Watch as a bright city rises amidst the dark [Diplomatic RP]

[Havensky]

The Three Shields Bar
Crystal City, Havensky
Region of Texas

It was around midnight in Texas when the breaking news alerts started to chime in across the newswire and on social media. Smart phones and screens began chiming with alerts and the people of Crystal City tuned in. When it became obvious that the news was something in regard to the conflict in Gholgoth, the more adventurous or social who were still awake began to pile into neighborhood bars.

It was taking a while for the news to come on. The anchors of the larger Skyan Broadcasting Services were trying not to speculate, even with rumors of a victory in Gholgoth coming in. As the rumors spread, the bars and cafes filled up even in the late hour. People were woken up and told to turn on the screens.

For the last six months, the Skybound Republic of Havensky had been in armed conflict with the Kraven Reich. Kraven had struck first, hitting the Skyan Military Academy during a graduation ceremony in an attempt to kidnap Lady Jessica Heart. The plot had failed, but at great cost. Many of the students had been killed and another officer had been captured. That led to the Skyan's deployment into the former territory of Milograd. Sir Lucas Ironwing had been deployed as an envoy to Gholgoth only to be greeted by an assassination attempted through the bombing of a Jagite vessel.

Things had not been going well. The national mood had soured after Ironwing's arrest and the successful kidnapping of Lady Heart. For the first time in recent memory, the entire Armada had been deployed in an offensive capacity. The Skybound Republic had called in their favors and assembled a large force with one goal in mind: The invasion of Norska.

The plan had seemed outright insane. It was called the Fortress Norska for a reason and the forces of the Reich had vast numbers at it's command - and Gholgoth never was kind to outsiders.

The public wasn't sure when the Armada would arrive - but the news coming out in the dead of night meant something big must have happened. The Three Shields was now packed with it's old wooden bar pouring out drinks right and left even as the crowd was still unsure if the news was good.

The screens in the bar chimed with a familiar news alert and finally the Chief Anchor for the network came in view. A taller lady in her late fifties, she spoke the following words in a serious steady tone.

Ladies and gentleman,

We have breaking news for you tonight regarding the conflict in Gholgoth. We can now confirm that Secretary of State Heart has been rescued and has made an appearance at the Gothic Council in ULE City in Automagfreek. Early reports indicate that she came directly from her rescue with the Legionaries that freed her escorting her into the chamber still armed. In addition, Secretary of State Heart has requested recognition as a Gothic Lord.

Cheers went up in the bar which were so loud that the crowd didn't hear the last line. A line would which alter the national identity of Havensky dramatically.

I can't believe they did it., came the voice of Edalynn Burham. She was sitting next to her husband James as they watched the screen. James Owlwing took a sip of his beer and shook his head.

I thought they were crazy for sending the invasion fleet. Never thought they'd break into the Reich itself and stage a rescue. Holy shit..

The text below the screen shifted to show Heart declared Gothic Lord - War Ends. The bar got quiet as they listened to try to understand what just happened.

We now have confirmation in an unprecedented vote - that Secretary of State Jessica Heart and her husband Sir Lucas Ironwing have been declared Gothic Lords. This makes Havensky a member of the Gothic Alliance and effectively ends the war.

We're still getting further details but for now the State Department is confirming that the war is over!

The bar went crazy again. Some of the patrons who had family in the service began crying tears of relief. Somewhere outside, fireworks were being shot off. It wasn't technically allowed in the city - but at this point nobody was going to complain.

As we're getting more details on both the rescue and the Gothic Vote - we can also report that Sir Lucas Ironwing has been freed from prison in Dephire. With his new status as Gothic Lord the court has thrown out the charges leveled against him by the Kraven Reich. Although, as a reminder - the trial appears to have been a diplomatic ploy to avoid handing Ironwing over to the Reich. We are being told that he is enroute to ULE City to reunite with his wife.

We can now announce that the unit responsible for the rescue of Secretary Heart was Heartbreak Company's 1st Squadron from the 201st Special Airborne Operations Brigade - assisted by a Dephiran operative. We are not authorized to release any of their names - only that they lost a single soldier. A soldier which will be honored amidst our celebrations.

The screen flashed to pictures of celebrations that were occurring across the country with flags waving and horns blaring.

OK, we have just received a copy of the peace treaty which makes this all official - and it appears that concessions have been made on both sides. Milograd is being split up, with Havensky taking control of the capital city of Argyz... and ....wait, is this true.....

Ladies and gentleman, as part of this treaty the Skybound Republic of Havensky will be given substantial territory in Gholgoth - just north of Jagada... We are still getting details, but the deal would effectively double the size of the nation.

Jaws dropped in the Three Shields. The Skyan people had expected the status quo to be restored: The return of their people, the end of hostility, and nothing more. The fact that they had won a whole new country was a shock to the system. The Skyans, whose lineage included the Kingdom of Fourhearts - which had been destroyed by global climate change, could simply not comprehend the fact that their territory had just been doubled.

Do you think you'll get a call?, asked James.

What? Why would I get a call?

You're the best urban planner in the country... we just got a new city and a new territory... I imagine you'd get a call.

Edalynn scoffed and took another drink of her wine.

Are you drunk? I'm one of the best... besides...this...this is a whole other beast entirely.. They're talking about building an entire country from scratch...right on the doorstep of our greatest enemy. I wouldn't be surprised if they just turned it into an Armada base.

Oh come on.... why wouldn't they call?

Do you know how much work it's going to take? To build a city from scratch? There's transportation, there's energy infrastructure, how to build the jobs, how to get trade going, not to mention the fact that it'll be a huge target from jump-street. They don't need a city...they need a damn... what's it called... a damn citadel!

A gentleman in a sharp suit came up behind the couple and tapped Edalynn on the shoulder.

Excuse me Ms. Burham, Prime Minister Artemis would like a word if it is not too inconvenient.

* * * * *

Havensky Republican Airship Oshadega
Skyan War Armada
Gothic Sea

And just like that... the conflict was over.

Sky Marshall Gonzales leaned back against the command chair and breathed a sigh of relief.

Ensign, get me High Command... I want to know what they want me to do with this great big damn fleet I've got assembled.

Yes sir!

A few moments passed.

Sir, High Command has ordered us to form up around the new Skyan territories - with our engineers working to establish a port ASAP.

Sky Marshall Gonzales nodded, Very well, make it so.

* * * *

HRA Open Hand
World Assembly Headquarters, Dock 118

The phone rang three times before it finally work Atticus up.

Atticus had gone to bed at about 3:00 in the morning local time from his office at the World Assembly. He normally went to sleep much sooner, but had stayed up to watch the news. Aroused from his slumber about two hours later, he groaned as he answered.

Atticus speaking...you need what!? Can't it wait till morning local time? Well of course I understand what just happened! Boss lady did good! Wait, I'm being named... slow down..slow down..

Atticus reached over and grabbed his glasses. He powered up his pocket tablet to start taking notes.

That's...quite an honor, but it seems like Lady Heart is doing just fine... why am I being named... Ok... Just wanted to make sure... No, of course I can get something out right away... Right, I'll get it out and then head down to the Stanger's Bar to make some initial moves. Thank you very much... goodbye.

Atticus hung up and placed the phone back down. He got up, put his robe on and went down to the galley to start coffee. The newly named Acting Secretary of State of the Skybound Republic had work to do.

* * * *

Proclamation of the Skybound Republic of Havensky

The People of the Skybound Republic of Havensky hail the peace treaty that has ended the conflict in Gholgoth. In light of recent events, the People of Havensky announce their intention to build a new city in Gholgoth as well as rebuild the Milogradian City of Argyz.

To do this, we will be reaching out to interested nations who would like to establish relations with the newly formed Gothic State of Havensky. We will also be opening our borders to immigrants who wish to start a new life in our new city. Citizenship will be granted to those who spend six months in the service of building the new city.

As we have had to defend our liberties in the recent past, also be advised that both the new city and Argyz will also be the home of new military bases. The Engineers of the Airship Armada will be deployed to the new city to help build out the port and the initial infrastructure of the new city.

At the behalf and the behest of the People of Havensky, this government wishes to extend the hand of friendship to all of Gholgoth and to the world at large. I, their humble servant, will gladly speak with any nation wishing to take this opportunity to build trust and friendship amongst our peoples.

With warmest regards,

Lance Atticus,
Acting Secretary of State
The Skybound Republic of Havensky

OCC:

This thread takes place in the aftermath of the thread Soldiers of a Neverending War, and before the Sword of Damocles. It's meant to be a diplomatic thread that centers around the building of Citadel City - which will act as the new capital for Gothic Havensky.

There will not be any war/conflicts in this particular thread, but because the events in Sword/Defiant Sky (2 years later) do include a war - the characters in this thread will be preparing for a war. They see that the new city a mere 200 miles from Kraven is a huge target. They'll want to be prepared.

This thread is wide-open for diplomatic type-posts. If you're wanting to establish an embassy/business in the new city or send a bunch of refugees/emigrants my way, that's fine too - but let's PM to coordinate it better.

[Havensky]

Prime Minister's Residence
Crystal City, Havensky
Texas Region

I'm sorry Prime Minister, I'm not following?

Edalynn was in a state of shock. She and her husband had been brought to the Prime Minister's residence at 1am and was now sitting across the table from Prime Minister Elizabeth Artemis.

Listen, I know it's late and you may be a bit fuzzy at the moment - but the Minister of Urban Development read your thesis paper at Crystal City University about defensive cities and to be frank - he's a big fan. I've seen your work myself - I live in the Circle District and I while I may not fully understand the ins and outs of urban planning - my advisors like what they see.

Edalynn took a deep breath and laid her cards out on the table.

Madame Prime Minister, I'm honored to be considered... but this is a massive undertaking. You're asking me to design a new city from nothing... a city that has to be both a beacon to those seeking to live a new life of freedom and at the same time be a refuge from dark forces seeking to kill every last resident of the new city.

And you're telling me that this government is prepared to spend....a flat out ridiculous amount of money to ensure the success of the project...and you'll let me control of large portion of that funding... so that whatever I say goes.. and... and...

The Prime Minister smiled, It's a little unbelievable isn't' it? However, understand that we aren't just playing SimCity on cheat-mode here. If we're really going to be a force in Gholgoth, we have to have a base to operate from. Gholgoth is a rough place and I'm sure you can appreciate the challenges that we face there. The High Council is faced with two options. The first is to do the bare minimum. Establish a military base in the new territory and use that as a first line of defense against the Kraven cappers. Be part of the council. Wave the flag - rah rah rah - and all that.

However, that won't quite do it. People can ignore token presences. And if we're really going to make a dent, we need a real life city. Gholgoth desperately needs more democratically minded nations to help bring balance. We don't just need a city - we need a great city. A city that will shine like a beacon to every soul wishing freedom and a chance at a new life. Sure, we might get a rag-tag citizenry made up of Gholgoth's refuse... but gods damn it - if this works - we gain a powerful advantage over the Reich... a strong Skyan City-State that shines bright against the infinite darkness that lays just outside our borders. A city that exemplifies hope.. that inspires....that brings people together..and is a force to be reckoned with in it's own right.

Edalynn shook her head and places her head in her hands.

But, you realize.... I'll need people... thousands of people...willing to build this city. And I'll need the biggest damn supply chain ever built.... and and I'm serious about this... the unwavering support of the construction companies...that when I say I want the walls two feet thick that they don't argue... because if you're trying to do what I think you're trying to do... then you don't want a city. You want a damn fortress. A city that can repel attacks and keep it's people safe within it's arms... a city that in the darkest hour of the darkest day will still hold... a citadel.

Citadels are expensive..and complicated...with redundancies that seem crazy to anyone else...is the government really willing to support this?

Prime Minister Artemis smiled, Why do you think we called you?

[Brellach]

H E R   C O U R T   O F   B R E L L A C H

Brightest blessings;

To those of Havensky, it is my honour to convey the bright tidings of the Magnificent and Beautiful, Wise and Powerful, Perfect and Almighty, Avatar of the Divine Glory, Queen Lyta of Brellach, Her horses swift and Her blade true, who has tasked me with delivering to you Her congratulations for the resolution of a most horrific conflict and the end of the life taking. She should also like to congratulate you for the gains you and yours have made.

It is Her understanding that you seek to build a new city, from the True Ground, in your new lands, and for that She has the greatest respect. It is a monumental undertaking that shall surely stand in the histories as a most impressive achievement. To you and yours She wishes to ask that, while busying yourselves with such a monolithic task, you forget not that The Creation is sacred and that steps are taken to safeguard such, or as best as you can in the circumstances.

It also befalls me to express Her desire that this grand opportunity be opened to those Brellachi who would seek to avail themselves of it. Perhaps this can be the commencement of positive relations between our peoples in the Times Yet to Come.

Most humbly,

Fellis Jessina
Most Devout Advisor of Her Court,
Holy Queendom of Brellach

[Havensky]

Fellis Jessina,

It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. The People of Havensky appreciate and are honored by Queen Lyta's words of well wishes.

I have enclosed an early draft copy of plans for the new Port of Citadel City. We hope that your Queen will appreciate our environmentally friendly designs. You will also notice that there are several trade hubs that we would plan on leasing to nations who seek to access to new markets in the Gothic Regions. If interested, my government would love to set up a meeting between our trade departments.

Best Regards,

Lance Atticus
Secretary of State (Acting)
The Skybound Republic of Havensky

Atticus sent out the communication and turned back to the Skyan General sitting across his desk.

Your visit is well time General Redtalon. The High Council was just looking over your plans for the new port. You're certain you have enough resources to build it?

General Redtalon, a broad shouldered and gruff sort of character, merely scoffed.

You've given me 2/3rds of the entire Engineering Corp. You've requisitioned enough sea and airships that I'm having a harder time coordinating them all. We'll get it done. I'll need another two weeks to get all the construction equipment loaded and then it'll take another two weeks to get to deployment area - but once we're there we should be able to get basic functionality pretty quickly. It's power that's going to be the problem.

We've thought of that, but I'm still fighting about it.

Redtalon tilted his head curiously, What do you mean?

The HRA Oshadega has four small nuclear power plants. I imagine we can get a decent sized down powered just from that. The Armada isn't too happy about the proposal to re-purposing one warships, but we can always set it back once we finish building a bigger power plant.

And they're really going to go along with that?

They may not have much of a choice. We need the dock and construction up and running. The less time it takes to get the base built, the less time we're vulnerable.

[Brellach]

H E R   C O U R T   O F   B R E L L A C H

Brightest blessings;

Gratitude for your timely and polite response.

Assuredly, those plans hint at a marvellous city to be raised from the True Ground in the Times Yet To Come, and I wait impatiently for those times so that we can see the plans become real. The Magnificent and Beautiful, Wise and Powerful, Perfect and Almighty, Avatar of the Divine Glory, Queen Lyta of Brellach, Her horses swift and Her blade true, is also pleased that Her fears of damage to The Creation can be quelled some, and issues Her thanks for the sharing by you and yours, Lance Atticus.

She is equally pleased that you would make an offer of opportunity to the Holy Queendom and cannot, in Her Divine Wisdom, chance to miss out on such. She keenly desires to strengthen the economy of Hers and ours, and as to foster cordiality with Those of Other Places; to be involved in any way with this new city of you and yours may be key to those goals.

By your instruction, Rena Vaska, Devout Advisor of Her Court, With Responsibility For Speaking With Those of Other Places, has Her leave to conduct Her Divine Will in Other Places, and can transport to places of convenience to you and yours, and speak of how we might work together in the Times Yet To Come.

Most humbly,

Fellis Jessina
Most Devout Advisor of Her Court,
Holy Queendom of Brellach

[Havensky]

Crystal City, Havensky
Texas Region

By the sky, look at all this!, shouted Edalynn over the noise of the helijet engine.

Lady Edalynn Burham, newly appointed Grand Architect of Citadel City, stepped off the ramp of the helijet and on the deck of the HRS Master Craftsman. The large construction vessel was docked at Crystal City Port along with a large fleet of other construction and supertankers. A mix of airships floated above the sea fleet in formation as they waited for the sea vessels to undock.

An Armada sailor marched up to Lady Burham and saluted sharply.

Good morning ma'am, welcome to the Master Craftsman! Captain Greywing and General Redtalon are on the bridge ready to brief you - I'll take you up there now.

Thank you.. Petty Officer, said Edalynn as she struggled to identify the sailor's rank. She looked out onto the horizon and saw nothing but vessel after vessel.

Petty officer, how many vessels are there?

Five Sledgehammer-Class Construction vessels, twelve Cornucopia-Class Supertankers, twelve Seabee-Class Utility Frigates, twelve Seahawk-Class Escort Cruisers. Above us, there is one Liberty Class airship carrier, twelve Defender-Class Airship Cruisers, and twenty smaller Beaver-Class Utility Airships.

Edalynn whistled.

The Prime Minister wasn't kidding when she said she that I'd be given resources. Why all the military escorts?

Gholgoth's still a dangerous place.. and it's a long way from there to here.

We're going straight there? There's not a port in between?

The sailor shook his head, We have Port Provoka, but that's on the other side of Gholgoth. There's not a port big enough to hold all this. For the moment, we need to take everything with us.

That's not really ideal...I'll speak with the High Council about it.

****

Argyz, Former Territory of Milograd
Gholgoth

Colonel Bexar stepped into the old city hall building of the former capital city of Milograd. Bexar had helped to lead the 1st Skya Armored division into the city to liberate it from Kraven invaders. They had successfully defended the city from a steady bombardment and got the airport back running at a somewhat normal pace. As a reward for their efforts, the Skyans had been granted the territory inside the city.

Well, as much of a reward as broken city could be. Years of war and neglect had left the former city a half-empty shell and a mere shadow of it's former glory.

Bexar had been made Provisional Governor of the City-State and given the difficult task of rebuilding the city. Or at the very least, get the city set up to where they could hold elections for their own government. A large part of this would be a military base, which he could delegate to somebody else.

The other big advantage that he had was that the Skyan Coalition of Corporations had just been given a charter to build new factories in the city. The new Citadel City would need lots of steel, concrete, lumber, and stone. It would also need new products fairly quickly. It would be cheaper to build them in Argyz and then ship them over to the Citadel. It was also help employ people in the area, which would help stabilize the area.

Baxter, start having some of the detachment put up work notices. I don't know who all is left in this city - but if there is anyone, we could use the help

* * * *

HRA Open Hand
Personal Airship of WA Ambassador Lance Atticus

Excuse me?, asked Atticus in disbelief.

Atticus couldn't believe his ears. The Prime Minister was asking Atticus to negotiate getting the Skybound Republic another territory.

I understand, but that's quite a bit of investment from the very start... do we have the budget for that? OK, if you say so. Yes ma'am. Will do. Good evening to you too. Goodbye.

Atticus clicked off the communicator and walked over to his desk. He shook his head and began to type while talking to himself.

The High Council has lost it's mind. Sure, it's a long way from Texas to Gholgoth - but to add a whole other city to the mix in a whole different territory is more than just a little ambitious. And in Sondria no less! But hey, I am here to serve. If they want a port at the halfway mark to help with logistics and trade, I'll get them one. Let's see... who have we dealt with there... hmmmm....hmmm.... Oh, here we go!

Atticus clicked a file on his screen and it opened up. A few months ago, the Skyan Humanitarian Fleet had delivered aid to the Elder Republic of Erjunhuf using one of the smaller islands.

Hmmm, I think this will do just fine. Let me bring up the Telegram Machine...and...

[b]TO: President Kyra Blackridge of the Elder Republic of Erjunjuf
FROM: Acting Secretary of State Lance Atticus of the Skybound Republic of Havensky

Greetings,

On the behalf and behest of the People of Havensky, I wish to convey the warm wishes of my government and hopes for our continued friendship. We greatly admire and respect the Elder Republic and feel that our previous partnership in delivering aid during the Yalos Conflict was very fruitful.

The People of Havensky wish to inquire about a long term lease of one of your islands in the West Sevil. As you might be aware, we have established new territories in Gholgoth and seek to establish a trade port between the two territories.

We would primarily use the island as a port for shipping between our territories as well as a trade hub for Sondrian markets. We would not intend to house a military base at the port aside from normal Coast Guard operations and our standard naval and airship escorts. The Skyan People are prepared to offer favorable terms to in exchange for the lease.

If you are interested, please feel free to contact me directly. As this effort is of the upmost importance to my People, feel free to contact me at anytime.

May there be continuing friendship between our people and may fortune favor you and yours.

Best Regards,
Lance Atticus
World Assembly Ambassador and Acting Secretary of State
Skybound Republic of Havensky

[Havensky]

Background post

"Interesting the business of communications; we take it so much for granted today... And yet it's because we can communicate so easily that change happens so fast... [It's made] a real impact on the spread of ideas, and the changes that happened because people could contact each other."

-James Burke

---

Offices of the Central Directorate: Schultaria Prime, Schultaria Prime

"... so, at the moment, the fleet construction program is advancing ahead of schedule. The Defense Forces hope to add the core elements of the ninth and tenth territorial fleets by the end of the year, and the heavier ships should be ready for sea trials in eighteen months."

Folding his arms, Central Director Elliot Schultz settled into his high-back chair - the springs of the swivel mount faintly creaking as he let out a sigh. Parsing through his datapad filled with Gantt Charts and cost projections, he panned slowly up from a data-driven malaise. "I'm sorry, Bashar Commodore, it's been a long day. And entirely not your fault. Please proceed." Nodding for the speaker to continue he put down his tablet and leaned forward, resting his chin between the thumb and forefinger of his right hand.

'We expect the new fleets to be completely combat ready in twenty-four to thirty months, depending on recruitment numbers. Unfortunately we've missed our enrollment targets eight times over the past eleven months. The Zivot Bay fiasco and lack of resolution - military or otherwise - has really hurt morale.

Of course, the larger problem will be to find accommodating ports for extended missions. Everyone in here knows just as well as the Navy that the loss of the Forvelts has exposed a number of flaws with our transnational operations - specifically safe harbors."

Director Haarvekord nodded in agreement. "At the risk of sounding too blunt, Kraven turned a basic rescue mission into a goddamned disaster. Normally diplomatic channels would smooth this over..."

'Sarni, you might the only one with a PhD in the room, but you really are a naive son of a bitch," Schultz replied with a touch of venom. "We're all guilty of not giving the Forvelts a fighting chance, but not all of us here are equally guilty of expecting Krav..." Looking around, he turned his head somberly to the Naval delegation. "Bashar Commodore - my apologies, but would you be so kind as to conclude the briefing in the Auxillary without Director Haarvekord and myself? We can reschedule the conclusion of your remarks for the both of us after dinner."

Slightly perturbed, the throng of officials filed out of the Central Director's ornate office. With a resounding clack, the room turned icy.

"Well?"

"Well what?" Haarvekord looked out the window towards the multi-kilometer arcologies dominating the Capitol landscape as the liquid crystal privacy screens slowly turned off, "We're the grandchildren of gods - chosen to steer the ship of state. Nearly ten billion people... out there among the throngs, chose us... US... to insure their future. Protect them from harm while we let the wellsprings of creativity flow. And what did you do? You let us collude with... things... like Kraven instead of protecting who we are."

"Just who... in the ever-loving hell do you think you are, Sarnow? Your hippy-dippy bullshit about keeping military costs down and cutting back on defense research forced us on this road. Instead of spending a few tenths of a percent to keep the fleet in line and updated, we had to go gray and soft with Kraven. And when the regional blockade began? What about that, Prof? In case you've forgotten, we had to sell to the devil in order to eat after losing a few hundred billion in freight to Tyrrhenian raiding parties."

Haarvekord slumped in his seat, "thank Awanyu that Joan isn't here. She'd kick both of our asses and gain eight to ten points during the next general."

Elliot sighed, "Like there's going to be another election for me... I'm... I'm not going to say I'm sorry because we're both part of this machine, but at least look at it in context. In the grand scheme, we got off pretty lightly. We can't correct every wrong, but there's a chance to clear things up." Thumbing through his datapad, a message assembled itself on the synthpaper surface, "lookit what came through the Designwerks Internationale channels today."

Raising his eyebrows, he thumbed through the missive, "so, what are you going to do with this?"

Schultz smiled, "collect back-payment on a few outstanding bills."

---

HOLOUPLINK - USSSP CENTDIR (CLASSIFIED ENCRYPTION - CLEARANCE Q⁴)
AAUTH: ESCHULTZ-USSSP
TIMESTAMP: 21:10 SCT, 18 TAS 125 SDC

---

(Image)

To: Lady Edalynn Burnham. Master Planner - Citadel City. The Skybound Republic of Havensky
From: Elliot Schultz. Chief Executive Officer - Designwerks | Central Director - United Socialist States of Schultaria Prime
Cc: Lance Atticus. Secretary of State - The Skybound Republic of Havensky
Karl Xardas, Ph.D. Secretary of State - USSSP
Otomo Vin'ta'eliah, Mil.D. Secretary of Defense - USSSP
Douglass Kronsen, Ph.D. Chair and Head Fellow - Central Scientific Collective. USSSP
Subject: Telecommunications infrastructure tender: Re: Citadel City.

Lady Burnham,

I would like to extend my personal welcome to you and all the members of the esteemed Skybound Republic to Gholgoth. Speaking from my capacity as a Gothic Lord, I must apologize for the extremely tumultuous beginnings your state has faced while becoming part of the regional fold. I personally apologize that our state couldn't provide its support when you required it the most, but know that you are among friends when speaking to the USSSP.

On behalf of my position as CEO of The State Industries of Schultaria Prime, and the five billion strong who work for its myriad firms, corporations, and concerns, we are grateful for your tender request to provide a comprehensive communications infrastructure to Citadel City. In careful study of your particular holdings near Jagada and the former State of Milograd, we believe that Designwerks Nume'kognaa can provide sufficient equipment to fulfill your needs in the four most critical categories:

• The ability to maintain functionality against the most extreme physical and electronic threats
• The ability to serve multiple hard-wired and wireless form factors
• The ability to deliver a consistently high level of bandwidth for commercial consumers
• The ability to support international and trans-regional communications for possible national defense purposes

To fulfill these particular parameters will require a comprehensive survey of the area's urban plans alongside growth projections for the next 25 years. Once that's been fulfilled, Designwerks will begin to establish oceanic cables, satellite infrastructure, municipal fiber-optic grids, and secure superluminal quantum cable links for civilian, military, and diplomatic purposes. The anticipated construction time frame will be dependent on the complexity of the installation, but we anticipate being able to install sufficient telecommunications capacity for a community of approximately 10,000 persons / km² at the rate of 0.25-0.5 km² per day, dependent on utility accessibility issues.

The precise tender for equipment and services to set up and maintain the infrastructure requested are considerable, but we would like to offer a slight counter-proposal to either offset or abrogate the costs of construction.

Following our most recent military engagement with the Kraven Reich, the Naval Defense Forces have identified a number of serious gaps in our strategic and logistical operations plans. Critical among these issues is the establishment of forward operating bases in order to refuel and resupply our state's seaborne assets. Given the critical proximity of Citadel City to the Reich, Designwerks would be willing to provide all telecommunications assets at a considerable discount - up to gratis - in exchange for the development of a deep water port designed to serve as a remote facility to serve Skyan and Schultarian Naval assets patrolling the southwestern Gothic region. These port facilities, constructed by Designwerks, would be sufficient for the berthing of up to 200 vessels at a time with special facilities for the servicing of Superdreadnaughts and large contingents of submersible craft.

I understand this is a complex matter, but the USSSP is willing to negotiate in order to make this a fair and equitable arrangement for all sides. I hope that we may be in further communication when you feel the time is right to discuss more concrete details regarding this proposal.


Sincerely,

Elliot Schultz.
-Chief Executive Officer - The State Industries of Schultaria Prime - Designwerks
-Central Director - The United Socialist States of Schultaria Prime (SDC 90 - Present)

HRA Open Hand
Personal Airship of Lance Atticus

(Acting) Secretary of State Atticus heard the glass screen of his office tablet ring. He swiveled his chair around and hit the 'on' button. The face of Citadel City Master Planner Edalynn Burnham appeared.

Good afternoon Secretary Atticus.

Good afternoon, to what do I owe the pleasure?

I received a message back from Designwerks with regard to putting in infrastructure for our telecommunications. They've suggested a rather unorthodox deal and I wanted to run it by you first. I think they cc'd you on it - but I imagine your inbox must be murder.

Atticus turned to his tablet and quickly scanned it. It was true. With Atticus being both the acting secretary of state and the World Assembly Ambassador his inbox was constantly getting dinged with messages.

Ah, here it is.... let me look at it.... Oh? Very interesting. Hmmmm, very interesting indeed. I think Ironwing and the whole High Council are going to like this. The whole point of this is to put a check on the cappers. And it looks like we're getting a bargain for Argyz City as well.

Tell them the answer is yes. It'll take a little bit for us to draw up a contract, but that I'd be more than happy to head their way to hammer out details. I'm already airborne so it'll be a pretty quick trip.
Go ahead and reply that their terms