NationStates Jolt Archive

Voices murmured quietly in the small darkened room on the basement-level floor of Lammashta's capitol building. Within recent months, rumors had started churning about him and his entourage holding private meetings. Roger Walters, the Republic's Minister of Sciences, seemed especially suspect to the media.

As President Ravyn Burkett approached the podium, the rumors would cease as he explained to them what had been discussed over the period of 3 months.

"People of the Great Republic of Lammashta," he began, "I stand before you with exciting news. Though we have been a small, insignificant nation, that is all about to come to an end. Through countless discussions held here in this very building, it has been decided that we should begin work on a space program. Not only that, but our defensive status implores the research and manufacture of nuclear-based weapons. Now, before anybody worries about launching a nuclear war, let me assure you that this is only a defensive measure. With both research projects combined, and with the current national budget, we expect that by the end of 2006 - possibly sooner - we shall be able to send the first warhead-carrying satellite into orbit. Such a measure will not only be a deterrent for any nation seeking to engage us in war, but it will also greatly reduce the lives of our soldiers by ending such a war - in the unlikely event occurs - just as quickly as it began. Thank you. I'll not be taking any questions at this time."

As the President stepped down away from the podium and disappeared through the metal door, the reporters were in an uproar. Some could scarcely believe what they had hurd. Others were outraged, and still others were enthusiastic about the ordeal. What would be the effect on a global scale? Would it even matter? In a small shocking speech, Lammashta's President had given the development of the nation an ultimatum.

The People's Republic condemns the militarisation of space, and we will take whatever measures neccessary to destroy what is quite obviously a first strike weapon, which will give Lammashta the ability to destroy entire cities without warning.

[Secret IC]Several recconnaisance satellites are diverted from their usual missions to locate all possible launch facilities within Lammashta.[/Secret IC]

As the President sits at his desk, his fingers steepled while he looks out the massive bay window overlooking the quiet serene forest in Lammashta's heartland, a knock sounds at the door to his office.

"Yes, come in."

The Minister of Information opens the door and closes it gently behind him. "My Lord, already the world scene has expressed opposition to this plan. The nation of Shildonia in particular has stated that they shall take any action they see fit to destroy such a weapon. They described it as a first-strike weapon, as a matter of fact."

President Burkett huffed. "First strike? You know as well as I do that if such a project were for a first strike weapon, we wouldn't even need a military. Once the missile is launched, there is nothing anybody can do to avoid it. Once it enters the atmosphere, it doesn't need thrusters, so it's untraceable until the final seconds before impact.

"Look at it this way. It took a weapon more powerful than the world had ever seen to end World War 2, and even had it been developed early, it would have only been used as a last resort. Pull whatever strings you have to in order to assure the President of Shildonia that Project "Fire from Heaven" is a last resort to end a war, not to begin one. I just want this nation to be prepared...

We will back Lammashta in any way possible as long as they promise that this weapon is only for defense of the nation OR if his nation has been attacked and he wants to attack the agressor back.

*Tranmission to Lammashta*
Be careful about Shildonia. If they dont agree with you they will try to sue you. I will argue with him if he tries to sue you. Its very fun b/c he comes off in the end looking like both a jerk and a jackass.

tag

We are uncomfortable with a small, and potentially unstable nation holding space and nuclear weapons. However, we're unprepared to do anything about it right now, but we'll be keeping any eye on you in case of any agressive behaviour.

Lammashta, check your telegrams

The Federation of Capac released this Statement

**From the Ministry of Defense**

The Federation of Capac will not support Lammashta in there undertaking a Nuclear Program. Though Lammashta government insist that this nuclear armed satalite is for defense purposes, Capac will implore Lammashta to persue other alternatives.
Though Capac is small and developing also, we do not have the means to prevent Lammashta from undertaking this program but we will support stronger nations in any way possible to try to end this program.

Evan Toland
Ministry of Defense

**End Statement**

Dateline 05/01/2004
5:51 pm

Earlier this morning, Lammashtan President Ravyn Burkett issued a statement promoting the nations plans for development of a space program. Reporters were shocked, however, when he also made mention of a program to develop weapons of mass destruction for deployment in orbit above the planet. As of this report, a total of three other nations have expressed opposition to this plan, and two have stated that they will back Lammashta in its efforts.

We have been unable to inquire about further developments. Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Chung simply stated, "Our government can not comment any further on this right now, but in the future, the results of these developments will be made known."

-Routers

[Secret IC]As a heavy storm rolls in on a region in the southwestern corner of Lammashta, a convoy of tractor trailer trucks rolls through the forest, carrying what resembles a massive rolled-up duck blind and numerous steel support structures. They halt deep within the woods, hundreds of miles from civilization and begin setting the construct that will hold the cloak in order to prevent prying airborne eyes from viewing their progress.[/Secret IC]