Yngen sinks foreign whaler [OPEN, MT]

[Yngen]

The Empire of Yngen has always had strict conservation laws regarding its cetacean population, with hunting of them currently strictly managed by the Administratum Rusticam and dedicated protection zones in place, but today it took things a step further.

At roughly 1300hrs, a foreign fishing vessel pursued a tagged minke whale into Imperial waters. This whale was registered with the Administratum and, although free game when outside of Imperial waters, passed the sea borders whilst being pursued. The whaling vessel had already landed a harpoon hit on the creature, but the cable had snapped, forcing them to commit to another pass and attempt to land a further shot. They were confronted by an Imperial helicopter which, via radio, ordered them to desist and to remove themselves from Imperial waters, but they ignored both this and a warning shot, firing another harpoon into the animal in question.

The pilot of the Dragonfly scout helicopter launched two rockets at the hull of the whaling vessel, holing it and causing it to sink within six minutes, by which time the INV Blackfin, a Beluga-class corvette, arrived to pick up survivors, taking a total of eighty-three prisoners, with sixteen of the crew dead or unaccounted.

OOC -
This is open and MT, feel free to claim the crew as your own or jump in as a foreign government, NGO or other. Just don't post a terrible one-liner, insist the whalers are secretly all saboteurs you sent to blow up my government, or anything else boring

[Valdiu]

REPUBLIC OF VALDIU

~Onward Audaciously~

TO: Whom it may concern, Yngen

At roughly 1300 hours today, patrol boat VDS Swat picked up a distress call from a Valdian fishing boat in Yngen waters. Its crew reported arriving just in time to see the INV Blackfin launch two rockets at the VFV Jukebox, killing 16 of its crew of approximately 100. While I understand that they were whaling in Yngenian waters, which is a local crime, launching missiles? That's just too far.

This action has ignited riots throughout the capital and around the nation, calling for our nation to embargo, condemn, and in some extreme cases, invade. However, we recognize Yngen as an independent nation, and are simply asking for an official apology, $16,000,000NSD (a million for each family) in reparations, and whatever it costs to Valdian Fisheries to reconstruct the fishing vessel.

I hope we can put this incident behind us.

~Mitchell Thromright, Valdian Secretary of Foreign Affairs/Director of the Embassy

[Yngen]

From the Office of the Lord Administratus Rusticam, Allard Dubois

Mr Thornright,

I am afraid such a straightforwards solution is not acceptable. The Empire of Yngen exercises its rights and responsibilities throughout its territorial waters and not only was the VFV Jukebox well inside our nautical borders, but it was also committing a crime against Imperial property. Warning shots were fired by an Imperial air asset and verbal warnings were also delivered in English and Yngenious. As such, the actions taken by the ISDF personnel on this occasion are deemed to have been proper and in line with Imperial protocol. Unfortunately, the cetacean stock of our waters has been suffering in recent years and the Empire is dedicated to protecting and preserving it for future generations.

We cannot send the message that incursions into our water or transgressions against our livestock population are to be encouraged, and so we can neither pay the requested sum nor issue a formal apology, though we offer our sincerest condolences to the bereaved.

As a matter of note, we must settle the matter of the remaining crew currently held in Imperial custody. As a matter of course they would be charged on the following counts;

1. Entering Imperial waters in an armed vessel without leave
2. Poaching
3. Disobeying Imperial authorities

Yours sincerely
Lord Allard Dubois, Administratus Rusticam

Aboard the INV Blackfin

The rescued crew members had been given emergency medical treatment where necessary, and were now held on the front deck of the little ship, with the most severely injured in the cramped medical bay and those suffering shock or hypothermia held under guard in the mess. Luckily the weather was not too foul, merely overcast, as ISDF Marines kept a watchful eye on their prisoners.

Descending from the bridge, Captain du Pontelle stepped towards the group and demanded the captain of the Jukebox identify him or herself.

[Rawlincia]

REPUBLIC OF VALDIU

~Onward Audaciously~

TO: Whom it may concern, Yngen

(Image)

At roughly 1300 hours today, patrol boat VDS Swat picked up a distress call from a Valdian fishing boat in Yngen waters. Its crew reported arriving just in time to see the INV Blackfin launch two rockets at the VFV Jukebox, killing 16 of its crew of approximately 100. While I understand that they were whaling in Yngenian waters, which is a local crime, launching missiles? That's just too far.

This action has ignited riots throughout the capital and around the nation, calling for our nation to embargo, condemn, and in some extreme cases, invade. However, we recognize Yngen as an independent nation, and are simply asking for an official apology, $16,000,000NSD (a million for each family) in reparations, and whatever it costs to Valdian Fisheries to reconstruct the fishing vessel.

I hope we can put this incident behind us.

~Mitchell Thromright, Valdian Secretary of Foreign Affairs/Director of the Embassy

(Image)

As they were doing illegal activites, however we understand people go to desperate measures to make a living for their family. Thusfore the Rawlincian Government is giving a sum of 200,000 NSD to each familiy of the victims/criminals.

To Ynngen: Missiles on a poaching vessel? Thats overkill, water cannons and tear gas would do well enough. All you need is a few patrol frigates with water cannons and other less-than-lethal weapons. Check out the Rawlincian Maritime Piracy Protection Agency here viewtopic.php?f=4&t=306344&p=21113865#p21113865.

[Valdiu]

(Image)From the Office of the Lord Administratus Rusticam, Allard Dubois

Mr Thornright,

I am afraid such a straightforwards solution is not acceptable. The Empire of Yngen exercises its rights and responsibilities throughout its territorial waters and not only was the VFV Jukebox well inside our nautical borders, but it was also committing a crime against Imperial property. Warning shots were fired by an Imperial air asset and verbal warnings were also delivered in English and Yngenious. As such, the actions taken by the ISDF personnel on this occasion are deemed to have been proper and in line with Imperial protocol. Unfortunately, the cetacean stock of our waters has been suffering in recent years and the Empire is dedicated to protecting and preserving it for future generations.

We cannot send the message that incursions into our water or transgressions against our livestock population are to be encouraged, and so we can neither pay the requested sum nor issue a formal apology, though we offer our sincerest condolences to the bereaved.

As a matter of note, we must settle the matter of the remaining crew currently held in Imperial custody. As a matter of course they would be charged on the following counts;

1. Entering Imperial waters in an armed vessel without leave
2. Poaching
3. Disobeying Imperial authorities

Yours sincerely
Lord Allard Dubois, Administratus Rusticam

Aboard the INV Blackfin

The rescued crew members had been given emergency medical treatment where necessary, and were now held on the front deck of the little ship, with the most severely injured in the cramped medical bay and those suffering shock or hypothermia held under guard in the mess. Luckily the weather was not too foul, merely overcast, as ISDF Marines kept a watchful eye on their prisoners.

Descending from the bridge, Captain du Pontelle stepped towards the group and demanded the captain of the Jukebox identify him or herself.

REPUBLIC OF VALDIU

~Onward Audaciously~

TO: Lord Allard Dubois, Yngen

While I do agree that these fishermen and women were conducting illegal activities in your waters, the circumstances that you have created make it nearly impossible to settle this situation with straightforward solutions. Should you have simply boarded the Jukebox and arrested its crew, we would not be having this conversation, for lack of a better term. However, what the Blackfin did is not only far beyond the means needed to apprehend the crew, but murder as well.

I accept that reparations cannot be paid in the sum requested, and Rawlincia has so graciously agreed to pay a fifth of that sum. What I cannot accept is the fact that you cannot issue an apology to the distraught families of those you have killed? Shortly after the incident, the Department of Domestic Policy informed these families of their loss. These were families with newborn, families whose existence depended on those you have killed, and you refuse to apologize for murdering these fathers, these friends, these husbands, these wives? I find that inhumane. At the very least, tell me you have recovered the bodies.

Even the families of those you have not murdered are having a difficult time with this situation. How do you think they felt when they were told that their sons, daughters, mothers, fathers, husbands, wives, had been unjustly arrested following the brutal and sudden murder of 16 of their colleagues? They, and I, am and are calling for the return of these prisoners to be returned to their families, where they are to be tried in absentia for their crimes.

Furthermore, the VDS Swat (which is still in Yngen waters conducting SAR) has not reported seeing or hearing warning shots, and has not reported hearing any warnings on open channels. Unless you and the Jukebox had a closed channel, there was none broadcasted. If you have evidence otherwise, feel free to send me it.

~Mitchell Thromright, Valdian Secretary of Foreign Affairs/Director of the Embassy

INV Blackfin
First Mate Leonard Burke shakily raised his hand following du Pontelle's question. "I-I-I'm-m a-acting-ing c-c-capt-tain, s-sir," he stammered, in shock and frightened. "T-t-the c-captain w-w-w-was k-k-k-k-" Burke was unable to finish the word. He broke down in tears. "It's okay, Leo, we're all scared. It's okay," said Christopher Wright, next to him. "Can we at least get some blankets out here?" Wright complained.

OOC: Yngenious? Ingenious!

[Yngen]

(Image)From the Office of the Lord Administratus Rusticam, Allard Dubois

Mr Thornright,

The Imperial Government is sympathetic to the plight of those who lost lives in the incident, but the blame must lie with Valdian Fisheries for failing to observe proper operating practice. The company put the lives of these men and women at risk by failing to enact or enforce proper safety regulations.

Your request for extradition is noted, and the Imperial government is prepared to agree on this count, provided that Imperial observers are granted access to the trial in Validu. What charges would be laid by the Validan government?

Finally, we must insist that the VDS Swat be removed from our territorial waters immediately. The entirety of the crew has been accounted for and there are no more lives at stake; therefore there is no excuse for Validan vessels to be intruding in Imperial waters. Attached is the vehicle log from the Dragonfly scout helicopter involved in the incident.

Yours sincerely
Lord Allard Dubois, Administratus Rusticam

The 'vehicle log' is a rudimentary black box datafile, composed of automatic radio recordings and a mechanical device that records the number and amount of shots fired. Both confirm the Imperial story, roughly; one verbal warning was given, in Yngenious and English (OOC lol), followed by a single burst of sixteen 30mm rounds and then the two Hydra 70 rockets which blasted the hull.


INV Blackfin
du Pontelle waved a hand, and two of his crewmen hurried off to fetch blankets for the survivors. Cups of steaming, hot tea, bland but warm, were handed out as du Pontelle motioned for Wright to stand and talk with him - the First Mate was obviously not fit to talk. The captain was a short, bald man with an aquiline nose and a bushy grey moustache, his leathery, wind-beaten face perpetually squinting thanks to a lifetime of staring at sunny horizons.

"Mr Wright, I trust you are aware of the gravity of the situation. You and your men will not be harmed; you will be taken to Alvsbörg and there allowed to speak with representatives from your nation whilst the next steps are decided upon, but I must inform you that Yngen currently only practices the death penalty for a very small selection of crimes, and unless you had weapons of mass destruction on board the Jukebox I think you will be fine in this respect. Now, I must ask you some important questions. You may of course decline to answer, but I would advise against it. Were you and your crew aware that you had crossed into Imperial water? And did your captain hear or acknowledge our warning, before giving the command to fire the second harpoon?"[/quote]

[Valdiu]

(Image)From the Office of the Lord Administratus Rusticam, Allard Dubois

Mr Thornright,

The Imperial Government is sympathetic to the plight of those who lost lives in the incident, but the blame must lie with Valdian Fisheries for failing to observe proper operating practice. The company put the lives of these men and women at risk by failing to enact or enforce proper safety regulations.

Your request for extradition is noted, and the Imperial government is prepared to agree on this count, provided that Imperial observers are granted access to the trial in Validu. What charges would be laid by the Validan government?

Finally, we must insist that the VDS Swat be removed from our territorial waters immediately. The entirety of the crew has been accounted for and there are no more lives at stake; therefore there is no excuse for Validan vessels to be intruding in Imperial waters. Attached is the vehicle log from the Dragonfly scout helicopter involved in the incident.

Yours sincerely
Lord Allard Dubois, Administratus Rusticam

The 'vehicle log' is a rudimentary black box datafile, composed of automatic radio recordings and a mechanical device that records the number and amount of shots fired. Both confirm the Imperial story, roughly; one verbal warning was given, in Yngenious and English (OOC lol), followed by a single burst of sixteen 30mm rounds and then the two Hydra 70 rockets which blasted the hull.


INV Blackfin
du Pontelle waved a hand, and two of his crewmen hurried off to fetch blankets for the survivors. Cups of steaming, hot tea, bland but warm, were handed out as du Pontelle motioned for Wright to stand and talk with him - the First Mate was obviously not fit to talk. The captain was a short, bald man with an aquiline nose and a bushy grey moustache, his leathery, wind-beaten face perpetually squinting thanks to a lifetime of staring at sunny horizons.

"Mr Wright, I trust you are aware of the gravity of the situation. You and your men will not be harmed; you will be taken to Alvsbörg and there allowed to speak with representatives from your nation whilst the next steps are decided upon, but I must inform you that Yngen currently only practices the death penalty for a very small selection of crimes, and unless you had weapons of mass destruction on board the Jukebox I think you will be fine in this respect. Now, I must ask you some important questions. You may of course decline to answer, but I would advise against it. Were you and your crew aware that you had crossed into Imperial water? And did your captain hear or acknowledge our warning, before giving the command to fire the second harpoon?"

[/quote]

REPUBLIC OF VALDIU

~Onward Audaciously~

TO: Lord Allard Dubois, Yngen

The VDS [i]Swat will not be removed from Yngenian waters.[/i] We wish to ensure the safety of the crew of the Jukebox. We thank you for agreeing to extradition. Current discussion within the Policy Committee is that no charges will be pressed, although this will be reviewed after our officials interrogate, if you will, the crew. Our technicians have reviewed the vehicle log and have agreed that said shots were fired. When the crew reaches port and our officials talk to them, we will find out why the message was not reviewed.

~Mitchell Thromright, Valdian Secretary of Foreign Affairs/Director of the Embassy

Wright stood up. "You'll have to forgive Burke over there. He's a bit distraught since you launched a missile at his wife." Wright looked daggers at du Pontelle. "As far as I know, the Captain didn't know anything about the warning shots. He wasn't on the bridge, he was below decks looking at a mechanical failure-an overloaded net motor, I think. We're not used to hauling in whales of that size. Any machine gun fire would have sounded like a slipped chain or something." du Pontelle nodded. "As far as the radio, the only guy on the bridge with the radio was the radio man, who isn't exactly the most competent of people-nor the most not asleep. The Captain mentioned something about firing him, how this was his last tour-how his contract expired a day after this trip." "Continue," du Pontelle said. "And since the only guy on the bridge was the radio man, who was asleep. And since the GPS is on the bridge, nobody knew that we had crossed." Wright paused for breath. "As for the command to fire the second harpoon? That all falls on the harpoon guy. The only time the Captain intervenes is if he needs to, like when a rogue nation is going to launch missiles at our ship if we fire it." Wright broke his charade of calm to drench his visage with acid. "Are you happy?" "'Ey, du Pont, get over here," yelled an angry Jukebox crewmember, James Resley.

[Yngen]

From the Office of the Lord Administratus Rusticam, Allard Dubois

Mr Thornright,

I am afraid this is entirely unacceptable. Two Validan vessels breaching Imperial waters without permission in as many hours is intolerable. Your crew will not be harmed in Imperial custody and the Empire does not currently practice corporal or capital punishment for any of the crimes the crew could possibly be charged with. The VDS Swat will leave Imperial waters immediately.

Yours sincerely
Lord Allard Dubois, Administratus Rusticam

INV Blackfin
du Pontelle ignored the shouting crewmember, instead focusing on Wright. "This is most distressing. You say the radio operator may have been asleep, and thus the warnings were not received? If this is true...please, identify this man to me."

Meanwhile, a sergeant-at-arms stepped towards Resley. Unlike the salty, weatherbeaten face of the captain, this man had a ruddy face behind a thatched golden beard, tiny eyes like chips of marble glowering from behind the tangle. In broken English he asked;
"What want you with the captain?"

In the background, the crew noticed they were drawing close to a harbour - having passed a few smaller islands to the south, they had skirted the coast of a large island and were now approaching a harbour which looked moderately busy, if a little outdated. This was Kirai, the last large city of the Empire before civilisation gave way to the boundless ocean eastwards. Small fishing boats and coastal traders jostled with yachts, tugboats and even a cruise ship, at a mixture of concrete and wooden wharves. It was here that the Valdian officials had been directed, to a small airstrip in the plains south of the city, where they were met and escorted to a hotel with a large conference room, waiting for the Blackfin and its cargo.

[Sisar]

Official Press Release of Her Serene Higness' Government

Today, the Yngen Navy struck a blow against whale poaching. We congratulate the crew of INV Blackfin in their valiant effort against those who hunt endangered or at risk species, as well as the successful rescue of 83 sailors. A message has clearly been sent. Her Serene Highness as always opposed whaling, and had she a navy, it too, would be patrolling the seas protecting our blubbery friends.

[Valdiu]

(Image)From the Office of the Lord Administratus Rusticam, Allard Dubois

Mr Thornright,

I am afraid this is entirely unacceptable. Two Validan vessels breaching Imperial waters without permission in as many hours is intolerable. Your crew will not be harmed in Imperial custody and the Empire does not currently practice corporal or capital punishment for any of the crimes the crew could possibly be charged with. The VDS Swat will leave Imperial waters immediately.

Yours sincerely
Lord Allard Dubois, Administratus Rusticam

INV Blackfin
du Pontelle ignored the shouting crewmember, instead focusing on Wright. "This is most distressing. You say the radio operator may have been asleep, and thus the warnings were not received? If this is true...please, identify this man to me."

Meanwhile, a sergeant-at-arms stepped towards Resley. Unlike the salty, weatherbeaten face of the captain, this man had a ruddy face behind a thatched golden beard, tiny eyes like chips of marble glowering from behind the tangle. In broken English he asked;
"What want you with the captain?"

In the background, the crew noticed they were drawing close to a harbour - having passed a few smaller islands to the south, they had skirted the coast of a large island and were now approaching a harbour which looked moderately busy, if a little outdated. This was Kirai, the last large city of the Empire before civilisation gave way to the boundless ocean eastwards. Small fishing boats and coastal traders jostled with yachts, tugboats and even a cruise ship, at a mixture of concrete and wooden wharves. It was here that the Valdian officials had been directed, to a small airstrip in the plains south of the city, where they were met and escorted to a hotel with a large conference room, waiting for the Blackfin and its cargo.

REPUBLIC OF VALDIU

~Onward Audaciously~

TO: Lord Allard Dubois, Yngen

Okay. The VDS Swat has been directed to exit Yngenian waters.

~Mitchell Thromright, Valdian Secretary of Foreign Affairs/Director of the Embassy

(OOC: we're sending a drone instead)

Wright looked du Pontelle dead in the eye. "Not might have been asleep, was. I don't know much about Reggie, just that he began sleeping on the job a few months ago and was now practically never awake. This normally isn't a problem, because both the captain and Burke are usually on the bridge and can man the radio and the GPS. Now, from where the rockets hit, he may not be... here. If you'd let me take a look at all those here, I might be able to identify him. And for the love of God, if you have a psychiatrist on board, can you tend to him?!" Wright pointed towards Burke who was now in fetal position, rocking back and forth, and crying.

Meanwhile, Resley, never famously calm, had started spitting and cussing loudly to all who could hear. His crewmembers began scooting away from him.

[Rawlincia]

Official Press Release of Her Serene Higness' Government

Today, the Yngen Navy struck a blow against whale poaching. We congratulate the crew of INV Blackfin in their valiant effort against those who hunt endangered or at risk species, as well as the successful rescue of 83 sailors. A message has clearly been sent. Her Serene Highness as always opposed whaling, and had she a navy, it too, would be patrolling the seas protecting our blubbery friends.

You have no navy? The Rawlincian Maritime Piracy Protection Agency (RMPPA) is for countries that either have no navy to patrol their waters or for Ocean-Freighters that go through frequently pirated areas. Check it out here viewtopic.php?f=4&t=306344&p=21113865 . Best of all is that it is free (It is paid for by all the members of the Kratos Alliance.)

[Sisar]

You have no navy? The Rawlincian Maritime Piracy Protection Agency (RMPPA) is for countries that either have no navy to patrol their waters or for Ocean-Freighters that go through frequently pirated areas. Check it out here viewtopic.php?f=4&t=306344&p=21113865 . Best of all is that it is free (It is paid for by all the members of the Kratos Alliance.)

OOC: Sisar is landlocked Also, it is bad form to just advertise on someone else's thread.

[Yngen]

du Pontelle nodded slowly. "Of course...we have recovered fifteen bodies, meaning one is buried at sea unfortunately, so chances are that dead or alive, this 'Reggie' is aboard. Ms Katsukawa?!"
This seemingly nonsensical outburst turned out to be a name - a young lieutenant stepped up beside the captain. She was of Yngenious stock, short, with olive skin and dark hair tucked tight beneath an officer's cap.
"Lieutenant, please escort Mr Wright in inspecting the crew of the Jukebox, including the deceased. If they have any medical requests please note them and, where possible make arrangements for them. Mr Wright is attempting to ascertain the location of one 'Reggie', the radio operator aboard their vessel."
Katsukawa saluted and then turned to Mr Wright, ready to follow his lead around the mass of crew on-deck before leading him down to the small infirmary where the seriously injured were being tended, the canteen where the shock and hypothermia victims were being treated, and the hold where the dead were stored.

Two crewmen, one male one female, crouched beside the captain of the Jukebox, helping him to his feet and leading him away to the canteen, whilst the ship's Captain of Marines, Sergeant-At-Arms Bjalfson, contained the raving Resley. du Pontelle crossed over to the man in quick, sharp strides, keeping his voice low.
"Ta gueule, do you want to set a panic amongst your crewmates? What's the matter with you man?"

[Yngen]

Official Press Release of Her Serene Higness' Government

Today, the Yngen Navy struck a blow against whale poaching. We congratulate the crew of INV Blackfin in their valiant effort against those who hunt endangered or at risk species, as well as the successful rescue of 83 sailors. A message has clearly been sent. Her Serene Highness as always opposed whaling, and had she a navy, it too, would be patrolling the seas protecting our blubbery friends.

From the Office of the Lord Administratus Rusticam, Allard Dubois

Your Serene Highness,

The Empire thanks you for your message of support. The Empire is dedicated to preserving the natural population and ecological structure of the high seas as far as is possible, and is committed to continue maintaining a balance between human need and environmental protection. If desirable, perhaps the Empire could arrange some form of educational exchange programme, so that Sisarian students who have never been to the ocean may visit and learn about one of the natural wonders of the world?

Yours sincerely
Lord Allard Dubois, Administratus Rusticam

[Salzland]

To: Open Statement
From: Office of the Minister for Foreign Relations
Subject: Condemnation of the Empire of Yngen

To Whom It May Concern,

Following news that the law enforcement or armed forces of the Yngen Empire have fired upon foreign civilians, entirely without provocation, the Armed Republic must react with grave concern, and vigorously condemn the Yngen state for this act of wanton murder.

The Armed Republic has, and continues to respect the rights of nations to police their own waters, and to enforce their valid domestic laws. We further respect laws aimed at the conservation of natural resources, including wildlife. What we do not understand is what law would prompt an armed Yngen law enforcement or military helicopter to fire upon a civilian vessel, for engaging in unlicensed whaling.

Clearly the Yngen government had a law enforcement or military vessel in the vicinity, because they have complimented themselves on swiftly rescuing the survivors from the whaling vessel. A review of available Yngen laws further indicates that unlicensed or unauthorized whaling, along with any constituent offenses that might be charged, are not capital crimes. We are left pondering, then, why a trigger-happy Yngen pilot is apparently being publicly lauded for murdering over a dozen people in cold blood, when the whalers easily could have been peacefully detained, arrested and charged for their crimes.

Yes, crimes. Clearly the whalers were in violation of the Empire's valid laws, and the whalers should have been arrested and charged for the breach thereof. However, the Empire's armed response to this otherwise simple matter had clearly been utterly and horrifically disproportionate to those crimes.

The Armed Republic must call for the immediate return of the detained whalers, and the extradition for trial of the person or persons responsible for firing on a civilian vessel. Ignoring the rule of law because it is simply more convenient to commit mass murder, in defense of a whale, is not acceptable conduct for any civilized state.

Failure to repatriate the detained crew members and extradite the person or persons responsible for firing upon the civilians, for trial in the nation or nations that have lost citizens in this cowardly attack, will result in the Armed Republic introducing economic sanctions against the Empire of Yngen. Murdering civilians purely as a matter of judicial convenience is unacceptable conduct for a civilized state.

Sincerely,

J. Marcus Davis
Minister for Foreign Relations

[Yngen]

From the Office of the Lord Administratus Rusticam, Allard Dubois

Mr Davis,

The Empire respects your zeal for the protection of foreign nationals and human interests, but from a military point of view, an armed vessel with an explosive harpoon launcher breached Imperial waters and continued to discharge its weapon in blatant disregard for the commands of an authorised Imperial vessel which ordered them to halt.

Though obviously, a penthrite-tipped harpoon is somewhat less of a threat than say, an actual Harpoon AShM, it is still a serious transgression. As of now, the survivors of the VFV Jukebox are being returned to safety at the Imperial port of Kirai by the INV Blackfin, where they will be given access to representatives from their home country. We are currently in dialogue with Valdiu and would request that the Armed Republic withhold on taking action until more facts about the situation are known.

Yours sincerely
Lord Allard Dubois, Administratus Rusticam

[Valdiu]

Wright cracked his knuckles as he walked through the corridors of the ship. "Euugh," he muttered. "That tea is terrible." He stepped into the canteen. "Here he is." Reginald gave Wright a look of acid. "You. You did this." Wright's face curled into confusion. "What?" "It's your fault. You're the one that made this happen." "What are you talking about?!" du Pontelle had by this time, joined them. "YOU! YOU DID THIS! YOU AND BURKE NEVER LIKED ME, SO YOU SET UP THE MECHANICAL FAILURE TO DISTRACT THE CAPTAIN! YOU TRIED TO GET ME KILLED!" Wright looked Reggie square in the eye. "What are you talking about?!" "YOU! YNGEN GUY!" Reggie waved in the general direction of du Pontelle. "ARREST THIS MAN! ARREST LEONARD BURKE! THEY'RE TRAITORS! TRAITORS, CRIMINALS, AND TERRORISTS!"

[Yngen]

A medical officer behind Reggie shrugged. The crewman had seemed calm, if a little shocked, but now he was ranting and raving. The diminutive Lieutenant Katsukawa stepped forwards, her voice quiet compared to the roaring whaler.
"Sir," she began "I am going to have to ask you to calm down. We will be docking in Kirai shortly, where you will all be granted access to officials from your country. If you would please accompany me to the deck?"

[Rawlincia]

Official Press Release of Her Serene Higness' Government

Today, the Yngen Navy struck a blow against whale poaching. We congratulate the crew of INV Blackfin in their valiant effort against those who hunt endangered or at risk species, as well as the successful rescue of 83 sailors. A message has clearly been sent. Her Serene Highness as always opposed whaling, and had she a navy, it too, would be patrolling the seas protecting our blubbery friends.

Valiant? VALIANT?! They went way out of line using LETHAL force on an unarmed poaching vessel! Its like shooting fish in a barrel! They could have boarded the ship, but NO they had to fire MISSILES at it. Don't get me wrong they are criminals but to use lethal force on an unarmed vessel is more barbaric that valiant!

[Sevali]

Breaking News!

The TV flickered on with little interference. Jenat Rina, a Sevali Reporter, looked at the cameras. She spoke slowly, "Reports from the foreign country of Valdiu have rose ashore. The reports have been confirmed. The VFV Jukebox was found to be destroyed by Yngen INV Blackfin. Reports have been confirmed by a local Sevali Reporter. He talked to Vladian Resources that were unconnected to the local government. Two missiles destroyed the VFV Jukebox, a whaling . Yngen was not contacted following the confirmation of the shot. It has been believed that this was a overshot by Yngen Naval Forces. Local Sevalians commented on the destruction. One Sevalian, a maid, said, "I couldn't believe my eyes when I knew it. Yngen had killed 16 people, and they treated it like it was justified. All they were doing was whaling." Nothing from the Sevali Foreign Department of Ministry has been said officially, but rumors are afloat that the Sevali Foreign Department will lead Sevali to take under the wing of Valdiu. The Sevali Foreign Department has Condemned the action Yngen took, but the Sevali Foreign Ministry will not do anything else until further notice. Thank you for listening to Sevali 16 News. We hope your day is good as Sevali's!"

[Valdiu]

A medical officer behind Reggie shrugged. The crewman had seemed calm, if a little shocked, but now he was ranting and raving. The diminutive Lieutenant Katsukawa stepped forwards, her voice quiet compared to the roaring whaler.
"Sir," she began "I am going to have to ask you to calm down. We will be docking in Kirai shortly, where you will all be granted access to officials from your country. If you would please accompany me to the deck?"

Reginald was too busy screaming bloody murder and conspiracy theories to notice. Wright sighed. "Let's go. Knowing him, when he's awake, there's no way you're stopping him." By this time, when they reached the deck, Resley was waving around a pistol he had concealed, firing shots into the air.

[Yngen]

Reginald was too busy screaming bloody murder and conspiracy theories to notice. Wright sighed. "Let's go. Knowing him, when he's awake, there's no way you're stopping him." By this time, when they reached the deck, Resley was waving around a pistol he had concealed, firing shots into the air.

Reginald was forcibly taken to the brig, locked in a small metal cabin with nothing but a toilet and fold-down bunk. His screamings would not have been helping the shock suffered by the other crew members, and sound carried well through the interior bulkheads of the Blackfin.

Back on deck, as Resley drew his pistol, du Pontelle swore internally. If his soldiers killed this man, they would have another incident on their hands, and that was even if no-one else was injured in the process.
Luckily, Sergeant Bjalfson was quick off the mark, for all his slow thinking. With one massive hand he lashed out for the man's wrist, whilst the other drove a massive punch into his side, just in front of the kidneys. Beyond him, ISDF personnel were raising rifles, carbines and pistols, shouting at Resley to drop his weapon.

The vessel, meanwhile, was drawing up to its berth, where on the shore a squadron of Marines accompanied some medical staff, as well as visiting officials from Valdiu and more than a few members of the press.

Already news was spreading across the Empire of the incident, with the hashtags #jukebox and #blackfin becoming wildly popular. Support for the ISDF was generally strong, but skeptics and outright critics were also out in force, with criticism mostly focusing on the cavalier attitude of the armed forces towards deployment of weaponry - such high-powered equipment had been introduced only in recent memory for the Imperial population, and amongst the euphoria of discovery was a fear and distrust of such innate raw power. One of the most linked images recently has been this still from the classic US sitcom Happy Days, causing outrage amongst some international observers.

[Valdiu]

Reginald was too busy screaming bloody murder and conspiracy theories to notice. Wright sighed. "Let's go. Knowing him, when he's awake, there's no way you're stopping him." By this time, when they reached the deck, Resley was waving around a pistol he had concealed, firing shots into the air.

Reginald was forcibly taken to the brig, locked in a small metal cabin with nothing but a toilet and fold-down bunk. His screamings would not have been helping the shock suffered by the other crew members, and sound carried well through the interior bulkheads of the Blackfin.

Back on deck, as Resley drew his pistol, du Pontelle swore internally. If his soldiers killed this man, they would have another incident on their hands, and that was even if no-one else was injured in the process.
Luckily, Sergeant Bjalfson was quick off the mark, for all his slow thinking. With one massive hand he lashed out for the man's wrist, whilst the other drove a massive punch into his side, just in front of the kidneys. Beyond him, ISDF personnel were raising rifles, carbines and pistols, shouting at Resley to drop his weapon.

The vessel, meanwhile, was drawing up to its berth, where on the shore a squadron of Marines accompanied some medical staff, as well as visiting officials from Valdiu and more than a few members of the press.

Already news was spreading across the Empire of the incident, with the hashtags #jukebox and #blackfin becoming wildly popular. Support for the ISDF was generally strong, but skeptics and outright critics were also out in force, with criticism mostly focusing on the cavalier attitude of the armed forces towards deployment of weaponry - such high-powered equipment had been introduced only in recent memory for the Imperial population, and amongst the euphoria of discovery was a fear and distrust of such innate raw power. One of the most linked images recently has been this still from the classic US sitcom Happy Days, causing outrage amongst some international observers.

Two crewmembers picked up Resley, writhing around, while the medical staff wheeled out the injured and shocked. "What do you think of this incident?" "Are you the captain?" "Did the whale will the Blackfin to launch the missiles?" "Are you my mummy?" The reporters peppered Wright with questions as the met up with the Valdian officials.

Across Valdiu, the families of those affected were spreading the word. There was more support for the whalers than for the Empire, and petitions were being signed for their release. The nation had rallied around the 83.

[Yngen]

The Marines gently but firmly cleared a path through the crowd, allowing the diplomats and whaling crew to make their way to the preassigned hotel where the officials would be staying and interviewing the whaling crew, if they so chose.

Both Resley and Reggie were handcuffed and, flanked by two Marines each, frogmarched to the hotel where they were kept isolated from the other prisoners.

An Admiral met the group at the hotel, with a face like melted wax and bushy grey eyebrows. Captain du Pontelle saluted him and he nodded back, and they stepped aside, holding a muted conversation. Meanwhile, the crew and officials were shown into a large conference hall, designed as an auditorium for public speakers with a large stage and plenty of seating. The seriously injured were taken to hospital where they were tended to professionally, still under guard.

[Valdiu]

Ambassador James Valekin met the group at the docks. "I'm glad you're okay. Where's Captain Del Rio?" "Dead. Wright's taken charge. Burke's gone ballistic, Reginald and Resley went insane." "Ah." Valekin walked towards Wright, who was fielding reporters' questions. "No, we are not super saboteurs with plans to topple the Yngenian government. As Yngen said, that would make for a very bad RP. We-" Wright was interrupted by Valekin tapping on his shoulder. A hushed conversation ended in "Perhaps you should get du Pontelle's side of the story first." Valekin promptly left, and Wright went back to fielding reporters' questions. "No, that wasn't Space Jesus. What are you, a godmodder?" Valekin walked up to du Pontelle's and cleared his throat loudly.