out in force – and they have excellent Christian schools running already. Let us create scholarships for children to go to those schools, let us endow the places that prepare Christian teachers.”

“And more. As you know, the Churches divide themselves on the issue of loans and banking. But what about loans and banking that actually help the poor? Consider micro-credits at low interest, available to the poorest of the poor – now I do not mean the Church should provide such a thing, none of us here are bankers. But when a banker does this, we should come out and say we approve of this, because it helps the poor of Allanea. Let the people know that we support people who will help Allanea. This is how we will teach everybody that the Christians are the good guys.”

“And one more things. We should find a way to get the television and cinema people to like us.”

Reaction to Vrak's messages

The Allanean government, was, of course, aware of Vrak's message. It's response was, however, never published.

In private, Victoria Sheshet did speak her mind:

“It is clear these people do not understand Allanea's mindset – they don't understand how to convince us to do things. Allaneans – and mind you, Alex, I am not an Allanean, no matter that I wear the badges and carry the passport. I'm a Khristian. I'm much more sensible then these... people. Allaneans, Alex, are crazy.”

“Point a gun at an Allanean who is sitting on a chair and ask him to get up – and he will sit on it like he was glued to it. That's what brought the One Day War on you retards. You don't understand that sometimes you just fold your cards and give up. No shame in it really.”

“Now Vrak didn't point a gun at us. But the point is the same – Allaneans do not respond to negative encouragement. In fact, it gets them angry. People whining “Oh we will block trade with you” do not influence Allanea. Especially as most of those people are people who never had major trade with Allanea to begin with. Are there any Cute Bunny Burger branches in Vrak? Or in the Dominion of Nathicana, to that matter? Were there ever? Or Austar Union? To my knowledge, these kind of people never were Allanea's friends, it's not like that you people are going to start listening to people who don't like us just because they issued another, yet louder, whine of protest? As you would likely say, Alex: ''Fuck them in the eye with a spork.' Not going to happen.”

“Yes, but this is also related to the fact that there are plenty of nations with which Allanea actually does trade and ally. There are sixty members in ESUS with whom we have free trade. Then there's Sovereign League and ACTO and GASN – all both allies and trade partners. Then there's the MFTA and the Pilonese Trade treaty and KIST – hundreds of nations where Allanea has trae interests. Over sixty nations that have CBBC franchises in them... we're not a freshly-ortilleried shithole anymore, Vicky. We actually have friends now. Losing contact with Vrak – negligible as it was in the first place – doesn't harm us.”

Victroria laughed. “You think Allanea would have done different if Vrak and all his cronies had ships parked in orbit, with cannon trained at Liberty-City, and Heston-City, and Port-Allanea, and Roanoke Island?”

“Point. We wouldn't do a think different.”

“Which is precisely my point. This kind of stuff doesn't work on you. Now observe the Menelmacari. All they had to do is hint they were going to like you, and you issued reforms in your military. When they offered you a Mutual Defense Pact, you people nearly shit your pants. You built a statue of Sirithil half a mile long, for God's sake.”

“Five hundred meters, actually.”

“See, this is my point. You people are willing to deep-throat the Menelmacari just because they coddle you a little bit. Hell, I'm in favor of it, but bear with me.”

“I begin getting your point, Victoria. You mean that those people do not realize that Allanea does not reply to negative encouragement at all, and that positive encouragement – that is, coddling us a little bit – would have likely yielded them a broad harvest of many in the Allanean political scene that are ready to negotiate, and in fact adjust, our foreign – and perhaps even internal – policy?”

“Yes, but it's not like the Walrii and the Austarians and whoever else there was – the Yaforites, right? - would be smart enough. Tragically enough – for them.”

Kazansky laughed. "And in the meanwhile, even as they talk about our reputation being one of 'scorn and ridicule', we actually had more allies come out and offer help then Vrak actually has. This speaks volumes of the glory of the Walrii and their hallowed diplomacy. Why, we even had the Skeelzanians come out of the woodwork – after we finished most of the rebuilding, but hey – I never refuse free goodies."

Both laughed.

"Oh, and there's some fleet from… Steel Butterfly who are coming here with some offer… do you want to talk to them?"

"Sure."

Sky Marshall Michael Zephyr coughed as the Stratus-Class dropship carefully landed at the Allanean docking bay. He was far from in a good mood. Landing, and having the meeting, on Allanean soil meant that he would have to breath the Allanean air, see the Allanean people. The thought of it made him ill.

“Sir?” Captain Hilation asked while standing behind and off to the right of the Sky Marshall. Zephyr turned his head to the right to acknowledge and listen, still facing forward. “What if the guards are not allowed?”

Currently, there were thirteen of them in Allanea. There was Zephyr and Hilation, the pilot, and ten guards armed in typical battle attire. Perhaps the ODIN heavy armor was a bit excessive, but in truth this was not a part of Zephyr’s gunship diplomacy. This was standard procedure.

“We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it,” Zephyr replied, turning his head back around and forcing a smile to his face as the doors to the dropship opened. With the entire Imperial 52nd fleet hovering in the skies within orbital striking distance, Zephyr would be the perfect gentleman: polite, caring, classy, and concerned. He hoped that the paradox itself would be enticing.

At the mention of the free market healing itself, Fitzgerald spoke up.

"That is the problem with Allanea! The completely free market! The corporations oppress the people, the people are stuck in a viscous cycle of subserviance to the large companies. As Christians, we must stand up for these people, and encourage the formation of trade unions."

The Cardinal shot him a glare across the table, seemingly to silence him, however, he ignored it, as he often did, and continued, "Furthermore, I pray to God- and she does listen, which is another fact we must let the populace know- that no money from Christian charaties went to rebuild oppressive companies." He sat down, and waited for responses.

At the mention of the schools, the Cardinal spoke,

"We can agree to this- as long as no anti-Catholic rhetoric is taught, as some here would probably like." He continued, "However, that is not the only difference. I am sure there is vast difference between scientific thought, and what is acceptable teaching. Therefore, there should be seperate programs of study within the building, or have some schools designated for Catholics, and some for protestants."

Sean commented on this, "As long as we do not start messing with the schools when we shouldn't- as some in Cherry Ridge has done," he glanced at the Cardinal, whow as now openly scowling, "Then I would lend support for that."

Graham shrugs. "Let us not turn it to a political debate - there's plenty of unions in Allanea, and if you would like, I would put you in contact with some of them - like the Christian Craftsmen's Association - it's a union of industrial workers, a craft-union system organization. Craft unions are much more popular then 'industrial union' organizations in Allanea. Knowing the system in Allanea, you would understand why."

He paused. "Now, are there any details your humble servant should know about before I get to work? Gentlemen, the Hebrews say: 'Time is short and work is plentiful' - We've got souls to save!"

* * *

The Steel Butterfly ambassador - at least that was what he seemed to be to the Allaneans - would not be given a single glance of apprehension as he was taken, by way of a comfortable open-top car for himself and oversized (also open-top) trucks for his subordinates - towards the Allanean White House.

They would be taken through some of the suburbs least affected by the EMP blast that 'turned off' Liberty-City at the start of the war, and by the looting and gang fighting afterwards. They would see extremely wide city roads - as wide as highways in some nations - running between scores of family homes, both of the familiar red-roof type, and thousands of variants - globe-shaped homes, homes with peak-shaped roofs, a home shaped like a giant penguin, and even a home that was basically a dugout bunker.

They would see a population that had little of a common dress code - there were Christians in serious, black-and-white attires, there were people in simple jeans and T-shirts, and there were people whose attire is normally delegated to special conventions - people wearing elaborate fursuits, people in uniforms that looked ripped-off The Next Generation, people in black makeup with cut marks on their hands, and even completely naked people.

And practically everybody and his little sister carried guns - everything from pistols to anti-tank launchers was on display on people's shoulders, backs, or hips. Perhaps that was why nobody was surprised by the ambassador's armed guard - foreigners often take such needless precautions when travelling into Allanea.

Sky Marshall Zephyr’s feeling of disgust was only enhanced by the display, which had been presented before him. The guards had been allowed, and now Zephyr saw why, as each of the oddly clothes civilians wandering the streets was carrying some sort of weapon. There was no sense of order, no sense of decency, and to Zephyr, absolutely no sense of pride. What I could do with this place in a month…

“I don’t like it, sir,” Captain Hilation said, slouched down in his seat.

“Don’t worry about it,” Zephyr replied. “Makes what we’re about to do to them all the easier.”

Captain Hilation nodded. The rest of the trip would be silent, as the Captain and the Sky Marshall kept to themselves, ignoring the people around them and hoping to be ignored as well. They would be at the Whitehouse shortly, and for Zephyr, the sooner they could get this over with, the better.

In the White House, half an hour later

Alexander Kazansky is not really a human being – more supernatural then anything else – and can take up any form he chooses. The form that he uses most – his 'true' form – is an eighteen-year-old body, tall and rather thin, wearing thick, black-framed glasses, and wearing black clothes.

It was this boy that was waiting for the Butterfly representatives in his office, smiling gingerly with his legs on the table, with two gold-plated skull cups and a bottle of champagne in a bucket of ice waiting for the Steel Butterfly ambassador.

"Well… good day, Sir."

In the name of the Most Honorable and Beloved Jade Inhi Milsandre L'Oris, I, Minister Narxes, do offer these small gifts to the leaders of Allanea, whose people have been so heinously injured in this tragic conflict.

o 50,000 bushels of Huautli*
o 25,000 bushels of soybeans
o 5,000 bushels of Incaiqi **

May the Gods smile upon Allanea and may she rise anew and stronger from the ashes of this conflict.

[* Amaranth, a high protein grain]
[** Lit., Black Petal, a plant whose leaves are an analgesic with morphinomimetics properties as well as euphoric and synaesthesia effects]

OOC: Forgive me for taking it upon myself to land.

It was evident that, as soon as the steam cleared, the Brazen Coin had not been built with ascetics in mind. Essentially a 500 meter metal sausage, with living quarters tagged on almost as an afterthought, she and hundreds like her were the primary movers of light freight around the Sternreich. As such, the Skeelzanian regime could afford to lose one.

Colonel Secht could only hope that they didn’t plan on losing one. He’d put in a good twenty years of service, but it was mostly garrison work on Honru. If a general had been told to draw a name from a hat, there was nothing that would have kept his name out of it. “Ugly spot of a country.”

“Now, Colonel, they are coming out of a nuclear war. And from what I see, they’re doing quite well for themselves.” Von Gulow eyed the spaceport around him appreciatively. “I wonder how the dives are, though.”

“Alcohol is a vile liquid.”

“That is a gross over-characterization of an ancient and honorable drink, my good sir…”

While his betters chatted above, Rijik Skiwsgelf flipped through the frequencies. Eventually he found one belonging to someone who was apparently in the port.


This is Ensign Rijik of the Skeelzanian freighter Brazen Coin. We got 325,000 tons of cargo for you folks, courtesy of her Imperial Greatness the Kaiser. All tagged and crated, and shouldn’t take long to unload at all. Just need someone to take it.

Also, we have a Colonel Secht aboard, of the Imperial Army. Think he’s supposed to act as a liaison.

Official Announcement of the United States Government

Due to the fact that – given the results of the Reich War – we believe our Navy to be way, way too big and a waste of taxpayer money (don't you like a government that doesn't use legalese in it's announcements?) we would hereby announce a downscaling in the size of the Haven Domination fleets.

As such, the following ships will be given away to nations allied to Allanea:

1. From the Sixth Haven Domination fleet, 100 Cartagena class SSN's, made by the Kriegzimmer corporation, are offered, for free, to the nation of Derscon. 45 Valencia class SSKs are also offered to the same nation.
2. From the Sixth Haven Domination fleet, 100 Cartagena class SSN's, made by the Kriegzimmer corporation, are offered, for free, to the Greater Prussian Imperial Guard. 50 Valencia class SSKs are also offered to the same organization.
3. In the First Haven domination fleet, 40 ships of differing description will be scrapped without further explanation.
4. In the Mainland Defense Fleet, 49 ships will be scrapped as well.

The purpose of these acts is not, as it would seem, to demilitarize Allanea – merely to save money.

To the Skeelzanians

You are clear to land.

Official Press Release from The Vrak Ministry of Rites



Royal Edict from the The Vrak Royal Secretariat


It is with great concern that we note the rebuilding of the unpredictable, erratic, and dangerous nation of Allanea. We believe that nations that are are contributing to the rebuilding of that rogue state should be commended for their good intentions but are misguided in their benevolence. Therefore, while in private exchanges with certain nations that a part of the rebuilding efforts, we have yet to see any decent rebuttal to our arguments - which are that the nation of Allanea will continue to be a reckless nation seeking war, a liability to any and all alliances they are a part of, which thusly means they should not be rebuilt. It would be better for the nation of Allanea to wither on the vine instead of being propped up by the sacrifice of others.

Therefore, the Glorious Kingdom of Vrak shall enact a trade embargo with any and all nations that seek to rebuild the nation of Allanea. All Vrakian companies shall cease and desist operations with those nations and any and all imported goods shall be banned in the Kingdom. Any and all citizens of Vrak shall immediately return to their homeland and any and all citizens from those countries shall be expected to leave the Kingdom within one week.

The edict shall apply to the following nations:

The Vicious Seneschalty of Terror Incognitia
The Empire and Commonwealth of Questers
The Eternal Necrontyr Empire of The Ctan
The Supreme Commonwealth of Rosdivan
The Holy Empire of The Great Monty Python
The Holy Arc of Jeruselem
The Holy Catholic Monarchy of Cherry Ridge
The Holy Empire of New Propagandia
The Democratic Soviet Republic of Kahanistan
The Divine Prussian Empire of Derscon
The Islamic Federated States of Ottoman Khaif
The Kalesic Democracy of Rejistania
The Protestant Triune Kingdom of Reichskamphen
The Prime Ministerialship of Bazalonia
The PDSR of Ariddia


This edict shall take place immediately. Further correspondence can be directed to the Vrak Ministry of Rites.



[The Great Seal of the King of Vrak]
[The Great Seal of the Vrak Royal Secretariat]
[The Great Seal of the Vrak Ministry of Rites]


ooc: I'm making a couple assumptions here in regards to listing off the nations. It would be pretty hard for a nation to disguise its reconstruction efforts, especially such a massive one like this from the media for long. Vrak would be monitoring press releases and whatnot and could likely put together a fairly comprehensive list of donor nations to Allanea. As well, nations that give aid usually don't disguise but instead like to toot their own horn on "Look at me! I'm so generous!" when it comes to doing that kind of thing.

The only nation that remains a question mark to me is Austar Union since I couldn't quite tell if AU is supporting Allanea or not. As well, if you think that I may have not been privy to you being a donor nation, let me know. In other words, if you think I overheard a conversation that I icly shouldn't have, I can remove your name from the list.

As well, this is a trade embargo. It's not a blockade or anything like that. Bascially, I don't know how much trade Vrak does with the above list of nations. Maybe none at all to a whole lot. You can play that you you like and I'm open to ideas.

Let me know if you have any other concerns. Thanks

To : The Vrak Ministry of Rites
From: The Charity Organiser of TGMP, Rob Goldelf

Dear WhoeveraddedTGMPtoyourgoddamnlist,

Wait, a minute- why us? I haven't been in contact with Allanea for many weeks now, since we stopped all donations with the nation. Why Allanea didn't record this, I don't know, but maybe they wanted to pretend to have such a strong ally as TGMP on their side.

We conducted an investigation into Allanea many weeks ago, concluding that we have stopped all donations. Don't give us sanctions a whole week later if you fail to keep up to date in forgien affairs. We sent a letter, dated a week earlier than the list was announced, to another person against Allanea, Molly Throton, displaying that we had, and I quote:

"So, until we have clear facts from Allanea, no money shall be given to Allanea through this or any other way from TGMP government."

Thank you for not checking your sources for this lie correctly,

Rob Goldelf

====

To the Bazalonian Government,

Thank you for supporting us when we didn't (OOC: check this thread) notice these sanctions. We appriciate your support and hope this will increase the relationship between these two nations. Please find enclosed a complimentary 10,000 python gift voucher that can be used in stores nationwide here.
Thanks again,

Monty Python
King Sir Monty Python, Eternal Leader of the Funny and Ambassador of Comedy.

&

Rob Goldelf
The Charity Organiser of TGMP

OOC: Sorry for not mentioning it in this thread, I know I should have posted it in here, but I couldn't be bothered. I did post it IC though, so I thought you could have removed us from the list. The government stopped donations to Allanea a long time ago. Thanks to Bazalonia for mentioning this. Here is the orignal post (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12158509&postcount=16).

Cardinal Marco spoke, "I believe some ground rules must be made. I do not beleive that we should preach on the evils of Catholicism, or of Protestantism, depending on your point of view. An agreement such as this should be reached."

Fitzgerald spoke up, once more, "Yes, an ecumenical," he glanced at Graves, "Effort between all Christians. Together, we can aid Allanea, with God's help. If we fight between ourselves, we will get no where."

The door opened, and a man came in, clad in traditional Orthodox Jewish attire. He took off his wide-brimmed black hat, revealing a simple black kippa to the observers. "I apologize for being late. I know I'm not quite... a Christian, but I think the Orthodox Jewish community - not the Epicureans, but the real Jews... we can help. We have young people - strong, eager to retaliate against the filth in our cities. Here is what I suggest."

"We Jews do not struggle to spread our faith to the Gentiles. We do, however, fear the tide of drugs, of pornography, of prostitution and of filth. This is why we will help."

He paused.

"From tomorrow, my students will arrive at your disposal - it is not much help, but I am sure you need strong, healthy working hands, and perhaps it will teach them about good Jewish work - work with the hands, not behind the desk like their fathers and uncles work! They will work in your charities - and if you want, they will picket and protest the houses of sin, and they will make it harder for them to do their work."

"And of course, there is that thing in which we sons of Israel have always had a good reputation."

He drops a thick, heavy pen on the table.

"Money."

The Cardinal nodded toward the rabbi, in greeting, saying, "Good Afternoon Rabbi."

Fitzgerald, as was evident, was not one to follow all of the rules. He bounded over to the Rabbi, and extended his hand, with a grin, and once again introduced himself. "I'm Sean. But for the Cardinal's sake, I am Father Sean Fitzgerald. What did you say your name was, Rabbi?"

"Daniel Schmidt, good Sir. I am pleased to meet you."

Snipe


IC:

To: The Charity Organiser of TGMP, Rob Goldelf
From: The Vrak Ministry of Rites
Subject: embago

Firstly, we apologize for not conducting a more thourough backgroud search but sometimes news reaches late to the Kingdom, depending on the geography of the nation and secondly on their relative importance to us. As well, given the sheer volume of charitable organizations that exist, it is always likely that mistakes will be made.

That being said, there is no excuse for your snide tone to this office. When you formally address another organization, we suggest that you do so politely. For example, instead of addressing it: "Dear WhoeveraddedTGMPtoyourgoddamnlist" you should address it as: "To Whomever It May Concern". This is but one of the many numerous errors that your letter contains. It only serves to make yourselves look like fools and erase any reconciliatory attitude we may have once had towards you.

Your nation's name has been removed from the embargo list.

[The Great Seal of the Vrak Ministry of Rites]

====

Official Press Release from The Vrak Ministry of Rites

Royal Edict from the The Vrak Royal Secretariat

Updated Embargo list

Removed

The Holy Empire of The Great Monty Python

Added

The Star Empire of Steel Butterfly
The Sternreich of Skeelzania
The Free Land of Kesshite

Updated News:

Efforts shall be made by the Kingdom to further explore methods to widen the embargo through trade organizations that Vrak belongs to. Vrak is a member of both KIST and the Trade Network Association. We see this move as positive since we have not received any well-thought out public rebuttals that would convince us to drop the embago. Those who continue to give aid to the nation of Allanea are complicit in their re-arming and militarization.

We ask that all reasonable, wise, and logical nations join us in the embargo of those nations that continue to aid the criminal nation of Allanea.

As well, any and all assets that Allanea has in the FKC is currently being investigated by our Treasury division of the Ministry of Punishment.

An arrest warrant has been issued by the Ministry of Punishment for Alexander Kazansky.


This edict shall take place immediately. Further correspondence can be directed to the Vrak Ministry of Rites.

[The Great Seal of the King of Vrak]
[The Great Seal of the Vrak Royal Secretariat]
[The Great Seal of the Vrak Ministry of Rites]

To: The Vrak Ministry of Rites
re: Allanea/Embargo

We wish to add our support to your efforts, as we ourselves have declared Allanea to be a rogue state for some time now due to continued efforts at destabilization on Mars and elsewhere. We note that none of the nations is in the Network aside from the Ctan, which is helpful at least. Expect no criticisms from us as to how you choose to handle your business within the TNA. As for ourselves, our records show that again, the Ctan are the only one that might prove problematic, due to their rather close relationship with Menelmacar, who has as yet done nothing to assist the Allaneans in this circumstance. In trading with them, we may as well be trading directly with the Ctan, and any actions against Menelmacar to get around that would be baseless, and put us in a bit of a pinch politically, and is something we simply cannot do, regardless of our support for you in your endeavors here.

In addition, we note that the GPE in particular have proven themselves to be an irritant of late, especially in regards to our newest ally, Northrop-Grumman, whom many in their leadership has besmirched and insulted to a degree we cannot ignore. This considered, we wholeheartedly support any actions that might inconvenience them, small though they might be.

Unfortunately, given the previous statements, none of these nations have any formal ties with the Dominion, trade or otherwise (with the Ctani exception), so our support in that way will I am afraid, be one of mainly words, and lean more towards a current negative attitude towards any future arrangements with them. I’m hoping that some discussion, possibly via Menelmacar, will remedy the Ctan problem.

Again, we appreciate your taking a stand, and support your efforts. Please do not hesitate to contact us if there is something further we might assist with.

-- Bernardo di Medici, Dominion Minister of Trade

http://************/y94nye

And to the public …

Concerning the Allanean Problem, and Those Supporting Rebuilding:

We support Vrak in their trade embargo against those supporting, succoring, and funding the rogue state of Allanea. We have seen this cycle time and again, with always the same results – they come back, cause trouble once more, then lean on others to put them back on their feet so they can sow yet more chaos and discord.

We also realize that no trade between the listed nations and the Dominion exists, thus making any such embargos a moot point. However, we choose to support Vrak all the same. There are a number of ways that simply humanitarian assistance could be offered that we might support in lieu of cash donations and the like, however the nation’s proclivity for having a frightfully gray line between civilian and militia, given their disturbing fascination with, and broad distribution of arms to their populace makes such efforts difficult to say the least.

This being said, we simply cannot support efforts that result in rebuilding anything there that supports the government in their often mind-numbingly rampant pursuits. While our hearts go out to those innocents who no doubt exist, and are suffering, we hold their government to blame for their current unfortunate situation, and encourage the populace to promote the appropriate changes that would remove many of the barriers to assisting them that currently exist due to their government’s policies.

It is regrettable that such decisions need be made at times, especially when innocents are affected. However, this is our official stand on the matter for now. We would encourage any nations who wish to discuss our decision, or propose ways that aid might be rendered that did not directly benefit the government or the military base, to contact our offices.

-- Evangelista Ravanelli, Dominion Minister of Public Relations

http://************/y7uj2p

It was a surprise to hear from the Dominion, since contact with that nation has been limited. Although, long ago, the Vrakians did go to a certain coronation and maintain ties, albeit loosely, through the TNA. And they did send someone to the former King's funeral. Perhaps there is more that meets the eye. The reply was sent using faily heavily coded channels.

====

To: Bernardo di Medici, Dominion Minister of Trade
From: the Vrak Ministry of Rites
Subject: embargo

We thank you for your public support. We can also understand your political sensitivities in your dealings with the C'tan and Menelmacar. We are wary of the C'tan due to their closeness to Menelmacar, whom we loathe. So, communication from our end will likely fall on deaf ears. We must admit that we are puzzled that the C'tan would actually help Allanea. From what we know of them, we don't think it is for altruistic reasons.

We also realize that our embargo may have little to no effect on the nations that have been mentioned. In many ways, it is symbolic. Still, there is the chance that more people will begin to realize that the nation of Allanea pose a real threat to the world and that by re-arming them is beneficial to no one. Hence, the embargo and that more nations would agree and actually take action - especially those that do trade heavily with those nations.

Again, we thank you for your support and we hope that our latest political foray may actually yield results, although we are a pragmatic people.

[The Great Seal of the Vrak Ministry of Rites]

The Council Chamber was a massive room that's sized was magnified by the handful of people within this day. In the highest chair sat the young Empress, Milsandre, while to her right sat Cyrus and to her left sat Tagvaar. Thirty-six guards formed a half circle around the throne, the Empress' royal guard as silent and still as statues in their black armor and visors. Minister Havez stood before the triumvirate, his head bowed in unconscious respect, his orange robes loosely gathered around him.

"...And the Lady Achci Cyrus will be glad to hear that the uranium arrived three days ago and has made its way to the Academe," Havez said.

"Good," replied Cyrus, "Achci Tymberus has been eager to began his experiments. He was writing me on a daily basis for news. I should have suspected the matter had been handled when I stopped hearing from him. What about the elephants? Have you found anyone able to supply us with the beasts?"

Havez licked his lips then smiled, he dared to raise his eyes for a moment and meet Cyrus' brilliant blue gaze. As he did so, he noticed the Empress was not listening but staring absently into space. It figured. "I have searched high and low for the animals and believe I have finally found a supplier. I have put in inquiries for five hundred elephants. Though I have not received a response yet, I hope to get one soon."

"Excellent!" Cyrus replied. She softly clapped her hands. "Anything else for us?"

Havez winced internally. He had hoped to avoid this, even though he knew it was inevitable. "Yes, my Lady," he began. " The Glorious Kingdom of Vrak has sent us a message indicating, due to the aid we rendered Allanea, we are being embargoed."

"What?" barked Tagvaar, his rough voice echoing in the large room, "Embargo? Explain."

"An embargo, my Great Lord," said Havez as he fished through the great pockets on the inside of his robe. "Is when a nation refuses to trade with you." He pulled out a piece of folded paper, holding it lightly in his fingers. The nearest guard snapped forward to take it from him, scanned the paper for traps, and then handed it to Tagvaar.

"Minister Havez," came Cyrus' sweet tones, "I do not believe we trade with a country called Vrak. Is there an error here?"

"I am afraid not, " he said, "this was issued to every nation that has given aid to Allanea."

"This is preposterous," Tagvaar snarled. His hand gripped the paper so tightly it wrinkled and bent. "What type of fool would punish us for giving food to starving people? And how were we to know he would take offence at us doing so? It's not like we can take the food back now that they have it! -- What do we know about these stinking Vrakers, anyway?"

Havez raised his palms in supplication, "Nothing my Great Lord, we've never dealt with or heard of the country before. The only reason we know about this is that a courier delivered this letter to the Captain of the Nautilus."

"I say we find this courier and shove this 'Royal Edict' so deep into his bowels, it pops out of his mouth. Let that be our response to King Vrak the First," Tagvaar replied. "Bastard didn't even get our name right."

"That accomplishes nothing," Cyrus broke in. "Be reasonable. We have trespassed in strange waters without a compass. Had we bothered to understand the situation in its entirety, this could have been avoided." Cyrus smoothed the royal blue of her velvet robe thoughtfully. "I suggest we write a note to these Vrak explaining our ignorance and apologizing for insult. We tell them we are a peace loving nation and only gave the food and medicine in the spirit of good will. I am certain they are civilized people."

"Civilized people would contact us regarding our intentions before issuing an em--, em--" Tagvaar frowned as he tried to remember the word.

"Embargo, my Lord," Havez offered.

"Yes," said Tagvaar, "Embargo. We want nothing to do with Vrak. Let them rot with their worthless threats."

"Have the Allaneas contacted us?" asked the Empress in a small voice.

There was a moment of utter silence.

"Uh, no, my Inhi. The Nautilus is currently waiting in their harbor for an acknowledgment from the... authorities," Havez explained.

"And the food and medicine?" she asked

"In the ship, waiting to be distributed, my Inhi."

"And no one has acknowledge us? Greeted us? Told us they'll be taking the cargo?"

"No, my Inhi," he said.

"Minister Havez, please contact the Captain of the Nautilus. Tell him to dump all of the grain and medicine into the waters of the bay and then return home. Give him my sincere apologies for wasting his time," Melsandre ordered.

Havez glanced up one more time. Both Cyrus and Tagvaar bore frowns.

It was this boy that was waiting for the Butterfly representatives in his office, smiling gingerly with his legs on the table, with two gold-plated skull cups and a bottle of champagne in a bucket of ice waiting for the Steel Butterfly ambassador.

"Well… good day, Sir."

Sky Marshall Zephyr extended his hand in welcome. A military man, it had been some time since he had given a handshake. Salutes and head-nods were his typical greetings. He ignored the champagne; he had many vices, however alcohol was not one of them.

“I would like to get right to business,” Zephyr told the leader before him, who resembled a child. Perhaps this will be easier than expected. “We of Orion have taken notice of your…predicament. Not more than a decade ago, we too found ourselves faced with the daunting task of reconstruction. Although we see that many a nation has raised issue with sending you aid, we of the Empire are not ones to be swayed by public opinion.” He paused, taking in the Allanean President’s reaction. “However, our monetary aide will not be gift. It will, in essence, be a loan…one ultimately to be paid in return, given the comparable interest rates of our nations. That being said, I will also guarantee you that it will be, by far, the largest amount of money you receive.”

Zephyr stared at the President, hopeful not to have to bring the fleet into the discussion.

* * * * *

Elsewhere, Emperor Bivens scoffed at what he was reading, growing increasingly irritated. Vrak? VRAK?

“Secretary,” he ordered. The woman walked into his office. “Inform whomever you must at Vrak that the Imperial Embargo on Vrak, as well as any other Order of the Seraphim nation who supported this Empire’s former regime, has existed for almost a decade now, and will continue indefinitely. Them stating that they will no longer trade with us is nothing less than redundant.”

[OOC: Sorry Vrak, lol, much love OOC]

Kazansky smiled.

“A loan? Good sir, business is not run this way. First of all, I would need to know the size of the loan and interest on it. And second, I am thinking of a more... comprehensive mutual cooperation plan between our nations.”

“You may not know, but we just purchased – peacefully and without conflict – two immense colonies, in the Haven and Arterus regions. We plan to use the settlement of their lands as a post-war economic boost. Tell me... would there be any investors in Steel Butterfly, or any other entities, that would like to receive free land in Allanea? It would remain under our sovereignty and laws of course – but these operators could benefit wildly from the tax and regulatory environment in Allanea. Additionally... have you heard of project Pobeda (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=514115) yet?”

He poured some of the wine into one of the guilded skulls.

“At any rate, this is not instead of your loan – this is in addition to it. I'm still hoping to hear more details about it.”

Outside the building, once again, a door opened and closed. Most would call it a slam. Again, another priest emerged, though this time, from the Cardinal's convoy. He was dressed in a black cassock, with a purple sash, and a matching cape. His buttons were purple, and he wore a black biretta, with a purple tuft. Heascended the steps, slowly, and pushed the door opened.

When he was greeted, he said, "I am with His Eminence, the Archbishop of Carmel. I request to be taken to his meeting room, as a certain issue has come up. When he was taken there, he pushed the door opened, and went over to the Cardinal. He took the Cardinal's hand, and pressed his lips to his ring. He then stood up, towering over the table. "Father Fitzgerald, you will come into the hallway to speak with me." Fitzgerald rolled his eyes, and excused himself from the Rabbi.

Mumbling was heard int he hallway, followed by a harsh command. Monsignor O'Malley returned, alone, and whispered to the Cardinal, who nodded, in thanks. Father Fitzgerald is needed to fill in at a parish, he solemnly stated to the assembled clergy. He took Fitzgerald's seat, at the Cardinal's invitation, placed a soft learher briefcase on the floor, and his biretta on the table, before introducing himself.

"I am the Right Reverend Monsignor William O'Malley, Vicar General for the Archdiocese of Carmel. I have been granted a temporary leave of absence by His Eminence to aid in this mission here in Allanea." He glanced throguh the papers, and shook his head. "We have a lot of work to do, gentlemen." He spoke with a tone of one with authority. He not only spoke with authority, but if one was in his presence, they would most likely feel as if they were in the presence of an authority figure. Most likely because they were.

In Space

HMS Valefor

Asgardan Admiral Naberezhnyi Kabak was busy looking over the final plans for the project in the outer-galactic colonies of Derscon when a staff officer rushed into his office.

"Sir. Unknown fleet headed towards this area." The Admiral looked up and nodded.

"Put the fleet on alert, standby for further orders."

"Aye, sir."

*****

In the Command Centre of the HMS Valefor, the Asgardan Admiral glanced at the readings. "Hmm, Steel Butterfly." He thought to himself for a moment and shrugged, turning to the CCCO.

"Admiral, have the fleet drop to stand-by. They don't look like they're going to do anything rash or stupid." Admiral Obiden Vadimov, however, thought differently.

"Sir, with all due respect, they're coming here with a complete battlefleet. What do you think they're going to do?" Admiral Kabak shook his head.

"No, we're not in the business of shooting first and asking questions later. Captain!" The comm officer in the CC looked up and saluted. "Captain contact Admiral Vraisfoi -- you know, the Greater Prussian fleet commander for Earth -- tell them to keep an eye out." Admiral Vadimov turned towards Kabak.

"Weapons locks?" The Asgardan Admiral shook his head.

"No. They could be here peacefully. They could just be paranoid, or trying to show off. Either way, no harm is done. I don't feel the need to provoke anything."
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________

Allanea

Blazhei Voikinov listened to the Orthodox Jew and chuckled a little. "Of course. After all, money makes the galaxy go 'round, yes?" He took a sip of his drink before continuing.

"It is good to know that someone else is willing to finance this. The GICAPFAH -- while one of the richest organizations in the Empire -- has things to do with a lot of its money. We are glad to hear someone understands the needs of this nation and is willing to help solve them." However, his brain continued to swim in thoughts, unrelated to what the Jewish man was saying. I think I still have the address to the UVF headquarters. I think that would be a good place to start the expansion out of Derscon. Same with Graham. But, that's for later.

Blazhei glanced over at the newcomer, and realized why Fitzgerald was replaced. Old Fitzy was too liberal. Whoops. He quickly diverted his eyes back to the papers on the table, Graham, and the Jew. It seems I may have to establish a permanent office here soon. Well, if there's anywhere good to start an expansion, it's Allanea.

OC: Just peeping in until I have the time to RP with Allanea...

O'Malley met Voikinov's eye, and nodded, probably knowing that he knew why Fitzgerald had been replaced. A smart man. I'll have to speak with him later. He glanced around the room again, and found Reverend Graham. He spoke once more,

"Reverend Graham, I myself and wondering, and other men here probably are as well, is there any suitable property within the city. I myself will be needing to purchase a small lot, or building, not large at all, at all. His Eminence," he nodded towards the Cardinal, "Has graciously offered to have the Archdiocese pay for this, from our missions fund. Would it be possible for you to first tell us of any property for sale that would be suitable to build a sacred place. This neighborhood seems like a good place to build." He nodded at the Rabbi in recognition, having just really taken notice, and offered a seat near to him.

The Jew nodded. "Indeed. This is a good neighborhood for temples – this is Temple Lane, after all. It is on this street that practically every major organized religion in Allanea has some form of headquarters – the Catholics, the Protestants, the Jews, even the Scientologists and the United Church of Satan have their main… should I say, 'offices', here. However, I must warn you. The pomp of this building is not accidental. The Emperor is wise, and he knows the different religious leaders feel that the more expensive their church at Temple Lane is, the more respectable they are – this is why so much money has been put into this one. You would have to spend a lot of money."

Graham concurred. "Indeed. I opposed the building of this church- I thought there would be better ways to reach out to men's hears and souls. Should we now be building more such houses of worship, spending money and resources in competitions of vanity when we should perhaps instead spend them to help people's souls?"

"Scientologists? Church of Satan?" He raised an eyebrow, and continued, "We don't have them in Cherry Ridge. Or at least they are not a major problem. I will have to do something about that." He ended on that mysterious note.

"Ah, yes, the money. I have an old friend, he used the word in the non-conventional sense, "Who would be more than haappy to donate to our cause." He smiled, as anyone who hailed from New America, in Cherry Ridge, would know, what he was really saying was that he had dirt on someone.

The Cardinal looked at O'Malley, and nodded. This is, without a doubt, the man for the job.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Outside, Father Fitzgerald stepped onto the sidewalk. He would go for a walk to calm down, and began to cross the street. As he stepped onto the pavement, he heard a familiar voice across the street. Patrick O'Reilly! The infamous IRA operative within Prussia. Both men waved to each other, and Fitzgerald stepped onto the street, and began to cross...

From what we know of them, we don't think it is for altruistic reasons.

OOC: I have not been following this thread, but right off the bat, is this character meant to be stunningly ignorant? I go out of my way to be altruistic. Hell, I barely make posts that are for any other purpose. The only reason I'm not giving five times the aid to the reich is that the players have said that any efforts to do so would be refused (sort of). Radiation sickness is
1. A terrible way to die
2. Something my people have a deep-seated reason to loathe.

To: Whom it may concern, Vrak Royal Secretariat
From: Elash Mîraglariel, Adjutant of the Elenaran
Subject: Embargo

I shan’t insult you by disguising my feelings on this matter, and I won’t risk miscommunication by being polite…

Are you some kind of mentally defective reject? We stopped our interference in the post conflict situation in Allanea long before you dullards even noticed its existence. We’ve been finished for what, weeks? I’m afraid I don’t know the exact number, because it was such a small percentage of our overall aid commitments. Indeed, it wasn’t actually from the aid budget, being altruistic service by starships that happened to be in the area, in theory operating under our flag. Consequently, you should not only remove us from your list, but fire whatever inept moron decided to put us on there.

If they weren’t throwing out more ECM than the sun, we’d have done vastly more for the Reich, and our humanitarian interests – specifically in the case of Allanea, dealing with fallout and treating radiation poison – are certainly not to be dictated by you. At no level does our involvement in this instance support directly or indirectly, the Kazansky regime in Allanea. I have met – or at least, seen in person Kazansky, to quote the public opinion of the Elenaran on the man, which I share, “We will treat you with the respect worthy of the emissary and head of a dignified foreign state when you claw your way out of the cesspit of ethereally transparent morals you call policies. You are a parody of decency and liberty, the dregs of the universe who can pervert any good intent into gross ineptitude and base savagery. (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/archive/index.php/t-492573.html)” And we have provided no aid that can affect the popularity or lack thereof of his rule, nor his military spending – you have already admitted that nothing will stop this – except in that it may serve to alleviate the monumental chip on the collective shoulder of the Allaneans.

While I would not so much as urinate upon you if you were on fire, I would not deny you, nor any of your people, access to anti-radiation treatments. If you are unaware, the necrontyr have a long history of suffering similar ailments for longer than my mind can possibly imagine, that concerns this greatly, and we would not suffer such atrocities inflicted upon anyone we are aware of. A measly embargo that may affect a few hundred million credits at most does not affect that, indeed, we would happily cut all external ties to retain this fundamental behaviour and aspect of our culture.

This behaviour has been seen before – most notably after the (much larger) Volarian incident on Mars, whereupon every asset we had available, from the Elenaran to private citizens and warships and cruise vessels and an entire city was mobilised – and I dare say it will again. The identity of those affected is of no bearing whatsoever upon our actions, only the possibility or impossibility of providing the aid.

Your efforts at an embargo, incidentally, leave implicit the means of satisfying your conditions. You have not actually said that cessation of aid to Allanea will bring about termination of the embargo. Of course, as one assumes (though given the Allanenan propensity towards violence, perhaps not) people will eventually realise that the Allaneans no longer require medical or logistical aid and stop giving it, your embargo can best be categorised as ‘transitory at best’ as all states donating to the Allaneans – singularly unnecessary now – will eventually stop regardless. Perhaps you should consider a more restrained, and dare I say it after this spiel, dignified, protest.

As for your demands for a rebuttal, such is impossible. You are clearly operating from the predicate that Allaneans deserve death. Consequently, you would not accept any rebuttal involving the dignity and worth of the lives of those affected, and therefore it would be pointless. No doubt you also believe that we should initiate offensive operations against the Allaneans immediately and render their nation into so many atoms floating in the Earth’s atmosphere. I have entertained fantasies of this myself on many occasions, but I recognize a disjunction between these and the consistence of a morality based on the predicates I respect; to destroy the Allaneans in such a manner would make one no better than they themselves are.

Kindly take your embargo, roll it up (you may fold it over to avoid paper cuts) shove it up your ass, and set light to it.
Elash Mîraglariel.

P.S. Replies here are vetted by expert systems software; there’s a good chance that I won’t read any you send, so you’re best off just saving yourself the bother.

OOCnes: Yes, she gets like this (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/archive/index.php/t-445258.html) (a thread that would have gotten violent really quick if it'd continued) with anyone advocating inflicting death-by-radiation. Her 'ancestors' all eventually died agonising, awful, lingering deaths of such for five hundred million years, and it's stressed as part of the culture. Until now she had no opinion of Vrak whatsoever, you've just shot to the bottom of her list of least-favourite nations though. It's like she's a devout muslim who's just found you using a Qu'ran as toilet paper.

OOC: Icly, Vrak knows little of the C’tan but knows that you are very closely allied to Menelmacar. We have a low opinion of Menelmacar and therefore by association – whether that is logical or not, we are quite suspicious of you. Your letter only lowers our ic opinion of you. So, yes, the person is “stunningly ignorant” and no, we don’t keep track of every single thing that the C’tan has done, including any and all altruistic actions. And I’m not about to go searching through all your posts to find out what kind of nation you are. Therefore, the chance for misunderstanding, icly, is always likely to occur which is the ic risk that Vrak is willing to take. Certainly no government reads the other one accurately all the time. As mentioned earlier, I only confined myself to this thread. As well, I know that your clean-up is going on but cannot divine whether is has been finished for “weeks”. It was not possible for me to post right away and perhaps I assumed wrongly but I thought that some fluid time could be used here – in that the embargo proclamation didn’t occur within weeks but within a few days after the reconstruction effort began. It was less than two weeks RL from the time of your “godmodding” post to my embargo announcement. I guess I should have been more clear. That being said, giving aid and reconstruction takes weeks, months or even years such as the efforts still going on in Indonesia after the tsunami. And millions of people didn’t die from that and no nuclear bomb went off there. So, I thought it would be quite reasonable to assume that most if not all aid was still being delivered to Allanea while Vrak issued the embargo.


IC:

To: Elash Mîraglariel, Adjutant of the Elenaran
From: The Vrak Ministry of Rites
Subject: Embargo

Your communication has been noted. Certainly you are entitled to your opinions but again, you failed to properly offer a rebuttal as to why the embargo should be dropped. Giving aid to Allanea, no matter how brief, will go towards the rearmament of their military. Already they have marched to war even during the reconstruction efforts. Do you require proof of this? Ask yourselves this, why does a nation continue to involve itself in conflicts while its own nation has lost six million people? One would think that its priorities should focus on helping their own instead of continuing to be a danger and actually attacking other nations.

Does the nation of Allanea deserve death? Absolutely. Every single last one of them should be wiped out. They are erratic, dangerous, lacking in wisdom by not learning from the past, and a liability to every single alliance they are a part of. It was them that provoked the conflict between the Reich and Greater Prussia. Before this, they suffered over two hundred million casualties in the One Day War and yet they continue to remain reckless.

Moral arguments such as “Why should innocent people suffer along with the guilty” is answered by this, “Is the greater good served by allowing Allanea to renew itself and likely (if history is any judge) to remain erratic and a danger to other nations or is the greater good served by allowing it to wither away, never to be remembered again?” It would be unfortunate to have innocents pay, but the nation of Allanea has not demonstrated that it can change. Unless you can present a viable third option, then we believe that the nation should be utterly destroyed. Why it is kept afloat remains a puzzle to us, although we do have our suspicious as to the motivations of some. As for us becoming like the Allaneans since we do wish for their utter destruction for the above stated reasons, we are prepared to take that risk. It does not offend our moral sensibilities to see the nation of Allanea destroyed, since our state does not unnecessarily provoke conflicts with other powers or send troops during a reconstruction period. We are quite prepared to compare our international record to the nation of Allanea and let others reach their own conclusions.

As well, since there seems to be, at least to us, no oversight as to where the reconstruction efforts are directly benefiting, it certainly seems that if Allanea has been able to venture forth in war campaigns during the reconstruction, then their priorities are clearly unbalanced and that the benevolent efforts put forth by your nation and others are being taken advantage of. You are giving aid to those who are suffering from radiation sickness, which is noble, but perhaps you should ask yourselves this, “If Allanea did not provoke the Reich, would they be in the same situation they are in now?”

You do, however, bring up an interesting point as to the nature of our embargo, as to whether it is “transitory” or not. That matter is still being debated but the final decision will certainly not be swayed by your comments.

[The Great Seal of the Vrak Ministry of Rites]


====

OOC: There was already an embargo? Okay. And, I love you too.

IC:

To: Emperor Bivens, Steel Butterfly
From: The Vrak Ministry of Rites
Subject: Embargo

Thank you for informing us of your embargo that you have already had against the Kingdom. Your name shall remain on the list.

[The Great Seal of the Vrak Ministry of Rites]

OOC: Icly, Vrak knows little of the C’tan but knows that you are very closely allied to Menelmacar. We have a low opinion of Menelmacar and therefore by association – whether that is logical or not, we are quite suspicious of you. Your letter only lowers our ic opinion of you. So, yes, the person is “stunningly ignorant” and no, we don’t keep track of every single thing that the C’tan has done,
Nor punch in 'vrak.wikipedia.org/wiki/ctan_(nation)' it seems. Stunningly and willfully ignorant.
including any and all altruistic actions. And I’m not about to go searching through all your posts to find out what kind of nation you are. Therefore, the chance for misunderstanding, icly, is always likely to occur which is the ic risk that Vrak is willing to take. Certainly no government reads the other one accurately all the time. As mentioned earlier, I only confined myself to this thread. As well, I know that your clean-up is going on but cannot divine whether is has been finished for “weeks”.The post was written with the intent of taking place on day one after the nuking and continuing for 'a week' IC after that. All actual aid to Allanea took place in one day. The post references that one ship will have to remain behind for a week. It was not possible for me to post right away and perhaps I assumed wrongly but I thought that some fluid time could be used here – in that the embargo proclamation didn’t occur within weeks but within a few days Quite.after the reconstruction effort began. It was less than two weeks RL from the time of your “godmodding” post to my embargo announcement. I guess I should have been more clear. That being said, giving aid and reconstruction takes weeks, months or even years such as the efforts still going on in Indonesia after the tsunami. And millions of people didn’t die from that and no nuclear bomb went off there. So, I thought it would be quite reasonable to assume that most if not all aid was still being delivered to Allanea while Vrak issued the embargo.
No, I'm a total wanker. Did you read the post? Just as my ships can cross the entire galaxy, a journey that should take the best part of a million years, in an eyeblink, they did all that in no time at all. Yes. Very wanky and silly - feel free to ignore - but nonetheless what's meant to have happened. Anything vaguely realistic wouldn't involve mass teleportation.

IC:

A tiny program, a few gigabytes in size, scanned the Vrakian message, and dismissed it to an archive, as being of no value.

No, I'm a total wanker. Did you read the post? Just as my ships can cross the entire galaxy, a journey that should take the best part of a million years, in an eyeblink, they did all that in no time at all. Yes. Very wanky and silly - feel free to ignore - but nonetheless what's meant to have happened. Anything vaguely realistic wouldn't involve mass teleportation.

OOC: You win a cookie and my respect. Congrats.

Official Statement from the Dersconi Imperial Navy

We thank the Allanean Navy for choosing the Dersconi Imperial Navy to be the new caretakers for your ships. We will take possession of them immediately and transfer them to the Praetorian Islands for commissioning i nthe DIN.

As for the ships to be transferred to Greater Prussian command, we will take temporary posession of them and incorporate the ships into the Prussian fleet as soon as possible.

Deo Vindice

Signed

Grand Imperial Admiral Marko Rekjyavich
Commander in Chief, Dersconi Imperial Navy
General Staff
The Divine Prussian Empire of Derscon

ooc: C'tan, why do you insist on making this ooc stuff into a big deal? I normally don't check Wiki before I post because, quite simply, I just don't have the time to research every nation when I do. Again, as I explained earlier, I confined myself to this thread alone. As well, why are you occ commenting on a secret ic message to the Dominion. If my character is "stunningly ignorant" about the C'tan, what concern is it of yours? ICly, you wouldn't know and oocly, it shouldn't matter to you. Let the ic chips fall where they may. To indulge you, your Wiki entry is quite short. I also perused your website, but again, icly, Vrak would not know much about your nation. We would have little to any contact through KIST, since that's the only example I can think of. Icly, I can't see how Vrak would be able to "research" much at all about your nation due to little contact. So, it's all well and good to have a website which is nice oocly, but does nothing icly - unless you say, "Okay, here is something you can know about me". Also, why is it a big deal if an IC misunderstandings about a nation develops? It does happen.

Secondly, concerning aid, yes, I know that are a wanker. So what? Perhaps the news travelled slowly back to Vrak regarding you rendering aid to Allanea. Perhaps the speed of aid that you delivered to Allanea was met with disbelief by Vrakian officials and they decided to put your nation on the list anyways. Perhaps since the Ctan is not much of a concern to Vrak that Vrak felt there was nothing to lose to add your name to the list. Perhaps a number of reasons came up. Do I need to oocly explain everything to you regarding why? As I mentioned in another post to another nation, Vrak icly does not keep track of all the charitable organizations that exist. Which means that the aid you rendered to Allanea would have reached our sources later.

Yes, I suppose I should be taken to task for not clearly explaining that my original intent was to have the royal edict issued a few days after the nuke strike on Allanea. Call it a momentary slip on my part. My bad. To explain it icly, Vrak would be thinking along the lines that giving aid to Allanea would really take along the lines of weeks or months, and that eradicating radiation sickness within a day or two is nothing short of miraculous. So, in essence, a MT nation with PMT tendencies would view "giving aid" as taking a long time, and hence your nation would have fallen in that category. It is completely out of their (Vrak) world view to comprehend the speed and amount of resources the Ctan expended in aid relief to Allanea.

As well, who mentioned anything about an ignore? Stop trying to put words into my mouth since clearly I never said or even thought to ignore your action with Allanea. Icly, we would treat it along the lines of (assuming the reports came back objectively), "Amazing! A nation called the C'tan eradicated all of the radiation sickness in Allanea within a day. They clearly are an advanced nation."

Sorry for the ooc stuff Allanea. C'tan, if you wish to continue this you can reach me on IRC or telegrams.

Even as Fitzerald stepped out of the church, a large van screeched to a halt in front of him, the doors kicked open. Inside were several men in Allanean Volunteer Force uniforms – none under forty old, they were all retired from active service of the Emperor. And yet…

"For the Emperor!"

Guns blazed.

Cartridges dropped on the ground like jingly coins – and with them would fall Fitzerald.

The assassination team would be apprehended later by local police.

Fitzgerald saw the van coming, and stopped to let it pass. However, they obviously had a different idea. As he saw it slow down, he knew what was coming. Suddenly, he heard a burst of gunfire, followed by a sharp pain in his stomach. Then his shoulder. Then his leg, arm, other leg, then too many places to count. He fell to his knees, blood gushing from his wounds. Oh my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended thee... Before he could finish, he fell forward, face first, into the ground. As his eyes closed, he saw darkness, and knew he was dead. Blood surrounded the corpse, and the light banished the darkness from him, eternally.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Across the street, Pat Reilly shouted in defeat, as he charged the van, pulling his revolver. He took aim at the drivers window, and fired. Damn, probably bulletproof. He aimed at the tires, and fired two shots, only one hitting the back left tire. He ran in front of the van, where he was met with more automatic rounds, crashing into the ground around him, with some shots into his stomach. He dove onto the sidewalk, and fired at the door, missing, before flying into, after realising it was too late.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Both the Monsignor and the Cardinal heard the gunshots, and looked out the window. Before anyone else could react, O'Malley ran outside, pulling a small stole from his pocket. He ran to Fitzgerald's body, and blessed it, as the Cardinal called for police. They then annointed Fitzgerald's corpse. O'Malley was holding the head of the body on his lap, and staring into the distance. The Cardinal looked down, and helped O'Malley up. They walked slowly back inside, to wash their hands of the blood, just as the police arrived on the scene, after ensuring the body would be sent home and respected, once the investigation was complete.

O'Reilly stumbled out of the alley, clutching his stomach. He collapsed into the wall, and slid down, his hands scratched up and bleeding. He rolled onto his back, and released his revolver, before closing his eyes. Death.

Excerpts from various Taraskovyan press

Allanea a terrorist state? Taraskovyan elite disagrees

[…]And whilst the Taraskovyan government has not bothered make any official statement on the issue and has completely distanced itself from the matter, the Taraskovyan political elite does not find Allanea to be a rogue or a terrorist state. At least it is not better than the average country out in the field.

“Allanea is certainly not an angel,” Boris Gdoborev, a leading political commentator and Professor of International Economic Politics with the University of Vigvar, has stated. “But neither are any of the nations accusing Allanea of being a terrorist. Frankly, one would have to search hard to find a single nation beyond any reproaches.

“Allanea has started that Reich war to “liberate people from a tyrannical regime”. Such a goal can be seen as noble by many and, to be frank, has justified interventions by certain nations that today claim the moral high ground in the Allanean matter while still accusing Allanea of terrorism. Armed intervention to force a nation to abolish slavery, or to force a cessation of oppression and genocide… I think we all know who we are talking about. Yet these nations do not consider themselves “terrorist”, but knights errant of justice or something similar.”

Many Taraskovyan political observers and analysts point out that the status of “terrorist regime” depends solely on the ability of a country to carry out a positive PR campaign abroad. While separate states are at freedom to proclaim anyone they wish as “terrorist regimes”, the targeted state shall only find itself isolated if it carries out a completely disastrous foreign policy and fails at PR miserably.

“Take Taraskovya as example,” said Valeriy Kobrin, a political observer with the Azbuka Voini* magazine. “It has started and waged wars for reasons that can be considered far less noble and chivalrous than the ones raised by Allanea in the latest conflict. Yet the Grand Duchy isn’t exactly known to be a pariah on the world stage, maintaining friendly or neutral relations with the overwhelming majority of countries. The reason? Good job from the Foreign Ministry, which is Taraskovya’s prime PR agency to woo foreign governments.”

[…]

OOC: * Azbuka Voini (Alphabet of War), a magazine dedicated to military overview. Analysing war operation, equipment, military units, that kind of stuff.

Chamber of Commerce pessimistic on Allanea investments

[…]The Chamber of Commerce, thus, has issued a warning to Taraskovyan businessmen willing to invest into Allanea of the risks posed by such a move. While short-term investments can be guaranteed, mid and long-term investments cannot boast the same due to Allanea’s unstable foreign politics.

“Invest with extreme caution,” Chariman Dallar Neksh of the Chamber of Commerce advised the potential Taraskovyan investors.

[…]

The Grand Ducal Government is not expected to invest into the reconstruction of Allanea, sources with the Ministry of Economy and Finances indicate.

[…]

ARIA riding alone in assisting Allanea?

[..]It is, thus, that the Congress has approved an aid package for the Allanean States situated in the Haven region, namely to aid in nuclear decontamination. Minister-Chancellor McFlintock, the prime initiator of the motion, is content with the results. It is not clear whether the Grand Ducal Overseer shall veto the motion considering Grand Ducal neutrality in the matter.

This event might be a sign that the Autonomous Republic of the Island of Atlantic (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Island_of_Atlantic) is riding alone in international politics, a move which shall surely not be tolerated by Vigvar. Taraskovyan officials, however, are aware that a blank veto of the plan would spark discontent with the island’s population, once part of Allanea and now a Taraskovyan dependency. Many Atlantic Islanders still feel some attachment to their brothers in Havenic Allanea, but much less so to Allaneans outside of the region.

Many observers deem that the Overseer shall make certain the plan is well targeted and financial assistance is strictly limited.

[…]

As it would be obvious, the Allaneans would be extremely thankful for the aid – especially Taraskovyan aid. Allaneans had long been sympathetic to the Taraskovyans, and the chilling of relations between the countries both before and after the War of the Wolf has been seen as tragic at best. And as such, the politicians in Allanea could not afford to miss the opportunity.

Congressmen and senators flew by aircraft into Allanean Haven, to be photographed with the Taraskovyan aid workers, if any were present, or even just with the aid packages. Those who were thus photographed and whose pictures were seen in the newspapers saw small increases in their ratings.

And very soon the Allanean Secretary of State – Victoria Sheshet herelf – penned a Message of Thanks to the Taraskovyan People, unusually long-winded and polite.

It concluded in the words: And therefore, I hope that relations between Allanea and Tarasovka will improve further. I request permission to visit your fine nation, to better express my thankfulness and to give my respects to the Taraskovyan People.

Coming to Taraskovya was not a problem, unless you were sought after by the security services or the police. It was not the case with the Allanean Secretary of State, so she could come and go as she pleased for personal reasons. Of course, getting an audience with Ithun Khat, the Foreign Affairs Minister, would require some planning ahead, due to the Minister’s loaded schedule. But there would be no reasons to refuse her the audience if she needed it. After all, Allanea has been behaving correctly towards Taraskovya as of late. Allanea was seen as a neutral nation, to be treated with caution, of course, but not one to be avoided like the plague.

But if she simply wanted to have some days in Taraskovya to “talk to the People” or meet some personalities, all she needed was to announce her arrival to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs 6 hours before landing. Once landed, she would have to get one-week tourist visas at the airport for her staff, which took barely thirty minutes per person and came out in the form of a plastic identity card which gave the bearer the right to be in Taraskovya for seven days. If in seven days the card was not “checked out” by the immigration service, the police would start a manhunt for suspected illegal migrants.

Longer visas were available, of course, but they also needed a justification of residence (a hotel reservation ticket would do) and the longer the visa, the more requirements had to be met. Sheshet herself was a member of government of a recognized foreign State and, thus, could come and leave without any need for a visa. The idea was that a minister would not really dart off into illegal migration.

Back in the Autonomous Republic of the Island of Atlantic, the Allanean response was welcomed with pleasure and the Grand Ducal Overseer was commended by the local media for his common sense. The dreaded veto never came and Republican Civil Protection workers were dispatched to Havenic Allanea, where they were quite surprised by the interest given by Allanean politicians to their humble persons.

"What?"

"Yes. Some Allanean business is buying a really big luxury hotel at a place called… Uthar. I mean, really-really-big. It's like one of those big spire hotels that the Imperium of Man has in Warhammer."

"Jesus. Isn't this a bit of a huge fucking investment, what with the country being in the shape it is, right now?"

"Yeah, but you know our businessmen. They're into risk, don't ya know."

"…wow. That'll do a bit for Allanean-Taraskovyan relations, won't it?"

"I'd hope. They're going for an advertising blitzkrieg. They also invested… lots and lots of money into renovating the place. It's in a place called Vyshna… a resort town, I understand, Ms. Sheshet."

"When is it opening?"

"With the summer season."

"Good. Here's what I'll do…"

And so, another message was sent:

Honorable Sir!

I plan to visit Tarasovka on such and such a date. I wish to first spend a week touring the Autonomous Republic of the Island of Atlantic, and to meet with businessmen in the area regarding the trade in fish and seafood the Island has with the Northern Haven States. After that, I will visit Vyshna, and give an opening address at the opening party of the Constellation Hotel there (as you know, it is owned by the Feiberg Hotel Corporation, an Allanean company, and is the first Allanean investment of this scale in Tarasovka). Would it be polite, under the code of diplomatic conduct favored by Taraskovyans, to conduct a business meeting with the Minister after this tour is concluded? I would think, given his busy schedule, that the later I request to schedule the meeting, the easier it will be to agree on a date.

Sincerely yours, Victoria Sheshet,
United States Secretary of State.

Grand Duchy of Taraskovya
Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Victoria Sheshet, USA Secretary of State
Concerning
Visits to Atlantic Island and Taraskovya

Your Excellency,

As far as touring the Autonomous Republic of the Island of Atlantic is concerned, Grand Ducal visa regulations apply to the entity in question and, as such, you should have no surprises on this front. If you desire to meet with local government officials, you should address the Republic’s Foreign Relations Office, which is the competent authority to arrange such meetings. We can take care of the procedures ourselves if you request so, too.

You are, of course, welcome to the Grand Duchy itself. The exact time for your meeting with His Excellency the Minister of Foreign Affairs shall be arranged within the coming days.

Should you have any further questions, our staff remains at your full disposition.

OOC: I was talking about Allanea, not Tarasovka. If you read this thread, and 'Hatred to Red Rivers', you'd know what I mean.

Also:

: An assassination attempt on the Grand Duke's sister is not a sign of instability.

MMQT.

OOC: I skipped Rping meeting all those local fish merchants and such. Just the usual PR visits, of course.

IC:

The hotel was positively huge. Designed to hold 300,000 rooms, the spire glittering against the night sky, it was positively beautiful, as well. And at the foot of the spire, surrounded by reporters and businessmen, stood Victoria Sheshet.

“Trade is the goal and the means of peace. We sign peace treaties with foreign nations so that our merchants would trade with them and so we our market could proceed in peace. We encourage trade with foreign nations so that their population would benefit from having a good relation with us, and then peace would remain strable. And thus, I am proud to cut the ribbon on this beautiful hotel, to return it to the service of Taraskovyan tourists, to earn money and create jobs for Taraskovyan personnel – with some side-profit for the Allanean owners, of course – and to strengthen the friendship and goodwill relations with the Taraskovyan people.

May God bless both our nations.”

And so, the ribbon was cut.

“Now, about meeting the Minister...”

Vigvar, Taraskovya

Since Victoria Sheshet’s visit to Taraskovya was an informal one, it was not serviced according to the Official Visit or Working Visit protocol, but without any formal protocol. As such, the meeting was to be held at a restaurant not far away from the Foreign Affairs Ministry building. Sheshet and Khat would share a meal; Sheshet’s staff would also enjoy Taraskovyan cuisine, albeit at a small distance from the Ministers. The restaurant was one dedicated mostly to Slavic kitchen, mixing Russian, Serbian and even Polish meals.

High Count Ithun Khat, the Grand Ducal Foreign Minister, was awaiting inside the restaurant, with a welcoming committee of lower grade officials and security officers outside waiting for the convoy that carried the Allanean Secretary of State.

Had Sheshet consulted the publicly available biography or whatever information the Allaneans managed to collect on the Foreign Minister, she’d know he was thirty five years of age, primarily of Taraskath descent. Due to the latter, he looked younger than his age, more in late-twenties than it mid-thirties. He was still an officer with the Taraskovyan Airborne, in the rank of Captain. If she dug more, she’d know he served in the 74th Airborne Division during the Plague and was the sole survivor of the entire unit, which was encircled and eliminated in the Northern Spine mountains.

Regardless of his past, nowadays Ithun was completely dedicated to diplomacy and not to war. Largely seen as a moderate in an otherwise quite trigger-happy Grand Ducal Government, Minister Khat was still loyal to his military past, which explained why he chose to wear his black and silver military dress uniform instead of civilian attire on official and semi-official occasions. The launch with Sheshet was not an exception.

And as everybody greeted each other and then proceeded to take their seats by their tables, Ithun came to talking business with the Allanean, talking in Russian as a language understandable to both.

“It has been stated by Your Excellency’s team that You have come bearing certain proposals that could help improve the bilateral ties between the Grand Duchy and the United States.” Ithun gave a police smile before continuing. “Whilst no formal agreement shall come out of this meeting, we can profit from the opportunity to discuss the finer details of any proposals before any future formal conclusion by our respective Govenrments.”

[OOC: Allanea, I shall give you a pick from two possible options. Why two? Because of this (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12273904&postcount=4).

Now, while Taraskovyans have nothing against orgies, there is no way a Government Minister is meeting a de facto pr0n acress. And even if I doubt Allanean channels would be much popular outside ARIA, the word would obviously reach the needed ears.

As such, the two options:
1) The orgy on TV happens before the scheduled meeting and in which case, the audience is refused. Simply and plainly. The Taraskovyan Minister of Foreign Affairs does not grant audience to pr0n actresses. This means the above meeting-related posts are... retconned.

She can only come in private capacity to Taraskovya. Taraskovyans are not against pr0n. She could even sign a few autographs, 'cause I'm sure she gained a few fans amongst the populace. But as far as the High, Higher and Highest Ranked persons are concerned, she is a persona molta e realmente non grata.

Taking into account the fact you were surely not going to ever post to this thread again, preferring to post elsewhere, I deem this is the best solution.


2) The orgy happens after the meeting. The event, of course, totally and completely discredits Vicky in Taraskovyan eyes and any agreements that could've been reached are shelved for all eternity. Frankly, that show discredits not only Vicky, but the entire Allanean administration in Taraskovyan eyes.

OOC: Option 2, if you don't mind.

The Allanean looks at the Minister and smiles politely. “Well, you understand, it was never my intention to reach a new... treaty, per se. Not to redefine Taraskovyan-Allanean relations on paper. I believe such an action would be at this stage... premature, you understand. As such, I would like to rather discuss the state of the Taraskovyan-Allanean relations as they stand now – perhaps there are minor problems that we on our side can resolve without even signing a formal treaty. You know – minor obstacles on the road to a better future.”

Ithun arched an eyebrow as Sheshet spoke. He did mention that no formal agreement could come out of a semi-official visit and that they would discuss the “finer details”, which is diplo-speak for “everything and anything”. But the Taraskovyan said nothing, he just smiled in return as he made a slight gesture of his hand to a waiter to help Victoria with getting seated.

“Pray, sit down,” Ithun said, waiting until the Allanean was seated behind the table before taking his own seat. He took the menu and ran it down with a casual look, letting silence reign supreme for a few seconds, before posing the card down.

“Now, I expect you wish to have a summed up Taraskovyan stance towards Allanea?” Ithun said without any real emotion. “Neutrality and non-involvement is what can characterize our approach the best. And we are quite content with it being at the present level.”

“Ah, I am quite aware of it – however, as far as I understand, there are minor things to be adjusted. For example, I understand that your fishermen complain a lot about overfishing by Allanean companies in Northern Haven, that our businessmen whine about your – probably justified and necessary – visa regulations for Allaneans, and so forth. Such minor...wrinkles in the fabric of diplomacy are liable to become major tears in the future, and I would like to avert that.”

“As such, I would like to ask you, Minister: Are there any such wrinkles on our side that you would like us, to, well, iron out?”

“The Taraskovyan short term visa is already traveler-friendly enough for our authorities. You are, surely, familiar with the reception of an ID card to be used by the bearer to legitimate his identity within Taraskovya,” Ithun spoke. “Technically, everyone is welcome, except those traveling with false papers and those wanted by Taraskovyan authorities. Entries and exits are noted and registered. I do not see what there is to complain about, unless Allanean businessmen for some reason need to hide their movements from Grand Ducal authorities.”

The Minister paused a moment before speaking again.

“As of Atlantic Island fishermen, the Grand Ducal Ministry of Economy and Finances has indeed been receiving complaints from the local administration. However, in all honesty, what can Allanea do to realistically curb the appetite of its fishing companies? Taraskovya values results, not empty promises.”