NationStates Jolt Archive

The governor of Minnesota, one Harry Odlid, was a man possessed of a parochial nature, a naïve mind, and a blissfully fatal short-sightedness. Oblivious to his overwhelming unpopularity, he foresaw no indication of his government's end, especially by the Minnesotan National Guard. Under his lackluster tenure, Minnesota had been beset by more corruption scandals than under all previous governors combined; the economy was array; crime was steadily skyrocketing; and in nearly all socioeconomic categories, the state sunk to abysmal depths. Approval ratings showed that a mere 11% of Minnesotans even remotely supported Odlid. The apolitical National Guard, waiting in the wings for a moment to strike, finally emerged from the shadows and seized the Minnesota State Capitol without firing a shot. Odlid, currently vacationing in Panama (he seemed to be on vacation every other month, and he no qualms with paying for these vacations with money from the state's coffers), found out he was no longer governor the same way everyone else found out: by turning on the news.

The story dominated headlines around the world. The commander of the Minnesotan National Guard, Colonel Latimer, was assuring Minnesotans that "in the interests of the state," the military was "temporarily assuming the duties which Mr. Odlid had neither the capacity nor the desire to fulfill responsibly or sensibly." Latimer promised, with absolute conviction, that there would be "no witch hunts, no persecutions, no repression on any scale. Salvaging our once great state, reversing the ruinous policies of Mr. Odlid, and restoring stability, are our goals. The Minnesotan National Guard pledges to you, the Minnesotan people, that it is not - repeat, is not - our intention to entrench ourselves in power permanently. Only for the foreseeable future do we plan to govern. Once our God-given duties are accomplished, we shall return to the barracks. You have my word."

Invitations were wired to all major news agencies of the world, announcing a soon-to-be-held press conference, in which Colonel Latimer would answer any and all questions the press had for him. "We have nothing to hide. Anything they want to ask me, they can ask me."

((OOC: Feel free to send a reporter to the press conference, which is starting now, or feel free to condemn the coup, recognize the new government, etc. And please note that Minnesota has not seceded from the U.S.A. ...yet ;)))

bump

To: The Military Governors of The State of Minnesota

The Errikan Empire is wary of your coup, and urges you to be very careful; whatever your intentions at this point, know that power corrupts. However, we are egar to open up relations with your new organization, especially economic ones.

((OOC: My apologies, I was away the past few days.))

IC:


To: The Errikan Empire
From: Colonel Latimer, chairman of the Provisional Military Junta

"Thank you for your advice. I assure you, I will heed it well. I also welcome your overtures toward Minnesota in regards to establishing relations. That would be most acceptable. We welcome trade and diplomatic relations with your country."

Official Corporate letter:

Hello I wish to inquire as to if your new government has room for a real economic relation. The Raven Corps would be more then willing to open negotiations with your nation with you so wish.


Colderon Jason Zion
CEO of Raven corps

OOC: I'm tagging this at the moment. I'd make a more elaborate post, but I'm less than fully awake right now.

Welcome to the NS Forums, TSoM. I hope you have fun.

~ Romandeos.

Huzzah! Another blow is dealt against the pathetic facade of Bolshevism that is democracy, and this pleases us in Skgorria greatly. Why not remain in power, you are the strong and they are the weak?

"Minnesota would be most fortunate and pleased to pursue economic relations with Raven corps. We welcome their offer, as well as the kind words of support from Romandeos. As for Skgorria...well, I do not have definitive plans for the future, but as of late, democracy has been an ill for Minnesota. If military rule proves to be a panacea, who knows? Perhaps we will stick around."

~ Colonel Latimer ~

OOC: This is just to add to the rp

IC:

BREAKING NEWS

The National Guard of Florida, following Minnesota, has swept Charlie Crist out of office. "Commander" Ponce Deville has proclaimed martial law and promises new elections withen months. "Crist has been a blackspot of partisianship on this great state! It was our duty to remove him for the good of the people."

So far he has been percieved as a hero. Ponce is a decorated Iraqi freedom veteren, his son was recently killed by a street gang in miami. Ponce reflects what has been called "Growing Autonomy," states assuming the role of the federal government-with or without thier consent. From towns to passing immigration reform to California legalizing pot.

What is perhaps most disturbing is reports that Ponce wishes to unify Florida with Cuba, and yet Ponce is disturbingly anti-immigrant. "Florida for Floridians, not for Northerner's or Illegals!" was one of his many slogans repeated thus far.

Reports also indicate Ponce seeks to have a meeting with Colonel Latimer.

*************************************************************

Dear Colonel Latimer

I congratulate you on your recent aquisition of power. It seems it falls to the military to keep our states clean. I think you and me are much in the same. My people are tired of skyrocketing insurance prices, partisan lines stopping anything from getting done, and corruption.

I plan on outlawing political parties, afterall, people should vote on the issues rather then the party, right?

Tell me of your plans.

---Commander Ponce.

Government of Canadtu:

The government of Canadtu opposes the coup by the Minnesota National guard. Even though it was apparent that the governor was corrupt, he was the elected official of the state and thus removing him from office through the use of a military force puts the citizens of Minnesota in grave danger as even though the governor was awful they will not be able to gage what this new military government will do. The only way the U.N member state Canadtu will recognize this new government is if they hold immediate elections.

A breaking news message from The Holy Republic of Bloodbank

Our leader General Norman Grimm congratulates both Minnesota and Florida.
He recognizes both goverments and is willing to lead any help they need to farther their cause.
General Grimm also warns that if any attack is placed on them it will be like a attack on Bloodbank and will be meet with force.

may both you goverments stand storng for ages to come and may more follow you ways

Florida thanks Bloodbank, and although it has not pushed for secession yet, we are seriously consdidering it. We will also take this time to report that any federal troops that move into Florida will be arrested. Florida needs sometime to re-structure itself and eliminate partisianship, and federals can only further mess things up.

Votes are already taking place on new, political party free, canidates for local offices. However the offices that make up the Floirda cabinet: the govenor, the attorney general, the secratary of agriculture, and the chief financial officer will be held by National Guard forces for the moment.

"Whether or not we hold elections is our decision, and ours alone. Whether is not the government of Canadtu recognizes the Minnesotan junta or not, is entirely up to them. But we will not let our actions be dictated by world opinion."

~ Colonel Latimer ~



----



"We are grateful to have an ally in General Grimm. The friendship and gratitude of the Minnesotan people will be forever yours."

~ Colonel Latimer ~



----



To: Commander Ponce
From: Colonel Latimer

"I would be delighted to meet with you. I congratulate you on overthrowing your corrupt governor. I hope for the best for Florida, whether or not you decide to secede. Minnesota, however, will be seceding, and if we do hold elections, it will not be for several years, after the nation is politically organized and mature and sensible enough to not elect renegade jackasses like Odlid."

To: Colonel Latimer
From: Commander Ponce

Succession is a wonderful idea! Although few would admit it, dixie is still dear to Florida hearts. I have already ordered the national guard to seize federal buildings, although you can assure this is hush-hush. I believe you should come down to Tampa, so we can discuss our plans. I wish to know your view on Democracy, and even if you decide to stray from the vision of limited government, I will still consider you an ally.

It is also clear that we must proclaim our succession in a joint declaration, and I have already began to speak with Louisana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia and even South Carolina on thoughts of succession. Utah has become interested as well as California.

You may have sparked something quite big.

It's best for you to come down to Tampa on one of my private planes, so we can discuss our course of action.
*************************************************************

Alpha 66.

ALPHA 66 has worked toward the demise of Castro's communism; it has lived the experience of the previous political process, while forging a spirit of respect toward others. It has planted seeds in Cuba's heart, and has shed its blood, fertilizing these seeds with honor. The road remaining is short; the revolution will erupt, and Cuba will be free. The tryst is over there, with the will to serve our country and desire to fulfill its hopes and dreams.

ALPHA 66 is not only a symbol of hope to see Cuba free again, it is a reality on the road to freedom.

Alpha 66 was now experiancing direct communication with Commander Ponce, and plans were being made for an eventual invasion of Cuba. Alpha 66 had a base in the everglades since 1961, and they had been responsible for many commando raids into Castro's Cuba. Now they were preparing for a new goal: invasion, command, and integration.

Belgrade, Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia

Having, coincidentally, just thumbed through the trade figures linking the SFRY to Cuba, President-for-Life Larionko Aidarov -AKA Marshal Lav (Lion)- was approached by his good friend and Foreign-and-Information-Secretary Aleksandar Milutinov, who bore news behind a satisfied smirk.

Lav made Milutinov repeat himself several times before he felt sure that he understood the situation. Secessionist agitation in the continental United States? "A dose of their own medicine!" the Secretary had exclaimed.

Not many years earlier, building on groundwork lain by the carcinogenic IMF and WB following the death of Josip Broz -Tito-, not to mention the efforts of Reagan, Thatcher, and successive German and even some French governments, the Socialist Federal Republic had almost shattered under the cruel blows of the NATO Aggression. Only through Lav's almost Titoic strength of character and quality of leadership -and the timely arrival of Russian forces via a Bulgaria recently joined to the SFRY- had Yugoslavia prevailed.

Now the United States -chief agitator in the infamous aggression that killed thousands, wrecked infrastructure, and sought to inflame ethno-religious tension- was facing its own decomposition.

The delicious irony was sweet as Serbian cakes.

"Send the President some nice baklava." Lav ordered, referencing the President of the United States. "Make sure there's plenty of syrup... I want it wrapped in a US flag... with only one -red- star. If anyone asks, tell them it's a sign of Americo-Yugoslav solidarity." he finished with a mocking laugh.

Shortly, the SFRY dispatched consuls to Minnesota and Florida -not yet aware of Florida's hostile intent towards Havana, which ultimately is sure to spoil relations with a Belgrade government likely to back the Cubans- with the intention of establishing positive relations and, in time, Lav hoped, recognising their split from the USA.

OOC: Background to this: I play a Yugoslavia in which a strong socialist, Yugoslavist leader replaced Tito on his death in 1980, averting many of the mistakes made under international pressure and holding-together the Federation that Tito had deliberately weakened and maintained only by his own great reputation. The west still tried to break-up Yugoslavia and destroy its economy's state and social sectors, but found it more difficult with a Yugoslavist rather than petty-nationalist in charge. Bulgaria finally joined a Balkan union with Yugoslavia (Belgrade remaining clearly dominant) after years of people talking about it on and off, as the USSR -Bulgaria's main ally and opponent of the union- faded. The NATO-Yugoslav conflict still happened, but Yugoslavia was better-able to defend itself, and Russian forces arrived via Bulgaria to secure many strategic locations with Marshal Lav's approval. As in reality, British commanders ordered by NATO to take locations occupied by the Russians told their superiors that they weren't about to start WWIII (or whatever it'd be in NS) over this, and refused.
Sorry to go off topic, I just wanted to explain my nation's hostility towards the USA, and smug satisfaction at the prospect of it breaking-up after trying to break Yugoslavia.
For the record, I also play with a realistic population of just under 31 million.

OOC: Oh god....the AMW Yugoslavia...I hope the Czar of Russia follows doesn't suit. ;)

IC: Commander Ponce quickly swept aside his map of the Bahamas and saluted an officer who had entered his office.
"El Commandero."
"Yes Juan?"
"There is someone here to see you."
"If it's those damn federals you can arrest at once!"
"No sir....a Yugoslavian."

Ponce raised an eyebrow. A Yugoslavian? What did he want? Oh god, he better not try to convert me to socialism. As much as Ponce hated communism, he was still interested in what the Yugoslavian wanted...perhaps they could support the seccessionists? Then again, would it hurt thier cause to enlist the help of a foriegner? He might as well practice before Florida became independent.

"Bring him in." As the man entered, Ponce made sure to strike a pose while pouring a glass of spiced rum.

"Buenvenidos good sir, I hope you find Tampa to your liking...what is it you are here for?"

****************************************************************************

FOX NEWS ALERT

Texas today has followed suit with Florida and Minnesota, as the govenor declares a political "quarntine" and express his belief that Texas must "question if the United States serve the interests of the State Of Texas."

The President has also threatned immidiate action if any other states try to dislocate themselves, if only for the moment, from the union. Reports are coming in that federal troops actually put down a protest in Virginia calling for the state to follow the "Minnesota March."

*Bump*

OOC: Argh! I'd written up a substantial post, created a new character (a drunk Bulgarian with a disinterested attitude, at that!) and everything, and my computer crashed, losing it all. Oh well, er, this will have to do.

Dimitri Bogdanovic was tried. His suit -old enough that he acquired it as a young secretary when Bulgaria was still a People's Republic- told the story of a lengthy flight from Belgrade. He could have been good looking, once, but was visibly marked by losing his chance to be handsome somewhere in a bottle of what he called votkah.

On entering he muttered something like, "zdrahvehyeh" before shaking his head and reminding himself to bother, you know, speaking English, which he could actually do quite well.

He struggled through some formalities before explaining that the Socialist (don't call it communist, Belgrade is still committed to non-alignment in the communo-capitalist struggles of the world, being much smaller than most of those involved and unwilling to become a battleground) Federal Republic was interested in establishing direct trade links with Florida specifically rather than the US generally.

Yugoslavia's number one industry, as had been the case for decades, was defence, with billions made supplying the Beiraqi military, and tourism an important second due to resorts on the Adriatic and Black Sea coasts and the old-world appeal of cities and towns like Petrovaradin Fortress and almost Oriental Sarajevo. But the bare facts of trade were less important than the symbolic bypassing of Washington to deal with Tampa. Belgrade was keen to spite the powers behind the NATO Aggression.

To: Colonel Latimer
From: Commander Ponce

Succession is a wonderful idea! Although few would admit it, dixie is still dear to Florida hearts. I have already ordered the national guard to seize federal buildings, although you can assure this is hush-hush. I believe you should come down to Tampa, so we can discuss our plans. I wish to know your view on Democracy, and even if you decide to stray from the vision of limited government, I will still consider you an ally.

It is also clear that we must proclaim our succession in a joint declaration, and I have already began to speak with Louisana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia and even South Carolina on thoughts of succession. Utah has become interested as well as California.

You may have sparked something quite big.

It's best for you to come down to Tampa on one of my private planes, so we can discuss our course of action.
*************************************************************

Alpha 66.

ALPHA 66 has worked toward the demise of Castro's communism; it has lived the experience of the previous political process, while forging a spirit of respect toward others. It has planted seeds in Cuba's heart, and has shed its blood, fertilizing these seeds with honor. The road remaining is short; the revolution will erupt, and Cuba will be free. The tryst is over there, with the will to serve our country and desire to fulfill its hopes and dreams.

ALPHA 66 is not only a symbol of hope to see Cuba free again, it is a reality on the road to freedom.

Alpha 66 was now experiancing direct communication with Commander Ponce, and plans were being made for an eventual invasion of Cuba. Alpha 66 had a base in the everglades since 1961, and they had been responsible for many commando raids into Castro's Cuba. Now they were preparing for a new goal: invasion, command, and integration.

To: Commander Ponce
From: Colonel Latimer

I'm on my way.

*snip*

OOC: Excellent post.

Belgrade, Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia

Having, coincidentally, just thumbed through the trade figures linking the SFRY to Cuba, President-for-Life Larionko Aidarov -AKA Marshal Lav (Lion)- was approached by his good friend and Foreign-and-Information-Secretary Aleksandar Milutinov, who bore news behind a satisfied smirk.

Lav made Milutinov repeat himself several times before he felt sure that he understood the situation. Secessionist agitation in the continental United States? "A dose of their own medicine!" the Secretary had exclaimed.

Not many years earlier, building on groundwork lain by the carcinogenic IMF and WB following the death of Josip Broz -Tito-, not to mention the efforts of Reagan, Thatcher, and successive German and even some French governments, the Socialist Federal Republic had almost shattered under the cruel blows of the NATO Aggression. Only through Lav's almost Titoic strength of character and quality of leadership -and the timely arrival of Russian forces via a Bulgaria recently joined to the SFRY- had Yugoslavia prevailed.

Now the United States -chief agitator in the infamous aggression that killed thousands, wrecked infrastructure, and sought to inflame ethno-religious tension- was facing its own decomposition.

The delicious irony was sweet as Serbian cakes.

"Send the President some nice baklava." Lav ordered, referencing the President of the United States. "Make sure there's plenty of syrup... I want it wrapped in a US flag... with only one -red- star. If anyone asks, tell them it's a sign of Americo-Yugoslav solidarity." he finished with a mocking laugh.

Shortly, the SFRY dispatched consuls to Minnesota and Florida -not yet aware of Florida's hostile intent towards Havana, which ultimately is sure to spoil relations with a Belgrade government likely to back the Cubans- with the intention of establishing positive relations and, in time, Lav hoped, recognising their split from the USA.

OOC: Background to this: I play a Yugoslavia in which a strong socialist, Yugoslavist leader replaced Tito on his death in 1980, averting many of the mistakes made under international pressure and holding-together the Federation that Tito had deliberately weakened and maintained only by his own great reputation. The west still tried to break-up Yugoslavia and destroy its economy's state and social sectors, but found it more difficult with a Yugoslavist rather than petty-nationalist in charge. Bulgaria finally joined a Balkan union with Yugoslavia (Belgrade remaining clearly dominant) after years of people talking about it on and off, as the USSR -Bulgaria's main ally and opponent of the union- faded. The NATO-Yugoslav conflict still happened, but Yugoslavia was better-able to defend itself, and Russian forces arrived via Bulgaria to secure many strategic locations with Marshal Lav's approval. As in reality, British commanders ordered by NATO to take locations occupied by the Russians told their superiors that they weren't about to start WWIII (or whatever it'd be in NS) over this, and refused.
Sorry to go off topic, I just wanted to explain my nation's hostility towards the USA, and smug satisfaction at the prospect of it breaking-up after trying to break Yugoslavia.
For the record, I also play with a realistic population of just under 31 million.

To: President-for-Life Larionko Aidarov
From: Colonel Latimer

Though our personal politics differ substantially, we both have much in common: Desire for non-alignment, and revulsion of Washington's imperialist policies. Minnesota would like, upon our independence, to establish diplomatic and trade relations with your country.

OOC: Argh! I'd written up a substantial post, created a new character (a drunk Bulgarian with a disinterested attitude, at that!) and everything, and my computer crashed, losing it all. Oh well, er, this will have to do.

Dimitri Bogdanovic was tried. His suit -old enough that he acquired it as a young secretary when Bulgaria was still a People's Republic- told the story of a lengthy flight from Belgrade. He could have been good looking, once, but was visibly marked by losing his chance to be handsome somewhere in a bottle of what he called votkah.

On entering he muttered something like, "zdrahvehyeh" before shaking his head and reminding himself to bother, you know, speaking English, which he could actually do quite well.

He struggled through some formalities before explaining that the Socialist (don't call it communist, Belgrade is still committed to non-alignment in the communo-capitalist struggles of the world, being much smaller than most of those involved and unwilling to become a battleground) Federal Republic was interested in establishing direct trade links with Florida specifically rather than the US generally.

Yugoslavia's number one industry, as had been the case for decades, was defence, with billions made supplying the Beiraqi military, and tourism an important second due to resorts on the Adriatic and Black Sea coasts and the old-world appeal of cities and towns like Petrovaradin Fortress and almost Oriental Sarajevo. But the bare facts of trade were less important than the symbolic bypassing of Washington to deal with Tampa. Belgrade was keen to spite the powers behind the NATO Aggression.


Commander Ponce listened to what the drunk had to say, his mind already trying to folllow all possible choices. Yugoslavian weapons would be nice, better then the black market trash his troops were secrectly aquirering. Still, the Citrus market had been down this year, although sugar had been on top yet again.

"I would be interested in your weapons amigo, and I'm sure your citizens could benefit from our oranges and sugar." At that moment an aide burst into Ponce's office, speaking in spanish about "guerillas" and "Bahamas." Ponce shouted something in spanish, and the aide dissappered.

"So sorry. Now, I am a little worried that those Northerners might try to convince the people to start another civil war, and while I believe Florida can secure it's independence, it will come at a terrible price. However, if perhaps...Yugoslavia were to swear to protect us during our seccession from federal forces, I'm sure Florida will be free to further the relationship between her and Yugoslavia."

Ponce light up a cuban cigar and took a puff, offering the foreigner one as well.
*****************************************************************

FOX NEWS ALERT

Utah today has decided to make polygamy legal, saying the federal persecution of it is a violation of religious freedom. Utah has been the only state to actually threaten to secede, while Minnesota, Florida, and Texas have remained general about thier reasons for "a moment of dislocation."

To: President-for-Life Larionko Aidarov
From: Colonel Latimer

Though our personal politics differ substantially, we both have much in common: Desire for non-alignment, and revulsion of Washington's imperialist policies. Minnesota would like, upon our independence, to establish diplomatic and trade relations with your country.

Marshal Lav received the communique from Latimer with further good cheer, as it appeared to confirm Minnesota's intention to leave the Union. Belgrade promised full diplomatic support in the event, and issued a request for the establishment of a consulate in Minneapolis or St.Paul, lodging it with both the state and federal governments. Evidently, when Minnesota became free, such a consulate would become the Yugoslavian embassy to the new nation.

A gift of vintage Serbian wines was dispatched to Colonel Latimer with the best wishes of Lav's Prime Minister, Miroslava Goranov.

Commander Ponce listened to what the drunk had to say, his mind already trying to folllow all possible choices. Yugoslavian weapons would be nice, better then the black market trash his troops were secrectly aquirering. Still, the Citrus market had been down this year, although sugar had been on top yet again.

"I would be interested in your weapons amigo, and I'm sure your citizens could benefit from our oranges and sugar." At that moment an aide burst into Ponce's office, speaking in spanish about "guerillas" and "Bahamas." Ponce shouted something in spanish, and the aide dissappered.

"So sorry. Now, I am a little worried that those Northerners might try to convince the people to start another civil war, and while I believe Florida can secure it's independence, it will come at a terrible price. However, if perhaps...Yugoslavia were to swear to protect us during our seccession from federal forces, I'm sure Florida will be free to further the relationship between her and Yugoslavia."

Ponce light up a cuban cigar and took a puff, offering the foreigner one as well.


Taking the cigar, the Bulgarian nodded and grunted along with Ponce's speech before replying. "Since the NATO Aggression my country has produced many weapons in a western rather than Russian style" he explained, "...which may suit your forces. Zastava Arms can offer such weapons as the M80 family of assault rifles, comparable to the AK74 but chambered for 5.56x45mm ammunition as used in the United States. We can also supply ammunition for these weapons, and of course carbine, folding-stock, squad-automaic and other versions.

"Er, I am told..." he said, looking pained by thought, "that low-level air defence, such as by shoulder-fired missiles, may be key in discouraging the Federal Government from taking brash action against your aims. In the NATO Aggression, the United States Army ultimately decided not to deploy any Apache gunship helicopters against our forces, afraid that they would only be shot down immediately. Likewise, these weapons forced the imperialists to drop bombs from high altitude, making precision strikes less easy- in Florida they would not dream of dropping bombs from so high, killing civilians on their own doorstep, and so would have no choice but to let you go."

Dimitar appeared to have exhausted his understanding of military affairs, and said that cash and, yes, citrus et cetera would be accepted for Yugoslav arms, which would be brought into Floridan ports, "by sea, air, and even submarine if it be necessary to evade the US coastguard."

"Very interesting good sir. I can assure you then that our two countries can expect wonderful relations." Ponce sipped his rum. "I would also like to ask about Florida's possible...annexation of the Bahamas. I would not want to put our new found allies in a scare by making aggressive moves. The Bahamas were once called the Florida Islands....And I intend to rename it that."

"Expect seccession soon. Word has reached me California will follow if one of us gets out first."

"The Bahamas? Would you want to? Do you not fear intervention by the remains of the US, or by the British, who, after all, have only been gone from the Bahamas for a few years?"

The Bulgarian squinted for a moment, his red blotches getting a little redder as he swam through his own half-pickled brain.

"The Florida Islands... aren't they in the Pacific? Yes, yes... part of the Solomon Islands? I don't know of the Bahamas ever carrying such a name. The Bahamas were British for centuries, and known by the same name.

"Still, I do not think it is of much interest to Yugoslavia. Not the Bahamas, not the Solomon Islands. If it irks the British, all the better, so long as they do not defeat your attempt... Yugoslavia's navy is not a third the size of Britain's, and we could not intervene on the far side of the ocean in a maritime environment. Perhaps send a few troops and some supplies by aircraft and merchant ship, but blue-water combat is not part of our strategic thinking, I am sorry to say."

Bogdanovic scribbled a few notes on Ponce's ideas and news of possible new seccessionist movements, and, though he seemed to doubt the value and wisdom of a move on the Bahamas he didn't appear much concerned by it. It wasn't like Ponce said, "Cuba" or anything.

Ponce took a sip of his rum letting it burn his throat. "Allow me to clue you in on a few details. I have spoken to other states and it seems Utah and those damn mormons will make thier move first. Hell even the natives in Oaklahoma are speaking of seccession. It seems the entire country is ready to be ripped apart." For a moment Ponce seemed sad, sad the country that had given him birth was coming to such an end.

"But...it is my duty to ensure that the people of Florida do not collapse with the federal government. I can assure you...there is no turning back now."

Marshal Lav received the communique from Latimer with further good cheer, as it appeared to confirm Minnesota's intention to leave the Union. Belgrade promised full diplomatic support in the event, and issued a request for the establishment of a consulate in Minneapolis or St.Paul, lodging it with both the state and federal governments. Evidently, when Minnesota became free, such a consulate would become the Yugoslavian embassy to the new nation.

A gift of vintage Serbian wines was dispatched to Colonel Latimer with the best wishes of Lav's Prime Minister, Miroslava Goranov.

To: Marshal Lav and Prime Minister Miroslava Goranov
From: Colonel Latimer

I thank you for your promised support, and pledge to you my personal support should the need for it ever arise. Thank you, too, for the delicious wines. I am enjoying them thoroughly.