NationStates Jolt Archive

Thirty miles due south of Yalta, capital of the Principality of Wilhelmsborough, there stood a small platform, with a medium-sized cruise-liner parked directly on its left side. Though at first glance, this scene might not sound so out of the ordinary, if one looked closer, they would soon discover that this platform, and this cruise liner, were a completely independent nation.

This is the Free Republic of Discordia. A nation founded upon an abandoned weapons platform by a group of artists and anarchists from various colleges around the Principality. It was led into independence by President James Pease, and then, after his overthrow, was led into glory by its current President, Gloria Ivanhoe.

Under President Ivanhoe's leadership, Discordia built up a viable economy, annexed a cruise ship as a new territory, the Wind Province, and managed to get the country out of a near-billion dollar debt to the Principality. Just very recently, she purchased two Ontario II-class battleships from the Wilhelmsborough Navy.

For these reasons, Ivanhoe is extremely popular, and only recently gained a second presidential term in a no-contest election. Today, debt-free, well defended, and possessing a huge amount of money donated by a generous nation, the Free Republic of Discordia is poised to become a small, but significant player on the political field.

But that does not mean that there are no problems...

Upon purchasing the battleships, the Saros and the Brandenburg, they were made into the flagships of the fledgling Discordian Navy. Unfortunately, the total population of the Free Republic is only about 992 people. The navy has about 52 members in it and they are spread quite thin, considering that they also had twelve shift boats to maintain.

But that wasn't the only problem. Since the annexation of the Wind Province, members of the Free Thinkers Guild, the group that started the Free Republic in the first place, were coming over in droves from the mainland in share in Discordia's newfound prosperity.

Over seven hundred people immigrated to the platform country. Many took up residence in the Wind Province. Although the cruise ship could support that many people, there was a sense that the country was once again running low on space.

And then there was the matter of what to do with these people! What would they do? Where would they work? How could services be provided to that many people without disrupting the tourist industry?

This issue brought up the matter of supplies. There were only two ways into the Free Republic: by helicopter or by boat. Below the platform, there was a pier, were ships could dock and unload supplies. Unfortunately, the pier was small and the ships, even the smallest ones, were not. Deliveries were made twice a month, and each time, it would take nearly the entire day to unload the cargo because there were 4 other transports waiting in the wing.

Such issues led to grumbling amoung Discordian civilians, something that did not escape the ears of President Ivanhoe. She heard the whispers of annoyance at the slow delivery of supplies, or how there were whole groups of people squatting in the halls of the Wind Province doing nothing. Something had to be done.

And so, 6 months after her reelection, the President, after meeting with contractors and planners, drew up an open request to the nations of the world.

This is what it said.

Official Message from the President of the Free Republic of Discordia

Good day to you all.

As many of you have noticed, the Free Republic of Discordia has seen incredible growth over the past two years. With the annexation of new territories, and the elimination of our national debt, our future is looking bright.

But there is a problem, we are facing, and it is the reason why I am speaking to you tonight.

The problem we are facing is space. The Free Republic is running out of room. With recent immigration pushing our population close to one thousand people, our platform-nation is slowly becoming very tightly packed. We thought that we escaped this problem when we acquired the Norwegian Wind, but now it seems that we cannot deny it any longer.

And so, I call upon the construction companies of the world to come to Discordia and expand the structure outward into the Black Sea. The Free Republic has budgeted a total of $500 Billion to the construction effort.

We only ask that in your drawing of plans, that you perserve the original platform, and the Wind Province, in their original locations. We also ask for the following features:

-An airstrip that can service small, private jets and planes.
-A dock for the exclusive use of cargo ships, and no less than five piers.
-A dock for the use of military vessels. Again, no less than five piers.
-A dock for the exclusive use of civilian vessels. Twenty piers.
-Lighthouses placed at strategic points around the structure, so as to prevent any collisions.
-Apartments
-Warehouses
-Power generators
-A desalination facility

We strongly encourage creativity in the design process, but know that final approval will be made by the government of the Free Republic. We also welcome additional ideas and imput for the construction process.

The Free Republic of Discordia looks forward to hearing back from the various construction agencies around the world.

Sincerely,
Gloria Ivanhoe, President
Free Republic of Discordia
Black Sea

*bump

OOC: Is there a map for the Origional Weapons platform or not? I've been sketching (on paint) designs for artifical islands for my nations Ic return, so I'm sure I could do something interesting here....

Edit, I've got a design..... I'm going to TG it to you, so, before we go through the RP-ing of it, you can tell me if you approve, k?

I just finished creating a map of the nation. Please note that not everything is to scale.

http://www.imagepup.com/up/ET6N_1171053045_Discordia map2.bmp (http://www.imagepup.com)

*helluva bump

[OOC Note: This is just a taster of what Northford's going to be like when I return to NS properly. Also, if ya want, just knock of a zero off the scale. And that box at the side of the picture was supposed to be the key. I'm just too lazy to finish it]

Greetings, people and Government of Discordia:

Having followed your countries plight for a considerable time, The Commonwealth of Northford wishes to make the following offer you, for your expansion of your territory.

Enclosed is a design from the Northfordian Commonwealth Marine Engineering and Construction Guild, with a listed price of 195 Billion Universal Standard Dollars. Having discussed your countries situation at length, however, the Commonwealth Government wishes to seek an mutually beneficial arrangement that will significantly lower the cost of this venture for you, should you be interested.

We humbly await your response:

Adm. James Tricker,
Foreign Minister, Head of Northfordian Navy, reserved.

Enclosed:

Commonwealth Marine Engineering and Construction Guild, presents the following design proposal to the Discordian People and Government:

Greetings, here follows the Design proposal we have for your consideration, fully meeting, and exceeding the requirements stated in the brief.

Wider-land Artificial Structure:

Consisting of an archipelago surrounded by submerged wave breaks, the Wider-Land is a formidable Artificial Structure. Covering an area almost 60square Kilometres, it is able to provide accommodation, housing and infrastructure for up to 500 000 people, however, in terms of efficiency, this is toned down to a much more moderate 100 000.

Construction

Wider-Land is constructed by raising a shelf out of the sea, constructed out of Steel-Titanium re-enforced concrete. Out of this Shelf, the Modules are constructed, over 15 metres above sea level, rising to 40 metres at the highest points, in order to provide protection against storms.

The Northfordian Marine Engineers, whom are a subsection of the Northfordian Navy, will carry out the actual construction itself. Using Northfordian Naval Vessels they will Travel to Discordia, and set up a long-term-logistical-outpost (LTLO). From this LTLO they will launch their base of operations, and will first survey the Sea Floor beneath the projected site. After this they will begin to lay foundations, then the Substructure, then one Docking Module. After this is complete, the Guild will discus further constructions and time scales with the Discordian Government, as your needs require. The Construction for the substructure and the docking module is expected to take around 2 years, with overall project time for completion expected to take around 6 years.

Substructure

The Structure itself is a sprawling configuration of 8 separate modules: The Accommodation Module, The Six Docking Modules, and The Airstrip Module. Each is self-sufficient and able to be built as a single stand-alone unit, fully integrated into the substructure.

The Substructure forms the backbone of the facility. It is into this that the power generation facilities, desalination plants, hydroponic facilities and plumbing is fitted. It is structurally the strongest facility, and as such contains the defensive aspects of Wider-Land as well. On the upper sections of the substructure there are three “Command Stations”, which, are, in effect Naval Emplacements. Each one contains Six, Eighteen Inch Naval Cannons, on double mounts, as well as over five hundred VLS Tubes. For defensive purposes, each also contains a comprehensive CIWS system, which uses 50 mm cannons, and has over 15 turrets.

Modules:

A Short Summery of Each Module Follows:

The Accommodation Module is designed to house the bulk of the population. Although key workers can be housed in the docking facilities, once the population of Wider-Land reaches 9 000 it is strongly suggested that the accommodation module is constructed, in order to prevent over crowding and ensure sanitary conditions are maintained. Within the Accommodation Module there are Waste Disposal Units, Facilities for Governance, as well as ample space for trade. There is also a large Desalination plant (In addition to the primary facilities built into the substructure), in order to provide for a number of freshwater swimming pools on site, as well as provide a useful backup, should the primary facilties ever fail. As well as freshwater Swimming Pools, the Accommodation Module also provides facilities for fish hatcheries, and significant Entertainment Facilities, including bowling alleys, Cinemas, Restaurants and a small Urban Park.

As mentioned, the Accommodation Block also has facilities for trade and governance. For Trade, it has plans for a number of small markets, as well as a Mall, a Bank and a Stock Exchange. Throughout the Whole Design State, the principle aim of the Design was to also provide jobs to those living there, to ensure that not only was Discordia a place that could house large numbers of people, it was also designed to house them in a way they could further themselves.

The Six Docking Modules are, effectively, the arms and legs of Wider-Land, providing it with the means to supply itself and conduct trade. They are split into three groups: Civilian Docks, Military Docks, and Trade Docks. There are 4 Civilian Docks. Each one contains a number of “Arms”, to which multiple piers are connected. Each “Arm” is able to simultaneously service 15 ships, giving the each civilian dock a large amount of versatility. As well as this, each dock has a number of large warehouses and housing for key workers. Furthermore, each as a comprehensive CIWS network, to protect against any aggressors.

The Commercial Trade Dock and the Military Dock are similar to the Civilian Docks however are much larger, and with many more ancillary buildings. The Military Dock has a small barracks ( upto 20 000 people) onsite, as well as secure communication facilities and its own small helipad and dedicated ship servicing facilities. The Commercial Dock follows a similar fashion, but instead with a greater emphasis on storage facilities. It also has a small fabrication plant (Specialised Factory) as well as a small shipwright onsite.

Physically the Longest Module, The Airstrip Module contains all the necessary prerequisites for long-range air travel. It has a 4km runway, as well as two helipad, as well as Air Traffic Control Buildings, and 4 small hangers for Gliders, Small Passenger Planes and SVTOL Fighters.

Housing:

In the Wider-Land structure, there are a number of different housing types. In short they can be split into four main groups, depending on the people they provide for. The most common type of housing is the Standard Format Housing Complex (SFHC). These are designed to provide the bulk of thehousing facilities. They come as condo form, with three bedrooms, two living rooms, a bathroom and a kitchen, with an overlooking balcony. The target market for these apartments are families and educated professionals, who are often able to work at home.

For Manual Labourers and other people crucial to the working of the Wider-Land Complex there is the Key Worker Housing (KWH). These are one bedroom, one living room, and bathroom/kitchenette apartments, often located away from the Accommodation Block and next to where the occupier would work (i.e Docks).

Complimenting these two housing styles there are the Military Blocks and the Luxurious Apartments. The Military Blocks are, as the name suggests, located in the military docks and are distinguished by the fact they are single rooms stripped down to barrack level quality. On the Luxurious Apartments, on the other hand, are designed to be used by tourists and more wealthy individuals. These are sprawling apartments, with several rooms, and upholstered with luxury fabrics.

Transport

Within the Wide-Land complex transport is provided in a number of ways. Primarily, into the substructure, there is a significant underground MagLev train network, linking the Accommodation Module with the Docking Modules and the Airport. This has capability to move both Cargo and Passengers, and at any one time has the ability to move 20 000 persons.

As well as this extensive train network, there is also an above ground car network. This is more limited, and, generally limited to official functios and bulkier carog that cannot fit onto the underground train network.

Complimenting these two there is also an inter-structure Ferry Network linking peers and an inter-structure Helicopter Service, for Emergency Services. As well as this, there is the dedicated Airstrip Module, as mentioned above.

Costs:

As mentioned, the constructions will occur in a number of stages. The Price is all-inclusive: That is to say you are not able to selectively buy the design, and build it yourself. Includes Labour and Materials.

Licence for One Wider-Land Structure: 20 Billion Universal Standard Dollars
One Substructure: 125 Billion Universal Standard Dollars
Six Docking Modules: 30 Billion Universal Standard Dollars (Five Million Universal Standard Dollars Each)
One Accommodation Module: 10 Billion Universal Standard Dollars
One Airstrip Module: 10 Billion Universal Standard Dollars

Total: 195 Billion Universal Standard Dollars




http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/7584/artificialisland2oz4.png

From: President Gloria Ivanhoe, Free Republic of Discordia
To: Adm. James Tricker

The design which you have proposed is better than myself or any of us here could have imagined! And best of all it's far below the budget that we allotted. There will be no need for price negotiations. $195 Billion is a completely acceptable fee for your services.

We do have one request however. We would greatly appreciate it if you would construct the platform to house up to 500,000 people, instead of the mere 100,000 that you say is more efficient.

The reason why we make this request is because once the construction of the new platform/territory is completed, we will be opening up our borders to immigrants, refugees, and other peoples seeking asylum.

The increased population will be necessary for the filling of jobs which will spring up with the increased space. People are necessary for the expansion of our economy, as well as the bolstering of our military.

Admiral Tricker, consider your design plans approved. But before you start shipping over your construction crews, I must first speak to the government of Wilhelmsborough. Their navy monitors everything that passes through the Dardanelles and the Bosporus, both above and below the water.

If you were to suddenly send over a construction crew under the claim of expanding the Free Republic, they would probably turn you away. Fortunately I have a direct line to Prince William himself. After this letter is sent, I will get in contact with the Prince to see if he can't let your crews into the Black Sea.

Please, keep in touch with my office so that we can work out the time tables for the construction crew's arrival.

We look forward to your reply.

Gloria Ivanhoe, President
Free Republic of Discordia
Black Sea

[OOC: No Price negotiations :P There goes my plan for a subtle land grab heh...ah well.]

Sitting in the Foreign Office drinking a cup of Northfordian Tea, James Tricker was musing the last years occurances over his mind. Life had been such a blur for him, going from the Head of Naval Procurement to GASN Operations to Head of the Foreign Office and Admiral of Northfordian Navy. "Still", he thought, "Thats what you get, that is, for being Loyal".


Finishing his cup, he decided to walk into his newly furnished office in the Redbridge Complex. Luckily, this was one of the areas untouched in the rioting, although it still showed signs of change. The massive CIWS emplacements on the top of the building were one, as well as the fact the lift now had a button for "Basement 2" on it; which was, as was well known, the codename for the arms dump now mandatory in all government buildings.

Sitting down, he decided his first thing that he would do would be reply to a letter from the President of the Free Republic Discordia, Gloria Ivanhoe. It was a small country that Northford had loosely followed in its plight to get independance. Now, Northford was in a position to help out this new country, as well possibly expand it's influence in the world, territorially and politically, as part of it's Indie-Deterr policy. While it didn't have any urgest to use any Discordian Lands gained as a staging base for attacks against Wilhelmsborough, he was fully aware of the Commonwealths desire to gain territory like this, for Submarine Refueling, Convoy Stop overs and, of course, training, for when an actual set of colonies was aquired.

In the meantime, however, Admiral James Tricker was content on simply being able to maneuver Northford the long term use of the LTLP (Outpost thingy, mentioned in design brief) and use of the Discordian Facilities for refueling Northfordian Ships.


From: Adm. James Tricker
To: President Gloria Ivanhoe, Free Republic of Discordia


Greetings, and many thanks for your speedy correspondance. As it stands, we, the Commonwealth are very pleased with your desicion to accept our proposals and are exceedingly glad the price suits you.

We Gladly await permission to enter your terrtorial waters and begin construction of our Long Term Logistical Outpost, which will be used as a staging ground for Northfordian Activities in your waters.

Prince William was in his office working out the deployment of the 1st Fleet's new submarine and destroyer groups with Admiral Augustine, when the phone suddenly rang.

The Prince raised an eyebrow. "That's odd. I didn't expect any calls today."

The Admiral spoke up. "Your Majesty, isn't that the world-leader's line? The one that connects to the offices of leaders around the globe?"

The Prince jumped up. "You're right!" he shouted, quickly running to the phone.

"I haven't recieved a call on this line in ages. I wonder who it is."

"Maybe it's Czar Aleksei over in West Corinthia." suggested the old Admiral.

The Prince took the reciever off the hook. "I'll just have to find out!"

He put the reciever to his ear. "Hello?"

"Prince William?" came a female voice. "Is that you?"

Upon hearing the voice and recognizing who it was, Prince William's eyes glazed over in annoyance.

"Oh, it's you Gloria." the Prince slumped back in his seat. "I didn't expect a call from you." He laughed. "Why, after we finally dropped the conditions of Discordian Independence, I thought that I'd never hear from you again!"

"Well, some things can't be helped, your majesty!" she laughed in that false laugh which annoyed Prince William to no end.

Then she got serious. "But something big has come up here in the Free Republic. Something of great importance to us."

The Prince feigned interest. "Really now Gloria. And what could that be?"

The President huffed as if she was insulted. "Prince William Kennedy! Did you get the message that I sent out!"

"Erm, no Madam President, I don't think I did." This was a lie. Whenever the government of Discordia sent out messages to the world, Prince William made it a habit of leaving said messages in his inbox and ignoring them for a week.

"Well," she snorted. "I might as well just tell you now. Discordia is planning to build outwards into the sea."

The Prince jumped up in his seat. "What? What did just say, Gloria?"

On her end, the President smiled. "I said, Liam, that we are making plans to expand the structure of the platform outward. And we've already found a builder. They offered us the deal of a lifetime, and I'll be damned if I don't take advantage of it."

The Prince was shocked. "Who was it that made the offer?"

"I was wondering when you'd ask." she remarked. "It was the Commonwealth Marine Engineering and Construction Guild of Northford."

For a moment, the answer didn't register. Then all of a sudden, there came to the Prince's mind a shocking realization.

"W-wait a minute...Gloria! That's a construction group for a foreign military!!"

The President's voice remained passive. "Yes I know. And they'll be coming here to set up shop shortly."

Prince William gripped the reciever tightly. "You invited a FOREIGN MILITARY into MY WATERS WITHOUT ASKIN-"

"It's not your waters Liam!" Gloria shouted. "The Black Sea belongs to all of those who boundries touch it, so don't go around acting like you own the place! The only reason why you have such a free reign is because you do a good job keeping the riff-raff out!!"

Prince William was shocked. He couldn't speak.

She continued. "Now, listen to me! It's just a construction group, not a military force!"

"Yeah, that's how it starts." the Prince griped.

Gloria sighed. "And they need your permission to enter the Black Sea. This a billion-dollar project here. We're going to be making some important deals! So don't go ruining it, and your standing in the world by keeping them out!"

Prince William was pissed. Here he was, a leader of billions, with territories around the world, and guarded by an expansive military force-being talked down by the ruler of 900 men on a platform.

Where was the order? Where was the chain of command? Prince William wasn't sure, but he knew that one thing was for certain: He had to regain some measure of control.

"Fine. We'll let them in, but only under the following conditions! First! The Northfordians will not bring any submarines with them!"

"Your Majesty, I can't agree to that!" she protested. "They'll need submarines to transport construction materials to the seabed! Or did you think that the new territory was gonna float?"

The Prince ran a hand through his long hair. She was right of course. Without submarines, the original weapons structure may never have been built.

"Very well," he conceded. "They can have their subs, but if I see a single torpedo tube-"

"Not going to happen, Your Majesty!" she said.

He rolled his eyes. "Second! I don't want any of this structure to get any closer than thirty miles to Yalta! You understand? I do NOT want the shadow of your country getting any nearer to my capital!"

"Why of course!" Gloria laughed. "We wouldn't want our two countries getting any closer, now would we?'

"Damn right." he said.

"Is there anything else you wanted, dear?" she said in a patronizing tone.

The Prince rolled his eyes. "I don't want to see any foreign ICBMs out there! If that platform has missiles, your people had better be in control of 'em, Gloria!"

"Done." she said simply.

For a moment there was silence before the Prince started talking again.

"Tell your guests to be on their best behavior while they're here." he ordered. "If they're especially good, I might even give the crews premission to dock at one of our port cities. But that's a big 'if' Gloria! I'm going to be doing some research of this country, this Northford, and see where they stand on things!"

He sighed. "For the love of Christ, don't screw this up."

The President nodded on her side. "I won't, Liam. Count on it."

Gloria yawned. "Well, I think that should do it, Your Majesty. I'll inform the Northfordians that they're clear to enter the sea, and I'll give them your conditions."

The Prince nodded. He had the beginnings of a headache.

"Good, good, Gloria. Do that."

"I will." There was a pause. "You know, I do enjoy these conversations that we have. We really should do them more regularly."

The Prince's headache started to feel worse. "Good-bye Gloria!" and he hung up the phone.

Prince William turned to Admiral Augustine who had been watching the scene in silence.

"Admiral, during the duration of the Northfordian construction crew's stay, I want Armada One out there to keep watch."

The Admiral nodded. "It will be done, sir."

From: Gen. Adam Wincenty, Office of the Arch Arsonist
To: President Gloria Ivanhoe
Re: Expansion of Discordia

Salutations! My advisors have recently pointed out your peculiar nation to me, and I have taken a bit of interest in your proposed expansion. As an avid pilot myself, I would like to point out the folly of having a single runway. Crosswinds would make such a runway highly dangerous, and a large plane crash could cause untold damage to your nation's structure. Two long runways would make it feasible for cargo to be landed by air, and allow for more versatility in landing.

Several years ago, our nation switched to a near-fully automated airforce. This move was closely followed by national airlines. It is currently estimated that 75% of our nation's airtraffic is AI-controlled. As you can probably guess, this was a very expensive program costing in the low trillions to rehaul aircraft and necessary infrastructure, and even more to write the genetic systems and neural networks to make it work. That aside, we would be willing to build and lease a semi-automated air traffic control tower to your fine nation at a token price of 1 Denarius, and will train all applicable personel in using the highly user-friendly interface. Our demands are easily negotiable once you are willing to come to the table. I eagerly await your reply.

-General of the Home Guard Adam Wincenty
Arch Arsonist of Mer des Ennuis
"Fear Ensures Loyalty!"

It started as a long day, and, to be frank, like all days now, it ended a long day too. Sipping alarge whiskey in his other office, James Tricker was pondering his other job.

As both the Head of the Foreign Office, and a fully active admiral it had to be said he played one of the more active roles in the new Northfordian Government. And, while his role in the Navy was limited these days he still did have some jobs to do.

Deciding force compostition, interestingly was one of them. As his previous role was head of Naval Aquisitions, he was perhaps the best person for the job, since he spent around 10 years decideding what ships Northford would purchase, he knew exactly what ships he had available.

Mulling over his drink, he asked an old friend of his, Commodore Cleary his thoughts. As a commander of the escorts protecting those building some Northfordian Fortified Listening Outpost, he knew as good as any.

"Jerry, you doing anything important at the moment?" he asked over the interbuilding intercom.

After waiting for a bleep, he got the reply: "No, James, I'll be there in a second... you still trying to fiddle the maths for that dammed Oil Platform?"

Laughing Bitterly "No, I've done the fucking maths, I'm just trying to sort out the poncy bloody escort forces and having a little trouble. I could do with hand, and, if it's any concellation, I've got Whiskey"

"Single Malt?"

"You bet"

"That sounds great, I'll be there in a moment."

After several moments, James recieved a quiet knock. Not bothering to wait for the reply, Jerry walked in and hung up his coat, sitting ath te other end of Admiral Trickers large desk.

"So, whats the problem?" he asked his old friend, taking a look at his computer monitor at the various ship models that were there.

"Well, it's like this," he starte, "In terms of actual experiance, we don't know how this is going to go if it gets nasty, have no idea what this countries Neighbours are like, and, considering the amount of ships we're sending, have got a lot to lose."

"How much are we sending?"

"Well, an awful lot. The Guild has asked us to put aside around 400 freight ships, which are probably going to be sent in a couple of waves. As it stands, the plan is to get the LTLP up as quick as possible, which will allow us to then control the flow of materials as quick as possible and mean we're not all sitting in ships bored. The first wave is probably going to be running a hundred and 75 ships, followed by an other 175, once things are secure."

"Well...", pausing, "Way I see it, best policy is to secure the area. A couple of Carriers, a dozen or so subs, and just see what escorts are available?"

Frowning, Tricker started again, "That was my first thought mate, although as you and I both know, in reality if we're started on that simply won't hold in a firefight. We're near a coast, so we'll be in range of all kinds of funky shit."

"Fairplay".

"This is what I've got so far, with the emphasis on a small strike group and enough fleet carriers to make the freight group look like a flying blanket. Good thing we're not contributing to the GASN Escort Force anymore, because to be frank, I'm pulling in almost everything we've got, carrier wise."

Passing over a print out, Cleary read it through. "Those Warmsleys can only carry, what, a dozen planes each? Same with the AA Cruisers? 'Bout a Dozen? The Courts are a bit bigger, last time I checked... what is it, 50 planes?"

"Yep, Yep and Yep, although as it stands, those AA Cruisers have been refitted to take around 30 UAV's. They could go back to the Aircraft Config, although to be frank, I don't see the point. Eyes, are, of course, better than fists."

"Yeah, fair enough" mused Cleary, looking over the list.

"75 Walmsley's
35 Courts
190 Destroyers.... fuck
80 ASW Frigates
10 of those AA Cruisers
...and 30 or so various Cruisers."

"I don't even want to look at the sub list. There's got to be at least 45 subs there"

Smiling, Admiral Tricker spoke "Well, over half of them are construction types, and I've decided not to include anything ballistic. Way I see it, if we're put in a position to need Ballistic Missiles, we're in trouble, therefore wasted expense. I'm thinking of whether or not to include a pocket SD or possibly a heavy BB. Your thoughts?"

"Well, I'd go for Airpower, to be frank. There going to be there for protection, so, the way I see it, Aircraft can out-range most, if not all BB's or SD's, so they'd be a waste. I assume that if we get attacked we'd be pulling out?"

Downing the Whiskey, Admiral Tricker sat forward. "Actually... in short, the LTLP has been earmarked by the foreign office as a possible Northfordian base of Operations. From whats been decided, the plan is to make it clear that once we've set up shop, we're not going to leave any time soon. We'd not be doing it for the sake of it, and, frankly, would go if the Discordians asked, although we're more pushing for somewhere permanant to refuel and house a few long range bombers more than anything else. From whats been said, we don't want to make Imperialist asses of our selves, but we're all in dire need of somewhere remote, for training purposes and such. As for their Neighbours... Wilhelmsborough, we're going to push for some kind of friendly trade agreement. Nothing out of the ordinary: Embassies, Right to Dock at ports, et cetera, and we're going to make sure we put the LTLP as far away from them as possible, although we want to make it fairly obvious that if they get nasty, we'll hurt them as much as they hurt us....not that that's the intention, of course."

"Shit... So you guys at Foreign are really going ahead with this "Territory Aquisition shit then? I didn't think we'd be so brash...we've not even got a fully working battlefleet yet for god sakes, let alone a big enough infrastructure to support some sort of fucking empire"

"Well Jerry that was my opinion, and, frankly, why we're not. I've managed to use what little leverage I've got over the asshole to force him into following my plan."

"Which is?" Commodore Cleary asked, looking sideways at his old friend.

"Islands. Lots and lots of artificial islands. We've got GASN-independant trade now we've left the shit behind, and I've decided the best place to start is with Concrete. I've projected, within the next 10 year that we'll have over 50 platforms, most at least 10 times bigger than this, dotted around the place. In terms of Human resources, I want us to be able to house around 3 million people offshore."

"Blimey. Seriously, though, whats the point? NNorthfords still got plenty of undeveloped land, and if we're not going to actually get land why waste the money?"

Admiral Tricker smiled, his friend was starting to get to the bottom of it now.

"Power, and Influence. We want to be able to support our trading partners in their wars, to ensure that our trade remains strong. Our bestway of doing that is by making sure that in as many regions as possible we have a presence."

"Argh....fuckers." Said Cleary after a short pause, "Well, I'd leave the BB's and SD's, and head the whole lot up with a Heavy Cruiser or a Battlecruiser. I'd suggest one thats rather more heavily armoured than it is armed, because if it kicks off, I'd want to be sitting in something nice and chunky. Who is Commanding this little venture anyway?"

Smiling coyly, Tricker replied, "Me and You, Jerald, Me and You......"

From: Gloria Ivanhoe, President, Free Republic of Discordia
To: Admiral James Tricker, Northford

After speaking to Prince William of Wilhelmsborough about your impending arrival to expand the Free Republic of Discordia, he has decided to let your ships into the black sea.

Be advised however, that submarines that are not for construction purposes will not be allowed into the Black Sea. Any and all military craft that you must bring will be surface level only.

Also, the Prince wishes for your construction crews to build the expansion away from Principality. The Prince does not want to see our two lands get any closer. The feeling is mutual.

We will also be calling in weapons experts to train our forces in the functions of the cannons, turrets, and CIWS system that you will be installing. Know that once these systems are installed, Discordian military personele shall immediately take control of their operations.

Admiral Tricker, I hope that you and your crew have and safe and memorable time here in the Black Sea. Together we will build a greater Discordia, as well as a greater friendship between our two states.

And with time, perhaps even the Principality will warm to your presence and maybe even provide your crews with a little shore leave in the coastal cities. Of course that may take quite a while.

We here in the Free Republic of Discordia are ready to recieve your construction crews. Please reply at your earliest convience so that we may know when the first of your ships will be arriving.

Sincerely,
Gloria Ivanhoe, President
Free Republic of Discordia
Black Sea

P.S. When the expansion is finally completed, what will its new size be? 16 square kilometers, or 60 square kilometers?

Excellent mused Tricker as he was sitting in his official Navy car. Speeding towards the docks, he was reading over the lastest communication from the Discordian President. Better get writing he thought, before asking his cheuffer to slow down somewhat, to give him enough time to have his reply finished before he boarded ship.

"From: Admiral James Tricker, Northford
To:Gloria Ivanhoe, President, Free Republic of Discordia

This is going to be a short communication, since I am presently in transit to the Northfrodian Docks, where the flotilla will be leaving tonight.

Addressing issues specifically, there will be armed submarines present with the Convoy, however, in light of this, it will be ensured they will remain at least 200 nm from the Coast. Since there seem to be some reservations, the bulk of the air presence will also remain in this reason. Oweing to the sheer size of the task force being deployed for a speedy construction there are over 120 Aircraft capable ships being deployed.

In reference to issue of arms, the way things are planning to be left is that once the Northfordian Engineers have test fired the arms they will be transfered over immediately. That said, as the Computer Mainframe is installed inside the Substructure, a number of (live) fire exercises will be conducted, to ensure that the equipment is working as intended. While we welcome Discordian Participence in this event, the Guild regards it as part of the construction process and controls it henceforth. One this is done, however, the arms are in your hands. A note on Missile systems (VLS). Oweing to their power, launch codes are going to be split, meaning that should they be needed while construction is in progress, both Northfordian and Discordian confirmation is needed. Again, once construction has been completed, they will be in your full control.

If need be, we could arrange for Northfordian Weapons Experts for training.

Furthermore, Northford also welcomes this oppotunity to strengthen ties with Discordia, and wishes all the best for this partnership.

Regards,

Admiral James Tricker.

P.s, The final size is still to be confirmed. Also, for clarities sake, expect obver 500 ships. Don't worry, though, it's mostly freight and transport for other, smaller, specialised craft."

Clicking send on his laptop, Admiral Tricker got off the ship, and greeted Cleary, who would be his vice-commander on this trip. While he was now, apparently, a politician, oweing to the nature of this trip it was decided he'd be running it.

Boarding the Heavy Cruiser NNS Arkwright he set sail, leading the taskfleet on their journey......

....and what fun one it would be

Location: Principality of Wilhelmsborough
Livadiya Palace
Prince William's Office

Prince William and his senior military staff were together, along with two newcomers to the meetings: Minister of Diplomacy Geddy Lee, and Fleet Admiral Ernest Halsey. At present, they were going over the deployment of military assets on the Peninsula, the Black Sea, and beyond.

"The 2nd Submarine Group should be deployed to the Aegean Sea, somewhere beyond the island of Imbros." said Admiral of the Navy Vittorio Augustine.

"Very Well," said Prince William. "They'll be deployed there, but we'll keep moving them around the Aegean so as to monitor a wider range of area."

Fleet Admiral Halsey spoke up. "If these submarines are keeping watch over the Aegean, then what's the point of the 1st Submarine Group in the Dardanelles? Or the 1st Destroyer Group in Marmara?"

The Prince grinned. "For redundancies of course. If one naval group is good, than two more are better!" he laughed. "But also, Fleet Admiral, it's because the 2nd Sub group has been ordered to avoid fighting, and leave it up to the 1st Fleet. But if it is the case that an enemy starts pushing through the Dardanelles, they can follow along and attack from behind."

Geddy Lee, who had been silent this whole time, spoke up.

"Gentlemen. I'm sure that the movement of our forces is extremely interesting, but aren't we forgetting something?"

"Like what?" asked General of the Army Nicolai Trotsky.

"Like the nation of Northford!" he said impatiently. "Here we are, going over our military deployments, but has anyone here even bothered to talk to a representative from their state?"

"Erm..."

Lee rolled his eyes. "I'll take that as a no." he said. "But in any case, we have to set up a dialog with their government. Talk to them, see what kind of people they are! I know for a fact that Northford is a member of the Global Alliance of Sovereign Nations. Our ally West Corinthia is also a member of that alliance!"

"Meaning what?" asked General of the Air Force Salazar Sherman.

Geddy Lee explained. "Well, we know that West Corinthia doesn't particularly care very much for Discordia."

Sherman nodded. "Boy is that right!"

"They still consider them a terrorist state!" Trotski added.

"Exactly." said Lee. "But Northford, an allied GASN nation, is coming in to expand the Free Republic, something that the Czar may not like!"

Lee turned to the Prince. "Your Majesty, if Northford did attack us, it might provoke West Corinthia to come to our aid, creating a problem for Northford. At the same time however, because it involves two Global Alliance nations, it might split GASN opinion. If other members do send forces into the fight, we could possibly see Global Alliance members fighting each other, leading to the destruction of their whole organization!"

The Prince and the other military men stood in awe at Lee's deduction. It was General Sherman that broke the silence.

"But Northford is a relatively small nation. And it did have political troubles that led to rioting on a massive scale. It's only now it's begun to emerge as a more powerful state."

The Prince nodded. "Good point. I don't see how a country in Northford's position would risk the destruction of their alliance."

Lee sighed. "I don't think that they would. And gentlemen! Please remember that everything we're discussing here is merely theory!"

The Prince nodded. "I understand, Minister. And I promise that I will open up a dialog with the Northfordian leaders very shortly."

The Diplomatic Minister looked approvingly at the Prince. "Very good, Your Majesty."

General Trotski coughed. "This is all very good and all but I must insist that we continue discussing the deployment of our forces. I'd like to position the 1st Army Group around the coastal areas while Theater One covers the area further inland..."

[OOC Note: Since this is RP'd after my riots and stuff (That is yet to be tied up) I should note that I have at this point ICly got a very weak view of the GASN. In short, if I've not left it (Not sure how the other RP'll pan out) I'm only in it by name... anyway, I'll bring things forward a bit tomorrow]

24 Days. Twenty-Four long days at sea. Twenty Four Long days at looking at concrete blocks for breakwaters, Twenty Four days of looking at survey boats, specialist submarines and construction rigs disassemballed and packed in crates. Twenty Four days of waiting....waiting to meet Discordia, and their neighbours: Wilhelmsborough.


"Carrier Aye, Status Green"
"Copy that Rogue-Cat, Cleared for Take off"
"Taking off now, Eyes are in the Sky, Eyes are in the Sky!"

Roaring into the distance, the eyes and ears of the Left Flank of the Northfordian Construction Fleet flew into the air, quickly gaining altitude. AWACS, as they were known, they were to provide the left flank, and indeed the whole Northfordian Fleet with real time infomation of the route it was taking.

Sitting in his private quarters, Admiral Tricker was reading the latest cabnet minutes. Of course, since he was on duty as a naval officer, he was not able to attend, however still wanted to keep up to date, as his duties as a Foreign Office. "Interesting", he mused. "Looks like they're moving Easter forward this year.....". Muttering to himself, he decided he's better check his emails. Times like this he never knew what kind of messages might be forwarded to him...

160,000 feet

Far up in the sky, near the edge of space, there flew a lone aircraft. It moved, undetected by most tracking devices. This was the advanced EB-180 Stargazer, one of many used by the Principality of Wilhelmsborough.

And at this moment, it was far away from its territory, observing sea traffic out of the Commonwealth of Northford.

"Jumper 1 to base," the pilot radioed in. "I've got something on my scopes. It's a large concentration of ships, but whether or not they're military I can't assertain at the minute."

The base commander radioed back. "Focus your cameras on the ships and find out for sure."

"Roger." He looked in the direction of his co-pilot, who moved quickly to set up the camera, and get it into focus.

A few minutes later...

"Base, this is Jumper 1. Those are definately naval ships. They're acting as a convoy for a line of transport and container ships. I believe that this is the Northfordian construction team headed for Discordia, sir."

"How many ships? What types?" demanded the base commander.

"Between two and four hundred ships, sir. I can make out several carriers, destroyers, and cruisers of various sizes. I estimate that they'll arrive within two to three weeks."

There was a brief silence on the other line. "Very good, colonial. Return to base."

"I was just about to make that request, sir. I've just sighted their air cover, and they've got AWACS flying cover."

The commander raised an eyebrow. "What are you worried about? Surely that Stargazer can refract and deflect radar emissions."

The pilot replied. "No amount of cover we have can beat the human eyeball."

Laugher came in through the speaker. "Yes, I suppose that's a good point you got there, Colonial. Return to base on the double."

"Aye Sir. Over and out."

The commander walked over to the communications officer. "Inform the military command of the approaching ships. No rush or anything, but the Senior Staff might want to consider a timetable as they set up for Northford's arrival in the Black Sea."

"Yes sir. Relaying the message now."

----------------

Meanwhile, there was a rush of activity in the Black Sea. The many ships of Armada One were taking positions in the west and northwest areas of the water, north of the Bosphorus Strait.

Their purpose wasn't in preparation for some kind of explosive naval battle. Rather it was to ensure that the Northfordian fleet would travel to the Free Republic and set up shop for the mammoth construction project that was about to unfold.

There was another reason as well. When the Northfordian ships passed through the mouth of Bosporus into the Black Sea, they would see a line of ships. And as they traveled towards their goal, that line would continue until they reached the Free Republic. It was a subtle tactic to impress, and possibly awe, the foreign military.

Many ships were concentrated between the Free Republic of Discordia, and the city of Yalta. The city itself was being guarded by the 1st Air Fleet. The 1st Army Group was setting up on the shorelines, while Theater One and Air Armada One spread themselves around the Peninsula.

The dedicated aircraft of the Black Sea Patrol continued to perform their duties around the clock, while hundreds of thousands of feet above, Squadrons of EB-180 Stargazers, looked down on the area, as well as up into space. Their stealth and radar deflecting technology made them almost detectable.

-----------

Prince William sat in his office pondering the deployment of forces in the sea and around the county. Such a massive build-up of military force wasn't something that the Principality did to show off. It was the opinion of Prince William that the world was a dangerous and sometimes treacherous place.

If he didn't remain completely vigilant of everything around him, other nations, out only for themselves, would take advantage of the country, ruining everything that he worked to build.

But as Prince William flipped through the rolodex looking for the phone number, he wondered if perhaps he was being too paranoid. Oh, there was nothing wrong with being paranoid, especially in this world, but perhaps he had come to see all nations as amoral and potential enemies. This wasn't right. The Principality needed allies. People it could trust.

The Prince stopped flipping. With a smile, he pulled out the number for the Northfordian leadership.

When Prince William had learned about Northford's intention to come in and expand Discordia, he had at first been terribly worried. Worried that their presence would damage Wilhelmsborough's sovereignty. Or perhaps attempt to upserp it completely.

But then the Prince got to thinking that maybe they didn't have ulterior motives. Maybe they honestly want to expand the platform to enhance Discordia's place in the world.

The Prince started dialing the number. If they were truly altruistic, they could prove a worthy ally. They might even become trading partners, exchanging embassies, or even having military bases on each others soil. They could fight side by side in a time of war, and prove to be a deadly foe to even the more powerful countries.

The phone started to ring. Or, they could be imperialists looking to build up an empire, and are looking to the Principality as a starting block. The Prince grinned. If that was the case, then the Northfordians could look forward to a bloody, exhausting and costly battle. If only they knew how many citizens where gun owners...

But, with luck and a little bit of diplomacy, they would never need to know such information.

The phone stopped ringing. Somebody on the other side had picked up.

"Hello? This is Prince William Kennedy of the Principality of Wilhelmsborough. Have I reached the offices of the Northfordian leadership?"

------------------

What will happen next? http://www.imagepup.com/up/L0kY_1171755847_emot-iiam.gif (http://www.imagepup.com)

*bump of no return*

I've fucked up my back mate, picking something up.... I'll probably reply some time tomorrow morning, GMT

I've fucked up my back mate, picking something up.... I'll probably reply some time tomorrow morning, GMT

Ouch! I'm sorry to hear that! I hope you get well soon!

Wilhelmsborough: Any word on my offer?

From: Gen. Adam Wincenty, Office of the Arch Arsonist
To: President Gloria Ivanhoe
Re: Expansion of Discordia

Salutations! My advisors have recently pointed out your peculiar nation to me, and I have taken a bit of interest in your proposed expansion. As an avid pilot myself, I would like to point out the folly of having a single runway. Crosswinds would make such a runway highly dangerous, and a large plane crash could cause untold damage to your nation's structure. Two long runways would make it feasible for cargo to be landed by air, and allow for more versatility in landing.

Several years ago, our nation switched to a near-fully automated airforce. This move was closely followed by national airlines. It is currently estimated that 75% of our nation's airtraffic is AI-controlled. As you can probably guess, this was a very expensive program costing in the low trillions to rehaul aircraft and necessary infrastructure, and even more to write the genetic systems and neural networks to make it work. That aside, we would be willing to build and lease a semi-automated air traffic control tower to your fine nation at a token price of 1 Denarius, and will train all applicable personel in using the highly user-friendly interface. Our demands are easily negotiable once you are willing to come to the table. I eagerly await your reply.

-General of the Home Guard Adam Wincenty
Arch Arsonist of Mer des Ennuis
"Fear Ensures Loyalty!"


From: President Gloria Ivanhoe, Free Republic of Discordia
To: General Adam Wincenty, Mer des Ennuis

We appreciate your offer to assist in the improvement of our nation, but unfortunately, we must decline. One of the major tenants of the Free Thinker's Party is the continued dominence of the human mind over that of a machine. While we have no problem with using laptops and computers, we draw the line at artificial intelligence. We do not like the idea of using an intelligent computer to do the jobs of man. I'm sorry but the movement of air traffic will be kept in the hands of human air traffic controllers.

However, I will say this. After expansion of Discordia has been completed, we will have an embassy reserved for your nation. Count on it!

Sincerely,

Gloria Ivanhoe, President
Free Republic of Discordia
Black Sea

*bump

*bump

Come on man, where are you?

OOC: As my sig said, I was somewhat afk. Anyway, mocks are over, so between now and easter, I should be a tad more active. Let's get the ball rolling again, huh?

Anyway.

"Hello? This is Prince William Kennedy of the Principality of Wilhelmsborough. Have I reached the offices of the Northfordian leadership?"


"This is the Office of Prime Minister Brookes. Putting you through now."

"This is Mr Brookes."

In the Open Ocean, 21 days from Discordia

"This is Rouge-Cat Aye, all quiet up here"

80 000 Feet Below

"Admiral Tricker's life couldn't be more exciting" He mused about himself "Mighty Mighty Tricker, sitting here on Northfords first major oversea's mission since re-establishment. What a Glorious life he leads. Leading Northford to the future, Prosperity! Oh the Mighty Tricker!"

.....or not

Fact was, Admiral Trickers life at the present moment couldn't be more dull. Shoveling shit out of a partly built municiple works would beat this. Sitting in open ocean, moving at 15 Knots, there was a lot of distance to cover between where he was and where he wanted to be. What he would give to be placed on one of the new Questarian Destroyers, fast, sleek, a Cheetah amongst Escort Ships. Unfortunately, perhaps, the ship was still in the design stage, and what he had seen was only a 1:16 model of the ship in a wind tunnel when he was on an official visit to the Questarian Naval Research Labs a few months ago.

Either way, things were looking up. He had recieved word via a preliminary satalite scan that the Discordian Sea bed was actually in good shape. It was only a short scan, looking for fault lines, major ridges and the such, however as things seemed, everything was right on schedule.

"Good day to you, Prime Minister!" Prince William greeted. "I am Prince William Kennedy of Wilhelmsborough. I'm happy to make your acquaintance, Mr. Brookes."

The Prince paused before continuing. "I've been told that you are sending a construction crew into the Black Sea to expand the Free Republic of Discordia."

-----------
Location: Bosporus Strait

Fleet Admiral Ernest Halsey gave a sigh. Just two days ago he had been given the news: A military fleet from the Questarian Commonwealth of Northford had been given passage into the Black Sea. The reason? To expand that anomalous political entity known as the Free Republic of Discordia.

The Fleet Admiral shook his head in annoyance. He didn't like the Free Republic at all.

A week after the country had come into existence, the platform had nearly been toppled into the water by a submarine of unknown origin. Due to this event, the recently promoted Fleet Admiral was assigned the task of guarding the Bosphorus Strait, and preventing anything that would threaten the Free Republic, and more importantly the Principality, from entering the Black Sea.

And so, the ships of the 1st Fleet moved up and down the narrow strait every day like clockwork. Sonar scans took place every hour of the day. By now, Halsey knew the sea-bed of this waterway like the back of his hand. He knew every rock, every crevice, every sunken ship. If the Fleet Admiral could say anything with confidence, it was that the Bosphorus, and now the Dardanelles and the Sea of Marmara, were well-covered.

And now, with the Northfordian fleet moving in to set up shop for the next few years, the Fleet Admiral was beginning to worry that the many years of defending these waters was all for nothing if Prince William would so easily bend over for President Ivanhoe.

But if the Northfordians really did pose a threat, they would find themselves trapped with nowhere to go. The ships and crews of the 1st Fleet would make sure of that. Halsey grinned. He felt better now.

And if there was no threat, then at the very least, the 1st Fleet would see the most action since the time that the Hatarian Empire attempted to conquer West Corinthia.

Halsey grinned harder as he remembered that event. The Prince had been tipped off about an approaching Hatarian fleet, so he had the 1st Fleet put on high alert, and bolstered its defenses with the two thousand ships of Armada One.

Seeing that they didn't have a chance in hell, the Hatarians sailed away without a shot fired.

But that wasn't the end of them! Soon afterwards, they tried again, this time in an air attack from the southeast. Thousands of fighters and thousands of bombers had been deployed to force West Corinthia into submission.

But the Principality was ready for them. From out of the sky came a squadron of EB-180 Stargazers. They took up position behind and overhead the Hatarian jets and proceded to blast them out of the air at their leisure. One hundred and twenty three Hatarian bombers were destroyed before the Hatarian military command inexplicably pulled the vast remainder of their strike force.

Fleet Admiral Halsey chuckled at the memory, and how the Hatarians had quickly gotten the hell out of the Black Sea Theater. It was such an incredible folly. The Principality had managed to down 123 bombers, killing their crews in the process. Wilhelmsborough on the other hand had lost absolutely nothing! How many nations could engage the Hatarians and say that nothing was sacrificed in the path to victory?

"Admiral Halsey, the Captain of the Stalingrad is on the line for you," said the radio operator.

The Fleet Admiral snapped out of his thoughts. "Patch him through."

Fleet Admiral Ernest Halsey still had his job of monitoring everything from the Dardanelles to the Bosphorus. But reminiscing about old times had put him in a better mood. Perhaps things wouldn't be so bad after all.

"Stalingrad, this is Iron Maiden CIC. Are the new diving schedules completed?"

*Bump

Sorry about forgetting this thread. Been pretty busy lately.

Just so you know, I've not let this die. I'm going to ICly do something big in this thread, but am waiting for something else, ICly to happen, in another thread, which is taking time

*Obligatory bump

Hey... I'm back in two weeks from exams. I'll try and get everything here going again, rapped up in a couple of bumper post.

Northford

"Ugh" mused the Prime Minister. He hated shit like this; the polite conversations on the phone, the friendly re-assurances, and the promises of this and that, that would no doubt need to materialise.

Hitting the Microphone, he started talking "Good Day to you. And yes, likewise I am pleased to make your aquaintance. And yes, we are sending Construction Teams to the Black Sea."

Thinking for a moment, mulling over his thoughts while he swilled the glass of scotch in his hand, he decided he might as well be honest.

"No Doubt you're thinking we're going to make a Land-Grab, Prince Kennedy, and this is going to be that friendly call to warn us off, while inviting us to be trade partners?"

Without waiting for a reply he continued...

"As I'm sure you're guessing by the fact I have a direct line to my office for foreign affairs, I don't like to, shall we say, beat around the bush. I have a high speed Aircraft that can have me in your land in 36 hours. If you're interested in having a proper discussion?"

===

"Some things in life are interesting, some things are hard, some things are dull, and some things are just a plain old pain in the fucking arse"-Went the old Northfordian Saying.

At this point in life, Admiral Tricker was facing one of the aforementioned Pain-in-the-fucking-arse. He was 16 days away from Discordia, and faced with having to withdraw 80% of the escort. "Why-o-Why-o-Why does Questers have issue an 'urgent request' just as we get so close?" he asked himself.

Several hours earlier, he had got word of the Questarian Call to arms… the Northfordian mobilisation was not yet announced (OOC: and this is, infact, about 2 IC weeks before that happens), but regardless things were being pulled back, left, right, and bloody centre….

[OOC: Didn’t want to go too far with this, until you’ve had a chance to respond to the Prime Minister, *gets the ball rolling again*]