2013: The World In Your Hands[IC]

[Felix Terra]

OOC

Washington, D.C.
United States of America
January 21st, 2013
The inauguration had just ended, and Luke Collins was already getting to work.

The new POTUS was a senator who, when Obama left the race early in the campaign, was chosen as the new Democratic candidate--to no ones surprise. He won, to EVERYONE'S surprise, thanks to Romney's attempt at ballot-stuffing. And, there he was, in the Oval Office, working.

His first order of business was to meet with the minister of education. A black woman, mid-40's, walked in.

"You wanted to see me, Mr.President?"
"Ah, yes. We need to talk on my campaign promise of making all education free."
"But... but sir, that was a campaign promise..."
"And I am a man who keeps his promises."

And so, the meeting began...

[Bojikami]

Alexei sat in his office, alone. He lit a cigar and looked at a book in his hand, it was the Communist Manifesto by Karl Marx, he always supported communism, Today is the day... the USSR shall rise again! he chuckled, but the chuckles grew into a maniacal laugh.

[The Ancient World]

UK Prime Minister David Cameron was having a meeting with some officials. There were rumors that the new US president was going to make education free.
"Sir, this is absurd. We shouldn't follow in their footsteps," Michael Johnson, Secratary of Education, said.
"I think it is a bad idea as well. We need to advise him that he shouldn't do it." Cameron replied.
Later that day, Cameron released a statement that his was in disageement with what the President was doing.

[The New Lowlands]

[OOC: Education in the UK is free already.]
President Mukherjee and Vice-President Mohammad Ansari walked with slow, gentle intention outside the east façade of the great concrete structure that was the Rashtrapati Bhavan, or Presidential Palace. The two men spoke with weight, carrying the fate of their nation on their words.

"Mr. President, we must invest in the educational system. If the children of our country cannot learn-"

Mukherjee raised a hand to silence his colleague. "I have heard this many times before, Ansari, and I have already taken action towards that end." He glanced at Ansari as they kept on walking. "I have diverted a few billion in funds to the Department of Education. The 'children of our nation,' as you call them, will be provided for."

The Vice-President blinked. "Oh. Very well, then."

Mukherjee twirled his hand in the air. "What else is there to address?"

"There is the upcoming anniversary of the war with Pakistan." The Vice-President murmured.

"Which one?"

"Good question."

The President sighed, rubbing his temples. "We'll unveil that brotherhood statue. Cancel the military parades."

"And what about the issue with the USSR?"

Now it was the President's turn to blink. "What now?"

"The Soviet Union. They're back, sir."

The President's expression turned suddenly harsh.

"Contact our embassy in China. Ask the Reds- the ChiComs- to cut off their trade with Russia. We will do as they do."

The Vice-president blinked, staring at him. "But, sir-"

"We must strangle the Soviet Union in its' cradle. Before it threatens the freedom of all of us." the President spoke gravely, sincerely. "Do you forget what happened in Afghanistan?"

[Aeken]

The Islamic leader of Egypt, Mohamed Morsi, looked out over Cairo in the night, its streets filled with people and lights flashing everywhere.

"The Indians and the Chinese may become valuable allies," Mahmoud Mekki said behind Egypt's leader, silently walking over to a nearby chair.

"Mekki, you know we can't do that. Pakistan is a major obstacle to India as well as us for the sake of relations," Morsi warned.

"Then we must grow more power have them come to us."

"Yes. We will unite the Sudan with our Republic once again. It has tortured its people long enough."

"Very well Morsi. I shall alert the military."

---

Egyption-Sudanese border, Al-Nakir Outpost, 7:21 am, February 7th, 2013

The military had been mobilizing on the border. It was Morsi's and his Brotherhood's plan to unite the Arabs south of him, as chaos had plagued the country. Tanks rolled in, creating a large rumbling heard miles away. Aircraft screamed as they flew out to Sudan, vapor following closely behind. The army marched, guns at the ready. General Yousef Al-Karmi, looking out in the outpost tower, gun in hand, waited for the transmission from Cairo to be finished. The Parliament was still in session. Minutes later, the decrelation of war had passed, prompting Al-Karmi to initiate the attack.

[Bojikami]

Alexei sat upon his chair and looked to the camera "From this day forward, we are no longer Russia. We are the Soviet Union! Communism never failed. It shall always prevail!"

Surprisingly, citizens of Russia were rather accepting of the new incarnation of the USSR. But, Ukraine and other former republics of the USSR were fearful of it. Fearful of the coming dominions. But Alexei relieved them saying "The USSR is perfectly content with its current territory. And to the USA donot fear any military confrontation. You leave us alone, we leave you alone." Then the broadcast closed out.

[Felix Terra]

White House
Washington, DC
February 4th, 2013
President Collins turned off the TV.

"This doesn't make any sense... I'll call the Kremlin."

He picked up a small, red, 1960's style phone.

"This is the President of the United States, is anyone there?"

[The New Lowlands]

दिल्ली मेल
INDIA'S FIRST NEWS SOURCE
PRESIDENT UNVEILS STATUE
Mukherjee Declares; "Wars Must End!"

The President of the Indian Republic today unveiled a vast new monument to the casualties of the Pakistani-Indian Conflict today, amid continued efforts by the Indian Government to redress issues formed with the Pakistanis following the independence of India from the British Empire.

"The time has come to step out of the past and into the new," spoke President Mukherjee after cancelling the usual military parades that occurred on the anniversary of the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. "We must seek reconciliation with our Pakistani brothers, and end the cycle of violence that has plagued our region."

The news came along with an Indian declaration that it willing to hold a localized referendum over control of the Kashmir region, a territory which has often been a source of conflict between India and Pakistan.

INDIAN ECONOMY GROWS AS CHINA LABOUR COSTS RISE

The Indian manufacturing industry today received a heavy boost, as European and American companies move increasingly towards India and Bangladesh for their production purposes.

The shift is due to headwinds in the global economy, causing lower demand than expected, and the gradual increase of the minimum wage in China, as well as a "brain drain" of Chinese graduates moving to Western nations to find jobs appropriate to their level of education.

While the Indian Authorities congratulated China on improving the living conditions in their country as of early 2005, the Indian Government has yet to make similar moves, causing various companies to rush to India, Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Malaysia for their manufacturing instead.

INDIAN NAVY TO BE UPDATED, SAY OFFICIALS
Authorities for the Indian High Seas Fleet said today that a government inquest into Indian blue-water capabilities has led to a possible increase in military spending in the overseas projection field. The vast attentions of the Indian Government are to be directed toward the acquisition of various projection ships to boost the Indian Government's capabilities to respond to threats to Indian interests overseas. This is a derail of previous spending, which usually focused on ICBM capacity (which has since been attained) and threatening Pakistan.

[Bojikami]

White House
Washington, DC
February 4th, 2013
President Collins turned off the TV.

"This doesn't make any sense... I'll call the Kremlin."

He picked up a small, red, 1960's style phone.

"This is the President of the United States, is anyone there?"

Alexei picks up the phone "A yes. Mister president. Is there anything I can do for you?"

[Eastern Kirgyzstan]

Xínhua
The People's National Newsletter

Beijing

With the recent inauguration of Xi Jinping, national labor and naval production rates are said to be "more then tripled" by the end of the coming year. Both Soviet and North Korean relations are also increasing with the constant sale and supply of Chinese firearms to foreign powers, which is proving to be effective to the cause. In addition, taxes have gone up 2% this week, and are expected to follow the course of the industry and lower themselves by next month.

A new, fortified, representative naval base was recently queued for construction in the south-eastern remote area of Dalian, to increase military involvement in the Pacific, and watch over our North Korean comrades. It's planned completion is to take place sometime next year, but the People's Navy Corps will be taking over the project more soon then expected. "We want to climb over the obstacles that have been put in place for us, or simply go around them, which will be easier the more we grow our Navy" stated Naval Officer Yi-zen Tsu, corresponding to Xínhua reporters.

In other news, the "Democratic Party of China" was found guilty of committing treason to the homeland and the People, by conducting an illegal arms trade at an undisclosed South Korean port. Once again, this year, all political parties with the exception of the glorious Chinese Communist Party, have been officially banned and will be treated/prosecuted as enemies of the state. Communist heir, Timao Gixteinj commented; "This is why the West fails to produce a common good, they are too stuck up into their own, greedy affairs, to even notice that were watching their every move."


Zhangiang

Local fishing organizations are swarming the rivers and seas as the international fish market grows, likewise agencies and government workers are gathering huge amounts of seafood to then export it throughout Asia. It has been one of China's specialty markets for a certain time now, and ensures it's firm current status as a one of the few remaining global powers.

Trade routes will be going from Yantai to Wenzhou, then Dongguan, followed by Vietnamese trade with the arrival in Qinzhou, which will work it's way up to Burma when it gets to Kunming, and go up the entire border with the final destination being Dēqēn.

The People's Republic of China

___________________________________________________________________________________

It was an awakening age for China, the world was silently breaking up into sides, and there was no better time to rise then now. Militarization is increasing throughout the country which is perfectly reflecting current world events today, even India has new found plans of expanding it's armies. But that was not the main focus, everybody's attention was directed at the idea of becoming an economic, militaristic and global giant.

This is what was, and is needed, as importing and exporting is not enough, but this was to be well thought out, by the most wisest ones of the Party.

[Mondrova]

Bern - Bern Zentralen Krankenhaus - Opening Party

President Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf, was enjoying a rather pleasant party at a large hall to celebrate the opening of the new hospital in Bern, the capitol of Switzerland. Bern Zentralen Krankenhaus, or Bern Central Hospital, was the new uber modern medical center that had been recently constructed in the city. It was expected to the most advanced medical facility in the world, able to cater to any variety illnesses as well as serve as a place for research into cures and diseases. It had its own R&D department as well as a large auditorium for educational purposes and lectures. All in all, it was not entirely necessary, considering the general health of the Swiss people, but it certainly was good publicity and was expected to turn out a considerable profit overseas through the development of new drugs to be sold to pharmaceuticals.

The party itself though was really not about the new medical center, as it was about the people in it. On the one hand it was a little celebration for the president, much to her amusement. Of course anyone at the party was aware that the president had no power to authorize such a large scheme, and was in fact more of an overseer and executive member of the Federal Council. Still, it was much easier let the common man, mostly those from outside of the homeland, believe that the President held some sort of ruling power. The other reason was of course, the rich and powerful of Switzerland meeting to discuss business while enjoying the good publicity that comes with a opening ceremony for such a humanitarian cause. Eveline had already talked to several CEO's of companies such as Nestle, Novartis, and Sarasin & Cie AG. Exports of new chemical and medicinal products were up 6% worldwide, following the development of a new super pesticide. A wonderful thing for getting rid of those nasty weeds and fungi, as well as those annoying insects and pests in general, of course it was terrible if you happened to a human or animal. It had been, several times over, proven to be harmful to animal life, as well as contaminating water, of course many countries were a bit more lax with there testing. The Chinese, the Americans, the Brazilians, they were all big buyers of the product. Perhaps a little immoral, but if the government of those countries were fine with it, well, who were they to stop them?

Then there was the rather enjoyable fact that now 30.7% of all funds held outside of the country of origin were now held in Swiss banks. Eveline briefly wondered how many of the worlds richest people held money in their nation, though she was distracted by the sound of a loud and silky laughter. She pinpointed the source of the laughter and gave a big smile. It was an old friend, Sophie Sarkund, the African rep. for Nestle. How many years has it been? Two, three even. Then almost as if Sophie had read her mend. "Well if it isn't little Eveline. How many years has it been, eh, three?"

She had a sort of smug look on her face, as she gave her a half smile, almost like she was making fun of her. Though Eveline would have been bothered by it once upon a time ago, but by now she knew her too well. She gave a big smile to her. "I should think so Soph's." Sophie's face then broke into a big smile. "It's good to see you again Eveline, I've missed you. How's it been, I mean your the president of the council, but who wants to here about that. Tell me all the gossip, I've been in Africa for god knows how long. So, who's cheating on who, anyone get killed, and what's the new big thing?" "You really haven't changed at all have you? Good, I wouldn't want it any other way." So the two old friends, perhaps an unusual pair, sat by the large bay window and talked about three years worth of news and stories in a surprising amount of time. The of course, as one would expect given the members of the conversation, it turned to politics.

The two had been laughing for the better part of 5 minutes now after talking about some old story from High school. As the two were finally stopping to get some breath Sophie gave her a serious look. "Ohh god, to think I used to like him, I swear, when I thought you did too I was going take you down. Oh, but now, sweety, I have to talk to you about some serious things. I mean, I'm no politician, though I been all over, seen it all through Nestle, so what are you going to be doing about this new communist surge?" Eveline looked up at her and wiped her mouth with a nearby napkin. "Hmm, I was hoping to avoid talk of such... unpleasantries, but I suppose if I have to I'd rather talk to you about it. The fact is, we aren't overly concerned. We have been neutral for so long, war isn't much of a issue for us, and really, as long as this New USSR, is willing to do business, it's not to much of a bother. Really, they'll drive themselves into the ground, same as before, and we'll make a handsome profit off the back of it." She then gave a sigh. "Of course, it's not as simple as that of course. We are neutral in any such affairs, but the world will expect us to be against this pathetic regime, to oppose them, but we'd much rather... not. It is a delicate situation indeed. The Swiss nation is doing very well, our GDP is actually on the rise right now, and my administration is pushing its policies successfully. Still, it's such a bother." "I can see what your saying, still you've got to do what's good for the nation..." So was the rest of the nights conversation.

[Felix Terra]

White House
Washington, DC
February 4th, 2013
President Collins turned off the TV.

"This doesn't make any sense... I'll call the Kremlin."

He picked up a small, red, 1960's style phone.

"This is the President of the United States, is anyone there?"

Alexei picks up the phone "A yes. Mister president. Is there anything I can do for you?"

"I heard that you want to start a new USSR. And, forgive me, but I must ask: ARE YOU NUTS?! You might start a Second Cold War!"

[Bojikami]

Alexei picks up the phone "A yes. Mister president. Is there anything I can do for you?"

"I heard that you want to start a new USSR. And, forgive me, but I must ask: ARE YOU NUTS?! You might start a Second Cold War!"

"Mr. President, I desire no warfare with the United States. The cold war era had long passed. The world has changed." Alexei was shocked at the president

[Eastern Kirgyzstan]

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Beijing, PRC

The People's Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Chaoyang District, Beijing

"Mr. Lei, the state's news press has arrived." "Very well I shall be down in a moment" said the executive style man in charge. His office is on the 10th floor, therefore being able to gaze and watch over the People's Republic from dawn to sunset. Sitting down on his leather sofa, he grabs the letter he had just received from the Chairman, and neatly opens it up and starts to read it.

Encryption Level: Very High

To whom this may be concerned, as you may have seen recently, the Russians have once again
turned to the greater thoughts of Communism which is great news for the Republic. We can now
return to secure, worthy trades, and unprecedented relations with the people from the north. As
you can see, China is also changing, but forming itself into something bigger, internally growing
and conscription rates have significantly risen. Our economy is shaking the world, and soon shall
the Soviets follow our path, therefore authorizing only I, myself, Chairman of the People's Party, Xi
Jinping, a military alliance with our fellow Communists.

-Xi Jinping

Taking out his golden ballpoint pen, he follows his orders and writes out a letter to the Soviet leader, about great economic, social, and militaristic opportunities.

To: Alexei Morkarov
From: Hong Lei, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Encryption Level: Very High

Hello comrade Morkarov, I am pleased to write you this letter in request from my orders, as you see, China and Russia will soon be the only eastern influences left in this world, left to fend for each other in the middle of it all. Most Asian relations are very much appreciated but still, we get influenced more and more by the west at an alarming rate. Alas, the People's Republic wishes for greater, stronger bonds with the Soviet people, and would gladly offer a military alliance so both of our vast nations can grow, and prosper, hundreds of times more.

Sincerely, Hong Lei
No. 2, Chaoyangmen Nandajie, Chaoyang District, Beijing

Shenyang, PRC

Full militarization of the area was to be conducted, the North Koreans were really tense with the South, therefore, reinforcing the closest military base to Korean borders is ideal. 7 T-62's have recently arrived and are now stationed here, in addition to a load of 5000 AK-12's to supply the local enforcement agencies and soldiers, and the base troops. Marches have been conducted throughout the day, officers are even spreading the word that there will soon be another major Korean War. There was lots of doubt, but no one was to really investigate further, all they could do is wait and see if anybody will press the wrong button.

[Bojikami]

To: Bong Lei
From: The desk of Alexei Markarov, Premier of the USSR
Encryption Level: Very High

Hello Comrade,

We are very pleased to accept your offer for an alliance, but we only ask that we keep this quiet. For the USA is... getting suspicious.

[The New Lowlands]

भारत गणराज्य

---

The two men, President Mukherjee and Vice-President Mohammad Ansari leaders of the worlds' most populous democracy, once again walked slowly down the avenue that had been pleasantly placed in front of India's Rashtrapati Bhavan, a symbol of India's newfound strength and peaceful wishes.

"We seem to spend a lot of time here, Mr. Ansari."

"I find the sound of the wind through the leaves comforting, Mr. President." the bearded Ansari replied. "It allows me to do better in my work."

Mukherjee inclined his head towards his colleague. "What are the issues that face us today, then, Ansari?"

The Vice-President cleared his throat, and read slowly from the list of issues.

"The Chinese have once again reminded us of the depths of their depravity, as they are arming the North Koreans; the Russians have stated peaceful intentions towards the world, the liars; The Pakistanis seem too stunned by our efforts at reconciliation to respond. I suppose that is a good thing; the Swiss are opening crazy mans' hospitals."

Mukherjee chuckled, and gave a quick nod. "Is our transcriber with us?"

Ansari gave a quick wave to a young man who waited several paces behind them. He rushed up, clutching a small, thin black device, and switched it on.

Mukherkjee cleared his throat. "To the Honourable President of the United States..."

---

OFFICIAL COMMUNIQUÉ
FROM THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDIA
TO THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES

Encrpytion: Sensitive

Dear Sir,

On behalf of the Government of the Indian Republic, I would like to inquire as to what measures you have taken against the (rather obvious) re-armament of the DPRK by the People's Republic of China.

While we do not have a very long history of co-operation with your nation, we would like to extend the hand of friendship, from one free state to the other, at this time of trial. We know that the rise of Asian industrialism may trouble you; but we wish to dispel those fears. India remains at heart a peaceful state, and we hope to cooperate with you and the other Western Powers in assuring our mutual defence and safety.

Regards,
Pranab Mukherjee,
President of the Indian Republic

---

दिल्ली मेल
INDIA'S FIRST NEWS SOURCE
INDUSTRY FLEES TO INDIA
CHINESE TAX HIKE PANICS INVESTORS

A small smirk was set on the face of the current Indian Minister of Finance, Palaniappan Chidambaram, as various U.S. and European industrial firms among which Berliner MotorWerken, Rheinmetall AG, and Apple Incorporated rushed current factory construction projects in India following the Chinese Administration's reports of a general tax hike.

Although the Chinese Government declared that tax hikes were supposed to 'follow industry' and were expected to lower next month, the Indian Government's much laxer approach to raising taxes has enticed many companies to make the move, and many suspect that the Government does not intend to raise the tax rate until it has gained a firm foothold over China in the global industrial market, something that is set to happen now with another boom in the burgeoning Indian worker population.

the Indian President said that the events would 'not interfere' with his current plans to create a wider educational network and to significantly modernise the Indian Armed Forces. Reports have been made of Indian arms companies negotiating with Lockheed Martin, Eurofighter AG, Rheinmetall, and even Herstal Group. Reportedly, the Indian forces have ended size increases in favour of vastly superior armaments and technology to their Chinese neighbours, a project that has resulted in mass purchases of prototype European, Australian, and American equipment in a contract testing program.

The news came following reports that India was looking into joining the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, or NATO.

IN OTHER NEWS, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) confirmed reports that it was looking forward to closer cooperation with both the European Space Agency, the UKSA, NASA, and JAXA on the EXOMARS project. The administrator of ISRO, K. Radhakrishnan, said that "due to a combination of political and scientific concerns, we look forward to working with the space agencies of the free nations of the world for the scientific advancement of humankind."