NationStates Jolt Archive

HIFEX NEWS AGENCY: (19:51 SCT)
[ELDAIMOVEY ADVANCED RESEARCH LABORATORIES (EARL), SCHULTARIA PRIME]


-Available for international release...

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Schultarian State to Fund New Series of Breeder Reactors
-National Government, Central Scientific Collective, State Reactors are for Peaceful Aims

In a statement released by the Central Scientific Collective (CSC), the United Socialist States of Schultaria Prime have recently approved an expenditure of 75 billion Schultarian merlons ($ 135 billion) to expand the Eldaimovey Advanced Research Laboratories' nuclear science division. Although such funding increases have been a regular part of EARL's national mandate to be “The preeminent research facility for the Schultarian state...”, the issuance of federal monies under the aegis of nuclear research has not been without controversy in national and international circles.

Within the terms of the funding bill passed by the National Assembly, the research laboratories' six Haarvekord Mk. VII Nuclear reactors would be augmented with at least four sodium cooled, 400 megawatt, fast breeder reactors within the space of three years. Many environmental activist organizations, research groups, and international policy think tanks have held open debates with members of the National Assembly and the CSC to discuss their grievances with the recent increase in funding tied to the development of breeder reactors.

While most have accepted the federal government's willingness to allow the passage of this legislation to rest in an “open and transparent” state of debate with the public at large, many opposition groups have expressed wariness about the state's expressed aims to expedite funding for the reactors. “What we are most worried about is the use of these devices for explicit military aims,” replied Harold Frennen of the Friends for Eldaimovey Foundation, a nonprofit public advocacy group. “We appreciate allowing more funding for the purpose of peaceful research, but reactors of the types advocated by the National Assembly appear to be better suited for the development of weapons-grade material than for direct civilian benefit.”

“You'd get the feeling that once this funding bill is passed that Schultaria Prime would suddenly explode in a mushroom cloud,” noted Assemblywoman Janawar Mehit, the author and leading proponent of the Eldaimovey Nuclear Research Funding Act, “such statements ignore the fact that we have never been an 'arsenal state'. For us to suddenly take the crown jewel of our nation's heritage and use it for explicit military purposes is an anathema to what it means to be Schultarian.”

Neither the Central Directorate nor the Schultarian Defense Forces could be reached for direct comment on the issue.

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-For over 115 years, your source on all news Schultarian. HIFEX

-Eldaimovey Advanced Research Laboratories: Nuclear Science Division, Schultaria Prime


“Damned if you do, damned if you don't... what in the hell have I gotten myself into now?”

Amidst the sprawling, muddy, plots of rutted land and heavy construction equipment, Douglass Kronsen trudged about the massive open pits of rebar and concrete that were to become the foundations of Schultaria Prime's newest nuclear venture. As the construction crews, safely tucked away in sealed glass cabins, worked with calculated, magnificent, haphazardness to the untrained eye, their noise and mess both excited and alarmed the aging scientist. Laid before him were all the hallmarks of Schultaria Prime's cultural success: civil engineering, industrial productivity, and religious devotion to pure science converged on this battered, yet oddly sanctified, ground. In less than six decades, a stretch of plains four hundred kilometers square had grown from remote farmland to a world class research institution for the Primex region, if not a larger portion of the world.

If science was the church of the Schultarian nation, than Kronsen was one of its leading clergy. A well established nuclear physicist with the University of Schultaria Prime System, Douglass' reputation was cemented as a leading pioneer of fission and fusion power research. Over the last three decades virtually no project dealing with the subject of nuclear power was ever conducted without his awareness or approval, and the imprints of his exacting and meticulous nature are on every blueprint and every isotope employed. Combined with the talents of the equally gifted quantum physicist Katherine Ormich, their exploits would go on to incredible heights; not only did they design and construct the first fission reactor built with purely Schultarian materials and engineering techniques, but their research also created the first commercially viable Bubble Fusion reactor. Although the latter was still but a prototype to the now sixty-five year old academic, the discovery was more than enough for he and Ormich to become co-Chairs of the Central Scientific Collective without much argument.

Although he would have rather preferred to oversee the construction at Eldaimovey as a scientist, such was not the case. The funding provisions from the National Assembly forbade him or anyone else from the Collective to personally intervene on the project without oversight by the federal government, an intolerable nuisance to his aggressive, hands-on, approach to “his” nuclear craftsmanship. It was made all the more unbearable due to the secrets he was legally bound to keep...

The four reactors, at least the ones on the surface, were a sham; a well-written ruse to keep all but the most inquisitively curious at ease. Drawing from decades of back room bargaining and shadow projects, the federal government were devious, but not stupid. They, as well as the CSC, knew the risks involved with the project they were undertaking and were willing to keep it under wraps as long as possible.

Only Kronsen and a small collection of others truly knew the full extent of the government's machinations. The four breeder reactors would work as intended, be online within their stated time frame, and actually be used for their publicly stated purposes much to the chagrin of their protestors, but no one in their right mind with any knowledge about the nation's nuclear power infrastructure would really have believed that four reactors would cost nearly nineteen billion merlons each. Of course the government could plausibly deny the costs, citing the occasional cost overrun or lambasting various small-fry subsidiaries of Designwerks for their wasted funds, but it was well known in certain intelligence circles that half of the proposed budget had already been spent years ago.

Four reactors, similar to their cousins down to the very last detail, had been carefully constructed with the guidance of the Schultarian Defense Forces a week before the approval of the Nuclear Research Funding Act. It had been easy enough to hide the money within the national budget's four hundred thousand pages, almost as easy as burying the facilities under two thousand meters of earth and stone, but the government still had major obstacles to address. Although Schultaria Prime could easily design, construct, and operate the plants without outside assistance, there was not enough Uranium and Plutonium fuel in the Defense Forces' energy reserves to fuel one, let alone all four, of the breeder behemoths. Thus the reactors stood mute two kilometers under the ground, waiting.

What Schultaria needed were nations who could supply nuclear material without asking too many questions, or could easily be introduced to the project with the utmost discretion.

”We still need some leads for fuel,” thought Kronsen, giving a small sigh as he hoisted himself into his truck, ”Perhaps the government might have to make a few social calls.”

-Schultarian Intelligence Directorate - Foreign Division (SID-8): Schultaria Prime, Schultaria Prime


The meeting room, deep within the labyrinthine halls of the SID's national headquarters, didn't seem a space befitting the stature of its occupants. As the guests filed in, representing the best, brightest, and most politically connected elements of Schultarian society, they navigated around a river of boxes and office equipment which would have been put to better use in a museum collection. Although cluttered, and in spite of the attendees: including six Cabinet Secretaries, the three highest ranking members of the Defense Forces, the Chairwoman of the National Assembly, and one of the nation's three Directors, the room was the only place that Intelligence Directorate could afford to provide on such brief notice. The rest of the facilities, stretched to their physical limits, were choked with people working franticly to identify potential threats to the State.

"Ladies, gentlemen, I don't think we have to go into too much detail why we're here," mused Director Sarnow Haarvekord as the final attendees wrested places to sit from the mess of strewn equipment. "The Defense Forces reactor project is in serious straights; we don't have enough material to fuel the reactor, and likewise don't have any contacts in the international community to provide us with a ready supply. We need to resolve this issue, but how is the biggest question."

One of the Defense Forces Generals straightened in his chair, rolling up the sleeves of his pitch black sweater. "Perhaps we might consider reallocating some of the surplus from Designwerks back into the national reactor program. It looks like they aren't selling a lot of it, so that might be the easiest fix."

"Easy, yes, but that throws even more meat to the talking heads than we're giving them right now," retorted Chairwoman Jenna Karlow with datapad in hand, "the problem right now is that the reactors are still politically hot, and I have enough problems trying to keep the Assembly on board with the project. Removing anything from Designwerks would galvanize some serious political opposition, or at the very least prompt some members of the Assembly to try and establish investigative committees. We need to keep the thing as buried as possible, maybe under the guise of some new trade agreements or diplomatic normalization?"

"I agree," replied Haarvekord, "but who can we talk to? Our diplomacy isn't exactly very broad at the moment."

From here the conversation broke into small enclaves, each group of people bouncing ideas between others trying to find something, anything, that might be able to break the deadlock. Some mentioned trying to contact NATO for material assistance but the alliance's dormancy would make any fast or efficient conversations impractical. Others suggested working with nuclear suppliers groups on the international black market, but were shot down before any details could be fleshed out. Although the project would be secretive, most of the room agreed the best secret would be to keep the reactors as much in the open as possible. Making an event boring and mundane would be the best cover, especially for this project, became the general consensus.

Karl Xardas, the Schultarian Secretary of State, proposed using the powers of his office. "We could use our Foreign Ministries to feel out if anyone might be willing to sell us the material up front, and to see where we really stand in the international community. After all, we still really don't know who our friends are. Nations that we have had working diplomatic relationships, such as Sarzonia, Crimmond, Sharina, Azazia, Automagfreek, or Manhattan Prime, to name a few, might have changed their policies to us since our diplomatic isolation."

Haarvekord, leaning in his chair, chuckled bemusedly. "I guess you need to get out there and do your job Kaz."

A Message from the Schultarian Department of State:


"Fellow Nations:

Schultaria Prime is currently undergoing an expansion of its nuclear research facilities to incorporate advanced breeder reactor technology. These facilities, as products of the Schultarian Scientific Collective, are designed to help our nation promote peaceful nuclear research. Although the goals of this program are ambitious, we in the Schultarian State have always believed that such ambition is essential in today's world.

While the reactors have come a long way since the HIFEX reports on their construction, several problems have been encountered which the State Department has been authorized to report. The most concerning issue, according to reports from reliable sources within the government, involve a critical shortage of fuel supplies - notably Plutonium - to properly operate all four reactors upon their completion. Thus the State Department of Schultaria Prime, at the behest of the Central Scientific Collective and the rest of the National Government, would like to invite international nuclear suppliers to come to the United Socialist States of Schultaria Prime to negotiate both short and long term nuclear supply contracts.

If your nation, or one of your national corporations, are interested in trading with the USSSP, please contact the Schultarian Department of State with an outline of what goods and services you may be able to provide.

Thank you for your time, and we hope to hear from many interested parties in the near future."

Sincerely,


Karl Xardas PhD.
-Secretary of State: The United Socialist States of Schultaria Prime

-Office of The Central Director: Schultaria Prime, Schultaria Prime


"So let me recap what you said, for my own sake. We've just spent seventy-five billion Merlons and committed myself to the next three years under this god-forsaken media microscope, and we don't have fuel for ANY of the reactors? What in the hell are you doing to me Doug, trying to put me back in the hospital?"

"Elliot, I..."

"No! No retorts, no explanations, none of this runaround academia bullshit! I need you to get me some results and find some god damned Plutonium! I've got enough problems with food shortages and overcrowding to kill my reputation, and if this black project goes public because the Defense Forces don't get what they want I'll make sure to happily redistribute the blame."

Central Director Schultz's tirades, though mercifully brief, were more than enough to turn displeasure into coercion, and this was certainly no exception. In spite of his reputation as a strong-willed political force within the nation's scientific establishment, Kronsen still treated the head of state as if he were his Doctoral professor. Something about his demeanor... the way he held his emotions until things got to the right climatic precipice... was deviously political. This conversation could have happened years ago, he and Schultz both knew that, but timing is everything. "Fight or flee Dougie... fight or flee, which will it be?" thought Elliot, his fingers tapping on the majestic oaken desk in his office.

Doctor Kronsen could only shake his head in acknowledgement. Although he wished that he could provide something, anything, that resembled good news, that was a commodity in even shorter supply than the nation's non-existent Plutonium reserves. Shifting in his seat, and rubbing his teardrop chin vigorously, he muttered, "I don't know what I can do... Why don't you talk with Haarvekord? He seems so goddamn sure that the State Department can pull a rabbit out of its ass and get an unconditional fuel contract."

Elliot smiled, and let out a small sigh to break the room's tension. "At least you're thinking rationally, as well as politically. You'd do well to keep that frame of mind over the next few months." Readjusting in his high-backed black leather chair, he looked at the Doctor with a fatherly eye. "Doug, how much of the Defense Forces reactor project do you know?"

"To be honest sir, not quite much," Kronsen replied, folding his arms, "breeder reactors... and large ones at that. It's not to hard to see the weapons potential; any intern at the SID could make that assumption. But why, of all the elements, would they want Plutonium? It doesn't take that much to make it into a bomb already, and we have enough Uranium to facilitate at least some weapons-making capabilities while still feeding the civilian reactors."

Elliot nodded casually, pulling out a small green accordion folder. "Sure, Plutonium would be great for a conventional device, but we have something a little more... exotic shall we say? Take a look at this, you may find it interesting."

Looking at the folder's title, all Kronsen could do was gasp. "The Californium Solution? This... this is the holy grail of all nuclear weapons! A bomb the size of Hiroshima no larger or heavier than a rocket propelled grenade! How did you get this information?"

Cocking his head to face the massive windows overlooking the Capital, he replied in all earnestness. "The details of the weapon don't matter right now, the Plutonium does. Getting that will set everything else into motion."

CBC Business
Celarian Broadcasting Corporation

United Kingdom to Supply Schultaria with Nuclear Fuel
Victoria—New Century Energy has announced that it is seeking the approval of government regulators to sell uranium and plutonium fuel to a Schultarian reserach institute. The deal comes as the Schultarian government has invested billions of Schultarian merlons into expand the nuclear capacity of the institute's plants.

Regulators are likely to approve the sale given the close bilateral relationship between the two countries. Official approval for the sale is expected sometime in the middle of next week.

On news of the sale, shares in New Century have risen by 2.4% on the Barent Exchange.

HIFEX NEWS AGENCY (00:15 SCT)
[SCHULTARIA PRIME, SCHULTARIA PRIME]


-Available for international release...

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Azazian Corporation to Propose Nuclear Fuel Deal to Schultaria Prime
-Issue Said to be "On the Record" in the United Kingdom, but Awaiting Formal Government Approval.

A press conference issued by the State Department of the United Socialist States of Schultaria Prime has confirmed that a corporation from the United Kingdom of Azazia has currently proposed the sale of Uranium and Plutonium fuel to the Schultarian Scientific Collective. This announcement comes some two days after news reports from the Celerian Broadcast Corporation announced the United Kingdom's desire to review the fuel sale in accordance with Azazian regulatory practices.

"The Azazian company, known as New Century Energy, has officially tendered an offer to supply the USSSP with key nuclear fuel supplies," noted Secretary Karl Xardas. "These materials, according to an official proclamation from the Schultarian Scientific Collective, will be predominantly used to supply the necessary energy requirements demanded by the Eldaimovey breeder reactor project."

One source from the Central Scientific Collective, who declined to be named for this report, replied that "Azazia's willingness to provide [the USSSP] with fuel for [the] breeder reactors should be rewarded with... more than just a simple monetary payment." In response, sources from the Office of the Central Directorate, National Assembly, and Central Scientific Collective were contacted by Hifex news reporters concerning payment options for the nuclear fuel deal, but would not give any specific information beyond the State Department's official press release.

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-For over 115 years, your source on all news Schultarian. HIFEX

-Schultarian State Department: Schultaria Prime, Schultaria Prime


Karl Xardas was exhausted.

During the last ninety-six hours, the chief diplomat of Schultaria Prime had ventured little beyond the confines of his office, save to eat or bathe. In four days, four measly little days, the Schultarian state had transformed from self-imposed diplomatic isolationism to swaggering international participant. In four days Schultaria's consular services, once on the budget chopping block due to hideously poor performance, received credentials of two new nations. In four days, TAPRES had been pulled out from its long hibernation to a warm international reception; receiving funding and support not seen in nearly three years.

All of this activity at the expense of the secretary's normally dull routine. To keep up with the veritable flood of international intrigue, the Secretary of State had promised to match pace to put "the best face possible" on Schultaria Prime. After four days, his enthusiasm began to meet its match with his appaling lack of sleep.

Neck? Sore... barely keeping his head upright.

Arms and Hands? Strained and weak from drafting endless notes and memorandums.

Eyes? Barely working; the focus and life drained out of them from the soulless glow of his desktop screen.

Mind?

Sharp as ever. While the rest of his body cried out for rest, Karl pressed on - his normally tidy and polished desk awash in a sea of folders and notebooks. Despite the mess on the surface, the meticulous mind of Mr. Xardas did its best to keep everything straightened out. To the wizened diplomat, proper form and precedent was just as important as the proper wording. And attention to form for his last piece of business required his utmost attention.

The United Kindom of Azazia had been a close diplomatic partner with Schultaria for many years. Sharing participation in a variety of international alliances, and following the same beliefs in responsible government and the promise of science, the Central Directorate had come to view the Azazian government as something close to a sister state; a rare, although informal, honor. Many in the government saw the Azazian Kingdom as its first, best, and only hope to help reunite the biggest powers of NATO before the great schism into an unstoppable force for progress and political pluralism. At the height of collaboration, many in the National Assembly and Central Directorate seemed all but assured in the ability to seal the political breach between Primex and Atlantian Oceania once and for all.

Time, political pressure, and mother nature unfortunately intervened. When the nation's food supplies were irreparably harmed, the government turned inward. Diplomatic exchanges crawled to a halt, and Schultaria shrank rapidly from the public spotlight. Now, however, the Schultarian State had renewed vigor, and a plan. It would not just seal the schism diplomatically, it would force the hands of those who caused it in the first place... by confronting the very governments who would tear the world asunder for their own egos but lack the courage presence of mind to create a world in a better, bolder, mold.

A ticket to Schultarian inspired bliss and harmony for a few metric tons of Uranium and Plutonium? A veritable steal in the eyes of the Directorate, but all the pieces had yet to fit. Azazia's political situation, once something the State Department could take for granted as a modicum of stability, had been fundamentally overturned. With the death of King George and Lord Salisbury in Oceanian Sarnia, any diplomatic project had to be taken delicately.

Lifting his hand, weighted by days of sleepless work, he pressed the intercom beside his monitor. "Harold, get me everything you have on the current status of the Azazian government, including updated news on the assassination. I have a feeling that Central Director Schultz and I will be making some house calls very soon."

Thumbing through the Pacitalian news updates, Karl sank in for yet another long sleepless night. "Colonies," Karl muttered in his head, "worthless investments."