NationStates Jolt Archive

Following a free and fair referendum on whether Gurning should become a religious state we can now announce the results.

Yes: 62%
No: 20%

No vote: 18%

The representatives of Gurning will now carry out the will of the people.

Gurning shall be a Protestant nation.

All non-Protestants, approximately 70 million of various denominations, are to be deported.

Any countries wanting these heretics are welcome to take as many as you want.

11:30 am, Chocolate House: President Willie Wonka finished reading the report and heaved a long sigh. "Not another one." he kvetched.

2 hours later, the President issued a statement berating the Gurning government for its flagrant violation of human rights and stating his willingness to take on a limited number of refugees. the estimated amount the nation will accept is about three million, with the majority expected to be Jews, as that is the majority religion in Paradise.

Oh dear. You, sir, have a tendency (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?p=2622154#2622154) to do stupid things that upsets us. We harshly condemn the creation of theocracies, and rather prefer that a government be an unbiased, logical organization. We strongy urge you to reconsider deporting so many millions of people from your nation. Nevertheless, we will be prepared to accept as many "refugees" from you as we are able to.

If you start persecuting your minorities, well, I'd hate to be you. Also, unless it's for a damn good reason, we will no longer be aiding you in the upcoming conflicts we expect you will be involved in as a result of this decision.

Live from The Beach House, Katt the Title-less of the Republic of Tom Petty will be releasing a statement to the world.

Katt the Title-less: <censored>tards

Advisor (stage whisper): Psst! Hey Katt, we're live.

Katt: Oh <censored>! Can we start again?

Advisory (stage whisper): No! Just watch your language.

Katt: My apologies for my language, but intolerance towards religion, race, sex, color just irks me. The will of the people my foot! Sounds more like brainwashing to me. How in the bloody blue hell do you--Oh never mind! The fact is that this type of intolerance is sickening. This is the 21st Century after all.

To the Leaders of Gurning. The Republic of Tom Petty is not amused by your antics. We will however offer amnesty to your deportees. All religions who do not preach violence towards others are welcome.

Chellis formerly denounces the theocracy.

Chellis, unofficially, announces it will support any anti-theocratic movement in the nation.

Chellis formerly denounces the theocracy.

Chellis, unofficially, announces it will support any anti-theocratic movement in the nation.
Your thoughts mirror our own...

We will also take all the "heretics" you want to deport.

While Gurning can safely say what the deportees are not, thanks to the recent government census, it is difficult to organise these refugees in the camps into specific religous groups for donor countries.

However so far 2 million ultra orthodox Jews and 1 million Muslim Sunni's have been put on a specially converted superfreighter fleet heading towards Chocoholic's Paradise.

Gurning believes that since the people have spoken, the peoples wishes shall be followed. Does P4lladia condemn the real life theocracy of the UK?

7 million Catholics, Copts and Eastern Orthodox have are being shuttled in freight trains to P4lladia.

To the nation of Tom Petty, how can you accuse us of favouritism towards a specific religion when you are against any religion that might say harsh words? 200,000 Muslim Wahabbi's are enroute via rail links.

To the nation of Exonerate will go 800,000 godless communists.

The rest of the deportees are to be held in concentration camps till arrangements can be made for them.

OOC The UK is not a theocracy. While it does have a national (Anglican) church, it it not required to be part of it and those that are not part of it are not deported. What I do have a problem with is the current administration of the US, which is led by a rather unintelligent fellow that continually allows his religous feelings and beliefs to greatly affect his decision as a president, which is unacceptable, especially in a nation that has tolerance and non-denominationalism as a major point of its constitution. But this is a discussion for a different thread./OOC

We will gladly accept the refugees that you have sent to us. Though we are officially, and in practice, non-denominational and very tolerant, we have a high percentage of Atheist and Buddhist populations, which may affect more of your citizens' decisions to immigrate. We will gladly accept anyone that want to come, however.

We would also inquire as to the conditions of these "concentration camps". Why is it necessary for you to remove your citizens from their homes until emmigration? We trust that they are very humane and resort-like, in any case.

The camps are practical enough; no unbeliever is going to be harmed.

5 million assorted denominations are being shipped to the nation of The Marsupials.

5 million Hindus are being airlifted to P4lladia.

The Republic of Tiborita finds these actions quite shocking. We offer a new home to those deported on our colony on The Island of Lost Souls, where you will be able to rebuild your lives in complete freedom.

The Mentholyptus government officially condemns this action. We strongly urge the Gurning government to reconsider. However, we will take as many refugees as we can, with special attention paid to those of the Atheist/Agnostic persuasion, though we won't turn anyone away due to their religion. See, we're nondiscriminatory. We will join Chellis in unofficial support of anti-theocrats in Gurning.

Joshu would also like to take in any of the refugees who are being unjustly persecuted. I will also reiterate P4lladia's previous statement as to assurance that the refugees will in no way be harmed.

Gurning has found the process of deporting so many people expensive.

Accordingly airstrips will be built next to the camps.

Any nations wanting these deviants, feel free to airlift them yourselves.

These camps are built in a desert near the borders, any deviation from this airspace will be seen as a hostile act.

Gurning has set a deadline for deportation.

And what, may I ask, will happen to those who aren't off your ground by the deadline?

~President WIllie Wonka

Indeed, what will happen to them after the deadline? When is the deadline?

We will start sending repulsorcraft your way to carry the refugees wherever they are going. We're at our capacity, and can't take in many more, but we'll be glad to take them anywhere that can take them.

Gurning has approximately 50 million non-people remaining.

Our actions after the deadline will depend on the number of heretics left on our soil.

We will take any refugees except Satanists and Muslims. Although the government does not wrongly treat them, the populace does. Attacks on Satanist and Muslim houses/worship places/businesses are common place. Even with government arrest of attackers, attacks stll go on.

Official: We will take everyone left.

Unofficial [secret]: Agitators from Mapalgetia have been sent to stir up anti-Theocratic sentiment and arm the "Nay-voters"

Infinite Melancholy is willing to take in as many refugees as the country can handle, from any religion, and strongly condemns the actions of Gurning and indeed any Theocratic nation. We also would like full details on how the 'non-peoples' being kept at the camps are being treated, and how they will continue to be treated should countries fail to grant them assylum beyond the deadline (and when is this deadline anyway?)

The Empire is usually most willing to accept refugees from any source.

Usually.

However, in this instance, we strongly condemn any of those who have taken refugees from the so-called Theocracy of Gurning, and, in turn, strongly condemn the Theocracy of Gurning for its utter lack of social, political, and ethical responsibility.

Our reasoning is simple. Gurning's lack of social, political, and ethical responsibility is obvious and plain to all who look with open eyes; however, perhaps our first statement is somewhat more difficult for some to understand.

By taking refugees from Gurning, who, at this time, do not appear to be in immediate danger - I say immediate, it should be noted, as danger does indeed appear to be on the horizon (but as Gurning has provided the exact location of the refugees, it should be a simple matter for the international community to defend them, should the need arise and the desire be present) - you whom are taking those refugees are placating Gurning. It may well seem the 'moral' and 'ethical' thing to do, but by taking these refugees, the states in question are condoning the actions of the Theocracy of Gurning. It is a message that says, quite plainly, that if Gurning 'misbehaves', it need not worry - we will clear up the mess that their government has created.

This is a poor message to be sending to the Theocracy of Gurning, in our opinion.

However, having said this, I desire to point out that we applaud the willingness of the governments and nations involved to take on foreign nationals whom may be in peril. That is a laudable and lofty, noble cause - and we applaud the willingness, if not the act.

Furthermore, the Empire requests that the Theocracy of Gurning move towards adopting a more responsible attitude. Otherwise, we may well be forced to enact a trade blockade on Gurning. That state is acting in a manner that, were it a single individual, would be considered childish in the extreme.

Therefore, if the Theocracy of Gurning acts as a child, it shall be treated as a child - and if a child misbehaves, then you take away its toys.

Thusly, if Gurning does not respond forthwith with a plan of action to create a greater air of tolerance and social responsibility inside its borders, we will 'take away their toys'.

~ Ambassador Nejure

All non-religious will be 'deported' from their homes for the sake of theocracy?
That is outrageous! We cannot stand this!

There are little anti-theocratic sentiments in the now united protestant population.

Gurning before being made a permanent theocracy was a direct democracy. The decision to change government types was the result of a popular vote.

Anti-Theocratic agitation would come from those about to be deported, which is the reason they are being deported. How can you have a religious state with an irreligious minority? Any Anti-Theocratic 'unrest' encouraged by outside nations will likely lead to a 'police action' against the camp populations.

In the meantime Mapalgetia, you want them, you airlift them.

Gurning, check TM box...

"We shall officially offer safe-haven to all refugees wishing to re-settle in Edolia. We expect that the majority of those coming here will be Socialists and other secular peoples though we are willing to accept any and all peoples."
Scottford von Harrick
Minister of State

---

"The actions of the government of Guring are unacceptable and are fully condemned by the Socialist Empire of Edolia. Intolerant nations are truly a blight upon the world. We are now immediately announcing a full trade embargo against Guring and all trade between Edolia and Guring is to be cut off."
Wang Xiaoping
Minister of Economics

Ah, and a minor point that I feel ought to be raised.

The Empire has seen fit to move the 3 Stellar Squadron into orbit above the Theocracy of Gurning.

We note that this has nothing to do with the current situation; the Squadron is merely conducting meteorological studies.

~ Ambassador Nejure

Ma-Tek, the process of deporting 70 million people has been done without bloodshed and with the consent of the majority.

You threaten our nation for what? To take these people back? Would they even want to come back after seeing their neighbours joy at their departure?

It's better for all involved to leave things as is.

Ah, and a minor point I feel ought to be raised.

The theocracy has seen fit to mobilise our ground to space weapons.

We note this has nothing to do with the current situation; the batteries are merely conducting drills.

All other nations, if you want deportees come and airlift them and announce how many you have taken.

we are picking up all Catholics left.

Ma-Tek, the process of deporting 70 million people has been done without bloodshed and with the consent of the majority.

You threaten our nation for what? To take these people back? Would they even want to come back after seeing their neighbours joy at their departure?

It's better for all involved to leave things as is.

Ah, and a minor point I feel ought to be raised.

The theocracy has seen fit to mobilise our ground to space weapons.

We note this has nothing to do with the current situation; the batteries are merely conducting drills.

All other nations, if you want deportees come and airlift them and announce how many you have taken.

We are not threatening. We are suggesting. We shall not act unless there is sufficient impetus to act. Considering the widespread condemnation of the actions of Gurning, we note that it is likely that we are not - at the very least - outside the bounds of current international opinion.

Furthermore, we note that, truly, Gurning ought deport its entire population - if we assume that its current course of action is the correct one (which it is not), and that all non-Protestants ought be deported from Gurning, then surely there are no Protestants in Gurning. For the Bible does preach tolerance, no? And if one does not act in a manner befitting their belief system, why, they have no claim to follow that belief system. And when they say that they do, they are surely merely lying. For if I were to say, "I am an octopus," that would not make me an octopus. It would be, at best, an untruth.

Therefore, there are no Protestants in Gurning, and the entire population, under the current ruling by the Government of Gurning, ought be deported, no?

Lastly: be careful with your drilling, Gurning. If your current drill causes danger to our Squadron - which is moving in unclaimed and neutral orbital space - then we will be forced to re-evaluate our position.

~ Ambassador Nejure

OOC: This is a post from the nation of The Marsupials, which he gave permission to be posted here

Upon further reflection, and consultation with various of our political and economic theorists and refugee representatives, we are suggesting that the Alliance take the following actions.

First, that all members of the Libertarian Alliance officially (to the extent possible given their particular governmental system) and publically condemn Gurning's actions. While it may have been democratic, we all know that democracies degenerate into mob rule, and that they will exercise a tyranny over the minority; and that a proper libertarian government understands this, and protects the rights of the minorities. Note that this so-called free exercise of the majority's rights has most obviously violated the rights of the refugees, including the rights to property, free conscience, free assembly, speech, and participation in the political process. We must ensure that Gurning, and the world at large, know that their actions are not consistent with libertarian philosophy.

Second, we suggest that trade with Gurning *not* be suspended. In fact, we have several groups here that are taking voluntary donations to create funds to *subsidize* trade with Gurning, under the theory (proven with respect to the USSR and mainland China) that engagement will win the hearts and minds of the people. We will flood them with products that they won't or can't live without, and will carry with them implicit understanding that an open political position is inherently superior to their closed theocracy. While some of this propaganda is of course fairly obvious, much of it is implicit and hard to detect. Levis and rock and roll music are what brought down the USSR. It might well be proper, though, to refuse to *buy* any products from Gurning, or to refuse them without a large discount. This is of course up to every country and individual themselves.

Third, we suggest that all members of the Libertarian Alliance, again officially and publicly and to the extent allowable by their governmental form, announce that they will set up a defensive perimeter around Gurning. While we dislike intensely defending this nation, there will be a strong motivation for other countries to invade to teach them a lesson; and this will be counterproductive. This defensive perimeter will also allow us to keep Gurning's armies *in*. History has shown a long line of theocracies prepared to recruit new nations and peoples by violent means. To this end, four divisions of our volunteer forces have requested assignment. We will negotiate with neighboring countries for permission to station there. This is *NOT* an occupation; the host country will be well paid for the use of the land and supplies for the divisions, and will have liason officers in every company. The negotiations will purely be about recompense rates; if any nation does *not* wish our presence, we will take their "no" answer without argument.

Since their position is purely defensive, the divisions will be digging into extremely strongly fortified positions, ready to defend either inward facing (protection from Gurning) and outward (protection of Gurning). This will serve the additional purpose of making it clear that we intend no offensive action. We will not impede the flow of people or goods across the border in any way. These divisions will be supported by naval and air forces, of course, and by sophisticated space surveillance.

We suggest that these provisions be continued until Gurning has restored a proper libertarian government.

Pouch-Brother Wombat
The Marsupial Confederation

"We reiterate our offer of safe haven to all refugees and wish to especially extend our hands to all socialists and other secular peoples. Please give your estimates as to the number of people that this will entail. We will pay for all transporation costs."
Matthew von Pickett
Minister for Foreign Affairs

Gurning estimates that there are about 40 million left in the camps.

About 5 million are communists, socialists and other authoritarians.

In completely unrelated news, Gurning’s mega-prisons are being closed due to lack of inmates.

Per the goverment's Displaced Persons policy, the Republic of Fauquier will recieve as many refugees as possible with open arms. A fleet of transports, fresh out of the Tellirian situation, are being sent with a naval escort and a Marine battlion to provide security

The Republic condems the acts of Gurning as blatant human rights violations, and has placed full trade sanctions on them. We hope the International community will come down hard on such actions.

About 5 million are communists, socialists and other authoritarians.

"Authoritarians? We asked for communists and socialists, not Soviets. How many true socialists?"
Matthew von Pickett
Minister for Foreign Affairs

[OOC: Some notes regarding the likely impact of having an EOTED Stellar Squadron in orbit above Gurning:

Any non-hardened radio-wavelength-sensitive equipment in or around the camps in Gurning has very likely been subject to increased interference of late, specifically since the 3 Stellar Squadron moved into position above Gurning. Mobile telephones in the area would be particuarly affected, with weak signals likely being very common. Television signals are poorer than usual. Radios lack the usual crispness on the FM frequency. Digital services - digital TV or digital Radio - would not be so affected. Ordinary analogue speaker systems may well be constantly emitting an unusual high-frequency tone that is outside the human range of hearing, but close enough to the upper range for most people that it likely causes mild headaches. - Upon investigation, science-types would probably surmise that it is likely due to broad-ranged focused EM-radiation scans from the Stellar Squadron above; they would also likely determine that there is no threat to the humans in the area. If pertinant detection equipment is brought in, it would detect low-level background EM radiation across the spectrum - including visible light, curiously. If Gurning has the equipment and a clear sky, they might notice odd halos of colour emitting from the bright points of light that indicate the warships in orbit. If their understanding of such matters is sophisticated enough, they might determine that extremely high-powered telescopes are in operation - the 'twinkle' effect is the scattering of light provoked by vacuum-sealed mercury mirrors and lenses on the warships above.

The most likely conclusion that the Gurning government/scientists would come to, is that the EOTED warships above are watching - closely. If Gurning has a well-developed intelligence network, with good external sources for information on standard EOTED operating procedure, the Gurning intelligence community might well note that it is strange that a Squadron has been moved into position above Gurning - rather than a simple re-shuffling of the near-global-coverage EOTED MISAT intel-satelite network.

If you need any further information on any points raised in these notes, Gurning, feel free to telegram me and ask. I felt it would be wise to point out exactly what the effects would be OOCly, so you could easily figure out what effects would be noticed and how, etc, rather than writing out an IC post dealing with the actions of the 3 Stellar Squadron and disclosing the minute details that wouldn't be obvious immediately. :)]

IC:

The Empire of the Eternal Dawn issues a formal diplomatic protest to the state of Gurning regarding its failure to respond to our previous communique.

~ Ambassador Nejure

Ma-Tek, Yes the New Testament says a lot of touchy feely things. Gurning however is based on the Old Testament and the books of Revelations, Daniel and other apocryphal books.

Thanks to your electro magnetic pulses, children are being born deformed. The leaders of Gurning are not pleased.

Edolia You mean there is a difference?

Fauquier Fine, Gurning has stated where they are.

From the Holy Empire of Grand Hobgoblonia:
The Office of Foreign Relations Officially Condemns Condemnation of Gurning:

It is not the responsibility of individual nationstates to dictate the religions of other nations, nor decide what their level of civil rights or political freedoms should be. The culture of Gurning has clearly decided it is Protestant, by referendum no less, and it has taken steps to secure this fact.

Meanwhile, other nations have swarmed to pick up the refugees while crying foul, as if they couldn't resist harming themselves with a bigger and more diverse population.

While there is no such Christian religion to speak of in Grand Hobgoblonia, Grand Hobgoblonia does not condemn other nations for making decisions for themselves, and no thanks for the refugees, we have enough humans who want to get rich off of Grand Hobgoblonia's excellent markets already: the good pro-active humans who can get what the want without whining to the Monarch.

Assertively,
Prime Minister Baragh IV
Loyal Servant to the One True Monarch
of the Holy Empire of Grand Hobgoblonia

Ma-Tek, Yes the New Testament says a lot of touchy feely things. Gurning however is based on the Old Testament and the books of Revelations, Daniel and other apocryphal books.

Thanks to your electro magnetic pulses, children are being born deformed. The leaders of Gurning are not pleased.


Due to our scans, children are being born deformed? I sincerely doubt that. Firstly, the scans have not been occurring for long enough for any conceivable effect to occur on children in utero. Secondly, our EM scanners have been exhaustively tested for potential dangers to organic life prior to usage in the field. The level of EM radiation that reaches the surface of the planet from orbit is minimal at best; only just about enough to interfere with sensitive electrical equipment in a minor manner.

It is true that the sensor suites that we utilize can be used as weapons of war - for example, they could be utilized to knock out every civilian communications system in a city, or a country, if enough warships were utilized in that manner. However, when used at low-level intensity, there is no danger to the population, and this is a matter of historical record.

It is indeed interesting that Gurning admits that they 'ignore' large swathes of their own Holy Text, the Bible. Indeed, it is most enlightening that they tell us this: for, if they ignore that which they hold most dear, how can they possibly ever be considered trustworthy?

Therefore, it is clear to anyone who pays attention to this matter that Gurning is not only socially and fiscally irresponsible, but also untrustworthy; not only can their very core beliefs not be trusted - as they apparently alter the very core of their society at whim - but their word cannot be trusted, either. They make claims that our technology harms their population, when no such harm has ever been discovered previously despite widespread use of the sensor suites in question - indeed, hundreds of nations are scanned with EM sensor suites aboard MISAT intel satelites every single day; none have ever complained of birth deformities.

We can only pray that Gurning has not acted to make their lies - the lie that our technology causes deformities in infants - come true; for that would truly be a horrific atrocity.

The Empire urges the international community to closely examine the situation in Gurning, and, indeed, we urge a neutral party - as we surely cannot be considered thus, no matter how much we would protest to the opposite - to request permission to send observers into Gurning to ascertain that the general population (that of which still remains) is not at risk.

Finally, we would like to point out that Gurning's argument that it passed the recent laws due to a referendum is one without basis. A referendum taken on whether a percentage of the population ought be deported is clearly soiled from the onset; certain members of the population would no doubt be intimidated by such a referendum, and feel constrained to vote 'Yes' rather than 'No', regardless of their own opinions.

~ High King the High Lord Commodore Semir-randil

It is not the responsibility of individual nationstates to dictate the religions of other nations,
I could not agree more. Tolerance is key, either between people, the government and the people, and governments towards each other.

nor decide what their level of civil rights or political freedoms should be.
Here's where it gets fuzzy. As some of the only entities capable of such things, as nations - especially those of us in the UN - should try to protect human rights where they are being violated. They are being violated in Gurning. People, innocent people, are being evicted from their homes for no good reason. The "will of the people" is a pretty terrible excuse. I seem to remember a place where the people found it prudent to discriminate against and outwardly hate people of a different skin color. Just because people think it's right does not make it so.

Gurning has a past record of using horrible weapons, biological and nuclear, very willingly and inappropriately. Therefore, I am not willing to take any action against Gurning, lest they decide to unleash such devices on the minorites or my own people. Rest assured, though we won't strike first, we will strike last.

People, innocent people, are being evicted from their homes for no good reason.
It is the position of the Holy Empire of Grand Hobgoblonia that this is not any nation's decision to make but the nation in question's decision. Gurning is not a member of the UN, it is immoral for the UN to impose its views on autonomous cultures.

It is easy for a country such as P4lladia to say that Gurning has "no good reason" to evict citizens it does not want, while P4lladia values, according to the UN, Very Good Civil Rights. But according to the UN, Gurning values Excellent Civil Rights. If you go by the standard of the UN, then countries such as P4lladia are none to criticize.

Of course, Grand Hobgoblonia does not usually go by the standard of the UN, at least in terms of social values or international interferance. Who is to say the UN is truly a non-partisan, objective looking glass? Gurning clearly values Protestantism, does the UN? Grand Hobgoblonia values protecting its hobgoblin majority population, but the UN is mostly composed of human nations, can the UN truly present an objective point of view if it were to focus its criticisms on Grand Hobgoblonia?

Surely, nations opposed to the mass expulsions in Gurning could at least argue that they cause harm to other nations by creating a refugee problem, but Grand Hobgoblonia has seen no evidence that the nations that took in Gurning's refugees were not more than willing to. What is the problem? The problem is nations failing to mind their own business.

Assertively,
Prime Minister Baragh IV,
Loyal Servant to the One True Monarch
of the Holy Empire of Grand Hobgoblonia

You mean there is a difference?

<<OOC: The vast majority of socialists in the world are pretty peaceful and pro-democracy people (me for instance). True communism (as outlined by Marx in the Communist Manifesto) is a democracy. Edolia isn't quite a democracy (we're working on transfering the power peacefully) but we're very close to being a true communism in other ways. We have "Superb" civil rights for instance.>>

"Of course there is a difference, fools!"
Matthew von Pickett
Minister for Foreign Affairs

10 million non believers have been deported via an intermediary to Marineris Colonies.

20 million non people remain.

Gurning is now taking the heretics property as payment for their upkeep in the camps.

Ma-Tek, we announce that your scans are causing abnormalities to be inflicted upon the unborn, and yet you continue to keep scanning. Perhaps you are doing so as a deliberate attempt to poison the young of Guring?

In response to the threats of 'police action' on the people in the camps, the first defense legion, consisting of 500,000 troops, and 25,000 jumpships to transport them all, is being prepared to move to the camps to occupy them and defend in case any 'police action' is further noted upon. Also, the first main combat legion, consisting of 1 million troops and 50,000 jumpships for transport, is being contacted and put on standby if mobilization is to occur. If blatent massacre is taken out upon these millions of people in your camps, more of the CCT infantry will be mobilized.

San Texario, personally we don't believe the numbers of soldiers you have with your population size.

If you want the 20 million unbelievers for you own land send the jumpships.

If you want a needless war send the troops, be warned that we will respond aggressively.

The remaining 20 million unbelievers have been packed up and shipped out to The Melissa and Garabaldi.

Any heretic stupid enough to remain within Gurning, as of now, will be dealt with accordingly.

I would have taken them earlier, but I was busy beating the NS servers. Hence, my military, excepting my border security, has been de-mobilized.

"The Empire tires of the baseless accusations of the Gurning Government.

"However, as a show of good faith, the EOTED flagship Syrnë Ahcarynca and three attending Aystaku class frigates have been redirected from the 1 Stellar Battlegroup, and will pierce the Earth atmosphere above Gurning in approximately three minutes.

"We stress that this action is merely to prevent any possible future claims of harm against unborn infants in Gurning due to the use of our scanning devices. By moving into closer proximity, we can better study meteorological activity in the area. Furthermore, we point out that our ships will not descend lower than 250,000 feet, and therefore cannot be considered to be piercing Gurning airspace and thusly are not breaching the Sovereignty of Gurning.

"Any hostile act taken against the Taskforce will be considered an act of war, and will be responded to accordingly."

~ High Lord Commodore Randur ux-Rihad, CINCSN (Commander-in-Chief Space Navy)

<double post>

OOC: sorry for being late, the forums are just crawling for me

IC: Several thousand Mentholyptan transports in full formation thunder through the air at the Gurning border. Thousands upon thousands upon thousands of poor, mistreated, and miserable refugees look up at the awesome spectacle of a cloud of jets blocking the sun. The Mentholyptan pilots break formation and make for the landing sites, loading up on refugees and taking off to make room for the next planes in line. After the final wave of pickup runs, 2.87 million refugees have loaded onto the planes. The pilots, upon return, make note of the squalid conditions of the camps, and volunteer to rescue more refugees from this hell to which they have been subjected. At the end of what has now been termed "Operation Secular Evacuation," 7,447,815 refugees have been safely transported to Mentholyptus.
The organizers of the operation reflect upon their work and are struck with bittersweet feelings: they know how many lives they have uplifted, but regret their inability to save more. The evacuation over, the business of finding permanent places for the refugees begins.


Note: seeing a growing amount of military unrest, Mentholyptus will go to the Supreme Commander of the Fististani Military, BLARGistania, and consult with him on a proper course of defensive action. Harm to the remaining refugees will not be tolerated.

Mentholyptus, well if you cared about the refugees you would have taken them and moved them on. The remaining refugees are now considered the property of the state of Gurning, to do with as we wish.

Ma-Tek, we believe that you are attempting to provoke us into war. If you carry on you will succeed.

To the world in general, any remaining heretic will be made use of by the Gurning government for the betterment of mans scientific and medical knowledge.

Mentholyptus, well if you cared about the refugees you would have taken them and moved them on. The remaining refugees are now considered the property of the state of Gurning, to do with as we wish.

Ma-Tek, we believe that you are attempting to provoke us into war. If you carry on you will succeed.

To the world in general, any remaining heretic will be made use of by the Gurning government for the betterment of mans scientific and medical knowledge.

The actions of Gurning are considered unacceptable in the extreme. Their insults to our honour are equally unacceptable.

Their recent claim that we are attempting to provoke a war is not only entirely without basis, but is clearly the response of delusional minds whom feel themselves of far more importance than they actually are.

However, our original desire to proceed in a calm and measured manner with regards to this crisis has now been destroyed by the actions of the Gurning government in announcing to the world that they fully intend to enact medical experimentation on Sentients.

The admission of intent to carry out Crimes Against Sentients is unacceptable in the extreme. Therefore, it is our consideration that the state of Gurning is henceforth to be considered a rogue state, and all and any rights of sovereignty that we previously felt the need to observe are now non-existant.

The People of Gurning are facing a clear and present threat to their safety, and, in the interest of Sentient Life as a whole, we cannot ignore their plight.

It is, therefore, with heavy heart and saddened mind, that I, Empress Rialla ux-Rihad II of the Empire of the Eternal Dawn, do, this day, the 18th day of the month of Súlimë in the Second Year of the Era of the Dawn declare an Intervention War against the Rogue State of Gurning.

The Rogue State of Gurning is given one hour to submit its unequivocable and conditional surrender.

As part of this surrender, the Rogue State of Gurning shall agree - without reservation - to submit the entirety of the ruling faction to a neutral court of International Law for immediate prosecution.

Furthermore, the Rogue State of Gurning shall agree - without reservation - to submit to the judicial, executive, and legislative control of the Empire of the Eternal Dawn until such times as a Transitional Government can be put in place.

As part of this conditional surrender, the Empire of the Eternal Dawn does pledge to ensure the safety and well-being of the People of Gurning (as opposed to the State of Gurning) in all actions during the temporary occupation of that nation. Furthermore, the Empire of the Eternal Dawn does pledge - without reservation - that the occupation shall last no longer than one year, and that, if a Transitional Government is not in place at the end of that period of time, that the occupation shall pass into the hands of a duly appointed international taskforce.

The Rogue State of Gurning, as stated previously, has one hour to reply to this request for immediate surrender. We warn that casualties may well be unavoidable in the event of war, and urge the Rogue State of Gurning to consider that the Empire will not use lethal arms on land, and thus will ensure that civilian casualties are not incurred; however, we doubt that the Rogue State of Gurning can say with all honesty that it can ensure the safety of its population with regards to the use of its own, likely lethal, weapons.

~ Empress Rialla ux-Rihad II, Head of State of the Empire of the Eternal Dawn

tag, be back later today.

Blargistania will evacuate 10 million refugees. Since we consider ourselves civilized, we will not descrimiate against any group based upon their religion.

Blargistanian transports arrived by the thousands in the desert region of Gurning today. Several thousand specially equipped 787 transport aircraft as well as over 3,000 20-ton trucks pulled into the camp to load refugees. The government of Blargistania issues an emergency report in order to procure these transports. The refugees were loaded in quick order and flown to the Blargistania nation airport, located in the capital city of Numenberg.

In a special ceremony, the President of Blargistania with the approval of the government has granted all of the refugees resident status, making them half-citizens of Blargistania. As such, we demand that all monetary assests be returned to our citizens. Also, we demand that they recieve just compensation for any seizure of goods and or property that our new citizens had owned. If these demands are not met, it will be considered hostile action towards citizens of Blargistania, and military action will follow suit. Be warned that we are currently deploying the 2nd and 3rd Fistian navel battle squadrons to protect our citizens and cover for them if necessary. Also, if the rest of the refugees are not released to host nations, and, if any harm comes to them, Blargistania, with the support of Fististan, will delpoy our regional forces. 250,000 troops remain on standby, long-range bombers and fighters have been placed on high alert. An additional 250,000 troops will be called up per month, until our demands are met. Be warned, should the refugees be harmed in any way, war will follow suit.

Ma-Tek, the elders of Gurning would disagree.

The Theocracy is based on the consent of the Protestant people.

The Protestant people face no threat or harm from its own government, since they are Gods people.

However it appears they face a threat in the form of a rogue socialist government, who doesn't have anything better to do than harass the godly.

The sovereignty of the people is supreme, and the people have decided what they want. The Theocracy will not only respect the wishes of the people, they will defend them from tyrannical outsiders.

The government of Gurning rejects Ma-Tek’s demands, however war is avoidable, if Ma-Tek removes it space fleet and apologises for the harm it has caused.

As a precaution, Gurning is mobilising its reserves and placing its military on high alert.

Remaining heretics has been taken to a secret location, where they will remain during this time of tension.

BLARGistania, that’s nice, but since the infidels were traitors their possessions were forfeit.

250,000 a month eh? Given both you and the other members of your regions population sizes I don’t think a large conscript peasant army would be much of a threat.

That said; don’t expect that we will allow any nation to threaten the sovereignty of the Godly.

"We will be in touch with Gurning shortly."

~ Junior Ambassador Terrel

* * *

Abruptly, the scanning area widens. Rather than merely concentrating on the refugee camps, the warships in orbit - and those sitting at 250,000 feet above Gurning - sweep Gurning in a grid-by-grid pattern, utilizing low-intensity high-scatter laser beam scanners instead of the previous EM scans.

As a result of the call-up in Gurning and the presumed state of alert, military installations are easier to pinpoint than usual, and the operation is far faster. Within several minutes, a number of installations are pinpointed, and the data is re-routed to the High Command in Nenya for 'importance classification'.

At High Command, targets are tagged in importance; ranging from 'critical' to 'minor' - and then, on-the-fly, rather than awaiting confirmation of all targets - the data is re-routed back to the Squadron in orbit above Gurning, and from there, to the flagship resting above Gurning airspace.

As soon as the first data packets arrive, the IDSS Syrnë Ahcarynca turns Earthwards...

...and targets the ground-to-orbit installations that Gurning foolishly warned about previously. Microwave beams lance out, intersecting with the armed defense emplacements near-instantaneously, but they are not damaging beams: they are low-intensity active targeting beams.

Gunports open on the Syrnë Ahcarynca at almost the same moment, although this is not visible from the surface - the corkscrew-like shape of the two-kilometre wide/long/tall Syrnë Ahcarynca hides the gunports from visible view. Infrared imaging might reveal the activity, however.

At roughly the same time, the Aystaku class counter(counter)measure frigates let off a screech of whitenoise that interrupts radio and television signals throughout Gurning. Regrettably, this also has a minor impact on Gurning's neighbours, resulting in a little more static interference for all radio-wave based technology. Incidentally, the whitenoise interference also serves to make target-tracking rather difficult. Furthermore, the frigates clearly power up their defensive grids - and faint white light can be seen emanating from the barely-visible lines that criss-cross their hulls.

From the time the Aystaku class ships begin their whitenoise interference, sixteen seconds pass before the first flashes are seen from the Syrnë Ahcarynca.

Nothing but flashes are seen from that point onwards. The warship turns slightly after each volley of kinetic missiles; each missile has a yield equivalent to just two tons of TNT - but carries no armament, instead relying on its own weight and speed to use sheer brute force to smash whatever it impacts. And each missile travels directly down a microwave beam; there is no possibility of a miss, unless the beams are interrupted.

And so the Syrnë Ahcarynca spits her venom at the ground far below, aiming to devastate the ground-to-orbital defences before they have the oppurtunity to return fire...


[OOC: Each volley is composed of 112 missiles, each volley being aimed at a single target. The longetivity of this strike depends entirely on the number of GTO targets there are. The Syrnë Ahcarynca carries enough ordnance to be able to continue firing at full capacity - that is, a 1:1 gunport-firing ratio - for about five minutes before she needs to be resupplied. That's one volley per second for three hours, with 112 missiles per volley. Or 112 missiles per second, if you like. That's 6720 missiles per minute, or, potentially, with a seamless ordnance delivery cordon, 403,200 missiles per hour. To give an idea: each set of 112 missiles is equivalent to 224 tons of TNT - or 224,000lbs.]

While the Empire of Ma-Tek began an assault on Gurning, a shadow loomed in from the horizon. The Sky Islands could be seen sailing in from the horizon, before coming to a halt over the area where the camps for the refugees were.

Both refugees and citizens stared up in disbelief at the floating islands as several large platforms descended upon them. The platforms had no moving parts, and all that looked were curious as to how they moved without being attached to anything, or showing any sign of propulsion. Suddenly, a messenger stepped off of the platforms.

"I come to you on behalf of Emperor Michael, of the Empire of Kamia. He has declared that Kamia will take in the rest of the refugees. It is his belief, and the belief of every citizen of Kamia, that these people should not be subjugated to your "medical experiments."'

Since the way you declared it made it sound of a horrid nature, in which you will probably mutilate these poor people, just for your own pleasure, we have intervened. That is all from my emperor, and we will now ask the refugees to board the platforms. Oh, one last note. My emperor bids you farewell, and that we may meet again, in better circumstances."

With that, the messenger beckoned the refugees to come forward and board the platform, which they did. After a short time, all of the remaining refugees were on the platform. The messenger looked at the people of Gurning that were welcome in their homeland and gave a respectful bow. With that, the platform floated upwards and stopped besides an island.

As soon as the first refugees set foot on Kamian soil, rejoicing echoed through the streets. Kamian citizens rushed to greet them, as great trumpets blew, sounding their arrival. The Sky Islands then began to float off into the horizon, the sounds of the celebration growing fainter and fainter, until turning into echoes that floated across the Gurning land, mingling with the sounds of the bombardment by Ma-Tek.

To the nations at war with Gurning
Please avoid any attacks on the port city of >insert city name< (little help here, Gurning?) as Fauquier is conducting evacuations in and around the city. Also, please abstain from any ship, civilian or otherwise, flying the Fauquier flag. Elements of the 2nd Fleet and hundreds of civilian craft are helping the displaced refugees there.

To Gurning: Fauquierian marines have set up a safety zone in the port and its ajoining beach front. Any "heretic" with in the zone is considered a Fauquierian citizen and will be protected like wise. Any attack on the defensive perimeter surrounding the zone will be considered an act of war. We hope you do not resort to such drastic measures.

Gurning, be reminded, I am only 4 days younger than you. Hardly worth scoffing at, you also underestimate the military reasources I have at my disposal, and this is without useing puppets. Now then.

President Aleczander Hamion looked around at the corwds assembled within the capital city. Here was here to officially wlecome them into Blargistanian society, among other things.

"My Fellow people", he roared into the voice amp. "Today you have been welcomed into the country of Blargistania as full citizens. You seeked asylum, and we provided it, you seeked shelter and we were there, you seeked freedom! And we have it! Unfortunatly, Gurning has not cooperated with us, we seeked to have your assest returned to you and they were denied. We seeked just compenstaion for your removal, and they were denied. Well, no longer, we will, by peace if possible, but by war if forced. Gurning has declared its intenton to experiment upon remaining refugees, this, we will also not allow. Hear me my fellow people, you have found freedom, but, we must give you your life back, until this is done, we cannot claim our mission to be completed."

The assembled people roared their approval, welcoming the new citizens as well as the Presidents move towards bringing full freedom to the new citizens. Later that day, a communique went out to the government of Gurning.

-To the Government of Gurning, we are severly disappointed at your refusal to return the assets of our citizens. As the people were given no choice to what religion they wanted to practice, they were not, by definition, traitors. They just wanted to leave. Now, since they are our citizens, we demand their assets returned. Should you fail to comply, our armed forces will retaliate and take back what is the people's. The 2nd and 3rd Navel battle groups are waiting outside of your national waters, they will stike when the order is given. We have the backing of our region and can deploy up to 1.2 million troops, should the need arise. You have been warned.--


OOC: I'll post stats on the armed forces later, and the 1.2 million would be deployed over a long time, not immediatly.

This hardly surprises me. To the leader of Gurning: Can you not understand that the "will of the people" is often wrong? Can you not understand that your job as a government is to protect the rights of your people from each other? I hate theocracies with a passion, but can often overlook the name if the people are coexisting happily. However, in Gurning, you are commiting crimes against humanity. I would hope that we would have outgrown such stupidity hundreds of years ago, but it would seem that I was wrong.

The Ninjaon regional military, the NODC, will be knocking at your door rather shortly. I would recommend that you duck and cover.
___________________________________________________________________

> GOALS OF THE SECOND GURNING WAR
- Establish military base in south-central Gurning
- Establish air superiority in area, allow for aerial convoys to reach base
- Locate, capture and evacuate concentration camps
- Locate, capture and evacuate research facilities
- Immobilize Gurning infantry units
- Capture infrastructural chokepoints and major trade cities
- End current regime, instate a new yet-to-be-decided government

> REQUIREMENTS
- Acknowledgement and consent of current warring nations
- Continued bombardment from Ma-Tek
- Infantry and armor contributions from other nations
- Participation of entire NODC
- Alliance with Pacific Islands

> DOMESTIC ALERTS
- International air traffic suspended
- LWECS shield power increased to "Universal Interception"
- Declaration of War issued
- Alliance requests issued

[RP will come later - this is a declaration and setup]

To P4lladia, We wish to enter an alliance with you. Mentholyptus and I will be acting as one force, and, if you wish, we can coordinate operations woth you. We cannot donate armor or arms as our armed forces will be using them, but we can provide extensive field forces as well as support.

To all citizens, the end times are upon us. The apocalypse has arrived and we will show Our Lord Jesus how we treat the forces of Satan. The use of all ‘special weapons’ has been authorised to all branches of the Gurning military.

BLARGistania, since they would not convert to the true faith, they were heretics. And in the theocracy heretic = traitor. Becoming a citizen in a foreign land does not give that citizen retroactive property rights to its former nation.

Fauquier Capital city will do. Then we counter claim, all denizens of Fauquier are subjects of Gurning, and subject to our religious laws. Fauquier is guilty of heresy. Heretics must be purified with fire. The marine’s positions have been hit with multiple napalm runs from our VTOL aircraft.

Kamia for breaching Gurning airspace, sub launched nuclear weapons were detonated on the Kamian homelands.

Ma-Tek sub launched nuclear weapons were fired and succeeded in bringing down your low level flying space fleet. Those ships crashed on a concentration camp killing the majority of the heretics resident there.

P4lladia Gurning sleeper agents have been activated within your homeland. Multiple suitcase nukes have been exploded in the capital and against your communication network.

Gurning has invested heavily in technology. We can now announce that Gurning can create black holes.

Today, Gurning is going to hold the world hostage for the actions of Ma-Tek, P4lladia, Fauquier and Kamia.

If the enemies of Gurning do not retreat back to their homelands by our deadline, we will open a black hole that will destroy the Earth and eventually the solar system.

We have ‘many’ underground hardened laboratories that can create black holes. They are in constant contact with one another. If one goes offline, the deadline is passed or an attempt is made to destroy the laboratories, Gurning will open a black hole.

We hope we have made ourselves clear.

OOC: Gurning is using a modified real world science invention. See link for details: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/523161.stm

It seems a national leader can't get a night's sleep without some sort of global catastrophe happening. I don't fully understand what you hope to accomplish, we will find a way to stop your little "mad scientist" plot.
-------
BLARGistania, of course you can join our alliance. It doesn't matter what you can contribute, everything helps. This campaign will be heavily reliant on manpower, and we need all we can get.
________________________________________________________________

NODC Rapid Mobilization facility #7, located in the eastern Ninjaon Common Territory, was a huge, bustling complex built into a rockface. It showed no outwards signs of existance, other than a tiny escape hatch towards the summit. All of the sudden, a faux-stone wall slid out of place, and sunk into the mountain. What was revealed was a cavernous chamber filled with several disc-shaped vehicles and people preparing them for liftoff. Not surprisingly, the vehicles flew out of the hangars and flew west ver the Ninjaon nations of P4lladia and Joshu on its way towards the nation of Gurning. The six other RMFs in the Common Territory did the same, launching a total of 21 transports altogether. It would be a big fight, and we might lose some repulsorcraft (http://www.noyuo.com/ninjao/repulsorbig.htm).

"MRC7, this is MRC1. Breaching the sheild in 5." Already, the craft had reached the perimeter of the LWECS sheild, a nearly impenetrable boundary denying access to Ninjaon airspace. The current power setting would likely vaporize the vehicles as soon as they touched the boundary, and so they paused, awaiting the Anti-electromagnetic field beam from the LWECS hub. This created a window in the sheild, allowing the craft to leave the continent.

"MRC7, this is MRC1. We're heading over the the Pacific Islands to pick up some goodies."
"MRC1, MRC7. Copy that."

In a well-lit, nondescript room somewhere in Ninjao...

"Why is it that anyone we go to war with is always some insane religious zealot with a relatively good (but defeatable) strategy!?" The Seppukon moaned, cracking his knuckles.

"Because they're multiplying, I guess. The point is, Gurning just carried out the first successful terrorist attack on Ninjaon soil. People died, and we're gonna do something about it." Caru added, pounding his fist on the long table at which all the leaders sat. They were surrounded by Palladian Guards, all of whom were, well, on their guard.

"I'm already working on that. We've got our N1NJ4 satellites (specifically, 70R, 71R, 72R, 73R, 74R, 75R, 76R, 77R, 78R, and 79R) positioned over Gurning, and with the press of a button, we'd obliterate them." Joshu replied.

"The problem is those damn black-hole labs of theirs. It's almost like... a god modified physics just for this occasion, and not in our favor..." Websterianism's leader interjected, in an uncharacteristically serious tone. (He's usually giddy. Not sure why.) "Fortunately, we've got people working on finding those."

"Also, we've managed to capture a great deal of those "sleeper agents" that attacked P4lladia, but they are unfortunately unwilling to talk. Well, except for constantly quoting scripture, berating us for our being "heathens, hell-bound", etc. Oh, and they keep asking for chili-and-cheese-flavored corndogs. We're not complying with their demands." The Palladiate added.

"I love those things! It's like a party's in your mouth, and it's just you and Miho Yoshioka!" Joshu added enthusiastically. "Well, maybe not that good, but they're good."

"That's all well and good, but we need to start working on that plan Joshu and I spoke about in private. It seems there is a way to halt Gurning's black hole plan, should the need arise." Caru added yet again, standing. He concluded the meeting, and each of the leaders went to their respective nations. Thus concluding the war council.

To all citizens, the end times are upon us. The apocalypse has arrived and we will show Our Lord Jesus how we treat the forces of Satan. The use of all ‘special weapons’ has been authorised to all branches of the Gurning military.


Ma-Tek sub launched nuclear weapons were fired and succeeded in bringing down your low level flying space fleet. Those ships crashed on a concentration camp killing the majority of the heretics resident there.


[OOC: No, they didn't. Either post exact numbers of weapons launched and/or with specifications of the missiles involved (namely, upwards velocity threshold; mass; acceleration potentiality, etc) or accept the RPd response below.

You do not post losses for me. I post my losses. As you have posted my losses, I am incurring a 25% penalty on any losses I would have incurred. As I am of the belief that the weapons you have fired are most assuredly short-range interdiction missiles, and not more advanced models, those losses would be non-existant at any rate. See below for reasoning.

Also, I hasten to add, you can't claim you can destroy the world. That's just ludicrous.

I was originally going to merely attempt to 'show' you that 'godmoding' is unnaceptable behaviour, and enlighten you as to the correct manner in which to roleplay here on NS.

But, as you're being so silly, I think that a colourful version of an ignore is in question. I call it 'colourful' as it involves the reduction of Gurning to dust. Have a nice day.]

IC:

The alarmed note in the voice of an officer on an EOTED warship was uncommon. In fact, it was so uncommon - the training regime and selection process did not allow the feint of heart to serve aboard a stellar warship - that, even when the submarinal missile launch was reported, there was no alarm in the tone of the SensOps officer. "Sir, Tatya reports incoming. Radiation signature confirmed; automated response advised. Not enough time to override, sir."

"No override required," Captain Rihad noted softly, "however... order the IDSS Interdiction to descend to fifty-five thousand feet and eliminate the launching asset or assets. - Id of the launching asset or assets, please, SensOp."

SensOp Illur Menjda - Lieutenant 1st Class - played her fingers over the unusually sleek console (for EOTED) before her. Unlike earlier warships, the flagship was outfitted with sleeker touch-control panels.

"IntSens reports that the firing asset is a submarine, at firing depth. We wouldn't have seen her if she hadn't made her ascent, sir. Small thermal signature; EM signature is inconclusive as to size and mass."

Rihad tapped her armrest thoughtfully, and she whirled her chair around in the Nest to face the Primary TacOps station off to her right. "TacOps, recommendations," she stated softly, crisply.

"Recommend that we request support from the IDF AF. Secure air superiority, follow up with naval deployments for long-term security. Rise to 385,000 feet; deploy CCF frigates below and to starboard/portsides, steady at 160metres for optimum defense grid augmentation. Furthermore, I strongly suggest that we deploy a fighter screen from the 3 Stellar Squadron carriers; possibly full complement, as there does not appear to be an orbital threat at this time. Alternatively, switch target criticality, and eliminate all potential naval threats, and redeploy at the next target location. - Either way, sir, I strongly suggest that we deploy air support immediately. Long-term naval support is also strongly recommended."

Rihad had already considered all of those options; hearing them from her TacOps officer merely reinforced her original gut feelings. - "Tatya, do you concur?"

The cool, soft tones of the High Space Navy Command AI replied with her usual efficiency, "I concur, Captain. However, may I also suggest that we request deployment of several atmospheric-specialized warships - preferably Tyelca Tuo class?"

"Agreed," Rihad ordered with a nod-

And that was when the new orders came in - and the transmission, for secrecy, was carried with the incoming 1, 2, and 3 Stellar Battlegroups: Gurning was to be crushed, at all costs.



* * *

The atmospheric-deployed warships whirled away, halting their firing patterns immediately, and began boosting to orbit. The sheer mass of the departing warships smashed the atmosphere on their path apart, resulting in atmospheric disturbances for miles around - and resulting in several lightning strikes on the ground below, as the atmosphere smashed together again - sending streams of ionized gas down to the surface.

Cracks of thunder shortly follow.

But once the warships arrive back in orbit, they find that the total presence has swelled considerably.

The 3 Stellar Squadron has been augmented; not just one Battlegroup is deployed, but all of the Battlegroups are deployed, having Hopped in from cislunar space, Vilya Elenoston Space, and transEarth-Mars space.

The lines of warships is, to be sure, rather impressive. There are not a ludicrous number - a mere 170 warships, in all - but the total potential firepower of the gathered force is impressive.

The largest fleet in EOTED military history moves as one, lining up into a firing pattern designed to utterly obliterate the nation below - and then they truly move as one, unifying their MI drive fields into one massive electromagnetic field.

The field merges-

-the ships move together, forming a closer-knit group-

-and then every single warship opens her gunports, every one assigned a target area to reduce to dust.

And then...

Nothing.

The fleet waits...

* * *

"The Empire of the Eternal Dawn, and, indeed, the world, cannot take the chance that Gurning is bluffing - as we sincerely believe. It is of the highest improbability that Gurning is capable of what they claim to be capable of; however, I fear that we do not have any choice but to assume that they do.

"However: we have no hope of determining the locations of these stations in time; if we make the attempt, that very attempt may well trigger a disaster of proportions we cannot and will not accept.

"Therefore, this message has contained an encoded message to our forces in orbit above Gurning. As I speak, the EOTED Assembled Fleet is unleashing their entire payload of weapons against Gurning. If we can make the assault fast enough, sure enough, and complete enough, we can potentially dig deep enough with our weapons fire to ensure the elimination of all threats from Gurning.

"We will mourn the loss of so many lives, but we will look back on this day with a sense of proportions. For today, a single government has forced us to eliminate a population to save a world. We cannot and will not allow this to occur again. To do so is to commit the ultimate sin.

"May Eru forgive us."

~ Empress Rialla ux-Rihad II

* * *

And as the words 'The Empire of the Eternal Dawn' were spoken by the Empress, the Assembled Fleet unleashed their entire arsenal on the ground below.

The first and second volleys were the most potent - to begin with. Every warship fired with every gunport - and every bomber that had launched from its mother carrier opened fire at the precise same moment. Major cities were not avoided; the firing pattern was random. Forests, mountain ranges, anywhere - the entire nation of Gurning was a target.

In the first two seconds alone, some 2976 kinetic kill missiles - all of which were lead-crosshair-tipped for deep penetration strikes - were unleashed at the surface. The largest mountain range in the country and the capital city were the initial targets; after the first two seconds, the targeting becomes truly random. Tatya, the AI, controls the firing patterns, aiming to achieve maximum saturation with minimum effort.

The barrage following those initial two seconds is somewhat less devastating, at just 1626 missiles per second.

Twenty-five seconds into the assault, the barrage lessens again; from 1626 mps down to 1414 missiles per second.

Unfortunately for Gurning, that doesn't mean less devastation on the surface. Mercifully, in fact, the firepower of the warships in orbit is now finally fully brought to bear: electron-cannons deploy on the largest warships, the four Retribution class ships and the EOTED flagship, the Syrnë Ahcarynca, and they cease firing kinetics.

This is either good, or very bad. Actually, it depends on perspective. If you favour a quick, merciful death, then it's great. If you prefer not to die at all, then it pretty much utterly sucks.

The E-cannons take several seconds to charge, so they aren't as rapid-firing as missiles - but each burst of fire from orbit is capable of devastating areas miles across, as the warships co-ordinate their efforts. Each burst is designed to blast at least 500 metres through the crust; unfortunately, the targeting isn't particuarly accurate. Fortunately, that doesn't really matter at this point.

At this point, the Battlegroup begins to communicate with the surface: a constant message is sent; "Surrender. Surrender. Surrender-" and so on.

Several minutes into the strike (twelve, to be precise), the EOTED navy becomes involved. Or, to be more specific, the first volley fired from the Vanguard, Turath, Nenya, and Semir-randil Battlegroups arrives. This adds about 700 missiles more into the mix; because the Battlegroups are firing constantly, the rise in incoming is constant - the total incoming levels out at 2,114 missiles per second.

After fifty-three minutes, the barrage ceases.

OOC: Gurning, your attacks will most likely be IGNORED because they were godmods. You can't sudden'y unleash nuclear arsenals against everyone, they have to RPd in.

A traitor makes the concious choice to stay within the country, betraying his government. These people did not have that choice, they were forced out meaning they were not traitors, just people you kicked out. Making them citizens of my nation entitles them to all of the assests they owned, that is part of refugeedom, you will eventually receive compensation. So, in response, you will either grant my new citizens their assest back, with full compensation, or we will take it from you. Either way, the people will get what is their's.

But never mind, since you've accepted defeat.

OOC: What right do you have to fire on my country? I did absolutely no form of damage. I merely flew in and picked up the remaining refugees.

Secondly, in regards to your demand for me to return to my homeland, how? You either are very ignorant, or did no research on my region. The Sky Islands are constantly on the move, moving through the skies. Since that demand has already been met, considering Kamia is always on the Sky Islands, I don't know what else you want.

Also, your nuclear attack will be ignored for two reasons. One, because you were 'godmoding' as some call it, or as I call it, powerplaying. Two, because Kamia had its defensive shields up, surrounding the islands, which easily blocked your little bombs.

IC: Emperor Michael paced the floor, his eyes scanning the skies, as he peered through a massive window. He was currently alone in the room, which was a small meeting room. Against the wall opposite the window was a large fireplace, with bookshelves, filled with a countless amount of books, on either side.

On the other walls, paintings and pictures covered the walls. Floating in front of one of the walls was an large, round object which seemed to be made of a silver colored liquid.

The middle of the room was dominated by large chairs and a small tabe. Nearer to the window, was a large, long table, with chairs along its sides and at its heads.

Emperor Michael looked up and walked over towards the fireplace. Despite the fact that he could've pressed a button that would've done the job for him, he took to the poker and split up several of the logs. Michael looked at the poker and held it up in front of his face, his eyes staring deep into the white hot metal.

A knock came at the door, and Michael turned, putting the poker away and looked at the door. A messenger walked in and looked at him, giving a respectful bow.

"Sir, we've adjusted the transmitters so that nations that don't have the silgramapher can still receive the transmissions. You may send your messages now sir." the messenger stated. With that, the messenger respectfully bowed, and left.

Michael made his way over towards the large silver object and stood on a panel on the floor. Great ripples surged from the center of the object.

"Gurning." Michael said calmly, and the silgramapher was ready to send its live message to the leader of Gurning.

"Recently, the Empire of Kamia took in the remainder of the refugees that you had forced out of their homes. After we peacefully took in the refugees, you had the audacity to fire nuclear weapons upon my nation.'

"Luckily, our nation, and entire region, was easily protected by the shield that surrounds it. However, the sheer fact that you were so reckless and rude to fire upon a nation that had done absolutely nothing to you, except benefit you by taking away refugees that you saw as pests, is disturbing.'

"Know this. While Kamia may still be a new, young, and relatively small nation, we are a very advance people. I believe our home region is a good testament of our prowess. However, that is only a small taste of the technological prowess we possess.'

"We do not wish for war, but if you do not give us some form of apology for your heinous actions, and continue to have hostile relations with us, we will be forced to act. We also ask that you stop this folly of threatening the world with your 'black holes.''

"I suggest that you change your position towards us, before it is too late. You already are facing attack from other nations, and if you do not comply, you will face another. As I stated earlier, we are an advance people. If we can make islands that were once part of the Earth fly free and soar the skies, think of what we could do to your nation. If you do not comply peacefully, then the Kamian Empire will reign down a wave of destructive power completely unprecedented. '

"Hopefully, you will be enlightened and see that we do not seek war, and that we can come to a peaceful coexistence."

Emperor Michael looked at the silgramapher and rippling stopped, signaling that the live message had ended and was sent. It was as if the machine had read the emperor's mind. Without even saying a word, the silmahrapher started to ripple again, signaling the sending of another message. However, this one was for the nations rallying against Gurning.

"My fellow leaders, I am Emperor Michael of the Empire of Kamia. As you probably know, Gurning had the audacity to fire nuclear weapons upon our soil. Luckily, the shield that envelops our region protected us against the attack.'

"I have recently sent a message to Gurning, asking him for several things
including the halting of this "threat" to the world. We asked that Gurning respond peacefully, yet we also told him that we are prepared to fight.'

"If war does come between the Empire of Kamia and Gurning, we will immediately join your side, aiding to your cause with our technological prowess.'

"We hope and pray that that day of war will never come, and that we can all live out our lives in peaceful coexistence, yet, it seems that that day may be inevitable. If this day does come however, we are prepared to fight, and prove our ourselves to the world.'

"I look forward to your response, as well as the response of Gurning. Hopefully, this day of war will never come. Until I speak to you again, farewell."

With that, the silmagrapher stopped it's rippling, and the second message was sent. Emperor Michael turned away from the communication device and walked back to the window, staring at he skies and the sea.

Michael turned his attention towards several of the the islands that floated below. A sense of pride swelled up within him, as he looked at the home of his people. Yet, a shadow and a threat loomed in his mind, at the fact of a approaching war.

Suddenly, a bolt of lightening flashed across the horizon, as a heavy rain began to fall on the Sky Islands. It was as if God himself had sent the storm to be a foreshadower of the dark times that may be approaching.

Three N1NJ4 satellites owned by the Pacific Islands positioned over Gurning. Langhan forces were going to join into the war with Gurning. Sophisticated defense systems were set up in Langham to guard against any attacks on the homeland. After the satellites slowed over Gurning, the three N1NJ4 satellites fired their lasers and missiles into the country, aiming at any remaining military positions in the central part of Gurning.

((I've been reading it and it was fine until Gurning just DECIDED to fire nukes at people and mimi black hole weapons. That is just pure godmoding.

And, to clarify a point earlier Gurning, you complained that they didn't tell you how many missiles they fired. Well, when you launched those nukes YOU didn't tell THEM how many you launched either. So, in effect, THEY can simply say you fired one or two and counter them easily.

And to clarify ANOTHER point Gurning, you said that YOU decide your own damage levels from attack against you, yet you CHOSE exactly what was destroyed when you fired yuor nukes, which is plain wrong.

Gurning, I think you have a serious case of double standards going on. If I were any of the nations being attacked by those bukes, I'd just ignore them due to a VERY bad case of godmodding.

Good on you, everyone else. Those posts you did were brillaint.))

Abbadon watched all this from his viewer in his office. Sitting with a hot cup of tea, he watched the destruction of the nation that had threatened to 'destroy the world'. He sighed, flicking throuhg various reports, one asking for the reduciton of term times. Signing it, he watched more intently, watching the extreme power of those nations.
"Is there something wrong, sir?" Xan, his Exodus bodyguard asked him. Abbadon turned to him.
"It is suprising the actions people will take to save the world." He replied.
"What do you mean?" Xan asked.
"To save the world, you have to kill a fraction of the world. Now, if they have to save the world enough times, there will no longer be a world for them to save. Such is the bitter irony of war." Abbadon told him simply.
"Indeed, sir." Xan replied, standing to attention as he always did. Abbadon watched on at the horrible destruction on his viewer and sighed.

An aerial fleet of 21 transport repulsorcraft and fighter escorts approached the southern coast of Gurning. The first thing the pilots noticed was the absolute lack of anything...the whole place was a glass crater!

"Heesh! Wait for us next time, eh?" The pilot of MRC2 proclaimed.
"Well, they sure did a thorough job...the sensors are telling me there's about eight and a half million square miles ahead that we can land on - nice and flat!" MRC6 replied.
"Is the current operation still go?" MRC17 interjected.
"Affirmative. Move ahead, half throttle." MRC1 ordered the mission to be carried out.

An uneventful 20 minutes eventually found the fleet approaching the LZ. Out of nowhere, actually, from orbit came a series of greenish-blue shafts of energy, which slammed into the ground various places in the vicinity. These were easily identified as Ninjao-made particle cannons, likely deployed by Langham.

"Hey, Langham! Nice to know we're not the only ones coming late to the party! Of course, anyone that's not Ma-Tek is late at this point..." The fleet radioed into orbit above them, which was intercepted by the N1NJ4s and re-routed wherever it had to go.

The fleet landed and began to deploy the Plasma Reconstructors. These nifty little doodads were very handy for building overseas military bases - the resulting nanotube structures were all but indestructable and took less than an hour to build. Granted, it all but drained the fuel out of three repulsorcraft, but what kind of country wouldn't have some deuterium laying around?

Ironically, having decimated the nation below, the EOTED warships then proceeded to deploy dropships.

Broadcasting on a broad spectrum of radio frequencies, the dropships informed anyone in the area that they were en route to the surface - looking for 'survivors'.

Also deployed to the surface are a number of odd-looking objects that simply fall through the atmosphere on predetermined paths, smashing into the ground - without exploding - and then set about deploying little skittering objects.

Automated miners: Gurning is now a perfect mining spot, what with the elements that once comprised the surface being fused into one, big, solid and semi-flat lump. The robot miners spread out, cutting out chunks of the 'glass' and melting it down, converting any carbon they find into yet more miners - composed entirely of diamond - which in turn then process more miners, and so on...

The final objects deployed to the surface are carried on the dropships; yet more robotic units, these units are factory units, designed to collect and utilize the materials that the robot miners bring to them - and process the immediately unneeded stuff into transportable material.

From this point onwards, an automated group of dropships would fly in every six days to transport materials back to the Empire.

This was reported by a MISAT in orbit, which also informed any persons on the surface capable of receiving radio transmissions that they would be permitted to continue to use Gurning - so long as they did not bring military forces (the transmission notes that passive military bases are acceptable) into the area (quote, 'to prevent military escalation in the surrounding region'), or impinge the EOTED 'mining and ecosystem restoration operations'.

Then, Abbadon decided to set up a communication with Ma-tek. Abbadon, a man with a scar over hsi eye and wearing white robes, tehn communicated with him.
"This is Abbadon Kikoskia of the empire of Kikoskriat," He said, "I understand you are retaliating to a direct attack. That is all well and good, but have you ever heard of the phrase 'overkill'? Even if the people voted to turf those people out, they are still people; you've just blown millions of lives to bits, many of them just as innocent as your people in your nation. I can safetly say that they are well and truly beaten; don't drag the death on. If you do, I think others will view YOU as the agressor and attack you in the same way."

He then blinked and sipped some more tea.
"Like I said, this is only my opinion, but every opinion is one you should take into careful consideration." He added.

I concur with Abbadon. The government of Gurning may have gone way too far, but they're still people. This is just as bad as what Gurning did to its minorities, and now that the damage has been done, I think that we'd be best served nursing the nation back to health rather than mindlessly exploiting it. Yes, the area is now prime for mining. Wouldn't it be best to give the people of Gurning the right to the resources, as to rebuild their economy? Granted, we'll take a sizeable royalty for our trouble. And they can compensate you for all those missiles they selfishly absorbed.

if you guys didn't see or hear, Gurning gave up a while ago. The rest of this is kinda pointless.

We don't CARE if Gurning gave up. The principle of how they are being exploited it the same.

"The Empire of the Eternal Dawn no longer considers 'Gurning' to be a sovereign state. Rather, it is a mining territory, and we consider ourselves to have exclusive rights to the mining territory in question.

[OOC: Gurning, if you have objections to this, please telegram me and, if you wish, we can RP out the finding of survivors etc (perhaps people who lived in mountain territory and were protected from the bombardment?).]

IC:

"As we have yet to find any survivors, we fail to see any point in establishing efforts to rebuild the non-existant state of Gurning. The destruction of an entire nation was not undertaken lightly: Gurning was threatening to destroy the entire damned planet - in case nobody noticed, we prevented the destruction of billions of lives. The loss of life - any life - is tragic and regrettable, but in this particular instance, there was no other choice. Dialogue would have resulted in further threats, and left latitude for drastic action by the former government of Gurning.

"The eradication of the population of Gurning was a greatly unfortunate side-effect of the protection of the existance of our planet. It was not a decision undertaken lightly, and it will likely be considered and reconsidered for many years to come - but, I note, we would not have the oppurtunity to be discussing this matter if the action we have taken had not been taken. Indeed, we might have been facing destruction at this very moment if we had not acted.

"We are greatly saddened that we were forced - forced - to take this action. The mining operations in Gurning must continue; to fail to use the resources in Gurning is to spurn the memory of the losses involved in the protection of the existance of our world.

"Furthermore, we do not take kindly to threats - however veiled. Do not think to threaten us, please. It is quite rude.

"However... we are willing to divert some of the resources we gain from our mining operations in Gurning to compensate those nations whom suffered nuclear strikes during the brief conflict which we ended. Furthermore, we are willing to provide interest free humanitarian aid to those nations which require it as a result of the irresponsible and downright disgusting actions of the former state of Gurning.

"In stability we trust,"

~ 1st EOTED Ambassador Nejure

I get the feeling Gurning is just going to ignore all of you. I mean its over, all of this is done. As much as I wanted a fight, its over.

Fine. He is totally inclined to do that if he wants. I am just telling you how I feel about it.

OOC:
First, apologies on such a late post, been having trouble getting anywhere on Nationstates.

Next, apologies on role-playing the scene then messing up the combat, that was unbelievably noobish of me.

Lastly, I’m going to have to ignore all of these events since troubles been brewing with my old rival Free Range Chickens and I’m going to go another round with him.

So consider this my last post here and before you say it, yes I realise that this post will be godmodding.

IC:
Private Jones walked out of the bunker and looked down on the landscape from the mountain. “My God” he yelled, “it’s all glass!”

Jones sergeant, Briggs, walked over to survey the scene, “Let that be a lesson to you Jones, don’t pay attention to goddamn priests! Come on time to see if that time machine the nerdlings cooked up actually works…”

Private Jones scampered after his sergeant back into the bunker.

Shortly afterwards there was a bright flash of light, and the Land of Gurning slowly faded back into existence.

:D Very Nice gurning.