NationStates Jolt Archive

IanCorp Wireless National: the voice of the Republic. In a country where only the richest of the rich own televisions, where the newsreels come out on a merely weekly basis, and where the majority of the population is unable to read a newspaper, IWN is the voice of the masses. Recording at its offices in the International Tower in downtown Ianapalis, IWN is distributed to its hundred of member stations across the Republic and the colonies. By listening to its broadcasts, foreign nations can get a general idea what is happening on the Shield, but only the most general idea indeed. IWN’s programming is strictly controlled by the government, although occasionally enterprising journalists may sneak a kernel of independent thought past the censors.

18 June 1959

DATELINE Jameston Place. After a brief debate, the National Assembly today confirmed the Council’s decision to retract the Revolutionary Calendar. In use for more than four years, the new calendar was used almost exclusively by the government while most citizens retained the old system. Today therefore reverts from being 4 Andaréa in the Year VII of the Revolution to being the 18th of June, 1959. Sources close to the President tell us that he applauds this measure, claiming it to be a major step in the, quote, ‘de-Madders-ification of the Republic’ and in ‘returning the country to the vision of Citizen-Martyr Bradsworth’ end quote. Stay tuned; updates as events warrant.

2 July 1959

DATELINE Jameston Place. In a surprise move, President Ranalte has decided to nominate John Bartett (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Earl_of_Dirwisham), the ci-devant Earl of Dirwisham, to replace Jacob McAlister in the Chamber of Fifty. McAlister died after suffering a massive stroke two days ago. Bartett, who just celebrated his 57th birthday, had more than a quarter century's experience in the ancien régime's Combined Parliament, rising to his greatest heights as Chancellor of the Exchequer shortly before the fall of Edward Tarriff's government. Many see the President's move as an attempted reconciliation with the Old Guard; Bartett is the only high-ranking member of Tarriff's government who is still alive and well. The National Assembly is expected to confirm Bartett's appointment later today.

3 August 1959

MANSMOUTH -- Tens of thousands of cheering people turned out today for President Ranalte's review of Home Fleet on Gull Flag Day. The spectacle included a parade of more than one hundred ships larger than a frigate, a ear-shattering salute from GFS Sanguine's main battery, and an aeroshow put on by units of the Naval Aeroflight Unit and Coastal Command's Cape Hunt base. President Ranalte gave several speeches throughout the day, mostly commending the majesty of Iansisle's unequaled seapower and saluting the patriotism of the Shieldian people. Ranalte also received the mayors of Mansmouth and neighboring Nenton. Following is an excerpt from the President's noon speech:

"When I look out over this fleet and over this sea of faces, I see the will of a nation. The past decade has been strewn with violence, war, strife, and economic disaster. Looking forward, however, we can see in the next ten years the renewal of Iansisle. The people who built such a fleet can never be kept down!"

loud cheering

"The Revolution had gone astray over the past two years, leading us into a circle of desperation, ruin, and violence. With me and my government looking after the Revolution, we shall return it from the brink and to the vision of Citizen-Martyr Bradsworth -- peace and prosperity. One nation -- Weshielder and Shadoranite, Sentrian and Foothillsman! One nation, one president! Long live the Republic!"

more cheering and report of naval gunfire

Tag for intell. Citizen-Martyr Bradsworth? Now thats just creepy and downright tugging on my invasion strings. I shall resist, though, some people manage to enjoy revolutionaries.

((you know I killed Bradsworth off a thread or two ago, right Imi? He was executed by Madders right before Ranalte's coup (in which Madders was executed).))

((as long as Imi's watching =P))

"Oh, I'm so happy not to have Dunerbridge to lead around on a leash this time," said Alice Callahan as she skipped along the cobblestone path in the garden of Benton's Ducal Palace. Even the increasingly chilly air of an early Noropian winter didn't seem to dull her enthusiasm for being out of Knootoss and back near (if not in) Iansisle. "He is such a pratt, Liz, you wouldn't believe it."

Elizabeth Fortier (née Callahan), wife of M. le Duc de Benton, smiled at her younger sister as she bent at the waist to gather a great handful of autumn leaves and throw them into the air in an explosion of reds and yellows.

"Those aren't Noropian trees at all," said Alice, pointing at the oaks.

"They remind me of the ones back in Dun Adien." Elizabeth sighed as she looked into the bare branches. "Robert planted them for me years ago, when he first came here."

"I never thought I'd miss that horrid little rock," said Alice. She spun around again, catching herself against a small rock wall and looking at her sister. "Liz?" she said suddenly, in a much different tone of voice. "Oh my God!"

Elizabeth never had a chance to react to Alice's warning. Someone grabbed her from behind and a large hand was clamped over her mouth and nose. Another man -- clad, Elizabeth noticed, in the uniform of the Ducal Guard -- chased and tackled Alice as she attempted to run. They both went down, but Alice managed to grab onto a small rock that had been lying in the mud. As the man turned her face up, she brought it crashing into his temple. Cursing and holding a hand to his now blood-covered face, the man staggered off of her. Alice tried to get up and run again, but three more men dogpiled onto her. Elizabeth thought she heard the crunch of a bone snapping and Alice screaming. However, the world was starting to go dark from asphyxiation.

The last thing she heard was the man holding her shouting to the others.

"Careful, you idiots! We need these to make sure our Shieldian 'friends' listen when they get here!" He turned his attention back to Elizabeth just as she passed out. "Good night, Your Grace."

22 September 1959

DATELINE Benton, Noropia. Revolution has broken out in what formerly was one of the most virulent strongholds of reaction in Tilsitia. A group claiming to represent the national will has seized control of Benton, the Noropian capital, and is holding the city's municipal elections in ten years. As the Noropian military mobilizes to crush the revolution, the leaders have called out for Shieldian military aid. President Ranalte has sent the Army of the Foothills and elements of Home Fleet to Benton as peacekeepers. A spokeman for the President said that Ranalte is hopeful that cooler heads may prevail and a non-violent solution may be found. More updates as events warrant.

August 1960

DATELINE Ianapalis, the Shield. Requests filed regarding a proposed merger between Dunheath-Little Automobiles and the Westerton Motor Car Company have been officially rejected by the Trade Office.

Westerton, the dominant manufacturer of automobiles before the Revolution, found its infrastructure shattered by the violence around its Weshieldian hub and has to-date been unable to raise the capital required to vigerously re-enter the domestic market. However, more than one in four automobiles driven in the Shield are Westertons and the firm remains a mainstay in the production of spare parts and some niche markets such as public transportation. Dunheath-Little, on the other hand, rose from obscurity to fill the void left by the disintegration of Westerton during the Revolution and is currently the leading producer and retailer of automobiles on the Shield.

The proposed deal would have paired the existing framework and good-name of Westerton with the dynamism and reputation of quality of Dunheath-Little. However, regulators pointed out that the mega-merger would have significant competitive ramifications for smaller producers such as Flynn Automotive and Republic Motors. The decision is being hailed as a landmark for anti-trust legislation on the Shield and a firm rejection of pre-Revolutionary-style cartels. Dunheath-Little, however, plans to appeal the decision in a civil suit.