Ban Religion - Be Exterminated (Attn: San Franutsco)

[Tarsonis Survivors]

OOC: I haven't fired anything - they are merely prept and ready for launch. Seccondly, the Cerantian mindset is of Glory, Honor, and Power - we would attain Glory by participating in a large battle whiles still dishing out damage, Honor by protecting a technically indefencible nation, and Power by influence should your nation bend to mine - the rest is of no consequence to us, for if we attain Glory, Honor, and Power to some extend by the time we die, our lives have been lived to our fullest expectations. This is also why Civilianse aren't evacuated - as they would die a glorious and honorable death. Thirdly, I have 10 cruise missiles ready to launch from subs off the coast of New Zepuha. 5.7 million in millitary are at my disposal. 17 silos are also prepping 13 cruise missiles (the other 4 occupy the nukes). I am being realistic here - we are bassically a third world power, and we know we can't effectively launch stuff at your space station.

[You do realize that I have quite literally hundreds of thousands of nuclear warheads, right? And a military of about 81 million active troops? And 210 million reserves... and tens of millions of chemical weapons... and well... fill in the blank and I have absurd amounts of it. You can retcon your post and pretend it never happened since I'm sure on a more careful look at my nation page your intelligence service would have urged a bit more caution than to throw an ultimatum like that at me...]

what you have done is the equivelent of firing your PK laser at a planet In FT where if you have done that with out permission you will be Called a Godmodder her and most likely ignored. My point is not that you arent able to destroy his nation. Its that you destroyed his nation without permission. YOU CANT DO THAT! thats God Modding.

[Your point is duly noted, but since it has happened before, and was widely accepted, it can certainly happen again...

Very Well.

IC: Queen Keslia sighed as she watched the senseless Battles happeneing on this pitiful world. She decided, for the good of the Universe. She would end them all. Sitting back into the control seat of The Phoenix, her 40km Personal Flagship, she prepared to activate the Widow Maker. A weapon that drew her Psyonic energy and focused it into a beam capable of destroying stars let alone planets.

"May god forgive me" she whispered as she fired the WidowMaker upon the planet.

There problem solved.

[The Parthians]

What could we do that would end this without blod shed.

[OOC: Well, I'd recommend disassociating yourself from Cerantia's actions, for one. For two, I'd move on, make a condemnation, and not take anything we'd call aggressive action.]

Very Well.

IC: Queen Keslia sighed as she watched the senseless Battles happeneing on this pitiful world. She decided, for the good of the Universe. She would end them all. Sitting back into the control seat of The Phoenix, her 40km Personal Flagship, she prepared to activate the Widow Maker. A weapon that drew her Psyonic energy and focused it into a beam capable of destroying stars let alone planets.

"May god forgive me" she whispered as she fired the WidowMaker upon the planet.

There problem solved.

[OOC: I ignore future tech as does every other respectable MT RPer.

Please find another thread to troll, in other words, not this one. Your point has been made, badly, partially because it would have destroyed all of this planet in a manner totally inconsistent with well, Modern Tech.]

[Cerantia]

Oh, and I read this: 14 days ago: Following new legislation in The Parthians, it's a common sight to see angry commuters with grenade launchers mounted on their vehicles. That's the only pro-millitary decision I can find.

[Cerantia]

Very Well.

IC: Queen Keslia sighed as she watched the senseless Battles happeneing on this pitiful world. She decided, for the good of the Universe. She would end them all. Sitting back into the control seat of The Phoenix, her 40km Personal Flagship, she prepared to activate the Widow Maker. A weapon that drew her Psyonic energy and focused it into a beam capable of destroying stars let alone planets.

"May god forgive me" she whispered as she fired the WidowMaker upon the planet.

There problem solved.

Um, I hope that was pure sarkasm... cause I'm on this planet too...

[Amazonian Beasts]

OOC: I sense a huge ignore coming...another thread of retardation!

[Cerantia]

What could we do that would end this without blod shed.

[OOC: Well, I'd recommend disassociating yourself from Cerantia's actions, for one. For two, I'd move on, make a condemnation, and not take anything we'd call aggressive action.]

Very Well.

IC: Queen Keslia sighed as she watched the senseless Battles happeneing on this pitiful world. She decided, for the good of the Universe. She would end them all. Sitting back into the control seat of The Phoenix, her 40km Personal Flagship, she prepared to activate the Widow Maker. A weapon that drew her Psyonic energy and focused it into a beam capable of destroying stars let alone planets.

"May god forgive me" she whispered as she fired the WidowMaker upon the planet.

There problem solved.

[OOC: I ignore future tech as does every other respectable MT RPer.

Please find another thread to troll, in other words, not this one. Your point has been made, badly, partially because it would have destroyed all of this planet in a manner totally inconsistent with well, Modern Tech.]

OOC: Well, I'm in around the 1970-1980's technology - is that considered Modern Tech?

[Cerantia]

OK - I gotta go to bed, it's 2:40...

[Tarsonis Survivors]

What could we do that would end this without blod shed.

[OOC: Well, I'd recommend disassociating yourself from Cerantia's actions, for one. For two, I'd move on, make a condemnation, and not take anything we'd call aggressive action.]

Very Well.

IC: Queen Keslia sighed as she watched the senseless Battles happeneing on this pitiful world. She decided, for the good of the Universe. She would end them all. Sitting back into the control seat of The Phoenix, her 40km Personal Flagship, she prepared to activate the Widow Maker. A weapon that drew her Psyonic energy and focused it into a beam capable of destroying stars let alone planets.

"May god forgive me" she whispered as she fired the WidowMaker upon the planet.

There problem solved.

[OOC: I ignore future tech as does every other respectable MT RPer.

Please find another thread to troll, in other words, not this one. Your point has been made, badly, partially because it would have destroyed all of this planet in a manner totally inconsistent with well, Modern Tech.]

1 I'm not trolling I'm arguing that you can't do what your doing.
2. You admited that You were Godmodding but continue to do it anyway.
3. Hopeful San whatever will have the same response you do, and just ignore your stupid thread all together as i highly recommend he does.

EDIT: and yes cerentia it was Satire.

[The Parthians]

Persepolis Palace

The Shah laughed as he read the Cerantian ultimatum, looking over the strategic map, he spoke to the Defense minister, now sitting across from him...

"Some people don't understand the meaning of common sense, do they Lord Marshall?" The Shah asked rhetorically, pausing to light a cigarette before continuing. "Do you have another prepared?"

The Lord Marshall nodded, "Yes Shahanshah. We can neutralize them effectively..."

The Shah let loose a deep drag of the cigarette before punching in his authorization code into the computer again, his words were simple. "Exterminate them. All of them, obliterate this country as a message to the others."

Above Cerantia, Parthian satellites had moved into position since the ultimatum had been received, the closest having been gently maneuvered into the position from which they would strike.

Just like Krezren, just like San Franutsco, they would deliver the first blow as several hundred 5 kiloton warheads were strewn onto the ICBM silos, suspected nuclear bases, submarine ports of the country of Cerantia. The warheads slated for the ICBM silos, despite having only 30 seconds between launch of the Parthian warhead and impact, were designed to fan out into columns over the silos, meaning that even a launch taken before the impact of the warhead would result in the ICBMs being consumed in nuclear fireballs.

Along with the smaller ordinance, the larger nuclear satellites unleashed their payloads, entering the atmosphere and burning up to reveal 11 individual MIRVs from each of the 5 satellites set to attack Cerantia. The largest of these warheads, each 100 megatons in size, would impact the ten largest civilian population centers in Cerantia, while the smaller ten megaton warheads would pepper military bases with nuclear fireballs. Again, 30 seconds would separate them from firing to impact. Barely enough time for someone one the ground to scream before being consumed in some of the largest nuclear fireballs man could create.

35 seconds after the initial launch, Parthian ICBMs were offloaded from their bases in the Alborz mountains. Cerantia had threatened 4 ICBMs would be used, something the Shah would repay a hundredfold. Payment was given by the launch of 400 ICBMs each containing 10 1 megaton MIRVs. 45 minutes flight would separate 4,000 nuclear weapons from their impact points, which was generally anything not already slated for destruction by the satellite launched ordinance.

Finally, as the initial ICBM barrage flew off towards their targets, the Parthian missile force offloaded the crowning achievement to ensure the complete destruction of Cerantia. 10 ICBMs consisting of 500 megaton warheads designed to completely obliterate the country of Cerantia from existence.

[Kandarin]

OOC:

That's all I read - nothing to suggest many nukes or space stations - your country isn't even preparing for war, like mine, or mining uranium, like Atlamar's (he's my closest ally).

Also, if you read my post, you realized that i do have a relatively strong millitary for a nation of my size, and also that we are willing to die at the expence of Glory, Power, and Honor.

The Parthians' arsenal is based on RP history. You can (I think) find factbooks and RP posts on this forum and/or the old forums detailing the Parthians' military buildup, policy, and past usage of its military, not to mention the details of how it got a government that would do something like this. If for some reason these things are nowhere to be found, then you should call him on that.

Incidentally, this is why ancient superpowers and nations founded in the last few months really shoudn't mix in war RPs. The dust settles quickly but all of the players involved look worse by the end.

[Amazonian Beasts]

Incidentally, this is why ancient superpowers and nations founded in the last few months really shoudn't mix in war RPs. The dust settles quickly but all of the players involved look worse by the end.

OOC: Ain't that the truth...this kinda stuff furthers that whole widening gap between vets and new guys. It's really not good for the whole game to create such a division.

[Zooey Deschanel]

The Queendom of Zooey Deschanel is disgusted and horrified by the Parthian's decision to wage violent nuclear war on the civilian populations of innocent nations. Whatever disagreements may be had with the governments, the people themselves should be spared.

Zoroastrians within the Queendom have, however, responded to the Parthian actions with celebrations and full support. Gangs and "liberation fronts" of Zoroastrians have allegedly even staged attacks on police stations and attempted assassinating government officials denouncing the Parthian's actions.

In retaliation for this unheard of violence, the Queendom has begun a systematic round-up of Zooey Deschanel's sizeable Zoroastrian population (estimated to be at least 12 million) and is herding them into camps located near major cities.

These Zoroastrians, like their Parthian brothers, have shown themselves to be equally untrustworthy and cruel. Therefore the Queendom demands Parthia cease its illegal and immoral attacks on other nations lest it forever stain Zoroastrianism in the eyes of the world, for Parthia is already setting a poor example for its religious majority and their diaspora.

[Allemande]

“If they don’t watch out,” mused President Michael Blum, “This is going to turn into a hat trick.”

“Let me talk to the Deschanelian Ambassador,” said Secretary of State Edith Mayenne.

“You’d better be quick about it,” Blum quipped sardonically.

---

“Let me offer a little insight into the Parthian mindset,” the Secretary of State told the Ambassador from the Queendom of Zooey Deschanel.

“Parthia rules by intimidation,” she began, “Which only works when there exists a fair measure of certainty that undesirable action will lead to adverse results. Put succinctly, the Shah doesn’t bluff, he doesn’t take well to threats, and challenging him can be likened to kicking a rabid dog.”

“We have co-existed with the Shahdom for several years,” Edith Mayenne went on. “Note that I describe our relationship as one of co-existence, not amity. Our detractors condemn us for not standing up to Shah Khosru III, but that’s easy enough for them: After all, as we Allemanders sometimes say, most of their grandparents died in their sleep.”

“When it comes to the Parthians, one must choose one’s battles carefully,” the Secretary of State continued. “One can criticize, express shock, even outrage: But never forget that line in the sand. And if you don’t know where the line is, step lightly until you do.”

“The Shah will not begrudge you for arresting and even executing those who are active in opposing your government,” she said. “Indeed, the Shah himself would have such people impaled without a second thought. But taking action against all Zoroastrians – especially when the Shah has just made a radioactive example of two nations over the very issue of Zoroastrian religious freedom – is asking for much more trouble than you can handle. You shouldn’t have to ask me what kind of trouble I’m talking about,” Mayenne added. “I’m sure that the citizens of Krezren, San Franutsco, and Cerantia could tell you – if they were still around to tell anyone anything, that is.”

“Discretion, as they say, is the better part of valour,” the Secretary of State told the Deschanelian Ambassador. “However much it galls you, however much it may hurt, your people deserve such discretion in their rulers. Your honour can be redeemed, after all; your lives cannot.”

“Tread carefully around the Parthian Shah,” she finished in a soft voice.

---

OOC: D-mn it, I knew I never should have written that primer on nuclear war!

[Zooey Deschanel]

The Queendom's ambassador gritted his teeth, "We understand your concern, but we must stand firm. Someone needs to stand up to Parthia and tell them no. They're like a nation of bullies and children, its incredible.

"Frankly the larger nations such as your own should do something. Why don't your people get off their silk-suited butts and do something? Because we small nations will fall to Parthia eventually without help. We've got nothing to lose! Our only chance is to get the other nations on board for this fight and right now you're the key to doing that.

"Parthia may attempt a nuclear attack, but if they do they're finished as well. Our nuclear counterattack would wipe them out. Even if they stopped 99% of our weapons, the remaining 1% is enough to destroy Parthia several times over. So its MAD, you see?

"Besides, we have a sizeable Zoroastrian population that perhaps their Madhatter Shah won't just want to waste in a heartbeat. We're gambling with the risk of a nuclear attack, but the Parthians may try to invade, and that gives nations like yours a chance to intervene and finish Parthia once and for all. Allemande, please, my government is asking for your help to end the Parthian threat to the free peoples of the world.

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

True to the ambassador's word, the Deschanelian Armed Forces had already been brought to DEFCON 1. All WMD delivery systems were in standby mode, awaiting the orders. The Queen had even already given the go to decentralize the retaliation C&C and give lower echelon commanders authority over their nuclear devices.
Tens of thousands of such nuclear weapons, in subs, silos, and satellites, waited for the go. All spy satellites were watching Parthia, its satellites, and Deschenelian airspace. The moment anything that looked like an attack was seen, the response would be overwhelming.

[Vampyricia]

Official Foreign Ministry Statement

No. We provided zero warning before obliterating them off the planet.

We however, will state for the record that this senseless policy of banning religion for the purpose of banning religion must immediately end. In the future, nations wishing to avoid obliteration by Parthian weaponry must, in the course of their ban on religion state precisely in order to avoid obliteration why they have chosen to ban a religion. It need not be a reasonable answer, but merely a justified one. If you want to ban Islam because your king dislikes Arabic writing, fine. If you want to ban Christianity because it encourages "slave morality" and your nation idolizes Nietzsche, 'tis well, even all religions may be banned if your government justifies doing so.

However, if my Shahanshah receives another news memo on his desk that a government banned a religion and gave zero justification for it, they can expect to be wiped off the planet without an ounce of compassion or care. He has expressed his irritation with this current conflagration of countries banning religion, and of course, his finger is what controls the red button of the Parthian nuclear arsenal. If he wants you obliterated, you will be obliterated. That is the official policy of the Shahdom of Parthia.

-Foreign Minister Sassan Savadkouhi

City Prince Jhaven Ar-Khalya conveys greeting and asks on behalf of his nation and leader if the honoured Shah of Parthia accepts certain reasons for religious bans as justified;
namely, a severe and inexplicable allergy on the part of a number of important citizens to religious symbols and substances, in some cases possibly psychosomatic, in other cases outright lethal to the victims.

Case Study:
Male, fifty-five years old, doused with holy water during argument. Body liquefied and crumbled within minutes.

Does this provide reason enough?

[Cerantia]

The Queendom's ambassador gritted his teeth, "We understand your concern, but we must stand firm. Someone needs to stand up to Parthia and tell them no. They're like a nation of bullies and children, its incredible.

"Frankly the larger nations such as your own should do something. Why don't your people get off their silk-suited butts and do something? Because we small nations will fall to Parthia eventually without help. We've got nothing to lose! Our only chance is to get the other nations on board for this fight and right now you're the key to doing that.

"Parthia may attempt a nuclear attack, but if they do they're finished as well. Our nuclear counterattack would wipe them out. Even if they stopped 99% of our weapons, the remaining 1% is enough to destroy Parthia several times over. So its MAD, you see?

"Besides, we have a sizeable Zoroastrian population that perhaps their Madhatter Shah won't just want to waste in a heartbeat. We're gambling with the risk of a nuclear attack, but the Parthians may try to invade, and that gives nations like yours a chance to intervene and finish Parthia once and for all. Allemande, please, my government is asking for your help to end the Parthian threat to the free peoples of the world.

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

True to the ambassador's word, the Deschanelian Armed Forces had already been brought to DEFCON 1. All WMD delivery systems were in standby mode, awaiting the orders. The Queen had even already given the go to decentralize the retaliation C&C and give lower echelon commanders authority over their nuclear devices.
Tens of thousands of such nuclear weapons, in subs, silos, and satellites, waited for the go. All spy satellites were watching Parthia, its satellites, and Deschenelian airspace. The moment anything that looked like an attack was seen, the response would be overwhelming.

OOC: We did stand up and tell them "no".

[Zooey Deschanel]

OOC: We did stand up and tell them "no".

OOC: That is good, but we older nations if we're going to stop them. We need the First Ones. Nations even Parthia may think twice about combatting.

[New Zepuha]

Persepolis Palace

The Shah laughed as he read the Cerantian ultimatum, looking over the strategic map, he spoke to the Defense minister, now sitting across from him...

"Some people don't understand the meaning of common sense, do they Lord Marshall?" The Shah asked rhetorically, pausing to light a cigarette before continuing. "Do you have another prepared?"

The Lord Marshall nodded, "Yes Shahanshah. We can neutralize them effectively..."

The Shah let loose a deep drag of the cigarette before punching in his authorization code into the computer again, his words were simple. "Exterminate them. All of them, obliterate this country as a message to the others."

Above Cerantia, Parthian satellites had moved into position since the ultimatum had been received, the closest having been gently maneuvered into the position from which they would strike.

Just like Krezren, just like San Franutsco, they would deliver the first blow as several hundred 5 kiloton warheads were strewn onto the ICBM silos, suspected nuclear bases, submarine ports of the country of Cerantia. The warheads slated for the ICBM silos, despite having only 30 seconds between launch of the Parthian warhead and impact, were designed to fan out into columns over the silos, meaning that even a launch taken before the impact of the warhead would result in the ICBMs being consumed in nuclear fireballs.

Along with the smaller ordinance, the larger nuclear satellites unleashed their payloads, entering the atmosphere and burning up to reveal 11 individual MIRVs from each of the 5 satellites set to attack Cerantia. The largest of these warheads, each 100 megatons in size, would impact the ten largest civilian population centers in Cerantia, while the smaller ten megaton warheads would pepper military bases with nuclear fireballs. Again, 30 seconds would separate them from firing to impact. Barely enough time for someone one the ground to scream before being consumed in some of the largest nuclear fireballs man could create.

35 seconds after the initial launch, Parthian ICBMs were offloaded from their bases in the Alborz mountains. Cerantia had threatened 4 ICBMs would be used, something the Shah would repay a hundredfold. Payment was given by the launch of 400 ICBMs each containing 10 1 megaton MIRVs. 45 minutes flight would separate 4,000 nuclear weapons from their impact points, which was generally anything not already slated for destruction by the satellite launched ordinance.

Finally, as the initial ICBM barrage flew off towards their targets, the Parthian missile force offloaded the crowning achievement to ensure the complete destruction of Cerantia. 10 ICBMs consisting of 500 megaton warheads designed to completely obliterate the country of Cerantia from existence.

How? eh thats a little thing we call godmodding you cant just friggin blow a country off the map.

[Cerantia]

THE FALL OF CERANTIA

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

23:00 Hours, December 31st
One hour before extermination

Sirens blare throughout Cerantia as a suspected nuclear exchange is to take place. Citizens everywhere look up in confusion as the Tentones Tower begins it's anual New Year's light up. The series of blares continue, signalling a possible nuclear launch. Citizens scramble to the nearest underground facility.

The Naval Forces of the Cerantian Military are signalled to stay off of the coast of New Zepuha.

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

23:17 hours, December 31st
43 minutes before extermination

Cerce Tentones and the other main polliticall members, allong with a sizeable population, are rushed to Sarka (a joint city controlled by Atlamar and Cerantia) and goes into hiding underground - this would normally be considered weakness, but is currently considered preservation of Cerantian legacy, therefore preserving our Glory and Honor.

Silos around Cerantia prepare to launch, the CME Ground Forces begin marching twords the enemy, with 3.2 million troops (coupled with 2.5 million from Atlamar, and the tanks numbere roughly 1 million in both of the Sarkomian Alliance's nations).

Continued on next post - leaving to go see Avatar.

[Allemande]

“We do, in fact, do things to moderate Parthian behaviour,” Secretary of State Mayenne said without rancor. “More than most of the world gives us credit for, in fact. That we cannot stop everything is simply something we have learned to accept.”

Looking the Deschanelian Ambassador in the eye, she said – not unkindly: “It has not been easy learning self-restraint. Let me show you something.”

From her desk, she withdrew a file.

“In this administration’s third year in office,” she said, passing the file to the Queendom’s Ambassador. “We watched the Parthians subject the people of Malgeria to an invasion; mustard gas was used on Malgerian civilians. It was not easy coming to grips with the fact that we could not take action, given that the gulf in our relative might was far greater than it is today; indeed, it was the hardest thing in the world. But we managed to do so partly by resolving to remain engaged in the world and work quietly, often behind the scenes, to get things done.”

“No one ever said it would be an easy path,” Edith Mayenne told the Ambassador. “Just a necessary one.”

“The balance of power in this world is not held by liberal nations such as ours,” she went on. “Those liberal states that believe that it is, and flex their muscles accordingly, do not even begin to know their peril. But those of use who walk softly and work tirelessly, an inch at a time – as maligned as we are by the activists – will still be around when they are gone. We will not, however, childishly say: ‘I told you so,’ when they are gone. We will light a candle in remembrance for them, shed a tear for their loss, and then get back to the struggle we have chosen for ourselves – that of saving the world, one child at a time.”

She paused a long moment, pouring herself a cup of tea. Then, after offering one to her guest, she went on. “Your nuclear deterrent won’t be enough unless you know how to fight Parthia in just the right way. Their anti-missile system will pick off the few surviving missiles you have, and you’ll be firing blind and disoriented anyway. The Parthians have learned how to wage nuclear war, and are masters at it.” Mayenne grimaced and then added. “We know because they picked through our academic publications on the subject, and then added a few unique twists of their own.”

“To have a true deterrent against the Parthians, you need to be willing to do things no politician possessed of a sense of ethics or morality would ever do,” Edith Mayenne added. “Perhaps it is fortunate those of us who are ethnically French are widely seen as morally deficient by most of the world; Allemande might be one of the few countries in the world to actually have an effective deterrent to Parthian nuclear might - although it took years and much careful though to develop it. But we can’t use that deterrent to help you – it just doesn’t work that way. This is not,” she said, raising a finger to prevent interruption, “A political limitation; it is a technical one, inherent in the nature of that deterrent, which I cannot discuss.”

“Your best deterrence, then, is prudence,” the Secretary of State concluded. “The Shah won’t spare you for the sake of your Zoroastrian population, and he won’t be deterred your nuclear forces. The former he cares little about, the latter he knows how to defeat. But your prudence,” she said, “That he cannot stop.”

[Zooey Deschanel]

"And what shall prudence call for? That we standy by and do nothing?"

The ambassador looked strained to the breaking point.

"Even if the Parthians launch their nukes, they seem to know very little about our nation. That ignorance will save us. We aren't nuclear-proof, but we have an advantage their previous victims don't. Parthia, on the other hand, won't have enough anti-missiles to hit every warhead we send nor be able to distinguish our real missiles from the dummys, decoys, and radar interference. Like I said, even if they can somehow stop 99% of our real nukes, the remaining 1% can kill 12 billion Parthians and render their nation unihabitable."

[Olmedreca]

OOC: I am not really specialist in those matters, but this nuclear assault by Parthians seems to be quite problematic in MT. Especially this 30 second first strike on silos supposedly mapped out in 24 hours (which also ignores enemy mobile nuclear weapons like subs, trains etc.). Either way, I am highly surprised if this thread doesn't end up with lots of ignores after some more or less heavy OOC bitching.

[New Zepuha]

''Eh?'' The Chancellor is relaxing at his desk.

The minister of defence rushes in. ''Sir we have a problem''
''What is it Genaral''
''The parthians have nuked our allies.''
''Well nuke them back''
''Yes Sir''

Silo begin to open as Zephuians prepare for war. Four ICBMS are now over the Parthian Capitol.
One after another the hit devasting the civi population. As the last ICBM hits the city is reduced to ruble in matter of 10 minutes, the ground is radiated and those who survive are poisoned. Two strike bomber fly overhead to finish the job.Their payload makes sure nothing is alive.

So was it worth loosing 706,723 civilians ? was it?

[Allemande]

“You mean 99% of your surviving warheads,” the Secretary of State said in correction of the Ambassador’s statement. “You do realize that their first strike will probably take out 95% of your missiles before they are even launched, no?”

“And that assumes that a second strike doesn’t fall within mere minutes of the first, before you can give a launch order. Or that a third doesn’t fall within minutes of the second, before your missiles have managed to climb far enough above the ground to avoid destruction by the shock, heat and radiation from incoming Parthian warheads.” Mayenne shook her head. “You have seen their tactics; surely you must realize than almost none of your deterrent will survive that kind of continuous fire.”

“This is not a duel between gentlemen, where each raises a pistol, aims, and fires,” the Secretary of State pointed out. “This is much more like an artillery barrage, where the enemy will pound your nation as long as it takes to ensure that every missile last silo and airbase you have are slagged before you ever have a chance to use them, and do so at a pace and tempo that ensures that you never have the breathing space you need to get a shot of your own off in retaliation.”

“We know how this will play out, because we’ve seen them do it three times now,” Edith Mayenne said quietly. “They took our nuclear doctrine – a first strike followed by continuous pinning fire aimed at incinerating outbound missiles before they clear the atmosphere – and refined it in some rather gutsy ways, and now they’ve proven it – not once, but three times. Don’t make the mistake of thinking this is your fathers’ approach to nuclear war; it isn’t. It’s an altogether ghastly beast, many of whose subtleties you haven’t even begun to see. There are tactics and counter-tactics here the Parthians haven’t yet had to employ. Unless you know just what you’re doing, you’ll join Krezren, San Franutsco, and Cerantia on the middens of History.”

“And yes, prudence often means accepting the unacceptable,” the Secretary of State said. “Most of us here in Allemande are Catholic; we learn St. Francis’ Prayer when we are very young: ‘God, grant me the strength to change that which I need to change, the patience to accept that which I cannot change, and above all, the wisdom to know the difference.’”

“Sometimes standing by and watching is all you can do,” she added, “But it is never ‘nothing’. Sometimes it is simply witness, and sometimes that is all we are called to give.”

[Vampyricia]

OOC: Zepuha, honey, you don't have nukes yet. You're too new. And that was a god-mode. You do not post the other person's damage or their casualties.