The crumbling of a foundation. [Open RP] [Archive] - Page 2

Scolopendra

21-11-2003, 23:38

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/compyart/tmbpresident-general-11cloc.jpg
Aboard the supercarrier Olympus Mons

Rico frowns. "Lisa, you take care of our new guests. I'll keep organizing the friendlies."

No problem, Johnnie, Sky Marshal Hayes' voice pipes through the speakers in the command room, I've got experience with this sort of thing.

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/compyart/tmbsupreme-emperor-11clock.jpg
Aboard the battleship Scolomorph

This is Admiral Antoine Nikto of Iraqstani Fleet Alpha. We are here to ensure orbital security of non-designated zones. We are obtaining our pre-ordered orbits and will maintain distance from your operating zones. We request you do the same.

"Comms," Hayes begins, setting her jaw, "respond, same frequency."

"Acting, ma'am... and transmitting."

"Admiral Nikto, this is Sky Marshal Lisa Hayes of the First Triumvirate Expeditionary Fleet. We are on a peaceful mission of extraction and have no intent on violating your 'orbital security.'"

She slices her hand across her throat in a sharp movement. Waiting for the audible click of the comm officer's switch, she adds: "Attach the verification sig. Sensors, maintain a watch on that 'Fleet Alpha.'"

The yellow icons indicating the ships of Fleet Alpha begin blinking and displaying little points. "On that note, ma'am," the sensor officer sighs, "they're arming weapons. No active targeting scans as of yet, but they're going at least to combat ready."

"Event Condition Two, then. I want all batteries on full standby, safeties on. Maintain passive situational awareness and put targeting scanners on standby. Work out response firing solutions from passive scans and put the shields on full-standby."

"Acting, ma'am."

Across the ironclad-like ship, crew goes from general quarters to battle stations with grim efficiency. Banks of capacitors attached to every heavy naval particle cannon and shield generator power up, ready to send energy to their attendant systems at a moment's notice. Autocannon and railguns are connected to their ammunition feeds and safeties locked.

Throughout the rest of the Triumvirate fleet, the situation is repeated... just in case.

To the Cetagandan Third Fleet

Acknowledged. StratCom here has produced a secondary medical spacelift corridor, schedule and vectors hacked to this transmission. Looks like it uses your two-shuttle idea. You'll want to set your medical ships on stationkeeping at the relative-stationary coordinates provided to ease the load on airspace.

Back at Titan

"How long is this going to take?" Sky Marshal Blair taps one foot, green cape shifting in time with the unintended beat, watching the Lokis slowly take on supplies from Titan orbital facilities from aboard the supercarrier Smilodon.

"Do you know how many tens of thousands of metric tons of supplies we're loading up?" Sky Marshal Pandousco shrugs. "In fact, we're just staying back here in the capships. Our dropships are doing insystem ferry work, so there's no need for us to fill the skies any more than three other Teefs will."

Blair sighs. "A little action would be nice..."

"Not in this case." Gregor shakes his head firmly.

Back in Earth Theatre

Fourty-eight more ships slip out of gravitic, silently plying their way into a rendezvous orbit with the combined Triumvirate fleets. On the command deck aboard the battleship Vinegaroon a tall K'zin female stands in the middle of the room, slitted pupils in yellow irises focused intently on the strategic indicator board. Setting her jowls in a half-smile--My k'zin-ret is down on that planet now, studying hard...--she speaks without turning her gaze from the indicators. "Status?"

"First and Third Teefs are in position over Iraqstan, ma'am. The First's dropships are on standby, the Third's are fully engaged in extraction shuttling. There are twenty-two orange-neutral contacts, designated 'Fleet Alpha,' reportedly the Iraqstani space armada. The Cetagandan Third Fleet is in position, and the Sphere auxilliary forces are moving into position."

"Fleet Alpha. A threat?" Sky Marshal M'sha's gruff voice is unintentionally harsh, but her crew seems to have grown used to it.

"Not an active one yet, at least, ma'am. Weapons powered, targeting inactive. Fighters launched, on fleet patrol. The First Teef's at E-Con Two, and the Fourth's at A-Con One."

"Hrrrrrm." She doesn't even hesitate... she simply growls her displeasure. "Launch fleet defense fighters, put Grendels on point of formation. Deploy dropships to staging area. Put the fleet at Alert Condition One. Weapons, shields, on standby."

She snarls something quietly to herself in the Hero's Tongue. We are letting you live by our graces, murderers. Do not make us avenge the victims of your crimes. Not an official viewpoint, to be sure... but the K'zin remember the circumstances of their extraction from the Tibetan Highlands less than fondly. Such a history tends to make one less than sympathetic to those who cause such incidents.

imported_Cetaganda

22-11-2003, 00:09

Low Earth Orbit

Settling into their assigned orbit, the Cetagandan vessels make ready to launch their landing craft. Soon, a steady steam of ships are leaving the carriers and hospital ships, slipping into holding orbit until they are cleared to enter an approach lane. There are the small and versatile Light Attack Craft, roughly half the size of a Scolopendran Loki, with long transport pods slung under their wings; spherical assualt dropships, their marine, mech, and tank bays filled with acceleration couches; two sizes of tranports; and the sleek, bright green shapes of medical rescue flyers. Most a practically empty, with only their crews and a few marines to manage the loading and unloading process. The sole exception are the medical ships, which are full of doctors and medics waiting to begin setting up treatment centers on the ground.

Well behind this horde of small ships are four massive, heavy transports, each nearly a kilometer long. Each capable of easily handling a full legion of troops, like the dropships their bays are full of couches rather than military equipment. Each one is capable of handling nearly fifteen thousand refugees at once. Their ponderous bulks slowly drop planetward at their assigned times, heading for the ocean, the only place large enough for then to land.

A group of ships head away from a carrier and its escorts, including three LACs, two dropships, several transports, and a medical rescue flyer. The green shape in the center top is a hospital ship. (http://web.ics.purdue.edu/~chigbee/extract1.JPG)

Reploid Productions

22-11-2003, 02:31

Tengoku orbital station

The huge orbital facility hung empty- the eight massive docking arms unoccupied by ships, as all commercial traffic had been removed from the area in advance of the coming aid fleets. The massive atmospheric drydock on the bottom end of the station was locked down, and supplies were beginning to trickle in. Once the Dosei colony ships were loaded, they would be bringing massive amounts of supplies to the orbital station for distribution. And all that stuff would be stored inside the huge drydock, easily large enough to house a kilometer-and-a-half long Shogunate class capship.

Space Taxi launch facility

"What's the status so far?" Tiffany Celta paced in her temporary office.

"Right now, things are tense, but extraction operations are underway. We should be seeing the first arrivals within the next two hours. The Scolopendrans really have this stuff down to a science. Also, apparently there's been reports of an Iraqstani space fleet on battle-ready status, supposedly on patrol and guarding their orbital space." An aide notes with a bit of a sneer.

"Right... Send orders to our wet fleet off the coast to deploy as many active sonar bouys and ocean floor sensors as possible. If there's anything in the water off our coast- especially near the colony- I want our stuff set up so we'll KNOW it. Also, keep aerial assets on heavy patrol all along our coastline- Sneaky Bastards has our rear, but the coast, I want it safeguarded. Get our limited gravship fleet on patrol off the coast as well, and tell the Tengai fleet to go to battle alert level 3-C. We may not have the same transport capacity as our Trium buddies, but we sure as hell can watch their back for 'em." Tiffany orders.

"Yes'm." Orders are relayed, and the Secretary of Defense downs another cup of coffee.

"Good Goddess, this is insane... This 'colony' is going to be huge! You can't cram that many people into any small area! What /are/ the current estimates on the number of refugees?"

"Um..." The aide fidgets. "Current estimates put the count at closer to two-hundred-million, not one-hundred-million."

Tiffany nearly drops her coffe cup at that. "You have got to be shitting me."

"No ma'am." The aide finds his console very interesting. "The colony is expected to ultimately occupy more than five hundred square miles total."

"Shimeki save us all, this is just.... oyie." Tiffany shakes her head.

Iraqstan

22-11-2003, 04:40

http://www.angelfire.lycos.com/la3/lanay/inn.jpg
Imperial News Network
Hail the Führer, Long Live the Empire!

Rebels tried and sentanced. Execution later today.

"Good evening, this is a special broad cast of Imperial News. Bringing the truth to the pure! Since the ceasation of hostilities between the Amahira cultists and Iraqstan scenes of extreme carnage have been slowly cleared away. Buildings are being repaired and fires put out all over Sirithilia and Kardas.

In Um Lizaa how ever things are different. In a rare burst of mercy our beloved and enlightened Führer has granted exile with no chance of return or citizenship to over one hundred million people. Claiming that rather than slaughter them all and risk the obscene chance of taining and desecrating innocent men of the Holy Empire he granted the millions of dissidents a chance to redeem themselves as in another land.

With the holy Empire no long claiming these unenlightened vermin as their own they looked to their percieved savior. Queen Firefury Amahira who took it upon her self to organise and plan a mass extraction of these foul and unworthy infidels. In designated parts of Um Lizaa thousands of non-Iraqstani people are gathering up the subhuman filth and transporting them en masse to the Immortal Shogunate who is yet to speak out as to why they have taken to taint their lands with such foul beings.

Space over head is rumoured by military contacts to be boiling with outsider space vessels as well as reports of an Iraqstani owned fleet which comes to a surprise to all in the Holy Empire. But all were not saved from the slate of execution. Former People's Militia commander Grigoriya Monotiv will be burnt at the stake later today. Having used much more advanced means of execution in the past Führer Quil'raya in all his glory opted for a more violent and showing execution of the Holy Empire's worst traitor.

Live broadcasting of the execution will take place in seven hours from now with a speech by President Quil'raya and an announcement of the second stage of Iraqstani advancement. This has been a special broadcast by Imperial news network. Bringing the truth home for the pure! Heil the Führer! Long live the motherland!"

http://www.angelfire.lycos.com/la3/lanay/inn.jpg
Imperial News Network
Hail the Führer, Long Live the Empire!

-*-*-

As more and more exiles make their way slowly into the extraction zone Iraqstani troops can be seen more plainly along the bordering villiages. Tanks, soldiers and the occasional infantry drone patrol the areas tirelessly ensuring no body is hiding and all are leaving. Along the sides of the roads the patches that once started as small fires have now turned into controled infernos as more and more items are taken from refugees and burnt before their eyes.

Along the road side guards stand ensuring the crowds do not revolt or get violent their constant jeers of "Subhuman filth!" "Begone petty dogs" and "Useless vermin" banter the refugees constantly shattering what little hope and confidence some have. Strenghtened by their position the Iraqstani troops show lit tle remorse or care for the extraction forces ignoring them for the most or sneering in disgust when paying attention.

Watching the progress from a command vehical Commondant Slavicke smiles grimly. "Order a triple round up of refugees form the waiting zones. I grow tired of watching them leave." Orders are sent and refugees gathered and slowly the march to the extraction zone begins.

Scolopendra

22-11-2003, 08:28

In the Shogunate

Speaker-to-Animals folds his brawny arms, hard blue plates of his civilian militia engineer's armor clanking together, as he watches the first Lokis set down. "Hrrrmph. They're behind schedule." He taps a good-sized command radio control box taped to the left bicep of his fatigues, patching him into his 'porter' section. "You have fourty-five minutes to offload the civilians. Do it."

The tinny speakers in his helmet relay acknowledgement; the K'zin's bat-wing ears twitch slightly under the blue helmet. He taps another button on the box, arms still folded, segmented armored tail sweeping back and forth. "Lodgings section, report."

"We've got space for about ten thousand set up now, and we're well on schedule. We should have the tents up for the refugees from each dropship before it arrives... especially now that additional CENG teams are showing up."

Speaker nods even though the major talking to him is two kilometers away. "Good, good. Hrrrrr." He unconsciously makes a sort of odd contented purring growl in the back of his threat. "Keep up the effort."

"Will do, sir."

A loud CLANG! resounds across the pads, followed by some rather fluent Arabic curses. Looking over his shoulder, Speaker sees a lieutenant dancing angrily around his squad standing around a fallen truss section designed to support landing beacons. Walking over, the K'zin hears the middle part of a tirade.

"...Jeebus H Hyskos you bloody gits, can't you just get the damned truss up without bloody breaking smeg-all..." At this point, the enlisted troops note the presence of the advancing K'zin and instinctively draw themselves into some semblance of attention--they are citizen-soldiers, after all--while the lieutenant continues blissfully unaware until Speaker taps him on the shoulder.

The lieutenant spins on his heel--"What?!"--and finds himself looking straight into Speaker's blue-armored breastplate no more than ten centimeters from the tip of his nose. Looking up slowly, Speaker smiles wryly as he sees his reflection in the visor over the lieutenant's eyes. "...er... can I do for you... sir."

"Do you need help?" Speaker looks over to the truss. "It looks intact enough. You simply need more muscle." Gently moving the junior officer aside, Speaker grabs one end of the truss and braces... then looks back at the enlisteds with a meaningful look. Message recieved, they take their places.

"Pull!" The K'zin lifts up the heaviest section of the truss with a clenched jaw, everyone else supporting their own section.

* - * - *

To the Shogunate Local Authorities

The first refugees have landed. We have shelter and food for them, but supplies are low. If possible, allow all nonessential ground transports to be turned to food transportation. Air transport in overland air lanes would also be helpful in staging food and medical supplies to the Air Force Base and the Space Taxi. According to Sky Marshal Rico, the dropships of the Fifth and Third Expeditionary Forces should be shuttling food shortly. They are coming in intervals of two hours due to the distance; we request permission to use the Air Force Base as a landing zone for these.

I estimate that we will need one million tons of food a day to support two million people. This should lower to three hundred thousand tons per day once we get emergency waste reclaimation centers established. Our current facilities are full up for projected spacelift and so any such shuttling may need to be distributed over Shogunate airfields outside the relief zone.

I know that the CDC is calling in its Centipede-class bulk haulers to carry more food and the Triumvirate forces will be using their smaller utility shuttles to ferry from those haulers to the surface. We are setting up a 'slow drop' strip now. They will swoop down, decelerate to a slow hover, and drop off pallets of supplies without actually landing. They are working on a schedule currently.

Thank you for letting us help.

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/scolopendra/speaker-armor.gifMajor General Speaker-to-Animals
CO, Um Lizaa Relief Campaign
CO, Civil Engineering Directorate
Scolopendran Civilian Defense Corps

Reploid Productions

22-11-2003, 08:51

<RPIN News Byte>

"This is Tara Rydrick of Reploid Productions International News, reporting live from the Space Taxi launch facility, which has exploded in a flurry of activity since the commencement of the so-called Operation: Stairway to Heaven.

Following a violent and short-lived revolt in Iraqstan led by a cultist organization worshipping Firefury-sama, a cease-fire was negotiated by Queen Firefury, NDA leaders, and Carlos Quil'raya. The exact terms of this agreement are unknown, but instead of execution, the Um Lizaans have been sentenced instead to exile, along with anyone who wishes to depart Iraqstan with them. In addition, Firefury has offered to take the refugees, and provide literally tens of millions of oppressed and desperate people freedom for the first time in their lives.

Never before in history has a humanitarian mission of this scale been attempted- The Triumvirate of Yut has pledged massive amounts of equipment and manpower to this operation, as all five of the Titan Expeditionary Fleets are involved in this extraction operation. Cetaganda has pledged their assistance, and our neighbors in Sneaky Bastards have loaned the Shogunate use of their two massive colony vessels. Supplies are being flown in not only to here, but to Jishin Air Force Base and Tengoku station as well by dozens of nations.

We will have more information as it becomes available. Thank you for choosing RPIN for your daily dose of the news that counts!"

<This has been an RPIN News Byte>

To Major General Speaker-to-Animals

Roger that- we've got the first several shipments of supplies waiting at both Jishin and the Space Taxi, and the first several cargo planes should be departing momentarily to bring supplies to the drop zone. Ground crews are already on their way overland with emergency rations

Permission granted to use both the Jishin and Ytorla airbases, as well as the Space Taxi complex for landings zones- we're already preparing Ytorla to serve as an additional staging area, and the Space Taxi has twenty large landing pads, as well as lots of flat fields that can be used in a pinch. We're also scrambling even more of our engineering corps, including a considerable number of Ryuujin model reploid dragons- they're quite good for heavy lifting at their size- I'm certain you've already met Hizeme.

If the extraction zone needs to be enlarged, do not hesitate to let us know so we can get crews to start setting up additional landing facilities. Our latest estimates peg the refugee count to total near 200 million people, up from our original estimate of 100 million.

I would say that if it wasn't common knowledge prior, it's now blatantly clear that Queen Firefury is totally and completely out of her mind. Ah well, at least her heart's in the right place. May the Goddess smile on this effort- we need all the luck we can get!

~Tiffany Celta
~Secretary of Defense
~Immortal Shogunate of Reploid Productions

Scolopendra

22-11-2003, 09:35

To Secretary Celta

Har hrrr hrrr hrrr. Of course she is insane. She is not the only one... I am here in plate armor building airfields.

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/scolopendra/speaker-armor.gifMajor General Speaker-to-Animals
CO, Um Lizaa Relief Campaign
CO, Civil Engineering Directorate
Scolopendran Civilian Defense Corps

* - * - *

Aboard Olympus Mons
[code:1:11009eb977]OPERATION STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN TIMETABLE

SPACELIFT

*REFUGEE EXTRACTION
05 MIN LANDING COOLDOWN
50 MIN EMBARKING
90 MIN TRANSIT
05 MIN LANDING COOLDOWN
50 MIN DISEMBARKING
90 MIN TRANSIT
290 MIN CYCLE
TARGET IS 1 LANDING PER MINUTE (EXTRACTION LANDING PADS)
PADS MUST SUPPORT 50 DROPSHIPS SIMULTANEOUSLY

2000 PER LOKI
8000 PER SLEIPNIR (EMBARKING TIME SAME, FOUR PODS)
206 LOKIS CONSTANT OP (412K PASSENGERS)
69 SLEIPNIRS CONSTANT OP (552K PASSENGERS)
964K REFUGEES PER CYCLE

*TITAN-EARTH TRANSIT

10 MIN TERMINAL TRANSIT/DOCKING
120 MIN LOADING
10 MIN TERMINAL TRANSIT
360 MIN CORRIDOR TRANSIT
10 MIN TERMINAL TRANSIT
05 MIN LANDING COOLDOWN
60 MIN OFFLOADING
10 MIN TERMINAL TRANSIT
360 MIN CORRIDOR TRANSIT
945 MIN CYCLE
TARGET IS 1 LANDING EVERY 30 MIN (FRIENDLY AIRFIELDS)
LANDING AREA MUST SUPPORT 4 DROPSHIPS SIMULTANEOUSLY

10KT CARGO PER LOKI
40KT CARGO PER SLEIPNIR
412 LOKIS CONSTANT OP (4120KT CARGO)
138 SLEIPNIRS CONSTANT OP (5520KT CARGO)
9640KT CARGO PER CYCLE[/code:1:11009eb977]
"Holy crap, that's impressive. Almost ten million tons in fifteen hours?"

"We don't need that much. Tweak it to a million a day, as needed. Cut the constant op dropships in half... just use the Three-Teef's, and put the Five-Teef's in reserve for now. Have them switch off, just like the others. Lessee... that'll be about four-thousand-three-twenty kilotons in fifteen hours... spread that out so it happens in ninety hours. We'll still be operating ahead of what the effort needs, but we won't be burying them either. Scale off as the CDC's Centipede fleets come on-line, and put those dropships back into reserves."

"And, of course, do maintenance like nothing else in the thirteen hours a day that the birds aren't flying on the people-extraction runs."

"Exactly."

[code:1:11009eb977]ESTIMATED TIME OF PERSONNEL EXTRACTION, SPACELIFT ONLY:

200M ESTIMATED EXTRACTEES / (964K REFUGEES / 290 MIN)
60166 MIN (REDUCING...)

42 DAYS[/code:1:11009eb977]

"Do we have fourty-two days?"

"Let's check. Either way, get on the horn to all our helpers and get turnaround times and requirements. I don't think we can pull this off on our own."

* - * - *

To Führer Carlos Quil'Raya of Iraqstan

Exactly when do you want us out of here by? Current estimates place the operation time at fourty-two days.

Sky Marshal Juan Rico
CO, 4TEF
TYWS-SCV Olympus Mons

Iraqstan

22-11-2003, 16:45

To Sky Marshal Rico

I know a mission such as this would be taxing on resources available. I will be relaxed in this and allow you to take as long as needed. Our only desire is to see these..... people gone from our lands. Do us this favor and we can all go back to living happily.

~Carlos.
Führer of Iraqstan.

OOC: When I can focus more, I'll try and do this execution.... Late night at a party.

Zero-One

22-11-2003, 19:39

<Communications to Secretary Celta>
{
<< Unfortunately, I cannot assist very well in the relief effort thanks to the fact that my transports are not equipped to carry organics in any semblance of safety. However, the Earth Theatre Fleet can assist in tactical airlift operations with shuttles and utility ships.

<< Also, a thought... you are probably lacking in the muscle needed to constantly load and offload transports. I can deploy however many thousands of Sec-2 bots to be used as 'pack mules' if you need them. They are subsentient and thus I and my people have no complaint with this.
}

http://www.womengamers.com/dw/sshock2_rev.jpg
S.H.O.D.A.N. v3.0 : MCP, Q01
Cetagandan Duchess of Marilac

Reploid Productions

22-11-2003, 19:50

To S.H.O.D.A.N. of Zero-One

Any help is much appreciated- I think the Scolopendrans have the extraction operation well under control, but a little extra help with the supply loading and offloading would be much appreciated- we've got our guys working 'round the clock as it is!

~Tiffany Celta
~Secretary of Defense
~Immortal Shogunate of Reploid Productions

((OOC: And with that, I'm out of town for this next week =) Catch y'all later!))

Sneaky Bastards

22-11-2003, 23:18

5 kilometers off shore of the costal extraction point...

Green Noa 01 and Green Noa 02 slowly made their approach towards the shore. The two 5,800 meter long vessels descended into the waters below them very slowly, gently setting down in them.

Captain Rachel Andews looked out towards the shore from the bridge of the Green Noa 01. She glanced around the area and at the water around the ship.

"Is the area clear for us to move in?" She asked one of the officers monitoring the radar and sensor systems.

"Nothing within the area that we requested to for the ships, ma'am." the officer replied.

"Good. Move us in slowly. Once we reach the outer edge of the 2 kilometer zone, turn 90 degrees starboard and let us drift into position. Keep us 1 kilometer from shore." She ordered to the helm officers.

Green Noa 01 slowly turned until its port side faced the shore. It slowly drifted into the 2 kilometer zone that had been requested and came to a slow stop with thruster assitance once it was a kilometer off shore. Green Noa 02 performed the same procedure until it was right next to its sister ship.

Cargo bays along the port side of Green Noa 01 opened up and floating road platforms were pushed out into the waters. Engineers connected addition modules to the platforms, pushing them towards the shore with every new piece added., until they ship was connected to the shore. Six of these floating bridges were built along the port side of the ship.

Captain Andrews watched the crews work from a monitor on the bridge. She waited for the final floating bridge between the ship and shore to be finished before issuing the orders to open the ship to the civilian passengers that would soon be comming aboard.

"Notify everyone involved that we're ready to take on passengers now. Have crews ready on the bridges to direct traffic and make sure nobody gets to close to the edges. I don't want anybody going overboard and dying." the captain ordered to her communications officer.

"Aye, captain." the officer replied as he opened up a communications channel.

"Also, let them know we can only load one ship up at a time. Once Green Noa 01 is loaded up, we'll set off and Green Noa 02 will connect to the bridges once we're clear."

"Yes, ma'am." the officer replied as he added to his message.

"Hopefully this'll go smoothly and peacfully." said Captain Andrews as she resumed watching things proceed on the main monitor.

imported_Cetaganda

23-11-2003, 01:59

Several kilometers the coast of Iraqstan
Earth

<Initiating final approach.> Slowly, the first gigantic transport drops towards the shimmering blue ocean. Parts of the hull are glowing a dull red despite the relatively slow entry and defense screens. As it continues, its main drive cuts off and it begins a sort of glide on its stub wings, with only secondary gravitic engines to make adjustments. Unlike large craft of some other nations, Cetagandan capital ships are not designed to operate in atmosphere, and must rely on engines normally reserved for manuvering lest they wreck havoc on the ground below. It finally comes to a forward stop, then drops straight downward. With a roar of steam, the ships settles into the water. <Landing complete, initiating density adjustment.> Countergrav generators inside begin to change the ship's apparent mass, until its weight drops sufficiently that it displaces sufficient water to float with the desired part of the ship above the water. The ship is designed to float without power, of course, but it would be shortly be recieving a large number of aircraft on its upper surface, where hangars and airlocks are being opened and gangways extended. There is even a small runway, although most of the landing space is designed for VTOL designs. On the sides of the ship, robotics arms are quickly assembling large pontoon docks, attached to hardpoints next to airlocks. Soon, an large network of docks have been completed.

<"Attention Scolopendran traffic contol. This is the Cetagandan transport Avarre. We are ready to recieve refugees. Details on how many boats and aircraft we can handle are being sent now. ">

Transport at sea (http://web.ics.purdue.edu/~chigbee/transea1.JPG)

=======
Primary Extraction Landing Area
Iraqstan
Earth

On the landing pad, the medical flyers set down. Unlike the huge ships landing out in the water, these ships are optomized for rapid flight both in and out of the atmopshere. There hull paint is set to bright green and teal, and down the sides run rows of various symbols asscociated with medicine from around the world. A swarm of technicians leave the ships, and immeadiately begin setting up diagnostic and treatment equipment. Meanwhile, the captain from one of the ships seeks out someone in charge of routing extractees.

"We should be up and running in about an hour. We'll be treating most patients here on the ground, although in many cases we'll likely be doing just enough to hold them over until they reach the colony. Serious cases will be routed up to the hospital ship," the captain says to the Scolopendran officer. "One thing we'd like to do is have some small teams of medics futher out in the extraction zone to respond to extreame emergencies. They'll have some stasis pods with them and prep equipment. That way, people in danger of dying immediately can just be popped into a pod rather than having to bring them all the way here. We've got a few marine of our own along, so you don't need to worry about providing a guard. If that sounds ok, then just tell us were it would be best to put them."

Three Medical Rescue Ships Approaching The Extraction Zone (http://web.ics.purdue.edu/~chigbee/medi1.JPG)

======
{Military Tightbeam Transmission; m16 Security Protocols}
x Preternatual and Psioics Division, Cetagandan Third Fleet
o Sky Marshal Rico, 4TEF; Other Allied Involveds

Sky Marshal, we may have a way to help in offload, at least in the area of cargo. Specifically, we could bring in telekinetics who could move cargo around far faster than by convential means. I believe that psionics function within the Shogunate, so I think it would be worth bringing them in and at least trying. They'll come along when the jumpships with the next batch of heavy transports make the transit to earth.

Scolopendra

23-11-2003, 08:44

Extraction Zone Foxtrot
Coast of Um Lizaa

The M.I. wait, watching from the shore as the massive ships unfold their pontoon bridges. Once the 'clear to board' call comes from Captain Andrews, they begin to escort refugees aboard the Green Noa-class vessels.

(OOC: Please send onloading, offloading, and transit times. Must make schedules!)

Offshore of Um Lizaa

"Understood, Avarre. Standby for incoming Scarab utility shuttles carrying refugees, have your vessels follow the corridor plans hacked to this transmission."

Soon, lines of ugly coleopteran shuttles come from the mainland, each carrying fifty or more people in relative discomfort, and begin dropping them off as quickly as possible. As any landing space clears, another shows up to take the place of the one that just left.

Extraction Zone Alpha, Um Lizaa

The Mobile Infantry major nods, the dome-like helmet to her armor open so the gesture actually has meaning. "Right. Get those medic teams out there," she orders while referencing a small electronic map displayed in her helmet, "sectors B-2, C-7, and... D-1. Those are primary routes from the checkpoints to here, and so wounded should pass through there. On the bounce... and thanks for the help."

To the Preternatual and Psionics Division, Third Fleet

Hrm... if it's safe, do it. All the help we can get.

Sky Marshal Rico
CO, 4TEF
TYWS-SCV Olympus Mons

Dread Lady Nathicana

23-11-2003, 08:55

To: Major General Speaker-to-Animals
CO, Um Lizaa Relief Campaign
CO, Civil Engineering Directorate
Scolopendran Civilian Defense Corps

As per the request sent out by Queen Firefury, we have been preparing humanitarian efforts in the form of medical supplies and personnel, including couselors and those skilled in dealing with post traumatic stress disorders. Having some inkling of the things the Um Lizaans have gone through, and realizing the shock of such a move will push many to their limits, we thought it best to plan for such.

However - we wish to request permission to officially deploy our forces, who would, unless you prefer otherwise, be put under direct command of yourself and the allied forces already working towards making this extraction a success.

Please advise if such contributions are still needed, and still welcome. I plan to send along materials and crews to erect our own med centers, unless otherwise directed. In addition, should such contributions are welcome, if landing coordinates and schedules could be provided, we will do our best to work with you and keep out of your way in your extraction efforts.

This is a massive undertaking, and we commend you and all involved for doing what you have for these people. Again, I find myself proud to call you ally.

Do let me know if there is anything else we can do to assist.

--Nathicana D'Aquisto

Scolopendra

23-11-2003, 09:11

To Nathicana D'Aquisto:

Thank you, packmate. Such assistance is always appreciated. Once your people arrive, I will direct them where to build. Medical facilities are currently one of our weaknesses. Your contribution addresses that in abundance.

I have no complaint with taking command of your forces. History shows that a centralized command is vital in joint operations. I will do my best to ensure your pride is not misplaced.

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/scolopendra/speaker-armor.gifMajor General Speaker-to-Animals
CO, Um Lizaa Relief Campaign
CO, Civil Engineering Directorate
Scolopendran Civilian Defense Corps

Sneaky Bastards

23-11-2003, 23:05

Open Transmission
Encryption: RPRA Standard
To: Sky Marshal Rico, 4TEF
From: Captain Rachel Andrews, Green Noa 01
Re: Transit Times

Sky Marshal, after talking with some of the team leaders of the crews handling the boarding of the refugees, we estimate that it'll take roughly 2 1/2 to 3 hours to load the ship to its limit of 200,000 passengers, assuming nothing slows down the refugees. It should also take the same amount of time to offload them once we get to them over to their new home in the Shogunate. It'll take the ships a day to get there, and a day to return.

We'll notify you of any changes in these times should they arise.

-Captain Rachel Andrews
-Green Noa 01

( OOC: I'm assuming you wanted this info ICly, if not, I'll edit it to OOC. ^^; )

Scolopendra

24-11-2003, 01:35

Aboard Olympus Mons
[code:1:77be11f0db]OPERATION STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN TIMETABLE

SPACELIFT

*REFUGEE EXTRACTION
PREVIOUSLY CALCULATED
964K REFUGEES PER 290 MIN CYCLE

SEALIFT

*REFUGEE EXTRACTION
180 MIN EMBARKING
1440 MIN TRANSIT
180 MIN DISEMBARKING
1440 MIN TRANSIT
3240 MIN CYCLE
TARGET IS ONE LANDING EVERY CYCLE
COASTLINE MUST SUPPORT 2 AT A TIME

300000 PER GREEN NOA
2 GREEN NOAS CONSTANT OP
600K REFUGEES PER CYCLE

TIMETABLE ANALYSIS

200000K = (964K/290MIN)T + (600K/3240MIN)T
TIME (T) = 57099 MIN

39.5 DAYS[/code:1:77be11f0db]
"Well, we've shaved off a full two days."

"Bloody hell... maybe if we can get them to decrease cycle time, maybe move faster or onload and offload faster?"

"I dunno about onloading or offloading... they're moving one-and-a-quarter thousand a minute there. Maybe if they can go a little faster... they are ships, so they should be able to lift out of the water and maybe use ground effect to their advantage."

"Alright... I'll suggest that."

To Captain Rachel Andrews

Thanks for your help. Your contribution to this effort has just shaved two days off of the projected schedule. Now... about the twenty-four hour transit time... is this assuming that the ships stay in the water? It should be possible to lift them out of the water, kill most of the drag, and once you get your speed up have ground effect help. It's a good start, but my goal for you is to cut transit time to under eighteen hours. If you need anything to accomplish this, we'll provide it. Time is simply of the essence, because we're working off of the graces of a less-than-stable facist.

Thanks again for the assistance... but we're all going to have to get more efficient and fast.

Sky Marshal Juan Rico
CO, 4TEF
TYWS-SCV Olympus Mons

imported_Cetaganda

24-11-2003, 01:42

{Tightbeam Transmission RE: Transit Times; m16 Security Protocols]
x Cetagandan Third Fleet
o Sky Marshal Rico, 4TEF; Other Involveds

The heavy transports can effectively fill as fast as we can get people out to them. At the current speed, it will take roughly two hours. When our jumpships arrive, the tranports they're carrying will have some small boats aboard which will help speed up the process. This will hopefully drop time to one hour, as the boats will be able to pick people up from anywhere on the coast. Preflight procedures will be run as the tranports load, and should be able to lift about twenty minutes after the last shuttle and seacraft has left.

From there, transit time should be about the same as any other ship heading for the orbiting habitats. We'd say it will take at least two hours at the minimum to offload all 15,00 people from a transports, three hours would probably be more realistic unless we are able to land the entire ship in a pressurized bay (OOC: Ask RVS is this is possible). Another thirty minutes to preflight for the descent. From there, we're looking at another half hour to hour to be ready to start recieving passengers.

We'll probably be putting a tranport through a quick maintenence run every twenty flights or so, which will take twelve hours if everything goes smoothly. Some of the tranports that are coming in were rushed out of mothballs, so we want to make sure that they're running well. When the jumpships arrive, we'll be able schedule the downtime so that they're staggered so we don't have any gaps.

Summary
Loading: 2 hours (1 once jumpships arrive)
Preflight: .5 hours
Upbound Transit: - hours
Unloading: 2 - 3 hours
Preflight: .5 hours
Downward Trasit: - hours
Recieving Preparations: .5 - 1 hour
Maintanence every twenty flights: 12+ hours

(OOC: All the transports are landing as soon as they're given a window to do so. As I said, the actual transit times are whatever is normal, although a bit slower than the dropships. I'll tell you if any trouble developes with the transports. The jumpships will arrive soon, unless my dice decide not to cooperate. Said jumpships will carry severaly transports, the number of which will be determined by a dice roll.)

Sneaky Bastards

24-11-2003, 03:15

Open Transmission
Encryption: RPRA Standard
To: Sky Marshal Rico, 4TEF
From: Captain Rachel Andrews, Green Noa 01
Re: Transit Times

The twenty-four hour transit time is for the ships operating out of the water. Our speed is somewhat limited in the atmosphere due to the size and shape of the vessel, which isn't exactly aerodynamic. We can try and raise the output on the engines, as they haven't been toyed with since they've been put into operation. We won't know if the raised output will affect the transit time until we're in the air. We'll report back to you ASAP if we're successful.

-Rachel Andrews
-Captain, Green Noa 01

Scolopendra

24-11-2003, 04:05

Aboard Olympus Mons
[code:1:12dbe1c542]OPERATION STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN TIMETABLE

SPACELIFT

*REFUGEE EXTRACTION (4TEF)
PREVIOUSLY CALCULATED
964K REFUGEES PER 290 MIN CYCLE

*REFUGEE EXTRACTION (C3F)
120 MIN EMBARKING (INCLUDING 030 MIN PREFLIGHT)
180 MIN DISEMBARKING (INCLUDING 030 MIN PREFLIGHT)
060 MIN RECEIVING PREPARATIONS
040 MIN MAINTENANCE (AVERAGE)
400 MIN CYCLE

1500 PER SHIP
NUMBER AVAILABLE UNKNOWN

SEALIFT

*REFUGEE EXTRACTION
PREVIOUSLY CALCULATED
600K REFUGEES PER 3240 MIN CYCLE

TIMETABLE ANALYSIS

39.5 DAYS[/code:1:12dbe1c542]
To the Cetagandan Third Fleet

How many transports can we expect to see operating concurrently?

Sky Marshal Juan Rico
CO, 4TEF
TYWS-SCV Olympus Mons

To the TCPS Relief Habitats

Do you have pressurized bays aboard your habitats that the Cetagandans can offload refugees in?

Sky Marshal Juan Rico
CO, 4TEF
TYWS-SCV Olympus Mons

To Captain Rachel Andrews

Thank you, Captain. Good luck with it.

Sky Marshal Juan Rico
CO, 4TEF
TYWS-SCV Olympus Mons

imported_Cetaganda

24-11-2003, 05:35

{Tightbeam Transmission; m16 Security}
x Cetagandan Third Fleet
o Sky Marshal Rico, 4TEF; Allied Involveds

You can expect all but two or three to be running at any concurrently as long as we can keep them staggered. That's when we get more transports, of course, right now all four are running.

We expect a bottleneck to be at the habitats, they'll only have so many airlocks while we've got plenty of ocean groundside. We should time it so that the habitat's are fully occupied at all times while the rest of the tranports are either loading or in transit. I'm not sure exactly how many that is because we haven't gotten the exact number that have been mobilized at this point, and...just a moment, we're picking up an jump signature.
===

Cislunar Space
Sol System

With a twisting of space, several dozen blade-shaped spacecraft appear just inside the moon's orbit. Fighters are launched from a carrier and a quick search of the surrounding area is done with deepscan,finding nothing of interest. Minutes later, more ships appear. In their midst is a six-kilometer long, spindle shaped craft. From the middle of its length, eight great masts extend nearly the ship's length outward, supporting a vast array of shimmering golden sails. Attached docking arms along the ship are dozens of smaller vessels, including numerous heavy transports. The ships power up their gravitic drives, accelerating earthwards.

{ Tightbeam Transmission; m16 Security}
x MBC Stephen McKenna (Flagship, 1Gar)
o Sky Marshal Rico, 4TEF; Allied Involveds

Attention allied vessels, this is Admiral Brian Bahloy, commanding the First Garrison Cluster. We are on approach to earth orbit, escorting the military jumpship Celestial Dreams. We're bringing in twelve heavy transport craft and a load of telekinetics and equipment. ETA for low earth orbit, two hours. Please transmit traffic control information.

(OOC: So, sixteen transports, with thirteen acting concurrently and an three down. Territory, these ships are about 1km long. I've got no idea how many your ships can handle at once, so i leave that to you.)
Jumpship, front view, with Earth reflected in the sails. (http://web.ics.purdue.edu/~chigbee/jump2.JPG)
Jumpship, side view (http://web.ics.purdue.edu/~chigbee/jump1.JPG)
Jumpship and escorts (http://web.ics.purdue.edu/~chigbee/exjump1.JPG)

====
Cetagandan Medical Center
Extraction Zone Alpha
Iraqstan, Earth

From the holds of five of the medical ships emerge massive vehicles towing floating countergrav pallets loaded down with cargo containers. Any observers familiar with the Cetagandan military would recognize them as Mark III Bolo Main Battle Omnitanks, once the main heavy ground vehicle of the Cetagandan Surface Forces and Fleet Marines. However, there is a major difference. Most of their armament is replaced with the parabolic reflectors of heavy crowd stunners, and long manipulators arms are also attached. The purpose of these are quickly shown as the Bolos begin to assemble prefab structures with quick efficiency, using their arms and deploying their self-repair drones. As a structure is finished, medical equipment is offloaded and the tank moves on, while humans move in to finish the preparations. Soon, a dozen of the structures are assembled, and a large area in front of them is covered with open tent. Beneath this, more diagonstic equipment is set up.

The Bolos next roll over to five more ships, from which they extract pallets containing rows of portable stasis pods. Several medics ride along on the pallets, and a trio of Fleet Marines in powered armor walk alongside each tank. These teams set off for the areas where the Scolopendran officer indicated medics would be needed.

A Bolo MkIII tows a pallet of stasis pods (http://web.ics.purdue.edu/~chigbee/bolomed1.JPG)

=====
{YutLink Transmission; m16 Security}
x Preternatural and Psionics Division, Cetagandan Third Fleet
o Shogunate of Reploid Productions

We'd like to confim that psionics, magic, and/or thaumtech works well within the Shogunate. We're going to try to speed offloading times using telekinetics, and want to make sure we don't screw with anything in you nation.

Scolopendra

24-11-2003, 05:47

Aboard Olympus Mons
[code:1:0c500fbcc9]OPERATION STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN TIMETABLE

SPACELIFT

*REFUGEE EXTRACTION (4TEF)
PREVIOUSLY CALCULATED
964K REFUGEES PER 290 MIN CYCLE

*REFUGEE EXTRACTION (C3F)
120 MIN EMBARKING (INCLUDING 030 MIN PREFLIGHT)
180 MIN DISEMBARKING (INCLUDING 030 MIN PREFLIGHT)
060 MIN RECEIVING PREPARATIONS
040 MIN MAINTENANCE (AVERAGE)
400 MIN CYCLE

15000 PER TRANSPORT
2 TRANSPORT CONSTANT OP
30K REFUGEES PER CYCLE

SEALIFT

*REFUGEE EXTRACTION
PREVIOUSLY CALCULATED
600K REFUGEES PER 3240 MIN CYCLE

TIMETABLE ANALYSIS
200000K = (964K/290MIN)T + (600K/3240MIN)T (30K/400MIN)T
TIME (T) = 55799 MIN

39 DAYS[/code:1:0c500fbcc9]
"Another day bites the dust."

"Hmmm... hopefully the TCPS sealift will help even more."

To the Cetagandan Third Fleet

Thanks for your help... you have shaved another day off the projected date of completion. To ensure efficiency, perform preflight while onloading or offloading personnel.

Sky Marshal Juan Rico
CO, 4TEF
TYWS-SCV Olympus Mons

To Secretary Celta

Treznor aircraft will be approaching soon. Military transports escorted by fighters. They are friendly and will assist with tactical airlift and ground transport.

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/scolopendra/speaker-armor.gifMajor General Speaker-to-Animals
CO, Um Lizaa Relief Campaign
CO, Civil Engineering Directorate
Scolopendran Civilian Defense Corps

Iraqstan

24-11-2003, 07:16

{----Broad band transmission commencing----}

All over the area TV screens, and other image displays begin showing the Iraqstani flag and Imperial News Network logos.

http://www.angelfire.lycos.com/la3/lanay/inn.jpg
Imperial News Network
Hail the Führer, Long Live the Empire!

Breaking news. Cultist Heretic execution.

Rather than flicking to the Imperial News desk the camera switches to a scene near the central refugee extraction point. The camera focuses in on a large inverted wooden cross. Standing beside the wooden monument Carlos addresses the crowd his medals shining brightly his face set in stone of anger.

"- This man you know, he who betrayed us in this very land. Grigoriya Monotiv the People's Militia Commandant that defected to the cult of Firefury betrayed the most principle of Iraqstani values. Betray not your military brothers.

Having given himself to a barbaric and disgraceful resistance he suffers now the barbaric and violent actions of the old ways. Taking ideas from the inquistions of old Iraqstani officers of truth have visited Grigoriya extensively in his cell. They have through the fires of disgrace lashed from this traitor his motives and the reasons.

Fear not the cost of these brave men who sat with this subhuman filth. For they have transcended to true purity through their own selfless sacrifice. Now we must honour their sacrifice by taking the life of this vermin. Raise your arms in salute at his death for we salute the officers of truth.

I give you the damned. May the eternal goddess grant mercy after hell tortures him into oblivion." Turning Carlos along with hundreds of others turn to the inverted cross and raise their arms in the proper Iraqstani salute as a bruised and bloodied man is dragged forward and tied to the cross. His head resting periously close to the wooden fuel of the fire.

The camera pans the crowd as one after the other an arm is outstretched and the murmer of "To the officers of truth. Your sacrifice is honoured." Ripples through the crowd. Swinging up a road the camera focuses on a check point of non Iraqstani manufacture. Taking note of the soldiers there the camera zooms in for a moment before returning to the podium and the accused.

Stepping forward Carlos bends down and grabs the remaining ear of the accused and whispers harshly his voice a murmer that cant be made out. Standing up he accepts a large ornamently carved torch and throws it onto the mound of firewood below the man's head.

As the flames roar into existance the heat begins to slowly melts the skin from the face of Grigoriya Monotiv. His screams rise higher and higher as the burning flames etch further into his body leaping up along the cross to burn his feet and body blood boils and skin melts away as his is stripped of his clothing and identity as male. Minutes pass with the crowd still saluting the officers of truth watch the man die his cries of pain dribbling away to nothing as his body loses it's life. The smell of burning meat drifts throughout the area as the flames slowly die away. Hours after the beginning the flames turn to a smouldering flicker the remains of Grigoriya Monotiv are nothing more than ash mixed with ot her ash the inverted cross nothing more than a memory.

Stepping back to the podium Carlos nods and clears his throat. "And so the accused leaves this world for the fires and torment of hell. Where he will suffer the burning wrath of your devotion for eternity." Turning to face the refugees crying in sorrow he sneers. "Think of it this way wretched identityless scum. You all could have suffered this fate. Millions of bodies reduced to ash and memories. Leave and know justice has been handed to you. Live with the memory of this poor creatures death. Relive the stinking flesh burning from his body.

We condemn you into hell for your disgraces. We hope you never see the shining light of the Holy Empire again." with that he turns and leaves stepping into his car and disappearing into the distance. The camera focuses back on the gathered crowd who turn and throw insults and stones at the refugees before dispersing and talking happily about the execution.

With the last of the crowd gone the camera focuses on the burnt remains before switching back to the Iraqstani flag and then....nothing.

http://www.angelfire.lycos.com/la3/lanay/inn.jpg
Imperial News Network
Hail the Führer, Long Live the Empire!

{---Transmission Terminated--}

Sitting in the cool confines of his limo Carlos smiles and looks at the woman beside him. "You look shocked Yvonne. I told you that you did not have to come watch this. You could of stayed with him, a parent by his side is better than an empty house." He whispers holding her hand. Smiling she gives his hand a gentle squeeze and looks at him. "But you also needed my support Carlos. I know how much of a friend te commondant was and how much his betrayel hurt. I am fine."

Resting her head on his shoulder Yvonne looks distantly at the images of a child and smiles. "He will be as proud and strong as you are. Smarter than us both. Eventually we should have others train him. He will learn well." She whispers as they are driven to the airport and finnaly home....

OOC: Edit fixed some stuff ;) Thanks trez!

Scolopendra

24-11-2003, 13:39

Speaker-to-Animals grins a toothy grin.

Broadly.

Ears back, tail still and raised, his hands mindlessly ball into fists and relax, repeating, before he folds his arms with deliberate slowness while watching Quil'raya's little tirade on a screen set up in the command tent.

His troopers, having at least a working knowledge of K'zinti psychology, maintain a respectful distance. He mutters something in a very quiet, controlled voice, but too soft to be heard over the din of construction outside.

"Pardon, sir?"

"I SAID TURN IT OFF!" Speaker veritably roars, snapping for a moment, then blinks and closes his eyes as he gets his breathing under control, hissing through grit teeth. "We know now what kind of cughbi kshuyazch'rowl we are saving these people from. Return to your duties." Turning on his heels, Speaker storms out of the tent, muttering to himself in the harsh Hero's Tongue, fists still clenching and relaxing.

* - * - *

Sitting on the ridge between the landing site and the ever-expanding tent city, Speaker snarls quietly to himself, squatting back on his haunches. He turns his right hand, looking at it, watching the play of his muscles as he slowly extends and retracts his three-centimeter claws. The bastard is lucky that these hands will never be within a thousand kilometers of him. Even if it would be his honor to die at these claws, I would not mind granting it to his worthless carcass.

* - * - *

"Hey, big guy. How's it going?"

"Did you see the execution feed from Iraqstan?" Hero's Tongue, harsh.

"..." A pause on the other end as the silver-haired human grimaces, instantly understanding, before responding in the same. "Yes. It is hard."

"Watching is passive."

"Hard not to kill the one, Speaker. I know full well the sensation."

The K'zin chuckles once humorlessly, more of a scoff than anything else. "I now realize that. At least the one you wished dead may as well be."

Razak nods. "We have seen it, and declined to comment. We have also suggested to our friends that they decline comment, too."

"Razak... I need to kill something."

The human chuckles softly, looking away for a moment as if remembering. "Yes... I distinctly remember that as well." He looks back to the camera. "You do not want to give in to such a feeling. Not now. Apply the anger to the task at hand; he will fall from his own faults."

"I know, I know..." The felinid hisses and idly bats at a small brush with more ichor than he had planned. "It will take time for me to become sociable again, is all."

"You are there to build tents, General, not make friends." Razak half-smirks grimly. "Stay apart for as long as you need to ensure you do not rip anyone apart, but being aloof is not a fault."

Speaker nods quietly. "Thank you, friend. You... are a great help."

"Honestly," Razak replies, "thank you for not trying to be the big and strong k'zin and just dealing with it on your own. This is what friends are for."

Speaker chuckles with a little more humor this time, looking up to take a quick look at the constantly moving dropships, the line of people moving into the tent city. "I am sure you and Alshai had this discussion twenty-odd years ago."

"Actually, no we did not." Razak sighs. "I played the big and strong colonel and... you know how that turned out. We were not there to massacre anybody, even combatants."

Speaker nods slowly. "I understand. There will be no massacres."

"Alright." Razak returns to English, coughing slightly. "So, you going to be okay?"

Speaker nods again. "Yes. Thank you again."

"Anytime. Just call if you need me."

"Until next time, Julie."

Razak can't help but crack a smile. "Ciao, Speeks."

The k'zin-tosh stands up and stretches, retracting his claws once again, before folding his boxy personal communicator closed, folding down the stubby antenna to rest flush with its frame. He clips the device back to his segmented-steel utility belt, turns deliberately towards the tent city, and walks back down the ridge.

Back to work.

The Territory

24-11-2003, 17:43

Some OOC ramblings on tech

Mobile colonies: These are indeed big brutes. They started out as the excuse for moving the Black from Earthspace to Saturnspace. Basic layout remains a rotating habitat with an aft power/drive section and a forward port/industrial one. The habitable section is enclosed with a central tube on which glowtubes are mounted. Prestanda remains low - technically the TCPS has the gravwank to make gravity without rotation and compensate for inertia, but the point here is to make a sustainable, mobile colony without breaking the budget.

At .05m/s^2 continual boost the original colonies (rapidly growing from a class built around a 1km spherical habitat to a standardized class with a 6km length by 2km diameter habitat) could make the Earth-Saturn run in around four months. The modern, larger habitats have superior landscaping design, allowing them to accelerate at close to .1m/s^2 and cutting transit time to less than three months.

A modern habitat like the Bountiful Harvest has an almost totally "green" internal surface, with on average ten sublevels for habitation, infrastructure, hydroponics farms et cetera. The sublevels' design is quite spacious, but still the existence of a large internal space is necessary not just for ecology but also psychology.

There is a population of servitors, uplifted chimpanzees supported by nonsapient AI. At this time, the Harvest is also home to several sapient AI and several thousand volunteers from the Black. The habitable section is approx. 20km in length and just over 6km in diameter, making it similar to over 400 square kilometers of heavily built-up terrain.

The overall shape is a simple cylinder, with no large counterrotating section. There is a drive muzzle at the rear and concentric docking ledges at the front, with a large central cavity in the harbor section. The cavity can accomodate a single large ship, the docking ledges a large number of lesser craft like Lokis. When the habitat reaches GEO, it will be able to raise scaffoldings to let multiple large ships dock on the centerline.

There will be some need for the population to work to feed themselves and being taught by NAI-controlled monkeys in coveralls might rankle. The sentient crew is tasked with relief work, manning external defenses and very specifically defending against refugees attempting to seize shipsystems or the forward heavy industry section. The vessel does carry a SATD, with an accompanying selfdestruct that will gut much of the power/drive section.

As the habitats jump in, they are millions of kilometers out and moving at several tens of kilometers per second toward Earth, so transit will take some time I suppose (then your ships are slightly fast, shouldn't be a problem).

One habitat can support 4 million humans indefinitely or 20 million for half a year or so before life support becomes critical.

There are five SATD-equipped habitats. Inside the 40-day timeframe one more major habitat will arrive in Earthspace, though this one is already has an indigenous populatio. There will also be clusters of lesser habitats with an aggregate capacity equal to one of the big brutes. So, call it 20 milion permanent spacing and an additional 80 million short-term, and an additional 8 and 32 million that can be wrangled later.

imported_Cetaganda

25-11-2003, 02:18

<zap>

imported_Cetaganda

25-11-2003, 02:20

imported_Cetaganda

25-11-2003, 02:20

{Tightbeam Transmission; m16 Security}
x Fleet Admiral Condrad Mazian, Cetagandan Third Fleet
o Sky Marshal Rico, 4TEF; Allied Involveds

I've consulted with my engineers, and they think they can cut the preflight down to the point where it won't be a consideration. Most of it is just triple checking hull integerity and such, and can be done away with or moved with virtually no risk.

You can expect all but two or three to be running at any concurrently as long as we can keep them staggered. That's when we get more transports, of course, right now all four are running.

<snip>

(OOC: So, sixteen transports, with thirteen acting concurrently and and three down for maintanence.)
OOC:
Sorry if I'm screwing you up with how I presented the numbers. I'll try to be clearer from now on, although the number shouldn't change for a few weeks IC. (Perhaps making the posts at a more reasonable time, like before midnight, would help me :roll: ) I'll get some stuff about the telekinetics in a little bit, hopefully after Rep replies.

Treznor

25-11-2003, 03:18

The daylight sky above the Shogunate is warm and clear, with the nearest cloud bank hundreds of miles off and barely visible over the horizon. Out of that cloudbank appears a single Treznor TF-9 fighter jet, followed by a TC-405 transport plane, then two more fighter jets. Seconds later, a dozen more squadrons emerge, then hundreds. Four thousand aircraft fill the sky on a course for Shogunate airspace.

"This is Flight Tango-Foxtrot-Charlie-One calling Reploid Productions. We request authorisation to enter your airspace and deliver our cargo for Operation: Stairway to Heaven. Awaiting instructions."

Colonel Emil Hampton sits back and waits for a response. Lieutenant James, flying gib, keyes his mike. "Colonel, you think they'll be nervous with this much of our aircraft on their radar?"

Hampton grins. "I would be, in their shoes. Scolopendra was supposed to warn them we're coming, but you know how things get lost in the shuffle. We're not crossing their airspace until we get a nice friendly 'hello' first."

imported_Cetaganda

25-11-2003, 05:12

Fleet C-Space
Cetagandan Expanded Third Fleet
Low Earth Orbit, Sol System

"If it weren't for all those civilian's that are still down there, I'd turn every gun in this fleet on that bastard Carlos this instant," growled Fleet Admiral Condrad Mazian, 'pacing' on the virtual flag deck of the Cetagandan battle fleet. "If I didn't think he's got some way to retaliate if we did, I'd do it the moment the last tranports launched."

"And when the Emperor and Lady Mallory came a calling, wanting to know why you had just started an all-out war?" asked Admiral Brian Bahloy, standing beside him. While technically a grade lower than Mazian, Bahloy commanded a force nearly as powerful. "You know there's no way they'd be able to let you get away with it. You've come close before, and it'd be the boulder that broke the camel's back."

"I'm not so sure," replied Mazian, stroking his beard. "I think the Emperor is none to please with that," gesturing at the screen where the 'execution' had been playing moments before.

"You feel it too, eh?" Bahloy says, tapping his temple. "Still, I doubt 'I could feel the Emperor's anger' would stand up in a court-martial, true or not. Besides, you know he's trying to keep his calm. If he had more training, you wouldn't feel it at all."

"The Emperor officially didn't approve of the actions of the Scolopendran Sky Marshal Mandrake, but he still had a entire class of dreadnoughts named after the man."

"Meh. Still, its a mute point so long as the civilians are in danger."

Zero-One

25-11-2003, 16:19

In light of Rep's absence, this is a Move The Plot Along (TM) Post.

"This is Flight Tango-Foxtrot-Charlie-One calling Reploid Productions. We request authorisation to enter your airspace and deliver our cargo for Operation: Stairway to Heaven. Awaiting instructions."
"Treznor aircraft, this is Space Taxi ATC. You are cleared to land at Jishin AFB and the Space Taxi airfields following this pattern..."

* - * - *

Of course, S.H.O.D.A.N. is true to her word. Utility ships land just outside airstrips all across the northern Shogunate, disgorging their charges of thousands of tall white Security-2 robots. These lack the large under-arm masers and shoulder-mounted support weapons, being there only to act as additional brawn. Once given direction--and with the understanding that they are only about as intelligent as a dog--they immediately set to work, picking up crates with their triclawed hands and shuttling things in an almost disturbingly ant-like manner.

Dread Lady Nathicana

25-11-2003, 21:21

"How are we coming on the humanitarian efforts?"

Evangelista Ravanelli flipped through her reports, finding the proper page. "So far, we have a decent portion of our military medics ready to ship out, and have the first group standing by with supplies, equipment and vehicles - predominantly jeeps and supply trucks, standard models. The staff should be able to move around as needed while still maintaining med centers scattered throughout the settlement. I'm afraid we'll still be insufficient to handle needs as we'd like, but it should make a significant difference. Civilian efforts are progressing as well, though not nearly as efficiently as our military assets - as expected. They'll most likely make the latter flights."

Nathicana nodded, taking in all the information without batting an eye. "You've done an excellent job, Minister Ravanelli. I appreciate it."

The woman quirked a brow at that, thinking to herself that words such as 'appreciate' were something Nathicana might choke on rather than say. Wisely, she kept her thoughts to herself, acknowledging with a smile and a brief nod.

"I plan on accompanying the first group, both to oversee the deployment, and to drop in on some friends," Nathi says in an offhand manner. "I will be reachable via the usual avenues during my short stay there. I've notified the rest of the ministers already. I trust you won't have any problems in my absence."

She rose from behind her desk, adjusting the simple black uniform of the Dominion militia, and pulling a cap down over her neatly braided hair. Leaning down briefly, she snatched up her pre-packed bag, slinging it over her shoulder easily. "I'd best get going - keep up the good work, Minister."

"Of course, my Lady," Evangelista replied, still uncertain of what to make of the more personable approach. She watched as Nathicana walked down the hall, looking thoughtful.

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

Some time later, having spent a less than enjoyable ride reviewing clips of Carlos' little display on the Revenant class Raphael, she disembarked with the 500 medical personnel that had come on this flight. As the crew worked to get the 50 vehicles off, along with their loads of supplies, she strode off in the direction of the camp. Adjusting her cap somewhat, she kept her head down a bit, not wanting to draw any attention, looking for all the world like one of the Dominion soldati. She paused long enough to get directions to Speaker's tent, flashing a clipboard with the details of the recent shipment of supplies and personnel for an excuse, noting she'd been directed to report in.

Recieving proper directions, she made her way to the tent as quickly as she could in the hustle and bustle of things. Upon arriving, she noted the rather tense atmosphere of the place, the staff and others there giving the big K'zin a wide berth.

Dammit ... dammit all to hell. Carlos, you idiot.

She cleared her throat lightly, keeping a respectful distance back.

"Speaker?" she asked softly, waiting for a response.

imported_Cetaganda

25-11-2003, 22:08

Primary Colony Landing Zone
Shogunate of Reploid Productions

Threading its way down through the traffic, a Cetagandan pinnance lands near the Scolopendran headquarters at the future colony site, well out of the way of any incoming ships. Several people debark from it, and look around the area. A robotic arm places several boxes near them.

"Well, let's get this done," the leader says. He speaks into a recorder, "Initial psionics operations test, Reploid Productions, in assitance to Operation Stairway to Heaven."

*Right, people. Carl, you're a T2, you start. We'll work down from there.*

For the next hour, the group tests their abilities on the box, making it float around, teleport, and various other things boxes have to business doing.

====
{Ansible Transmission RELAY CVC Ark Royal -> Askavi Tower; m16 Security}
x Prime Howard Anderson (Operation Stairway To Heaven)
o Archmage Kyle sa'Diason (Preternatural and Interspecies Affairs)

Official Report On Feasibility Of Telekinetic Assistance in SoRP

My lord, as we expected, we can function quite well inside the Shogunate. It is my recomendation that more TKs and equipment be sent as soon as possible, up to and including a full Tower facility so we can move material directly from Cetaganda. Until that time, we will begin our work here. Full details will follow.

===
{Tighbeam Transmission ; m16 Security}
x Prime Howard Anderson (Operation Stairway To Heaven)
o Major General Speaker to Animals (CO, Um Lizaa Relief Campaign; CO, Civil Engineering Directorate; Supreme Emperor, FSoScolopendra)

Sir, I am pleased to inform you that our test was a success, and Cetaganda will be able to assist in moving supplies and materials using telekinetics. We expect to have a functional transport chain up within twelve hours. We request that we be placed at one of the lower traffic areas, something around 100 kt per day at most. Even rotating shifts, we can not safely move more than that without risking burning out our 'kinetics and 'porters. However, all you will need to do is get a ship there, unstrap everything, and do most of the actual construction; we can handle the rest and any heavy lifting. Hopefully, this will let you dedicate your heavy machinery to another site. We will eventually be able to bring in more people, raising the amount we can move.

Another bit of good news: it may be possible to set up a facility to allow us to move supplies directly to the site from Cetagandan territory. It will likely be a week or so before it goes operational, but keep that in mind when you choose a site for us. We'll get back to you once more feasibility and safety tests are done.

-Prime Howard Anderson
Cetagandan Psionics Task Group
Operation: Stairway To Heaven

(OOC: Hurrah for good dice roles.)

Treznor

25-11-2003, 22:13

"Roger that, Space Taxi. The Shogunate will have these transports in a few minutes. Tango-Foxtrot-Charlie-One over and out."

Hampton closes the channel and switches over to the in-flight channel. "All right, folks, we've got our marching orders. Lieutenant James will broadcast the coordinates in a moment. We'll drop the Teecee's first and fly patrol until they're down. Then we'll land the Teef's by the numbers."

"I hope they don't stop for coffee on the way down, Colonel," James remarks. "We could use a drink if we're gonna be up here much longer."

"They do and I'll kick their butts," Hampton growls. "This ain't no union."

Scolopendra

26-11-2003, 22:14

Speaker-to-Animals lies on his cot in the back of the surprisingly spacious tent, furred back towards the door. At the mention of his name, his ears twitch slightly and he looks over his shoulder as he moves to sit up. "Hrrg. Yes?" His tone is unusually short, jowls much tighter than usual. Upon sitting up, his pupils focus on Nathi and he blinks. Twice. Shaking his head slightly, he stretches absentmindedly, hands resting on the knees of his fatigues. "Oh... t'kzintar-tzobu Nathicana. My apologies for being short."

Nathi offers a close-lipped smile, though keeps her place for now. "No need for apologies. I'm sorry for having disturbed you while you were resting. Perhaps I should come back later?" she asks with a note of concern.

Speaker-to-Animals shakes his head again. "No. You have come far, and it is proper for me to be a gracious host. Would you like anything?" He motions one broad paw towards a side table stacked with several different forms of rations and a self-contained teapot. "I am afraid the selection is limited. I did not expect company."

Nathi chuckles softly. "I chose not to announce - the fault is mine. If you insist on the 'gracious host' bit, then by all means. I'll have whatever you're having, at your leisure. Please, there's no need to fuss. I merely wanted to drop in and say hullo to a friend while on business. The first of our medical teams and their equipment has arrived." She laid her clipboard aside, clearly indicating the numbers would wait.

Speaker-to-Animals chuckles. "I was raised in a honor-society and then in an Arabic one, Nathi. Guests are always welcomed." He smiles slightly. "The visit is appreciated. Thank you."

"I can't fault you, my dear. We rather enjoy offering proper hospitality in our culture as well, though there are some who would say honor plays little part in that. As for the visit, it is my pleasure." She tilts her head to one side, considering. "It's been a while. I'd yet to congratulate you face to face on your new position. I trust all is well with both you and your staff?"

"Yes, all is well. Everyone is settling into their new roles nicely." Speaker chuckles again, in a very distant manner. "Razak is somewhat surprised with the timing of his promotion... but it could not be helped. How are things with you and yours, packmate?"

Nathi smiles a bit more at what she percieves an honor. Ah, perhaps that was the title he spoke in Hero's Tongue earlier? Damn, really must make an attempt sometime to learn. Doubt I could ever wrap my voice around it proper though ... Still, there's a hint of concern that lingers in her eyes. "All things considered, as well as can be expected." She gestures around. "All this mess, I'm afraid, has had us all in a stir." She adds, in a softer voice, "You've done an amazing job here, Speaker. I feel personally indebted."

Speaker-to-Animals nods. "Thank you... but this is what we do." Speaker looks around at the tent, filled with the accoutriments of commanding such an operation--maps, layouts, plans, tacked to every available surface--and half-smiles. "This is the reason I am here now. Literally, and in several different ways."

He pauses for a moment. "As for the stir... this has put us all in interesting situations." Speaker sighs slightly and lays his ears back just a little bit, voice turning slightly harder. "I suppose you saw."

Nathi thinks back to her conversation with Razak on the hunt, remembering again what he'd said of an extraction long ago involving Speaker's people. Several ways indeed. At his last statement, she nods quietly, her brows furrowed. "I did," she says simply, thinking 'interesting' not nearly hitting the mark on how she feels about it all.

"I am sorry to see you allied with such a one. You do not deserve such lofawurp with you... no one does." He shakes his head. "I am obviously... unsettled. I revert to kzints'utung... Hero's Tongue... quite a bit when I am so. If you do not understand, simply ask."

Nathi nods, not denying, yet feeling somewhat uncomfortable nonetheless. Were he to know of some of my own actions ... just how much did their intel grab, I wonder? She finally steps forward and slowly, gently places a hand on his arm in a comradely manner, hoping to soothe. "Again, no need to apologize. I think given the context there, I can well enough gather, but yes. Please say on, and I'll ask if I need." She adds, "I've been impressed with the gracious aid that yourself and my other allies have given here. Still, I can't help but wish it weren't neccessary."

Speaker-to-Animals nods, allowing the contact, staring at a point at the ground. "I see the Um Lizaans and I see my own people. I see the angry. They will live. I see the firm. They will live. I see the afraid, the ones who pine to return, the attached. If they do not change, they will die. So it was with the Kzinti." He looks up and smiles again slightly. "As I said, it is what we do. And it will always be necessary. That is the way of things."

Nathi watches him quietly, listening as he speaks. As I thought. "It is a better life they've been offered, I've no doubt." She offers no excuses for Carlos, no words of support, though avoiding as well words of outright condemnation. Always with the conflict of interests. Damn the man. "It shouldn't have to be, one would think. Way of things or no." She gives his arm a slight squeeze, then steps back again, removing her hand.

"The world is not as it should be. Wishing it to be is folly. One adapts and one survives." Speaker looks at his hands. "It will take time for me to adapt to a simple reality. Until then, I will use the conflict to aid in my assistance."

"True enough," she says, nodding slightly. "Since you mention assistance, is there anything I can help you with?"

"Your visit has helped." The k'zin smiles slightly again. "Your medicine and your doctors will help. Defeating my baser self is my battle." He shrugs slightly, ears twitching slightly but neutrally. "As much as I may wish it, vengeance is not the solution in this matter. For stability if nothing else... he must live. Emperor Treznor is right."

Nathi arches a brow up sharply at the mention of Devon. "Spoken to him recently, have you? And about our dear Carlos, I see." Her icy tone at the name makes clear her feelings on the man. Defeating ones baser self? Interesting way to put it, and ... agreed.

"If you did not know previously, he appears interested in joining the Triumvirate." Speaker shrugs. "He wished for my opinion. He told me his relation to Cakh-cughbi"--it sounds like a proper noun--"and I suppose yours is the same. I understand. Not having enough to act on, and requiring sovereignty by the NDA charter. Unfortunate... but honorable in its own way."

Nathi nods, already calculating as is her habit. "He'd ... mentioned once, I believe. As for my relationship with Quil'raya," she pauses, frowning, all her dealings with the man coming back. From her espionage, to the placement of the control rig. "Honor, perhaps, is in the eye of the beholder there. I've had prouder moments."

Speaker-to-Animals looks up and smiles gently, ends of his mouth just barely curling up. "So have we all." He stretches again, visibly relaxing. "Still... now we know Iraqstan exists, and can prevent something of this scale again. Ever vigilant." Breath huffing from his nostrils again in a slight chuckle, he looks again towards the table of provisions. "Enough of this topic; there is no more that can be said." He absentmindedly licks his chops, probably more of a post-nap motion than anything else. "I will have some tea, would you still like some?"

"I'd love some, thank you," she says, smiling, again close-lipped. She leaves well enough alone for now, quietly thinking she could no easier imagine the sun not rising than Speaker acting less than honorably. I knew it would come to this. His internal policies have been directing him towards conflict with a number of nations. And should the Trium, or allies within it, choose to move against him for future actions ... il dio, what a mess.

Speaker-to-Animals nods and easily gets to his feet, walking over to the table and tapping the small button on the teapot with a practiced motion. Continuing on, he takes a navy blue standard-issue T-shirt draped over a coat rack and begins to struggle into it. "Might as well... hrr... make myself presentable. I still have paperwork, and to determine where to put your hospitals..." He chuckles. "This is my penance for being a civil engineer."

Nathi presses her fingers against her lips, trying to stifle the broad grin she feels coming on as she watches him. "Presentable? Bah, no need on my account. As for paperwork, does that aspect of leadership ever truly end? There are days I'd like to burn the lot of it." She laughs softly at that last bit, nodding. "Sorry to add to your tasklist, though happy to provide all the same."

Speaker-to-Animals shrugs, smiling gently at the human. "It is needed." Moving to the layout map, he picks up a dry-erase marker hanging from it by a small chain and holds it against his chin, pondering as he stares intently at the map. "Hrm..." He circles an area. "Here will be best. Access to clean water and the major routes in the camp. Behold the science of city planning. It will be more technical once I have dimensions and needs, but this will do for now."

"Most excellent. I'll send directions momentarily, if that's alright?" she asks. "I suppose it would be irresponsible to leave them waiting while I relax here. Your planning shows common sense. Without that, technical isn't near so efficient. We've brought a number of vehicles, as the papers show," she says, taking up the clipboard again, and passing it over. "There's no need for the teams to remain in place. Mobility, adaptability, we felt would be an asset here."

Speaker-to-Animals nods, accepting the clipboard and looking over it. "Hrm, true. Best to have a centralized dispatch location for difficult cases, mobile units to treat as situations arise. Very good. Shows foresight." Taking the papers and laying them neatly on the fold-out table that apparently acts as a desk, he hands back the clipboard. "Outstanding."

Nathi smiles, pleased that he approves. "We tried. Given our history of isolationism, humanitarian efforts outside our borders have been few, and none on the scale of this. I'm amazed at what you've been able to accomplish. Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to help. It's the very least we could do, all things considered."

"It is an outstanding first effort. Hopefully future practice will be on a smaller scale." He smiles again slightly, but with a seemingly forced attitude. "Hrrm. Thank you for your visit... it has helped me adapt somewhat. I cannot lead if I frighten away the troops." He shrugs slightly, an almost human gesture. "On a happier subject, Emperor Treznor suggested another hunt as a pretext for a visit of state. If all parties are agreeable, I would be honored if you joined us. I am afraid I do not know Treznor well enough to count him as t'kzintar-tzobu yet, but I have no reason to decline."

Nathi cocks a brow at that, though she nods thoughtfully. "I would be honored to hunt with you again, Speaker," she says in all seriousness, then the corners of her lips turn up in a smile. "If I know Devon, I doubt he'd have too many objections to my tagging along, unless he has one of those 'male bonding' moments in mind." She rolls her eyes just a touch, chuckling at the notion.

She pauses for a moment, then continued. "That title, you mentioned. And earlier, when you addressed me. If you please ... what does it mean?"

"Ah." Speaker smiles. "It translates literally much as my name, Tyuc-ta'sskin, does. It means 'hunter-friend' and is analogous to a nickname or title of friendship."

Nathi tilts her head slightly, her smile broadening, though again, close-lipped. "Again, I'm honored, mia amico." She stretches slightly, resignedly glancing out towards the tent entrance. "It has been a pleasure visiting with you as well, Speaker. I'll be staying here a few days to oversee things on my end, if you don't mind. Perhaps we can find the time to visit again?" she asks hopefully.

Speaker-to-Animals nods with a broad smile. "Hopefully so. My days are busy but one cannot work forever."

"Not if one hopes to avoid burning out, no," she says, still smiling.

"That would achieve nothing. It is not adaptive."

"Indeed. One trait I admire, to be sure. Adaptability." She steps forward again, a mildly mischievous look on her face. "Well then. Before I go, if it would be permissible," she says, spreading her arms slightly, looking up at him. "a farewell for now hug?"

Speaker-to-Animals chuckles, spreading his arms as well. "I do believe that is customary for you."

"Rather, though generally only for friends and those I feel comfortable around - both being a rarity." She leans in, wrapping her arms around the big K'zin as best she can, one hand patting his back in a comradely fashion. "Hang in there. You're doing an incredible job here. Let me know if there's anything more we can assist with."

"I will. It is a group effort, after all." Speaker returns the hug, having a much easier time of it. "Thank you again for your assistance."

"My pleasure. I'll be in touch."

Speaker-to-Animals nods. "Enjoy your stay."

Nathi pauses on her way out, a sudden thought popping into her head. "When you said you spoke to Devon, did you mean here? Has he tagged along with his forces as well?"

"He was here. He actually arrived a short period before his forces..." Speaker pauses, then makes a wry face. "His beer is vile."

Nathi laughs softly. "Aye, that it is. It would seem, perhaps, I've another friend to look up, if he hasn't already left that is." Her expression is one of pleasant expectation. "I'll gently suggest other beverages for next time," she assures Speaker, then waves, heading out into the crowd, back towards her teams. Speaker sees Nathi out of the tent, then sits down at his makeshift desk and gets to finishing his paperwork for today.

imported_Cetaganda

27-11-2003, 05:29

(OOC: Going to just go ahead and post while I have time. Hope you don't mind me grabbing some random officer of yours for a few moments.)

Cetaganda Recieving Site
Shogunate of Reploid Productions

Early the next morning, the Cetagandans signal that they have completed their preparations. Soon, the first of many cargo ships arrive. As a Scolopendran steps from the ship, he sees several things. Over past the landing field, where the cargo is to be sent, he sees several work crews waiting. On top of a nearby hill that overlooks the entire site, he sees a low building, as well as several Bolo MkIIIs and small 'mechs sporting constrution equipment and the emblems of the Imperial Corp of Engineers, working on a much larger and taller building.

What he does not see, however, is any sign of people ready to move the cargo in his hold. In fact, the only person waiting is a woman who looks like she should be in a kitchen baking cookies for her granchildren, not sitting in the middle of the biggest humanitarian mission in history...in a lawn chair. A fancy, high-tech lawn chair, yes, but a lawn chair none the less. Worse, she seems to be drinking lemonade and has a big floppy hat shielding her from the sun.

Before he can say anything, she looks up at him and calls, "Good morning, officer! A pleasure to meet you. Once your men have finished getting everything unlocked, we'll be ready to begin."

"Um, ma'am," the bewildered Scolopendran asks, "Aren't there supposed to be people here to help offload?"

"Oh, yes. And before you ask, I am a bit old to be here." She chuckles. "Good heavens, I'm certainly not here to move anything. Oh, back in my day, I could move the kilotons around like nobody's business, but I leave that to the young lad and lasses." She gestures back at the hill behind her. "I'm just a spotter, they're doing all the hard work. Now, if you'll just get your men out of the way. We wouldn't want anyone to get hurt, now would we?"

The officer nods instinctively at her grandmotherly tone, and he calls for everyone to clear the way. A minute later, the first container glides out of the bay and the floats towards the supply site. Moments later, the next one heads out, this time faster. Each successive container goes faster, until they are soon shooting past at what looks to be well over a hundred kilometers an hour. Certainly faster than any container has any business going. Down on the ground, the woman only smiles at him.

27-11-2003, 08:11

OOC: This is Justitium posting, just as my new nation. See IC post for explanation :). RL issues kept me from participating so I'm just going to withdraw. Very sorry I couldn't RP more!

IC:

In Um Lizaa, the Justitian forces were scattered in chaotic disarray. The IB fleet had failed to hold off the vastly superior Iraqstani battlegroup and was destroyed to the ship, leaving the landing force of Brigadiers exposed to devastating bombardment from the sea. The surviving Brigadiers subsisted on aid from the local population and avoided conflict as best they could until the cease-fire, and are now depending upon negotiations with Iraqstan to allow them to withdraw from Um Lizaa and return home.

In Justitium itself, the situation was, in a sense, even more dire, as widespread dissent over the decision to go to war boiled over when the devastation of battle came home in the form of massive aerial bombardments. An armed revolt resulted, and the Civil Guard troops loyal to the government fought the rebels as best they could but ultimately were overcome.

The Central Committee was forcibly deposed and an interim government installed, but the rebel movement lacked a cohesive ideology and their administration was ineffective. The townships of Justitium are now left to govern themselves, with no federal law being enforced by the disparate rebel factions. Each holds its own territory and governs according to its own agenda, and Justitium as a true nation state has ceased to exist.

The officials of the People's Council fled to the outlying region of Mariatum, and island port, and there managed to compose a constitution and the beginnings of a functioning governmental body. The new federal laws differed from the Justitians' in accommodating a wider variety of political and economic philosophies, and in limiting the power of the executive branch of government, which appeased the wider population. If the safe return of the International Brigadiers is successfully negotiated, they will be recieved in Mariatum.

***

The Members of the Non-Democratic Alliance:

The people of Mariatum must apologize for the rash actions of the Justitian government, and as the successor to that nation, though we hold true to our belief in democratic governance and economic equality, extend our wishes for conciliation and an end to the horrible destruction wrought by this war in Um Lizaa. Therefore, we propose a non-aggression pact be signed between our nations, that such tragedy may never again befall us. We thank you for your consideration, and you have been worthy adversaries indeed.

Sincerely,
Alexander Arcadian
Prime Minister

Treznor

27-11-2003, 09:15

The Members of the Non-Democratic Alliance:

The people of Mariatum must apologize for the rash actions of the Justitian government, and as the successor to that nation, though we hold true to our belief in democratic governance and economic equality, extend our wishes for conciliation and an end to the horrible destruction wrought by this war in Um Lizaa. Therefore, we propose a non-aggression pact be signed between our nations, that such tragedy may never again befall us. We thank you for your consideration, and you have been worthy adversaries indeed.

Sincerely,
Alexander Arcadian
Prime Minister
To: Prime Minister Alexander Arcadian
From: The Ruling Council of the Non-Democratic Alliance

We regret that you inherited the troubles from your predecessors. As you have posted a public apology, the Council will now order a withdrawal from your lands. Reparations can be discussed later. For now the fate of the Justitium troops will be decided by Iraqstan, who was the aggrieved party.

However, bear in mind that we have little cause to trust you any more than the old regime, and we will not be signing anything at this time. You will be watched for now, and if any further aggression results from your government we will decide on the appropriate action.

Devon Treznor
Emperor
Spokesman for the Ruling Council of the Non-Democratic Alliance

The Lowland Clans

27-11-2003, 09:50

*tag*

Endless Crimes

27-11-2003, 15:12

HEIL GLORY!

The atheist heretics of Justitium decided to run, rather than facing the might of our holy glory!

Victory is ours! The verminous scum covers in fear when it sees the might of ouur glory! Gods glory!

After scoring this inevitable victory, our forces are now returning, in glory, to join us in our work, to create paradise!"

~ Metatron

27-11-2003, 23:42

Devon Treznor:

The people of Mariatum are sincere and most fervent in their desire for lasting peace after so many of their beloved comrades have perished in our ill-concieved war, and we assure you that such a small and newly-formed nation as ours has neither the interest nor the ability to threaten Treznor or the other states of the NDA. Therefore, we humbly request that a solidified peace be negotiated. Such a magnanimous gesture on your part would certainly serve to bring great glory to your country, and would earn you great esteem among the international community. We hope, thus, that you will reconsider your stance, for the sake of mutual peace and prosperity. If there is one lesson to be learned from our terrible ordeal, it is that war brings little benefit to either the victors or the vanquished. We implore you to consider the lives of your own dutiful soldiers lost, and to take action that would honor the sacrifices that they made.

Sincerely,
Alexander Arcadian
Prime Minister

Sneaky Bastards

28-11-2003, 00:03

2 hours, 45 minutes later...

"Captain! Loading teams report that all passenger quarters are full. We're 200,000 passengers heavier now and the pontoon bridges are cleared. All hatches on port side are closed and sealed." reported one of the ship's technical officers.

"Have the engineering teams finished adjustments to the engines?" Captain Andrews asked.

"Yes ma'am. They're ready to go. Green Noa 02 reports that their teams have also finished engine adjustments." the officer replied.

"Alright then. Signal ground crews that we're setting off and that Green Noa 02 will dock with the bridges to take on passengers once we've moved out." the captain ordered.

"Aye captain!"

Green Noa 01's gravity drive systems kicked in as the pontoon bridges connected the ship were released. Thrusters along the port side of the ship fired off, pushing the ship away from bridges.

"Take us up 3,000 meters and set course for the Shogunate." Captain Andrews ordered to the helmsmen.

The ship made its way up and turned as its main engines powered up. The ship accelerated and began its journey to the Shogunate to deliver the refugees onboard.

Below the ship, Green Noa 02 moved in towards the shore, connecting the pontoon bridges to the port side of its hull where several access bays opened up for the passengers to board.

Treznor

28-11-2003, 01:52

The people of Mariatum are sincere and most fervent in their desire for lasting peace after so many of their beloved comrades have perished in our ill-concieved war, and we assure you that such a small and newly-formed nation as ours has neither the interest nor the ability to threaten Treznor or the other states of the NDA. Therefore, we humbly request that a solidified peace be negotiated. Such a magnanimous gesture on your part would certainly serve to bring great glory to your country, and would earn you great esteem among the international community. We hope, thus, that you will reconsider your stance, for the sake of mutual peace and prosperity. If there is one lesson to be learned from our terrible ordeal, it is that war brings little benefit to either the victors or the vanquished. We implore you to consider the lives of your own dutiful soldiers lost, and to take action that would honor the sacrifices that they made.

To: Prime Minister Alexander Arcadian

Sir,

Please understand, you have received all the magnanimous gestures we are inclined to make. We are withdrawing our allied forces from the former lands of Justitium and will agree to peace, although the details have yet to be hammered out. No further treaties will be signed, and you will be considered a potential threat until such time as we choose to re-visit the issue. There will be no further treaties or contact with your nation during that time.

Devon Treznor
Emperor

Iraqstan

28-11-2003, 06:31

http://www.angelfire.lycos.com/la3/lanay/inn.jpg
Imperial News Network
Hail the Führer, Long Live the Empire!

Führer addresses the international community.

The cameras focus in on Carlos who stands in front of the blown out ruins of a sirithilist temple. To the side of the temple stands a huge burnt square with construction workers crawling over the foundations rebuilding or destroying what cant be repaired.

Clearing his throat Carlos begins to speak. "People of the Holy Empire, Enlightened citizens of the holy land and members of the international community. As most of you are aware the recent happenings in Iraqstan and Um Lizaa have spawned many Prisoners of War. The Falkenberg Legionares who are now under the care of The dominion of the Dread Lady Nathicana.

What you have not heard word of are the soldiers of Justitium. Their navel assets were destroyed to the last ship by the mighty warships of the Holy Empire. With no way to supply themselves or tend to their wounded the foolish soldiers of Justitium surrendered to Iraqstan.

It is with honour bestowed upon me by her eternal grace that I release these Prisoners of War back to their country in the name of Sirithil and the holy lands. Cargo jets are prepping to take all the surviving soldiers back to their home lands and will be leaving within the next four hours.

We trust the peoples of Justitium have learnt that fighting the purest of the peoples will never be gifted victory. We remain ever vigilent and powerful in the face of such actions. glory to the Motherland! Long Live the Empire!"

Walking from the base of the temple Carlos returns to working side by side with construction workers to help restore and clear the debris of the ruined temple the camera focuses on him pulling chunks of destroyed material away and bowing his head slightly. As the screen fades all image is replaced with the Imperial News Network logo and Iraqstani flag.

http://www.angelfire.lycos.com/la3/lanay/inn.jpg
Imperial News Network
Hail the Führer, Long Live the Empire!

Tsaraine

28-11-2003, 06:44

Tsarainese Encampment, Sirithilia, Iraqstan

"Well, that's it. Over. Fate be kind, we can go home now."

Although they'd seen very little actual warfare, the Tsarainese troops had had their own problems; suits had broken down in the pervasive sand, troops had gotten heatstroke in the scorching sun, several troopers had had to be rescued from alcohol poisoning after "liberating" a local winestore...

Eorigh was glad to be heading home soon, all in all. The Ghouls would arrive in a few days, and they'd begin the mammoth task of moving seventy thousand men and machines back to Tsaraine.

OOC: Short, but it needed to be posted, I suppose.

imported_Cetaganda

29-11-2003, 04:43

Private Room, m16 Security Protocols In Place
Somewhere In Fleet C-Space
Cetagandan Space Service Metaverse Subnet

Somewhere deep inside the huge network of the CSS, itself inside the even more massive net of the Military Directorate, three Fleet officers entered a small room. Its blank white walls, generic chairs, and floating glass table attested to how quickly it had been put in place, and the lack of resources being used on it.

"I think we're in agreement, then. Something has to be done about the situation," says one man, obviously the leader.

"Of course. We can't let this get by," replies the second man.

"I think I can manage it," says the only woman in the room. "And with the number of ships going through the refit program, it shouldn't be hard to find one to match our needs. Most likely not battleship, but I could probably manage cruiser. A destroyer at worst."

"I think we could find enough people for a skeleton crew," says the second again. "Maybe. But it would be difficult."

"As much as I hate to say it, we may have to bring in a few people without telling them the entire truth."

"I'd like to avoid that, but if its the only way...it may even be better," muses the leader. "I can make out orders that would look real, and the crew would have deniability, even if we won't."

"We're willing to pay that price, Admiral," the woman says softly. "If someone hadn't done something, that man would have killed every last man, woman, and child. We can't let him try again, even if the Empire can't do anything itself."

"Very well, then. Take as much time as you need, avoid detection at any cost. We've got fourty days at least. Who knows, Carlos may drop dead before we have time to deal with the problem." The leader looks off to the side. "I have to get back. We'll meet again in a few days time." The three officers get up and leave the room, which dissolves into static a few moments later.

Reploid Productions

29-11-2003, 06:04

((OOC: I'm back! And thanks for taking over for Shogunate ATC while I was out, Scolo =) ))

Shogunate Capital- Arpia, Imperial Palace

"Well, Tsume, just like the good ol' days. I head out to take care of stuff, and yer in charge of operations." Firefury smiles at the black reploid dragon, though it was apparent that smile was forced.

"Um... Queenie, are you certain you should be... ah... mingling... with people, in your current mood?" Tsume sounds a bit doubtful. "No offense, but it's been several hours since Carlos's execution broadcast, and you're still radiating a rather... ah... intense desire to smash his face in."

Firefury released her grip on her desk, only now noticing the pronounced indentations in the metalic surface from where she had been leaning on the thing. "Oh, if I could get away with it, I would use one of those new contraptions the ATI came up with on him." She snarls. "Even if I already condemned further development of that project. Give me thirty seconds with him and one of those contraptions, and I could torture him worse in just thirty seconds than he could ever dream of doing in an entire year. And all without leaving a single trace of physical harm."

The black dragon backs a few steps away from the orange reploid, raising his huge forepaws in a placating manner. "Now, Queenie, you know that wouldn't be any better than he's been, even if those contraptions don't actually inflict physical damage."

Firefury starts pacing. "We've got a steady stream of refugees coming in- including a large portion of them people who for some reason or another view me like I view Shimeki-sama. If I go in there and do a little 'lo, you have all been saved!' hocus-pocus, it'll help boost morale- and these people are desperately going to need it. I doubt most of them really know what all is going on- they're certainly being hustled around in a very impersonal way, which has got to bring back some unwanted thoughts... I have to help show these people that they're safe now. And besides, helping people is a far more productive outlet for my anger right now than beating some jackass' head in... BOTH heads." She straightens and slaps on her helmet. "I want the Queens ready for departure ASAP. While I'm there, perhaps I can discuss the situation- I know Speaker is there, and who knows who else has decided to swing by for this shindig."

"Ryoukai, Queenie. Your fighter is in the repair hangar- it'll be several days at least before it's combat ready again- that wing got knocked clean off- it's fortunate that it didn't hit the gravity diffuser." Tsume reads off a notepad.

"Blarg. I haven't gotten to take the Mark-Two for a spin yet- they get one done in my colors yet?" Firefury leans on her desk. "There's gonna be enough large aircraft in the air- I'd like to avoid heading over in the Tsurugi or the Silver Ryuu, and the RPDC Queen's Wing is right out. I can slide in low without interfering with air traffic lanes in an Elite Victory."

"Yes, Queenie, the Mark-Two is already on the pad waiting for you." Tsume sighs. "When you get there, you might want to give Tiffany a breather- have her head back and send in Michelle or something- the woman is stressing like mad."

"Right, will do. She ain't as young as she used to be. Okay! I'm out. Keep it cool for me, Tsume!" Firefury salutes jokingly and heads out.

Jishin AFB, Reploid Productions

Tiffany frowns at the reports, her vision a tiny bit blurry from sleep deprivation. "Okay... so the Yotaka drone reports that there appears to be substantial evidence of WMD deployment in locations in Um Lizaa. Great. Somebody put it on file-"

The frazzled Secretary of Defense is interrupted by an aide running in, looking no better than her. "Secretary Celta! Our equipment is detecting currently unidentified submarine craft offshore!"

"What?!" Tiffany's voice drops to a subzero temperature. "Where, how long ago, and any idea on who they are?"

"The final count is currently unknown, some may still be beyond our sensor range. Not long ago, and our current intel would imply they are Iraqstani in origin. They're currently outside of firing range of our ships, but we could get a Yotaka dropping depth charges on them in no time flat." The aide recites.

"No need. Keep monitoring, and have the fleet go to battle alert 3-D. Warm up all weapons systems, and get that Yotaka in the air. Don't open fire unless fired upon, and have FleetCom issue a general warning on all lines not to approach within twenty miles of our coast." Tiffany fires off orders, her voice and stance completely shed of her earlier sleepiness. "I want the area within fifteen miles of the coast declared a no-entry zone. All unidentified or unfriendly craft within fifteen miles of the coastline are to be shot- disabled if possible, but otherwise deterred. The air is already thick with patrols- I don't think I need to specify a no-fly zone."

"Ryoukai!"

Encoded transmission to all allied forces

Our equipment has detected unknown submarine craft at the outermost edge of our sensor range. We believe these to be Iraqstani in origin, and have declared a fifteen-mile dead zone from our shores along the colony area for unfriendly or unidentified seagoing craft. We would normally have this kill zone much smaller, but for the Sneaky Bastardian Green Noa transport ships. Any assistance in maintaining this would be appreciated- our own small fleet is already in position.

~Tiffany Celta
~Secretary of Defense
~Immortal Shogunate of Reploid Productions
<End Transmission>

Open transmission to any and all seagoing craft in the area

Due to the circumstances surrounding the current refugee operation, the area within thirty miles of the Shogunate's coastline near the operation have been declared completely off limits to all seagoing vessels except for those with specific permission. Within fifteen miles of the coast has been declared a dead zone- any unfriendly or unidentified seacraft that enter this zone will be disabled if possible, but otherwise destroyed. This warning will be repeated every half hour, and is the only warning. Seacraft that enter the thirty mile perimeter will be warned to change course and warning shots may be fired behind or before trespassing vessels. Unauthorized ships entering the fifteen mile dead zone perimeter will be fired upon without further notice.
<End Transmission>

Refugee Colony HQ

Some time after the Queens of the Sky depart Arpia, they arrive with little fanfare at the chaotic non-warzone of the refugee colony. Firefury and her six wingmates hop out of their ships with little formality, and quickly get directions to Speaker's tent. The orange-clad reploid turns around briefly and orders her six wingmates to "Get the hell out of my face and do something useful!", and she turns back around, not noticing Nathicana having left the tent while her back was turned. She jogs over to the tent, a loud clang-crunch noise preceding her from her large reploid feet tromping on the gravelly ground.

"Yo, Speaker, y'in there?" She peers into the tent with little to no formality, save that she's got her helmet (complete with the one decorative fin still broken) tucked under one arm.

Sneaky Bastards

29-11-2003, 07:00

Somewhere, 3000 meters over the ocean between Iraqstan and the Shogunate, 1 hour after liftoff...

Captain Andrews returned from the bridge after the lunch break for the first shift bridge crew ended. She sat down in the captain's chair and looked over some data on the small monitor at the end of her armrest. She then looked down towards the ship's helmsmen.

"How are we doing on time?" she asked.

"We're definitely ahead of schedule. It'll take us roughly 17-19 hours in all to get there." one of them replied.

"Excellent. Report to the Sky Marshall that we'll be arriving earlier that we first reported." she ordered to one of the communications officers.

"Yes ma'am." replied the officer as she turned to her console to carry out her orders.

The officer looked over the monitor and quickly turned back around after reading one of the incomming messages that had appeared on it.

"Captain, we've recieved a message from the Shogunate. I'll send it over to you now." she said as she forwarded the message to the captain, turning back to the console to send her message out to the Sky Marshal.

"Hrmm... unidentified subs believed to be Iraqstani... those could be bad." said Captain Andrews as she read the message over. "When we get within 40 miles of the Shogunate, elevate us to second stage combat alert status. Have the Thunderhawk and Zero pilots on standby for patrols once we get there."

"Aye captain!"

"What's the status of Green Noa 02?" she asked as she turned to the officers on the other side of the bridge.

"They report that they're a 1/3rd of the way loaded up. They're loading up at about the same rate as we did. They also report that they've recieved the Shogunate's message and are going to stay on alert through the whole trip."

"Things just keep getting more and more interesting, don't they?" Captain Andrews thought to herself as she turned her seat to face forward again.

30-11-2003, 02:33

Members of the Non-Democratic Alliance:

The people of Mariatum are most grateful to the government of Iraqstan for their generous decision to return our comrade-soldiers home safely. Though once we were enemies, and yet our ideologies remain diametrically opposed, we pledge now to forevermore pursue the path of peace with all nations regardless of our ideals, and to resort to war only as a last resort and for defensive purposes. This tragic war has caused us to realize that a unified socialist world may only be achieved by the establishment of an exemplary state here in Mariatum, by peaceful negotiation, and by honest friendship with our comrades across the globe. May the blood of faithful comrades never again be needlessly spilt in far-off lands!

We are understanding of your reluctance to solidify a peaceful relationship by formal treaty, but remain hopeful that in time you will see it is the wise course for those who love peace and prosperity. We thank you once again for your magnanimity.

Sincerely,
Alexander Arcadian
Prime Minister

Iraqstan

01-12-2003, 05:30

At sea, somewhere near the Immortal Shogunate

Sitting on the bridge of the fleet flag ship the carrier Quil'raya Admiral Schultzy frowned. "First I blow the hell out of a fleet off Um Lizaa. Return home for repairs once the dominion forces arrive. Now they send me out on this adventure." He mutters and looks out at the expanding water all around him.

"Sir! Outer ships are picking up traces of Reploid wet forces near the coast. Ballistic missile subs reporting strange sonar pings." Frowning Schultzy stands and begins barking out orders. "Bring the fleet up to Conflict Orange. Get the jets in tighter patrol routes and have the subs fall back.

Nodding the orders are relayed as the comms officer begins playing the message made by the immortal shogunate. "Are we within that range captain?" Schultzy asks his right hand man who shakes his head. "No sir, we are still well outside that zone. The subs are reporting in at 29 miles off the coast and so far remain free of attacks." Nodding schultzy smiles. "Bring us in to 32 miles and hold steady. We wait for orders from there on. Inform the rest of the fleet they are authorised to defend with deadly force should they come under attack. At no time will they initiate conflicts."

Nodding more orders are relayed and the fleet begins it's slow move closer into shore.

-*-*-

Sitting at his desk Carlos reads over the latest reports from Um Lizaa and Iraqstan. "good good, clean up and reconstruction is going ahead of schedule. Extractees have caused no trouble. Forces tripled along the Iraqstani/Outsider borders of controled zones. Alpha fleet reporting no troubles. Hopefully these people will leave and let us go back to our way of life." He whispers to nobody and puts down the reports.

Standing up he walks to the window and looks outside at the busy streets with cars and bikes moving from place to place. In the distance he spots a construction team rebuilding the first temple of Sirithil. "Cowards should of paid more than one man for this treachery.... Maybe they can." Smiling he writes up new reports for his forces.

Naval orders. Fleet 2

By order of the Führer you are to begin high altitude recon flights over the refugee stationed parts of the Immortal Shogunate. Dispatched to you are 30 of our unmanned recon craft. Let us use the shogunate's own products against them.

Locate suitable targets for off shore bombardment and airial strikes. Rules of engagement. All forces will only fire if fired upon. We do not want to start this war. Conduct recon and othe intelligence based actions freely. Satellite imaging will direct latest updates on movements to you when we get them.

Signed
Führer Quil'Raya.

Reploid Productions

01-12-2003, 07:48

Jishin AFB, Reploid Productions

"Tiffany, we've got recon drones on a high-alt approach path, point of origin
definately Iraqstan."

Tiffany sighs, reading over the reports tracking the offshore activity.
"Y'know what, I am f---ing sick of this nonesense.
He wants to use our own goodies against us, I've got an idea.
What's the ETA on those drones?"

"Several hours. Fighters are already in the air on patrol. Should
we intercept?"

"No, no. That could be taken totally wrong. I have a better idea."
A slow, wicked grin plays across the frazzled Defense Secretary's
face. "Here's my orders-"

Several hours later, a fleet of Arpean Tsubasa drones meet the
incoming Iraqstani drones, carefully matching flight path, velocity,
and a number of other factors.

Unfortunately for the Iraqstani's, the only images captured
by their drones look like this:
http://rpstudios.ian-justman.com/junk/CGgoods/CENSORED.JPG

((OOC: Mwa ha... this is going to turn into a cold war, but frag it,
Carlos and I plan to have some humorous fun with it, too! ^_^ ))

((EDIT: Tweaked the format so the image doesn't stretch it.))

Iraqstan

01-12-2003, 07:58

Sitting at the recon desk Liuetenant James A Beales frowns. "Oh the Führer is not going to like this." He mutters as he transfers the images and a report to Carlos.

Sitting at his desk Carlos reads the report and looks at the picture. "Those... Unenlightened wretched filthy....VERMIN! How dare they dishonour me like this!" He snarls and tears the paper up. Turning to his generals he growls. "Get those sattelites to full readyness. I dont care how many we lose I want that area covered so much that the slightest movement will be picked up.

Inform the second fleet to upgrade to condition blue and expand their patrol routes to just inside the 30 mile zone. If the shogunate wants to play we'll show them we are serious.

Nodding the generals leave and the orders are sent. All along the coast Iraqstani aircraft begin patrols into the 30 mile zone off the coast of the Immortal shogunate planes of every make patroling and scanning as sattelites above move slowly into postion their enhanced eyes staring down at the lands beneath them...

Treznor

01-12-2003, 12:45

Treznor toasts Carlos's health and prosperity with some fine Iraqstani Scotch.

Carlos smiles and toasts Devon's health and prosperity with the same scotch.

Treznor swirls the liquid in his glass. "You've seen the briefing about this new 'Diplomatic Solution Alliance?' I think they're worth talking to. I'm not personally familiar with any of the nations, but I'm having my people build a dossier. Their ideals are at least worth a nod."

"Yes, I've seen the briefings. They do appear to be sincere in their desire to attain peace through negotiations."

"All right, I know Nath is swamped. Do you want to open talks with them, or you want me to do it?"

"Well, I've always said I'm a tad over zealous when it comes to talking with strangers. It'd be best for someone that actually respects others to talk." Grinning, Carlos sips his scotch.
Treznor shakes his head and downs his scotch in a single gulp. Then, abruptly he asks, "How are Yvonne and the boy?"

Carlos blinks slightly and downs the rest of his scotch. "I wasnt aware anyone else new about him. But they are fine and healthy."

"I told you I'd be keeping an eye on her. I'm glad she hasn't forced me to do anything more than that. I'm also sincerely happy that you two have started a family. I envy you, that."

"Thank you. I'm sure you are just around the corner with the family thing. How goes things in Treznor? I've been muchly focused on my own problems of late. Oh yes before I forget... those tariffs are being removed at the end of the week."

Treznor nods. "My Minister of the Treasury has been screaming at me to stop buying Iraqstani goods at those prices, but I've overruled him. He'll be happy to hear the tarrifs are coming to an end."

The shorter man sighs and pours himself another scotch. "What's the boy's name, by the way?"

Carlos chuckles and smiles. "So my security is still somewhat good. The lad's name is Lidric. I've recently been ordering geneological reviews of Iraqstan. Lidric was one of the founding members of the Quil'raya house. My son will continue what he started. It was quite fitting."

Treznor grins. "Your security is excellent. My people here have the shortest rotation schedules of any division. Too much stress." He winks. "But I'm not interested in prying into your private affairs. My interest is strictly limited to Yvonne and any damage she can cause me. As time passes, she gets continually downgraded as a threat. Much of her knowledge is becoming obsolete.

"Hmm, Lidric. I like the name. It's very powerful. When do I get to meet him?"

Carlos smiles slightly. "Well... I was kind of hoping, given our relations to have you and Nathicana teach him a thing or two about intelligence gathering and diplomacy."

Treznor laughs. "Who better to teach security than a crook? I can't speak for Nath, but I'll be happy to. Let me know when you think he's ready."

Carlos nods his thanks. "Thank you my friend. He's currently taking lessons in how things are run in Iraqstan. Taking to it like a fish to water really. Quite disturbing."

"Oh, I don't know. He's got quite impressive parents. I figure it stands to reason that he'd be quick on the uptake."

"Flattery will get you everything Devon." Carlos winks and raises his glass in salute.

Treznor salutes Carlos in return and tosses back the scotch once more. "Well, I suppose that depends. Carlos, I have to ask you. Speaking as your friend and ally, what the hell are you doing with the Shogunate?"

"Bluntly? I dont trust them. For all I know they are arming those fools in preperation to completely destroy my country and it's way of life."

"I doubt I can dissuade you, particularly after what's happened recently, but I want to caution you. I've been trade and research allies with them for a long time. They're just as sticky about honour as you are, possibly more. They're also members of the Triumvirate, and your opening gambit is, frankly, provocative as hell.

"Speaking officially, if this comes down to a fight, you're in the position of the aggressor and in violation of Alliance terms. I won't be able to help you there. Please, please don't provoke them into a shooting war."

Carlos chuckles. "I understand. I won't provoke if they do not provoke. As for if it comes down to shooting. I am more than willing to stand on my own. Honour one's friends but do not disturb one's allies."

Treznor shakes his head sadly. "Carlos, you're already provoking them. While I don't doubt your ability to defend yourself, they have the backing of the Triumvirate, and those are folks I wouldn't want to fight under any circumstances. You should know that I'll be making my application for membership to them in a little while. I'm still working out the timing. I wouldn't help them attack you, but it would create a massive conflict of interest for me if you were to end up in a war with them."

Carlos chuckles softly. "I wont promise anything, but I wont be the first to fire."

Treznor nods slowly. "All right. I accept that. I'm sorry for intruding, but I wanted to voice my concern. You're one of my oldest friends, and I don't want anything to happen to you."

"Completely understandable. Nothing is gonna happen to me. Although we are still hunting for a pair of snipers that have been running around of late. Took some shots at me earlier today."

Treznor frowns deeply. "How close do they get? Do you need help with your security?"

Carlos chuckles. "They got pretty close this time. But we've been causing havoc for them ever since we got Amanda. It's nothing to worry about."

Treznor sighs. "I'll be happy when this mess is finally over and done with. I've got four thousand planes operating in the Shogunate now, and another five thousand ground transports ferrying people and supplies. My budget doesn't like it, and neither do I."

Carlos chuckles. "I've got things flying in shogunate airspace...." Smiling innocently Carlos offers Devon some more scotch.

"Yeah, the Reploid's own surveillance craft. My observers have told me. They've also told me the Shogunate's response. You realise you're violating their airspace with those reconnaisance drones."

"I know this. As i've said I dont trust the exiles. They might not be citizens but they are still a threat."

"They're still migrating to their new homes. You might at least let them get settled before you start checking on their threat levels. With all the movement and confusion, you're not going to be able to tell innocent behaviour from suspicious, anyway. My people are there on the ground, and they can't see anything out of the ordinary."

Treznor pours another scotch and gulps it. "Look, if you want to dance with the Shogunate, I'll do what I can to help you without letting it get too hot. It'll be totally unofficial, but I'll do what I can. Plus, if they let me in the Triumvirate I'll be in a much better position to provide you with intelligence. What do you say?"

Carlos chuckles. "I dont want you risking anything for me Devon. I'd like to accept that... But it just isn't honourable of me to use your connections like that. Reputation aside you're about the only person I truly trust."

Treznor frowns, opens his mouth, then closes it again. "I'm honoured. All right, don't use my connections. But will you accept my advice? Talk with me before you move, particularly with the Shogunate. I may be able to help you maneuver without looking so much like you're spoiling for a fight."

"I can do that." Sipping his scotch, Carlos smiles slightly. "Any advice on how I should proceed?"

Treznor ponders thoughtfully as he pours another drink. "Hmm...your ships are right on the edge of crossing into Shogunate waters, and although they've been effectively nullified, your drones are actually violating their airspace. Politically speaking, you're in an untenable position, but you can't just abruptly leave. Leave them there another couple of days. Then recall them, except for a small task force to patrol the area.

"Give them at least a ten mile buffer zone, but maintain your patrols. Make sure you've got regular aircraft flights patroling the skies on the same perimeter. But don't enter their airspace again. They can justifiably fire on you and be in the right. Just maintain your presence for now.

"If you've got any subs capable of slipping by their defences, let one 'accidentally' stray off course. But that's for later. For now just make your point and back off."

Carlos nods. "I dont know if you know what sort of forces I've got floating along. I've ordered the fleet to move into the 30 mile zone but they will be pulling back out in a few days. Subs...well I've got 30 ballistic missile subs out there. I am prepared to remove those exiles if they become a threat."

Treznor nods and stares out the window as he drains his glass yet again. It occurs to him that the last time he drank this heavily around Carlos he got into trouble, but now all he feels is slightly buzzed. Hmm...not so sure I like that. I never thought this new body would have any serious drawbacks.

Dread Lady Nathicana

03-12-2003, 09:18

Nathicana sat in her camp chair, her feet kicked up on the edge of her cot, ankles crossed as she read through the recent reports. Still dressed in the standard Dominion uniform pants and boots, she'd since removed the jacket, and now sported a simple red tank top, neatly tucked in. Sipping straight from a chilled bottle, she nodded thoughtfully, poring over the numbers.

Both Revenant class ships, the da Vinci, and the Michaelangelo each carrying 500 medical personnel along with the 50 vehicle standard payload their sister ship, the Raphael had previously, were on time for their scheduled delivery to the growing tent city.

Other matters were proceeding as hoped, most importantly, the new communications experiments (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?p=1871621#1871621) they'd been running off Zelgado. Over the next day, they'd be running additional tests, earthside to the station. Thus far, results had been good.

The situation concerning Carlos and the Shogunate had her damned concerned, however. She took another long pull at the bottle, her brows furrowing.

If war breaks out there ... what to do? Non-involvement, I suppose is an option, but it wouldn't make me look any better. Need to talk to Dev, see if he's made any headway. If not ... I'll do what I have to.

She scowled darkly. Thinking about the control rig always irritated her, along with the implied promises not to use it. As he so often praises - don't let ones conscience get in the way of doing the right thing. Taking another swig of wine, she set the bottle aside, silently debating whether or not to go out and oversee the most recent arrivals while she decided what to do about Carlos and his recent actions.

Scolopendra

03-12-2003, 20:04

Above the Um Lizaan Relief Operation Zone
Southern Reploid Productions

"Chiburi-One, Ul-Roz ATC. Cleared for landing, pad one-nine. Confirm."

Major Jackson flips a few switches, setting his Loki's navigation computer to landing mode, using coordinates beamed from ground control to line up on the appropriate approach vector. "Confirming, pad one-nine."

"Pad one-nine confirmed, Chiburi-One. Standard dropdown procedure, use vector bearing six-seven inclination eight-nine pad relative. Confirm."

Jackson nods to himself, flight helmet bobbing, glossy visor reflecting the dim lights of the cabin and the bright arc of Earth. "Confirming. Bearing six-seven, inclination eight-nine, pad relative." Click click click, his gloved finger taps data into a wide keypad, checking off with the dropship's own subsentient AI.

"Confirmed. You are cleared to land, Chiburi-One."

"Roger, Ul-Roz. Chiburi-One out." Jackson taps the EXECUTE key on the pad, then rests his hands lightly on the massive dropship's deceptively light control column as the gull-winged craft simply begins to drop, not bothering to point its nose away from the 'horizontal.' "Well, Itchy," he grins to his copilot, "another drop."

"Another drop, sir," Captain Ichigo responds, grinning himself, bright white teeth smiling from a yellow-tan jaw.

The major leans back in his seat, settling in. "Well, it's another drop for good, I guess. Sure, we're taxicab drivers, but at least we're getting the people in the holds"--he motions towards the back in his head--"to safety."

"Preaching to the choir, sir." Ichigo shrugs slightly under his g-harness, stretching his neck. Looking down at one multifunction display, he grins, the blackness outside slowly turning more blue. "Entering the ionosphere, sir. Space-atmosphere transition underway." The two's hands tighten slightly on their columns, but otherwise take no action.

Major Jackson leans his head back, looking over his right shoulder. "How are we looking, Tama?"

Captain Tama Ndegi, the flight engineer, checks her displays. "All systems are in the green, sir. Looks like--"

A light blinks on the forward console of the cockpit, accompanied by a soft alarm. Turning around, Jackson taps it. "Tama, I'm getting a yellow on the forward subgrav. You confirm?"

She nods. "Definite yellow, confirmed. Efficiency has dropped to fifty-percent... zero-low sensor error." The indicator on her board and the blinking light on the forward both turn a steady red, immediately followed by two more blinking yellow lights. "Secondary forward subgrav and port subgrav yellow."

"Shit, Tama, what's happening?" Lights turn red, then more yellows. "How the hell are we getting a cascading control failure?"

"Reading ionization on the forward-port power dist, sir. Try putting more heat on our aft-starboard... and we've lost forward and port control. Cutting off power-dist..." There's a few muffled thunks as huge relays open inside the ship, amputating a section of the grids that shuffle power throughout the Loki.

Another klaxon--a loud whine--sounds as the nav computer blinks. Jackson reaches up and punches it off. "Autopilot's off. Computer assist is still on, but we can't make coordinates with half our maneuver out." He begins shifting the control column, using the MFD in front of him to keep on course as he can. "She's being unresponsive... we can't stay in window. Itchy, you know what to do."

Nodding, Captain Ichigo flips up a yellow and red crosshatched cover then holds down the emergency comms switch underneath it. "Mayday. Ul-Roz ATC and all local craft, this is Chiburi-One." Speaking carefully, he enunciates clearly, not sounding worried at all. "We have lost maneuver and are coming down outside of window. Stand by for projected landing co-ords."

"I'm aiming for the flat plain to the east of the landing fields. Looks clear there... although the sea and forests are still an issue." The major grimaces. "Piloting this thing just with the transit drive and two sub-gravs is not fun."

"Co-ords are the eastern plain, exact position indeterminate. Clear landing zone and stand by with emergency personnel. Mayday, this is Chiburi-One going down. Message repeats." Ichigo lifts his finger from the button, then takes the columns and helps the major wrestle the dropship down.

Treznor

04-12-2003, 00:27

Treznor

04-12-2003, 00:30

Treznor

04-12-2003, 00:32

"Charlie-One-Five, I have a transport off-course. Repeat: transport off-course. She's gonna plow into a heavy traffic area!" Captain Carl "Scooter" Perkins wasn't much given to prayer, but events like this made him consider the option.

"Copy that, Scoot. They just sounded an emergency signal. Clear the way. Repeat: clear the way."

Scooter clicked his throat mic irritably. "Major, you know how fast that thing is coming down? There's no way I can fly escort!"

"Did I say 'escort them,' Captain? Clear the path. The alert is out; fly patrol and chase away anyone who doesn't move fast enough. They'll be on the ground in a few minutes, so quit your jawin' and start flyin'!"

"Roger that, Major. On the bounce." Scooter kicked in his auxiliary turbines and began a high-speed dive toward the zone where the Chiburi-One was supposed to pass through. He could only hope that he'd be able to get his own tail out of the way in time.

Dread Lady Nathicana

04-12-2003, 01:39

Co-ords are the eastern plain, exact position indeterminate. Clear landing zone and stand by with emergency personnel. Mayday, this is Chiburi-One going down.

"Madre del dio ... not now." Captain Delmonico muttered under his breath. "Alright then," he bellowed. "We've got a situation on our hands. Divert course out of the line of traffic, towards the eastern plain. One of the Trium transports is going down, requesting aid - we're on it."

Already, the crew of the da Vinci was moving, making the course changes, advising ground of the new destination. "Get those docs in the hold set to treat folks. Let them know what's what. And get word to those already on the ground - we've no idea how this is going to pan out. May need everything we've got on hand."

As the word went out, and the mayday was recieved, the Dominion forces sprang into action. The hospital units that were up prepared to recieve the injured, other teams made their way to the outskirts of the coordinates given, racing to arrive as soon as possible. The da Vinci skirted the traffic lanes, monitoring the skies for the wounded Loki, the personnel on board prepping for the worst and hoping for the best.

Scolopendra

04-12-2003, 04:50

"Path is clearing, sir. Friendly jet fighters are opening up the airspace."

Major Jackson nods. "Good... Tama, any fixes coming?"

"Damage control dispatched... just slow her down, sir, and we'll see what we can do."

"With half a gravydrive..." Jackson grimaces, pulling back on his column. "Bring up the emergency generator. Should buy us some time before it burns out."

"Acting, sir."

* - * - *

In the nose of the Loki, two gas-masked techs make their way through a sparking mass towards the spherical forward subgrav. "Get this secondary power line routed," the lead one says, pointing a way through the haze, "and I'll swap out the subgrav components." The second tech nods and treads lightly over to the indicated panel, carrying a portable generator with large power leads.

Reaching the subgrav sphere--actually a tesselation of hexagon-bottomed cones--the first tech checks indicator lights on each hexagon cone. Those with no light, or with red lights, get pulled out, chucked to the deck, and replaced with a new cone from his backpack. A good connection, a green light, and onto the next one. Check, heave, chuck, prep, and slam. No connection. Pull out and slam again, good connection.

"Hurry it up, dammit!"

* - * - *

"Forward subgrav repaired and back to 93 percent efficiency," Captain Ndegi reads off her console, "portside is partially operational and working at 27 percent."

"Good, good... now for bad news. Looks like we're going down in some light woods... landing's gonna be tricky."

"Safe hard-landing speed, sir..." Captain Ichigo flips several switches over his head, "reinitializing attitude control--" another alarm goes off "--emergency drive's burnt itself out."

"Oi, brace!" The major pulls back on his column as hard as he can, bringing the Loki's nose up and firing its emergency fusion engines with the flick of a yellow-handled throttle. The back end of the oblate teardrop-shaped mission adaptable mass cargo pod hits first, smashing through the sparse treeline and buckling under the force, crumpling under the mass of the Loki's aft drive section, plasma venting from the drive cores scorching the trees in a late effort to decelerate. The plasma drive exhaust vanes shear off from flying debris, losing vector-thrust and pushing the Loki over to roll against one of its thick rounded wings, twisting it slightly but maintaining hull integrity. The drives flick off and the dropship settles, tilted slightly to port, rolling onto the flat bottom of its cargo pod, the aft section collapsing further.

Surrounded by burning sparse trees and brush to the aft and lying on a bed of crushed foliage, Chiburi-One groans her last.

* - * - *

Speaker-to-Animals looks through the binoculars at the slowly rising plume of smoke, then lowers them with a grimace. "Maintain the schedule. Divert all ground transport to that ship. Ferry them to the medical tents. Above all, keep those dropships landing."

imported_Cetaganda

04-12-2003, 05:25

{Tighbeam Transmission; m16 Security Protocols}
x Fleet Admiral Conrad Mazian, Cetaganda Third Fleet
o Sky Marshal Rico; Allied Involveds

Sky Marshal, you have our full engineering resources at your disposal. If you need it, we can dispatch a repair tender to pick up the downed Loki and haul it up to our mobile repair ship for a complete disassembly and systems analysis. We could also bring in to one of your capships if that would be easier. I think I speak for all of us when I say we need to see exactly what happened, and if we can prevent similar incidents from occuring.

Scolopendra

04-12-2003, 19:16

To Fleet Admiral Conrad Mazian

There's still civvies on that Loki; dispatch what rescue teams you can and coordinate with the Scolopendran CDC units on site. It's planetside, so it's essentially their domain. Once we get the civvies clear and the situation secured, then we'll scour that thing over to see what happened.

Sky Marshal Juan Rico
CO, 4TEF
TYWS-SCV Olympus Mons

Southern Reploid Productions
East of Relief Operation

A small cloud of Scarab-class shuttles, all in Scolopendra militia air-superiority-grey and blue livery, spread out around the Loki, soon followed by as many all-terrain cargo haulers and emergency vehicles as could be spared. A command truck rolls onto the scene, and from there light-armored CDC personnel begin making their way into the Loki from any available entrance, helping the trapped civilians and crew--those not utilizing the emergency rubber ramps from explosive-bolt blown doors--out.

Reploid Productions

04-12-2003, 20:04

Southern Reploid Productions
East of relief operation

"Kuso!" Hizeme bellows loudly, proving that the retired engineer-turned-singer could certainly project her voice. With a loud bellow above the noise of the camp, she calls several of the other large Ryuujin model reploids and the group quickly makes the short flight to the crash site- ten 30-foot tall mechanized dragons, with the strength to match. A few of them set to clearing debris away from the downed Loki, while some of the others set to beating out the fires before they can spread.

Hizeme quickly tracks down the leader of the rescue op. "Okay, I got some of my group over here- how can we help?" She glances at the Loki. "I'm not certain, but with all ten of my team, we might be able to lift the aft section a little to relieve the pressure." Sunlight catching brief flashes off the reploid's red armor as she shakes her head and continues. "Too much to hope for that this entire operation would go off without a hitch."

Relief Operation HQ

Firefury watches the flurry of activity for a moment as crews scramble in the direction of the downed Loki. "Damnit, I knew I should have okayed that g-diffuser transport project sooner!" She flips her comm unit on. "Oi, Space Taxi, send over as many of the big transport choppers as y'can, one of the birds went down with a belly full of civvies!"

"Ryoukai, we started scrambling the chopper teams as soon as we heard the emergency message. Transports are already en route, ETA within the hour." The reply crackles through.

Despite the transmission being audio-only, the orange reploid nods absently. "Excellent. Okay, not much I can do personally with the Chiburi-One situation, so I'm gonna see about wandering through the camp and see if I can't help reassure the refugees a wee bit."

With that, Firefury turns and resolutely dives in among the crowds of people, helping pitch tents where needed, and offering encouragement and support to as many of the Um Lizaa refugees as she can, all the while noting their condition and faces to herself. Oh good Goddess, the last time I saw people who looked so broken and desperate-! Shimeki-sama, may Your chains bind Carlos Quil'Raya and Your axe smite him where he stands for these atrocities. If I could get away with it, I would love nothing more than to be Your axe again and smite him myself! She swears to herself.

She does note with some satisfaction that the registry system she had insisted on seems to be almost entirely up and running- seveal stations throughout the colony so that families and friends could locate eachother, since despite the best efforts of the extraction forces, groups were bound to be seperated.

Scolopendra

05-12-2003, 01:13

Southern Reploid Productions
East of relief operation

Major Takla Chödak, CDC commander of the rescue detachment and barely more than 140 centimeters tall, cranes her neck and looks up at the massive red reploid dragon, blue visor over her eyes clearly reflecting Hizeme's image. She then looks at the Loki, about the size of a small cruise ship.

Hokay... ten six-meter dragons lifting a portion of a one-hundred-twenty meter thirty kay-ton dropship... Er... that's just nuts.

"Hrm." She steps back and looks back up to Hizeme, hoping that her voice really doesn't sound as squeaky as she thinks it does. "I'm not so sure... maybe opening up some more access points in the aft would help. If you only remove bulkheads that have already buckled free and aren't carrying any weight, then that would help immensely."

She taps a control on her forearm, activating her helmet radio. "Okay, people... extract the civilians with care; worst wounded go to the Dominion medical teams on site. Any walking wounded or unscathed we pile in the deuce-and-a-halfs and take back to the tent city."

Relief Operation

Speaker-to-Animals remains on the ridge, watching the operations fold around him. "Hrrr," he mutters softly to himself in his native language, "I need to stay in contact in case that Loki situation gets worse." He jogs down the ridge towards the tent city, making his way back to the command tent.

Dread Lady Nathicana

05-12-2003, 02:39

Dread Lady Nathicana

05-12-2003, 02:51

Southern Reploid Productions
East of relief operation

Delmonico directs the crew to bring them in as close as is reasonable, keeping out of the way of the other traffic in the area. The bays open, and the personnel in the vehicles drive out first, others of the teams loaded up as needed, their medkits and tramua packs ready. Taking the direction of the Scolopendran forces on site, they do their level best to assist, as does the crew of the da Vinci, the med teams treating those they can in order of severity, the others filling in where directed. Those that need more serious treatment are loaded onto the jeeps and transports first, the teams making their way to the med centers already set up, radioing ahead with what details they can. Those who cannot be helped, are laid with as much dignity as can be managed off to the side as those with less pressing injuries are treated off to another by the more junior members of the teams.

Hawkswind

05-12-2003, 03:16

Hawkswind Hall
Hazen City
Empire of Hawkswind
St Abbaddon

The Tech walked into the hall. The darkened walls his hundreds of front-line warriors as he swallowed in fear. "My Khans. The Hawk's Pride reports a vessel crashing out of the spacelanes."

SaKhan Andrea Hazen stood from her seat at the center of the hall, and the only area in total light. "You would interrupt a meeting of the Clan for something so trivial?"

"SaKhan, the ship's path will take it dangerously close to the edge of our space paths. The ship's reator core may also damage the JumpPoints we have established in that area."

"Well, why didn't you say that, ComTech Andrew? Send the Hawk's Pride closer to that sector. As long as it doesn't cross our borders, we should not concern ourselves with the civil war or it's outcome."

The Tech bowed his head at being directly addressed. "Yes, my Khan."

OOC: Good stuff, just reading through. :)

Sneaky Bastards

05-12-2003, 06:12

25 miles off the coast of the Shogunate, 3000 meters up...

Green Noa 01 made its approach to the Shogunate's Refugee Colony. Flying around the massive ship were several Thunderhawk fighters, running patrols around the ship.

Captain Andrews looked out at the land ahead of the ship from her seat in the observation lounge below the bridge. She sat in silence, occasaionally hearing the sound of a passing fighter squad. Her silence was broken eventually by a call from the bridge.

"Captain, we've entered within 25 miles of the Shogunate territory. Should we follow the original landing plan or the modified one?"

"The modified one. Maintain current altitude and take us in to right over the docking point before descending. If anyone does shoot at us, we'll have more time to respond than we would flying low on our approach." she replied.

"Understood."

"How far behind us is Green Noa 02?" she asked as she thought about the other ship.

"2 hours and 45 minutes. By the time we finish unloading our passengers, they'll be arriving and ready to land."

The captain resumed sitting in silence, looking out at the shore ahead them, watching the fighters patrol. On the bridge, the officers on duty carried out their orders for the modified landing plan.

Reploid Productions

05-12-2003, 06:38

Southern Reploid Productions
East of Relief Operation

Hizeme bobs her head once, arcing her neck to shout over her shoulder. "A'right, guys, orders are to open some new doors on that aft section! Precision stuff, easy on the plasma torches! Only the buckled bulkheads that aren't holding up any weight! And for the love of Shimeki, try not to scare the civvies too badly- they aren't accustomed to giant mechanoids! Snap to it!"

A chorus of "Ryoukai!"s are shouted in response, and Hizeme lithely spins around to go join her teammates in adding a few new doors to the downed Loki.

Southern Reploid Productions
UL-Roz Airstrip 3

Somewhat distant from the main camp and frantic activity of the dropships, a steady stream of supplies are flown in on low-altitude approach paths from the Space Taxi, Jishin, and Ytorla bases. One after another, Hamakaze 220s land on the rough airstips, taxi to a prefab building serving as the on-site staging area, unload, and take off again. While not flying as tight a schedule as the main extraction, the pilot teams are running a fairly packed schedule, mostly ferrying in food supplies for the civ-eng teams and the refugees already on the ground. The more direly needed medical supplies are for the most part diverted to one of the airstrips closer to the main camp. With the aid of Shodey's mechanoids, the loading and unloading part of the process takes substantially less time than it likely would have otherwise, but still, the activity has a frantic air.

Iraqstan

05-12-2003, 17:23

<ooc> Parts of this post are done with the assumption everyone knows that I am the player behind Um Lizaa. I am too lazy to log in as that nation so forgive me :P. </ooc>

Relief Operation Central
Tent City Reploid Productions

Watching the remenants of his family work Tomas Acalas shivered with despair as the memory of the shallow grave he was forced to dig for his wife and three children by Iraqstani officials during the purge of sin. Looking mournfully about he wipes tears from his eyes and once more stares blankly and fearfully at the orange reploid making her way through the people.

Around him other people work erecting tents and other buildings, the soft rumble of aircraft has become comforting rather than an act of terror in the old lands. "By all that is honoured. I am glad to be in this new land. By her powers I wish you could be with me Rachelia you would love this place. The sea... aah such beauty." He whispers as he resumes his work.

Looking over his shoulder once more he takes in another look of the saviour of his people and smiles. "I must thank you some time. You have given us hope in a time when all is fear and despair." Shaking his head he resumes concentrating on his task completely ignoring all around him.

-*-*

Iraqstani battle fleet,
Somewhere in the oceans near the Immortal Shogunate

"Admiral! New orders just come down the wire" The senior communications officer calls out from his spot on the bridge. Turning to look at him Admiral Schultzy smiles and walks over. "lets see them then Parsky." He orders and looks at the incoming message.

Admiral Schultzy of the Second Iraqstani Battle Groupd. Codenamed Righteous justice. You have stayed long enough inside the 30 mile denial zone and are ordered to pull out. All submarines under your orders are to pull back to safe launch zones and await further orders. Air patrols are ordered to stay outside the denial zone and well away from the NFZs.

All naval ships are ordered into secondary patrol routes near the denial zone but no longer inside it. More forces are being diverted to your command soon. Expect the first arrivals within the week along with resupplies and a new list of orders.

Military Cheif Carlos Quil'raya.

Looking up Schultzy smiles and looks up. "Alright men, get on the horn tell the fleet to pull back, get someone to the deep lines and pull our subs back. SLBMs included. We've done our job now we are going back to standard deployment outside the denial zones. Aircraft are to be pulled back patrol wise and remain within a sphere of influence of all Iraqstani vessel."

Recieving acknowledgements the Iraqstani officers begin the calls and over the hours of the day the entire fleet begins the slow but deliberate withdrawl from the denial zone making it as publicly spottable by all reconassaince and spy sats of the other side....

You saw us, you cowered. We now wait for your move. Schultzy thinks to himself as the mighty carrier turns around and leaves the denial zone and air patrols begin their landings for refueling to head out once more on patrols and air defense.

Iraqstan

05-12-2003, 17:24

Reploid Productions

06-12-2003, 00:42

Jishin AFB, Reploid Productions

"Intel reports the Iraqstani fleet is pulling back. They think it was more or less a cheap attempt at looking threatening or somesuch, rather than an overt threat to the colony. Reports from Tengoku would indicate military buildup in Iraqstan- looks like they may have a fleet getting ready for departure." An aide reads off.

"At least the bastards are pulling back. They would be stupid to start sh-- against us right now, with so many space assests that could be brought down on their heads in like, two seconds." Tiffany frowns. "Keep up the offshore patrols, and somebody get GMC on the horn and see if perhaps they have a fleet or two that could come down this way. Our drones are out of Iraqstani airspace, I assume?"

"Yeah, as soon as the probe was finished, we pulled all Tsubasa and Yotaka drones out of Iraqstan. Satellites are handy, after all." The aide grins.

"Yeah, just remember, they have sats, too, and we don't have nearly enough ships to 'accidentally' pass in front of those eyes when they're over our turf. At least those we can track and know when they'll be overhead. There's no helping hiding the camp- all the transmissions and activity is bluntly obvious, but I want all military facilities to move to battle alert level 2-S, and make sure the Queen's Wing is on emergency standby." Tiffany takes a swig straight from a bottle of Skyrockets, having given up on mere coffee hours ago. "And see if we've got any Drakos units who'd be willing to to some deep intel. Assuming the guys running the extraction are okay with it, we could easily sneak several Drakos model reploids into Um Lizaa- they're so small they'd easily get lost in the confusion, and could sneak deep into enemy territory."

"I don't think using the extraction ships to insert spies would really be the best idea." Michelle Richter strolls into the room. "The only reason they aren't being shot at right now is because Carlos knows that the only reason he's still in charge of that damned country is because of those ships taking away the rebels. If he found out that they were being used to sneak Shogunate milintel forces into his turf, the entire extraction operation could be jeopardized. We don't want this to turn into a shooting war- yeah, the Shogunate military obviously outclasses the Iraqstani military, and we certainly have more powerful allies than he would- the NDA has made it clear that if he starts stuff, they aren't going to support him, but the entire point of the extraction in the first place was to prevent a war. And the Angelans have some stake in Carlos and that country- we don't want to cause a situation that could cause serious dissent within the Triumvirate."

"When the hell did you get here, Michelle?" Tiffany raises an eyebrow.

"Not too long ago. I got orders to head here and take over for you for awhile- you look like you just got done taking a leisurely stroll through all seven circles of hell, Tiff." The slightly younger woman chuckles. "Yer getting too old for this kinda stress, girl."

"Tell me about it." Tiffany rolls her eyes. "I think after this entire affair, I'm gonna look into retirement- I've fought my wars already!" She chuckles, tossing Michelle the bottle. "Hang onto that, yer gonna need it."

"Ryoukai." Michelle mock-salutes. "Go get some rest, I'll take over things from here."

Michelle reviews the information sitting on the desk briefly. "Ball's in our court then? Okay, tell DipComm to get on the horn with the Dominion and Treznor- they're some of Iraqstan's closest buddies, and I want to make sure we're all clear on the situation, and maybe discuss future measures, since this is obviously going to be a long-term deal." She pauses in thought. "Also, tell DipComm to send Angelus a message apologizing personally for neglecting to include them in the rather hastily-assembled talks that led to this entire situation. Doesn't hurt to be polite, after all. And no official response to the Iraqstani fleet. Keep an eye on them, but no official response." She grins. "Best way to deflate a bully is to ignore their posturing, after all."

ALTIMIT Broadcaster
Encryption: Triumvirate Standard
Broadcast type: Diplomatic
To: Angelus
Return transmission band: Open
IDENT: Michelle Richter - Reploid Productions

I apologize for the delay, but feel this message is a necessary one, as our nations are allies via the Triumvirate of Yut, and the Shogunate does try to adhere fully to that fact.

I would like to personally apologize for our failure to include a representitive of Angelus in the emergency talks that ultimately led to the present situation in Iraqstan. Due to the sudden nature of the situation, we had to proceed, regardless of who was or was not present. I would like to think that the agreement reached was the best for all involved, as it prevents Iraqstan from being thrown into total anarchy, while at the same time preventing the crimes against sentience that would very easily have led to many nations declaring war on Iraqstan. On the other hand, it does appear to have set the stage for a cold war between the Shogunate and Iraqstan, but then, I suppose better a cold war than a hot one.

I can understand if you have some concerns or issues with the situation, and you are more than welcome to bring them up so that they may be addressed.

With highest regards,
~Michelle Richter
~Minister of Homeland Security
~Immortal Shogunate of Reploid Productions
<End transmission>

ALTIMIT Broadcaster
Encryption: High
Broadcast type: Diplomatic/Military/Humanitarian
To: The Dominion of Dread Lady Nathicana and the Empire of Treznor
Return transmission band: Open
IDENT: Michelle Richter - Reploid Productions

Normally a message like this would come from Tsume or Firefury-sama, but I'm sure you can understand that things are presently in quite the state of ordered chaos here.

I'll keep this brief- at some point in the near future, I feel we will need to have representatives meet to discuss Iraqstan's recent actions, stationing a small fleet within the 30-mile perimeter of the refugee colony, as well as the violation of Shogunate airspace by Iraqstani drones- though I'm fairly sure you have likely found out about how the drones were nullified. While I do not think Iraqstan will actually do anything at this time to provoke a shooting war, one must always prepare for the unexpected.

Please respond as soon as is convenient.

With highest regards,
~Michelle Richter
~Minister of Homeland Security
~Immortal Shogunate of Reploid Productions
<End transmission>

Treznor

06-12-2003, 02:53

TSMIT Broadcaster
Encryption: Triumvirate Standard
Broadcast type: Diplomatic / Military
To: The Dominion of the Dread Lady Nathicana and the Immortal Shogunate of Reploid Productions
Return transmission band: Open
IDENT: Devon Treznor - Treznor

The current state of hostilities between Iraqstan and the Shogunate is known to us, and disturbs us greatly. We have taken what steps as we can to defuse the situation, but feel that our efforts will only go so far. We are prepared to meet with you to discuss the situation.

Devon Treznor
Emperor
<End transmission>

Dread Lady Nathicana

06-12-2003, 03:26

DSMIT Broadcaster
Encryption: High
Broadcast type: Diplomatic / Military
To: The Immortal Shogunate of Reploid Productions and the Empire of Treznor
Return transmission band: Open
IDENT: Nathicana D'Aquisto - Dominion

I am already on site overseeing the delivery of our medical personnel and equipment. The escalation in tensions has not escaped my attention, and I too am prepared to meet and discuss possible solutions.

--Nathicana D'Aquisto, Dread Lady of the Dominion
<End transmission>

The Most Glorious Hack

06-12-2003, 09:29

:tag:

GMC Military Arms

06-12-2003, 11:37

The Federation is extremely dismayed by the situation developing off the coast of the Shogunate, and, in the spirit of our mutual defence pact, the battlegroup of the carrier Lilia Litvyak, along with the Vertical Carriers Ayato and Megumi, the Dreadnought Lady Yunalesca and the amphibious carrier Shiva have been despatched to protect your coast. In addition, the First and Second Carrier Groups and the Grand Fleet have moved up to first stage alert.

While we hope for a peaceful solution, we will honour the terms of the treaty.

Sally Knight, Federal Ambassador to the Shogunate of Reploid Productions.

Treznor

06-12-2003, 13:08

Emperor Devon Treznor wanders through the refugee camps searching for Queen Firefury. His distinctive black-and-silver outfit makes him stand out, and he's forced to brush aside dozens of needy hands and faces along the way. She, at the time, is distracted by fixing a tent and doesn't notice Treznor until he's almost on top of her.

He clears his throat firmly. "Queen Firefury?"

"Oro-?" she says whipping around. "When did you get here? Blah, nevermind. S'up?"

Treznor grins. "I'm here because you, or your people, called. I happened to be in the neighbourhood, globally speaking. Ms. Richter asked for a conference."

"Oooh. I guess Michelle finally got Tiffany to hand over command. Great, we do have quite a bit to discuss."

"Well, now that I've found you, let's head over to the Dominion camp. Unlike you, Nath has been keeping herself available."

"Nathicana is here too? Good Goddess, why didn't anybody tell me?! I've had my comm on the whole time! Lead the way, man!"

Treznor gestures to his bodyguards to keep a respectable distance and be polite, even to the refugees. Then he turns back to Firefury as he begins to walk. "You're one up on me, then. I don't have any decent communications out this way. Would you mind calling ahead to let her know we're on our way?"

"Yeah, no prob," she says, tapping a hidden switch on her helmet. "Oyie, HQ, it's Queenie. Somebody let Madame Dread Lady know Devon and I are on our way over? Yeah, Michelle didn't TELL me we had dignitaries comin'. Gotcha."

Treznor makes a beeline for the armoured transport that brought him and his guards to the camp and gestures for Firefury to precede him. "After you."

"Righto," she says with a grin. "Not often I get treated like a lady." She hops up into the transport easily. "Armored, huh? You realize that the only weapons in this bloody place are the ones the extraction ops have?"

He settles in beside her and waits for his people. "Yes, but events have...conspired to convince me to listen to my people when they suggest certain modes of transport. My limousine was armoured, but it still blew up nicely when hit with shoulder-launched missiles."

Firefury cringes at that. "Eh, I'm not one to talk either. Paranoia is a good thing."

Treznor laughs. "I've had that conversation with SHODAN, too. Two types of paranoia, according to my old mentor: absolute and insufficient."

The Reploid Queen waits for the transport to get to the center of the camp. "Paranoia and honor...and humor." She snickers. "I'm guessing you heard about how Iraqstan's drones were dealt with?"

Treznor winks at Firefury. "It was most...creative. I wouldn't have thought of it, but I wish I had."

"Eh, I would have just had my drones block 'em. It was Tiffany's idea to add the...ah...artwork."

"I would have shot them down. They were in violation of sovereign airspace. All the same, I'm glad you didn't. It was a much more...elegant solution."

She nods in agreement, though she finishes with a dark look. "If it is at all possible to deter...problems...without shooting first, that's the method I'll take."

Treznor notes the change in pitch from the engine. "We should be getting close now, just up this hill. I'll be happy to discuss details with you when we're all together."

Firefury nods again. "I got an earful from Tiffany about Carlos's fleet. Personally, given the data milintel gathered before we pulled our drones out of Iraqstan airspace, if not for the agreement, I think I'd be lobbying for the Trium to do something about it."

Treznor picks up a suddenly ringing phone. "Yes, understood. Ladies and gentlemen, we're here." He lets his bodyguards exit the transport first, then again gestures to Firefury. "My Queen?"

"Just 'Firefury' is fine by me," she says with a chuckle. "Daresay I'm not given much to formality. Comes from being in the Air Corps most of my life." She finishes with a wink, hopping out of the transport with a smirky grin.

He steps down and nods to his people before leading the way to Nathicana's tent with Firefury following, tugging off her helmet (which still has one decorative fin cracked from Amanda's gunshots). "Let's get this show on the road!" she says cheerfully.

Dread Lady Nathicana

06-12-2003, 14:20

Nathicana holds up a finger to them as they enter, signifying 'one moment', as she rapidly finishes typing a message, her eyes both on the screen and looking distant, jacked in as she is, and concentrating. She nods with satisfaction, completing her tasks, removing the jack and looking up, her expression serious. "So, where do we start?"

Firefury crosses her arms "Well, much as I'd love to go on a little rampage and rant about Iraqstan really pushing their luck and my patience with their two recent stunts, that'd be a whole lot of useless, ne?"

"Pretty much," replies Treznor.

Speaker-to-Animals looks up from his pacing about like...well... a tiger. "Now what?"

"Well, for one..." Here she eyes Nathi and Dev. "You guys are on fairly good terms with Carlos, right? Any chance you could get it drilled into his astoundingly thick skull that the Shogunate will leave him alone if he does likewise?"

Treznor grins. "Ironically enough, the reason I'm here so quickly is because I was in Iraqstani airspace when the call came."

Nathicana rubs her temples tiredly, her brow creasing. "We just got through a conflict, woman. Let's not start another if we can avoid it. As for drilling ..." She gives Trez a brief sidelong glance, quickly looking away. "Besides, he's pulled back, yes?"

The Reploid nods. "For now, yes. But for how long?"

"He had already issued orders when I talked to him," Devon assures Firefury, as Nathi mutters under her breath, "Il dio, why borrow trouble?" Speaker-to-Animals snarls something quietly to himself, folding his arms and letting his tail twitch back and forth.

Devon continues, taking note of the reactions. "I've got his word that he won't shoot first. I pointed out that by taking such an aggressive and provocative stance, he's edging toward violation of NDA policy. If he shoots, he's in the wrong and he understands this. We can't help him at that point."

"Other than the word of Cakh-Cughbi, what do we have?" Speaker growls softly.

"I don't mind a cold war, but I don't want him pushing his luck and endangering my people. *wry grin* Enough of them got axed in the revolution already."

Nathicana and Devon both look over at Speaker, her with a rather concerned expression. "I ... realize our connection there does not sit well with everyone, but for now, we do what we must, as Dev said. Looming menacingly, while provocative, is not an act of war."

Treznor picks it up immediately. "At this point his forces should have pulled back to neutral territory, although they're going to continue to maintain patrols. It's not the Shogunate Carlos doesn't trust, it's the refugees the Shogunate is harboring."

"I had a bit of an idea to possible soothe those sorts of worries," Firefury responds.

Speaker-to-Animals hisses. "And what can they do? They are a broken people. Hrah." He finishes, shaking his head sharply.

"Frankly, I see this as an issue of honour. Misplaced, perhaps, but honour nonetheless. Carlos had his pride bruised with our little deal brokering, and he's looking to punish someone about it. He refuses to accept that the Um Lizaa refugees are no longer a threat to him. He promised that if he gets one whiff of any seditious activity from them toward his government, he'll wipe them out."

"What do you guys think about inviting him to send a small team to inspect the refugee colony once the extraction is complete?" Firefury offers.

Speaker-to-Animals sets his jaw, narrows his eyes, and lays back his ears. "And that will be the day he dies."

Nathicana winces at Firefury’s words. And again at Speakers comment.

Firefury continues. "I know damn well plenty of the refugees would love nothing more than the kick his ass around, which is why I'm not granting them access to weapons at this time."

Speaker-to-Animals calms himself down, breathing slowly. "Of course, we must protect the fool from himself. Inspectors may work."

Treznor looks doubtful as he replies. "I don't know. Perhaps. The important thing is that Carlos is not acting irrationally. He's got cold, solid reasons for what he's doing, it's just that he's focused on the idea that the Um Lizaa people are a threat to him. He won't let that go."

"I'm sure once the refugees are made full citizens of the Shogunate, many of them are going to rush to join the military... but at that point, they will be under stricter regulations, and the military chain of command."

"An idea," Speaker offers.

"I propose that until such time as we have solid evidence of intended actions, or actual actions themselves, that -no- aggressive actions on the parts of those now standing against Carlos be taken. Yes, Speaker?" Nathi says, turning to him.

Firefury nods. "S'why I had my recon drones pulled as soon as the Um Lizaa probe was completed."

Speaker-to-Animals nods quietly. "I understand realpolitik, t'kzintar-tzobu." He then taps his chin for a moment. "An influx to your military may set him off. Possible incentives for remaining a civilian and building infrastructure?

"And as for that," Firefury says, nodding to Speaker, "S'why I had this particular site chosen- fair weather year 'round, and a lot of untapped resources that the refugees could work on to help become self-supporting. Resources for the colony, and jobs for the people."

Treznor walks over to Nathicana's desk and pours himself a glass of wine. He quirks an eyebrow at her, but doesn't say anything before drinking it down.
She sighs quietly. "I'm sorry, I've been remiss. Anyone else care for a glass?"

"I'll hafta pass, but thanks," Firefury replies with a wry grin. Speaker-to-Animals chuckles quietly. "You have heard my excuse. On duty." Nathicana nods, and smiles quietly, fetching herself a glass instead, then sits back down, sipping slowly.

Firefury gets on her comm to an aide, who comes scurrying with a thick envelope. "And speaking of that probe... you may want to see this." She hands over the envelope to the others. "That's the report from the Um Lizaa probe. Suffice to say, there is some very damning evidence."

Speaker-to-Animals raises a furred brow, stepping over to look over Fury's shoulder. Nathicana arches a brow at the report, her features soon hardening somewhat, knowing what's coming. Devon doesn't look at the contents of the envelope, but nods.

"How damning?" Speaker asks simply, Firefury responding without hesitation. "Over 100 sites where tested by disposable probes. Something close to 90% of them came up positive for toxic agents."

Nathicana glances over at Devon as he speaks. "Damning enough. Iraqstan has been stockpiling nuclear, chemical and biological weapons for at least two generations, if not more."

Firefury nods. "And of that estimated 90%, virtually all of them appeared to have been civilian areas."

"The problem is that Carlos doesn't care. He's signed no treaties banning them, and he believes they make an effective deterrent for aggressors. He used some of the chemical weapons on the Falkenberg forces, if you recall," Devon continues.

"Granted, they fired chems first," Firefury says with a nod.

Speaker-to-Animals sets his jaw again and mutters quietly to himself. "And the people are not safe even now from his paranoia." Mindlessly taps his armored skirt with one hand, a soft tinkle of mesh.

"That's the thing, we have a quaint little standoff here," the Reploid continues.

"Granted," says Devon, "But he doesn't particularly care who knows about it, he just won't wave a flag attracting attention to it. If it comes out, it comes out He said he was willing to defend himself alone, if need be. He wouldn't consider it a breach of honour of the NDA didn't support him. That is, in fact, what we have. A standoff, and an ugly one."

"I'm sure Carlos knows we have this information. Since the people he's targeting are no longer within his sphere of influence, I'm perfectly willing to keep this info to myself," Firefury states, with Devon replying. "Thank you, that will make my life a lot easier."

Nathicana agrees. "I would think it best, all things considered."

"So who is next for his toys, hrrr? What will his sick mind fixate on next?" Speaker is clearly not pleased.

Treznor turns to the K’zin. "For now, his "sick mind" is fixated on the refugees around us, Speaker. But he's not going to launch against them. Not unless he thinks he's got enough proof to justify it. He may have problems, but he's a cunning wolf. He won't fire blindly without making sure he's got enough to at least claim self-defence."

"I will share this information with my staff, to develop counters," Speaker says, grimacing. "No others need know, if that is suitable."

Firefury frowns "It might also help keep him from doing anything too foolish. If he 'twitches', then I would have absolutely no qualms with sharing the probe report with any and all of the more self-righteous nations out there." She grins wryly. "Honor thy enemies, until they break honor first. Waste not one's honor upon the dishonorable."

"And you'd also be looked at askance, after having supported his regime, might I remind you." Nathi says with a meaningful look.

Speaker-to-Animals chuckles humorlessly. "Of course, Firefury."

"Burn that bridge if we get there. He is a stabilizing influence, and in theory, with the oppressed folks out of his reach, then there's nothing wrong."

"It may be wise to leave a Grendel in low-orbit on missile intercept duty for the duration of the crisis," Speaker rumbles, Firefury nodding in response.

"Shogunate missile defenses are already on high alert, but some extra anti-missile help would be most welcome."

"With the recent entry of an Iraqstani fleet, that might be inadvisable, unless you're speaking of Shogunate space." Nathi takes another quiet sip of wine, eyes flickering back and forth between her allies.

"The Iraqstani "fleet" is not a concern," Speaker states clearly.

"He's going to be leaving his forces on patrol around the Shogunate to watch the refugees. I don't know when, if ever, he'll recall them. I think it's only fair that he gets scrutinised closely, as well," Firfury muses. "I've got Tengoku station's observational gear aimed largely at that fleet- the 30 mile perimeter is quite thoroughly lined with sensors and the like."

Nathicana resists a sigh. "I'm merely hoping to avoid any incidents. I've no doubts in the capabilities of your own forces, Speaker."

"Let him know,"--Speaker-to-Animals eyes Dev and Nathi--"that any attack against the Shogunate is an attack against the Triumvirate. If he fires, he will be destroyed."

(more to come ...)

Dread Lady Nathicana

06-12-2003, 16:47

Nathicana glances at Devon again, a slight question in her eyes.

<LOS-Communications to Devon>
{
<< Do you still insist we don't use the rig, boy?
}

Firefury glances over with one quirked eyebrow. "Whoa, Speaker, cool yer jets, we got some potential conflict of interest here, remember."

"Well," Treznor begins, "given both sides' determination to not be the first to fire, I think we can probably keep this at a cold war. It'll play hell on Iraqstan's economy, which will have repercussions for the NDA, but it's Carlos' choice. So long as he doesn't keep trying to bully folks bigger than he is, I can't really say anything about it."

"Exactly, Treznor. I will ensure we do not fire first. I will also ensure that if we bite, we bite deep." Speaker’s tone leaves no doubt as to his sincerity.

"But frankly, with cold wars things happen. I've got Carlos' ear and I expect to be in regular contact with him. If that changes, I'll let you know. But when accidents happen, and they will I'm sure, I'd like your word that you'll wait before launching a full-out attack."

Firefury nods thoughtfully. "I don't think Iraqstan's economy can support a sustained arms race. Then again, with the refugee operation, Shogunate weapons development is gonna take a hit, too."

Speaker-to-Animals pauses for a moment and thinks.

<LOS-Communications to Nathi>
{
<< Like I said, he's not being irrational. Not yet. I'll give you the details soon. So no, no rig.
}

Nathicana assumes an expression of measured calm in the face of all the statements, but for now, doesn't speak.

<LOS-Communications to Devon>
{
<< Just so long as you don't disregard it entirely. I don't like where things are going.
Even a touch of proper emotional control could be helpful to us, and you know it.
}

Firefury frowns. "If it does come to WMDs, the Shogunate is unarmed, at least so far as that sort of firepower." Her expression darkens. "At most, the Space Taxi would be utilized to lob sub-orbital kinetic strikes... Which I can assure you will NOT happen," she finishes in an icy tone, then mutters under her breath, "I wouldn't wish that on anybody."

<LOS-Communications to Nathi>
{
<< What if it were you? What if you were doing what you felt was the right thing to protect the
Dominion, unpopular as it might be, and someone else had the power to twist your mind?
}

Speaker-to-Animals speaks in a firm, decided tone. "I make no promises on this. I will do my best to act with deliberation. But... if alacrity is needed, then I will act with alacrity."

"We'll have to hope for the best and prepare for the worst," Devon says resignedly.

"The difference from usual being...?" Speaker asks.

Firefury responds in a wry tone. "I prefer to expect the absolute worst, and prep for that. Then I can be pleasantly surprised when the worst doesn't occur."

Nathicana looks over, calm but concerned. "Speaker, will you at least agree to keep me informed of any and all actions with as much promptness as possible? If you cannot promise to hold attack, at least promise to give a heads up."

Speaker-to-Animals nods to Nathi. "That much is only proper."

"My thanks," she says with a respectful nod.

<LOS-Communications to Devon>
{
<< It's not me, and I'm not pushing large powers towards aggression, nor do I have any WMD's
to worry about. It's another matter entirely.
}

"As for the refugees themselves... settling so many people is going to be a mammoth task. Supplies, medical stuff, and eventually education and such." Firefury continues, thoughtfully.

Speaker-to-Animals thinks for a moment.

"There's not much more I can tell you, except that I have an inside line in Iraqstan. Carlos is listening to me, at least for the moment, so I can reassure you that nothing will happen for the moment. I've known him a long time, and I can gauge him pretty well. Nath can vouch for my skill there," Devon states with confidence.

<LOS-Communications to Nathi>
{
<< Even when you were ending the Dominion's policy of isolation and exposing them to all
manner of foreign influences and risks?
}

Speaker-to-Animals nods. "I wish you luck, Treznor." Firefury also nods, showing her support.

"Aye, Carlos has always shown a fondness towards Dev here, and a willingness to listen to him. He's been able to work well with the man.

<LOS-Communications to Devon>
{
<< Again, not at all the same..
}

<LOS-Communications to Nathi>
{
<< Why?
}

"I know we are working on supplies and medicine. Education will be primarily your responsibility, as your citizens," Speaker says to the Reploid. She nods in return.

"Ultimately, I want to get these people organized, let them elect their own representitives for the Shogunate parliament and all. Hey, if Carlos listens, that much the better. I think once things do settle, I will see about inviting him to send some people to verify that the 'exiled vermin' are in fact harmless".

Speaker-to-Animals unconsciously flinches a little at the vermin bit.

"Would you accept semi-regular inspections from Iraqstan, to help ease Carlos' paranoia?" asks Treznor. Firefury nods slowly. "On somewhat strict terms, yes. I would prefer such an inspection to include people from a few other nations involved, to offset the obvious bias his people are going to show"

"Perhaps accompanied by Treznor officials? If that might help ..." Nathicana offers.

<LOS-Communications to Devon>
{
<< It simply isn't. For chrissakes, Dev, he's upsetting the balance of things I've been working
for months on with his ego and stiff unbending neck. And for what? To further torment an already
downtrodden people?

<< I warned you way back on that tour that he was dangerous and imbalanced. He needs control
of one sort or another. So long as you can manage it verbally, well and good. But I stand by that
statement. It's a necessary evil.
}

Firefurny nods in return. "S'what I was thinkin'. Maybe get a few Treznor guys and a few Dominion guys. Carlos would be more comfortable with your guys on a multinational inspection team, unless I miss my guess."

<LOS-Communications to Nathi>
{
<< I know how many dissidents and ministers you made to disappear over it. Imagine if one of
them had a control rig for you. For your own good. A necessary evil.
}

Nathicana clenches her teeth for no apparent reason, her eyes going hard.

<LOS-Communications to Devon>
{
<< That was low, Dev ...
}

Treznor nods gently. "The Empire can spare the resources for it."

<LOS-Communications to Nathi>
{
<< Then don't force my hand. Carlos is doing what he feels is right. He won't be pressured about it.
You see him as oppressing people, he sees it as protecting his people and way of life. So long as
he keeps it from getting too hot and hurting anyone, I won't sanction use of the rig.
}

"Nathi? I say something offensive?" asks Firefury, quirking a brow. Nathicana shakes her head firmly. "Not at all. Please, continue."

"I'm afraid I don't think I could communicate directly with Carlos myself, at least not for awhile," the Reploid says with a slight grin. "But then, that's what the levelheaded guys like Tsume are for."

"Probably for the best to let Devon work as a mediator," Nathicana says quietly.

<LOS-Communications to Devon>
{
<< Force your hand. [indignant snort analog]. Low and irrelevant. None of those sons of bitches
had the initiative and drive I did to get out and access such means. Nor was I ever suicidal, as Carlos
has been - the original reason for the rig, if you recall.

<< I won't go over your head on this. You know I won't. Just don't let your friendship for the man blind
you to options should the need arise. As you so often have said of me, don't let your conscience get
in the way of doing what's right. For the greater good, Dev.
}

Speaker-to-Animals smiles humorlessly. "And Kommetrez." Firefury frowns at that for some reason. "That's something else... anybody know what Angelus thinks of this entire arrangement?"

"Though he's lifting sanctions and all, I'm going to be careful how I step for a bit. He feels betrayed - I can understand that. It will take some time." Nathicana nods to Speaker, acknowledging the offer of Kommetrez.

<LOS-Communications to Nathi>
{
<< No, and you're right. The time may come when the need arises. But I won't sanction any control,
emotional or otherwise until he demonstrates a clear need for it.
}

(still more to come)

The Most Glorious Hack

06-12-2003, 17:04

Uplink Initiated
Primary Signal: Secure Military Transmition: GMC
Secondary Signal: Secure Diplomatic Transmition: Reploid Productions
Source: Captain Corey, MGS Azathoth
Begin Transmition:

This is probably the oddest chain of circumstances of my professional life. At any rate, we are currently en-route to the Shogunate due to our mutual defence pact with GMC, which is operating under a mutual defence pact with the Shogunate.

At any rate, I am leading the First Hacker Battle Group to assist with patrols and defence of the Shogunate's shores and sea lanes. I have also been informed that extra logistical ships are coming with us, and, of course, satellite activities have been increased. President Solis wants me to assure you that if any further assistance is required, we are more than willing to provide it.

Capt. Charles Corey
MGS Azathoth
The Semi-Autonomous Technocratic Oligarchy of the Most Glorious Hack

Secondary Transmition: Secure Transmition: Shaila PHALANX
Source: Aneska PHALANX

Hi, sis. Hope you don't mind this rider on the other transmition, I'm sure Capt. Corey won't mind. I just wanted to remind you that you guys can hot-link to our satellite systems for real-time updates. Saves everyone a whole mess of hassel. I've attached the current locations and link-codes for the satellites we'll be using. Lemmie know if you need anything else.

Have a good one,

Aneska.

End Transmition.
Uplink Terminated

Dread Lady Nathicana

06-12-2003, 20:15

Speaker-to-Animals rumbles, "I will find out Angelus' opinion. Or, more accurately, I will ask Alshai."

Nathicana frowns slightly at the mention of Angelus. "Truth, no idea as yet."

Firefury nods. "Given they have some stake in Iraqstan...I'd rather not misstep and end up causing a boatload of problems within the Trium because of it."

Nathicana drains the last of her glass, refills it, then sits back down, sipping quietly, listening.

Treznor grins. "My relations with Angelus have been...nonexistent."

"Angelus is quite dedicated to the Trium, apparently. If it comes between us and Iraqstan, they will side with us," Speaker states confidently. "Still... we can use Angelus' connection to stabilize Quil'raya further."

"That is good to know, but still, I'd prefer not to cause any conflicts of interest. I heard on my comm on the way over that Michelle sent Angelus a message apologizing for not including them when we first brokered this little deal," Firefury explains.

"I admit," Nathi says, "I dislike further tweaking with his damnable religious obsessions."

Speaker-to-Animals does some mental math. "In that case... I spoke too hastily earlier. Retract the threat of massive retaliation." Nathicana arches a brow as Speaker continues. "Quil'raya must believe Angelus to be on his side, not ours."

Treznor tries not to frown at the mention of the Angelan connection.

Speaker-to-Animals half-smiles. "I was a diplomat, you know." Treznor grins at Speaker. "And a good one, as I remember." Nathicana offers her own opinion at nearly the same time. "And are still a damn fine one, if you don't mind my saying." She winks at Devon, then nods.

Nodding slowly, Firefury speaks. "I'd rather not see Angelus used as basically a pawn in this... they are strong, and I would prefer not to cause offense. I'd like to get them in on this stuff, if possible."

"Of course," responds Speaker. "I will explain my reasoning as is due. I am sure they wish to see the refugees safe as well. This conflict turning hot serves no one."

Nathicana takes another slow sip, nodding, letting Treznor speak for them both. "Agreed."

"Hrrrr...both Razak and I are...less than calm about this situation, due to history. Alshai is best suited for it. That ties in with the Angelan connection."

Firefury nods. "I admit, I've had to hear it from most of my aides that they are not exactly... trusting... of Angelus, though admittedly, that is largely chalked up to old rebel paranoia." She finishes with a wry grin.

Treznor ponders thoughtfully. "Point. But will Kommetrez agree to represent both Angelus and Scolopendra in this matter?"

Speaker-to-Animals shrugs. "We work with what we have... and he generally does. He also need not represent Angelus; merely ensure we do not step on toes. I believe Blu is much closer to Quil'raya than Kommetrez would ever wish to be."

"Heh.... gotta credit Blu for having that kinda patience. I doubt I could tolerate even a fifth of Carlos's mentality without breaking something."

"The Angelans may merely appreciate the...efficiency of the role." Treznor looks at Firefury. "What if your honour told you it was necessary to protect your people, whatever the cost?"

Firefury eyes Treznor. "I would fight to protect them until I had nothing left."

Treznor nods in return. "And so will he."

"Unfortunately, he will protect them from imaginary threats," Speaker says.

The Reploid nods to Speaker. "Hopefully semi-regular inspections will help soothe his paranoia about the refugees."

Treznor shrugs and nods to Speaker as well. "Everyone here knows this, but Carlos grew up being taught that the Um Lizaa were scum, vermin and a blot on the purity of his nation. He's the product of his upbringing, and he's chosen to buy into it fully. It doesn't excuse him, but it does explain him. He has his honour, you have yours. Misplaced as it may be, his honour is his identity. Take it from him and you'll kill him."

"Perception is reality, Speaker. It all depends on one's view." Nathi takes another slow sip of her wine.

"Which is what we must do. We must change his perception," Speaker states, then gives Devon a level look. "I understand your argument, and its purpose... but killing him is not a problem to me." He raises his right hand and extends his claws. "Anything that keeps these claws from his throat is a good thing at the moment."

Nathicana winces visibly at the display, having seem him at work on safari.

"I know some of the Um Lizaans probably are just as bad as Carlos is about revenge or honor or whatnot... it's going to take time to convince them to leave that to the past and focus on the future."

Speaker-to-Animals retracts his claws. "It will take time. I do not wish to take his pretence of honor. I want him to leave these people alone."

Firefury nods in agreement. "Nothing would make me happier than to get the refugees out of there, settled here, and then have absolutely no further dealings of any sort with Iraqstan."

Speaker-to-Animals echoes her thoughts. "Agreed."

"Unfortunately, Carlos doesn't seem to agree with this concept. " Firefury says in a wry voice.

"On my honour, you have my word I'll do my best to make sure he leaves the refugees and the Shogunate alone," offers Devon, in all seriousness.

Speaker-to-Animals nods. "Noted. I have faith you will live up to your word."

Firefury nods as well. "And I, for my part, will leave Iraqstan alone... unless they push their limits too far, like I said before."

Treznor attempts a k'zin word of thanks, and fails miserably. He winces when he hears his own pronunciation. "Er...I'm sure you get the point."

"Kshcitsjughkz, Treznor." Speaker nods with a slight smile.

"Tiffany apparently got the bright idea in her head to try and insert some Drakos model reploids in Um Lizaa via the extraction ships... Michelle shot that idea down though." She continue with a slight grin. "Tiffany's a good tactician, but not exactly the greatest of diplomats."

"Actually, Firefury, that does concern me. Accidents will happen, and Murphy's Law will rule. I would like your word that when it happens, you wait before you commit to anything. I promise I'll be on the scene as fast as I can to cool things down." Treznor says simply.

"Unless the situation is extremely severe, such as use of WMDs, the only military action the Shogunate will take will be purely defensive. Anything beyond that will be brought before the Trium and the NDA for discussion."

"All right, thank you,” he replies. Treznor bows slightly to Speaker and smiles at Firefury. "I can't ask any more than that."

"Hopefully things won't escalate further... Sneaky Bastards has got my back, so to speak, and I've contacted one of my allies about helping shore up the naval defense of the colony. I was tempted to recall the Amatsu fleet from Dosei, but that would probably look like an offensive military buildup to Carlos, correct?"

"As stated, we can cover the skies above the Shogunate for missile defense," Speaker reiterates.

Treznor sighs. "Frankly, if Carlos gets stupid he's going to get pasted. He ought to know this, but I'm just not sure. Frankly, his behaviour makes me think he's got an ace up his sleeve, something I don't know about. My people haven't given me any hints of new developments in his production or research, other than the increased militarisation. To be honest, it worries me."

Firefury answers with a slow nod. "It's the stuff one doesn't know about that one should be worried about."

"Hrm. If he has a trick... what do we have?" Speaker asks.

"Probably enough force collectively to blast Iraqstan back to the Stone Age."

Treznor shrugs. "Don't worry about an arms race. If you recall your forces in a defensive posture it might make him sweat, but he can't do anything about it. You're just an obstacle to the true threat in Carlos' mind. If you weren't playing host to the refugees, he wouldn't have started this against you."

"Akkard has been bemoaning the impact of all this on his business." Firefury says with a wry grin. "Granted, the increased government spending on Techcorp stuff will probably help make up for the loss of Iraqstan's purchases."

Speaker-to-Animals sighs. "We have plenty of Ring space... but moving two hundred million to the Ring would be...prohibitive."

Firefury nods. "Hell, just moving them overseas is an undertaking most people would think impossible."

Treznor nods sadly. "Probably, at least. The Shogunate alone probably has sufficient military force to pound every inch of Iraqstan soil into dust. That doesn't even count your allies. If Carlos gets spooked and fires first, the NDA can't back him, and we'll have to remove him from the Council. We should have enough failsafes to block that event, but all the same. It's a possibility and I won't deny it. I just don't want to see it happen. Carlos, for all his faults, is a friend to me. I don't take that lightly." Treznor looks at Nathicana with gentle eyes. Nathicana nods at Devon, giving him a steady but sympathetic look in return.

"I don't want it to come to that, either. I've been through two of the bloodiest wars in the Shogunate's history- I'd not like to make it three." Firefury continues in an amused tone. "Too bad Carlos would probably read some ulterior motive into a blunt message stating that I intend to keep the refugees from causing him trouble, and will gladly act like he doesn't exist if he'll leave the Shogunate alone."

"Lets please leave off with any missives that might be misread," Nathi interjects. "Again, Devon is well suited to the task, and as Speaker has mentioned, Kommetrez if willing and needed."

Firefury nods. "That'd why I haven't deployed the Rapid Response System as of yet... tempting as it is. 'Sides, I've come to learn that people do tend to reap what they sow. I'd love to personally beat Carlos into the dirt, but I'll just content myself with that knowledge."

"He's had guarantees from me and others," says Devon. "You can say it until you run out of breath, but he refuses to accept that the refugees won't continue to plot against him. Hell, he might even be right, but I sincerely doubt their capacity to do anything for a long time. At which point you should have them thoroughly assimilated into your culture, and the issue should be moot."

"Time and patience. Simple as that." Nathi sips her drink again, looking thoughtful. Speaker sighs quietly and nods, Firefury joining in as well.

Treznor sighs with exhaustion and looks around for a seat to slump into. When he finds one he walks over to it and slumps in it. "This is your nickel, Firefury. Is there anything else to say?" Nathicana looks over at him, the concern obvious in her eyes.

Firefury grins slightly. "I'm well aware of my rather nasty temper, which is why I will stay as far away from Carlos as possible."

Treznor winks at Firefury. "Thanks. Two firebrands facing off is not what I had in mind." Firefury winks back at Trez. "Last time this firebrand went off, twenty fightercraft beat the tar out of an entire aerial fleet."

(bit more coming)

Dread Lady Nathicana

06-12-2003, 20:38

Nathicana nods quietly. "Excellent. Then we're in agreement?"

"S'all good to me," says Firefury.

"Speaker?" Nathi asks.

Speaker-to-Animals nods. "I want nothing to do with Quil'raya."

Nathicana nods quietly, expecting the answer.

Firefury grins at Speaker. "Tell y'what, once yer off duty, we can stick some pictures of Carlos onto some dartboards at the palace or something." She half-bows to Nathi and Devon. "Tacky as that may sound, such immature tactics do work wonders for stress relief."

Treznor grins back at Firefury. "I'll spare you the details of what I do for stress relief." Nathicana looks over at the man with a quiet snort. She polishes off the rest of her glass, then half moves to retrieve another, stops herself, and sets her glass aside, nodding to Firefury with a wry grin. "So long as it's just a picture, what care I?"

<LOS-Communications to Devon>
{
<< Stress relief, is it? I don't know about you, boy, but I'm past due.
}

Firefury offers a mock-salutes. "No voodoo dolls, I promise."

"I would not mind a human-sized voodoo doll. With Quil'raya's face, of course." Speaker-to-Animals lets the statement stand for itself.

Firefury tsks jokingly. "Now now, no arcane black magic. Some explosive devices and target dummies on a firing range, on the other hand..."

"Hrr. But a voodoo doll would be perfect for the times where I need to sharpen my teeth."

<LOS-Communications to Nathi>
{
<< FAR past due. I've got a conference coming up in Lanceshire, and I can reserve the penthouse suite. Think you can make time for it?
}

Nathicana gives Speaker a sly look. "Aside from the arcane factor, I'm certain something could be arranged." She shakes her head slightly at Firefury's comment, and lets it go.

<LOS-Communications to Devon>
{
<< My dear, for you, I'll stop time if I have to.
}

Firefury quirks an eyebrow at Speaker. "And here I thought Tsume was the only person I knew who sharpened their teeth regularly."

Speaker-to-Animals grins back, showing teeth... but, somehow, not in a threatening way. "Naturally, of course. Has impressive results, I believe."

<LOS-Communications to Nathi>
{
<< I'll hold you to that. Two weeks, conference on species preservation and transportation. Be there.
}

"In any event, shall we wrap this up? I'm hoping to get back out their among the refugees and try my hand some more at this savior shtick what with givin' 'em hope and all that."

Nathicana puts a hand to her lips as she grins broadly, chuckling at Speaker. "Quite impressive."

<LOS-Communications to Devon>
{
<< With bells on, Dev.
}

"And yes, lets. There's nothing more to be achieved here truly, and I know you all have things to attend to," Nathi says softly.

Speaker-to-Animals agrees. "I have paperwork to attend to... as always. And reports on that Loki."

"Any estimates on the casualties from that?" the Reploid asks.

Nathicana nods, her expression growing more serious. "The numbers are better than I'd hoped, from what I've gathered so far." Still, she looks to Speaker, questioningly.

"Eight hundred immediately dead. Wounded nears totality."

Treznor winces, and Firefury quite visibly cringes. "Kuso-!"

"The teams are doing the best they can, I've been assured," Nathicana says in a clinical tone, clearly distancing herself.

"We may want to slow the schedule down just a little to allow more thorough maintenance on the Lokis... much as I would love to get the people moved out ASAP.... I don't want to risk losing a bunch because of the rush." Firefury ponders options.

Speaker-to-Animals sets his jaw. "Accidents are to be expected. We will treat the wounded and dispose of the dead as is appropriate. Maintenance is being addressed."

"If you need extra manpower on that, I can recall virtually every reploid in the country to assist. Reploids don't need to sleep, after all," Fury says with a grin. "In any case, shall we adjourn?"

"I believe so," Speaker says quietly.

Treznor rubs the corner of his eyes. "Agreed."

"Ciao, mi amica. Best of luck with your parts in all this. And Speaker, it was a pleasure visiting while we had the chance earlier. Dev, do you have time to stay for a bit, or do you need to be heading back?"

"Only if I can put my feet up, Red."

Firefury turns for the exit and nods. "May She who wears the colors of Chaos and of Order bless all involved. Catch y'later!"

Speaker-to-Animals bows shortly to Fury, Nathicana nods and waves and Treznor waves politely to Firefury as she leaves. Firefury ducks out and departs.

"My tent is yours, such as it is." She gestures around the modest tent with a wry grin.

"Sheer decadence. I accept."

"You know that's never been my style," Nathi says with a light chuckle. "Here. Another glass?" She brings over the bottle and offers to pour.

Speaker-to-Animals sits cross-legged in the corner, unclips a portcomp from his belt, and gets to work.

"Yes, please." He glances at Speaker. "Since when did you switch to wine?"

Speaker-to-Animals looks up. "Hrrmm?"

"Switch? I've always enjoyed a good red. You know that," she says quietly, pouring herself another one in turn.

Treznor shakes his head. "Have you noticed that our dear Dread Lady has been keeping wine stocked in her pitcher instead of water, of late?"

Nathicana snorts.

"I never watched her beverage patterns closely," Speaker says, returning to work.

Treznor regards Nathicana levelly. "It's a change, Red. A small one, but distinctive."

Nathicana scowls slightly, quite pointedly sipping her drink, sitting back down and kicking her booted feet up on the edge of her cot. "And what of it?"

"I don't know. You tell me."

"Ice water isn't convenient in the field. Simple as that. Waste of resources. Besides, you know damn well a bits not going to affect me overmuch."

Treznor nods and says nothing, but he lifts his wine to his lips and sips it.

Nathicana takes up her laptop, idly paging through recent messages, looking unconcerned while Treznor closes his eyes and attempts to relax.

Speaker-to-Animals twitches his ears and closes his portcomp. "I am needed elsewhere. Good day, Emperor Treznor, t'kzintar-tzobu Nathicana." He bows shortly to both and paces off.

She rises to her feet as Speaker leaves. "Be well," she says after him, not for the first time, concerned for his workload and mindset concerning the refugees.

Treznor opens his eyes and struggles to his feet. "Have a good day, Speaker. As best as possible, anyway." Nathi turns back to him. "Take it easy, boy. You're running yourself ragged."

He eventually sits back down and sips his wine. "I'm sorry about bringing it up, Red."

Nathicana arches a brow, sitting down next to him. "Sorry? Please. It's nothing."

"You said it yourself, it was a low blow. I'm sorry."

Nathicana shrugs, letting it go. "Bah ... call it as you see it, Dev. No need for 'sorry' if you're being honest. You know damn well I tend to be ... stubborn in my views."

Treznor grins. "Yes, well, once again our stubborn heads locked horns. Although I must confess that arguing with you in the middle of a diplomatic conference is a new experience for me. Anyway, it bothered you and right or wrong, I'm sorry about it. I just wanted you to know."

He sets his wineglass down and leans back in the chair, closing his eyes and rubbing the bridge of his nose.

Nathicana leans over and kisses his cheek. "Get used to it. We don't always have to agree, and likely won't. I can live with it. Still, I'm sorry for putting the extra pressure on. I felt it necessary for clarification."

"It's a fair question. I will agree to use of the control rig, if it comes down to it. But it has to be an emergency, Red. I won't sanction its use to encourage him into a frame of mine we would find more convenient. It'd make life so much easier, but it's a hell of a slippery slope."

She nods, putting a hand over to gently clasp his. "I know, I know ... we've been through it, Dev. Stop fretting."

Treznor squeezes Nathicana's hand and closes his eyes. "Sorry, just a damned headache. SHODAN warned me not to overdo it, but we've all been under the knife of late. I haven't had nearly as much sleep as I need, and I think my implants are starting to punish me for it."

"Dammit boy, you lay yourself down right now and catch some sleep while you can. I'll be right here." Nathicana says, wincing.

He grins and stands carefully. "Yes Ma'am!" He stumbles over to a cot and lies down slowly.

"See what happens when I'm not around to bully you?" she says half jokingly.

Treznor winks. "You're right. I should quit my job, settle down and raise our kids."

Nathicana nearly chokes on her wine at that, recovering quickly and shooting him a mock glare. "Smartass." She blots gently at the spill she made on her shirt. "Get some sleep, boy. You need it." She waits as Devon lies back quietly and falls asleep quickly, watching him sleep for a while, quietly lost in thought, sipping her wine.

07-12-2003, 00:39

Excerpt from "Justitian Workers' Weekly" Newsmagazine, Special Reunification Issue:

Under the leadership of our comrades in Mariatum, the six provinces of Justitium, fractured by barbaric foreign attack and misguided counter-revolution, were officially reunited on Saturday, hailed by newly-enstated Prime Minister Emanuel Romero as a "triumphant hour for International Socialism and all the workers of the world". To commemorate the momentous occasion, which henceforth will mark an official state holiday as Reunification Day, a combined military and civilian parade was held in the great city of Macharia, restored to its status as the nation's capital.

The Communist Party Central Committee, the body which formerly comprised the executive branch of government and led Justitium in a failed attempt to liberate the Iraqstani province of Um Lizaa by force, has been relegated to a minor role in government, its functions to be performed by a newly empowered People's Council and Prime Minister. The new Justitian leadership vowed upon the first convention of the new Council to "never repeat the mistakes of our militant past" and to "pursue a course of sincere friendship with all nations and peoples of the world".

Dread Lady Nathicana

08-12-2003, 02:10

Nathicana sits quietly in the command tent Speaker-to-Animals occupies, quietly sipping from her glass, after reviewing with him the numbers from the crash, and the latest medical reports. "There's too much war of late. Too much anger and such. I find it ... disturbing."

"Way of the world, it seems. I simply try to stay out of foolish battles," Speaker says.

"And I, where I can. You know, for being so idealogically different in some ways, I find our alliance comfortable that way. I'd have never joined if I thought the Triumvirate to be a group of hotheads and warmongerers. Then again, I'm still surprised I was accepted in the first place."

Speaker-to-Animals shrugs. "We were rather perplexed at first as well... but Shodey convinced us, and was right. You have been a good ally."

Nathicana smiles quietly. "Things have seemed to change over time, oddly enough. I thank you for your kind words. And I'll thank Shodey again when next I see her."

"That should not be too long. She has a habit of being everywhere." He says, making a subdued spreading motion with his hands.

"True .. true .. can't say as I object, either," Nathi says, smiling.

"I will be honest. I do not understand it... but I trust her judgement and her choice."

Nathicana tilts her head again slightly. "Exactly what don't you understand?"

"The friendship between you two. It is...surprising." He smiles. "But not bad."

Nathicana nods, smiling more broadly, though still close-lipped. "That it is. And not bad in the least. She's the sister I never had, Speaker. I can't explain it better than that."

Speaker-to-Animals cants his head slightly, watching curiously. "That is... unexpected. It does explain, however." He smiles. "I believe it to be a good sign."

Nathicana arches a brow at that, looking genuinely curious. "A good sign of what, dare I ask?"

"That differences are not so divisive in the end. One would think the idea of EI and human as kin to be... odd. Yet it seems to happen."

She nods thoughtfully. "One might think it strange, aye ... still, it's the simple truth. Such kinship, at least for myself, isn't claimed lightly. I trust her implicitly. Though my resources don't even begin to amount to much in comparison, I'd do everything in -my- power to help her, should she need it. I love and admire her for who and what she is, no questions asked. It doesn't get more simple than that."

Speaker-to-Animals nods. "It is a special thing. I respect that, and am sure she would do the same for you. She speaks most highly of you."

"Speaker, she already has done that and more for me. A number of times. I'll never be able to repay her." She speaks in a quiet voice, blushing more than a little at the praise. "As for that, I wouldn't know why exactly, but ... it is good to know."

"Hrm. Despite her past, I believe she is a good person. She has always been an unofficial advisor to us, and I trust her judgement."

Nathicana nods quietly, the both of them simply sitting for a while in silence, with her slowly sipping from the wine in her glass.

Speaker finally breaks the silence with a quiet thought. "Hrm. Products of our upbringing."

Nathicana arches a brow, looking over curiously. "How so?"

"Treznor is right. Carlos is a product of his upbringing, I am of mine. The total of our lives. Does not mean I respect the fool any more or less...simply an understanding."

Nathicana looks away for a moment, thougtful, perhaps a touch of something more deep in her eyes. "Indeed."

"Hopefully I said nothing offensive ... ?"

Nathicana shakes her head. "Not at all."

"Is something wrong?"

She shakes her head. "Simply remembering. Product of our upbringing, got me to thinking."

"Hrm." He nods quietly. "I have been doing that myself."

"Observations, regrets, a mix of good and bad? Not that I want to pry, of course, but ... admit to a certain curiosity. I've found that there are times when understanding others sometimes leads to a better understanding of self, if that makes any sense at all."

"Mostly observations. It could be called a 'long, strange trip.'"

Nathicana nods, listening.

"As you can tell from my name, I was the one designated to make 'official' contact with the humans. From intercepted broadcasts, we knew what they were and what they were like. That is why we avoided contact."

"I've had ... brief explanation of some of that, though not from your end of it all. Please, go on."

"When the Chinese came into the Tibetan Highlands and stumbled upon us, we fought back as we could. Our advanced weapons were ancient and broken. What we could make ourselves was little better than Iron Age manufacture."

"It was a... moment of struggle for us. Within us. Hubris, I think it is called. We either could keep with our pride, fight alone, and be enslaved; or we could survive. It was difficult... the Patriarch held out for as long as he could. Eventually, he chose survival.

Nathicana nods, her expression serious, intent.

"I met the first armored trooper that fell from the sky. Despite his advanced gear... I was less than impressed. So short." He chuckles softly. "I believe you have met him. He was a Mobile Infantry colonel at the time."

Nathicana smiles softly. "Razak."

Speaker-to-Animals nods. "Despite first impressions, we quickly bonded as warriors. T'kzintar-tzobu, although with a different meaning. He lobbied the Patriarch through me day and night to allow for an extraction rather than constant retreat. You have heard the story, I know."

"Still... boarding the dropship and watching my home disappear beneath the clouds, Razak waving back up at us for some reason... It was difficult. What little that had sustained us for so long had disappeared."

"Aye," she says, nodding, a quiet look of sympathy but not pity in her eyes. "I can't imagine such a thing for myself."

Speaker-to-Animals seems to appreciate the lack of pity. "And so we adapted. And so I adapted. I was named as a diplomat, and would never get any other." His eyes tighten slightly. "So I remained a diplomat, but with a new cause."

"I adapted to a new system of near-universal service. I learned civil engineering to expand my skills and to serve better. I was... and still am... very good at it."

Nathicana starts to ask, then stops, nodding. "I ... think I understand." Smiling, she nods again. "I've noted you're quite skilled in both diplomacy and civil engineering."

"Practice in both. You were about to ask something?" he says, smiling. "The same practice allows me to read human faces well."

She nods. "The naming. From what I've gathered, I think I understand it, but ... I admit, there's much of your culture that's a mystery to me."

"There is much of our culture that is a mystery to us," he says, letting out a very quiet sigh. "What do you think you understand of it? As you said, understanding others."

Nathicana proceeds carefully. "As I said, from what little I gathered, there is a protocol there that's been somehow broken. The death of your Patriarch?"

Speaker-to-Animals nods.

Nathicana is quiet for a moment, thinking back to her conversation with Razak, uncertain that such thoughts ought to be shared secondhand.

"The Patriarch was the only one who could properly name us in the ways of the old traditions. Half- and full-names for honorable service. Of course, our names are meaningless... unlike human names... only random syllables put together. But a random set that is truly unique to the owner. That is lost to us now, it seems, and it seems... improper to assign our own names in the human fashion. It is giving up too much."

"Then you have adapted admirably. It's more than can be said of many."

Speaker-to-Animals cants his head slightly. "Explain."

"I regret your loss, Speaker. We have what we feel is a rich heritage of our own, though ours is not so delicately balanced. All the same, our 'adaptations' to strife, and there has been much of it in our history, has not resulted in anything so honorable or impressive as yours, for one rather brief example."

"Many cultures have undergone turmoil, and rather than rise to the occasion, have given in, or compromised their beliefs or morals to move on. You haven't. As I said, it's admirable."

"Delicately balanced... hrm." He thinks for a moment. "That is why Scolopendra builds bricks. Redundancy for survivability. We are not done adapting yet... maybe we will become more fluid. Still unique, still us, but more flexible. Hrm." Speaker pauses to rub his chin thoughtfully.

Nathicana arches a brow, again curious. "Well, ongoing adaptation -is- generally the rule for ongoing growth ..."

Speaker-to-Animals mumbles to himself quietly, apparently thinking aloud in a language that sounds hard on the throat.

She respectfully gives him space, waiting quietly, sipping her drink and watching.

"I think I have an idea. I am not sure what exactly it is yet... when I have more time, I must think it out."

"Then I wish you luck with it," she says simply.

Speaker-to-Animals nods. "And I must thank you for triggering it."

Nathicana blinks. "Well I ah ... hrm. Happy to help?"

Speaker-to-Animals chuckles softly. "Unexpected, no?"

"Quite. Though pleasant," she admits, smiling in return.

Speaker-to-Animals blinks and yawns one of those National Geographic-cover massively toothy big-cat yawns. "Hhhhhhrrraaaahhh. My apologies. It is much later than I thought."

Nathi checks her watch. "I'll be damned ... so it is. Thank you for going over those numbers with me. And as always, Speaker, I've enjoyed talking. Best of luck with that idea."

imported_Angelus

08-12-2003, 08:40

Why are you doing this...?

The soft and loving voice of the Angel whispers gently in Carlos' mind. Why must you cause so much grief?

Simply to appease your own sense of self-righteousness?

Hijacking the carrior wave between Carlos and S.H.O.D.A.N. was rather easy, but trying to put something together that could be "heard" through the chaos within Carlos' mind was something altogether different.

There is no purpose behind this meaningless slaughter. It serves only to further your own selfish ambitions... The voice sighs, and yet, its tone is still soothing, peaceful.

Why have you forgotten about Me so quickly?

imported_Angelus

08-12-2003, 09:11

I apologize for the delay, but feel this message is a necessary one, as our nations are allies via the Triumvirate of Yut, and the Shogunate does try to adhere fully to that fact.

I would like to personally apologize for our failure to include a representitive of Angelus in the emergency talks that ultimately led to the present situation in Iraqstan. Due to the sudden nature of the situation, we had to proceed, regardless of who was or was not present. I would like to think that the agreement reached was the best for all involved, as it prevents Iraqstan from being thrown into total anarchy, while at the same time preventing the crimes against sentience that would very easily have led to many nations declaring war on Iraqstan. On the other hand, it does appear to have set the stage for a cold war between the Shogunate and Iraqstan, but then, I suppose better a cold war than a hot one.

I can understand if you have some concerns or issues with the situation, and you are more than welcome to bring them up so that they may be addressed.

[Communication{M.Richter}]

We are no longer holding any soiled feelings concerning that incident. While We are dissapointed in not being included, We understand the reasonings behind it.

As for current concerns? We are beginning to feel that Iraqstan is no longer suitable for the Expirament, though We have no desire to back out on Carlos.

However, if the situation escelates beyond simple tension, Angelus will be forced to back out of the nation.

---
Automat Omicron Blo
Speaker of the Archai Collective

[End]

Iraqstan

08-12-2003, 09:42

Sitting at his desk Carlos jerks his head up as the first question floats into his mind. Looking about the room he hunts for a hidden speaker. Finding nothing he frowns and sits back down staring at the orders on his desk.

Why am I doing this? My people deserve a freedom from threats such as the exiles. He finnaly says to himself, before reading the documents once more.

Satcon show high level of exile concentration as per usual on the tent sites. Military personel limited to triumverate and shogunate troops. Weapons non existant in exile hands that we can see. Recommend higher levels of recon over target area. Weapons might be hidden inside tents and bunkers.

Again the voice comes to his mind and he frowns. Who are you? Why are you here? Get out of my head. I have vowed to protect my people. The exiles are a threat. I must guard against potential threats.

The shogunate have shown a constant desire to undermind my authority. Amanda is proof of this. Rather than allow the course of justice they forced compromise upon me. I fear that they will attempt to unseat me. THAT is why I guard those waters, that is why I watch them.

Once I am satisfied that they are not being armed that the shogunate is not planning my death I will leave the waters. I will let the exiles live as they wish. I can do nothing less for my people.

Pausing Carlos blinks as the voice is finnaly recognised as that of an angel. You should know this feeling. Did you not simply protect those that worship you? Did you not show military presence and murder those that would threaten your followers? Why is it that all others are permitted to defend their sources of power but I cannot?

Am I such a threat that I cannot be permitted to protect my own people? Have I shown a cause to fire on these exiles? I am not like your temples I do not burn all that come within sight of them. Yet I am questioned, I am portrayed as evil. I am wrong for defending my country. If this is how I am seen. Then Iraqstan will stand alone. We will fall, the world can commit genocide against a peoples who just wish to be free of threats against them. We will take up arms and each and every one of us will die for the motherland. Is that what the world wants?

I would embrace a peace if I could see one. Instead I am skipped over for critical meetings. I am lied too, betrayed by my own allies. Even now I am forced to watch from the side lines as more and more people take control of things that were not discussed with me. Suddenly I am wrong for showing my dislike for this. Is that how I must react? To bend over and take it up the arse for every demand people make of me? To show no anger at being talked about or my fate discussed without my knowledge? That is what I put before you. That is what will be put before my allies and the elf. If these questions cannot be answered then.... Iraqstan will be shown how little our friends and deities think of us.

Leaning back Carlos stares out the window the orders signed and removed by his secretary. Shaking his head he watches as yet another building is dismantled and in it's place markers are put to mark the site of a new building. "They cost me much, but it was a price I was never permitted to demand repayment for. My hands are tied and I am expected to do nothing.... I wish my honour was so relaxed as theirs my dear Angel friend....." He whispers before closing the windows and shutting the world out from him.

imported_Angelus

08-12-2003, 17:50

imported_Angelus

08-12-2003, 17:51

Dear Carlos, you forget, many of your people are Our people as well. We would not allow danger to come to them, and would react accordingly. We trust Our friends and allies, and We know that they would not facilitate actions against you.

Seek out Omicron Blu, she will show you what you cannot see.

imported_Angelus

08-12-2003, 17:53

Treznor

09-12-2003, 02:36

Treznor returns to Iraqstan aboard his personal shuttle and makes a beeline for Carlos' palace.

Carlos sits at his desk reading some pepers and looks at his intercom. Pressing a button he smiles softly. "Send him in please Carla." Putting the papers in a draw of his desk he folds his arms and waits for Devon.

Treznor steps inside and heads straight for the liqour cabinet to pour himself a Scotch. "You don't mind, do you?"

Carlos laughs softly. "You're becoming quite the frequent of that cabinet Devon. Help yourself by all means."

Treznor grins and takes a healthy swallow. "Sorry. I haven't been home yet. I've flown more miles in the past twenty-four hours than I have in two years."

Carlos chuckles. "So I've heard..."

Treznor quirks and eyebrow. "Got people in on the ground there already? Good. Best time to get them in. You'll never have a better opportunity."

"Perhaps." Carlos smiles secretively. "To be honest though, my people picked you up on one of our regular sat fly bys."

Treznor shrugs and pours himself another glass. "I should have figured. Well, either way I've come to tell you what was discussed. Right now everybody's in a foul mood, especially since the loss of that Loki, and you're the guy everyone loves to hate. I'm dancing a hell of a jig trying to keep perspectives balanced."

Carlos barks out a short laugh. "I'm surprised they didnt blame me for the loki crash. It was quite amusing to watch it crash..."

Treznor sighs. "You're not making this any easier. To make a long story short, Firefury offered, on her own, to allow you to inspect the refugee sites. Personally, if you wish, although I wouldn't recommend it myself. You can be supported by my people and Nath's, and it's been suggested that Alshai Kommetrez could assist as well. I got her to agree to allow regular visits, twice a year."

"Hmmm, I'd expect in depth inspections, I dont trust them to not have fortified bunkers full of weapons. Even with that, I still wont trust it completely."

Treznor nods. "I know, and I predicted that. But it's a start, and if it doesn't keep them honest, it'll at least make it more difficult for them to plot in peace. It'll give you the opportunity to swoop down and meddle with their plans. And it's an olive branch from Firefury. She's making an effort, Carlos."

Carlos chuckles softly. "After underminding and denying me sovereign rights you mean? I'm sorry but, I've been plugged up the backside too many times recently to be entirely forgiving."

"That's a large part of why no one started firing at you now, in spite of the stories the refugees are telling. Those people are a humanitarian nightmare, and the data Firefury has dug up on their living conditions is proof enough to have a hundred rabid democracies howling for your blood. She's keeping it under wraps as a bargaining piece against you.

"I'm attending these meetings in part to help preserve the peace, and in part to help present your side of the argument. I'd like to have you there in person, but...there are some hot tempers flaring and I think it would create more problems than it solves. This is the best compromise I can come up with for now."

"Indeed, did I not tell you that eventually I would be giving into more and more demands? Soon it'll be just that little bit of land you are not using. Then who knows what?

"Tempers flaring? My are they that uncontrolled that you fear for my safety?"

"Indeed you did. And I'm also here to give you their side of the story. I'm trying to make sure nobody is left in the dark. Soon, I'm confident you two can make peace on your own terms. But for now they feel...provoked. As much as you do, with as much justification. You both have valid points to make, and that makes this situation all the more dangerous. I'm not so much worried for your safety as I am of escalating this even further. Hasty words across a conference table can do as much to start a war as actually pulling a trigger."

Carlos chuckles. "A war... they do not wish to fight me. I can smell it when ever I look at the intel reports."

Treznor frowns. "No, they don't want to fight. They agree you're a stabilising influence in the region, and removing you wouldn't serve anyone's purposes. They're not afraid to fight you, they just feel it would involve too much unnecessary death. I've said before these people can seriously hurt you if it comes down to it. I don't want that."

Carlos chuckles. "Or are they just afraid of the body count?"

"Yours or theirs. It's all the same. If you fight them, your people will die. You'll fight a glorious war, and you'll lose. I say that as your friend and as a man who fought as both a soldier and commander. I want to help you, Carlos."

"Indeed, I am cautious of help you know that. What else do they offer?"

"Their word, same as yours. They won't fire first. Firefury herself said she'd only take unilaterial action if you used weapons of mass destruction on her. She says they have none to retaliate with, except for their Space Taxi."

Treznor assumes a faraway look as he searches his memory. "Firefury said, and I quote: Any chance you could get it drilled into his astoundingly thick skull that the Shogunate will leave him alone if he does likewise? End quote."

Carlos chuckles softly. "Why must I be the one to give up all? For all I know they are training those exiles to murder me."

Treznor sighs and puts his glass down. "Anyway, that's about the long and the short of the conversation. Everybody over there is tired and overworked, and the loss of the Loki and the lives aboard her have put everyone in an unusually foul mood. Once tempers cool you should be in a better position to negotiate.

"For now you have an offer for semi-regular inspections, open lines of communication and pledges from heads of state that they won't be the first to start the war. As for possibilities of subterfuge, we could sit around until the sun goes cold thinking up possible scenarios from the plausible to the fantastic. It won't do us any good.

"I'm pretty sure Firefury is being honest...perhaps a little too blunt, but honest. She just wants you to leave her and the refugees alone. She understands you require guarantees that the refugees will never be a threat to you again. Somewhere there's a happy medium. All we have to do is be patient and find it."

Carlos chuckles slightly. "But, I am criticised for preparing for what I feel is inevitable. I have no fear of fighting them. Even if it means fighting the dominion and you should the Triumverate get involved." Sighing softly Carlos shakes his head. "This is echoing wildly of a conversation I had in my head earlier today."

Treznor blinks and looks slightly alarmed. "What? What are you talking about?"

Carlos smiles softly. "Somehow an angel got into my head. Blu I think it was.... She asked me some things, and I retorted with examples of how people acceptably burnt civillians in a war. But I cannot guard my people from invasion."

Treznor frowns and makes a mental note. "Well, there's a difference between closing your borders against invasion and invading someone else's territory. Pre-emptive defence is historically a lousy excuse. Right now, you look like you're kicking these refugees while they're down, and you've given them enough reasons to want you dead. I know. I helped you plot some of those atrocities.

"I agree with the necessity of keeping your security tight and making sure your sovereignity isn't threatened. That's why you and I originally formed the NDA. The problem is you're stepping so far outside the Mandate we agreed upon I'm having to do some serious damage control. All I ask is that you not be quite so...proactive in your defence."

Carlos smiles. "It's international waters, I can do as I please. I'm not breaching their designated exclusion zones anymore. A single carrier group patroling waters isnt that odd. You think I keep my ships in port when they are not dry docked?"

"No, you've backed off for now, and I appreciate that. It's eased the tensions a lot. You just don't seem...finished, yet. I don't know what you have planned, and I'm worried. Plus, I've been on the go for entirely too long, so I'm probably not being as helpful as I ought to be. Mostly, I'm just worried about you. I'll help you keep an eye on things, and if the Shogunate or those refugees try anything I swear I'll help you crucify them to the last man, woman and child."

Carlos chuckles. "I've not got much planned. Though I am trying to rustle up some info on uninhabited islands in international waters."

Treznor smirks. "You could always go with the old standby. Send out fishing trawlers to troll the waters."

"Even if they are your allies? Please, everyone has been quick to jump to the foreground with them I'm surprised people still consider me alive."

Treznor gets a hard look on his face. "If they're stupid enough to train those exiles to murder you, as you suggested, they're no allies of mine. No matter who they are, I won't let anyone get away with trying something like that."

"So some semblance of alliance remains intact I see. I've had reports of dominion forces in the shogunate. I was wondering when yours would turn up."

Treznor shakes his head. "I told you Nath I and I were helping with the extraction. I've got several thousand land and air transports helping out, and Nath's people are on the ground performing medical triage. We're still your friends, Carlos, we just don't agree with your threat assessment of the exiles. For now, they're no danger to anyone. Later, perhaps, they might consider it but by then the Shogunate will be responsible for them.

"Firefury said she figured some of the refugees wouldn't be willing to give up old grudges so easily, but she'll do everything she can to make sure they let it go, either through education or law. In an odd way, she's on your side. She doesn't want you removed from power any more than I do."

Carlos smiles softly. "I chose to not understand other people's threat assesment procedures in light of the fact nobody ever understands mine. Do as you will...."

"We're not ridiculing you. We simply disagree. It's honestly not a crime."

"I never said anything about ridicule....." Shrugging softly Carlos idly twirls a small Iraqstani flag with his fingers.

Treznor nods.

"Although I still think that people are not taking this all seriously. Especially the antics of the shogunate. They border on open offense and I am growing tired of having to take such things in the face and continue to smile."

Treznor frowns. "A lot of people are taking this very seriously, Carlos. Only it looks to most like you're the one bordering on offense. There are a lot of different perspectives, and everyone's got a good point. Please, just be patient and we'll get it sorted out.

"Okay, I'm still tired and probably reading things wrong. Anyway, that's the long and the short of it. Now you know what was discussed at that meeting." He yawns. "I've got a party coming up next week. Midwinter Bloodfeast. Gonna be lots of VIPs, or so I hope. Interested?"

"I should be able to make an appearance."

"I'll mark you down for a hot dog."

Carlos laughs. "Make it two and I'm there. As for the other, I am merely acting how I feel I should be."

"I know. Let me put it to you this way. What if your honour told you it was necessary to protect your people, whatever the cost?"

"I would do it. There would be no questions asked. Fire and determination. The motherland would swallow those that choose to attack us."

Treznor nods. "And so will Firefury. I asked that same exact question to her, and got almost the exact same answer. She now understands your position.

"You both have a highly developed sense of honour, and right now they're in conflict. All I ask is that you try to appreciate each other's positions. She's also trying to do what's best. So long as you both keep that in mind, I'm sure we can maintain the peace."

"Does she really? I will, wait for a chance to negotiate... but I don't know how much I will accept. As I have stated my trust in people is falling. I'm starting to wonder how far religious connections hold with certain people...."

Treznor sighs. "Carlos, I'd love to stay but I'm getting so far behind on things I can see my own ass over the horizon. But if you need anything, anything at all, just holler. All right?

"Okay, I'm off. Give the family a hug for me. I'll see you next week. I'll keep you appraised on the guest list, too."

Carlos nods. "I'll look forward to it..." He mutters idly staring at the desk.

Treznor lets himself out.

Reploid Productions

09-12-2003, 06:31

Firefury roams about the rapidly sprawling tent city, studying the faces, assisting where she can, while letting her thoughts drift. Good Goddess, these poor people... they've been trodden down upon for so long, with this revolution and then the extraction just.... The last time she had seen such desperate, pleading faces had been during the Dividing War, when she had seen the handful of survivors of the destruction of Kazeryu and Drako's Lake. The utter devastation of the two cities, resulting alone in the slaughter of more than forty million civilians, had been the driving force behind her policy decision after the war to not persue development of WMDs. Countermeasures were developed, certainly, but she was not overly fond of big stick diplomacy. The Nekoa Empire had brandished big sticks, and look where it got them.

It is likely only a matter of time before Carlos missteps and torques off somebody who DOES prefer waving steel penises around rather than trying to compromise. Hell, the baka probably has some operatives on the ground here already, what with all the confusion. I know if the situation was reversed, I'd have some of my guys snuck in among the refugees. At least that's one of the reasons I picked this site... more than a hundred miles from anywhere.... Ah, Shimeki-sama, I hope yer happy with what your little crazy servant has come up with. She chuckles to herself as she assists a sickly elderly woman to one of the Dominion medical units. And I hope you don't find it too heretical that a lot of these people look up to me and call me their Goddess.

She pauses to listen to the chatter over the comm and frowns again. Were it my place to judge, Carlos would face the same fate as Aurora, at the hands of my arm cannon. Or perhaps at the claws of Tsume. But then, it isn't my place to judge. All things come in due time, so he has sown, so shall he reap. I have done what I can, saving the lives of these people, of his people, and any number of military personel who would have been drawn into a conflict as was bound to happen. A shame he's too bullheaded to see it. But then, he is only mortal, without the experiance that can lead to one holding a greater appreciation for life. Her frown deepens, her gaze going distant. Too bad that sort of experiance generally entails the senseless slaughter of hundreds upon thousands... watching time and again as family, friends, and others held close to the heart succumb to the darkness. Then he would not as soon derive joy at watching the flame of life fade from the eyes of another human being.

She snaps back to the present, realizing she very nearly snapped the tent strut she was holding. Geez, woman, cool yer jets. You will need to speak- civilly- with the ratbastard eventually. If you don't put a leash on that temper, things are more likely to get worse rather than better. Closing her eyes briefly, she meditates, even as she helps assemble tents or ferry supplies. 'Let the winds that blow of golden flame burn away the webs of raw emotion, that clear thought may remain unhindered, and the balance then be seen, and in the seeing, understood.'

Iraqstan

09-12-2003, 06:49

Sitting at his desk Carlos looks at the amulet now resting in his hands. Seek out Omicron Blu she will show you what you cannot see. He thinks to himself over and over. Sighing softly he stands and shuts the curtains over his windows, walking to his door he looks out. "I dont want to be disturbed for a few hours Carla. Cancel my appointments and tell Muhammed to watch over things. I'm going to take a nap." Looking up the blond haired woman smiles and nods. "Of course my Führer. I hope you rest well." She smiles at him again and busies herself with her work.

Chuckling softly at her Carlos closes his door and locks it with the push of a button on the keypad. Stretching out on the large leather couch he looks once more at the amulet and whispers. "Omicron Blu, I dont know if you can hear me. But I need your help. Show me what I cannot see."

Laying back he closes his eyes and listens to the sounds of the palace busying itself as usual, his body focused on the amulet.....

imported_Angelus

09-12-2003, 17:24

Blu sighs softly in the deep cspace environment she has hastily constructed for Carlos' use. She wasn't expecting to have to use the amulet so soon, but she was glad that she'd gotten it ready in time.

She looks around for a moment, making sure everything was ready, and then welcomed Carlos' floating mind into the Mainframe.

Years of research into the latent psychic abilities inherent in all humans had finally lead to an impressive breakthrough in inorganic/organic interfacing. Tapping into that latent and most-often dormant power, the Angels were slowly replacing the full Augments, and just in time for the Church...

~*~

Blu floated before him, but it was not Blu, it was the Angel... Her skin still wore a slight shade of blue, but it was much lighter, more of a slight hue on a perfectly white canvas. Great wings arch from her back, and soft silver light radiates all about her in a heavenly corona.

"Welcome, Carlos..." Her voice was soft, gentle, full of love. "I've been waiting for you... I have something to show you." She reaches out and takes his hand, and they are suddenly floating high above Sirithilia, in Iraqstan.

"I will personally show you what your recon people cannot. You will walk among your people, see what you cannot see."

With that, they suddenly drop towards the earth, and they are gliding silently through the marketplaces, the housing tenaments, the totality of Sirithilia. She hides nothing for him, and they glide through the streets as ghosts, passing right through the bustling hordes of people without even the faintest whisper of wind to mark their passing.

Finally, she leads him back into the sky, and they streak across the land. Soon, they are no longer over Iraqstan, and the sea passes underneath them with incredible speed.

Suddenly, they are over the land again, but this time over the much more ferile lands of the Shogunate, and finally Blu speaks again.

"Carlos, the Um Lizaans will not be able to harm your people any more... Furthermore, they only lashed out in the first place because of their harsh mistreatment.

Carlos, the Um Lizaans are people too."

They drop down into one of the temporary containment camps, and are suddenly walking among the Um Lizaans, and Carlos is forced to see the humanity of the people he had tortured for so long. They were people, many of them thin and sickly due to the incredible hardships they had endured. All of them were undernurished, and the Shoganate/Triumvirate medical teams raced through the camp like dervishes, trying to keep pace with the sick and dying.

"They have suffered far too much to ever be a danger to your people. And even if they were capable of hurting you, We would not allow it..."

Suddenly, they shoot into the sky, far above the Shogunate, and free of their airspace. Here, in the darkness of space, 24 massive gates suddenly rip into the fabric of space/time, and 24 Angelic ships slide back into realtime.

The mammoth ships glitter like the cold and merciless weapons that they are. The fleet, made up of 6 Excelsiors, 12 Raptors, and 6 Alliances, slowly began to position themselves in between Reploid Productions and Iraqstan, keeping their ever-vigilant eyes upon the Um Lizaans, and their Triumvirate benefactors.

"You see? The safety of your people is well assured, not only by the promises of our shared allies, but by the inability of the Um Lizaans to even begin to strike back. Failing even that, We stand in the way of any that would try to harm Iraqstan."

~*~

[Communication{Shogunate Defense}]

Forgive Our sudden intrusion... We give you the utmost assurances that Our appearance is of a peaceful intent, and We are only here to give Carlos a sense of peace and safety.

[End]

[Communication{Leaders of the Triumvirate Nations}]

We understand the situation in Iraqstan has become complicated. While you are all well aware of Our vested interest in Iraqstan, We assure you that Our loyalties to the Triumvirate would come first in all matters.

[End]

Scolopendra

09-12-2003, 17:42

To the Angelan Detachment

Hoi! I won't keep you from your flying, but avoid the drop corridors. We've got to be careful ever since that Loki went down.

Still, welcome to the friendly skies.

Sky Marshal Juan Rico
CO, 4TEF
TYWS-SCV Olympus Mons

Southern Reploid Productions
East of Relief Operation

The Loki finally cleared out, the CDC on site count casualties. Out of the fourty-six crew, two died immediately in the crash and another three died before they could be assisted. Ten were moderately injured with broken bones and the rest escaped with bruises and minor lacerations. Of the two-thousand civilians in the hold, seven-hundred-sixty-eight killed immediately by the aft structure collapse and an additional one-hundred-fifty-nine dead upon arrival at medical stations. Twenty percent were seriously wounded and are now in proper medical care, thanks to the Dominion teams, and an additional ten percent were moderately wounded, now in transit care. The remainder were only lightly injured and are treated for cuts, scrapes, and bruises.

To Cetagandan Third Fleet

We have completed rescue operations around the Loki Chiburi-One... please to bring in the engineering vessels as offered to recover it.

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/scolopendra/speaker-armor.gifMajor General Speaker-to-Animals
CO, Um Lizaan Relief Operation
CO, CDC Civil Engineering Directorate
Federated Segments of Scolopendra

Reploid Productions

10-12-2003, 07:59

ALTIMIT Broadcaster
Encryption: Standard
Broadcast type: Diplomatic/Military
To: Angelus
Return transmission band: Open
IDENT: Michelle Richter - Reploid Productions

Admittedly, Tengoku STC was surprised by the sudden appearance of Angelan ships, but we have and will always maintain that the ships of our allies are welcome in our ports. If there is anything we can assist with, do not hesitate to ask.

I do not mean to pry, but a short time ago, the Arpean Thaumatology Institute's equipment detected an unusual, passing spike on thaumatoscales placed at various points in the Shogunate countryside, primarily near the refugee camp. We are trying to figure out what may have caused such a noticeable energy spike but without any visible effects. If you have any information that could help clear this mystery up, it would be most appreciated.

~Michelle Richter
~Minister of Homeland Security
~Immortal Shogunate of Reploid Productions
<End Transmission>

She frowned over the reports on the Loki crash, pondering possibilities to ensure better safety measures without slowing down the extraction too much. "Oyie, get MilCom on the horn- let's put all our retired and reserve reploids on call... they can probably very efficiently handle ship maintenance during loading or unloading procedures. Somebody get word to Speaker and our CivEng teams so that they can work out how best to deploy crews."

"Ryoukai!"

"And what's the word on the supply ships from Dosei?"

"They should be underway by the end of the day with supplies from Dosei and Titan. Should take them roughly a week to get to Tengoku. Unloading the stuff into the drydock bay will take awhile, and then we'll have the nightmare of transporting it to the surface."

Michelle nods. "We've got a lot of stuff coming in over surface routes already. The stuff stashed on Tengoku can serve as an extra buffer- shipping stuff down from there takes a secondary priority anyway."

She skimmed a message from the home office, her chair nearly falling over backwards at the contents. Firefury was going to attend a party in Treznor about their entry into the Trium, and NDA members- Carlos Quil'Raya included- were invited? And the infamously hot-tempered, blunt Queenie was going by herself, without Tsume or somebody more levelheaded to balance her? Oh, Shimeki-sama, let Queenie be smart enough to keep her temper on a leash. Please please please, the last thing we need is for her to get all pissed off and punch Carlos in the nose... or likely worse... at a large diplomatic affair like this!

Menelmacar

11-12-2003, 05:55

Well away from the earth's gravity well, there was a periodic flash of red light... tesseracts opening and closing, as Menelmacari superfreighters - almost thirty of them now, with more coming every few hours - gathered.

This continued for some time, until there were seventy-six of the massive ships, ranging from one to two kilometers in length, each of whose defining feature was the cavernous cargo bays within.

Each ship would be able to carry tens of thousands, anywhere they wished to go, within a few hours; such a gathering of the Menelmacari merchant marine and private sector shipping had not been seen since the evacuation of All Elves, when almost two hundred ships had been used to spirit a hundred and eighty million Noldor away from the wrath of Angband.

This mission was somewhat less urgent, however, though no smaller in scope; the trip aboard the freighters would not be comfortable, but it would get the Um Lizaan exiles to safety. A tesseract opened, one final rift, disgorging four more vessels into realspace, making eighty even. They formed up with the rest of the group... which began to move, in its entirety, towards the blue-white globe far below. Threading their way through the mass of orbital assets belonging to ten thousand nations, they descended into the atmosphere, making for Iraqstan, and the refugee camps, to gather their first loads.

A female Elven voice was heard over the commnets. "This is Menelmacari Prefecture of Compassionate Relief Ad-hoc Taskforce "Light of Freedom", flagship MV What Are The Civilian Applications?, Ciryatári Aerfaisel speaking, calling any friendly forces on the ground. Just tell us where you want us, boys."

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/sirithil/sirithilnosfeanor.gifLady Sirithil nos Fëanor
Elentári of the Eternal Noldorin Empire of Menelmacar
Regent of Lavenrunz, Chancellor of CENNA
"We have known freedom's price. We have shown freedom's power. We will see freedom's victory."
~US President George W. Bush
We Love the Iraqi Information Minister (http://www.welovetheiraqiinformationminister.com)
Clicky-clicky!

Scolopendra

11-12-2003, 07:05

To Ciryatári Aerfaisel

Not all at once, preferably. We're setting up a continuous 'conveyor belt' loop, which will be more efficient in the long haul... lessee... yes, we planned ahead for this. Begin extracting at the zones hacked to this transmission and set up chains. Space them out so you only have at most three on the ground at a time at each end, and make sure you get maintenance into the schedule too.

Thank you for your help, Ciryatári.

Sky Marshal Juan Rico
CO, 4TEF
TYWS-SCV Olympus Mons

Iraqstan

11-12-2003, 07:24

Staring with amazement at the surroundings about him Carlos sneers inwardly as he watches the exiles move about paying particular attention to the sick and elderly. A grin creeps onto his lips slowly but he hides it from his companion.

"What you fail to understand, what nobody understands is these people will always be a threat. You've seen the barren wastes of the capital. You've seen ground zero from one of their attacks. Over a million innocents died and thousands more still die painfully because of them.

The hate we harbour for the Um Lizaan exiles is one bred of many generations. We are a warring race. For years Iraqstanis have fought all we know is fighting. The Um Lizaans are a part of that history. The sub-human minority. The slaves, our work force. We dont know anything but their subservience." Pausing he looks about and shakes his head.

"They will forever be a threat to the holy empire because of their actions. Would you just accept someone nuking an entire suburb of your capital city. Would you sit back and watch as thousands die of cancer and other fall out induced diseases? They poisoned the water in some out lying towns in Um Lizaa and Iraqstan. They bombed a facility set up to tend to the ill and feed the hungry around the same time as the nuclear attack.

I cannot let my guard down until these people bare their neck to me and submit it would be dishonourable of me to turn my back on a potentional armed and deadly enemy. I see what you have shown me, I feel some remorse but I do not regret it. How can I be blamed for generations of oppression and forced submissals of a people almost as old as my own?

Do not ask me to do that. I cannot change what Iraqstanis are. We are a society that is without what people call civilised ideals, the motherland is our home. We will fight to the last drop of blood to keep it ours. Threats against us are responded to with equal or superior force. It is how things are done in our world. These exiles as pitiful and small as they are, are still a threat. The shogunate need just be swayed by the stories and a whole new round of invasion and destruction will begin.

I must guard against that possibility. I would move against any other nation that took these people in. I would even do the same to the dominion and The Empire of Treznor. Nobody would be spared. These people are fuedal enemies these people are a threat......."

Shaking his head Carlos looks at Blu with a hint of sadness in his eyes. "Even you are a factor of Iraqstani stubborness. I see your ships, and cannot help but to see a hidden threat there. We ask not for protection as we have mastered over the generations the ability to defend our motherlands. Your aide is accepted, your protection embraced but we do so out of fear. Fear of offending allies and powers far beyond ours. If it were to come to open war, my people would fight until all were dead. Who would want to live in a motherland tainted by the presence of peoples not born pure in the holy land?"

Turning away he slumps his shoulders in defeat. "I know this is not what you wanted to hear, I know you wish only to keep peace between two peoples. But peace is a dream most of us have given up on hoping for. The stable and quiet periods of our history are blessings we hold dear. You have seen the wash of blood that happens should that stability be challeneged. That is how it has been for centuries, we are not a peaceful peoples.

Everyone is correct to see us as a threat, we cannot help it. We are the modern world's nationalist japan. We are a threat and one we cannot change from. As long as there is a need for us to take up arms we will never be peaceful. Aslong as the motherland is threatened with violence we will never lay down our desire to die for it's protection. Understand this, help me make others understand that. Help me negate the threat of these exiles and Iraqstan will become peaceful.

Failure to do so will result in Iraqstan ceasing to exist or destroying a community of people it spat out." Looking at Blu he smiles softly and returns to looking at the ships before him, wonder and fear showing easily on his face.

Scolopendra

17-12-2003, 07:04

INCIDENT REPORT

Examined by TYSS Intelligence, Classified FOR PUBLIC RELEASE

Overview: During the ongoing Um Lizaan Extraction Campaign (Operation HIGHWAY TO HEAVEN) the Loki-class dropship Chiburi-One (Vehicle In Question, VIQ), attached to the TME-50 model Grendel-class frigate TYWS-FF Chiburi, lost gravitics control during powered space/atmosphere interface transition. This resulted in a crash landing approximately ten kilometers from the Um Lizaan Relief Operation (ULRO) conducted by combined Triumvirate assets from Reploid Productions, Treznor, the Dominon, and Scolopendra. Eight hundred civilians died in the crash.

Accident Chronology:
1735:22 -- VIQ recieves clearance from ULRO ATC to land at airfield. Major Jackson begins automatic navigation-computer transition procedures.
1737:45 -- VIQ begins exosphere/ionosphere transition. Hull temperature reads nominal. Internal temperatures read nominal.
1739:21 -- Ionosphere transit continues. Forward-subgrav attitude thruster reads yellow with 50% efficiency loss. Hull temperature reads nominal. Internal temperatures read 1% over nominal. Hull ionization reads nominal. Internal ionization reads 50% over nominal.
1739:25 -- Ionosphere transit continues. Forward-subgrav attitude thruster reads zero-low sensor error. Secondary forward-subgrav and port-subgrav attitude thrusters read yellow with 50% efficiency loss. Hull temperature reads nominal. Internal temperatures read 1% over nominal. Hull ionization reads nominal. Internal ionization reads 75% over nominal.
1739:27 -- Ionosphere transit continues. Hull temperature reads nominal. Internal temperatures read 1% over nominal. Hull ionization reads nominal. Internal ionization reads 100% over nominal, 10% over standard safety margin.
1739:28 -- Ionosphere transit continues. Navigation computer reads trajectory error greater than 50% and abandons program, releasing to manual control.
1739:29 -- Captain Ichigo, copilot of VIQ, sends out a distress signal. Emergency transponder beacons (primary through tertiary) activate, cockpit voice recorder enters ultra-high fidelity mode. Communications systems enter emergency mode, constant-transmit on emergency frequencies E1, E3, and E7; action frequencies A2 and A4.
1742:11 -- Ionosphere/stratosphere transition. Hull temperature reads nominal. Internal temperatures read 2% over nominal. Hull ionization reads nominal. Internal ionization reads 110% over nominal. Two-man damage control teams are ordered to the damaged attitude thrusters.
1745:52 -- Stratosphere transit continues. Damage control to forward-subgrav reports on-station.
1746:04 -- Stratosphere transit continues. Damage control to port-subgrav reports on-station.
1748:30 -- Damage control reports forward-subgrav repaired. Forward-subgrav attitude truster reads 93% efficiency.
1749:46 -- Stratosphere/troposphere transition. Damage control to forward-subgrav reports back to ready-station.
1750:01 -- Ten seconds to impact. Major Jackson, CO of VIQ, sends out brace orders.
1750:03 -- All stations except damage control to port-subgrav reports on-station.
1750:06 -- Five seconds to impact. Capt Ndegi, flight engineer of VIQ, requests direct report from port-subgrav damage control team. No intelligible response.
1750:07 -- Four seconds to impact. Capt Ndegi directly orders port-subgrav damage control team to brace. No intelligible response.
1750:09 -- Two seconds to impact. Capt Ndegi repeats order. No intelligible response.
1750:10 -- One second to impact. Port-subgrav reads 70% efficiency. Maj Jackson pulls nose of VIQ up to 81.5 degrees inclination. Emergency fusion dump engaged.
1750:11 -- Impact. Aft MAM hull sensors read multiple breach. Internal structure sensors read multiple breaches. Fusion powerplant reads vent damage; casing reads breach in section 36A. Aft MAM life support fails. Aft MAM power distribution fails. Fusion drive port and starboard vector-thrust mechanisms fail.
1750:14 -- Settling. Inertial sensors read cessation of motion. No events after this point.

Maintenance Log:
1555:21 -- Senior Spaceman Frist opens forward access panel F21-K leading to the forward secondary power distribution network hardline feeding the forward attitude thrusters to address an inefficiency issue suggested by Maj Jackson. Work order was signed off by TYCS crew chief, Master Sergeant D'Cannes.
1600:XX -- SrS Frist says he was called off to clear the airfield. He "does not remember" if he closed the panel or not [recording of SrS Frist's Board Of Inquiry (BOI) available upon request]. Panel closure is not noted by MSgt D'Cannes [copy of work order sheet for VIQ available upon request].
1811:XX -- Scolopendran Civilian Defense Corps Corporal Dwalli reports 'an open panel' on the forward underside of VIQ. Continued examination reveals it to be panel F21-K.

Training Notes:
Neither Maj Jackson nor Capt Ichigo have more than 500 hours on fusion power. They are rated, but by their own admission are not comfortable with the fusion backup and sometimes "even forget it's even there" (Captain Ichigo) [recordings of Maj Jackson and Capt Ichigo's BOIs available upon request]. Maj Jackson noted that he "looked down, and the backup throttle was just there, and something clicked."

Analysis:
Panel F21-K, left open after SrS Frist left to clear the area in a hurry, provided direct access to a power grid that powered the whole of the forward-port attitude thruster system. With electromagnetic hardening thus compromised, standard atmospheric-transition ionization caused by friction caused electronic overloading effects to the power grid, which shunted to the subgravs. Being more delicate, they failed when the overloading damaged their control circuitry, at which point their segmented safety systems disengaged them.

Not identifing the problem quickly enough, circuit breakers were not tripped by VIQ crew and thus both the forward and port systems were not transferred to a more stable grid, thus allowing them to fail.

The flight crew of VIQ--Maj Jackson and Capt Ichigo--forgot that the gravitic system could be disengaged and that the fusion drive--part of the Loki-class' original design and a safety measure left in since the transfer to gravitic drives--and thus attempted a landing under lack of control.

RESPONSIBLE PARTIES:

Senior Spaceman Benjamin P. Frist -- For failing to close access panel F21-K and thus DIRECTLY CAUSING the chain of events that lead to the crash of VIQ and the death of over eight hundred civilians. RECOMMENDATION: Immediate court-martial.

Master Sergeant Louis D'Cannes -- For neglecting duty as SrS Frist's commander and failing to ensure that panel F-21K was closed, thus DIRECTLY ALLOWING the chain of events that led to the incident. RECOMMENDATION: Immeditate court-martial.

Major Lewis V. Jackson -- For neglecting to follow emboldened standard safety operation procedures, namely to activate fusion backups to landing under control and power, thus CAUSING the severity of the crash. In defense, for pulling up the nose and remembering the emergency dump throttle, for this certainly reduced the number of civilian casualties. RECOMMENDATION: Immediate removal from flight status and mandatory pilot reevaluation following additional training in fusion drives and emergency procedures.

Captain Ichigo Wantanabe -- For neglecting to follow emboldened standard safety operation procedures, namely to activate fusion backups that could allow landing under control and power, thus ASSISTING in the severity of the crash. In defense, he remained calm all throughout the crisis and risked life and limb repeatedly despite injury to assist the evacuation of VIQ. RECOMMENDATION: Immediate removal from flight status and mandatory pilot reevaluation following additional training in fusion drives and emergency procedures.

<SIGNED>
Okonkwo Maddox, General, TYCS
Commanding Officer of TYCS Engineering Command
Officer in Command of Investigation

<SIGNED>
Coranth, Director, TYSS
Officer in Command of Security Evaluation

<SIGNED>
Speaker-to-Animals, Major General, Scolopendran CDC
Commanding Officer of CDC Civil Engineering Corps
Commanding Officer of ULRO
Officer in Local Command of Incident

Iraqstan

24-12-2003, 07:08

Outsider checkpoint, Southern Um Lizaa.

The long line of exiles slowly but finnaly trickles to an end, behind them a smoke filled villiage as more and more items burn their fires out and the coals smoulder happily in the gutters of the road sides. Behind the last Exile comes an Iraqstani Guard Captain with an escort of twelve Iraqstani Guard. Stopping at the closest Triumverate officer the Captain nods.

"This is the last of the Exiles. I trust you will ensure we do not see this filth again. The Führer would also like an estimate of how long until the last of you have left. We have..... plans for all this land." Looking pointedly towards the officer the Captain raises his right eyebrow and waits his answer as behind him soldier after soldier begin searching the villiage looking for any one left behind.

Walking amongst the raggedly dressed and distant eyed exiles Marko Sil-Qutra is once more glad of his Um Lizaan nativeness and files away all he makes eye contact with. Stepping into a long line heading towards scolopendran extraction zones Marko acting the terrified and suspisious exile eyes the guards with a mixture of fear and dismay both frightened and shocked that these people would help one as low as him.

Mimiking the hollow stares and barely restrained sobs of fear by all around him Marko clutches the small case of clothes he carries and looks about at others carrying the same thing and shivers. Reaching the scanning portion of the line Marko steps up and looks at the guards with fear....

-*-*-*__*--

http://www.angelfire.lycos.com/la3/lanay/inn.jpg
Imperial News Network
Hail the Führer, Long Live the Empire!

Exiles finnaly sent away. Order Restored

"Good evening this is Natasha Marlive for Imperial News Network. As little as two hours ago an official announcement was given of the last of the Um Lizaan Exiles leaving Iraqstani held territory and entering the outsider controled zones. The extraction forces who have taken it upon themselves to defile their lives and nations with such filth are rumoured to be packing up and leaving.

The Führer has publicly announced a fire cleansing of the tainted lands with plans of building housing for the holy and pure peoples of Iraqstan to resettle and cleanse the um lizaan taint from the corrupted lands. An estimated two hundred million former citizens of the National Socialist Empire have been exiled and taken to the lands of the Immortal Shogunate of Reploid Productions where they are being integrated into and quite possibly becoming a permenant threat to the Holy Lands.

Military movements in and around Um Lizaa and the international waters off the exile coast line in the shogunate has reportedly increased in numbers as more and more soldiers are activated.

We bring you now, some images taken at the start and near the end of the extraction campaign as proof that our lands have recieved holy justice. This has been an Imperial News Network release. Imp(N)News. Bringing the truth home to the pure. Heil the Führer! Long live the Mother lands!"

http://www.msu.edu/course/pls/461/stein/_54912_Copy_of_iraq_refugees.jpg
The Beggining of the exile movement

http://www.inminds.co.uk/baqir/baqircamp3.jpg
The last four exiles of the holy empire.

http://www.angelfire.lycos.com/la3/lanay/inn.jpg
Imperial News Network
Hail the Führer, Long Live the Empire!

NationStates Jolt Archive

The crumbling of a foundation. [Open RP] - Page 2