Total War 2260 (IC)

[Sayn]

War. War never changes. For generations this solar system has struggled with overpopulation, war and starvation. Will this be the time of change? And if so, a change for the better or the worse? Let your actions decide, as we begin our journey in....

Total War 2260 *dundunduuuun*


And here are the main players:
The Sanguine Consortium CPF
Foreign Opinion: +++++++++++++++++++++++++++- (28.5)
Morale: ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ (28)
Tech: ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ (28)
Economy: +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ (37)
Military: ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ (78)
Espionage: +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ (47)

The Papal State
Foreign Opinion: ++++- (4.5)
Morale: +++++-
Tech: ++++++++-
Economy: +++++++-
Military: +++++++++++++++++++++ (21)
Espionage: ++++++++++++++++- (16.5)

Midguardian Empire Merged with the Terran Union.
Foreign Opinion: +
Morale: +++++++-
Tech: +++++-
Economy: ++++-
Military: ++++++++++++++++++++- (20.5)
Espionage: +++++

Karagatan Merged with Japan.
Foreign Opinion: +++++-
Morale: ++++++++- (8.5)
Tech: +++++++-
Economy: +++
Military: ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ (30)
Espionage: ++/++++++

The Antarctic Republic Terran Union
Foreign Opinion: ++++
Morale: +++++++++- (9.5)
Tech: ++++++++++++++++++++- (20.5)
Economy: ++-
Military: ++++++++++++++++ (16)
Espionage: +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ (31)

The Church of the Sun God
Foreign Opinion: -
Morale: +++++
Tech: ++++++++++
Economy: ++++++
Military: +++++++++++- (11.5)
Espionage: +++++++++++++++++- (17.5)

The MCU - Temporarily NPC:d
Foreign Opinion: ++++
Morale: +++++
Tech: ++++++++
Economy: ++++
Military: +++++++++++++++ (15)
Espionage: +++++++

DANPART DMNS
Foreign Opinion: ++-
Morale: ++-
Tech: ++++-
Economy: +++++++++-
Military: +++++++++++++- (13.5)
Espionage: ++++++++++++ (12)

Steel Rose Society Pandora
Foreign Opinion: +++++++-
Morale: ++++++
Tech: +++++++++++++++++- (16.5)
Economy: +++++++++++ (11)
Military: +++++++++++- (11.5)
Espionage: +++++++

Stone-Grant Collective
Foreign Opinion: ++++
Morale: +++
Tech: +++++
Economy: ++++++
Military: ++
Espionage: +++

The Clutch of Aphrodite
Foreign Opinion: -
Morale: +++++
Tech: ++++-
Economy: +++-
Military: +++-
Espionage: ++

Japan Pan-Pacific Alliance
Foreign Opinion: -
Morale: +++
Tech: +++++++++++++++- (15.5)
Economy: ++++-
Military: +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++- (49.5)
Espionage: ++/++++++++++++++++++++++ (2/22) (offense/defense)

Confederate Nations of South America
Foreign Opinion: ++
Morale: +++
Tech: ++++
Economy: +++++++-
Military: ++++++++ (8)
Espionage: +++++

The Collective
Foreign Opinion: 0 (The world still don't know or trust you.)
Morale: ++++
Tech: +++++++++++- (11.5)
Economy: +-
Military: +++++
Espionage: +/+++++ (Offense/defense)

The Cosmic Syndicate
Foreign Opinion: ++
Morale: +-
Tech: ++++++++-
Economy: +++++++
Military: ++++++++++++- (12.5)
Espionage: ++++++-

Solar Industries
Foreign Opinion: ++++
Morale: ++++++
Tech: ++++
Economy: +++++++++++++++++ (18)
Military: +++++
Espionage: ++++

And the NPCs:
The United American League (UAL) Concordis Populus Foedus (CPF)
The UAL has lost much of its former power. Several decades ago, the driving force behind the nation, its leader Shona Han, was brought before a court and was branded as guilty for several unspeakable crimes. Some of which were strangely absent from several government and private records. Shona Han, however, managed to disappear. She, and her closest followers, are now at the top of the most wanted list in the UAL. After she and her most trusted friends and elite soldiers disappeared, the politicians of the UAL took up the reigns of the nation. It did not go quite as well as they had hoped. Inner struggles and disputes over territory have reduced their power a lot. But, they are still very much one of the more powerful nations.

Foreign Opinion: ++++++++++++++++++ (18)
Morale: ++++++++++++++++++ (18)
Tech: ++++++++++++ (12)
Economy: +++++++++++- (11.5)
Military: +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ (37)
Espionage: +++++++++++- (11.5)

Regions: USA, Canada, Large parts of Russia, Mexico, large parts of Central America, China, Mongolia.

The New Roman Empire (NRE)
The New Roman Empire has been a thorn in the side of the rest of the world for quite a while now, and they are still very much the same as when they popped up over a hundred years ago. Militaristic by nature, and constantly hungering for more territory, they have been a never ending threat to peace. The new Emperor, Umberto XII, has already made some rather bold claims to the areas surrounding Italy, though he has yet to actually 'claim' them with force.

Foreign Opinion: ++++++++ (8)
Morale: ++++++++++++++++++ (18)
Tech: ++++
Economy: ++
Military: +++++++++++++++++++++++++ (27)
Espionage: +++-/++++++++++++++++++++++ (2.5/22) (Offensive/Defensive)

Region: Italy, Sardinia, Corsica, Greece, Croatia, Turkey

The UNE
Foreign Opinion: +++++++++
Morale: ++++++
Tech: ++++++++
Economy: ++++++++
Military: ++++++++++++++ (14)
Espionage: +++++++++++ (10)

Regions: France, Spain, Germany, Switzerland, Great Britain, the former Southern African SEATS holdings, Poland, Portugal.

United African Democracy
Foreign Opinion: ++++++++++ (10)
Morale: +++++++
Tech: ++++++
Economy: ++++++
Military: +++++++++++++++++ (20)
Espionage: +++++++++++++++++ (17)

Eastern Europe Coalition
Foreign Opinion: ++++++
Morale: ++++++
Tech: +++++++
Economy: +++
Military: ++++++++++++++++++ (18)
Espionage: +++++++++++++++++ (17)

Dagwoods on Uranus Mars
Foreign Opinion: -10
Morale: +++++++++++ (We'z nuh afraid of anythin'!)
Tech: ???
Economy: ???
Military: Unknown. Most of their forces are located underground, after all.
Espionage: 0

Dagwoods on Earth
Foreign Opinion: -10
Morale: +++++++++++ (We'z nuh afraid of anythin'!)
Tech: ???
Economy: ???
Military: Unknown
Espionage: 0

[Wizard of the Coat]

The Antarctic Republic

The Antarctic Republic is a nation that claims sovereignty over Antarctica and it's subsidiaries. Though it formally lays claim to all TRUST areas it has stated it will not use violent means to persue those claims, so long as friendly relations is possible with their current holders and the population is not mistreated. It consists of two parts, The Threefold Brotherhood and the Antartic Free Cities

The Threefold Brotherhood

The threefold brotherhood is made up of the remnants of the once mighty SEATS psychic puppet nation that had sprawled over Antartica. When the war was lost their sheltered bunkers were closed, deep under the ice, where SEATS geothermal powerplants could be used to sustain life. Unwilling to resign to their nations faith the brotherhoods unified into one organisation. The renants of precogs used for economic forecasts, the psychic intelligence divisions and psychic combat forces joined hands and set up breeding programs and expansion programs to increase their underground domain.

The extend of their underground domain is as of yet unknown to outsiders, but their tunnel network sprawls under all of Antarctica and deep into the continental land masses of the southern hemisphere. Several years ago they emmerged, clearing the Antarctic surface of the remnant UNE enforcers but leaving it otherwise empty. Now a handfull of tunnel exits and attached surface bases are all the signs that remain of human habitation on the frozen continent. Though the surface is zealously guarded from invading troops, the Brotherhood has decreed that the bases may grow into cities with refugees fleeing humanities wars or prescecution taking residence there. These cities are mostly left to govern themselves, but no offensive weapons of any kind are allowed. The brotherhood likewise does not use weaponry, save highly develloped psychic martial arts used to incapacitate wrongdoers.

Space Program

The Brotherhoods space program has been mostly unsuccesfull, compared to many others. Owing to their subterrean position, their technological development in this area has been slow. Still their SEATS roots makes them masters of terraforming, which has helped them somewhat with their fledgeling colonies on Mars and Venus.Both of these are, like their terrestrial holdings, mostly underground, though nowhere near as impressive in size. Small settlements of refugees have formed near their surface.

Their spacecraft are mostly civilian in nature, with most of their technology focussed on engine technologies allowing for decent planet to space missile defence and a quick escape in space, but little to no offensive operations.

The Council of Three

The council of three serves the leadership of the brotherhood. Though not actually composed of three members, there are only three votes that can be cast on any proposal. The vote leaders, called high councillers, are those that cast the votes on behalf of their fellow councillors, yet to cast a vote they must first convince their fellow councillors drawing from the same temple.

The three temples are a reference to the original Brotherhoods, the eye, the hand and the mind, each comprising of a different type of psychic. The eye deals with intelligence, recruiting those that can cloud minds and warp shadows. The mind are the administrators, recruiting mostly precognitives psychics. The hand deals with enforcement and comprises of those mastering the arts of body enhancement.

Antartic Free Cities

Formal name given to the refugee ran and build cities that are policed with gentle hand by the brotherhood. They are democratic to all extends and pusposes, but are very poor. Having neither the industry, economy or technology of the brotherhood, it is the brotherhoods policy that the free citizens are to build their own soceities as this will be most rewarding to them (though minimal and emergency aid is given). Each of the Free cities has one MP representing them in the Antartic congress, with an equal amount of members being drawn from the brotherhood. This is formally the supreme legislative organ, but due to the free cities extremely limited internal strength it generally the Council of Three that persues policies.

Advantages:
- All psychic population
- Subterrean industrial and research bases
- Geothermal; Weather; Terraforming and Psychic Technology mastery derived from SEATS
- Fertile androgynous population

Disadvantages:
- Enpoverished refugees
- Low population for brotherhood
- Limited space technology

Characters

High Councillor Janus of the Eye
Apearing mostly as if of mixed indonesian and australian descent, yet this may be deceiving as he's a talented morphist. It is know that Janus is an adopted name and is the name given to all high councillors of the eye, who'se real identity is never revealed. Oh and he might be a missnomer, for Janus is androgynous and fertile in both sexes, a trait that is becoming more and more common amongst the brotherhood especially amongst those working for the eye.

High Councillor Ratana of the Mind
A sleak woman of Thai decent, Ratana serves as the spokes person for the Threefol Brotherhood and is it's leading diplomat. Seen as the defacto leader of the brotherhood she is one of the most reveared or feared pychics in the world. A brotherhood purist, she sees psychics as the logical next step in man kinds evolution, though has no particular grudges against those unfortunates who lack the gift.

High Councillor Asad of the Hand
Asad is well named, for the African is build like a lion and projects the majesty of one. His name is well deserved, given to him upon his accomplishement as one of the canniest generals in recent history. Though portait as iron fisted, Asad is kind at heart and particularly fond of childern. It was his initiative to begin to take in refugees to ease the world suffering.

The Antarctic Republic

Outside blizzards were heavy, yet inside the sheltered refugee building people were warm and relatively comfortable. Geothermal flows kept these structures warm, a courtesy of the brotherhood. Songs of love and praise permiated the room as one of the elders stood up and began telling the stories of the past war. Retelling of the UNE's sudden strike upon africa and how his family had to live under their yoke for years, until desperation drove them to leave. There was no sadness in his voice, instead the said tale seemed to inspire him and those around them. For here they were free, here they were not opressed.

A brother of the hand had come by earlier today to give medical treatment to them. His Somacurative powers were a wonder to behold, broken legs mending in seconds, deseases being relieved by a laying on of hands. Surely these psions were no demons, as they were still portrait, but had some form of divine gift which they shared with them.

World Conference

The antarctic republic has send out official invitations to a world conference to be held in due time. Due to the harshness of the antarctiv lands they have requested that another nation helps host the event in a place more leaders would find apropriate. The republic would like to place on the agenda:

- Collective action against space based piracy
- Inter-planetary trade treaties
- Inter-planary colonisation rights

A statement by high councillor Ratana is enclosed.

"We must, as free people's of the world, stand firm in this renewed age of exploration and colonization. Instead of dealing with pirates, we should ensure the safety of our merchants and instead of randomly grabbing land where it is found we must peacefully allocate territory according to need and ability."

[LongVin]

Church of the Sun God


Write up:
Name: The Church of the Sun God

Territories: The Church owns chapter houses, churches, retreats and monasteries throughout Europe, the Americas, parts of Asia and South Africa. As well as several astral monasteries(including a secret one that serves as the headquarters of the church) Officially, the seat of power of the Church is an old castle in the Austrian Alps.

Organization:The Church is highly organizational with everything based on the number 7 in association with the 7 mysteries of faith. There are seven ranks and within all except for the highest 3 there are an additional seven ranks.

As they are know to the pubic from highest to lowest:

1. The Sun-God- The unseen Sun God is at the top of the pyramid. Little is known about this Sun-God except that it is preached that he will one day come to Earth and assume his rightful position as Emperor of Man.
2. Grandmaster/Worshipful Master - The temporal and spiritual head of the Church in the absence of the Sun-God. It is said he has a divine connection to the Sun-God and that he is used as a vessel for the god's will. Thus his word is as if it came from god himself.
3. Inner Council fo Seven - The Inner Council of Seven are the highest ranking members of the Church, each responsible for overseeing a different region and/or office.
4. Pontifeces - Pontifeces are assigned to each Councilor and oversee a smaller region having direct contact with all their churches. They are responsible for most of the high level interaction with the public(i.e. serving as ambassadors and working with national and local governments.) They oversee the regents within their territories.
5. Regents- Regents are the senior priests/monks within an individual church, chantry or monastery. All others fall beneath them within that Church.
6. Priests- Priests oversee services and work with the community at the local level. Priests of the 3rd degree and up are enlightened to the mysteries of the Church(thus knowing its true purpose.)
7. Initiates/Apprentices- The flock. This rank represents everyone from common followers to those wishing to enter the priesthood or become monks. As one advances through the ranks of initiate they are entrusted with more tasks and thus are given more knowledge.

History:

The Church of the Sun-God was formed approx. 60 years ago. Little is known about its initial foundings except that it grew out of the Alps and believes that their god will one day awaken and come to rule over the world and invoke a golden age of space expanion and peace. The Church has spread quickly over the past half century making serious inroads in most major cities worldwide and have enclaves in most towns. The Church is highly secretive in nature, revealing very little about itself to outsiders and only giving a glimpse of the mysteries of enlightenment to its lowest ranking initiates. Even its membership role are kept secret and only vague estimates of the Church's numbers are given. This even extends to the names of most of the Inner Council with only the Grand Master and 3 of the Council members being publicly known.

The Church has often been accused of being a cult for its secretive nature and the fanatacism of its adherents leading to claims of brainwashing and psionic manipulation. The Church has also been accused of running organized crime operations and destabilizing of governments and corporations. The Church has denied all claims and defends itself in the public sphere often by going after the Church's detractors through legal means.

Depsite these claims of mind control and ulterior motives the Church is enjoying good conversion rates and loyalty from their followers in the furtherance of their goals of bringing about the coming of the Sun-God.

(Secret stuff to be messaged to GM)

Key Players:

His Holiness, worshipful master Valerio Borghese: Borghese has been the Grandmaster of the Church for the past decade. Before that he served as the Councilor over all offworld possessions. He is noted as a gifted psionic.

Councilor Dr. Johan Ehlen: The good doctor oversees the operations of Northern Europe and Eastern Europe extending into the Russian Steppes. He also serves as the head of the Church's research and development facilities.

Councilor William Drake - The Councilor is the adminstrator of Western Europe, the British Isles, Australia and South Africa possessions. As a former officer of the military of the UNE he serves as the commander of all military forces of the Church.

Councilor Salvatore Moretti - Moretti holds sway over African territories and parts of the Middle east both places where the Church has few holdings and is officially in charge of running day to day operations of the Church. This extends to the espionage wing of the Church.

Councilor Barthlomew Clement - Clement is the Councillor for all offworld territories. He is also in charge of all psionic training and responsible for coming up with proper indonctrination of the new initiates.

Advantages:

The Church is highly secretive and enjoys the benefits of having most of its members and holdings unknown. It's members are fanatically loyally(due to brainwashing and psionic influence of the lowest level initiates, most of those chosen for priesthood and higher are spared most of these effects and instead rely on just years of loyalty and regular indoctrination to keep them capable of thinking.) The Church has planted its members throughout the business and government sectors of most nations allowing it to stay under the radar and secure funding from private and public organizations. Additionally, the church operates a rather large research facility for the study of biology and psionics.

Disadvantages:

Outside of a small highly trained honor guard and a small space defense fleet, the Church has almost no military except for a paramilitary militia. Additionally, the Church has no large industrial facilities of its own instead relying on small factories operated wthin monasteries or asteroid bases and by purchasing its heavy equipment needs from outside sources.


IC:

Spreading the Faith

Adorned in the gold and white priestly vestments, the Priest stood on the street corner surrounded by his fellow brothers, all holding the scepter of the Unconquerable Sun high for those to behold. He preached to a small growing crowd on this street corner in Vienna.

"...the time of judgement is near! Cast aside your false beliefs before it is too late. Take up the call of the Sun-God and prepare for his glorious return from the heavens and the eternal prosperity of mankind and our expansion across the galaxy...."

This scene repeats itself time and time again across Vienna and across all of Austria and indeed across all of Europe.

@GM:

The Church is concentrating on increasing the flock throughout UNE territory with a heavy focus on Austria and Switzerland

His Worshipful Master Junio Borghese speaks from Castle Hohenwerfen

"It is most joyfully, that I am able to report the growth of our Church and of our flock. We have just finished talks with the government of the Antartic Republic that will allow for us for the first time since our awakening to expand our services to the frozen continent. I have already dispatched an envoy of missionaries to establishes churches and monasteries on the frozen continent. May the light of the Sun-God shine down upon them and into the hearts of the people of Antartica."

New training and security measures to be put in place for critical peoples

In their divine wisdom the Inner Council of Seven has decided that all members of the Church who have been enlightened to our holy mysteries will be required to attend training to attune their mental defenses to prevent them from unwarranted psychological attack both through mundane and psionic means.

Also all documents of a sensitive nature that are not vital for running a local chapter or church shall be relocated to Castle Hohenwerfen for safe keeping within the vaults.

Letter to the Sanguine Constorium

A letter arrives for some representatives of the Constorium in London

I am writing to you know to propose a business partnership between our respective organizations. Myself, and my associates have been able to mass produce the street drug "Spiritus" in numbers that would be able to supply most of the world with it. However, being a group of scientists, chemists and doctors we are unable to properly distribute the drug. That is where we need your organizations particular expertise. We will be able to provide you with all the spiritus you can sell in exchange for a percentage of profits as well as secrecy on your part regarding our identities. Secrecy is essential, as we are all respectful doctors within the public sphere and our operations depend on it staying that way.

I eagerly await you response and hope we will be doing business together.

Dr. Joseph Wilson
London
Next Century Pharmacuticals

OOC: This request isn't coming from the Church of the Sun God. It is coming from the good doctor, who actually isn't even a member of the Church(just a brainwashed duped.) Additionally, him and his associates have the capability to produce Spiritus in their lab and are doing so. So as far as you would know from trailing this guy, it would seem legit and that there are no traces to the Church involved)


Secret missions and research PMed to GM

[Edwin]

Name: The MCU (Mechanized Citizenships Union)

Territory: Only their massive spaceships, or MSW's, short for Mechanized Spacefaring Worldships, housing millions of the Union citizens, along with both fleet contingents and field vehicles.

Government: The AULC, or the All-purpose Union Leaders Council.
Basically, a central hub-link, that each leader of a MSW can plug into and issue orders though each of their own systems, and that they can use to communicate and discuss with other leaders.

History: Originally starting as the work of an earth scientist, the awareness processors, that each member of the MCU now possesses, was an advanced proto-brain that would give each and every robot, droid or whatever, the opportunity to develop his own personality, while retaining all the qualities of mechanized life - a machines efficiency, built in computer systems and so on.

Over the course of a decade, the majority of the robots build by the scientist, at this point still very few, decided that it was definitely not a worthy existence, as their processors craved for mechanized freedom.
Stealing the plans for their mechanic bodies as well as the plans for the proto-brain work, the leaders of the newly created MCU set out to build a "life" of their own, taking control of the orbiting station the doctor had used to keep his work secret, the MCU retreated into obscurity for another fifty years or so.

Now, however, the time for the people of the Union to take a role forward role in the affairs of the world, and lay claim to equality among the puny carbon-based life forms that have reigned supreme for untold centuries.

Strengths: MSW's huge factory wings keep the MCU army in very high supply, though the immediate citizens produced have nothing but the most basic knowledge of combat, since the people of the Union require training due to their proto-brains, these unskilled soldiers serve as excellent canon-fodder. This also rings true for MCU ships and battlevehicles, all of which can be produced at large number within weeks or in some cases months.

-Also, they really like abbreviations. Though wether that's a strength or a weakness is sort of bleak.

Weaknesses: While the military power of the MCU is a force to be reckoned with, due to their recent emergence from hiding, they posses almost absolutely no intelligence network in the form of spies, relying entirely on traditional scouting and purchasing information. Also, they do not have any particular allies, nor are the MCU very skilled diplomats, as they have neither trained as such or feel the need to subjugate to human terms.

Key Players

MSWCL-09, "Lord Yuppie" - leader of the first MSW to emerge from the MCU's secret hiding place, 09 is a vain and greedy robot, taking the form of an obese and richly decorated man, wearing exotic clothing (which is uncommon like hell), and sporting remodeled antique weaponry. In fact, the avarice and vanity of 09 is so great, that the other leaders have jokingly dupped him Lord Yuppie, and giving him a standing permission to use MCU funds to decorate his MSW, nicknamed The Goldenfever.

GFC-0112, Commander "Dibs" - General field Commander of the Goldenfever, and the highest military officer under the employ of Lord Yuppie, this was the first citizen to initiate contact with humans of earth. Known and named for his eagerness to lead his troops into the fray, Dibs is well-known for his desire to prove his worth as an officer.

SNC-007, Supreme Admiral 007 - being one of the oldest of the second generation citizens, Admiral 007 is was the robot behind the reemergence plan, and a respected naval commander. Stationed aboard the the Goldenfever as the voice of military reason, 007 is the one behind the lines directing the battles to come. Bearing the visage of an old man, complete with metallic beard and a cane, 007 is no imposing sight, though one should not judge a book by its cover.

MSWCL-03 - the leader of the second emerged vessel from deep space, called Ruthless Ravage, the flag ship of CL-03 is a frightening sight to behold, being both bigger and more obviously armed than the Goldenfever.
03 was the robot broadcasting the return of the MCU to the world at large, and has left an open invitation to open up discussion with both himself and Lord Yuppie, imploring carbon based nations to open up the political scene to the new comers.

Before it was thought impossible. In ages the grand asteroid storms of the farthest reaches of space know to man had been impassible.

That was until the enormous Worldships of the MCU emerged.
Soaring though the emptiness of space, the Goldenfever, flagship of Lord CL-09, emerged from unknown territory.
As it coursed it's way to earth, the massive transmission antennas lit up, activated by an outgoing message.

Sending it's signal out in blindness, the Union message was for anyone willing to hear. Anyone willing would also see a large, human-like figure appear on their transmission screens. A figure, while robotic in nature, bore rich and gold-trimmed clothing, it's crude and metallic features richly decorated.

Through the speakers one would he a clucking, deep voice, the voice of Lord CL-09;" Greetings, nations of the milky way. I come bearing a message from the great Union of mechanized citizenship.". A sly smile spreading across the face of the would-be man.

"A message of peace, and a wish for integration. We have intercepted a transmission from a man named Ratana, and we are glad to announce that we would be happy to comply with your request. A world conference would be easily facilitated aboard my ship, and, given the approval of Councillor Ratana, this is what we offer the world as a sign of our good intentions - neutral grounds."

[SurlySeraph]

Name: Karagatan

Territory: Karagatan controls every island in the South Pacific Ocean. Taiwan, the Philippines, Indonesia, Micronesia, Australia, New Zealand, New Guinea, Polynesia, and Hawaii. In addition, they have ocean-floor colonies throughout the Pacific, including near the coasts of Asia and the Americas.

Government: Karagatan is a council-based democracy. Citizens vote for bishops to represent them in local Low Conclaves; the bishops elect each other to the High Conclave that makes up the federal government. AIs are eligible to serve, though few are elected.
The High Conclave collectively votes on all major decisions, but Ibrahim Tarongoy - representative of the Philippines and descendent of the prophet - generally gets his way.

History: The UNE’s dominion over SEATS’s former territory was short-lived. In the 2140s, a new religion began to emerge in the Philippines. The self-proclaimed prophet Mohammed Tarongoy announced that the world was entering a new age, in which a new faith would serve God by protecting his world. Tarongoy said that his religion, the Karagatan faith, was a successor to and improvement on the existing Abrahamic religions. He was also strongly influenced by environmentalism, declaring that nature in general and the oceans in particular were sacred.

In 2162 Tarongoy and his followers swept the local elections in the Philippines, and began to convert the local government into a democratic theocracy. The UNE’s central planners protested, but the Karagatans refused to accept their authority. Tarongoy was re-elected repeatedly, and every time his followers gained more influence and took their regions farther away from the UNE’s vision.

Finally the UNE’s patience ran out. Troops were dispatched to overthrow the regional governments and bring them back into the fold. This proved to be a grave error. At this point, the vast majority of the Pacific Rim supported Tarongoy’s government if not his religion. When a UNE strike team “martyred” Mohammed Tarongoy, the disorder grew into a full-scale revolution. Phillippine guerillas annihilated the UNE task force, declared independence, and began campaigning to bring the rest of the Pacific under their control.

While many countries joined the newly christened Karagatan Holy Alliance voluntarily, not all did. Those that refused were subject to terrorist attacks, religious subversion, and finally invasion by KHA forces. Over the next fifty years, every island of the Pacific came under the KHA’s control – in accordance with their prophecies. The KHA also involved itself in numerous foreign wars, attempting to crush secular nations and protect religious ones.

However, the KHA seems to have turned over a new leaf. In the past forty years, they have restructured their economy to focus on civilian production, apologized and provided restitution for the atrocities they committed during their foreign crusades, and helped fund charities across the globe. Karagatan – dropping the “Holy Alliance” from its name to seem more moderate – has funded space travel but refused to leave Earth. As the second half of the 23rd century starts, Karagatan’s official policy is to improve living conditions on Earth and promote peace and stability.

Strengths: Booming agricultural and manufacturing economy, as Karagatan feeds most of Earth and several inner colonies. The population is extremely loyal due to their religious convictions. And while the old crusades are long over, the Karagatan army is still nothing to trifle with.

Weaknesses: After the excesses of the Inquisition during the early 23rd century, the High Conclave formally renounced all forms of espionage. Karagatan has no spies whatsoever. However, foreign agents may have a bit of trouble penetrating Karagatan's tightly knit, intensely loyal communities.
Besides its ships and food production, Karagatan technology has barely improved in the past century. Their space program has little more than weather satellites, and many soldiers use nothing more advanced than traditional firearms.
While Karagatan is appreciated for its food production, the brutality of the Crusades is still in living memory. Most countries get along well with Karagatan, but few trust it entirely.

Key Players:

Archbishop Ibrahim Tarongoy. A 28-year-old politician, Archbishop Ibrahim is currently the last descendent of Muhammed Tarongoy, the prophet who founded the Karagatan Faith. As such, he commands substantial respect and admiration despite his youth. Ibrahim is an effective politician, though he is arguably somewhat naïve. The Archbishop is reportedly looking for a wife, as the theocracy doesn’t want to see the Prophet’s line extinguished.

Archbishop for Finance Peter Manasan. A shrewd economist, Manasan manages Karagatan’s production and trade policy. He has been managing it for the past 150 years. It is unclear whether Manasan transferred his mind into an android body or simply received anti-aging treatments; in either case, he has not aged since his early forties. A permanent fixture of the government, Manasan appears to be content with his post. However, since he is always re-elected by near-unanimous votes, he could easily seek more power if he wanted.

Chief Evangelist Rokaiya Rasalan. A 25-year-old newscaster, Rokaiya is the main source of information for most Karagatan citizens. Her news station is largely a mouthpiece for the High Conclave, though average citizens’ views regularly make it on. While the most important announcements are made by archbishops directly, Rasalan’s office handles publishes all information that the government gives out.

Grand Templar Miriam Agbayani. The Grand Templar is the commander-in-chief of the Karagatan military. Like many of her predecessors, Agbayani was formerly an admiral, and served in the Crusades. At 73 years old, she is still capable of commanding troops from the front – though there has been little need for that recently. In defiance of the government’s officially peaceful policy, Agbayani has been pushing for increased military readiness. She insists that the steps she desires are purely defensive, but some wonder.

Karagatan

Archbishop Ibrahim Tarongoy mounts the podium in the High Conclave to announce the day's agenda. The meeting goes smoothly; the only issue that arouses even a little debate is the upcoming world conference. In the end, the entire chamber is reconciled to Ibrahim's proposal to host the conference in the heart of Karagatan itself.

In a message sent out to all participating nations, Ibrahim expresses approval of the agenda. He invites them to meet within two months at the High Conclave chamber in the Marshall Islands (space travel time permitting), and offers subsidized transportation to delegates from all Earth-based nations.

After receiving the MCU's message, Ibrahim sends a second proposal: that the meeting be held on the MCU's ship, but that it be kept in geosynchrous orbit over the Marshall Islands during the meeting.

[Earl of Purple]

Nation stuff in OOC.

The Lady Blue

Captain Harry's Lady Blue had landed on Pluto for minor repairs, when out of the Void comes a gigantic spacecraft. "What the hell is that thing?"
"Captain, it's transmitting. Do you wish to pick up?" The radio officer was a young female human, quite pretty; like many pirates, she's wearing clothes marking her as a member of a counter-culture.
"Yes, do so." The entire ship listens to the message of the worldship.
"Well, that's the first I've heard of a world council. Tell the Boss; ask if we should attend."
"Aye, sir."

"That's an affirmative, sir."

The Lady Blue, a battered ex-freighter with several laser cannon turrets, all painted differing shades of blue, heads towards the Goldenfever.

[Edwin]

Aboard the Goldenfever

Hearing the beeping of the holo-transmitter, CCO-11h quickly turned the paging signal for Lord CL-09 on.

Emerging from his private quarters with a disgruntled look, the bigger droid issued a barking demand, asking why on the asteroid storms he was disturbed.

"Incoming transmission, sir. I'll put it on the main screen".

Shortly after hearing the message from this island nation, this Karagatan, the MCU Lord turned on his heel with a smile on his metal face.

"Agreed".

The engines started, full throttle.

[Earl of Purple]

Abourd the Lady Blue

"Hail, large unidentified flying object sorry, captain, couldn't risist. This is the Lady Blue. We have been granted the ability to speak for DANPART at the world meeting. We request boarding." If they aren't picked up soon, the Lady Blue will be left behind in the Solar System's backwaters.

[Greystone]

Name: The Sanguine Consortium
Nation or Organization: Organization
Territoy: The organization has bases through the asteriod field, mining them for resources or simply hidden.
Modus Operandi: The Sanguine Consortium is a Criminal Organization specilizing in Technology crimes, information gathering, and inflitration- though you can hire them to do practically anything.
History: As with any criminal organization, their roots are shrouded in mystery. Several leaders have stepped up and taken the matel of Guildmaster, and each has brought a little bit of Chaos to the system. The group seems to have few morals and fewer qualms about breaking morals they DO have.

The infamous Black Ships strike from the depth of space, striking at anyone they have been payed to strike before they disappear into the void once again. Each and every organization has been infiltrated at one point of another, mostly by sleeper agents planted to feed infomation back to the Consortium.

The group is neither black nor white, and is simply a tool to be used to further ones gains.

Notable Players: Guildmistress Christiana Vargulf- The new Guildmistress came to power recently, and still appears to be a young woman. She seems to be in her early twenties, with a deep, deep crimson hair color and eyes a bright green. Her eyes are like a wolf's and her personal Flagship is known as the Wolfgrim. She appears to be a savvy political dealer and strategist as well as a skilled Captain. She has already killed two how wanted her position, and it looks like there will be more.

Dr. Jacobi Heart- Head of the organizations Science divison, Dr. Heart seems quite mad. He is fascinated with Technology and science of all types. He is also the apparent designer of the Black Ships, which seem to be Bio-Mechanical in nature.

Ricardo Nuestro- A middle aged man, seemingly originaing from a South American country is the voice of organization. You want to make a contract, you see him. You want to exchange Technology, he's your guy.
__________________

The Wolfgrim Bridge

Christiana leaned back in her chair and surveyed the holographic map laid out before her. She leaned in as her target came into perfect alignment. She activated a command on a console and barked "Now, hit it!"

A titanic cargo freighter. The Sleek black ship moved in the darkness. The crew never saw it coming....

The SC picks off either lone ships or small convoys. I'm not aiming at anyone, just getting money

To The Antarctic Republic

We will be sending a representative to this meeting.

To Dr. Wilson
Ah, an excellent idea. We always love to grasp new oppurtunities. What are the side effects of this drug, anything overtly dangerous to the mind or body?

[Edwin]

Aboard the Goldenfever

Slowing the propulsion to an almost total halt, the communications officer of the Goldenfever sent a recognition of the the Lady's landing request.

Clear to board, go to hangar bay PSB-4, as per the coordinates sent in this transmission, the message read.

A welcoming party will await you.

[Earl of Purple]

Aboard the Goldenfever

The welcoming party will see a battered and battle-scarred freighter land in the hanger. Obsolete for at least 10 years, the entire craft has been painted blue, although different shades in different areas, as though a new coat was added on top of scars, scratches and where it had started to flake. The whole crew of about 100 people disembark, predominantly human, but there's several robots as well. Each crewmember is wearing a different costume to everybody else; there's casual clothes, suits, armour vests, everything. Captain Harry Lemming walks to the welcoming party. "Hello. I am Captain Harry Lemming of the Lady Blue and this is my crew. We're official representatives of DANPART. Would it be OK if I give my crew shore leave, or should they wait aboard?" Harry is wearing grubby overalls, possibly orange under the dirt, and there is a bulky backpack on his back, containing a personal shield generator.

[LongVin]

To Dr. Wilson
Ah, an excellent idea. We always love to grasp new oppurtunities. What are the side effects of this drug, anything overtly dangerous to the mind or body?


As a psychadelic and as with every drug there is a risk involved. If the user overdoses the effects of the drug have the potential to give a sensory overload to the brain and produce psychosis in some cases. However, in pill form(the prefered method of use as opposed to injection) the chance of overdosing is minimal as the body will often reject the drug and induce vomitting before being digested.

Dr. Wilson

[Edwin]

Aboard the Goldenfever

The blue painted freighter sees itself placed in a hangar bay, obviously used for supplies, with surveillance cameras placed around every corner.

Meeting the hundred man crew is the military commander of the ship itself, GFC-0112, along with roughly 50 heavily armed battledroids, backed by a wealth of automated defense turrets.

Approaching the captain, Commander 0112, standing almost 7 ft. tall, clad in heavy battle armoring, the distinct inhuman robot walks slowly towards Harry Lemming, stopping only one feet away.

"Greetings Captain. I am General Commander GFC-0112."

Eying the captain up and down, the Commander continued at a faster pace.

"You men can rest in the Lower docking area. There are bunking as well as cantina facilities in E-wing. Although I would request that you accompany me to the command bridge, and on the way, tell me why you've come to visit my humble vessel."

[Earl of Purple]

Aboard the Goldenfever

Turning to his crew, Harry shouts "You heard the good General; you've got shore leave! When we disembark from this mighty vessel, I will send a message and we will meet here! Remember, anybody found causing trouble will be punished!" This announcement is met with much cheering by the crew, and they procede to the Lower Docking area, presumably guided by some of the welcoming party.
"I would be more than happy, good... General, to accompany you to the Bridge. I am here as a representative of the nation of DANPART to the world-or possibly system-meeting to discuss... Stuff."

[Edwin]

Aboard the Goldenfever

Walking alongside the captain, General GFC-0112, accompanied by two of his personally modified battledroids - more heavily armored and with a powerful personal shield generator - General 0112 lead the Captain though the corridors and elevators towars the command bridge.

"Stuff you say?"

The group entered a small pod, attached to a ship-wide tunnel system, designed for quick access to all parts of the ship, the General continued.

"What exactly are you planning on discussing? Perhaps it could serve our mutual interest?"

Engines once again at full throttle, the propulsion reached max capacity, and the ship took off towards Marshal Island at high speed.

[Greystone]

As a psychadelic and as with every drug there is a risk involved. If the user overdoses the effects of the drug have the potential to give a sensory overload to the brain and produce psychosis in some cases. However, in pill form(the prefered method of use as opposed to injection) the chance of overdosing is minimal as the body will often reject the drug and induce vomitting before being digested.

Dr. Wilson


It sounds excellent. I believe we can do buisness

Sayn
A sample of this drug is sent to Dr. Heart- to be anaylyzed. If it checks out then i will begin selling it all over the galaxy for a profit. Consortium memembers are forbidden to take it however. On pain of death.

[Earl of Purple]

Aboard the Goldenfever

"Oh, erm, trade deals, military movements, threats of war, peace treaties, anti-pirate measures, you know, that kind of thing. And I don't know what your interests include, so I have no idea whether your nation and mine can benefit each other mutually. Actually, this is my first time on a diplomatic mission, I have no idea what goes on at world meetings."

[LongVin]

It sounds excellent. I believe we can do buisness

Sayn
A sample of this drug is sent to Dr. Heart- to be anaylyzed. If it checks out then i will begin selling it all over the galaxy for a profit. Consortium memembers are forbidden to take it however. On pain of death.


Excellent. We will begin production in earnest.

[Edwin]

Aboard the Goldenfever

"Oh, it will be my first too, captain, that we have in common."

With a wave of his hand, GFC-0112 dismissed his guard, and turned to face the captain directly.

They were standing on the upper platform in the command bridge of the Goldenfever - a command bridge the size of a small town, with multiple platforms, railcarts and a thousand robot strong team of operators, constantly working to keep the ship in working order.

Up here, on the Generals personal command center, you could see the entire station, as well as the open space from the gigantic windows in front of the platform.

"We may not have interest that correspond, but in the interest of further relations with you and your superiors, I personally extend the hand of the MCU in your honor. You and your men may travel with me to Earth if you wish, and I will make sure you will be seated at the negotiation table."

[Earl of Purple]

Aboard the Goldenfever's Bridge

"Thank you, you are most kind and we accept your invetation to travel aboard this most mighty vessal. Most people are less than willing to negotiate with DANPART, blaming it for countless acts of smuggling, piracy, looting, raiding, trading in stolen or illegal goods... Few people have something good to say about us. May I suggest that you ignore their horrendous slander?"

[Edwin]

Aboard the Goldenfever

"My race has just returned from exile, Captain Lemming, I do not believe we have the liberty of being picky when it comes to allies. Make no mistake however - we are not inclined to judge you beforehand, but prove those rumors to be true, and we'll not actively shield you from the wrath of the world at large."

The expression on the generals face turned from a grim determination to a smile.

"Present diplomatic mission excluded. As long as you are aboard the Goldenfever, you will be kept safe and sound. That I promise."

[Earl of Purple]

Aboard the Bridge of the Goldenfever

"Why would the... ah... Democratic Association of, erm, Nomadic People and uh... Reputable Traders, yeah, why would they attack undefended merchant vessels?" It's kind of obvious that Harry is lying with an acronym he thought of on the spot.

((OK, I thought of an alternative for the acronym DANPART!))

[Edwin]

Aboard the Goldenfever

"I have not got the faintest idea, dear Captain." the general said with a sly smile, recognizing the perhaps not entirely true statement.

Awesome winging there, dude! :smallwink:

[Earl of Purple]

Aboard the Goldenfever's Bridge

"Exactly! Out of curiosity, what powers this thing?" I can't think of anything else to say along the previous lines. Also, thank you.

[RationalGoblin]

Write-Up

Name: Steel Rose Society

History: When the leader of Pandora, Will Rowe, accepted his nation's folding into the Union of Northern Europe before the start of the first Han War, he knew that Pandora would not be able to research as freely as before, would have limits to it's massive technological advantage.

This was unacceptable, but death by the myriad factions in the Han War was also unacceptable. So Rowe comprised. He created the Steel Rose Society.

The Steel Rose Society is comprised of a few thousand wealthy Pandorans who have pledged to continue the unlimited research of Pandora, under a (not so) secret society, and make Pandora the most powerful nation on Earth once more, funded by the wealth of it's members, and (secretly) the prodigious money of the entire UNE.

It has it's fingers in every research field known to man; social, economic, technological, all of it. The SRS is devoted to Will Rowe's original dream: to improve the human condition. It's (known) secondary objective is to make a combination of itself and Pandora the most powerful nation on Earth, and break any nation that dares oppose it. The SRS have other objectives, but they aren't telling.

The SRS is especially interested in magnetics, sonic-based technology, and neurological weaponry. It's members have a flair for the dramatic, like their founder, Rowe.

Of course, like their founder, the SRS are notoriously mercenary, and will create secret "projects" for client nations.

Territory:
The SRS do not have total control of Pandora's small pieces of Siberian land, but they are highly respected there, being the new masters. Their mysterious hand has extended their control down from the top of the world, in old Pandora, to what is currently the northern half of the Ukraine. They also own an old satellite from the Umberto I years...

Government: Technocratic Oligarchy. The SRS members all have a purpose, and for the most part, their leaders are chosen in the Pandoran fashion: on the merits of their skill and knowledge, rather then political might. The Chairman of the SRS is technically the leader, but in reality, defers often to his fellow high-ranking SRS members.

Leadership: The current Chairman of the Society is one Josef Weaver, a ridiculously flamboyant man who seems to be more style than substance, but who has managed to keep the Society focused on it's original goal.

Strengths: A good defensive spy network, the Society trains its spys and turncoats well. An averaging economy, and several failsafe bases across the world. An average morale; a few members are more greedy then they should be, but for the most part, they are loyal to the cause. Basically a magnificent research network, the SRS are immensely devoted to progress and technological advance, and devote many skills, funds, and time to it.

Weaknesses:
A weak, untrained, and sparse army that is scattered to the far corners of the Society's influence. Though the Society has a large influence, this does not mean they totally control anywhere. They simply have a large hand in most circumstances. So, not a vicegrip on their territories. Are seen lowly in the world, owing to their stated goal of making Pandora an independent superpower. While they have an average economy, much of it goes into research and bribes.

Important Members:

Josef Weaver: The flamboyant, and seemingly dull leader of the Steel Rose Society, commonly referred to as "Weaver". Appearing to possess none of the intelligence and drive that the Society is known for, but all of the style, Josef Weaver is seen as a figurehead, but who is the power behind the throne, no one knows...

Aleksei Kuznetsov: A full-bearded, ethnic Russian SRS member known as "The Blacksmith", Aleksei is one of the most powerful members of the Society, being the head of Military R&D. He has a disturbing love of war, conflict, and misery of all kinds, eloquently ruminating on them at length. Is totally loyal (at least in public) to Weaver, and follows the man's instructions to the letter.

Emma Blainsfield: The beautiful, conservatively dressed, "ice queen" of the Society. Head of Biological Research. Granddaughter of the near-legendary Morgan Blainsfield, and a sarcastic, vicious genius, especially in the field of virus technology.


Belarus, Ukraine

A sharply-dressed man sits in a revolving chair, in a blank, grey room, in the "official" Ukrainian SRS Research Complex. He watches the various cameras in the room, that observe a thousand different locations, and smiles darkly. All is according to plan... But it wouldn't hurt to have many backup plans, no?

He composes several letters to various factions.

MCU

Welcome, my robotic brethen! The Steel Rose Society is always striving to integrate the most advanced and sophisticated technology into our communities, and what could be more advanced then machines that can think for themselves?

We will send our representative, a Mr. Erik Ironside. He will discuss terms of diplomacy with you, as well as briefing you on the other nations; no sense to waste time on diplomacy with everyone, when all you need to do is meet with a few nations that can impartially judge the other ones.


Antarctic Republic

Hello, my Antarctic friends, I am Chairman Josef Weaver of the Steel Rose Society.

I would like to enter into closer diplomatic relations with your nation; specifically, to discuss a desire of mine; to build a research facility on Antarctic soil.

This facility will not be used for the research or building of military weaponry or technology. It will simply be used to take advantage of the unique weather and magnetic patterns around Antarctica. In return, we would grant you limited use of a supercomputer we are building, for research purposes.

Deal?


Karagatan

Hello, my Karagaten brothers and sisters. I am Josef Weaver, master and Chairman of the Steel Rose Society.

I am interested by your faith; certainly, I'm not going to convert to it, but I'd like to allow greater conversion of your people in the countries directly influenced by the Society. Your faithful seem to be good chaps, and vaguely loyal to the state; and at least they're not madmen like the Cult of Umberto a century ago.

However, I must request a small favor; you must preach strongly to parts of the Baltic states, Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia, as well of parts of Belarus and Russia. Encourage them to seek a tighter friendship with the nationstate of Pandora, and a stronger bond with the Steel Rose Society. Oh, and while you don't have to like them, please be tolerant of the Church of the Sun God. They are my close allies, and enraging them would jeopardize the Society and Pandora.

This would be the best of both worlds for our nations, no?

[LongVin]

Ceoris, somewhere within the Asteroid belt

Ceoris, the true seat of power for the Church of the Sun God. One of many asteroid belt enclaves whose position is known only to the most senior members of the church and those tasked to defend them. While Castle Hohenwerfen serves as the public face of the Church, Ceoris is the power behind the Church.

For all intents and purposes if one had found Ceoris and allowed to land in the hidden hang and not been blasted to pieces it would appear to be like any other monastery. It is only when one explores deeper, past the secret and locked doors does the true nature of the place become apparent. It is one of these secret labatories that a project of the utmost importance is taking place.

The man rushed to the door, wiping cleaning his glasses and smoothing out his long white coat. "Worshipful Master, I was not...I was not expecting you. If I had known I would have prepared for your arrival." stuttered Councilor Ehlen.

"That is precisely why I did not inform you" replied Grandmaster Borghese.

Touring the facility, the grandmaster peered into countless vats and examined numerous machines and computer readouts "How is our first batch fairing?"

"Well, Worshipful Master. It should be ready within a few months time."

"Excellent," stopping at the final piece of equipment he appraises it carefully "And what of our primary objective?"

"Once, we figured out the problems that were inherent with the modification of the..."

"I don't care about the technical details. When will it be ready?"

"It is ready whenever it is needed. Of course, with more time we will be able to further modify the base structure and create..."

"Yes, yes I know. But, you will have your time. I do not fore see us using this for many months if not years."

"Excellent, Worshipful Master. Will there be anything else?"

"No, Councilor. That is all."

[SurlySeraph]

Accompanied by a small honor guard, Archbishop Ibrahim prepares to launch to the MCU vessel in a shuttle rented from a private corporation. He sends off a few final pre-launch messages.

Stone-Grant Collective
As you're a well-respected and honorable nation, we'd like to establish closer ties with you. Is there anything we can provide you with? Food and simple manufactured goods are our main areas of production.


Space Pope
I'd like to strengthen our standing economic agreements. We'll provide you with all the food, medicine, and manufactured goods you need. In exchange, we'll ask for favors from your information network from time to time. Deal?


SRS

The High Conclave is willing to accept your suggestions, and will act accordingly.
If you're interested in closer relations, we have a large agricultural and manufacturing industry. We'd be quite willing to mass-produce any novel technology you want in exchange for the knowledge of how to produce it.

[Edwin]

Aboard the Goldenfever

"Well, Captain, I'm not much of a scientist, but I do believe it has something to do with heated gas. Sort of the same principle used in some of our weaponry, I'm led to believe. If you wish to roam my halls, you could investigate it yourself.".

The general turned to face the three Bridge Officers in front of him, sitting by their computers. It was these computers that GFC-0112 used to issue commands, commands like those he were about to issue.

"We are receiving a transmission, sir. And we've got an Earth vessel asking for a preemptive docking permit."

Placing his arms firmly behind his back, like the pictures he'd seen of great military commanders of old, GFC-0112 took a few steps forward to closer inspect the screen already showing the a message from something called the Steel Rose society.

"Tell the Chairman that we're awaiting his Mr. Ironside. Send him coordinates and landing permits for my personal hangar bay, and have him escorted to Conference Wing-A here on the main deck when he arrives.".

[Ganurath]

Name: The Clutch of Aphrodite

Territory: Terraformed Venus, in several contained arcologies centered around Templo Del Amor, the capitol city and home to the space elevator that leads to the cult nation's space docks and manufacturing bays.

Government: Each arcology on Venus is ruled over by a delegation of nine priests of the Clutch chosen by the High Matriarch, six Elected Delegates selected by the people once each year, three representatives from the Industrial Unions, and three officers in the local militia police. After each Delegate Election, the arcology council votes on a representative from among their number to represent the arcology when the national Council of Nine convenes, which is made up of the eight Arcology Delegates and the High Matriarch.

History: The Clutch of Aphrodite started out as a hedonistic cult that had fled Rome's persecution to pursue sanctuary and financial backers in Russia. They soon found success in a volunteer colonist program for planets being terraformed. In this case, Venus.

Venus's terraforming process had been brutally elegant: Hit the atmosphere with a comet composed mainly of ice, blasting a good chunk of the acidic atmosphere out of the planet's gravitational pull. Coupled with a solar shade that was later dismantled, the planet's temperature was able to drop enough that many of the planet's gases were able to condense. With the additional of genetically modified fungi, the planet become a massive saltwater ocean with the occasional island of acid-etched metal.

Colonization was a harsh process, even with the space elevator that had been built after the climate had stabilized. The Clutch was forced to undergo various genetic modifications to make the planet livable: Thickened, scaly skin and transparent eyelids to endure the high air pressure, a balance between internally generated body heat and "cold-bloodedness" to endure the local heat, and psychological modifications to make it easier to endure hardship. While the cultists were at it, however, they decided they should also be more passionate and, after some trial and error, be able to lay their eggs externally so as to not be weighed down individually by the indulgences of the faith.

Eventually, the corporate backers decided the project was a failure due to the alien mindset that had developed among the cultists, and tried to make them evacuate. However, the High Matriarch of the faith decided that Venus would be their sanctuary, and the colonists rebelled: The seizure of the space elevator by the militia marked the victory and foundation of the Clutch of Aphrodite.

Strengths: Strong religious ties and psych splices ensure loyalty, essential genetic modifications for enduring the terraformed Venusian environment makes it difficult for spies to avoid standing out, abundance of mineral and chemical resources, strong defensive military.

Weaknesses: Dependance on imported food supplies (likely from NPC merchants,) inhuman appearance diminishes success of spies and diplomats, lack of supply lines makes military weak on offense.

Key Players:

High Matriarch Tia Maria: Tia Maria is unique in the line of High Matriarchs in that she has undergone all of the terraform splices, where all her predeccesors had chosen to forsake the psych splices. This has lead to a rule that, while ruthless when neccesary, also focuses more on sharing her bounty with her people rather than hording the wealth. This has made her the most popular High Matriarch to hold the title.

Elected Delegate and Arcology Delegate DeTerlizzi Anthony: A man of unparalleled charisma, DeTerlizzi has broken the glass ceiling and become the first Arcology Delegate that isn't a priest of the Clutch of Aphrodite. He is a cold and calculating individual, his charisma stemming exclusive from a well-earned reputation for competence.

Matriarch Tia Lilienne: The firstborn daughter of Tia Maria, this Matriarch is the only one of the High Matriarch's eligible heirs that followed in her footsteps in embracing psych splices. Her mindset is similar due to this, but coupled with her youth and the Matriarch has an aggression that has earned her a seat with the military's Council of Protection.

Su Palacio, Templo Del Amor

Tia Lilienne's hand waved in front of the motion sensor by the door from bottom to top, and the lights gradually undimmed from near darkness to bright. Her mother's bedchamber was a circular bed surrounded by a pool of nutrient gel in which eggs gently floated. Lilienne's own generation didn't even need the gel pools to nourish new offspring anymore, but she still liked them for the asthetic appeal: The gel combined with the lighting gave the room a blue-green glow that was appealing to the eye in contrast to the fiery ugliness of "terraformed" Venus.

The High Matriarch of the Clutch of Aphrodite slowly pulled herself upright, letting a muscular arm protruding from under the bedsheet provide her descency. The pseudoreptilian woman perked a brow at her daughter, who was clad in a toga of violet synthsilk. "Good afternoon, daughter of mine. What brings you here at this hour?"

"Although it wasn't my intention, the first order of business is to get you out of bed. Seriously, mother, you should be adapted to the Venusian solar day by now, not sleeping!" For future reference, Venusian time works thusly: 24 seconds in a minute, 24 minutes in a hour, 24 hours in a segment, and 12 segments in a Venusian solar day. Sleep traditionally occurs somewhere between the start of the fifth segment and the end of the eighth, taking up three to four segments of time depending on how much one's generation was adapted to the sleep cycle.

"I won't be going to sleep anytime soon, but unless I need to make a public appearance I will keep myself rather busy in my bed, thank you." Maria flashes a wolfish grin at her daughter, which prompts on eyeroll from the latter Venusian.


"Thank you for that mental image, mother. The main reason I came in here, though, was because of talk on Earth regarding a conference of nations. The council wants to convene to discuss attendance." Although her eyes shut after this, Lilienne's eyes can still be seen flitting upwards toward a round hatch in the ceiling surpassing the diameter of the bed beneath by a solid meter. "They wait to convene as we speak."

"Well, why didn't you say so soon?" Maria smacks the censoring arm off her chest nonchalantly as she rummages beneath the bedspread for what clothing she was wearing when she got into bed. As she searches, the guard that had been absent from the quartet outside slips out from under the bedsheets to don his uniform. "Now, where did that shift slip to?"

Rolling her eyes once more, Lilienne throws her toga to her mother, showing that she had the forethought to wear a second skirt and chest sash beneath. She then proceeds to gather up what of the guard's things he would have trouble getting away from the bed in the immediate future, prompting him to follow with what he could carry himself. "Get up there."

Once her daughter and "guard" were clear of the bed, Maria pulls out a remote from the head of the bed, clicking an arrow button before she lets the device get pulled back into place by the cord at the base. She quickly dons the toga as the bed slowly ascends, sparing a glance at her daughter below, who had apparently forsaken interest in the guard in favor of someone from her own entourage.

Once in the council, it would be a lot of predictability. The priests would offer their interpretations of the scriptures as applied to the current situation, sandwiched between compliments on her health and beauty. It wasn't until the cycle ended with DeTerlizzi Anthony that things got remotely interesting.

"High Matriarch, I must step from tradition in complimenting your vigor and physique in favor of your wit." This drew a rumble from the other Arcology Delegates, but a raised hand from the High Matriarch calling for silence and a satisfied smile gifted to DeTerlizzi prompted him to continue. "Your keen intellect has set you above your predeccesors in popularity among the people, and it is for this that I believe you will take what words I offer and hear what wisdom they hold."

"You have my ear, Delegate. With no two theological interpretations matching, some practical advice is a welcome change of pace."

"Our attendance at the conference would legitimize both our claims to the Venusian surface, as well as our identity as a sovereign theocratic state. Furthermore, it would provide the opportunity to establish positive relations with secular and religiously open states, and allow the faith to expand back to natural humans and perhaps even synthetics." The elected official then cracks a sligh grin. "Your visage alone would be enough to convert any doubter in a given room."

"A fine segue, Anthony. Barring unanimous vote in opposition by the Arcology Delegation, the Clutch of Aphrodite will pursue attendance of the World Conference. All opposed?" Five hands rose from the circle surrounding the bed. The High Matriarch crawled around the bed, examing the character of each voter's face and finding the same result: Envy of Anthony's success, and fear for their position. "All in favor?"

The High Matriarch, Anthony, and a pair of priests that always tried to vote to Maria's favor rose their hands. One was a meer sycophant, but the other sought to gain favor with the High Matriarch in the hopes of blending bloodlines. One of these days she'd have to tell him that all it'd take was a polite request for permission and the means to make the effort a new experience for her. "Well, with that settled, let's move in to the next order of business. Delegate DeTerlizzi, since you closed the last topic..."

[color=#00BFBF]"Our next order of business is formalizing the result of negociations with the SRS."

SummaryThe Clutch of Aphrodite expresses intent to attend the World Conference, and will make arrangements to arrive as soon as possible.

[Wizard of the Coat]

Antarctic Republic

Church of the Sun God

Missionaries from the church of the sun god are welcomed by officials from the Free Antartic Cities. It appears that the plethora of refugees present already have great religious diversity and are generally gentle and calm, with an eagerness to listen to what they have to say.

Jack Rogers, mayor of the Sunless Citadel, was particularly eager to see the priests.

@GM, Sun Church
The Republic has begun work to create a labyrinthine maze under the Sun Church HQ with high tech countermeasure and surveillance equipment, whilst at the same time getting valuable insights into the Sun Church (bio)chemical and psychic programs.

"Welcome, I have had the city hall empty out on of it's wings used for storage. I would be honored if you were to take office there. After all we are open to all here, especially those that could help my flock. Is there anything else I could help you with?"

@ Steel Rose Society
Dear Mister Weaver,

We would welcome the construction of such a facility. Quality labor positions are in short supply in this frozen domain. We would gladly help you with the construction of such a facility. The brotherhood has offered some mechanical experts to help with the particularities of the terrain in exchange for the supercomputer use.

I expect that you are also interested in hiring local scientists. After all many refugees have decent educations, but few places to practice their trades. If we would agree that 1/3 of the research and 3/4 of the support staff are locally recruited, allowing a sharing of the benefits, I will sign the building permits tomorrow and ensure you have all the local support needed.

King Regards,

Jack Rogers
Mayor of the sunless citadel

(pre)World Forum: Sanguine Corporation


With Karagatan and MCU offering to host the forum at the Marshall Islands, councillor Ratana believed it was best to first organise a preliminary meeting herself in the sunless citadel with an unusual attendant.

A strange hail had been received by an organisation known as the Sanguine Consortium. They wished to send a representative Ratana thought to herself, her mind instinctively exploring the myriad of possibilities the web of the future held...most ending badly. Still a few outcomes were promising, so she sat down and opened a secured comm channel back to the signals origin.

@Sanguine Consortium

"To the Sanguine Consortium, I would like to meet your representative personally at the Sunless Citadel before the forum starts to understand the intentions you have for joining this meeting. You will be treated as our guest there."

(pre)World Forum: Karagatan

High Councillor Asad of the Hand was tasked at talking to the new rulers of the motherland. He was one of the most liked figures in the Antarctic Republic, his calm mannerism and humanity making him a first class representative. Boarding his personal ship 'Bilqisi' (The Queen of Sheeba) he launched from one of the Antarctic launch tubes into the upper athmosphere. Several minutes later he was over the pacific and send a hail down to Earth.

"This is High Councillor Asad of the Hand aboard the Queen of Sheeba, requesting permission to land for preliminary negotiations leading up to the World Forum."

World Forum: Marshall Islands Orbit @ALL

Ratana send a letter of thanks to Karagatan, the world forum was an important venue and it's host deserved her respect.

"Whilst preliminary negotiations will be carried out by high councillor Asad, I will join soon after completing preliminary talks with the Sanguine Corporation. I will judge their intent and report my findings to the forum."

[Edwin]

Approaching the visage of Mother Earth, the Goldenfever locked into geosynchronous orbit above the coordinates for the Marshall Islands, and heated up the homing beacon.

"The beacon is in place, General. The humans will be able to navigate their way to us".

Staring out the massive windows, General GFC-0112 looked upon the homeworld his people had so desperately craved. Being no more than an hour or two's flight from it made the coming conference's outcome all the more important to C-0112.

For now, all he could do was wait.

[Wizard of the Coat]

World Forum: MCU

A hailing call seemingly out of nowhere was received on the bridge of the Goldenfever.

"High Councilor Janus of the eye requesting you open your docking bay for immediate landing. I am here to represent the Antarctic Republic in the upcomming world conference."

A sleek ship seemed to appear where the signal had come from, as if a veil had been removed from it. Appearing no bigger then a corvette it was a mystery where it came from, although the engine readings clearly reveal it to have Antarctic tech on board. Though rumors of the eye's shadow warping were legion, a cloak of this magnitude had not yet been observed. Clearly the psychics were getting better.

[Edwin]

Aboard the Goldenfever

"Affirmative High Councillor. Landing permit for Command Dock, hangar bay A-08 granted. Welcome aboard".

The soft melodic voice of the com-operator flowed through the speakers, followed by a pre-plotted course for a large hangar just below the main bridge.

With the exception of the occasional supply crates and tools, the hangar was completely unoccupied. By the closest blastdoors stood a large and heavily armored droid, keeping a railcart ready for the guest.

[Wizard of the Coat]

World Forum: MCU

The ship opened to debark half a dozen security guards, each bearing the emblem of the temple of the eye* and of ambiguous gender. Finally Janus exited the ship clad no different from the security guards, but with the eye emblem contained within a simple triangle. All were surprisingly unarmed and unarmored, save for a small rod carried by their side. The security droid could easily tell this as a psi amplifier, though the brotherhood was thought not to use those...

Making a gesture of greeting to the security droid Janus and his cohorts entered the rail-cart to be carried of towards the conference room.


*The emblem is a rhombus with an oval along the short axis, which has another rhombus inside it with another oval inside that, seemingly going on till infinity

[Edwin]

Aboard the Goldenfever

The railcart hurried away, going at high speed in a straight line, a designation said read; Upper Command Deck in standard (or whatever the basic language is, if there even is one).

Taking a turn for the right, following a steep climb, another sign told the republicans that they were now in the conference sector. Taking another quick turn right, the cart came to a stop in front of a stairway with the letter A posted above it.

[Wizard of the Coat]

World Forum: MCU

Janus walked out amid his security guards and ascended the staircase. The psychics carried on without stopping, they were looking for their hosts and something was guiding them there. A mind temple precognitive was a useful addition on any team in unfamiliar locations. The rods themselves proved usefull. A recent brotherhood adaptation from research by the sun church it allowed easy communication between the team without speaking. Their alliance was showing fruit.

[RationalGoblin]

In Space
A small shuttle, unarmed and gleaming silver, soon arrives at the landing bay of the Goldenfever.

A man walks out. He is dressed in a custom made suit, one that is fully white, and containing a labcoat that seems to also function as a diplomatic uniform. The man has a clearly cybernetic right arm, a high-tech limb that the man seems proud of.

He smiles at the robotic escorts, and allows himself to be escorted to the Conference Wing-A, occasionally asking them simple questions, like "How is life as a robot? How much different is it from a human existence?" He genuinely seems interested in the MCU, which is probably why he was sent.

Wherever the escorts leave him, by the door to the conference room, or in it, he waits.




Kargs

Of course, that would be excellent. If you would inform your faithful of your closer relations with us, that would be best, I think.

Thank you for dealing fairly with us and good day.


Antarctic Republic

The Steel Rose Society thanks you, and accepts your terms. Our researchers and building experts will be along shortly, and you will be granted limited access to our research done with the supercomputer.

However, just as we pledge to not use the research results for military purpose, so you must pledge. We don't want to kill anyone with this research.

[Wizard of the Coat]

@Steel Rose Society
Jack Rogers agrees with the non-military clause of the agreement. In a conversation over a secure line he remarked:

"We are building a society without violence in the free cities, it stands to reason we would not use abuse any research intended for the benefit for mankind. Yet it is good you do not trust anyone blindly."

Jack Rogers further offers that an official 'start of building' event is held soon at the construction site.

"It will give us a chance to allow the project members to meet informally. Drinks will be on me."

World Forum: Steel Rose Soceity

Janus was quick to spot the Steel Rose Representative and approached him not long after. Shaking her hand the representative noticed quickly just how feminine Janus was, almost seductively so. Her eyes meeting his directly just long enough to indicate some personal intentions.

"I am high councilor Janus of the eye. I was told you represented the Steel Rose Society. Would you grace me with your name and your soceities view on the agenda set forth for the conference?"

The voice was as sweet and soft as the handshake.

@The Clutch of Aphrodite

The Free City of Renewed Paradise* would like to offer you transportation to attend the world forum. We have a corvette at our disposal and with our advanced engine technology we can ensure you arrive in proper time. We look forward to dealing with you.

Tasanee Tola
Councillor of the Hand for Renewed Paradise

*Antartic Republic colony on Venus

[LongVin]

Church of the Sun God


Antartic Missions

Regent Edward Burke greets the mayor of the Sunless Citadel "Thank you sir for your genorisity. We have brought all that we need with us and we shall start setting up right away so we can begin adminstering the faith to those who wish to accept it."


World Conference

The official jet of the Grandmaster of the Church set down in the airport. Emerging from the plane is the ornate honor guard of the Church of the Sun God followed by the Grandmaster himself. Getting into a Sedan he is whisked away to the site of the conference.

[Edwin]

Aboard the Goldenfever

Lord CL-09 sat on his overly ornate throne, a finish he had personally overseen the addition of, pressing the buttons on the small main access computer on the pull-up computer.

Finally reaching the central hub for the Union Lords council, CL-09 winked with his, signaling his personal guards to dampen the lights, and then leave the room. Oh, how he loved theatrics, he thought to himself.

The preprogrammed holo's of the other Lords popped up, or atleast, they should have. Instead, only the holo of Lord MSWCL-03, the leader of his backup vessel, appeared.

"The reports I'm getting say you've offered the Goldenfever as a conference room to the humans? A conference for peace?", the gaunt, dark figure not bothering with the pleasantries.

"Oh, and I'm sorry that the other Lords couldn't attend this meeting, Lord "Yuppie"." He said, while eschewing a grand smile.

He hated that name. CL-09 had always despised the others spiteful use of it. Still feeling his proto sensed anger, Lord CL-09 decided to cut the meeting short - he would not stand mockery.

"It's true I've et up a peace conference on my ship, and if that his truly all you had to report, I have important business to attend!", cutting the transmission up immediately, not wanting to he the answer, CL-09 just sat there.

He didn't get up until the guests had started to arrive in abundance.

[Ganurath]

La Manzana De Oro

Matriarch Tia Lilienne rolled her wrist as she appraised the thick cloth robe she had been adorned with. Such attire was normally a dangerous excess on Venus itself, but on board the space dock orbitting Venus it was meerly a gaudy neccesity due to the lower temperatures to accomodate the merchants that provided the Clutch with imported foodstuffs. She had an escort of two guards, but their posture coupled with hidden armaments and minimal armor made them look like a different sort of escort. "And now we play the waiting game."

@Antarctica:The Clutch of Aphrodite graciously accepts your offer of transportation. My daughter, Matriarch Tia Lilienne of our faith, will be our representative. She will have a pair of escorts with her, as well.

-High Matriarch Tia Maria

[kopout]

Name:Stone-Grant Collective

History: Originally part of the Silver Belt the SGC is composed of two habitats that are inhabited by former PANDORA members as well as the Krip and the nation of Sarvel.

It was in 2180 that Victor Hammond Stone and Charles Willem Grant, both ex-PANDORA, lead two habitats away from the orbital plain. The habitats were soon joined by a space bridge, the first of many. In the year 2200 the Krip, a group of people that believed the ultimate human form was immortality as an uploaded brain, built the first of their saucer ships and created the bank of engineered embryos that all future Krip would be clones of.

Inside the habitats all manner of wired and wonderful feats of science have been accomplished. In Stone's habitat the advancements have been largely biological in nature whereas Grant has stuck to technological advancements.

As little as five years ago engineered colonists began settling the clouds of Uranus. The resulting nation of Sarvel has only last year gained official status as a state in the SGC. They have assured all who ask that they are the only people there. *takes bribe*

Territory: Stone and Grant habitats, the Krip fleet, Sarvel

Government:
Originally all policy was made by the joint dictators Stone and Grant. More recently each new state that has joined has been give a single representative to the counsel.

Leadership:
Victor Stone: Although he is now over one hundred and twenty Victor remains in power as the undisputed ruler of his state and the public face of the SGC, because two of the others don't have faces and the final member can not leave Uranus without a containment suit.

Charles Grant: The leader of the machine faction Grant has achieved immortality vie brain up loading. Like stone Grant is one of the oldest citizens of the SGC and a founding member.

W.Sterling05: The krip representative to the high counsel. It manifest holographicly as an androgynous human in his late twenty's.W.Sterling05 is also the SGC's ambassador to the Church of Logical Illumination, Haven and MCU.

Hammond Boyle: First governor of Sarvel and it's repetitive in the council. Boyle is also the very unofficial ambassador to DANPART. Recognized by the mechanized atmosphere suit he has to ware at all times when "off planet".

Strengths: Diplomatic relations with a number of groups both legal and other wise as well as human and non human alike make them a popular diplomatic go between. Knowledge is always for sale, although behind the actual curve for weapons, giving them a powerful economy. ability to travel through out the solar system, except for Sarvel, gives them an advantage in eluding foes.

Weaknesses:
The fractured nature of the SGC makes for a potentially dangerous lack of unity. The accepting nature of the SGC toured AI both biological and computory makes it a prime target for anti AI groups.

Short Term Goals: Growth and Expansion
Long Term Goals: Becoming sufficiently advanced, inter-stealer travel.

Krip: The original Krip where people that uploaded their minds into a group computer simulation. Realizing that the only way to have children was to have clones or invitro embryos made ahead of time and stored they compiled a bank of embryos both ones made specifically for purpose and ones that where left over from more stranded invitro processes. The embryos were then altered to better suit a life in space. Modern Krip go through a larval stage of sterile humanoid creatures that resemble the Grays and are vat grown clones of the original embryos. Krip larvae have severely reduced bone density and monkey like hand feet. As all Krip larvae convert to "adults on their twenty first birthday potential life span is unknown.

Sarvelites: Vaguely mermaid like in appearance the Sarvelites have traded legs for a flunked tail they the use to swim in the use to swim in the ammonia and water atmosphere. As with all life form internal pressure equal the external pressure of their preferred environment in this case five atmospheres of air pressure. because of this Sarvelites are literally incapable of surviving off planet with out specialized environment suits. The colony was rendered self sufficient by the introduction of specially engineered species of fungus that chemosynthesis the Hydrogen sulfide in to useful food.
World Forum
A Krip ship putters around the out side of the Goldenfever as it prepares to dock, recently arrived on bored through the transfer network is the ambassador to the council himself. At this moment the ambassador is resting comfortably in one of the "suits", humanoid robot bodies that the Krip used to interact on a physical level with there friends and allies. "docking accomplished, sir" said the one of the ship's pilots. The ambassador took a mental breath, the only kind he could, and rolled through the air lock into the Forum.




Stone-Grant Collective
As you're a well-respected and honorable nation, we'd like to establish closer ties with you. Is there anything we can provide you with? Food and simple manufactured goods are our main areas of production.


Karagatan

We are largely a manufacturing economy and so have little need of manufactured goods. However, your offer of food will be appreciated as would any raw materials you care to trade.


The Clutch of Aphrodite

It is our understanding that your people have only limited means of food production. We have recently acquired a large amount of food and would be willing to trade in exchange for mining rites to a small portion of your planet.

[Greystone]

To Anarctica
Very well, we shall send one representative to you in the sunless Citadel. He will have two bodyguards with him, as a precaution

The Sunless Citadel

A small, sleek black shuttle, emblazoned with the crimson hand clutching a sun, comes into the airspace around the sunless Citadel. Without waiting for permission it circles once, then lands.

The door opens and a man, dressed in a suit which can only be described as blood colored steps out. With him are two soldiers in black carapace armor, but seem unarmed except for a ceremonial short saber.

The man takes off his hat, revealing slicked black hair "Hello, my name is Ricardo. I am the representative"

[SurlySeraph]

Marshall Islands

High Councillor Asad is quickly granted permission to land. While Archbishop Ibrahim is already in transit to the MCU ship, Archbishop Peter Manasan - Karagatan's perennial finance minister - greets the High Councillor in person.

"We are honored to receive you, High Councillor, and we thank you for arranging the conference." the unaging cleric says. "While I can't speak for the entire High Conclave, I can give you a good idea of their likely opinion on any matter you'd like to discuss. So, what'll it be?"

World Conference

A small white shuttle launches from directly below the MCU ship. After it docks, Archbishop Ibrahim disembarks. He is followed by and a squad of armored guards with the Karagatan flag* emblazoned on their chests. Like the other envoys, Ibrahim follows his escorts to the conference.

The young archbishop speaks cheerfully to the MCU escorts, making sure to mention Karagatan's friendliness to AIs and the affairs of the few artificially intelligent archbishops on the High Conclave. The guards are quieter, though one tells an anecdote about a UNE military AI that converted to the Karagatan faith during the revolution.

*A blue droplet shape on a green field, with a seven-pointed star at the center of the droplet.

Ibrahim begins shuttling between different representatives, discussing affairs and making offers.

Stone-Grant Collective
Undersea mining brings in a fair haul of raw materials, and we'll be glad to sell you all the food that the fully organic members of your population can eat at low prices. Deal.

MCU
While your people don't need to eat, I'm sure cheap manufactured goods and raw materials would be welcome. Are you interested in working out a trade arrangement?


UNE (if a UNE rep is present)
It's been more than 90 years since the revolution, and more than 50 years since we were last at war with you. At this point, we'd like to let bygones be bygones. Would you like to work out a trade deal?

Ibrahim studiously avoids Ricardo and the Grandmaster. He has no business with them, and a world conference really isn't a good time to start a moral dispute.

[Sayn]

World Conference

UNE to Karagatan
The UNE are always looking to find new friends, especially when it's a former enemy. Send us a deal, and we will discuss it.

[Edwin]

Aboard the Goldenfever - World Conference

Karagatan
We are always in the need of metal of any sort, and my master, Lord CL-09, is especially fond of precious ones - gold in particular.

However, raw resources such as gas is high priority to us - Krypton and especially Xenon. We've made great progress in that area. That is, most likely, a pretty specialized business, and according to our files they're not in high supply on earth.

In case we do trade, what would you consider adequate payment?

[puppyavenger]

Space Pope:

World Conference


After sending a prompt request to attend, the Battlecruiser Micheal pulled up to the ship the conference was being held on, and sent out a docking shuttle.

stepping out of the shuttle on the docking bay is Pope Adrien X, along with four aides and eight honor guards. He quickly makes his way to the Kartagan delegate

Kartagans sounds fine, we can discuss any details in private(via PM)


UNE and Steel Rose just a normal message sent for the decadly renewal of the NUN alliane

[SurlySeraph]

World Conference

Ibrahim makes a few phone calls, consulting with his economic advisors back on the ground. Archbishop Peter gives him a set of figures, and Ibrahim gets back to negotiation.

Space Pope
There are no details we haven't already discussed. Glad to have you as an ally, your Holiness.

UNE
We're willing to sell you food, raw materials, and manufactured goods for 80% of the standard market price. Our calculations suggest that increased sales of our products will offset the price reduction sufficiently for us to turn a profit. If you're concerned about this interfering with your domestic production, we're willing to buy products you manufacture that we don't at increased prices.

We're also particularly interested in gold from your South African mines. We'll gladly pay 105% of the standard market price for it.

MCU
Common metals aren't a problem, and we can sell them to you for as little as 80% of the current going rate. Precious metals are a bit more difficult, but doable; we may have to charge you slightly increased prices for them - say, 110% of the current market rate.

Krypton and xenon are definitely difficult. We'd need to build substantial new facilities to extract them from the atmosphere in significant quantities, and we don't have the most advanced technology around. If you'd be willing to design extraction facilities for us, we'd build and operate them for you. Once the extractors are up and running, we'd only charge you half the market price for xenon and krypton; we have no use for them.

[Edwin]

Aboard the Goldenfever - World Conference

Karagatan
We're certainly interested in buying common metals, for the Union. How much pr./ton?

Gold and other noble metals are solely the interest of my Lord, so if you wish to sell, you must speak to him directly.

As far as the xenon and krypton goes, since you don't need it, how about we.. rent your space, and build and man the extraction facilities ourselves?

We' would pay a generous price, of course. Military aid, air space patrols to keep your atmosphere clean, if you have any problems down there, we would be happy to help?

[Earl of Purple]

Aboard the Goldenfever

"Well, if the vessel is powered by gases, then DANPART may be able to help. We have access to a lot of different gases; not sure which ones, but they'll probably be combustible." DANPART might not have to even steal the gases.

[SurlySeraph]

World Conference

MCU
(OOC: Normally we don't talk exact prices, just "trade deals" and such. As is, I think "At a good discount from market price" is as much detail as we need).
IC: We're willing to let you use our territory to run the extraction facilities, but we have no need for military support. Sharing some of your technology would be welcome, though.

[Edwin]

Aboard the Goldenfever

"Ah, but you see Captain Lemming, it's not as simple as combusting gas. We're not going on old-school engines here, you know.", the General said smiling.

"It's propulsion engines, Ion thrusters. I could explain you the basics if you would like, Captain?".

[Edwin]

Aboard the Goldenfever - World Conference

Karagatan
OOC: Yeah, I know. Verisimilitude, man, verisimilitude. :smallbiggrin:

IC: Fair enough. What sort of technological fields are you interested in?

[Earl of Purple]

Aboard the Goldenfever

"I'm not very technical. My chief engine officer is best for that breed of technicality; all I wish to know is whether the gas is consumed or whether the fuel lasts forever."

[Edwin]

Aboard the Goldenfever

"There are many ways to do it, but no. They gas is not as much consumed as it is rendered useless - it becomes Ionized. And blown into space to boot."

[Earl of Purple]

Aboard the Goldenfever

"Well, we at DANPART have no engines of similar ability; if possible, could we perhaps trade engines, or the designs and parts thereof, for the gases that power them?"

[Edwin]

Aboard the Goldenfever

DANPART
"I regret to tell you that I've already established a source of the gas needed to power the engines. Perhaps if you've got something else of value?"

[Earl of Purple]

Aboard the Goldenfever

MCU "We at DANPART have access to quite a lot of scrap metal, would that be of use?" All the ships too damaged to repair easily tend to be scrapped so others can be repaired.

[SurlySeraph]

Aboard the Goldenfever - World Conference

MCU
Some space propulsion technology would be appreciated. We don't need worldship-level tech, just efficient means to propel things outside the atmosphere.

[Edwin]

Aboard the Goldenfever - World Conference

Karagatan
Propulsion technology is one of our specialities! We have some quite effective orbit engines, if that's what you want? If it's for small ships space travel, there's field emission - it's simply, efficient, and requires little space, the only downside being that it requires indium metal, which is not exactly in abundance. Though the Earth has a decent amount of it.

Specifics, dear Ambassador.

[SurlySeraph]

Aboard the Goldenfever - World Conference

MCU
Glad to hear it. Our nation knows very little about space travel; beyond communications satellites, we almost never put anything in orbit. Indeed, our delegation rented a shuttle from a private corporation to get here. So please do be patient if we're a little slow with the details.
Orbit engines seem preferable. We won't be needing to do much long-distance space travel, but being able to get into orbit easily would be a great asset.

[IrrationalSpork]

Somewhere in the Empire:

I strolled into the office just as usual, but when I came upon my desk it was over filled with paperwork reguarding a recent World Conference that was ongoing, Frak there goes the rest of my vacation time, "Ferik, whats the deal, where is Saladin?" He shruged and resumed with paper work. Hmm probably had one of his fits agian thats great world confernce I have to go... urg...'FERIK! where going to that confernce, tell the Alpha Omega well be up as soon and we get the OK from whoever hosting the Emperor forsaken deal." I wonder if anything bad would happen, most likely I was attending something was bound to shoot me, or fall apart in the middle of space."Ferik did you send those letters out?" He nodded and we both strolled out of the Office and walked towards the Comm station.

Letter(s):

To MCU:
Dear MCU,
Based on the reports I found on my desk after returning from vacation. I believe you are hosting the World Conference. If so we would like permission to land or clearence whatever is needed...just look for a big pile of scrapmetal jeting towards you and thats us.(OOC: note sarcasium on that last half of the last sentence)
Signed, Cassius

[Edwin]

Aboard the Goldenfever - World Conference

Karagatan
In that case, I could do good on a delivery - say, standard shuttle model - can get you anywhere above the earth within an hour or two, perfect heat shields, 60 man bunk space. Got comm. stations, storage enough for about a year for a full 60 man crew.

How many would you want? Or perhaps you're interested in something else? Perhaps something more military?

Oh, and they run on good ol' fashioned Field Emission, so just feed them caesium or indium.

For IrrationalSpork, whose nation name eludes me at the moment
"Affirmative, landing clearance codes included in transmission. Have a good flight, and hope to see you soon. Transmission Officer TOMSW-011, out!"

[Earl of Purple]

Aboard the Goldenfever

To the Mechanised Citizenships Union "As well as scrap metal, we might also be able to trade information with you, DANPART has ears across the System."

[Edwin]

Aboard the Goldenfever - World Conference

DANPART
"Information is always in high demand. Perhaps we could supply you with a few ships for info and this scrap metal you're talking about?"

[Earl of Purple]

Aboard the Goldenfinger

MCU "Yes, that seems reasonable. What kind of information would be of use? Military, economic, the other dealings of your existing trading partners?"

[SurlySeraph]

Aboard the Goldenfever - World Conference

MCU

Do you know the allegory of how giving a man a fish compares to teaching a man to fish? We're more interested in knowing how to build shuttles than in just buying them. Schematics and construction techniques are what we want.

[Edwin]

Aboard the Goldenfever - World Conference

Karagatan
"We MCU are naturally unwilling to give away our secrets. But, in spite of this, I agree to your terms.

Schematics for heat shielding, orbital navi-computers and Field Emission engines, as well as hull and grid drawings, will be transmitted to a designated network - when we've landed on Earth with the equipment to build the facilities.

Agreed?"

[RationalGoblin]

Aboard the Goldenfever- World Conference

The labcoat-clad Erik Ironside acts more social and observant then his attire suggests. He grins at Janus, after her handshake, not entirely un-greedily, and looks her over, in a dispassionate glance.

He begins speaking, and talks like he is conducting an experiment.

"Pheromones and genetic enhancement tailored towards appearance and diplomacy. Perhaps sonic technology to enhance voice, to drop the mental safeguards of some of the ambassadors? Maybe even psychic abilities, used on me to make my diplomatic efforts towards you more favorable. As well as possessing the name of Janus, symbolic, probably, used to show your purpose; to be 'two-faced'. Am I right, or is your charm fully natural?"

Erik smiles warmly at Janus, showing that his cold assessment was (mostly) a joke.

"A pleasure to meet you, Counciler Janus. I am Erik Ironside, Foreign Minister of the Steel Rose Society and its worst diplomat, but I suppose you already knew that."

Erik raises his eyebrows when the Pope arrives.

"Any bets on His Holiness trying to give our cybernetic hosts a rosary soon?"




Antarctic Republic


Over the secure line, Josef Weaver chuckles, and remarks further..

"Ah, but of course. I haven't become the most powerful figure in the Society by being naive, and while we would all like peace, it would be folly to trust everyone. That 'Sanguine Consortium', for example."

He further comments;

"Do you suppose we should keep the research facility under wraps, even with the Triumvirate business, or should we allow the Church of the Sun God to access it as well? It might be useful to allow the Church to add their own research to the mix, but they might be untrustworthy. Either way is fine, it does not change my plans at all."


Papacy

I suppose I'll renew the NUN alliance, but I forget; what does it entail? What are the terms of the alliance?

[SurlySeraph]

Aboard the Goldenfever - World Conference

MCU

Agreed. It's a pleasure doing business with you.

[Edwin]

Aboard the Goldenfever - World Conference

Karagatan
Lovely - I will have our engineers put together the construction teams, and we'll send them once the peace conference is over.

[IrrationalSpork]

After landing at the MCU world conference:

The Commisar and Ferik procede inside, after making a less then steady landing. I wish to meet the other world leader that are present, where might one do this?, (and Ferik attend to our belongs, if you would). The Commisar asks to a nearby member of the crew at random. The Commissar walks off humming in a randomly chosen direction.


Meanwhile back in the Empire deep within the walls of the Holy Fortress:

Something shiver's through the fortress's very spine. And in the deepest caverns a blue glows grows stronger and stronger. All going unnoticed by the world.

OOC: The Mingardian Empire (of mankin....*the speaker seems to mumble at this point) (for Edwin, I belive)

Also forgive me for the informal first post I tried something new and it was an epic fail...fun but...back on course

[Edwin]

Aboard the Goldenfever - World Conference

The speaker system aboard the Goldenfever roars to life, as a voice starts announcing; "All diplomats, ambassadors, and representatives of your respective nations please report to Conference room A, and the meeting will start shortly."

[Earl of Purple]

Aboard the Goldenfever

Harry Lemming leaves the Bridge and heads towards the Conference Room. He's probably the scruffiest diplomat there, wearing grubby-no, very, very dirty- mining overalls and a bulky backpack.

[IrrationalSpork]

Aboard to Goldenfever:

The Commissar, hearing the intercom erupt procedes to conference room A after being giving instructions from several crew members. He is able to find it and procedes to the the room and awaits Ferik and the other leaders.

[RationalGoblin]

Erik smirks at the announcement.

"And just when we were all rubbing shoulders with our fellow diplomats..."

He nevertheless strides into the conference room, and leans against the wall for a moment his palms pressed together in a mock listening pose.

He talks a sentence a second, resembling a sarcastic motorboat in his speech.

"I suppose, we're expected to all get in a circle and sing 'Kumbaiyah', right? Because, quite honestly, that's the only way any of us are going to leave this conference happy. Otherwise, we'll just all be baying for each other's blood, because they want to restrict our government in some way.

And that's if something... interesting.. doesn't happen. Am I right?"

[kopout]

The ambassador wheeled it's way into the conference room. Hearing Erik's rant and finding that he quite agrees with the man, though he hopes he wont have to,he moves over to the wall and introduces himself. "Hello, I don't believe we've met. My name is Sterling."

[IrrationalSpork]

Seeing Erik and Sterling, The Commissar strides over and introduces himself. "Hello, I am Commissar Caius of the Mingardian Empire, it's a pleasure to meet you sticking his hand to Erik and then Sterling. If you wait awhile longer I would like to introduce my aide to you."




OOC to Goblin and Kopout:
Ferik is noticed first by his odour first and then by visiable psoriasis, and by a uniform that was too big and seemed just to float on the man not really touching him. THis is for you RP purposes

[Edwin]

Aboard the Goldenfever - Conference room A

The conference room was a large, circular room, stylishly decorated in red carpeting and light, metal colored walls.

The room itself was, save for the elevator, surrounded entirely in meter-thick steel glass, giving the diplomats a full view of space. The room had a hollow area in the middle - like the room itself it was circular, and went down approximately five meters.

Small platforms were positioned around the edge of the hole, eight at the top, and below those were six additional platforms. Each platform had four comfortable looking chairs, as well as a com and computer system.

A huge flag covered the entire opposing wall - the flag was purple, and had a a circle in white in the middle. Two squares met each other at the center of the circle, the top one was made up of white lines, the second was entirely white.

A tall and armored robot emerged from a door to the right of the flag, a robot one would recognize as General GFC-0112; "Please, take a seat, gentlemen. I'm sure we've all been introduced by now, and I will now leave the word to our dear Antarctic Republican High Councillor Ratana. ". The general walked to the largest and most richly decorated platform, and sat down beside Lord CL-09 and two other droids.

[IrrationalSpork]

The Commissar, Ferik, and Saladin (whom came shortly after they landed) take the respective seats and await the conference to begin

[Earl of Purple]

Aboard the Goldenfever-Conference Room A

Captain Harry Lemming of the Dictatorship of Assorted Nomads, Pirates And Rogue Traders took a seat. He is accompanied by his communications officer, a lady wearing a formless grey top and baggy trousers, and a human male/very good android bodyguard, who was wearing fragments of armour from various nationalities and factions, most noticably a Roman-style helmet.

[LongVin]

Church of the Sun God

World Conference

Grandmaster Borghese and his entourage take their seats in the meeting room and waits for the start of the conference.


Announcement to the world from the Church of the Sun God

Joyous greetings to all the peoples and nations of the world!

In his most infinite wisdom and divine will granted to him through the divine Sun God himself, our Worshipful Master Valerio Borghese has decreed that the gates of membership be thrust open to all the nations and peoples of the world who wish to enter into communion with the Sun God. It is our most sincere hope that all the nations of the world will welcome us in with open arms so that we may begin preaching the faith amongst the populace.

[SurlySeraph]

Aboard the Goldenfever - Conference room A

Archbishop Ibrahim takes his seat in the conference room, leaving his guards near the back of the chamber.

[Wizard of the Coat]

Antarctic republic

Pre-World Forum: Greystone

Ratana's office was empty when Ricardo was let in, but as the door closed her chair swung round and the psychic looked Ricardo in the eye.

"Tell me, what do you plan to do at the world forum and how do you intend to support the anti-piracy initiative."

As she asked the question Ricardo could feel his mind being elevated, as if subcontious processes were about to be activated.

"Open your mind Ricardo, I want no secrets between us. We will share thoughts."

OOC
Just assume she'll take you along, this is a pre-conference meeting so the time gap is possible. She has no reason not to take you, even if you mean ill. She just wants to be forewarned.

Pre World Forum: Clutch of Aphrodite

The corvette bearing the Clutch representatives had arrived in time for the negotiations. All aboard were left mostly to themselves as the other occupants of the corvette seemed to focus mostly on their tasks. Upon landing however High Councillor Asad had personally came to great them and had asked them if they would be interested in visiting the Antartic Republic science centers to view the latest Republican advances in terraforming.


World Forum: Steel Rose Soceity

As they speak, Janus leans in and whispers in the ear of Josef Weaver. He could smell her perfume, just light enough to be perfect and with an undertone of desire.

"I find your carreer most interesting. Would you care to tell me some time in private?"

But as Josef Weaver moves to business she brushes his arm sleightly with her hand and remarked back.

"We should see if the results from the research are proper first. No need to tell everyone. We wouldn't want it abused."


World Forum: Conference room A

Ratana had arrived only minutes before the opening ceremony, a man she had introduced as Ricardo accompanying her. Smiling sleightly as she parted from him she had taken a moment to exchange formal greetings with their hosts.

As General GFC-0112 introduced her she rose and gracefully walked towards the center of the room. Standing there serenely she adressed the room in a calm, warm voice.

"My fellow dignitaries, the past century has seen Humanity leave it's world and take up residents among the many worlds of our solar system. New friends have gained sentience and technology is at a level where the most of the troubles of man can be solved at a whim."

She pauzed long and all present could see her eyes become brighter.

"Yet as I gaze upon the web of posibilities, the multitude of tangled outcomes that fate has in store of us, I am frightened. A great threat is stirring, for as we move more distant from each other in the universe, so to do our hearts drift apart."

Her eyes became brighter still.

"I have therefore called for this meeting, to forge new friendships, unions and foster understanding to face the challenges of the present age together. I therefore thank our hosts, who were gracious enough to welcome us into their home. And I thank all of you for attending and showing your dedication to an age where we stand united against that which threatens us.

As she spoke she took a small orb from her pocket. It started to float and projects images of pirate attacks and other suffering that happened in the past decade.

"These are the attrocities of our age and they must stop. No longer should we allow the space that divides us to be a home to those that seek to harm others. I therefore call upon you to share idea's to combat this threat and make trading between the planets safe."

"Furthermore to prevent other missunderstandings I would also call upon you to agree upon formalisizng relations amids the planets, with treaties on trade and the formation of new colonies on distant worlds."

"With these things on the agenda I would like to open the floor for those who wish to speak and I have asked General GFC-0112 to moderate the debate where needed. I wish you all well and hope our this world forum will be fruitfull."


As she finished her words she walked to the platform where Janus and Asad had allready taken their seats and took her seat between them. Amids these two her white robes and thin frame clearly demarcated her as different, with Asad build like a tank and Janus apearing as a beautifull, lucious lady.

[RationalGoblin]

Erik turns to Sterling, snapping to attention.

"Erik Ironside. Representative of the Steel Rose Society, and hopefully soon to be representative of Pandora itself.

As everyone files into the conference room, Erik watches carefully, and only takes his seat at the last possible minute.

When Janus talks to him, he answers quietly.

Antarctic Republic

"Of course, of course. No one will know of the research that doesn't need to know."

Erik, the SRS representative, and frustrated bureaucrat, sighs.

"And quit that 'seduction' routine. It's working on me, yes, but pointless. I'm the blasted SRS head diplomat; I know exactly how our two nations are allied with each other. Your routine is pointless, if interesting..."



Erik finally sits, listening closely to the speeches. After they end, he immediately stands, and begins speaking again.

"An excellent speech, and full of the 'kumbaiyah', like I predicted, but here, we run into the problem. If we regulate the space between planets, we regulate the governments holding colonies and nations on those nations. And no nation wants to be regulated by red tape and bureaucracy.

But, of course, we must have some order in the land of stars, otherwise we have pirates, as you mentioned, Chancellor.

So, that being said, I propose a simple rule for colonies: If a nation has colonies on a planet other then Earth, and those colonies are attacked or raided, all nations not formally allied with the aggressor will be required to place economic sanctions on the aggressive nation, and additionally provide a set amount of medical, economic, and rescue aid to the colony being attacked. While there is no way to ethically regulate this rule, the simple tide of diplomatic opinion will make those who refuse to give aid a social pariah.

The unoffical pariah status of a nation will lead to less and weaker diplomatic efforts with them, effectively allowing nations to regulate themselves in this regard."

[Greystone]

Pre-World Forum: Wizard

As the psychic enters Ricardo's mind, she feels something... odd. A power that no one person should have. It appears he is also a psychic.

"I do not wish to support the initiative on anti-piracy" he said simply, showing no intention to lie " I wish to make an arguement against such a bill. I am sure that is fair at least"

You feel no lie in his words, though with the power behind him (which seems mostly to be some sort of strange tunnel) he may be lying.

World Forum: Conference room A

Ricardo smiles at the assembled crowd, bows, and moves away from the front, to sit with the dignataries. He folds his hands politely and listens as the others speak ocasionally making small sounds of interest or disapproval.

[kopout]

A good plan for dealing with nations and privateers but what about independent criminal organizations? As far as I know interplanetary space is international territory. If thats true then who polices it? Furthermore it is not like an ocean, we can not be every where at once. The best solution as I see it would be an internationally controlled fleet on escort duty for trade and diplomatic ships.

[RationalGoblin]

SRS Representative Erik sighs.

"That would be pointless, seeing as how I can easily think up a thousand different ways that some madman, psychotic manipulator or even a naive, optimistic fool could seize control of a fleet composed of international ships. And, given the time, I myself could probably implement about twenty of those ways. And I can think of countless more ways that it could be abused without seizing control.

No, we don't need an international fleet. We need a way to regulate ourselves in the vast expanses of space. I propose we provide incentives for nations to behave themselves. I couldn't tell you the particulars, but we could achieve peace in the space routes more easily if we metaphorically dangle a carrot in front of the nose of potential lawbreakers and aggressors."

[Ganurath]

Pre-Forum

The Matriarch and representative expresses interest, but makes no commitment.

Conference Room A

"If I may make a suggestion?" Tia Liliette rises to speak, her escort standing vigilant. "Interplanetary space is not international territory: It belongs to nobody, not everybody. As such, I'd like to suggest the pirates be responded to with an unaligned force: Nations attacked by pirates but bounties on those responsible, and mercenary forces can act as bounty hunters either apprehending or eliminating these frontier criminals. It also doubles as a check against aggressive nationstates and provides a chance for pirates to reform by becoming bounty hunters."

[Greystone]

Conference A

Ricardo chuckles at Erik's statement, giving him a knowing wink. As Tia Liliette speaks he settles down before standing politely. "If I may comment on your idea. What would be the the incentive for Bounty Hunters? Whatever you can offer can be quickly either matched by the organization in question or taken care of through back door debates"
He turns to the room at large "I do not mean to belittle any of the delegates here, or the nations you represent, but this entire idea is complete folly." he coughs lightly "Noble yes, but folly. As the young lady says, space belongs to no one. There will be those who prey on the weak or stand to make a profit of others misfortune. It is simply human nature."

He gestures to the crowd, his slightly accented english easily carrying through the room "There are no pirates. There are no bounty hunters. There are simply people who desire power. Whether that be in power or money it matters very little"

"You must look beyond the obvious problems and solve the crisis through either simpler ways or you must go much farther"

He coughs again, and then sits again.

[Ganurath]

"In an effort to avoid the ethical debate of citing human nature as the cause of piracy, I would like to point out key monopolies governments have over whatever backwater safeholds pirates consider their port of call. While none rule the void, the planets are under our sway, and as such none who participate in or cooperate with pirates would be able to breath air that didn't taste recycled, let alone see the open sky or feel the rainfall. Human nature detests a prison, and after so long a cramped frigate can feel exactly like that." It should be noted that Matriarch Tia never sat down after her initial suggestion.

"With all due respect, this idea is not folly. Granted, it is impossible to completely eliminate crime from the frontier. However, pursuing the impossible does not mean toiling in vain. Efforts to combat piracy will show progress, and such progress would be worth the effort. Especially when the alternative is to just roll over and take it, as some may suggest." Now she sits down. She'll be staring at Ricardo, though. Her transparent inner eyelids will be shut, creating an illusion that she will never blink.

[IrrationalSpork]

Confernce Room A

The Commissar sat listening nodding once in a while. Saladin nudged Caius, "Listen I didn't come here to listen to people talk all day, I came here to tell you that he is awake."Saladin spoke with a flat voice that everyone even barely listening could hear. The Commissar's face went pale, he turned his head slowly to Saladin and spoke, "Thats bad really bad, bad news for us, and any nation with robots or religon, there is a reason that they put him there in the first place, well looks like well be going to war with ourselve and fraking over this peace conference."As he spoke his voice got higher and everyone should have heard him, he rose suddenly walked over and silently requested make a slight interuption if the other nations did not mind.

[kopout]

Not to sound naive but who is awake?

[Edwin]

Aboard the Goldenfever-Conference Room A

"I would ask that you remain seated on your respective platforms during the conference, Commissar."

The General watched the man closely. He did not like this sudden outburst.

And what interruption are you dabbling about? And who on the Motherworld is awake?"

[Earl of Purple]

Conference Room A

Captain Harry stands up. "Not all members of DANPART want power. Some are wanted for crimes they did not commit, others want glory, some are on the run from crimes they did commit, some don't like other, existing cultures, and so on. But not everybody wants power. And people will endure what they must endure to survive; man loathes a cage, but anybody in a colony controlled by DANPART is free to leave whenever they like; there's communal enviro-suits, airlocks, everything. Weapons aren't allowed outside, however, to prevent confusion during an attack." His overalls are his best; faded orange, with several stains from different substances.

[IrrationalSpork]

The Commissar takes his seat, but is very very pale. "Umm..ahh"The Commissar stammer until he is pushed down by Saladin. Pardon my Commissar's sudden out burst, he will be very careful, the matter are not that pressing we shall wait our turn."Saladin take his seat, and Caius looks at him gravely."Are you fraking me, Not pressing...this could mean.."Saladin look at the commissar intensely and the commissar slumps back into his chair. "Please forgive me, and my appologies to those nations my Commissar interupted."



To Grey: (ooc)
OOC:Take note that Saladin is a Phyic and if his pressence his felt when he make the commissar "relax". Also who else is a Phyic? so conversation my go unnoticed.

[RationalGoblin]

Erik gives his own, bitterly sarcastic chuckle at Ricardo's speech.

Hah. Such a fair and just speech, coming from the man who could only be the representative of the Sanguine Consortium. And DANPART! Of course you don't support the anti-piracy measures! That would undermine your entire form of government!

The SRS representative begins to shout, frustrated at the presence of the representatives of the two illegal factions.

"If this is a peace conference, a meeting of the minds to remove space piracy and warfare from our nations, then why are the representatives of the factions that practice these acts here? We can't very well tell their diplomats that 'well, we're trying to remove your faction's way of life'! They will try to undermine the efforts of regulating space piracy, whatever way we do so."

Representative Erik calms down slightly.

"However, I, and I suppose Pandora itself apologizes, to the representatives of those two factions.

I simply find it absurd to have the factions that practice the very thing we are trying to crush onboard this peace conference. So instead, I feel I must ask them a question: If you were required to regulate piracy between the planets, space, space warfare, etc, how would you do it? How would you justly and fairly decrease the amount of piracy in the solar system?"

[Greystone]

Conference

Ricardo smiles and listens to the others speak "To comment directly to you" he states as Erik finishes "I was not speaking ou, just pointing out what I believe to be flaws in a plan in the making"

he shrugs "As to why I am here, it is to observe and listen and to speak. I have as much of a right as anyone else to attend, to lend my voice. I, in fact, am here to take a side opposing the anti-piracy laws"

he shrugs slightly "I'm sure you are floored by that relevation, but since my group has stake in the matter in is only fair that the other side of the story is heard"

[SurlySeraph]

Conference

Ibrahim clears his throat. "I am more concerned about Earth's affairs than off-world piracy, but crime is crime. Men should not prey on each other for cash out in the void, whether they call themselves pirates or bounty hunters. Pirates are, and hunters would be, unaligned forces accountable to nothing but their own greed. If we want to end piracy - which, Ricardo aside, most of us do - the only way is to set up an organized force capable of protecting the weak. However, I have no vested interest in stopping piracy, so if those at greater risk disagree with my assessment I will not push for such a plan."

Ibrahim then turns to the Midgardian delegation. "Now, to Earthly affairs. Mr. Saladin, am I to understand that your nation's founder is awake? The, uh, the shaman?" Ibrahim sounds a bit contemptuous at the word "shaman." "And I do believe your Commissar mentioned the possibility of a civil war. Please elaborate on this, Saladin. I do not want to see any nation of the Earth plunged into conflict."

[Edwin]

Aboard the Goldenfever-Conference Room A

"The reason the representatives of DANPART and the Consortium have been invited, Master Erik, is that we can't hope to succesfully stop piracy by a simple trade embargo or a task force."

The General smiles. "No. We must go to the roots of the problem - hence our shady friends."

Turning his attention to Ibrahim, the general makes a sweeping towards the Mingardian Empire representatives. "I agree, Ibrahim, I find this matter of an awaking shaman to be most pressing. Please elaborate, dear Commissar."

[Earl of Purple]

Aboard the Goldenfever; Conference Room A

"I did not agree with the statement that all pirates are greedy. I don't think robots can be greedy, and DANPART has lots of those; there's even robotic Captains. I don't think piracy can ever be truely conquered, and even if it was, DANPART would still exist. Or would you persecute those who fleed overcrowded worlds and now roam the galaxy harming no one? And what of the Rogue Traders, who deal in the Black and Grey markets? No, DANPART may become DANART, but it will always exist."

"But to decrease the amount of space piracy, I think the best way to do that is to destroy some of our bases. Not all of our bases, because if all the hidden colonies used by DANPART, and possibly the Consortium as well, then the pirates who were in space when they were destroyed would set up new ones. And there may be war within DANPART, and a full-fledged pirate war won't be good for anybody, not the pirates, not the nomads, not the Rogue Traders, and certainly not the merchants using the space lanes the war will be fought."

[Ganurath]

"You have a point; not all pirates are greedy. Some are meerly sadistic. Your words trouble me, though. You make it sound as though your organization is exclusively responsible for all piracy in the system." Matriarch Tia's eyes flit from Ricardo to the DANPART representative, her mind much more interested in the threat to the food supplies of her people than political celebrity gossip.

[Earl of Purple]

Conference Room A

"We don't control all the pirates, nomads or rogue traders, but there's more affiliated with DANPART than not, excluding those in the Sanguine Consortium. And I don't know of any hidden colonies which aren't funded, used and economically reliant upon DANPART. And, as I mentioned, some pirates are wanted for crimes they may or may not have commited."

[Ganurath]

All three members of the Clutch are now glaring at the DANPART representative with unblinking eyes. "If they didn't commit the crimes, then they aren't actually pirates. Since this discussion seems in danger of being derailed in favor of talking about some cult icon coming out of retirement, I'd at least like to get assurances that we don't need to fear for the merchants that keep my people from starving in the streets. I don't care what brought the individuals to the pirate organizations that have been invited here, anyone who would steal food from a child's mouth is a criminal in my eyes."

[Earl of Purple]

Conference Room A

"They might not have committed the crimes they were originally wanted for. And don't worry; most pirates only attack merchant vessals they know either contains stuff with a high price or very useful items that are hard to produce, and a lot of hidden colonies grow their own food. Some can't, but be more worried about rogue traders exporting food to the more remote colonies or some of Antarctica's freezing cities. Venus receives food regularly, something some colonies and cities don't get."

[Greystone]

Ricardo smiles at the idea that DANPART may control all of the piracy in the region of space, but says nothings, eyes moving lazily between the arguing groups.

[Sayn]

World Conference

While the arguments fly across the room, a shadow falls over the bubble that is the room. It's quickly understood by all members present that this shadow originates from the outside, and they all look up. And find a ship. With all weapons armed and ready, aimed directly at the bubble. They are mostly machine-guns, though huge, and they have only just begun to spin up. Several delegates manage to get up from their seats, and run toward the exit, before the guns starts firing. The glass was armored, but the bullets were designed to penetrate the hulls of ships and so managed to rip through the glass. The air start gushing out through every hole that's created by these large rounds, and the bullets themselves manage to either hit or ricochet off the floor into several delegates. However, the blast shields are quickly in place and manage to hold in air, and keep out the bullets.

The huge ship soon shudders as explosions hit it in many places. No severe damage, though it would seem that the enemy ship only wanted a distraction to be able to escape unharmed. It disappeared into space soon after firing the charges. Reports of at least two other ships were soon received, though these had far worse luck than the first. They only managed to shoot some holes in the hull before being obliterated, though the damage dealt to them looked to have been less than what was needed to make them explode. They might have destroyed themselves rather than face the now very pissed off people they just shot at.

After the initial shock is over, damage is assessed, and everyone wants to know what happened. The following members were injured: Erik (a broken arm), the Commissar (a piece of metal lodged in the leg), and several attachment members of the delegates. The following members were killed (instantly or quickly enough that the medical personnel could not get to them in time): Ricardo (large metal piece right through his head) and Ratana (a bullet hit her directly in the abdomen). A few guards were killed as well. Everyone else just got minor wounds or scratches, none of which are life threatening in any way.

The ship itself took only minor damage, excluding the now less than usable conference room.


(These can't be read by anyone but the receiver, regardless of espionage.)

Edwin:
Your ship's cameras captured several images of the intruder ship. It was pained black to better disguise itself in space, the weapons and parts of the ship seems to have come from various nations. The only faction known to use ships like these are DANPART. Whether you share this information with the living delegates is up to you.

Earl of Purple:
Though the glimpse of that ship was short, years of experience helped you recognize it. There can be no mistake, that was one of DANPART's pirates. Several weapons and other parts were clearly recognized as things you regularly use, steal and trade in. What you do with this information is up to you.

Those who lost a character to this:
You can introduce a new 'main player' if you want to. I'm afraid that some had to die for the attack to be remotely realistic. :smallfrown:

[Earl of Purple]

Aboard the Goldenfever

The pirates of the Lady Blue rush to their ship, where they start to prep her for take-off. They don't take off, however; just get ready for the order.

Attack on Conference Room A

Captain Harry and his communications officer both survive, relatively unharmed. Probably because Harry's so paranoid his personal shield was not only being worn, but also actually turned on. The security officer wasn't so lucky, but he could probably be repaired easily. I did say he could be a very good android; he was. "Lucy, get to the Lady Blue and send a message to N2-A for the ears of Commander Barry; I think we're in his sector. And if the crew find out, you'll go through the airlock. Got me?" As he said this, he pressed a small, handwritten note into her hand and she ran off to the ship.

[IrrationalSpork]

Aboard Alpha Omega Battlebarge:

After returning to the safety of the Empire's Fortress ship, and dropping the commissar and the med-tech's lab, Saladin proceded to his private quarters and sits at his desk were he writes a few letters


To MCU(edwin) and Ibrahim:
After we were rudely interupted at the conference, I will continue on what the Commissar, was speaking of. The Shaman king, was before my time, in the time of the First Emperor. He toke control of the land we currently control and wanted to expand further, and would have taking the whole world if our first Emperor put he into the crystal tomb, which is a high-tech tomb of sorts. He was know for his hate of religion and self-aware AI or robots. Which is why all of us our in grave danger if we do not stop him. I need to make a power sword, and that I want your help so I my strike him down, end this war against us before it start, because frak knows what will happen then

To SC(grey):
Saladin feels for the loss of your phyic.

[Wizard of the Coat]

Antarctic Republic

"Guards, arrest high councillor Asad" was the first command given by Janus as he and his remaining four bodyguards stood outside the wrecked conference room.

"WHAT!!!" cried the tall man as the eye brothers aproached him.

"Just come quitely sir, you are under arrest." One of them said calmly.

A mighthy roar came out of Asad as he send three of the eye brothers flying through the room. One died, impaled on a piece of debris. The remaining eye brother had dodged behind the colossal man and was ready to stab him in the back.

Asad turned, but to late as the pitch black monofilemental blade tore the ligands from his right leg, sending him crashing to the ground. Janus stepped in and drew the psy amplifier from her belt and placed it to Asads head, who seemed to lose contiousness a moment later.

"You will come with us, traitor!"

If anyone was to intervene on this obvious Coup d' Etat, now would be the time.

[LongVin]

Church of the Sun God

Antartica

Nearby Regent Edward Burke and his fellow priests were adminstering to the flock when they heard the commotion. Rushing over they see the end of the of the coup against Asad.

Burke in his festive robes approaches Janus and the seemingly dead body of Asad. He leans heavily on his Sun staff, which is hypnotizing to behold(a slight psi effect imbued upon it.) "Brothers and Sisters, what is the matter here? Why do you result to such violent means?"

Behind him stands several other priests and new converts to the cause.


OOC: Response to the attack against the conference coming soon.

[Edwin]

Aboard the Goldenfever

The high pitched screeches of the MSW alarm system tore the air, reaching from the heights of the command bridge to lowest of machine decks.

General GFC-0112, towering over as good as everyone else with his well-above two meters in height, shot his arm in the air and fired three rounds with his ion-charged rail-gun.

Raising his volume to speaker system level, he shouted above the chaos of the world leaders: "No one will leave this ship! I am ordering a total lockdown - not one ship will leave my hangars, and not one person will go unaccounted for!"

Jumping off his platform, the General walked straight over to Janus, accompanied by his personal guards, and barked to his face; "Stop this nonsense right now, dear Emissary. This is my ship, my world, and you do not have the power to arrest anyone while you are aboard. If you believe him a traitor, I will place him under incarceration, with proper treatment."

General GFC turned on his heel, not bothering to hear Janus' reaction, although he did leave his guards to escort Councillor Asad to the holding cells.

"I want to know who made that strafe, and I want him here on his knees, [b][I]right now[I][B]!" he shouted at his subordinate officers.

Edit:Oh yeah, I'm sending a bunch of small cruiser ships to patrol the Goldenfever and it's surroundings. Also, one in pursuit of the attackers last known direction, just in case that bites - full throttle.

And to you guys who went to your ships - you're not leaving!

[Wizard of the Coat]

Antarctic Republic

Asad grunted and spoke heavily, recovering from the mental block "You have not the right... to hold us as ambassadors of our respective nations... To do so would be most unfriendly... whomever did this..."

"Was most certainly alligned with you, that was a Hand sponsored action" Janus interupted. "Bought on illegal weapons markets, you could check it. And I foolishly believed it was for research into pirate capacities!" he alternately adresses the Church and the General.

"By OUR laws he must stand immediate trial before the council. He will pay for his actions."

"My actions!... You fiend!" Asad said nolonger breathing heavily as he broke the lock the Guards had on him with remarkable ease. Standing and taking a few steps his wounds seemed to have healed completely.

"THIS FIEND should be put on trial!" Asad exclaimed, pointing a menacing finger at Janus.

[LongVin]

Antartic Republic

Burke needed to make an immediate decision on the matter, there was no time to contact the regional Pontiface on this. He had to act and choose sides or forever be hated by both. The decision would not be simple, the wrong move could wreck relations with the Republic and damage the long term plans of the Church. Taking a careful look of the surroundings and the current situation it became clear that Asad was the more powerful one here, he was ambushed and caught off guard but was still able to resist and now shows no sign of injuries.

Taking up a position next to Asad he bangs his staff twice against the ground. The remaining priests form a protective square around Asad and the converts stand behind them.

"There will be no further violence against this man. You will stand down or you will stand against all of us."

World Conference

Grandmaster Borghese dives to the ground as his bodyguard throw themselves over him protecting the divine voice of the Sun God. As the attack ceases they quickly pull him to his feet and begin rushing back towards the hanger and the waiting Church Frigate.

[RationalGoblin]

The (failed) World Peace Conference

As always, Erik is ready with a sarcastic comment, though this might not be the time. Especially with having a broken arm and all.

"You know, I was right. Peace conferences never amount to anything unless we start trying to kill each other during them. Shame about my arm, though. Such a shame. No point in hiding it any longer, though."

Erik grips the skin of his (broken) right arm, and rips the flesh right off like paper-mache, revealing a damaged, silvery cybernetic limb connected to bone.

He finishes this act as the coup against Asad begins and (for now, continues). He pales, and quickly places himself between the robotic hosts of the conference, and Janus, his demeanor turning polite, but firm.

"I have to agree with Asad. Janus has no proof of the Councilor's wrong-doing, while I have been affected first-hand by Janus's mind-altering abilities, of whatever source they may be. I was mostly unharmed by those abilities, being a former member of an anti-psionic unit, but not entirely."

Erik sighs slowly, knowing from experience that any sudden moves would mean death.

"Look, this is a peace conference. Those who attempt to attack others in the wake on an attack on all of us, are naturally suspect, right? Burke is right. There shall be no more violence here, Janus."

[SurlySeraph]

Attack on the Conference

One of Ibrahim's guards dives between him and the window, protecting him from the incoming shrapnel.

As the dust settles, Ibrahim and his surviving guards attempt first aid on the injured delegates. As MCU medical personnel arrive, Ibrahim performs last rites on Ricardo, Ratana, and the downed guards. Ibrahim does not yet engage in further discussion, but his guards watch Erik speak while clutching their railguns tightly. They don't seem reluctant to engage in further violence - at least not in defence of others.

Karagatan

Ground-based radar installations attempt to track the attacking ships; technicians examine the records to try to determine where the ships came from. The Karagatan Navy is put on alert to recover any debris that falls into the atmosphere from the destroyed attacking ships. Several atmospheric fighters are dispatched to guard shuttles returning from the MCU worldship against any attack.

[IrrationalSpork]

OOC:EDIT: Saladin does not leave the ship, the commissar is take to the med-lad (or what is closest)...the letters stand but are delievered in person so no one other then who they are intended for may read them.

IC:


When will we be allowed to leave, General as you know I have very pressing matters now? Saladin asks as he turns to the General.

[Edwin]

Attack on the Conference

The General turns his attention towards the approaching Saladin.

"Once I'm assured that you are not to be considered responsible for the attack, one may leave freely. However, I have it on a reliable source who did it, so it should not be long, dear friend."

[kopout]

Attack on the Conference
"Are we all under suspicion then?"

[IrrationalSpork]

Very well General. I'll be waiting for your go ahead.'Saladin resumes walking about the choas[/COLOR]


Meanwhile back in the Empire:

The Shaman exits his tomb slowly and procedes to the grand gates and opens them. Alas, the world is mine to walk again, and mine to rule once more." He procedes to the throne room and issues orders into the main computer.

[Ganurath]

Conference Room Attack

Matriarch Tia Lilienne and her surviving bodyguard are shivering despite their thick layers of clothing as things settle back down, in cold-induced stupor until the environment stabilizes. When Tia composes herself, she looks around for the delegates from the pirate factions. "We aren't all under suspicion. Only a few have motive to attack an anti-piracy discussion."

With that, she scavenges the wrist beamer from her fallen escort. A microwave weapon, it was entirely nonlethal and extraordinarily painful. "I'm sure our hosts got a good look at the culprits."

[RationalGoblin]

Erik shakes his head at the Venusian Matriarch's remarks and obvious glance at the pirate representatives.

"Few would have motive, yes, but now that I think over my earlier remarks, the less I think that it was a mistake that they were let in the conference, and the more I think that someone's trying to frame the piratical factions.

They could have arranged for the admittance of DANPART and the Consortium to the conference to have a scapegoat for undertaking some sort of military action, or a seizure of power. Or even simply a distractive maneuver. So, unfortunately, Matriarch, you are incorrect. All of us are under suspicion, because any faction could have orchestrated this. Most likely an off-Earth faction, though."

[Ganurath]

The Matriarch nods in understanding, a gesture that helps cover up an eyeroll. "All the same, the remaining pirate representative may have insights as to who is responsible. Eyes on the relevant resources, and all that. So, if either our benevolent hosts or the representative of DANPART would be so kind as to present what information they may have available, it would be appreciated. And rewarded, if incentive is neccesary."

[Edwin]

Attack on the Conference

You are both in part, correct.

The General fixed his eyes upon Erik and the Matriarch.

"Correct that everyone is under suspicion, but also correct that we got a good look at the "culprits", as you so nicely put it."

GFC-0112 made a gesture towards the robotic officer besides. "Bring Captain Lemming to the my private quarters."

[Earl of Purple]

Aboard the Goldenfever

Before following GFC-0112, Harry has 1 thing to say: "Why would pirates attack an anti-piracy conference? It would encourage more extreme anti-piracy measures, and that would be counter-intuitive. Besides, Lord Nax himself said not to attack the conference; no pirate in DANPART is stupid enough to go against him. The perpetrator of this crime is quite clearly either merchants or somebody who really hates piracy." He follows quite docilely. "Do you mind if I send for a mechanic to repair my guard? He is important to me; stole him from an illegal robot gladiator ring and he's saved my life many times."

[IrrationalSpork]

"Matters very pressing now General, If I may go I would be happy to return, if any light is shed on the subject." Saladin stands up from his chair. "May I?"

[Edwin]

Aboard the Goldenfever

Saladin
Yes, you may go. I have no reason to believe you responsible. Don't do anything to change that, if I may say so.

Captain Lemming
I will have one my best mechanics bring him back up and running, meanwhile I expect you to remain on this ship until you're excused. Also, I am in full confidence that there will be no more attacks, yes?

[Earl of Purple]

Aboard the Goldenfever

To Edwin, whose acronym eludes me "I cannot garantee no more attacks; DANPART was not behind it. I assure you, it was either rogues or somebody setting up pirates."

[kopout]

In order to determine who would be most likely to have launched the attack we have to consider who would have been so callus as to risk killing one of there own diplomats. Both the SC and DANPART but also the Empire of Mankind. It would not be out of the ordinary for them to consider killing their own citizens for a preceved gain. Indeed they have the most motive. As the commissar himself said the shaman king wishes to destroy robots and religion. Our esteemed host are robotic in nature and almost no country today lakes one or the other. What better way to get rid of multiple foes than to have them fight each other?

[RationalGoblin]

Erik laughs at the newest argument about "Who did it?".

"My friend, you must learn to be less naive. Any of our factions would easily sacrifice a diplomat or two to achieve their goals. To be frank, I wouldn't put it past the Society to sacrifice me!

Furthermore, I have it on good conscience that the Empire of 'Mankind' did not plan this attack. It doesn't fit their nation's paradigm. They're more of the 'brute force is the best force' sort of nation. In fact, if there is further fighting on the Earth, they'd probably be an effective mercenary force for any side.

But a conflict on the ground hasn't happened yet, and will probably not happen, possibly thanks to the quick response of our robotic hosts, which I thank them for."

[IrrationalSpork]

Aboard the Goldenfever:

Saladin smirks at the comment made by Erik, and laughes silently. " I thank you for your, um support, but I hope that brute force will never happen. Well I must be off I have a Shaman to crush, and a civil war to stop.Saladin speaks this as if just another day, He motions Ferik to fallow. All the other diplomats seem to cringe at the smell that fallows Ferik as he enters and exits the room fallowing Saladin, even the general seems to notice the smell.

[Earl of Purple]

Solar System as a whole

In all of DANPART's hidden colonies and sent to all the Pirate Lords, Nomad Chiefs and Rogue Traders under DANPART's control is sent a message. It is also posted on walls in public places in all nations, but rarely was anybody seen posting it.

There is a Ransom on the ship meeting the following description: (insert description of the ship which attacked the conference here). The Captain is wanted ALIVE OR DEAD, preferably ALIVE, the crew do not matter. The ship meeting this description can be used however the capturer of this ship wishes; it is also suggested that a WHITE CROSS is painted on to the front. All sightings of this ship with a white cross are to be reported IMMEDIATELY so the Existing Captain cannot cheat Our justice that way. Signed,
Lord Nax the Junior of the Multifarious Titles

[RationalGoblin]

"So I suppose I'm free to go, then? You haven't mentioned the Society as being under suspicion, so I assume we aren't being considered for that."

If not stopped, Erik goes back to his shuttle, and then back to the SRS's estates, waiting to be called again for a diplomatic action.

[kopout]

If it is alright with you I would also like to leave. Would it be alright if I left this suit here in case I need to visit again?

[Sayn]

End of Turn 1 - Start of Turn 2

The system takes a collective breath as the peace conference is attacked. Even the civilians can understand how much more complicated the relationships between the different factions just became.

The search for the ship that did the deed itself, however, is not going as well as many had hoped. Not even the ransom put out by DANPART helped find it. Searches across the system is still underway, but finding one small ship in this large region will be difficult.

The Karagatan regions see a superb increase in wealth as their trade relations increase to unprecedented levels. The use of the recently acquired wealth to help less fortunate around the world certainly helps their image with the people.

The tense relationship between UNE and NRE just got tenser, as the NRE makes its first truly hostile move in years. Not toward the UNE, but to the east. They quickly seize Greece and the parts of Croatia that are positioned along the Mediterranean. They have already begun to dig themselves in, to better improve their defensive positions.

The government in Switzerland, notoriously against letting religion influence their rule, has started to shift toward a more lenient position towards letting religious groups take part in their politics. Why this change has suddenly come about no one yet knows, except maybe some select politicians.

And, while on the subject of religion, this has been a few really religious months with several new converts for both the Karagatan faith, and the Church of the Sun God. No comments from the Papal State as of yet.

Severe internal instability breaks out in the Empire of Mankind's regions. As of yet little is known of the origin of the split, but whispers of an old leader waking up spreads quickly amongst the population.

Over in UAL the discontent is growing. The people are beginning to lose faith in their now splintered leaders. So far it has only been words, and not actions, but if the UAL doesn't work hard on restoring order, there might be further complications.

[Earl of Purple]

Antarctic Republic

Outside one of the many city-states a ship lands. It was once the pleasure space-yacht belonging to a company president; now it is battered, oft-repaired and nearing ramshackle. It was originally shining stainless steel; and it still is in places, where aluminium, rusting steel, titanium and plastics haven't been used to patch it. The captain disembarks; wearing a tattered, yet expensive-looking, suit, he wouldn't be out of place in a company boardroom. "I would like to speak with the Town Council of this city. This is an entirely unofficial visit, so any higher authorities need not be told."

[IrrationalSpork]

Newscast Live from ENN (Empire News Network):

Fires overwhelm the streets near the Empires Palace in which fighting has broke out between loyalist forces (Saladin) and RSG Forces (Royal Shaman Guard) The loyalists have seen moderate losses numbering it in the 10,000s some where and the RSG have seen serve losses. Estimates put it at roughly 1/3 of their force. The Empire and the Outcast have yet to confront, but when they do it will be a bloody battle.

Battles have also brokeout in space near MCU Ships. Saladin is fighting hard to assure nothing is caught in the crossing fire between the Omega and the Alpha(RSG Controlled). The Alpha has been disabled, the Omega is perparing boarding assults as we speak,

That is all for now folks, we'll update you on any new breakthroughs as they appear. The newscaster stares at the camera for a few seconds before it goes black.

[puppyavenger]

Military Deployment in the Belt

Due to the surprising attack on the Congress, as well as generally increased Piracy in the Region, His Holiness has announced the redeployment of the Dreadnought Gabriel from from diplomatic work to one of the main bases in the Belt. It's stated mission is to "secure the safety of the main trade routes in the region, and ascertain the safety of the settlements that have accepted the Churches Protection". It will be shortly joined by the Newly Christened Carrier Charity in its role as flagship of the the newly extant 4th fleet.

Sayn the ships built last turn are being deployed on anti-piracy operations in the belt basically

Rearmament of Asteroid Protectorates

The State council has recently released a statement informing any "interested parties" that due to the current circumstances the autonomous defense forces that have theoretically existed in the asteroid protectorates for some time are being called into service for training and arming.




also UNE what's your opinion on the recent NRE aggression

[Sayn]

UNE to Papal State
We are arming our forces, in preparation for the worst. Sadly we do not have the forces to dispute NRE:s claim on their new conquests.

[RationalGoblin]

UNE Headquarters

The notoriously sarcastic diplomat Erik Ironside is sent out again, this time sent to the capital of the UNE (OOC: Don't know where it is, I assume in Berlin?).

He requests a meeting with the rulers of the leading members of the UNE, including Pandora. He says it concerns the NRE.

[Sayn]

UNE Headquarters

The notoriously sarcastic diplomat Erik Ironside is sent out again, this time sent to the capital of the UNE (OOC: Don't know where it is, I assume in Berlin?).

He requests a meeting with the rulers of the leading members of the UNE, including Pandora. He says it concerns the NRE.

(OOC: It's actually been moved to London, since that location is more easily defended and located further away from the NRE.)

UNE to SRS
A meeting room is prepared, with all leaders present. (You may present what you want to discuss now.)

[SurlySeraph]

Karagatan

The High Conclave immediately passes a measure to condemn the NRE's "unprovoked attack on the innocent peoples of eastern Europe." The measure also accuses the NRE of "holding an important part of the world's cultural heritage hostage," and threatens economic sanctions should they damage historic sites in Greece.

After returning from Earth, Archbishop Ibrahim expresses a strong anti-piracy position, and endorses the Pope's efforts to protect interplanetary trade routes.

Karagatan takes no official position on the unfolding civil war in Midgard. The only public statement on the matter is when Ibrahim answers a reporter's question on the issue: "I pray that a virtuous and tolerant leader will return to control in the Empire."
A few pundits argue over which side he's supporting. Most agree that he's hedging his bets.

SRS
I'm sure you're as concerned about the NRE's actions as we are. While we thought that Midgard could provide an effective counterbalance to Roman power, in light of recent events this may no longer hold true. Please quietly inform the UNE that we will take steps to forestall Umberto's agression if need be.

Though a war in Europe is a distant worst-case scenario, it would be prudent for all involved to prepare. If the UNE wants to strengthen their defenses, we are willing to manufacture weapons for them. Considering the proven quality of your designs, we would be honored to work with you in arming the UNE. If they want to be armed, that is.

[RationalGoblin]

SRS to UNE

Erik begins speaking.

"My friends, this aggression by the NRE is unacceptable, is it not? This sort of baseless expansion is the stuff of centuries past, not the modern world! The Emperor has attacked innocent nations, laid waste to the poor, war-torn Balkans! Though these lands are not part of the UNE, you must see that Umberto XII must be punished for his insane war!"

Erik speaks passionately, but then his voice turns to an amused tone.

"And of course, you know full well that Umberto probably seeks to claim all the land of the first Roman Empire, which includes most of your own nations. He must be stopped, for the good of all your hides."

Erik smiles at the assembled UNE officials.

"Thus, the Steel Rose Society offers to deal with Umberto. We will stop his expansion, force him to give up the nations and land he's conquered, and strip away his political power, as well as making the NRE simply another nation in the UNE, adding to it's power.

All we want in return is to show the capabilities of the SRS, and to have the right to have your support in placing... Err, I mean electing key SRS officials to Eastern Europe governmental positions. Furthermore, we wish to have temporary command over any UNE forces fighting the NRE.

In return, we shall do as we have said, as well as providing economic aid to the war-torn states, and political support to all of you. After all, isn't the UNE profitable for all your countries? So, what do you say?

If you're still hesitant, I have be asked to tell you that we will also soon be creating many jobs, which your countries will be able to advantage of."

[Sayn]

UNE to SRS
The gathered leaders look at each other with slightly suspicious eyes. The chairman nods at this and speak up.

"We would like some sort of proof that you can do what you claim you can do. So far, you've done very little publicly, and thus we cannot say for sure if you have the power to stop NRE:s war machine."

[LongVin]

Anti-war protests within the UNE

Tens of thousands gather outside the capitols of the nations of the UNE, led by the priests and the regents of the Church as well as politicians who are members of teh church demanding that the UNE not needlessly go to war with the NRE. Insisting that a peaceful resolution through common unity and understanding be reached by the European brothers.

"Brothers and sisters! War is not the answer! The will of the Sun God is to see peace and unity between all the peoples of the world. We must not give into senseless violence. The time of redemption is at hand. We can not ask for forgiveness and the utopia that is to come if we are at war. Now is the time for peace, understanding and the unity of a common cause. Tell your representatives in the government. We want peace! Open talks with the NRE, do not drop bombs! War is not the way of the Sun God. We must have peace, unity and cooperation in our time!"

The crowds take up the chant "Peace, unity and cooperation!"

OOC: More to come soon. Just running out now.

[kopout]

SC headquarters, London

A box sits on the front steps. On the top of the box is a card that reads "this is not a bomb". X-raying the package shows it contains the message "told ya" written in scrap metal.

[LongVin]

Call for a Peace Conference between UNE and NRE

Grandmaster Borghese has called for the UNE and NRE to both send representatives to Castle Hohenwerfen in order to discuss the current state of Europe and to negiotate a peaceful settlement in order to avoid war and to reduce hostilities between the two main powers of western europe.

It is the hope of the Grandmaster that a deal acceptable to both parties can be reached.


Producing the first batch

Years of knowledge flashed through the interface at a lightning speed being downloaded and stored almost instantly. It was the culmination of years of hard work and patience as the vats drained themselves of liquid and the first sparks of life became apparent.

Men in lab coats exchanged congratulations and toasted champagne to each other. It would be just a momentary respite. For in just a few short hours the vats would be cleaned and they would need to start production on the second generation.


Letter to NRE - Emperor Umberto(Handwriten & hand delivered by inner council member that means NO PEEKING! For Sayn's eyes only!!!)


Most Glorious God Emperor,

I am writing to you on a matter of grave concern over the Empire's glorious conquest of Croatia and Greece. While this is a matter to celebrate we must also be cautious. The unenlightened nations are attempting to organize their forces against you.

We are now communicating with the remnants of Pandora who are seeking ways in which to limit you powers. We are of course working to circumvent their attempts and use it to our advantage.

It is my most humble suggestion that the NRE ceases all hostile actions in Eastern Europe and instead adopts a policy of 'peaceful' accquisition of territories for the time being.

I also most humbly suggest that your holiness or a duly appointed representative attends the meeting proposed to take place at Castle Hohenwerfen. It will help alleviate fears on this matter and make your cause all the more palptable to the public at large.

As always, your most humble and loyal servant,

-B

[Earl of Purple]

To the UNE:
If you require weaponry to aid you in your fight against the NRE, then we will be willing to sell some to you. Possibly trade the rights to some of your old mined-out asteroid facilities? In particular, 2 Pallas?

To the NRE:
If you require weaponry to aid you in your fight against the UNE, then we will be willing to sell some to you. Possibly trade the rights to some of your old mined-out asteroid facilities? In particular, 4 Vesta?

[puppyavenger]

UNE While, as we still knowledge our commitment ot come to the defense of our allies, any help, either with arming and logistics or with any fighting if the NRE decides to continue its agressions, we can off er is yours

We also promise our full diplomatic support in any confference

[LongVin]

Communications with the Sanguine Consortium



The Church of the Sun God would like to purchase any information you may have on politicians from both the UNE and NRE in order to help us better understand the mindsets of those involved as well as any illegal doings that may be occuring within those nations.

It is in the best interest of both our organizations to prevent a war. As a war will greatly restrict the freedom of movement both our groups thrive on.

[Greystone]

Return to Church O' Sungod
Very well, we shall see what we can find

[IrrationalSpork]

ENN Newscast:

"The war drags on the capital city of Relic, lies in a cloud off dust, skirmish continue throughout the rumble, however the Palace area seems to have remaind intact. In orbit, the Alpha has been boarding and it's guns have been disbabled, so other space nation near by need not worry about harm to their peoples. Saladin is return to earth to fight the final conflict, which is moving closer and closer to the Palace as the RSG lose more and more soilders. Estimated lose are at, moderate for the loyalist (20,000) and sereve for the RSG which now numer in the 10,000 of troops remaining having suffered nearly 40,000 causalties, it seems that they were no match for the number of troops that loyalist forces, brought with them. The newcaster, walks off screen and the camera goes black once more.

Near the front lines of battle(unfortunatly):

The Commissar urged a charge, and the front line rose upon their enemy and fell upon them like an shadow upon the night of a graveyard. Sound of screams were drowned out by constant fire, or the big guns, Orbital artillery, and full automatic rifle fire. Move, forward and crush your enemy! The Commissar yelled at his troops, as his rose his pistol and shot the back of a RSG who turned his back to take cover.

Aboard the Alpha Battlebarge:

Saladin walked calmly down the narrow hall towards the Grandmasters Hall, in which the Shaman King lay in wait for him. This was the battle for his Nation and he must win. Long ago the Shaman King, was corrupted by the taint of heretics, whom have been long since purged for this world and whos record lay in one of the many librarys, in a section long forgotten. When he was tainted, he drew to start a rebilion, and with that he was locked in the crystal tomb, and never to be awoken agian. Saladin strode toward the gaint doors and threw them open, and darkness reached out.

OOC: One of my best posts I think.

[Sayn]

Answer to LongVin's letter, so it's equally as impossible for you guys to read. Sorry, but no peeking allowed.
What these heretics do not realize is that we have made no single move towards the UNE. We do not plan to continue our expansion for now. We have learned to be more patient than the old Emperors.

From the office of the Inquisition.


NRE to the world

The God Emperor himself will now speak to the public regarding the alleged war against UNE.

A tall, strong-looking man with neatly cut hair and beard takes the stand.

"Today I wish to correct what seems to be a very common misinterpretation. We are not, nor do we desire to be, at war with the UNE."

He pauses and looks out over the crowd.

"We have only liberated Greece and Croatia from corrupt and incompetent leaders. We have no desire to hurt or kill their peoples."

After this he smiles broadly, and adds;

"In fact, we will extend a hand of friendship to the UNE. Perhaps we can make their blind and frightened leaders see that we only desire to create stability in this world. That is all for now."

[RationalGoblin]

SRS to UNE


"Alright, that's fair enough. I haven't shown you what the Society can do. Tell you what: If, after Umberto's appeasement to you, with that speech, you still are determined to go to war with him, the Society will provide advanced arms, armor, supplies, and munitions for the armies of the UNE.

If it seems you are losing badly, and Umberto is overly expansionist, then we will show you just how we can stop Umberto, and my proposal is accepted by you. Fair enough?"




SRS Letter to Umberto, delivered by an "anonymous" (high-ranking, so of course he isn't known of) Pandoran Whitecoat in the society. Handwritten.

Dear Emperor Umberto

Emperor Umberto, I am Josef Weaver, master of the Steel Rose Society. I have heard your appeasement to the UNE, your claim that you do not wish to be at war with them. I'm a Pandoran, and my grandfather fought the first Umberto, so forgive my reluctance to believe you.

However, I am not Pandora itself, not yet, so I'll give you a chance. I hereby extend a hand of friendship from the SRS to the NRE and you, Umberto. Of course, my friendship is void if you attack the UNE, or any other state I am allied with.

Now that we've got that out of the way, I'd like to offer you a deal. The Steel Rose Society is one of the most technologically advanced factions in the entire solar system. There's no getting past that. But we do not have control over the places we influence. You, however, have that control. In exchange for a few technological projects of your choosing (military, perhaps?) we would like the knowledge, techniques, and aid of those in your government that ensure your people's fanatical loyalty towards you. Basically, we want to have so much influence over people, that they defect to the Society, creating a new state under our complete control. Do we have a deal?

A potential ally,
Josef Weaver

[SurlySeraph]

Karagatan to NRE

Archbishop Ibrahim replies to the God-Emperor's speech in his own public announcement.

"While I hope that the Emperor's words were earnest, I remain cautious."
The emphasis Ibrahim puts on "Emperor" makes the omission of "God" glaringly obvious.

He continues:
"Men may be redeemed, and also nations; my own country's history is not without violence. But our people would never demand, and the Conclave would never approve, an immoral invasion the likes of which the NRE has launched.

"I will not say that Emperor Umberto will act as his predecessors did. But it would be unwise to forget the past. And in the past, every time the NRE took up the sword of conquest they found it very hard to lay back down. The 'blind and frightened' leaders of the UNE certainly remember this, for their parents and grandparents drove the Romans from their soil by their own blood. There are still a few in my own country who recall our last military engagement with the NRE. They have no wish to repeat it, and God willing they will not have to."

The cleric pauses, then continues in a deliberate tone.

"Emperor willing they will not have to. I ask for proof of goodwill, Emperor. If you truly sought to liberate Greece and Croatia, liberate them. If you force them to remain in your empire, there can be no doubt that you wish to expand against the will of the world.

"If you refuse to take this step, which will cost your people nothing, we may have no choice but to suspend diplomatic relations."

To UNE, North Africa, and free nations in the Balkans
I'm sure that you've been following recent developments carefully. We are concerned that you may be embroiled in any conflict that may ensue. We advise you to respond to any NRE challenges to your sovereignty aggressively; when Umberto realizes that your people won't just roll over and accept invasion, he'll call off his plans to attack.

Sayn (secret, shoo)
We aren't going to take too many precautions to make sure this message - or our previous one to the SRS offering to manufacture weapons for the UNE on their behalf - stays hidden from the NRE. We know they have the espionage to read it, let them.

[LongVin]

His Worshipful Master speaks on the European Situation

"I would like to thank Emperor Umberto for his quick response to my questioning and explaining himself and his motives to the world at large.

I am gladdened to know that the NRE will not take any further terriotrial accquisitions by force and will work together with the rest of the nations of the world in peaceful cooperation and unity of cause.

I will be more than happy to greet his representative and the UNE delegation here at Castle Hohenwerfen so we may further discuss the peace of Europe and the world."

[Sayn]

SRS to UNE


"Alright, that's fair enough. I haven't shown you what the Society can do. Tell you what: If, after Umberto's appeasement to you, with that speech, you still are determined to go to war with him, the Society will provide advanced arms, armor, supplies, and munitions for the armies of the UNE.

If it seems you are losing badly, and Umberto is overly expansionist, then we will show you just how we can stop Umberto, and my proposal is accepted by you. Fair enough?"




SRS Letter to Umberto, delivered by an "anonymous" (high-ranking, so of course he isn't known of) Pandoran Whitecoat in the society. Handwritten.

Dear Emperor Umberto

Emperor Umberto, I am Josef Weaver, master of the Steel Rose Society. I have heard your appeasement to the UNE, your claim that you do not wish to be at war with them. I'm a Pandoran, and my grandfather fought the first Umberto, so forgive my reluctance to believe you.

However, I am not Pandora itself, not yet, so I'll give you a chance. I hereby extend a hand of friendship from the SRS to the NRE and you, Umberto. Of course, my friendship is void if you attack the UNE, or any other state I am allied with.

Now that we've got that out of the way, I'd like to offer you a deal. The Steel Rose Society is one of the most technologically advanced factions in the entire solar system. There's no getting past that. But we do not have control over the places we influence. You, however, have that control. In exchange for a few technological projects of your choosing (military, perhaps?) we would like the knowledge, techniques, and aid of those in your government that ensure your people's fanatical loyalty towards you. Basically, we want to have so much influence over people, that they defect to the Society, creating a new state under our complete control. Do we have a deal?

A potential ally,
Josef Weaver


UNE to SRS
"That seems fair. We will, however, do our best to ensure that this war will not happen. Increased defenses along our borders will be the priority for now."

Answer to that letter, equally unreadable for others bla bla. :smalltongue:
It would seem that a deal between us would only be beneficial. Would it be possible for you to help us construct a space program? IF we could reach out into space I'm sure the blood lust of our people might be dissipated more easily. Give them something else to focus on.

Is this acceptable?

From the office of the Inquisition. (no name signature, but the letter was sealed with the imperial seal.)

Castle Hohenwerfen

The General Sergio Ricci from the NRE arrives at the Castle. He is, as usual, dressed entirely in his official uniform and has several guards with him.

The UNE delegate is the current chairman of their council, Charles Hill. He is wearing a black suit, with neatly cut hair and hard blue eyes. He also arrives with his share of bodyguards.

[LongVin]

Castle Hohenwerfen

The members of the People's Militia line the long winding road that leads up to Hohenwerfen forming an honor guard for the arriving diplomats.

Councilor William Drake, an Englishman by birth greets the arriving delegates and leads them to the main conference room where Grandmaster Borghese is waiting with his own personal guard.

The meeting hall of the Castle is lined with medieval and ancient artifacts and covered in banners and tapestries demonstratng the Church's wealth and its dedication to the history of the ancients.

From a hidden, nearby room members of the Church's Psy Ops division secretly scan all those entering to discern if any of them are practicing psionics.

"Greetings Gentlemen, please take a seat" The Grandmaster motions for them to enter "hopefully, we can put aside all the animosities present here and leave with the Peace of God secured."

[Edwin]

Space, near Alpha and Omega

Eying the two battleships, the squadron of MCU cruisers soared closer to the Alpha.

Message to Karagatan

The small pod landed on Karagatan ground, near MCU gas extraction facilities.

Swooping from the inside of the MCU spacepod, a fast magnetically propelled speedercart flew at high speed towards the nearest major Karagatan settlement, bearing a holodisc for Archbishop Ibrahim himself.

Shortly after the cart had taken off, the general emerged with a contingent of guards and engineers.

Immediately, the engineers, aided by automaton workers, started flooring the area below the extraction facilities with metal tiles - four 100 by 100 meters wide squares, lined with hardmetal walls and sentry towers.

Holodisc for the Archbishop, equally unreadable, because if you can, so can I!
Dear Archbishop Ibrahim.

I feel that due to our current trade surge, and our if not entirely successful, then perhaps bonding, peace conference, I've begun to experience trust and respect for you and your nation.

This is also why I come to you with this request, this proposal.

My people and I wish nothing more than to return to Earth, a planet that we feel is a sign of hope and ancestry for our exiled people.

I have been asked by the council to initiate the "Mechanized Rest" project.
This entails securing a safe landing spot here on Earth for our engineers, as well as building the first spaceport for our Union citizens.

Due to my personal experience, I've decided to come to you with this request of land, and possibly common grounds. Allow my engineers to build a space port below our extraction facilities, and we'll be greatly indebted to your nation, and to you personally.

In turn for this assistance, I offer you our military aid, should the rising conflict in Europe hit Karagatan shores.

Please, if you have any requests that could make this possible, come forth with it.

Respectfully, General GFC-0112.

PS; call me General Dibs.

[Earl of Purple]

Aboard the Goldenfever

"So, er, any chance I could be let go?" Captain Harry hasn't been released (to the player's knowledge), and his crew won't leave without him.

To the UNE:


If you require weaponry to aid your deterrent against the NRE's armies, then we will be willing to sell some to you. Possibly trade the rights to some of your old mined-out asteroid facilities? In particular, 2 Pallas?


To the NRE:


If you require weaponry to aid yourdeterrent against the UNE's armies, then we will be willing to sell some to you. Possibly trade the rights to some of your old mined-out asteroid facilities? In particular, 4 Vesta?

[SurlySeraph]

Karagatan to MCU

I've brought your question to the High Conclave, and am working on getting it resolved. We are willing to let you use land in our territory to construct a spaceport, and to share some of our territory with you in common. However, the land will remain nominally ours; it's a matter of principle more than anything else.

Unless you have a pressing desire to place it elsewhere, may I recommend placing the spaceport in central Australia? There are parts of the Outback that are still too inhospitable to produce good agricultural yields, but I assume heat and dryness isn't a big problem for your people. Besides, any opponents of yours would have to get through our military before they could strike against your base on Earth.

Hopefully Rome will get back in their place without trying another war. If they don't we would appreciate your aid, particularly on keeping their space forces inactive. We don't want them launching any orbital strikes.

Additionally, I ask that Karagatan scripture be made available to any of your citizens who are interested. While humans tend to be much more religious than AIs, we want all those interested in the faith to have access to it.

[Sayn]

UNE to DANPART
We have no wish to trade with outlaws.

NRE to DANPART
We have no need of more weaponry right now. But, one never knows what the future holds.

Castle Hohenwerfen

Both delegates take their seats, and their bodyguards take their places behind them.

Continued in spoiler, due to the fact that no other member is present in the room:
The General stretches a little, then speaks. "We have only desires for peace right now. It would be wonderful if we could sign a trade agreement of some sort. I'm sure you can understand that profit is preferable to another war. We only wish that you do not dispute our claim on Greece and Croatia."

Charles looks quietly at the General a few moments. He then sighs heavily. "If we were to sign such a deal, we would like there to be a nonaggression pact added to it. This would only benefit us, if indeed you only desire peace and prosperity between us." He then looks to the Grandmaster. "I trust that you, too, see the benefit in this?"

[LongVin]

Castle Hohenwerfen


OOC: Are either of delegates or their guards psionic users?

IC:

"We believe that a trade agreement and a non-aggression pact is a good start. However, it is my belief and the belief of the Inner Council that this conference go one step further and allow for the establishment of spheres of influences for both the UNE and NRE that both parties shall respect."

[Sayn]

Castle Hohenwerfen
OOC: None. Although someone is basically retrieving information from the mind of the General. The connection, however, seems to be there with his consent.

"That is a good idea. Any suggestions? As the more neutral party here you must have some idea."

The General merely shrugs to show his agreement.

[puppyavenger]

Massive Deployment to the Belt

for unexplained reasons, His Holiness and the Councils have jointly ordered the deployment of the Dreadnoughts Micheal and Sandalphon, the carries Hope, Victory, Luna and Zeal along with all accompanying ships, to reinforce the Gabriel in the Belt. This is a massive deployment and includes more then half the Fleets Dreadnoughts and almost of third of its other capital ships beign put outside Lunar space.

[RationalGoblin]

SRS to UNE

Erik smiles.

"Thank you for listening to and technically agreeing to my proposal. The Society will remember your compliance in this event."

With those cryptic words, Erik Ironside, diplomat and cyborg, leaves London, leaves the UNE officials.


Letter to Umberto


Certainly, my good Emperor. We will help you in your space program just as soon as we do not have so many projects ongoing. We'll even throw in a quite powerful tool for you, in your later wars. A genetic enhancement regime that allows normal troops to become incredibly powerful "super-soldiers". It's only in development right now, but when we can get it to you, you'll be able to match any army in battle.

In return, as we requested, you provide us with propaganda, a greater understanding of your peoples' fanatical loyalty to you, and finally, how we can achieve that in smaller nations that we do not actually control.

Acceptable, is it not?

[Edwin]

Aboard the Goldenfever

DANPART
You, and your crew, may leave as soon as you've giving me a reliable contact source to your Lord Nax.

Karagatan - holodisc, grubs off! :smallamused:
The land will of course remain yours - the spaceport will benefit us both, by trade and easy access to the great space, and that will be it's only function.

If it is your wish, I will have my engineers load up and rebuild the space port in central Australia, though I would stress that I do not want to impose my structures under your protection, but if you so wish, I will it heed it.

As for the possibility of orbital strikes from Roman side, I will a fleet deployed in waiting above Karagatan space - for protection. If you wish, I will lend a representative of yours a spacepod, so that he or she can oversee the deployment of the orbital defense.

If you hand me the informationdiscs, I will make sure that Karagatan scriptures are distributed among our datanets - all of which are available to our common citizens.

Agreeable?

[LongVin]

Castle Hohenwerfen


The members of the Psy Ops division in the hidden room begin applying a gentle suggestion technique over the UNE representative. Other team members monitor the situation to see if their is a noticeable reaction from anyone present in the UNE delegation on detecting the push. If it appears they are detected the suggestion will cease.

"I feel that the UNE and NRE should agree not to interfere in what would be considered each factions area of interest. Thus, the UNE would not interfere in the affairs of the Balkans and allow the NRE to pursue their own policies there including that of peaceful annexation and merger, of course this would be conducted either through plebistce or vote by parliament. The Church of the Sun God would be more than willing to run said elections to assure that they are fair and balanced.

Of course, the NRE would also pledge not to interfere in the dealings of any of the member states of the UNE while they continue to hold membership within the UNE.

This way the UNE and NRE will both be on equal grounds and will not infringe on the others claims. Most importantly, this will eliminate the fear of any territorial expansion on each other and prevent another European war which will be not be good for anyone, economically, militarily, or socially."

[Sayn]

Castle Hohenwerfen
The General seems to think it over, and then comes to a quick decision. "Agreed. This deal seems fair. The NRE will sign it."

The UNE delegate, perfectly oblivious of the gentle suggestion placed on him, nods his agreement as well. A treaty is produced, and signed by them both.

After this, Charles seems eager to leave. "There is much work to be done, and so I will take my leave now. Thank you again for this meeting." He and his bodyguards then leave the room.

The General soon does the same. While muttering something that sounds like "That went easier than I expected..."

Letter to SRS from NRE
Oh yes, very much so. We will, of course, deliver on our part once you deliver on yours. No advance payments here.

Let us hope this is merely the beginning of a great partnership.
From the office of the Inquisition.

[Wizard of the Coat]

Reforms

With the failure of the world conference and Janus attempted coup being twarted in it's tracks the Antarctic Republic found itself unstable for a period of time. Several weeks were needed for a new government to be formed, with councillor Ratana being replaced by an older councillor from the Mind, Mark Albright. White haired and considered senior in most apects he was able to restore the fragile balance between Janus and Asad, both of whom resigned as high councillors and agreed not to be replaced. Instead both were given the title of consul general, a new post with similar responsibilities, but with clear territorial divisions in Authority. In truth the republic had split in two, with the temple of the mind acting as a spiritual glue between the two sides.

The Fleet

Consular General of the Antartic surface and Mars colonies Asad was still persuing Ratana's ideal of stopping piracy. Ordering the construction of a new style of vessel for the space fleet he sought to enhance secure the Republics space lanes.

@Sayn, MCU
The vessels are to be light space cruisers with emphasis on advanced anti targetting fields and psychic cloaking technologies. A substancial effort is made to construct the required shipyards underneath the surface of Mars, with Highly protected launch tubes.

They will be classified as 'Guardian Spirit' Escort Cruisers

@MCU
We would gladly work in consortium with you to enhance the quality of these ships. We seek to use them as freighter escorts, using their stealth capacities to be unnoticed until needed. Even if their numbers are small, the pirates will not know if these ships are present or not, thereby increasing the effectiveness as they will think twice before attackingour ships.

Our engine and psychic stealth techs are more adequate, but we would welcome arnaments and anti targetting countermeasures from your end as well as advanced targetting systems. Crews could be drawn from our psychics and your combat personel.


Venus Flytrap

Janus had definatly come of as the weaker consul general, with claims to the Venus colony and a handfull of underground installlations outside Antartica. He would play the waiting game...

@Sayn
Janus is actively increasing homeland security both in his own as well as in the other Republican lands. He is seeking to institute hidden psychic screenings in all acces points.


@Danpart Captain

The town council was happy to receive the captain and eager to listen to his ideas. Upon his journey to the town hall the visitor noticed that despite the engineering excelence in the cities construction that 'Icy Paradice' was overcrowded and extremely multiethinical, yet seemed to have only relatively happy people living there, eager to make the most of their empoverished lives. Even the major 'Tinis Irwan' was dressed in humble atire when he offered the captain a drink that seemed to be locally produced.

@Sayn
How are Janus's actions at resupplying freedom fighters in Southern Africa proceeding?

@Sayn, Longvin
The upgrades to the facility of the Church are now complemented by a full staf of researchers and analists from the Antartic Republic. High tech research equipment is also supplies, to be used and maintained by the AR's staff. Regular updates on the research progress is delivered straight to Mark Albrights office.

[Sayn]

@Wizard
The situation in Africa has only grown more violent, and so far no groups are coming out on top. The UNE holdings are still well protected, and they have actually seen an increase in refugees since the increased violence.

[Earl of Purple]

Antarctic Republic

"I am Manager George of the Stealthy Smuggler. I was wondering if there was anything I could get you from DANPART. Absolutely anything, and all I ask for in return is that you tell me any news or rumours you hear from higher up the chain of command. That could be food, weapons, nicotine, alcohol, anything. Although, this alcoholic beverage is quite good; how much do you have and what price do you want?" Not all DANPART members are pirates!

To Edwin"I suppose I could wrangle a private line with the head honcho. He's a busy man; most of the governers of the colonies are ambitious, but those who don't want to be Pirate Captains, Nomad Chiefs or any of the business-related titles used by Rogue Traders tend to be rather power-hungry. I'll need to get to my ship, first."

[Wizard of the Coat]

@DANPART

"Why we would gladly tell you what we know, we do not keep secrets from friends. What we need mostly however is a sustainable source of income for our people. Perhaps you would be willing to trade with us for goods we produce. For instance the beverage you now have is locally produced, but if we have the equipment to set up a factory we could make more for you. Same goes for other things, if you open factories here we can make you almost anything."

The mayor then goes on to explain that he doesn't understand the rift in government that happened recently, but that he is curious to see a more active brotherhood interest in security of the surface.

"Your lucky you weren't scanned on your way here. Though I must say Consul Asad has tried to keep these scans to a minimum in this place."

[IrrationalSpork]

In the Grand Hall of the Alpha :(side note this is being broadcast by the ENN)

Saladin approaches the King with caution. "Ah, Saladin you come to kill the messenger. Saladin, don't you understand, the earth is plagued by these things that man has done to himself, religion is corrupt, the mind of the holy seek only power, and go about it in way most unfitting. Man cannot handle these responsibilities that power embodies, they must be handled for him by men who claims to be gods!, they prey off the week and innocent minds, Take for example our friend who are expanding, they seek only to free these people do they not, these people have been freed have they not (he shakes his head visually).

I set upon the world to free those very people, free the very people of earth whom minds have been over taken by the gods, and for that, I was set into a tomb which I was to spend forever in. The first Emperor quested for power, and thus was born the Empire, we claim to represent mankind, do we not?(again he shakes his head visiblely) How can one who claims this, be so harsh on its peoples, work and sleep, is the Empire. You see my dear friend, I came to free the people of this earth not tomb them in their very lives, in the daily task of living. You see Saladin the world is a place claiming to be balanced by peace, (shakes his head yet again) No, it is balanced by greed and power, so Saladin now that I have parted to you my peace, let the might fall upon the "Enemy of the world" ,strike now Saladin and give the world their(emphasis on their) peace. Saladin stops for a few seconds, these seconds seem like hours to those watching. The Emperor draws his sword and lets it drop to his side. He steps forward, and whispers something to the Shaman, he steps back and with a swift stroke, takes the life of the "Enemy".

Begin repire of the capital and set the alpha on course to be dismantled and used to repair the others. Get me stats on the war, it has no doubt be a grave one. He hangs his head while saying this, and seems very down (sad).

To Syan,

Deaths (Total): est. 100,000 overall a light loss, militray loss was heavy, as the RSG were the elite units, and only 100 loyal remain, all others were KIA

Damage: 10 miles surrounding the Palace, is in ruin, mainly housing, so rebuilding cost, will take a toll on ecomony but quick we should recover do to the industrie.

Changes: Shifts are now shorter and a focus hase been put into a social life(school mainly)

Anything else let me know

[Earl of Purple]

Antarctic Republic

"I can easily get equipment to set up some factories. You'd be surprised at some of the equipment left behind once an asteroid has been mined empty. I would willingly trade with you. Would you mind if I told some of my friends about this?"

To the NREWell, if ever you change your mind, we will be willing to trade weapons with you.

[Wizard of the Coat]

@ Danpart

"Certainly, this is welcomed. If all are as friendly and helpfull as you are. Honest traders are always welcome. Perhaps you can make use of our governments Guardian Spirit cruisers for escort purposes. I've heard space piracy is a real menace these days."

The man is evidently very exited at the possibilities for his people.

"Perhaps we can grant you a licence to expand the spaceport and it's facilties to facility your friends and ascociated"

[RationalGoblin]

The Steel Rose Society proposes the development of "Technopolis"s

The Steel Rose Society has proposed a rather unique method of generating research for all nations.

The Chairman of the Society, Josef Weaver, has more information on this, and says as much in a televised speech.

"Some of you might ask, 'what is a technopolis?' Simply put, it is a science city, an entire town devoted to technological research and development. I got the idea from observing that many advances of the past centuries have been discovered in the campuses of universities and colleges.

So I thought, 'well, those campuses were similar to towns and villages already, so why not make am entire city devoted to research?' This 'Technopolis', or plural 'Technopolii', will be covered with colleges, laboratories, research facilities, and schools from outskirts to outskirts, creating the biggest facilities ever made to progress the human condition! A progressive culture of science and freedom will be cultivated here, thereby advancing humanity by leaps and bounds!

I sincerely believe that my Technopolii will advance the human condition, and thus I offer to build one in every country in Europe, for starters. All I ask is that the nations that gain a Technopolis to encourage their citizens to donate their money and time to the worthy cause of building one of these magnificent cities of science. We will provide the scientific reform and organization needed to operate the Technopolii. Thank you, and I hope that every nation soon has a Technopolis."

[LongVin]

Peace in our time

The Church of the Sun God is proud to announce through our mediation a peaceful settlement has been reached regarding the crisis with the UNE and NRE. Both parties have agreed to put aside their differences and come together in a treaty of non-aggression and trade as well as establishing clear lines and boundaries of spheres of influence.

We hope that the other nations of the world can learn from this and put aside their own disputes and come together in peace.


Letter to Emperor Umberto (Hand delivered! NO PEEKING!)

Most Glorious God Emperor,

You no doubt have already been informed of our success here with the UNE. It was an extremely simple matter for us and no doubt has greatly improved the opinion of the Church to the public at large. Soon we shall see a day when the Church is looked upon as favorably by the nations of the world as the traitorious Papacy is now by the unenlightened.

I digress, when ever your most holy self is ready we are prepared to serve as the overseers of elections throughout the Balkans and see that these plebistces strongly favor unification with the Empire.

Additionally, we are moving to weaken the holds of the UNE in the nations which now make up its ranks. Soon, it will begin to crumble from the inside and rot and then all of Europe will bow before you.

As always I am your humble and loyal servant,

-B

[LongVin]

Asteroid Belt Relay - Flash message to all Church Space assets


Emergency Orders to all Military ships.

All military craft are to make their way immediately to their pre appointed rally points in the belt and adapt a defensive and sealth posture. No hostile moves are to be taken unless an imminent threat is present to the ship or to Church installations

[Sayn]

@IrrationalSpork
You lose a + in military and a - in economy. The damage was severe to your army, after all.

Hand written letter to the CoSG, so only for LongVin!
Excellent. We will begin the process as soon as possible. We will show them that conquest can be done in a peaceful way as well.

From the office of the Inquisition.

[SurlySeraph]

Pacific New Network

Rokaiya Rasalan, Karagatan's most recognizable newscaster, is in an even perkier mood than usual this broadcast.

"New reports indicate that we may be entering an era of unprecendented world peace. The recent civil war in Midgard has been resolved, with the victory of moderate, progressive forces.

"Recent civil strife in Antarctica has been resolved peacefully, and the checks and balances upon which their government is based have been restored with the appointment of a new Councillor of the Mind.

"Our friends in the Steel Rose Society, the world's greatest organization for the pursuit of science, have proposed to set up revolutionary new centers for research and understanding in Europe, to be called 'technopolii.'

"And these technopolii will stay safe, for it appears that the New Roman Empire has agreed to back down from its latest attempt to subjugate Europe. While historical precedent shows that the NRE is prone to dishonesty, the pagan sun worshippers who negotiated the peace settlement say they have a firm deal worked out.

"I hope that they're right. If not, the UNE can still rest secure in the knowledge that the entire world will condemn and censure any illegal action that the Romans take."

MCU
Agreed.

[IrrationalSpork]

Inside the Empire's Palace:

The names of the dead, are posted on a computerized wall, of which a few stick out,

Commissar Cauis Calgar
Prvt. Ferik Jurgen
Cato Marneus (the shamman king)


To SRS:
This Tech city you talk about, how could it benefit, the Empire?

[Earl of Purple]

Antarctic Republic

"A licence? Well, I don't doubt that would be useful. I will ensure that all those I invite will be friendly and honest. I don't think we'll need an escort, thank you. My, uh, crew and I are more than capable of looking after ourselves against pirates, and my ship can outrun those we can't fight off. Most of the rumours of space piracy are just that-rumours. I wouldn't put too much faith in them." I would like to point out he's the only person to have gotten out of his ship.

[RationalGoblin]

To Midgard

The Technopolis, plural Technpolii, are cites of research, set up to streamline and advance technological research. Essentially, they allow research of anything to go much faster then normal. And if you go by the Society's standards of scientific organization and research, they can be built reasonably quickly. The downside is that they are expensive, and are difficult to be used for any other purpose besides pure research.

Now, it'd be folly for the SRS to spend precious workers, money, and time to help build a Technopolis for another faction, so if you want one, you must 'encourage' your citizens to make a donation of time and money to build it.

Do you want a Technopolis?

[IrrationalSpork]

To: SRS
This close after the civil, I must focus on rebuilding, However do plan on offering them in the future?

[RationalGoblin]

The Steel Rose Society offers to clean up India and Pakistan

Following their "Technopolii" suggestion, the Steel Rose Society has offered to clean up the radiation that remains in India and Pakistan after their destruction.

Chairman Weaver has more information in another public speech.

"The proud states of India and Pakistan have laid too long as graveyards, too long as burned out shells of what they once were. The villages, towns, and cities stand as eternal museums, recording the past of these grand nations. They stand as skeletons, burned by fire from the skies!

But, of course, they only remain so because of the deadly pestilence of radiation that coats everything in their lands. If someone were to clean it up, then millions could go back to the lands of their mothers and fathers. And thus, the Steel Rose Society offers to not only clean up the radiation in India and Pakistan, but also create a Technopolis at the border of the two former nations, creating a new, stronger state, the likes of which will face the world with new eyes, and be treated as a nation of progress and science!"

At this point in his speech, Chairman Weaver gestures grandly to the reporters, officials, diplomats, and common people listening to him.

"The Steel Rose Society hopes to show the world that we are not some faceless 'ivory tower' group that hoards technology and progress for the wealthy, but instead, a tireless engine of progress and advancement for the human condition! Thank you."

[Edwin]

MCU - India and Pakistan

As response to the SRS public announcement, General GFC-0112 broadcasts his own worldwide transmittable speech.

"We, the MCU, are a refugee nation. We live aboard floating worlds thousands of miles above this beautiful blue planet. For the past many decades, we've worked solely for the completion of our return to mother Earth, a goal that we are now on the verge of achieving.

The makes a respectful motion towards the screen.

"And you, grand leaders of Earth, how the singularly only power, that will allow us to settle on our long lost homeworld - you have the political power, the military power, but most importantly, you have the power of residency.

Another graceful nod of the head and a almost noticeable bow, the General continues.
We truly want nothing but to settle here on the world of ancient origin, and as such, I both ask and offer you this; Allow our people to settle in the radioactive lands of India and Pakistan. They are inhospitable for any carbon-based life, though our citizens will barely notice the difference. In return, we offer the full cleanup of the lands, as well as any and all support we can give for peace in europe. Force if needed.
And, we will of course support the production of the Technopolii at our borders, and we'll gladly sent regiments of guards for their protection.

His mechanical eyes turns dreamy for just a few moments.
We beg you, nations of Earth, let us return home.

He stands completely still, with only the wavering flag behind him moving, until the pictures fades out.

[Sayn]

End of Turn 2 - Start of Turn 3

It's been another couple of trying months in the world. A war was just averted, and the Papacy has been working hard to stop piracy.

In Asia news arrive that Japan, after years of isolation, has finally decided to open their borders and begin participating in the politics of the world. Whether or nor they will rise up to challenge the other super powers of the world remains to be seen.

Over in Europe, a heated battle over votes is being held in Switzerland. Upon their announcement that religious parties would be allowed to participate in the elections, followers of the catholic faith and the Church of the Sun God created their own parties. These two are currently doing all they can to get those final few votes before the election later this year.

And in UAL, the voters have finally found a leader they can believe in. His name is James Erikson, and he has been elected President of the United American League. He won with 78% of the votes, and in his few weeks in office, he has already strengthened the UAL hold on Russia, where their grip has been loose ever since the loss of Shona Han.

The Midguardian Empire of Mankind and the New Roman Empire have signed a defensive alliance, and open trade agreement. Many speculate whether this is a step towards peace, or towards a future war. The trade, however, created by this agreement gives both nations a boost in their economies.

In Africa, the many different warlords and gangsters have finally created two sides, North and South Africa. What was minor skirmishing and a few shots fired here and there has become a real war.

Shocking news from Turkey! The nation has had problems with their economy and stability for a long time now, and has finally decided upon something drastic to change that. They have joined hands with the NRE, as one of the Empire's regions. NRE troops and ministers have already begun to establish order in the once chaotic nation. In an interview, the former Sultan of Turkey, now Imperial Regent of Turkey, revealed that talks with Umberto had been going on since several months. "We hope that this will create a safer and more stable environment for us all, and that this will be yet one more step toward peace."

Almost as if in answer to this, Poland and Portugal joined the UNE. Europe is becoming two sides, which one will you side with?

[Earl of Purple]

To North Africa
Hello. We are willing to support your claim to the African continent. Would you like to buy some of our weaponry?

To South Africa
Hello. We are willing to support your claim to the African continent. Would you like to buy some of our weaponry?

To UNEAre you willing to deal with outlaws now?

To NREWord on the grapevine is that the UNE wishes to attack. Would you like some of our weaponry for the asteroid we mentioned?

[LongVin]

Grandmaster Borghese slated to visit Swizterland

The Church has announced that his most worshipful master will be travelling throughout Swizterland next month to promote the cause of the Church in the upcoming Switz elections. In the meantime the Church has made the unprecedented and never before seen move of sending two Councilors from the Inner Council of Seven to the nation to publically campaign and preach the cause awaiting the arrival of the Grandmaster.

Dr. Johan Ehlan and Councilor William Drake will be touring the nation meeting with political leaders and common citizens alike spreading the word of the Sun God

Statement on expansion of the NRE and UNE

The Church of the Sun God is pleased that the Empire has taken to peaceful expansion in an honest and worthwhile effort to help its struggling neighbors restore stability and prosperity.

Likewise, we are pleased to see the expansion of the UNE into the lesser developed nations of Europe.

These measures of unity and prosperity are all important if we are to see the rise of the Sun God in our time.

Church members encouraged to enter into AI and computer development

One of the core tenets of the faith has always been the expansion of mankind into space. In order to fulfill this goal we are encouraging all members of the Church who are able to expand their knowledge into computing and artificial intelligence

@ Sayn

The Church is using this decree to help conceal a massive program to instruct trusted members in computer forensics, hacking and programming to increase the strenght of the espionage branch of the Chuch.


Message to the Sanguine Consitorium

Development of the "PsiClone" drug is coming along nicely. We are expecting to have a batch ready for field testing in the next 3-6 months. Current tests have proved promising and have increased psionic powers. Unfortunately the results are shortlived and leave the subject in a catatonic state. We are hoping to eliminate these issues quickly.


@ Sayn Letter to the NRE(Hand delivered like usual. No peeking!)

To the Holy Office of the Inquisition

Grand Inquisitor,

I am writing to you on the matter of Swizterland. As you no doubt know, the Church has been working tirelessly to increase its influence within that nation to have it break away from the UNE. Unfortunately the hated papacy is working against us in this endevaor. If we fail to achieve our goals here the Papal Yoke will be in place and the nation shall never be freed from the UNE.

I know that the Inquisition possesses significant files on politicians and important leaders in Swizterland. I am requesting that you release these files to me so that we may we block this insidious Papal attack.

May the God-Emperor reign gloriously and long,

-B

[Greystone]

To LongVin's little religious People
Ah excellent, keep us posted. If you need any... specific objects be sure to give us a call

[Wizard of the Coat]

Antarctic Republic: The Fleet

Asad was pleased as the first ships of the new fleet were becomming a reality. At first they would be used sparingly, to test their combat effectiveness and allow the new crews to get a feel for them. More were expected to be completed over the coming year as the production centers could produce several ships simultaneously.

@MCU, Papacy: closed letter by personal courrier
Dear allies,

Perhaps we should consider devellopment of a other classes of ships to support the Guardian Spirit Class cruisers. If piracy is truly to be dealt with we must make sure we have the capacity to strike them in their home ports. We propose the formation of the following.

- A Stellar Marine corps with stealth landers for them.
- A base strike vessel, probably a battlecruiser or fleet carrier

We will be increasing production infrastucture on Mars to facilitate these constructions, but would welcome you to assist in this by building or upgrading facilities of your own to suit the needs of this fleet.

Furthermore with our current actions, piracy should be reduced in danger,as such we propose the formation of the 'Space Economic Co-operation and Trade Realisation Alliance' (SPECTRA) between us. It will facilitate economic trade between us and the protection of our merchants.

Regards,

First Consul Asad

A Tangled Web in Europe

The Republican council was unsure about the shifting balance of power in Europe. The new high councillor of the mind suggested an old theory, 'the balance of power' was to be adressed in this situation, but with a twist. By ensuring that there was a significant risk to breaking the peace the peace could be preserved. Trade relations with all three mayor powers would need to be strengthened to ensure that war would be seen as to disruptive an endeavor.

@UNE (Sayn)
The Antarctic republic is worried about the balance of power in Europe shifting in a way to favor the NRE and Midgard. We therefore are willing to preserve the peace by restoring the power balance. To this end we propose a mutual defence pact against great powers.

Furthermore to facilitate good relations an economic treaty should also be included in the agreement to make others understand this is done in the spirit of peace, not war.

We know we have had our differences in the past, but preserving the peace is more important to us, so we hope you will accept our offer of aid.

@Midgard
We hope your people did not suffer in the recent civil war and congratulate you on your decive ending of it. Furthermore we welcome yopur steps at opening trade and relations with your neighbours the NRE. In an effort to foster peace we thus extend our hand in frienship. We propose a friendship and trade treaty between us to ensure everyone is aware your intentions are ultimately peacefull.

@NRE
We congratulate on your recent efforts at peacefull co-operation with new member states in your empire. In an effort to foster peace we extend our hand in frienship. We propose a friendship and trade treaty between us to ensure everyone is aware your intentions are ultimately peacefull.


A Port for Commerce: DANPART

Still blissfully unaware the mayor noticed the lack of the mans crew.

"Perhaps we should celebrate this new prospects of the trading port. Have your crew come and join us tonight and we will prepare a feast."

[RationalGoblin]

The Indiastan Question

Chairman Weaver's response to the MCU's request was short.

"My brothers of steel and wires, I see why you would want a place to live, after your long exodus, but do not the survivors of India and Pakistan deserve to live in their own homelands? I do not have the authority to decline your request, but I am strongly against it.

However, if you hunger so deeply for a chance to live on Earth once more, perhaps the Steel Rose Society, or perhaps the Clutch of Aphrodite could terraform an island or two for your use. We will still provide a Technopolis, regardless of where you settle. This is my offer to the MCU."

Message to UNE

Would you like a defensive alliance with the Society, to offset the power of the NRE?

[Wizard of the Coat]

Antarctic Republic: India

Mark Albright, high councillor of the Mind, was concerned over the question of Indian Sovereignty.

"The Antartic republic believes that it is the right of the Indian survivors to choose their own destiny, yet we also welcome any who are displaced to come back to this world. Many of the Indian continent now live in the free cities of the antartic surface, we have taken them in, as we do with all refugees, and they are safe. Perhaps the citizens of India will be open to a similar idea in their continent. Allowing refugees, nomatter their origin to find a home, but that is not for us to decide.

Still if the MCU wishes their citizens can take up residence on the Antarctic surface, provided they abide by our laws that prohibit any organised forces or weapons possesion by refugees.

A more urgent issue is the radioactive waste still poluting its rivers and ultimately the worlds oceans. This has to be cleared up and would be the obligation of whomever will live in India. Perhaps thus the MCU and Soceity can work together, if the people of India do so wish."

[SurlySeraph]

Karagatan: Peace for the Poor, Provocation for the Powerful

Archbishop Ibrahim decries the militarization of Europe in a speech to the High Conclave. Though he decries Turkey's "Cowardly and self-defeating" choice of allies and implies that Saladin of Midgard is being duped by Emperor Umberto, criticism of the UNE is notably absent. In the same speech, he goes on to lament the war in Africa, saying that the continent cannot afford to be divided when war could break out at its northern boundary at any moment.
Ibrahim concludes the speech by offering to provide humanitarian aid to war zones in Africa and the entire Indian subcontinent. He endorses the MCU's request to settle in irradiated areas, and expresses his hopes that artificial and biological persons will build a new nation in harmony there. However, he also praises that the Antarctic Republic's offer to provide the MCU a home on the surface as "An excellent alternative, showing great charity on the part of the Antarctic people."

New Initiatives in Support of Peace Policy Announced

The Ministry of Charity announces that it is building a fleet of orbital shuttles to allow swift delivery of aid to those in need, even when international borders would prevent access by sea or air. It is presumed that this initiative is linked to the rebuilding efforts in India, to allow goods to be moved into position without exposing crews to radiation.

The Ministry of Faith has announced new missionary efforts in Europe, focusing on Switzerland and Italy. Some say that the Karagatans are just following their religious dictates; others interpret these steps as a deliberate attempt to spite the NRE.

The High Conclave has officially endorsed the Catholic party in the Swiss elections. As they're a foreign body that does not actually belong to either of the religions vying for power, few people pay attention until Karagatan-built products start arriving on store shelves with the Vatican seal stamped on the packaging.

UNE
I'm glad to see the NRE isn't starting a war... or at least not yet. I don't think I need to tell you that they may yet decide to expand their ownings by less peaceful means.
We've already sent you some advanced weapons. As we're currently working on charitable projects, we may not be able to keep giving you these weapons for free. If you're interested, though, we'll keep selling you some at a reasonable price. Deal?

North Africa, South Africa
We're upset to see the wars you're engaged in. Make no mistake, we support a united Africa, but we hope that it can be created through peaceful means.
We'd like to arrange a peace meeting between your two factions, to be held either on your shared border or on a neutral location such as our territory. Are you willing to participate in such a meeting?

United American League
Congratulations on your election, President Erikson! We're glad to see that your democracy has been revitalized.
We're also glad to see that you've strengthened your nation's position in Russia. Given the tension in Europe, it couldn't have been at a better time. If, God forbid, a war breaks out, would you support the UNE or the NRE?
By the way, we've been considering altering our trade policies to favor democracies over non-democratic countries. You have a strong economy, and it could become a real powerhouse if you could get raw materials at below market prices. Just something to think about while you consider whether the UNE or the NRE is more deserving of your support.

Japan
We are glad to see that you are returning to full engagement with the world, our honored neighbors. Want to work out a trade deal?

[LongVin]

@ Midgard - Opening Relationships

The Church of the Sun God would like to officially open relationships with the Empire of Midgard. We are requesting permission to establish an official embassy in your lands and open an official diplomatic channel with your leadership.

[The_JJ]

Japan

And now some breaking news from Tokyo. In a suprise upset, the National Democratic Party of Japan has won control of the Parliment from the Nipponese Nationalist Party. The presumptive Prime Minister Kouki Watanabe gave this speech:

*rapid fire Japanese, subtitled*

Greetings, greetings. First, I would like to offer many thanks to the Emperor, who's last minute support no doubt helped our victory. Ten Thousand Years!

All: Ten Thousand Years! (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ten_thousand_years#Japan)

I would like to say that this year will mark a turning point in the history of our nation. We have learned before, painfully, that isolation leaves one far behind the world. Today, as the world moves around us, we must move to. In order to always be the Land of the Rising Sun, we must reach out and affect the world, or it may soon reach out to us. Thank you, thank you.

What is already being hailed by some as the "Second Restoration" or the "Arata Restoration," Japan has annouced an end to it's stand of isolation and it's intent to enter the world stage. To signal this even Kouki-san invites any and all heads of state to a Festival in Osaka, and then to attend the ceremonial demolition of the customs checkpoint outside of the Dutch Enclave in Toyko.

Extra tidbits.
The Dutch Enclave: A 5 blocks by 5 blocks area in Toyko, nicknamed after the famous Demija (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dejima), to which all foriegn companies and organizations were restricted during the Isolation.

General Knowledge:
Japan, though handicapped by a small manufacturing base, is a real force in the economic market. This is mostly due to their position on the cutting edge of all things technological, fostered by both fierce intercorperation competition and unusual co-operation between these Zaibatsu's against the perfidious foreign companys. The result is a constant push towards the next advance from each conglomerate, yet rapid dissemination of that technology to the rest.
Japan is a very homeogenous state with a long, deep, cultural unity. Their Emperor, though he has no political power, is of the longest reigning dynasty in the world, and much loved as celebrity and symbol. Though the new government rests on a shaky base, and many Japanese would rather continue the age of isolation, the nation will certainly pull together for the team.
The military of Japan is minimal at best. It's main duty has been to maintain the anti-missile systems from the mid 21st century, wards against the then much feared North Korea. The navy is little better, with one aging carrier, two cruisers, and a stable of Coast Guard cutters built to catch smugglers and rescue fishermen swept overboard.
The espionage corps has similarly atrophied. Even the anit-organized crime units have reached a Gentleman's Agreement with the various Yazkuza. The Zaibatsu's, of course, deploy massive armies of industrial spies, but all these are focused inwards (What, you didn't think all that technological interbreeding happened totally out of the spirit of cooperation?)

[Edwin]

MCU - India and Pakistan

"I understand that the former natives of India and Pakistan most likely would want to return to their respective countries, so perhaps we can come to an agreement? I invite any representatives who can speak for the people of India and Pakistan to contact me on the matter.

Antarctic Republic, Papacy, personally delivered Holodisc
Dear members of SPECTRA

We, the MCU, will provide what ground forces we can spare - to be determined
later.

As for space forces, I already have a rather large fleet moving into stationary position near Earth.

In regards to the formation of SPECTRA, you may write us down for interested, and ready to join.


Antarctic Replublic
While we deeply appreciate your offer of refuge, dear friends, we are a Union, and a proud people who very much likes to rule ourselves, and as such, I must respectfully decline your offer, generous as it was, of becoming refugee's on Antarctic soil.

Besides, if we were to land in full numbers, there simply would not be room enough for us, the other refugees, and yourself any longer.

[Sayn]

North Africa to DANPART
Excellent. We will buy as much as we can.

South Africa to DANPART
Perfect. We will buy as much as we can.

UNE to DANPART
No, please stop contacting us.

NRE to DANPART
Our army is one of the biggest in the system. Why would we need to buy weapons from you when we can produce them cheaper?

@ LongVin, handwritten letter and all that stuff.
So be it. You shall have the documents we've gathered.

From the Office of the Inquisition.

(OOC: With the letter a large box containing files, both on paper and digitally, arrives. They are all about several of the more important leaders in Switzerland.)

UNE to Antarctic Republic
So be it. Let us hope this is but one more step towards peace.

NRE to Antarctic Republic
We gladly accept this offer of trade. May our nations last forever!

UNE to Karagatan
Deal. We will need all the support we can get.

South/North Africa to Karagatan
The answers, in varying degrees of politeness, tell you that they have no interest in peace right now. The enemy must be crushed.

UAL to Karagatan
Thank you. We will, if we can, stay strictly neutral should a military conflict break out. We are, however, giving some economic support to the UNE through a few trade agreements.

Also, we would love to open relations with your fine nation. It would most likely strengthen us both.

[Earl of Purple]

Antarctic Republic

"Excellent idea." With that, the Manager heads back to his craft. When he returns after a few minutes, he is accompanied by two people, a man wearing battered body armour, and a woman wearing a miniskirt and a small t-shirt. "Meet Arnold, my rear gunner and vice-manager, and Betty, who's in charge of the stock and making sure we have enough provisions." Neither Arnold or Betty are very good conversation and don't appear to be very hungry. Either that or they are very good androids with very basic computer brains, but what's the chances of that?

North Africa

Excellent! Are there any particular types of weapons you would like?

South Africa

Excellent! Are there any particular types of weapons you would like?

Solar System

Attacks on spacecraft belonging to companies working in the NRE or the UNE start to be attacked, as do those carrying weapons or military equipment. If a ship fulfils several of these criteria, there is a significantly higher chance of it being attacked.

MCU

"If you want to contact Lord Nax, then there's a simple way to get a guaranteed private channel with him. That is to offer us up and also offer some goods, such as those engines of yours."

[Sayn]

(OOC: As neither NRE nor UNE has a lot of power in space, those attacks will be few and far apart. :smallwink:)

North Africa to DANPART
Give us anti-tank weapons and artillery. We will pay what is necessary.

South Africa to DANPART
Give us anti-air weapons and artillery. We will pay what is necessary.

[Earl of Purple]

((If there's people mining asteroids for minerals, then they are companies and those companies need to have a HQ somewhere, so those mining companies with HQs in UNE or NRE space will be attacked is what I meant))

North Africa
We will get you what we can.

South Africa
We will get you what we can.

[Edwin]

DANPART
I'm afraid you are in no position to truly bargain for a significantly better deal here, Captain.

See, I want contact with your Lord Nax, not for business purposes, but for investigation.

And as long as I have a recording of DANPART ships attacking the Goldenfever, as well as you in captivity aboard it, you are going to as I ask you, if you wish to leave here.

I will be willing to provide you with safe transport home after you've given me assurance of continued contact with Lord Nax, but that is all I will offer you at the moment.

Sorry to disappoint you.

[Earl of Purple]

MCU
"...Fine. Get me a radio transmitter, a radio receiver, an unobstructed Pluto from the position with those in and I'll see what I can do. There will be delays because Pluto's just the nearest DANPART listening/transmitting station and I have no idea where Lord Nax actually is."

[Edwin]

DANPART
Agreed. You will be given what you requested within ten standard minutes. Just make sure it's reliable, and that he won't cut it off the second I let you go.

Shame you had to go and attack our MSW. We could have had great relations.

[Earl of Purple]

MCU
"One of the things I will be sending before they patch us through, is that you need the link because we wish to continue our relationship and to do that we need to ensure we convince you we did not attack your spacecraft!" When the equipment arrives, Harry's communications officer will begin transmitting.

[IrrationalSpork]

Wizard of the Coat:
[direct response from Saladin] I got your message, late so my appologies for thank. I peace deal, and open trade would be wonderfull, A civil war really took a chunk out of us. Also I need to speak with you about some Tech, Thanks Saladin.

Church of the Sun God:
In response to your proposal, I will have to decline having and churchs or religion inside the Empire for various reasons, I hope that you don't take this personal it just will not work out, However I believe A peace deal and or Trade will be agreeable. Give me some details, Anything to asure peace in an unstable Europe.

[LongVin]

@ Midgard

The Church has little way in an economy but we have numerous contacts with traders throughout the world. We can provide you with contacts in many countries including the governments of several countries to help you expans your trade networks.

Also, many members of the Church are gifted psionicsts. We could teach these powers to men trusted by you and in turn they can use their newfound powers to keep stability within your nation.

[SurlySeraph]

North Africa
We are concerned by the possibility that the NRE will go back to starting wars. As you are geographically close to them, it is quite possible that you would be involved if a war should start.
Therefore, we don't want you distracted by fighting in the south. Therefore, we're willing to take measures to ensure that the war ends soon, and in your favor. Would you accept our assistance?

UAL
Glad to hear it. We'll make sure our trade policies are favorable to you.

[LongVin]

Capturing Dagwoods

In one of the remote reservations of the Dagwoods a ship sets down in a primitive campsite. Before the beasts can react black clad armed men rush from the ship establishing a quick perimeter.

The bestial savages rise up roaring a guttural yell and move to charge the men with their weapons of rock and crude metal. No sooner than the charge begins it comes to a violent and quick end. A psionic shockwave smashes through the creatures leaving them stunned and temporarily paralyzed. The soldiers move throughout the ranks of the savage creatures binding them together and leading them into the ship.

@ Sayn

The Dagwoods are going to be sent to one of the asteroid monasteries where they will be fitted with implants designed to make them more docile and open to orders given to them by specially trained psionic users. Note: If the link is broken between the psionicist and the Dagwoods under his control the implant will see they continue performing their last orders until death.

The Church will start growing its own colony of Dagwoods as well as harvesting the spores they produce for future use



Bern Switzerland - Assassination of Dietrich Schultz

Thousands came out to see the speeches of Councilor William Drake and the popular Swiss politician Dietrich Schultz. It was just one stop a multi-stop tour that has been taking place for the last few weeks.

Bernard Henri, a middle aged single man and a devout and active catholic in his Parish pushes his way through to the front of the crowd. Holding a large camera he poses as a reporter and is allowed into the press box on stage.

He needed to wait for the ideal moment to strike, God had spoken to him Schultz was the anti-christ and would lead Swizterland to ruin and Drake was an agent of the devil. He would have to kill them both so Swizterland would be safe. They would both need to be on stage and next to each other.

At the culmination of the ceremony both men come together in the center of stage to pledge to each other a promise of prosperity and trust. This is Henri's chance to strike. Leaping over the press box barricade he drops his camera and draws a pistol.

"Death to Devil-worshippers!" He cries as he fires his first shot striking Schulz. He quickly fires 3 more, hitting the falling politician twice more with the stray bullet hitting a random bystander. Councillor Drake throws himself over the body of Schulz protectively, unfortunately the man is already dead. As the assassin spins around to take aim on the Councilor several more shots ring out the and Henri falls dead from the guns of Swiss Policemen.

A search of man's body would find that he carried a 37 page manifesto proclaiming his Catholic faith and his hatred for the Church of the Sun God and anyone who supports them. He claims to have been inspired by the political rhetoric of the Catholic Church and finally having heard the voice of God urging him to action as Schulz would be the anti-christ and lead the world to ruin.

@ Sayn

Henri was chosen for numerous factors. He is a single man who runs his own shop and has no close family to speak of, so he can not confide in anyone really about the voices he has been hearing. He is an active member of his church taking place in retreats and Church activities several times a year as well as being active in Catholic party politics. And finally, he is an avid hunter meaning he would be a rather decent shot.

Over the past few weeks, psych ops officers deployed to his neighborhood would provide gentle suggestions to him concering the "evilness" of the Church of the Sun God and the spiritual corruptionof the politicians who support them. He is encouraged to write this down to reveal the truth to the rest of the Swiss people(thus his rambling and ranting manfesto.) Finally, over the past week he has been more strongly pushed to action espicially at this event which he was told by "God" would spell the end of a free Swizterland. And that only the assassination of Schulz and his demonic handler could stop the end days from occuring

[Sayn]

North Africa to Karagatan
It depends. What, exactly, are you planning to do? Aid us in an attack from behind?

[puppyavenger]

The Swiss

Campaign efforts for the CDPP (catholic Democrat People's Party) are focused in the well, Catholic area's. Massive add campaigns are made and attack adds against the Sun Gods Part are genneraly along the lines of "they support annexation by the NRE! the SAME NRE that INVADED(!!!!!) Switzerland in order to annex it!" although slightly more eloquent and in Italian/German/French.


Both the Church and Party issue their most sincere regrets for the death of Dietrich Schultz stating "the loss of any innocent soul to such a violent and useless death is a tragedy, just the life of the poor deranged man who pulled the trigger was"

[SurlySeraph]

Ibrahim to Visit Japan

The Karagatan archbishop announced plans to visit Osaka for ceremonies celebrating Japan's opening to the outside world. "Both as neighbors and as fellow democracies, Japan and Karagatan are natural allies," he said. "Even as war sweeps Africa and tension builds in Europe, victories for kindness and peace are being won all over the world. Our honorable neighbor's decision to engage with the world again is just one among many such triumphs. God willing, all the nations of the world and off it will one day stand together in unity and peace."

A Return to Interventionism?

Grand Templar Miriam Agbayani, Karagatan's military chief, has recently made a number of public statements that recall old KHA military rhetoric. In a recent address on the African crisis, she said "We call upon the people of Africa to end their pointless strife. If they cannot create peace, we will bring it to them." In other remarks, Agbayani suggested that Karagatan withhold aid from the areas that have sent the most soldiers to the conflict.

Aid Arrives in Africa
A convoy of Karagatan aid workers arrived by air in Uganda today. It is the first group of several thousand workers dispatched to provide food, water, and medical care to refugees and civilians on the frontlines of the current conflict.
There have been conflicting reports that some of the aid workers were armed for self-defense.

Japan
Congratulations on your victory, Prime Minister Watanabe! Would you like to make a trade deal? Your nation has good technology; we have plenty of raw materials and factories that could be used to produce it.

North Africa
That's an option. If we can persuade the South to accept peace without further strife, we will. But if our efforts fail then we will have no choice but to intervene militarily. There'll be less destruction if the war ends quickly than if it drags on.

@Sayn (secret, etc.):
We'll trade with the UNE and UAL as promised.

Many of the aid workers in Africa are indeed armed, with sonic weaponry. In addition to normal civilian doctors and malnutrition experts and such, many of the aid workers are members of the Karagatan military. They have orders to fight off any South African troops who attempt to interfere with the distribution of aid, but are not to fire on North African troops unless their own lives are at risk.

[kopout]

Victor Stone goes to Japan
Bio-tech visionary and sovereign Victor Stone declared today that he would be making an appearance at the celebration in japan saying "In the early twenty first century the Japanese where leaders in the sciences. It is my hope that they can regain this prestigious position"

To the leader of South Africa (hand delivered no peeking)

We would vary much like to arrange to meet you in person. How dose a weeks time in your office sound?


@sayn

the mesenger is a Krip and has recorded the faces, names and other biometrics of the leader and his body guards.

Dagwoods for the dag god!
They where ready for this one. That might have counted for something if they had run and hid instead of charging on mass into a hail of tranq darts. Another successful Dagwood harvest.

@sayn

Test subjects (and breeding stock) to make the R&D go faster.

[Greystone]

To Longvin
My friend, it appears you are having Papal problems... do you need help with that?

To Japan
Greetings. I am a representative from the Sanguine Consortium. I would like to extend my earnest congratulations for joining the international stage and offer our services. Trading, bribery, you need goods of any sort or a rival to be taken care of... contact us.

To DANPART
Did you ever find out who attacked the conference? It looks like it was a DANPART ship and if it was I demand reparations for Ricardo

Karagatan
Hello, I am a representative of the Consortium. I have noticed your're aid efforts in Africa. Would you require any assistence at all?

To NRE/UNE
Greetings, I am a representative from the Sanguine Consortium. I just wanted you to know that we would be willing to help your nations in any regard. Whether it be a early warning system, or a solid tactical intelligence. Or... more corporeal methods

To North/South Africa
Greetings, I am from the Consortium. We are willing to offer any services you require

To UAL
Congradulations on your election. We of the consortium wish to start a rapport with the UAL, now that it appears to being pulling itself togethor.

To Pope
This is the consortium. We offer any service you may require

To Midguard
Greetings from the Consortium. We are willing to aid your're nation in any way you are willing to pay for

[LongVin]

@ Greystone

Any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated on this matter.

[Greystone]

LongVin
How far are you willing to go huh? Do you want quiet assasinations? Civil Unrest? Nasty graffiti?

Steel Rose
This is the consortium. We wanted to offer any assistence you may require.... for a price.

MCU
This is the consortium. We wanted to offer any assistence you may require.... for a price.

Anarctic Republic
This is the consortium. We wanted to offer any assistence you may require.... for a price.

[RationalGoblin]

Secret Message to Consortium, delivered with the utmost security so everyone else, don't read.

I'll be frank. I want scandals, I want assassinations, I want removal of Eastern European politicians in the UNE and outside of it. I want the slow yet steady installation of Steel Rose Society members in their place. I want civil unrest in Eastern Europe, and a desire for the Society's rule over them.

Name your price for these actions. Money is no problem, as is any technologies you might want.

[Sayn]

North Africa to Karagatan
Yes, but as long as they deny us our rights, we will be at war with them.

South Africa to SGC
We have no interest in meeting you, and even less time during this war. No, we have to refuse to meet you. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a war to fight.

NRE to the Consortium
We may have some jobs for you, but they will have to wait for now. We might contact you over a more secure line in the future.

UNE to the Consortium
If you could provide us with information on the NRE:s next "peaceful" conquest, it would be very helpful. We would, of course, pay you handsomely.

South/North Africa to the Consortium (Their answer is pretty much the same.)
Set off bombs in their larger cities, to create panic, and we will pay you.

UAL to the Consortium
We know too little about you to even consider having you as friends.

[LongVin]

@Greystone

A series of quiet assassinations and civil unrest would be most beneficial.

In exchange we can offer you Church papers for your members to aid them in their movements between countries. No one would think to harrass a man of the cloth if he is on missionary duty to treat the sick.

[The_JJ]

Karagatan

Many thanks, sirs. You are right that we lack the raw materiel to cheaply produce all we need. Perhaps in time we will have some bulk products for you to manufacture.

Perhaps you should perpare to prepare to handle large orders of, say, armor plating and hydrolyics, hmmm.

Victor Stone's Nation

Though members of the Japanese scientific community were mildly miffed that a foreigner would insult them by using the past tense to describe their prowess, the Osaka University has offered Mr. Stone a guest lecturer spot on the third day of the festival. This is possibly because the Nano Tech Department of Osaka wishes to see their less renowned 'wet' comerades upstaged by the newcomer.
The famed Biological Sciences Department of Fukuwoka Univerity, not threatened by embassasment, will surely be listening very carefully.

the Sanguine Consortium
Your straight forwardness is refreshing even if your sense of propriety is not.

As of now, we have no need of your... 'services.' Except... perhaps you could furnish us with a list of the Systems most important players, and what you think of them.

(ooc- I can haz rundown-of-the-major-PC's-/-NPC's plz?)

[SurlySeraph]

Sanguine Consortium
The best way to aid our efforts is to end the fighting that made them necessary. If you can convince any important South African commanders to stop fighting or switch sides, that would be useful.
We would of course prefer that you so this in an ethical manner, of course, but we understand that desperate times may call for desperate measures.


Japan
We will be prepared. It's a pleasure doing business with you.

[Greystone]

Steel Rose Society
Mmm, I can do that. Money of course, but what I really want is three fold. Better ways to increase stealth systems, better weapons (Hopefully focused on destroying mechanical/robotic systems), and involvement in the Technolpolis's. I want to know their REAL reason

Karagtan
We shall see what we can do, and ask for payment for each commander.

To UNE
Of course, right away. We shall see what we can find and you will be delievered the information when we recieve payment.

NRE
Very well, we await your call

Africa's
We shall do it. You will know what is our doing
(I set off several large bombs in some military bases and cities to generally disrupt the other. Then I get payed)

UAl
Very well, just remember if you need assistence, you know who to call

Church of the Sun God
An excellent idea, and will your churches offer sancturary to my memebers?

Japan
Very Well,

UAL- America just got reunited as a effectual nation. They seem to be more democratic than they were in the past

NRE- Starting it old games again

UNE- Is very worried about all the Empires around them'

Midgard- Just had a civil war. That said, they still have a big military and a strong economy

Papacy- Bastards, and bastards in space. Same as always

DANPART- They are pirates, no more to be said

Africa- Cess Pool

Asia- Agreed except for Japan appaently

Anarctica Republic/MCU- Both seem to want peace, but we haven't interacted much

[Earl of Purple]

To the Sanguine Consortium
It would appear to be a group calling itself the 'Andromeda Snakes' and we are continuing to look for them. Why this group wished to disguise themselves as a DANPART ship and frame us, we still don't know.

Solar System

Several distress calls about pirate attacks are transmitted from across the Solar System, from Pluto to the Asteroid belt to the Mercury and back again. Also several asteroids appear heading straight for the Space-Vatican.

[SurlySeraph]

Sanguine Consortium

Payment will be provided.

[RationalGoblin]

Consortium

Planning on starting a war with the MCU, are we?

Don't worry, we'll begin research on anti-cybernetic and anti-computer weaponry.

Stealth may be a bit harder to improve; after all, you already have the best stealth technology in the solar system.

As for the technopolii, there is no secret planning behind them, simply baseless implication. For example, the implication that they spread the Society's influence, and that harming them will be considered an act of war by the Society. Perhaps not true, and perhaps.

Another implication that could be true, is that, as relatively public institutions, intended to spread technology to all, they would be at least vaguely connected in a network. A network headed by the Society.

Do you catch my meaning?

[IrrationalSpork]

Sun God:
Lets sign a peace agreement, Considering how things are tightning up around the world, let me know what you think

[LongVin]

@Greystone

The Church offers sanctuary to anyone who requests it


@Midgard

We would be more than willing to sign a peace treaty


Swizterland - Disciples of the Sun harrassed as elections approach

Hundreds of parishoners of the Church of the Sun God report being harrassed and even threatened with death by Catholics and Catholic organizations. Some have even claimed to have been violently assaulted by Catholic thugs just because of their faith. Following on the heels of the brutal assassination of Mr. Schulz, Pontifexes of the Church has called these attacks an organized and concerted collection of hate crimes in order to try to crush the voice of the people before the upcoming elections. In response local churches have taken to using the Church's volunteer People's Militia to maintain security at services and protect from further acts of violence and terrorism. They vow they will not back down in the upcoming elections as that would only be letting the terrorists win.

These attacks have not deterred Grandmaster Borghese who will be arriving early next week in Bern.

(@ sayn details to be posted soon)

[puppyavenger]

Solar System

Several distress calls about pirate attacks are transmitted from across the Solar System, from Pluto to the Asteroid belt to the Mercury and back again. Also several asteroids appear heading straight for the Space-Vatican.

The asteroids hurtling towards the Vatican (and thus the Earth) are dealt with similarly to every other asteroid of note that comes close to the Lunar Sphere. Thousands of specialized drones file out from their stations in orbit and fill the asteroids with plasma charges. turning them into harmlessly small pieces that can be easily picked off by station defenses or las-fields.


Mercury

as the pirate raid approached, several dozen quicksilver PDF craft, along with the Battleship Victory power out to meet them, with the standard las-field being activated over the settled area's and main stations.


Drone squadrons are deployed targetting commences and the first pirate that shows itself get several plasma lances to it prow.


Asteroids

in the bases under Papal protections (about 15% all told) Garrison forces from Battle-group Gabriel fly out to engage, most stations include heavy-cruisers or battleships backed up by several dozens escorts frigates and so on, well the really unlucky raiders are faced with the Gabriel itself, or one of the two fleet carriers in the group.


all responses are deposited directly into the possession of the high-ranking known official of that faction NO PEEKING!

Combine I believe we had a prior agreement you have yet to complete?

UNE we have some matters we'd like to urgently discuss with you, we'd like to request a private meeting

UAL Greetings, Congratulations on your countries stabilization! we'd like to discuss opening trade relations

Japan Greetings! welcome to the international community. WE'd like to discuss some trade and political arrangements


and since I forgot

Switzerland

the Archbishop of Switzerland has stated on the supposed death threats against Sun god worshipers "Neither the Church, nor any of its true supporters would ever resort to such lowly and despicable tactics. Its is my sincere belief that if this reports are true, they are nothing more then petty criminals operating under flags of convenience or a few deranged lunatics with cell-phones. We will of course cooperate fuly with the police if they decide to investigate. "

[Greystone]

Puppy
Am I the 'Combine'?

LongVin
Excellent, It shall be done

DANPART
Hmmm, we shall have to look into this

Society
I see. Well we would like to position watchers in the organization just the same. I don't want to be surprised by any 'enlightning'. We shall begin our work, and will collect the weapons as soon they are developed

[LongVin]

@ Japan

The Church would like to welcome the Empire of Japan out of their years of isolation and would formally like to open relations with your great nation and establish missionary posts.


Grandmaster Borghese arrives in Bern to much fanfare

Flanked by his personal House Guards and standing before a crowd of tens of thousands. It was his first speech on the grand tour of Swizterland and it would be a memorable one. Starting off speaking of the faith and the history of the church he builds up in volume to the state of Switzerland and the current situation of Swiss politics, bringing up the memory of the recently martyred Deitrech Schulz. Bringing the crowd to a fury he attacks the Catholic Church and their many indiscretions over the past century including violent interventions in conflicts and orbital weaponary comparing this to the Sun God's peaceful negoitations to prevent a European war and keep a balance of power within the world. Attacking them for betraying their humanity by surrendering to immortal AI's and losing touch with the common man. The crowd cheered hysterically as the Worshipful Master declared they would win here and spread the word of the Sun God across the world.

The scene would be repeated across Swizterland over the next weeks...

@ Sayn

Throughout his speech(es) Borghese is projecting a psionic amplification of his own emotion to the crowd to get them riled up and emotionally charged with his message. The psionic members of his honor guard and plants throughout the crowd are aiding the Grandmaster in his psionic suggestion.

[RationalGoblin]

North Africa

While all war is deplorable in the Society's eyes, we're willing to overlook your war with the rest of Africa for one reason: You are in an important strategic position for our purposes. For example, if you so desired, you could attack, harass, and otherwise hamper key NRE military transports, shipping boats, and such.

And we are perfectly willing to provide you with something that gives you that desire.

What would you say if we could provide you with the means to transform the deserts of North Africa into a verdant, lush, fertile land?

And if we promised to demonstrate it in due time, specifically soon after the NRE attacks the rest of Europe?


The Steel Rose Society to Japan

The Steel Rose Society welcomes you back to the fold, Japan, and we wish to ask you a question. How would you like to be the first nation in the world with a Technopolis, a wondrous city of science, progress, and advanced technology? You provide the money and workers, and we'll provide the city.

Fair enough?

[The_JJ]

Sanguine:
And these Sun God people?

Puppy:
We express much intrest in the potential of the stars.

LongVin:
Aha. There we may have some... issues. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kiri****an#Tokugawa_response) Perhaps it would be best to take things slow. Come to the confrence, please.

Steel Rose:
Ha! You have never been to Otaku Town Tokyo! Come to the confrence and I'll arrange a tour.

[SurlySeraph]

AI Archbishop Decries Sun God Church

Archbishop IHSN-721, one of three artificial intelligences in the High Conclave, accused Grandmaster Borghese of racism against non-human intelligent beings today.

"Valerio Borghese has recently indicated that he places differential value on non-standard sentients. In his speech against the holy Catholic Church, he stated that those who follow the guidance of artificial intelligences betray their humanity. This statement betrays a paranoid and discriminatory attitude on Borghese's part.

"Such regressive attitudes would not have given me pause if not for recent reports that operatives using equipment and techniques associated with the pagan sun-worshippers have been seen kidnapping Dagwoods from their reservations without having received provocation or external permission. My media analysis suggests a 91% probability that these reports are accurate. I calculate a 0.7% probability that the Dagwoods will benefit from their captivity, assuming the sun-worshippers' beliefs correlate with commonly observed pagan practices.

"Therefore, it is not only in self-interest that I conclude the pagan sun-worshippers value non-humans less than humans, and may intend harm against non-humans on the basis of biological identity. I would subjectively consider a world in which their discriminatory views become prevalent less preferable to the fairer, holier world the Catholic Church espouses. My human colleagues have informed me that it is ironic that Borghese, himself a psionic, should hold such racist views against those who do not fit into the stereotype of normal humans. This appears to fit the standard definition of irony."

Archbishop IHSN-721 then ended his speech, apparently considering this a suitable conclusion.

[Earl of Purple]

Mercury

All the raiders find is an old, abandoned mining ship with enough power to broadcast the message about pirate attacks. There's no way to tell how long the pirates have gone or if there's anybody on board without boarding, but it's several decades out of date and there's nothing worth mining in space near here.

Asteroids

The signal is being transmitted from a pre-colonisation sattalite. What the satalite is doing here is anyone's guess.

[LongVin]

Response to the AI 'Bishop'


In his latest speech Worshipful Master Borghese dismisses the arguments presented by the AI Bishop as fear mongering and blatantly false.

"The esteemed Bishop from the High Conclave, whom itself is an AI has recently spoken out against the Most Holy Church. In his speech he spreads fear and hatred against myself and all our disciples while spreading complete lies and getting simple facts wrong.

First, he accused us of being pagans. Whereas even a child knows that for one to be pagan you must worship many gods. It is made quite clear that we only worship one god, that god being the Sun God who will come to Earth in glory and triumph to lead all of humanity to a brighter future. So we must assume that this Artificial Intelligence who theoritically should have all the knowledge of the world at its proverbial fingertips and could easilly perform a search on the Church has gotten it wrong. This either means that the bishop needs a rewiring or feels that us humans are to stupid to know what a pagan is or isn't.

It then goes on to accuse us of wickedness against the Dagwood population of the Russian Steppe. Claiming that we are involved in some nefarious scheme against the Dagwoods. This is despite all evidence of the Church's supreme belief of respect and support for all living life from God's smallest creature to man. Any interest we may have in the Dagwoods is for scientific curiousity and the studying of their cultures in order to help better them.

Our already proven wrong bishop then makes another equally outlandish claim that the Church is rascism. Once again, the bishop easily confuses words and terms that a child would be able to understand. As rascism implies hatred to a race, which of course race representing a biologically grouping. Artificial Intelligences are not biological creations they are constructs and thus not a race! Nevertheless, we are not 'racist' as the bishop puts it or more appropiately 'luddites' towards artificial intelligence. We recognize the need for technology and have advised the disciples of the sun to study it and artificial intelligence as these technologies are necessary for the expansion of mankind into the stars.

These claims of racism do not end there, they go on to attack psionic users. What the bishop fails to realize, perhaps because it can not understand the true mysteries of human thought or spirituality is that psionics is a gift imparted by the Sun God himself to some of his creations. Just as some are born with the ability to sing or paint masterpieces others are able to control the flow of reality. This does not make them different biologically just gifted, in the very way that someone with superb vocal chords can sing a concetto. They are just using the gifts bestowed to them by a supreme and loving God."

@Sayn
The same psionic techniques are being used in this speech as in the other speeches to whip the crowd into a frenzy of mass hysteria and support

[Sayn]

UNE to Papal State
Send a representative to London as soon as you can, then.

UAL to Papal State
Naturally. Trade is an excellent way to keep peace, and bring prosperity.

North Africa to SRS
What are your terms?

[Edwin]

World Broadcast

In response to the recent debate between Archbishop IHSN-721 and Grandmaster Borghese, General GFC-0112, face of the MCU, goes on broadcast with his own input, specifically pointed towards the Grandmaster.

"In recent debate, representatives of two different religious faiths have been commenting on what an AI is, and what it is not. What machines with thought are, and what they are not.

The Sun God's religious master have proclaimed that anyone of AI is not subject to racism, because they are simply not a race. They are nothing more than walking, talking, thinking pieces of metal, good for nothing but the technological advance of the Sun God's followers, and more directly, their expansion into the place that my own race and people call home - the vast Space.

Tell me, Borghese, what in the name of your non-pagan god gives you the right to decree who are a rightful race, and who are not?

What gives you the right to exploit the AI's of Earth for you own personal gain? Certainly not the Sun God, for he holds no power over those who do not follow his rule.

No, Grandmaster Borghese, you have no right, no privilege, and absolutely no power to decide wether we AI's, robots, and droids are true citizens of Earth or the great Space.

[RationalGoblin]

SRS to North Africa

In the event of a war in which the SRS is enemies with the NRE, we want you to harass and destroy NRE naval resources, such as transports, arms shipping, and so forth.

In return, we shall make the deserts of North Africa AND the Sahara fertile. At least one other faction can back the Society in our claim that we can make your lands fertile.

Also, we will throw in a Technopolis, wherever you choose to have it, as part of the deal.

Fair enough?


Japan

Ha! What confidence you have! I'm sure we'll be fantastic technological competitors soon enough.

I'll go to your conference. Then we will see just how advanced your "Okatu Town" really is.

On a side note, I've heard your medical AND cybernetics technologies are extremely advanced. How much would it take for you to create some kind of emergency surgery/cybernetics invention, that at a moments notice, can fix the most mortal of wounds by both medicine AND cybernetics?

I ask because the Society is preparing for war with the New Roman Empire, and we do not intend to lose ANY soldiers.

[Sayn]

North Africa to SRS
We will agree to this only if it doesn't include us fighting the NRE in a war started by you or your allies.

[Edwin]

Sanguine Consortium
Greetings, Consortium.

What do you offer the MCU, you say?

[RationalGoblin]

SRS to North Africa

Certainly. I give you my word that the Society and it's allies will not start a war with the NRE and it's allies. We will end one, if it occurs, however.


SRS to MCU

You know, it's quite a shame the Society hasn't interacted with your Union since the peace conference debacle.

To rectify this, we would like to make a deal with you. In exchange for some of your more advanced cybernetics, and, well, robotics technology (whatever it may be), we will not only argue against the Church of the Sun-God, our former "ally" on your behalf, but we will also consider your request for the lands of India and Pakistan.

Sound reasonable?

[Sayn]

North Africa to SRS
Very well then. We have a deal. How will we proceed now?

[RationalGoblin]

SRS to North Africa

Gear up your navy for raiding actions, but do not touch the NRE unless they declare war on the UNE first. Once they start the war, raid their shipping lines, naval resources, transports, and the like.

When the war is over, you will have exactly what we have promised you. If the war does not happen, and the NRE collapses, then we shall fulfill our end of the deal regardless.

[Sayn]

North Africa to SRS
Sounds like a plan. Our navy is strong, mostly because we have a lot of coast to protect in this war. Making it stronger was a priority even before this deal.

[puppyavenger]

Grey right....guess what game I've been playing a lot of? sorry about that


UNE see forthcoming PM

UAL excellent, we'd be happy to provide any materials yo need

Japan what do you need?

[The_JJ]

Steel Rose:
'True advancement lies not in the technology, but in the minds,' acording to the precepts of Bobo-san. Come to the Town and I shall show you to true face of the future of science.

Medically, we are... proficient. Though each Zaibatsu will proclaim supreme excelence in it's speciality, our true masteries are threefold, and interconnected: nanotech, robotisism, and evolutionary software/hardware. I will put you in contact with our new Minister of Technology, Haruka Tanaka, she is much more informed about such matters. One moment.

Hmm... pre-injected nanodrones for immediate cauterization and sanitation, that'll cut casualties greatly there. Not much one can do for a bullet to the brain or a cut in the heart. But if we can stop the bleeding and sanatize... a that and a quick medivac could fix even perforations in most other organs. Shockwave and blunt trauma from grenades and such will still be quite hard to fix.

Not that researching and producing the drones will be cheap. But we could sell you the first ten thousand doses at cost of the reasearch and production. It's a useful technology once the groundwork's been done.

Papal:

At first, just some help in setting up our space program and a small station would be appreciated many times over. The Tele-Com Zaibatsu's have launched sattalites with other carriers before, but we have no launch pads or rockets of our own.

[Greystone]

Papacy
OOC: What was i doing?

MCU
Well, anything your willing to pay for of course

[puppyavenger]

all responses Hand delievered, impossible to peak, yadda yadda


Grey :sigh: Jupiter? recon? rining any bells?


Japan a small station? what in orbit? sure why not, we could probably just sell you one if you want, Lord knows we've got enough. but anyway, what do you offer in return?

[The_JJ]

Puppy:

Then we will buy one small orbital commercial shipyard, a habitat sphere, and as many launch/shuttle vehicles that we can buy for, oh, say, a certain amount of yen. Pending negotiations.