NationStates Jolt Archive

Memorandum Uproar Continues, Causes Mystery
Outrage by senior military leaders fuels speculation

NEW GIBRALTAR, Bautizar VIII (Dec 18 3391) – With nearly five days having elapsed since publication of a leaked military memorandum, the Admiralty shows no sign of backing down from its vocal attacks and harassment of journalists at the controversial Free Herald Press. The crisis has prompted rumors about forthcoming intervention by the Prime Minister, outrage in the Parliament, and a vocal defense of journalistic integrity by the newspaper at the center of this storm.

As many are no doubt aware, the story about the now-controversial memorandum began five days ago, when the offices of the Free Herald received a communication showing data concerning a "Project Starlight." The document, which listed a procurement schedule and detailed information (including the names of the First and Second Space Marshals) was billed a routine occurrence and merited only a passing reference in a two-column editorial about the state of our nation’s military defenses.

Less than ten hours after the edition of the Free Herald Press went to the printers, soldiers and military police sealed off the premises and forced the employees to leave. As of press time today military leaders and sources within the Admiralty still had no comment on why the publication of a seemingly-innocent budget memorandum had triggered such an uproar and dramatic state of affairs. What is clear by now, according to sources within the now-closed newspaper, is that the memo is anything but innocent.

"I won't stop until I get to the bottom of this matter," vowed Chief Editor Constance Grace in a letter sent to all employees of the newspaper. "The government is trying to silence and intimidate us, and we're not going to let them. It is our job to report on and inform the people about matters concerning the security of the nation, and it's clear to me that we've stumbled across something of the highest urgency."

At the parliament building, mixed signals emerged over why two of three senior political leaders in the Senate had blasted the newspaper's publication of the document. Several sources, speaking anonymously because they were not cleared to speak on such matters, indicated that there had originally been confusion as to what exactly was contained in the newspaper article. One of them told this journalist that the joint statement that had been issued was "simply an overreaction. Nothing more," but speculation persists that there was more at stake than a misunderstanding.

With battle lines being drawn over what could amount to the future freedom of the press unconfirmed rumors indicate that legal challenges are being prepared. At least one editor of the Free Herald went on record yesterday as stating that the government would not "kick me out of life and job," further saying that he had been harassed and intimidated by military officers when he had tried to leave his home earlier in the day.

We will keep you informed of this developing situation.

Article reprinted with the kind permission of Sentinel Publications, Ltd., Solstheim VI

Mystery Grows Concerning Project Starlight
Military tightening security in possible link

NEW GIBRALTAR, Bautizar VIII – In what some are saying is a possible connection to the now-infamous "Project Starlight" memorandum, the Admiralty confirmed earlier today that security at the Clydebank Naval Yards has been raised to its highest-ever level.

The news comes amidst reports that this is the third military installation to have gone to this security level since publication of the budget document by the Free Herald Press. Adding further to this mystery are reports of military officers being seen at the offices of J.R. Baker & Co., Ltd. and S.R. White & Co., Ltd., two of the most-favored private contractors with the Commonwealth military. Sources within both companies have also denied comment regarding rumors of longer working hours at key plants.

In tense and snappish testimony before the Parliamentary Subcommittee on Military Production early today, First Space Marshal Sir Arthur Cunningham confirmed that the Admiralty has raised security at the yards, and is in "consultative discussions" with a number of private military contractors throughout the Dominion. When pressed for details the nation's most senior military officer declined to comment, citing pressing matters of national security. Sources close to the First Marshal have indicated that the leak of the Starlight memorandum came dangerously close to compromising Commonwealth national security, adding further pressure onto the civilian administration and military’s leadership.

With speculation growing over the possible connection between the security increases at certain military installations and additional workloads at key private military contractor plants, the Admiralty and Government House have become remained oddly silent. It is unclear if they expect the rumors and comments to burn themselves out, or if there is dissension within the military and civilian leadership on these matters.

Reprinted with the kind permission of Sentinel Publications, Ltd., Solstheim VI

Her Majesty's Commonwealth Government of Bautizar
Office of the Prime Minister
For Public Release

Text of public statement by Prime Minister Sir Samuel P. Baxter, W.T.K.C., K.C.V.O.

[Begin Text]

My fellow citizens, good evening.

We all watched with a degree of shock and awe as alien visitors arrived in our solar system earlier today, shattering our way of life and leaving us feeling very much like newcomers in this universe that we call home. This evening it is not as a leader, not as prime minister of the Commonwealth, but as a citizen that I come before you.

I am first pleased to inform you that successful diplomatic communications have been established between your government and our visitors. They are explorers, much like ourselves, representatives of the Dimensional Grand Republica of Gaian Ascendancy. As some of the major news networks have reported, a diplomatic and very impromptu meeting was held between parties from both sides, concluding only a few minutes ago. During the course of this meeting we learned many things about them, and they learned about us as well. It was productive and encouraging, and ended on a note that I believe bodes well for further communications between our two peoples. Only time will be able to tell us just how far this bridge between worlds will be established.

Now it is time for us to make some hard decisions and prepare for the road ahead. We all knew that the possibility of it could come at any moment, at any time.

The Commonwealth is no longer a non-space-faring entity confined to three isolated worlds. We have taken our first bold steps into the cosmos, and with it and diplomatic contact comes responsibility. As a society we must therefore re-examine ourselves and what we view to be our place in the cosmos, especially considering that Bautizar, Solstheim, and Gorjen are members in an intergalactic 'club', if you will. As inhabitants we must therefore abide by rules that are not necessarily to our liking, and we must be ready for participation.

Accordingly, and lasting until this most extraordinary of situations has been resolved, your government is taking several actions which I will quickly inform you of now. First, I hereby declare a state of martial law throughout the homeworld and the colonies, and lasting until the crisis is over. A curfew of dusk will be set by the nation's military forces, and it will be supported and enforced vigorously. Now wherever you are, go home. Get off the streets and stay off the streets. Those found outdoors will be detained and held in the appropriate facilities until the morning. Anyone attempting to exploit this situation for their own personal gain will be dealt with swiftly, and harshly.

By order of the Admiralty, military personnel should report to their duty stations. Take only what you need with you, and expect to be gone for a while. Furthermore, I am also declaring the initiation of an emergency construction program, for the purposes of accelerating production of and deployment of a Starfleet that can not only protect us, but represent the Commonwealth in points abroad.

My fellow citizens, all that is required of us right now is a little common sense. To weather this crisis, as we have done with so many before, we must remain calm, steadfast and determined. We will emerge from this a better and more resolute society, of that I can assure you. Expect to hear further from your government on these matters in the coming days.

Thank you, and good night.

[End Text]

House of Administrators Takes Up Controversial Bill
Proposal for Foreign Embassies in Capital Met with Protests, Unrest

NEW GIBRALTAR, Bautizar VIII (Dec 29 3409) - The House of Administrators voted 14-6 today to take up the controversial BHA #2219 "On the Question of Establishing Permanent Diplomatic Relations," marking what some are referring to as a new era in Commonwealth diplomacy.

In the capital and outlying provinces tensions remained high, after a week of protests against the bill and counter-protests in favor that left 50 dead and nearly 720 injured. Damage in the Keldor province of the homeworld is reported to be especially high, with some sources saying that total property damage could be in the billions after a series of devastating fires swept through the spaceport and nearby residential neighborhoods. Local hospitals have reported a shortage of blood plasma, sparking volunteer lineups at aid stations throughout the city even as citizens and local authorities begin the task of cleanup.

Constabularies across the homeworld and colonies have reportedly beefed up their street presence, bolstered by the deployment of naval marines from orbital military stations. Witnesses reached by phone in the Keldor provincial capital confirmed that the 500-meter-long cruiser C.N.S. Carlisle could be seen hovering over the city as fighters maintained airborne patrols.

Unconfirmed reports from within Government House have said that the prime minister came within minutes of declaring martial law on Solstheim VI, where street protests turned especially vicious overnight. Details remain sketchy at this hour, but among the better-known affairs is the crash of the freighter Batteries Included into a residential neighborhood. Witnesses reported seeing a massive explosion from inside the vessel's engine compartment seconds before it lost altitude and plummeted from an estimated 34,000 feet.

Among the evident military deployments critics have accused the government of heavy-handed tactics to restore order and security, with some indicating that needless deaths were caused by anxious and nervous military personnel firing indiscriminately. Witnesses in the Gorjen IV 7th District said that at least three deaths were caused by a navy fighter strafing what eyewitnesses and officials said was a street riot and what locals say was a "peaceful demonstration." Military officials have indicated that the matter remains under investigation.

With unrest clearly spreading throughout the Commonwealth, despite the best efforts of military and local authorities, some are beginning to question the wisdom of taking up this controversial piece of legislation. Tribal leaders on Gorjen IV and Solstheim VI are reported to be united in opposition, linking passage of the bill as second priority to the granting of greater ethnic rights and recognition to citizens born on the colonies. Military leaders and the Prime Minister have described passage as "vital to the Commonwealth's focus on establishing peaceful and friendly relations with its neighbors," while refusing to characterize it as an open-ended invitation to any and all spacefaring nations to establish an embassy on the homeworld.

Reprinted with the kind permission of Sentinel Publications, Ltd., Solstheim VI

BHA #2219 Passes!
Met with quiet, order throughout Commonwealth

NEW GIBRALTAR, Bautizar VIII - The House of Administrators today voted 17-3 in favor of BHA #2219 "On the Question of Establishing Permanent Diplomatic Relations," an event met with a standing ovation from the visitors gallery and acclaim from throughout HMG.

"This marks a bold and new step forward for Her Majesty's Government and its citizens," Minister of Communications Lady Elizabeth Grace told reports at Government House. "It is only by establishing fruitful diplomatic relations with our neighbors that we will be able to better understand the space surrounding the Commonwealth. And with understanding, of course, comes better and more productive relations."

Sources within the House of Administrators report that the three opposing votes to the legislation came from the honorable administrators from Solstheim VI and Gorjen IV, where many in the tribal administration were reported to be united in opposition. In closing remarks made just before the vote, Administrator Avard Sabian (BP-Solstheim) addressed the body, stating "it will be a sad day for the Commonwealth when we ignore our neglected citizens of the Soldenor and Gorjen tribes, who should have as many rights as a citizen born on the homeworld." Following the vote, administrators from the colonies stormed out of the Parliament in protest. Sources within the government dismissed the a symbolic gesture as what one called a "fringe movement; just another way of trying to tell the government that a group of thugs and lunatics should have equal representation." Indeed, reports indicated that the senators had not left the capital, and were in their offices conferencing with tribal leaders at the time this article is released.

Elsewhere in the colonies there were very few reports of unrest, marking a welcome relief from nine days of near-continous street protests and general insurrection against civilian authorities and the military. In hard-hit Keldor province, witnesses reached by phone confirmed that naval and marine forces had established checkpoints and roving patrols throughout the region, with a naval vessel hoving over the provincial capital at all times. Military officials have also confirmed reports of an air-to-surface weapons exchange between the heavy cruiser Carlisle and a group of unidentified radicals firing mortar rounds at the vessel.

Confirmation by hospital officials has brought the death toll throughout the Commonwealth to 93 dead, 729 injured, marking a most tragic time in state history.

From: News and Naval Review daily (Jan. 10 3417)
Section: Page 3, Column 5

... The Admiralty today reported the commissioning of the 70th Unity (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12116181&postcount=3)-class battlecruiser, an event attented by notables including First Lord of the Admiralty Sir Roger Cunningham, W.T.K.C., K.C.V.O. and Director of Naval Construction Sir E.R.A. Phelps, K.C.V.O. In a speech delivered to the assembled crew of the Commonwealth Naval Ship Eternal Solitude, the first lord vowed continued vigiliance and a promise to campaign for increased military spending. Referring repeatedly in his speech to "the need for better presence on our borders and abroad," the Fleet Admiral's spokesman later clarified the statement by suggesting that it was meant to be taken in context with the Admiralty's recent decision to proceed with construction of a modified Unity class battlecruiser capable of better supporting marine ground operations.

From: News and Naval Review daily
Section: Page 2, Column 5

In other news, the Admiralty has confirmed the initiation of a new training exercise for the bulk of the standing military. Designated Operation Greenham, elements of the Home Fleet will reportedly be simulating a variety of military attack and defense scenarios against units of the recently-established Force H. News of the new training maneuver, which will reportedly incorporate the newly-commissioned Eternal Solitude, was greeted with approval within Government House and the Parliament. Both have been publicly pressing the Admiralty as of late for more details regarding the still-mysterious Graves Station. Declassified figures show that cost overrun for the facility was underestimated, and it is now believed that taxpayers may have footed a bill of ₤12.6 billion, three times the initial cost projection.

Elite Military Unit Departs on New Mission
Will conduct 5-year-long mapping, exploration mission in uncharted space

SOUTHAMPTON STATION, Gorjen system (Jan. 13 3422) - The 112th Reconnaissance Group, known to military insiders as Force H, departed today from this isolated station on what source within the Admiralty have said is a "long-term mapping and exploration mission."

Led by 39-year veteran Vice Admiral James Hawke from aboard the elite heavy command battlecruiser Pinnacle of Valor, the 112th Reconnaissance Group is one of three mobile units recently created with the aim of furthering the Commonwealth's knowledge of the space beyond its borders. Unconfirmed reports from within the Admiralty have suggested that the 82nd and 312th Reconnaissance Groups, known as Forces C and Z respectively, could depart on similar missions within the coming year.

While the precise destination of the task force remains unknown at this time, sources within the Admiralty have confirmed that the mission will be coordinated closely with the Royal Academy of Science via "new communication technology." Military officials refused comment on what led to selection of the target area for exploration, but civilian analysts and military watchdogs are suggesting that the spectacular lightshow seen at the Clydebank Naval Yards two years ago may have been the launching of a vast number of unmanned probes.

We will keep you up to date as this story develops.

Her Majesty's Commonwealth Government of Bautizar
For Public Release

In light of the occupation (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=514364) of the Federation of New Albor by forces of the Imperial Autocracy of Zukariaa, Her Majesty's Government has no choice but to suspend diplomatic relations with New Albor. Effective immediately the embassy established aboard Sheffield Station in homeworld orbit has been closed. All diplomatic personnel will be given safe escort to Aberdeen Border Station, owing to the necessity of security arraignments in light of the change of government.

Her Majesty's Government also takes note of the occupation of Albor City, and most strongly urges the Imperial Autocracy of Zukariaa to respect the sovereignty of foreign soil that was honored by the previous government. Failure to abide by these internationally-respected laws may result in unfortunate ramifications for future diplomatic relations between our two governments.

All Commonwealth citizens are urged to seek immediate departure from the Federation of New Albor. HMG cannot continue to guarantee the safety and security of those who remain inside the country, and advises those unable to depart the country to make their presence known to the Commonwealth embassy in Albor City, or to a member of the other foreign representation present in Albor City. Should any citizen of the Commonwealth of Bautizar be harmed or otherwise impeded in their travels by the Imperial Autocracy of Zukariaa, it will be considered a grave escalation of this situation.

BREAKING NEWS
Commonwealth Military Sets Higher Alert Footing
For Immediate Release

... Recapping our breaking news of the hour, the Admiralty and Government House have confirmed that earlier today Commonwealth military forces went to an "increased alert level," citing tense diplomatic communications that had been exchanged between the government and the Imperial Autocracy of Zukariaa. While sources refused to cite further details regarding the communications, we have been informed that the battlecruiser C.N.S. Vanguard of Night has been dispatched to Earth to commence an evacuation of diplomatic personnel and Commonwealth citizens from the embassy in Albor City, ordered closed by the Autocracy in the wake of their invasion earlier this month.

We will keep you up to date as this story develops.

Her Majesty's Commonwealth Government of Bautizar
National Security Finding

It is the determination of Her Majesty's Government that the presence of unknown and hostile forces (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=514231) within the Tau systems constitutes a clear and present danger to the safety and security of both the citizens and national interests of the Commonwealth. It is in accordance with this policy that the military is hereby directed to utilize whatever means necessary for the securement of all facilities and assets (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12177000&postcount=10) in the Tau-14 system, to complete construction as rapidly as possible on Battle Station Ticonderoga (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12215508&postcount=29) and all support facilities (including the Gibraltar Fleet Yards) in the Tau-25 system, and to oversee the establishment of colonies and other facilities indicative of a long-term Commonwealth presence in this region.

The subjugation and permanent occupation of previously neutral worlds and stations in accordance with this policy is hereby authorized, extending to the Exile planets of St. Daunaute and Camillar and the station of Freeport-1. Her Majesty's Government remains of the firm belief that no support can be offered by any of its citizens to foreign vessels or assets in the Tau systems, unless in pursuit of government policy or in accordance with the previously-mentioned directives.

Signed,
Sir Samuel Baxter
Prime Minister of Her Majesty's Commonwealth Government of Bautizar
18 January 3426

Commonwealth to Host League of Free Worlds Exercises
Military exercises billed as "bridgeway to cooperation" by Admiralty

NEW GIBRALTAR, Bautizar VIII (19 Jan 3426) - The Admiralty earlier today announced plans for a series of forthcoming military exercises and drills, to be held in combination with visiting military ships from other League of Free Worlds (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=510004) members.

Sources within the Admiralty have indicated that the operation, designated "SPRINGEX 22," will focus on establishing common protocols and command structures that will be used in theorized future joint deployments. Military officials have confirmed that ships from the Intergalactic Armed Kingdom of Asfaltum and other nations will be participating with elements of the Home Fleet, although the exact location that this will take place has not yet been released.

At Government House sources close to the Prime Minister downplayed the public confirmation of the exercises, cautioning both the press and public that while the recent rise in tensions in the still-contested Tau systems was in part responsible, it was not the only reason. "Her Majesty's Government remains very much aware and concerned at the recent proliferation of arms and armaments in [the Tau systems]," said Lady Elizabeth Grace, Minister of Communications for HMG. "This concern extends to a number of our fellow participants in the League. HMG thought it best that in light of the rising tensions through the Tau systems, we should begin to focus League efforts on establishing a unified military structure for use in emergencies that may arise through situations like this."

Reprinted with the kind permission of Sentinal Communications, Ltd., Solstheim VI

Her Majesty's Commonwealth Government of Bautizar
Declassified: White Paper on National Defense, 3424

Excerpt from the White Paper:

... Vessels of Her Majesty's Navy are increasingly making longer trips abroad and into potentially dangerous territory, often with little or no support from friendly or allied units. Given this escalating situation we have no choice but to come to the conclusion that the next era of warfare and military commitment will not transpire in the Bautizar, Gorjen or Solstheim systems. It will instead be waged in the Omega systems, the Tau systems, and the North and Far East Reaches, and anywhere else that may be considered "border territory."

Adding further to this is the conclusion that our foreign commitments may begin to increase, especially in the vulnerable border territories that are increasingly vulnerable to foreign activities. This clearly threatens our frontier colonies and long-range lines of communications, forcing increased traffic through the International Trade Hub. In turn this affects our trading policies and economy by making our commerce dependent on flowing through the space of nations involved with the IHT, and causing longer trips to nations which are not involved with the IHT.

IV. Conclusions

1. Her Majesty's Navy cannot hope to challenge its larger neighbors on the traditional field of combat, and it was with this in mind that it began to involve itself in collective security and defensive organizations. The commissioning of more battlecruisers than any other unit in current service has only served to counteract this policy by giving us heavier line-of-battle vessels when the need does not exist.

2. Battlecruisers such as the Unity class are considered slow and antiquated even by modern standards. Having approximately 70 of this class in service as front-line combat units, when other ships such as the Spirit of Fire cruiser/carriers and Marathon class light cruisers are more appropriate, is a questionable decision that has continued to drain military resources

3. In this next generation of warfare traditional line-of-battle formations will prove inefficient and near-useless. Large-scale military formations will only serve to tie us to vulnerable outposts and routes of supply.

V. Recommendations

1. Conversion of Unity class battlecruisers to Spirit of Fire refits. The installation of automated factories and structural modifications should take precedence in this, as the former will enable ships to complete their own conversions after leaving drydock. Further given the presence of the unmanned combat drone wings aboard these vessels, it would be notable to consider the vast range that can be patrolled and swept by a single unit.

2. Drawdown in the size of the Home Fleet to two primary divisions and a command element, with the transfer of available assets to other formations and the national reserve. This will free up primarily lighter cruiser/carriers and light cruisers for service where otherwise needed.

3. Establishment of smaller and more mobile units to serve in deep-space and border territories, especially in the Tau and Omega systems. A core element of officers and personnel who have fought and patrolled in those areas can already be drawn from. Consideration should be given to some semblance of maintenance of the current "Force" structure ...

BREAKING NEWS
Leader of Justice Party Stepping Down as Prime Minister
Brings era of peace, prosperity to close

NEW GIBRALTAR, Bautizar VIII - Weeks of growing rumors and reports from sources within Government House were officially confirmed this evening, with a spokesman for the Prime Minister indicating that Sir Samuel Baxter will be stepping down as leader of the Justice Party.

The first post-Unification leader of the united Commonwealth government, Sir Baxter remains wildly popular on the homeworld and within the military, but his conservative actions have continued to prove controversial with the more liberal parties of Solstheim and Gorjen. Despite repeated vows from him to promote greater integration of the colonists with mainstream society on Bautizar VIII, a recent report by the nongovernmental organization Civil Rights Watch found that fewer than 10% of all government and colonial positions on Solstheim VI and Gorjen IV were held by natives to those worlds. The same report attacked the government's recent efforts for integration as "biased towards promoting greater authority and control," going on to single out the heavy-handed control that has been instated over the Church of the Twin Lanterns on Gorjen IV, and further noting the failure of the government to open up the still-mysterious prison HMCA Newgate to inspection by civil rights monitors.

According to sources within the government, the prime minister's decision to step down before the spring elections took many by surprise, including close friends within the Parliament and Executive branches. A spokesman for the Queen also reported similar surprise within the monarchy, whose apparent expectation was that the wildly popular prime minister would be seeking nomination as the Justice Party's leader in the upcoming elections this spring. Recent polls on the homeworld and colonies continue to show the Justice Party as leading in popularity, a legacy of having promoted strong economic policies and championing a military buildup.

While sources refuse to speculate on who will be assuming the reins of power when the prime minister steps down from his 35-year holding of the office, early rumors have focused on a member of his current cabinet. Current names involved in discussion involve Minister of Communications Lady Elizabeth Grace, Minister of Trade and Industry Sir Edwin Blair, and Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth affairs Sir Philip Watts. Other potential candidates' names have been put forth, but speculation remains steadfastly focused on these three, with Sir Blair noted especially for his tough national security stance and close personal relationship with the prime minister.

We will keep you posted as this story develops.

EMERGENCY ALERT: ALL COMMONWEALTH MILITARY FORCES

*$%^@posts 11, 15, 21 report loss of )^$&% mobilization of reserve authorized !#&#@ reserve fleet compromised !@#% civil emergencies declared on Solstheim VI, Gorjen IV. Evacuation of populace from urban areas underway !#*$ Prime Minister evacuated to continuity-of-government facility 1 #$*@^

[ Error: Transmission Fault ]

[ ********** ]

[ Reset Authorized. Initiating. ]

[ Reset Cancelled. Source Unknown. ]

[ Error: Transmission Fault ]

[ Error: Transmission Fault ]

[ Transmission Terminated ]