CAS Canon Official IC (CLOSED)

[Imperialtha]

IC Thread:

General Rules:
-Canon is run by the Commission Staff: https://www.nationstates.net/page=dispatch/id=623520

-Technology is to be equivalent to the start date. Start date is January 1, 2000.

- Canon Map as of July 2000(Current IC time-period)

OOC Thread: viewtopic.php?f=5&t=414512&p=31881870#p31881870

IC Rules:

Current Canon Year: 2000

-Time moves depending on the rate of your posts in the IC page. 1 month per 1 page; 3 months per one page as of page 8.

-Player or NPC land can be annexed or invaded, but had more realistic consequences pertaining to possible economic, political, or social consequences (Details will be explained in the disaster section below).

Rules for Disaster Section of RP:

Preface: This is the section pertaining to Disaster Mechanics of Canon. Essentially, this mechanism is to ensure a sense of realism and sense of adventure to the canon. In the real world, nothing is ever smooth sailing for politics or people. Society always faces internal factors (IE: Civil unrest, Ethnic or Racial Tensions, Famine, etc.) or outside factors (IE: Natural Disaster, Invasion, Plagues, diplomatic rivalry, etc.). Since this is a simulation of the modern world on an RPing scale, it is reasonable to expect that this will occur.

Summary:

Therefore, disasters will expect that disasters will be of the following categories:
-Ecological (Man Made)
-Natural Disaster
-Societal Issue

It will be determined via dice roll typically which kind of issue you will get at the discretion of the staff. But is more likely to occur if you are involved if you are in a war or commit an action that is seen as contrary to your established government system, or if you find yourself in an economic crash.

Here is a doc for more information on the utilized mechanism of the system (anymore questions can be directed towards Yottabota):
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bIJ ... sp=sharing

You are to either utilize the following military type tech:

-Use the natural weapons brands found in your RL nations or areas equivalent if it has its own nationally created weapon brand.

-If it does not you will have to find someone who is willing to permit you to use their technology either historically or recently.

-If this option does not suit you, you are free to create your own custom-made weapons that mix and match various modern-day models. Just try to make sure the concept is original and sticks to mix and matching what would make sense for your country based on social development, economic, and geographic area and neighbors. We will use our discretion in determining what is allowed for you and what isn’t, you have been warned. Therefore, it is recommended that you keep that in mind when making this and try to be creative and balanced (We will not accept a bunch of US copycats, especially if you have no geographic proximity to such countries and/or if you do not have the believed level of development to make such quality weapons).

-Some civic specialities are more militant than others, which affect your populace's reaction to the military, defense spending and war. A more militant nation will be more in favor of such policies while a more pacifistic nation will favor spending in other areas. Though every group of people has their limit in both directions.

-Military Systems will be hardcapped during peacetime at certain numbers depending on the Service System: Professional (1%), Conscript (2%), Private (2%), Militia (.8%).

-Military numbers exceeding 2% (for Professional) and 3% (for all others) are more likely to suffer negative consequences.

-Wartime will permit a larger buildup: Such as 2% for professional, 3% for conscription.

-Military is to be approved by Canon Commission Staff (contact any member of the staff you wish to for this process. IE: Neo Rome Republic, Bering, Yottabota, Hespero-Belkia, and Tarazed).

-Don’t need all specifics on equipment till going to war. General description is okay prior.

Nukes:

-Nukes are given to those assigned by staff to be able to have them feasibly in terms of economic development, military, regional influence, etc in the canon history.

-Starting nuke holders: Britain, Stadacona, Aurineia, Germany, Hespero-Belkia, Taursion, Nieblham, Tiong Hoa, and Newton

-Others are free to develop them but can be stopped by other players through threats, embargoes, invasions, etc.

-Nukes cannot be used willy nilly and must be used with a legit IC reason. If not to do so, it can be canceled out at the staffs discretion.

-Some civics cause the populace to be more favorable to nuclear weapons than others and can lead to more “disaster” scenarios for the nation.

Conducting War: PVP

-War will occur in the same general IC thread this canon. It will move with the timeflow of canon.

-Commission staff will regulate the events just like all IC thread events and/or appoint someone if the situation calls for it.

Conducting War: PVE

-Players can declare war on NPC territory, said territory will be administered by one of the available Commission staff members.

-Like PVP, IC thread will be and modded by a staff member(s) and/or someone appointed by staff.

-Unlike PVP, staff may arrange for events or even wars to occur between player and NPC state with players consent, to boost and “spice up” canon activity and events.

Conducting War Note for BOTH PVP AND PVE: Players MUST QUOTE each others posts in order to make the process trackable. If you don’t do it, you WILL BE PENALIZED AND POSSIBLY YELLED AT QUITE HARSHLY.

NPC Influence: You can gain sway over an NPC nation via a variety of measures within a points system of influence, such as making various agreements or actions such as military, economic, events, etc. Overall explanation and influence stats can be found here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/ ... edit#gid=0

Misc. Rules:
-Antarctica can and will be used for research and non-imperialist RP purposes. Therefore, it exists in canon but will not be featured on the map for this reason as well as map design limitations.

-In order to make trade agreements or [update: alliances] recognized ICly by two parties, IC posts must be written by both parties acknowledging the agreement. If the agreement involves more than two parties then for practicalities sake, a post by only one player party involved is required. Update: However, a fact-book or dispatch must also be written in this case listing all members names correctly as well as linking them, so as NS mechanics can notify them that they were mentioned in this agreement, in order to prove implicit consent. The only organization exempt from this requirement would be a UN style alliance. If any agreements or alliances were made prior to these rule updates in place, just retroactively make the fact-book and you should be good.

Ragequitting:
-Quitting either out of frustration or cowardice will result in being unable to rejoin the canon for one month. So think on your actions and choose them carefully.

Accepted Players
Hespero-Belkia
Sobeiska
The Newton Coalition
Vahltunskhja
Bering
Maljaratas
Tiang Hoa
Maragua
Cassinopa
Nieblham
Tarazed
Everhall
Aurienia
Naroska
Equalsun
Osphen
Confederacy of imperial states
Drucezchski
Axle
Bayside
Neo Rome Republic

[Bering]

LEN Capital Building,
London, Britain
19:30 GMT

President Borat Sagdiyev walked up to the proctor in the middle of the stage. In front of his stood a large meeting room. In the front row sat the leaders of the LEN Council and behind them were an assorted number of parliamentarians, financial and business leaders and European bureaucrats. Kazakhstan had long been agitating LEN for entry into the League. This was the fruit of their labor. The President of Kazakhstan had been invited as a special speaker for a conference on LEN’s Central Asian policy. After this he would be spending a week in London meeting with leaders of the Republic and powerful LEN bureaucrats who could make or break his country’s entry into the League.

Sagdiyev waved to audience and began speaking. “Yes, I am very much appreciative of being invited to this fancy city. I am here to discuss the policy of Europe to Central Asia.” He then winked at the audience.

In the audience, several senior members of LEN’s economics/political class could only sigh or bury their hands in their faces. Others betrayed no external shock at the move, keeping their faces passive.

In the back of the room, the Head of Britain's government, President of the Council of State Nathan Hall could only turn to his Counsellor of Foreign Affairs. The Counsellor, Alfred Marshal merely glanced back, his face passive. Of all the members of the British government assembled, Marshal had the most experience with the President on the stand. “Fear not Mr. President, it will get worse.” He said.

Back on the stage, President Sagdiyev was continuing his speech which had devolved rather rapidly into some kind of rambling. “...and we would also like to give very many thanks to the British banks for the many loans they have given us to fund our countries. We also thank the kind Jewish bank owners who allow the loans to happen. While not the most charitable people, they are very wise in their…”

While Sagdiyev spoke on the assembled members of the audience fell deathly silent. In the back, President Hall could only mutter a single word, “christ.”

Next to him Counsellor Marshal merely leaned back in his seat. “Well, I wish I could say that was the worst I expect of him.”

“Why did we bring him here again?” one of Hall’s advisers asked. He and the rest of the staff were seated a few chairs away from the President and Counsellor.

The other hapless aid could only shrug his shoulders and give a nervous smile.

On the stage, President Sagdiyev kept on speaking, mainly off the virtues and vices of the “Jewish people's”, unaware or ignoring the increasingly horrified and embarrassed audience in front of him.


RAF Thule
Greenland, Britain
16:00 AST

Major John Morgan was returning to the temporary hangar that housed his unit on the RAF base. He had been going over final checks with the pilots that would be dropping off his team. Inside the hangar he found four of his six man team crowded around a television. How they got signals this far our, Morgan wasn’t sure. The four men in question were laughing at the image on the screen.

“What are you muppets doing?” He asked.

The senior enlisted man of the squad, Sergeant Major Simon “Irish” Nolan, answered. “Enjoying the fine company of this fellow ‘ere.” He pointed to the screen. Underneath the man, next to the BBC logo, was a caption that read Kazakhstani President Borat Sagdiyev. Morgan vaguely remembered that he was due to give a speech to the LEN leadership.

“Read about it in the papers tomorrow. Right now, I want to get this job done and leave this shitehole.”

“Amen to that sir.” Irish agreed.

“Good, we leave in thirty, get your kit checked and ready.”

The four men quickly stood at attention and let out a chorus of affirmations. Nodding, Morgan turned to the last member of the unit, already busy rechecking his weapons. This would be his first mission under Morgan and he seemed to be taking it seriously. Morgan approached the man and placed a hand on his shoulder. “This is your first mission, I expect you to do as you are told and pull your weight, clear?”

The younger man gave a stiff nod and returned to his weapon. He was soon joined by the rest of the squad, each of them making their own checks. Satisfied that his instructions were being followed, Morgan joined them with his own kit check.

The half hour passed quickly, the man found themselves on board a helicopter, making their way to their target. The only sound was of the helicopters engines. One of the pilots would break the silence. “We are approaching target.”

Morgan nodded, more out of reflex than anything else, he spoke into his microphone. “You heard the man, everyone get ready!”

The helicopter stopped moving above the arctic wasteland, hovering over an ice hill. The six men rappelled off the vehicle and onto the frozen surface. It would be a short hike to their objective.

Soon a cargo ship appeared, trapped in the ice. It had been such for a couple of months with no attempt by the crew to radio for help. The ship, the SS Angelica was registered to Esperanza, to a company that existed only on paper. The ship had a British agent, codenamed Ranger, was placed on board after it was detected in the British Arctic Zone on a number of occasions. Now it was in the ice and the British agent aboard had stopped broadcasting to base.

Morgan called for a stop. He turned to the newest member of the unit. “Time to prove your metal. We’ll set up here. Irish, you take the others and search the vessel. And remember the ROE.”

“Crew Expendable, roger sir.” Irish said as he led the four men down the position. The white of their uniforms helped disguise their approach. Approaching the ship, one of the men of the unit took a rocket grapple from his kit and launched it upwards. It snagged onto the ship and the four men began their upward climb, two at a time.

As they began their ascent, a door near the grapple opened. A man stepped out, he briefly blew air onto his hands, getting a feel for the cold outside. Suddenly he noticed the grapple and back to approach it. He didn’t get two feet before he feel, a bullet through his chest. “Nice shot.” Morgan allowed to the younger man next to him.

Nolan and the other man, Grant, made it to deck. They were soon joined by Palmer and Timmons, Morgan through his binoculars as the four men methodically cleared the top of the ship with the occasional assistance the squad marksman.

“Sir, top deck is clear.” Nolan’s voice reported.

“Roger, we’re moving to join you.” Morgan reported before turning to the marksman. “Let’s go.”

The two men jogged to the rope and made their way up it. Nolan was waiting for them at the top. “Not too hard for you sir?”

Morgan allowed himself to smile, “please, I’ve been climbing worse since before most of you were sucking on your mothers’ teets. Palmer, Timmons, you stand watch up here. The rest of you, we’re going down.”

The way down had been a tad complicated. The crew below deck had realized something fishy was going on upstairs and prepared to fight. But ultimately, they had not been able to do much.

“Anyone see the contact?” Morgan asked.

“Negative sir, he wasn’t above deck either.” Nolan responded.

“Spread out and search for him.” Morgan ordered. “Timmons, Palmer, radio command and call for backup.”

“Yes sir.” Palmer responded.

Nolan would be the one to find the contact. He was in a container, suspended into just above the ground.

“Dead.” Nolan told the commander. “Shite.”

“Too right.” Grant agreed, likely in response to the second part.

“Command will want to know, back on deck.” Morgan told the rest of the unit.

The four men made their way up to Timmons and Palmer.

“Warhawk, this is Whiskey Six. Ranger is dead.”

Warhawk’s disappointment could be heard through the radio. “Roger that Whiskey Six, reinforcements are incoming, hang tight.”

“Roger. Whiskey six on standby.”

The sound of the helicopters could be heard in the distance, but that was of little comfort to the unit on the ship. Grant and the new guy had cut Ranger down and brought him to the deck. The reinforcements would have a body bag to put him in.

[Nieblham]

“Good Morning Nieblham it is 10 am here in the capital city of Insomnia.” Sean Marach said as the camera panned out to reveal 3 men and 2 women sitting around a table. The group consisted from left to right, Sean Marach, Catherine Agrias, Rosa Ladd, Rufus Shinra, and Mike Sazh.
“The Neta-elect has just left the hotel and will begin his ride across town to the Square House where he will give his inauguration address.” Marach continued, “and with us here today to celebrate that event is Vice President of the Shinra Holding Company Rufus Shinra.”

“Yes, thank you Sean.” Rufus began, “this is indeed an interesting day for us all.”

“How is the family taking the news?” Rosa asked

“Oh quite happily the SHC helped, within legal FEC guidelines, a variety of politicians run. The only person who I know of that was a bit skeptical was Zidane, but he’s a Cetra priest.” Rufus replied.


“And we thank Zidane for his choice to serve Shiva, but isn’t the Shinra family Ifrities?” Mike Sazh asked.


“Yes, well Ele, my mother, is not or well wasn’t born Ifrit. She converted though and she sponsored Zidane’s conversion. He’s doing quite well in Madain Sari (IRL Nepal) under Brother Gharvel’s guidance.” Rufus answered.

“Could you imagine the uproar if a Shinra family member became the Oracle of Ozma?” Mike Sazh posited, “It’s unfair how the MC treats you and your family.”

Rufus shrugged, “Zidane is doing a fine job and I hear he’s been a huge influence on the local population in Madain Sari. He’s making all of us proud.”

“Well, this is quite the event, already thousands of people have lined up to view both the farewell address of the current Neta and the address of the Neta-elect.” Catherine Agrias said as Rufus Shinra drank some water from the glass in front of him.

“Guys this is just amazing this is a historical moment in Nieblhami history!” Mike Sazh posited, “The modernization Coalition has dominated the Netaship and Congress for 40 darn years and Badaal Nehru was able to steal that from them.”

“Well he didn’t do it alone, let’s look at the Congress.” Rosa Ladd said
The scene cut to a pre developed image of the incoming Congress
The Lower house or Lok Sabha

From left to right: Libertarians, Cetri, Shinraites, Progressives, Environmentals, Liberals, and Independents.
Upper house or Rajya Sabha

(same from left to right)
“As we can see here the left 3 groups currently dawn the banner the Pro Shinra Coalition while the Progressives, Environmentals, and Liberals are called the Modernization Coalition.” Rosa Ladd continued, “The PSC currently, just barely owns both chambers so they must stay absolutely united if they want to hold on to their seats.”
The camera switched back to the group of 5.

“Yes we know that those environmentals will be trying to woe over the Cetri to vote with them. So the PSC must make sure not to appear anti-Cetri.” Sazh mentioned.

“That’s BS.” Rufus Shinra stated before sipping on his water. “88% of both houses are Cetri, a couple muslims and christians and what not, but mostly Cetri. The Cetri party shouldn’t expect us to give up quality of life for spiritual reasons. Everyone in Nieblham does there part. As long as they stick with the Shinraites and the Libertarians, we’ll be able to prevent abortions from being legalized, drugs from being legalized, and we’ll be able to promote Dhama more effectively.”


“Let’s not get carried away here.” Marach stated, “the PSC is a unified coalition that will help bring Nieblham to the world stage along with the EACPU.”

The camera switched to pan over the outside of the square house as they began letting people onto the front yard.
“Oh! Look back there!” Rosa Ladd exclaimed
The camera zoomed in towards the back of the seats were a group of clowns were sitting.
“So AVALANCHE decided to show up for this event?” Marach joked, “I guess it’s better than them rioting. Do we have any reporters on the ground?”


The camera switched to a reporter on the ground
“Hello, Nieblham for those of you at home people are still coming in, the police and the Nieblhami 1st army, in particular Company Eagles, is on watch today making sure that nobody including the clown posies are carrying in any weapons or dangerous equipment. Only verified reporters are allowed to even bring in a camera.” the Reporter reported.

“Ask the clown how he feels about the election results.” Marach told the reporter.

The reporter acted a bit skittish but then walked over to the group of clowns.
“Hello, mind telling Nieblham how you feel about the election results?” the reporter asked sheepishly.

The clowns remained silent.

“Mind telling Nieblham how you feel about the election results?” the reporter asked again a bit louder.

The Clowns again remained silent.

“Mind telling Nieb-”
“If Shinra wishes to speak to Kefka he can met him at hira Bagar, Sonapur Street, Shrikant Palekar Road-” the Clown said
“Shut it off.” Rufus Shinra said
“Tad Wadi, Marine Lines-”
“I said shut it off!” Rufus Shinra barked
The camera switched back to the group of 5, 4 of which were sitting awkwardly while Rufus was drinking water again.
“My great uncle is buried there.” Rufus said.

“Oh Neta Lunith Patel is about to speak!” Catherine stated
The Camera switched to the stage as Neta Lunith Patel began to speak

“To all people, everywhere. To Cetri, to muslims. To Christians to Confucians. To Nieblhami to foreigners. To Asians to Europeans. To all people. Thank you. The past 6 years has been long for all of us but us leaders have preserved and laid the foundations for the 21st century only because of your support. It was not any single one political goal nor was it the lust for power that got me out of bed every day. It was the support, the love, the children's smiles that allowed me to push forward. And as such we, together, have accomplished much. It was your support that allowed us to get the vast majority of nations to agree to the Burlington Protocols. It was your support that allowed us to clean the Bay of Promise after a nasty oil spill. It was your support that allowed us to pave the way for the 21st century. Now it is up to a new generation, a new group of people. While we might not all agree with their policies and stances, we must remember to give them our support for if they fail we fail. Do not lose hope for only is it then when we will evil will rear it’s head. As long as we stay united, we shall never fail.”

The camera switched back to the group of 5.
“See it’s stuff like that that angers people!” Sazh said
“You’re correct, for the Modernization Coalition it’s about others, not about Nieblham. ‘Oh is country X going to reduce GHGs? Oh is the SEU getting enough support from the EACPU?’” Catherine mocked

“Badaal is about to speak!” Marach said
The camera switched back to the stage, Neta Luneth Patel was sitting and Badaal Nehru was at the podium looking out to the crowd.


“Dear Nieblham, when I announced my candidacy for the Netaship even I at first was doubtful. But I was quickly juvenated by the support and love of the Nieblhami people. It was not I that won the election but Nieblham did. For it was you that went door to door. It was you that spoke with people. It was you that sent in the mailers. It was you. As such now, it is time for the Nieblhami people to move forward and raise themselves to a higher standard. Only when all of Nieblham works together can we strengthen ourselves. It is time for a Nieblham to usher the world into the 21st century.” Badaal proclaimed.


A judge rose up from his seat and walked over, in his hand was a copy of the white materia, the Cetri holy text. This old copy was carried by an Oracle of Shiva to the top of Mount Nibel in the mid 1960s.
“Do you swear to uphold the Nieblhami Constitution?” the judge asked.
“Yes.” Badaal confirmed
“Do you swear to protect and preserve Cetri culture?”
“Yes.”
“Do you swear to protect Nieblham from all threats foreign and domestic?”
“Yes”
“Then may Ozma and all the other gods have mercy on your soul and bless Nieblham!”

Far to the northwest in the Nibel mountains, a 38 year old man sat watching the ceremony on his small t.v.
“Brother Gharvel the chickens have been fed.” A cetri priest said, “oh the election. May Shiva have mercy on us.”
“Yess,” said Brother Gharvel loosely, “Perhaps we should take a pilgrimage to the Temple, Zid?”
“Oh that sounds lovely, I’ll inform the others!” Zid giggled.

[Yottabota]

STADACONA BROADCASTING COMPANY

Hello, and happy new millennium from us here at SBC, I'm your host Leland Howe

And I'm co-anchor Triss Boland, here to bring you the latest news updates with Arnold Sujhuata on weather and Michael Morrison on sports. We’ll take a quick commercial break but will be right back with you after a quick word from our sponsor.

The commercial plays, bored you don't change the channel. The commercial is recruitment for the Triumvirate Defence Force, but it's not clear at first since it is shown off as an animated movie trailer, that transitions into real life actors. You roll your eyes at the advertisement, but then realize that its actually a weird 180 and is actually a trailer for an animated movie called “Stars Over Acadia: Rebirth of Sorrow”. Confused, you scratch your head as the news continues.

Our top story of the night, Director Eva O’Connors took a trip to the Caribbean to talk to President King Jr. about the island's renewable energy plans. The Socialist state previously stated that it would be looking deeply into the possibility of renewable energy, and has contracted Stadacona to construct its first series of nuclear power plants in the islands of Puerto Rico and Northern Cuba. More news on that as it develops.

In Intercontinental News, Prime Minister Arin Oretini, Texan President Mary Marigold, PGCA Governor of the Union Michael Monroe, and Tsar Nicholas the 3rd met in Houston for the annual charity banquet hosted to help fund cancer research. At the banquet, the Tsar announced that in the coming year that he will step down from the throne and announced that his eldest child, Princess Sonya the First, will become the new Tsar of Kaskadiya. Her coronation will be a test to neighboring Rossiya, since the two nations under Tsar Nicholas’s rule have begun talks of unification, word has it that the Princess would support the Duma’s decision to go forth with the any form of unification with their neighbors.

In other news, residents of northern Ontario are suing the federal government because of nuclear fallout that has plagued small towns in the area since the late 60’s. During the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s the Stadaconan government used those plots of lands as nuclear test sites, and misguided settlement plans allowed contractors to build on contaminated sites regardless of some areas being miles above healthy levels of exposure. Residents are filing a class action lawsuit, over the deaths of 6 people, miscarriages of 12, and deformities that some experienced because of the exposure. They also have requested that construction company, a company now known as “Johnson & Neels Construction Company” to be convicted of 20 counts of criminal negligence and 6 counts of involuntary manslaughter. Local residents say they aren't in it for the money but for justice.

“You know it's not right uh… you use our towns as test sites and don't *bleep*ing bother to tell us that we sleepin’ on an assload of radiation… it's just not right. I fought in the war for our people, least the government could do was not screw us over like this...”
[an elderly man wearing a navy cap appears talking to a reporter, using a cane to hold himself up]

The court date is scheduled for later this week…

In other news, the conflict in Panama has heightened following a series of terrorist attacks conducted against Triumvirate Armed Forces. This has resulted in curfews being put in place and a ban of high any sort of non-approved traffic during certain times of the day. The enforcement of the curfew has garnered criticism to the Oretini administration and especially to acting Supreme General Jean-Claude Le Pen. Over 230 enemy combatants have been killed in successful raids, but the terrorist group of the Panamanian Republican Army has increased its efforts. The Panama Canal, which finished construction in 1901, stands as Stadaconan’s highest architectural achievements, one which the government refuses to let go of.

"The Canal is apart of Stadacona, and I will see to it that it stays apart of our great nation.”
[Supreme General Le Pen stands at a press conference in Boston]

We’ll be taking a quick break but we’ll be right back with weather after this quick commercial break.

The commercial begins pretty average, a married couple is walking by Niagara Falls and husband starts talking about having a child. The wife rubs the back of her head when suddenly falls explode to reveal a giant baby emerging from the water. The husband shoves the wife back and touches his wrist and envelops his body in an armored suit. The commercial is for a strange video game which you, a mech suit wearing hero, fighting off giant creatures that are invading Earth. The commercial concludes with the title “Earth Defence Force; coming to the PSX”. Once again, you are confused by the commercial, but compelled to buy the game when it comes out.

We’re back, to Arnold Sujhuata with the weather, Arnold.

Thank you; Yes right now we’re experiencing a severe cold spell in the the northern regions of Quebec and Ontario, flights going into the Northern Isles have been canceled, and along the snowfall within the Great Plains have broken the record with over 4.5 meters of total snowfall in central Kanata. The Governors of those states have issued several state of emergencies, pleading with residents to stay indoors and allow the Triumvirate Guardsmen to handle the situation. Governor of Ontario Joseph Cokland, had this to say early this morning.

“Now I can’t stress this enough, we are pleading to the citizens of the greater Toronto area and in Toronto itself to remain in doors and to not use their fireplaces. We have been given word of 5 deaths so far due to smoke inhalation, and we expect many more unless people are smart and play it safe. I ask you all to remain calm at this hour as we cooperate with the federal government to get Triumvirate Guardsmen to assist in the situation. Thank you all very much and we will be giving constant updates for as long as we can.”

The cold front is expected to pass down into lower North America, but until then it is best to stay indoors and out of harm's way, I’m Arnold Sujhuata, SBC, today in Stadacona.

Thank you Arnold, and that’s all the time we have for today, tune in later tonight for an expose on the makers of everyone’s favorite string cheese company. We thank you for joining us on the first day of this New Year and hope to stick with us as the year goes on. Thank you all, and have a good evening.

[B]Fort Panama Military Prison, Panama Territory

The metal clang of prison bars being slammed open woke Tanya up before the two guards grabbed her by her arms and dragged her out of bed. She groaned as she struggled fruitlessly against the male guards and sighed as she was taken away into Solitary Confinement again. The reason? They must've found #33570’s body stashed underground in the garden, and they must've connected the dots to narrow it down to her. In her defense the prisoner was a communist. The guards tossed her in the padded cell and slammed the door behind her, leaving her on her ass in the white solitary cell.

“Breakfast is at 10. Stay awake for it.” The guard shouted and Tanya nodded as she stood up, dusting herself off and sat on the padded cot in the corner of the room.

“Atleast this place is comfy…” she muttered as she reached into her hair and pulled out the small bobby pin she was fashioning into a lock pick. She had been here for about a five months now, still waiting for the appeal on her death sentence, and had already become a favorite amongst the terrorists and prison gangs that would end up here in Fort Panama. She fiddled with it for about an hour before the sheer boredom started to actually grip her being. The second hour was worse, the third felt like a day, and by the fifth breakfast had already arrived and she essentially so bored she could barely think correctly. The metal plate slid through an opening at the bottom of the door, and she slowly approached it and touched the military slop they called breakfast. “What no fruit loops?”

“Sorry, fresh out for war criminals.”

“I'm sorry I didn't think terrorist were people.” She retorted at the guard who slammed their baton against the door. “Got you mad eh? Why don't you come in here and fight me unless you're too much of a pussy to even do that!” Again, not thinking straight, but a part of her just wanted to feel the rush again. As the guard was just about to open the door, baton ready at hand, an explosion rocked the entire prison. Tanya fell backwards and hit her head on the back wall of her cell while the guard collapsed down on one knee as he fumbled for his radio. The prison alarms started to ring, and the sound of the prisoners shouting grew louder and incessant, but now it was mixed with gunfire.

“The fucks going on?!” The guard shouted into his radio just as a bullet found it's way in and out of his head. He collapsed on the ground and the two PRA soldiers that shot him quickly ran over to check inside of Tanya’s cell.

“Not him, we need to hurry.” One of them spoke but the other one opened the door and aimed their rifle st Tanya.

“We should kill her while we’re here, remove Stadaconans Scum as a bonus.” Tanya’s mind was racing, not of fear but trying to measure up the rebels. They seemed young, and the lead is sloppily holding the rifle, he’s inexperienced. Tanya crept up to her hands and knees, then slowly stood up with her hands raised high.

“Dont waste your ammo! Come on!.” The first talked spoke again, and the one aiming the gun turned his head around to speak to him. Tanya dropped her hands and lunged forward, hitting him with the broadside of her shoulder as her hands went for the rifle. The rebel fell backwards onto his partner and knocked them both down on the ground. Tanya held the rifle in her arms and aimed it at the two.

“AK eh? Thanks for the gun boys.” She smirked and fired five rounds into the two, grabbing the ammo on their bodies and started to make her escape. “Okay… I'm fucking lost it that never stopped me before…” She wandered around the prison, getting jeered by prisoners as she moved and ended up following the sound of gunfire until she encountered the central point of the firefight in the courtyard outside. Prison security with some soldiers were getting pinned down by PRA insurgents, most namely the technical with the m2 browning attached to it. She ran up along the catwalk of the courtyard, and started to fire down on the technical, drawing away heat from the guys on the ground. One round struck the gunner in the shoulder, causing him to fall down and allow the security guards to move in with their submachine guns and finish up the rest. Tanya smirked but didn't leave them any time to catch her as she had already flung herself off of the catwalk and over the hole in the fence the rebels had made.

“I'm home free! Haha!” She laughed as she kept running until she reached an auxiliary road that lead in and out of the base. She dropped her gun and took off her orange jumpsuit, leaving her in bland white under clothes. She walked alongside the road until she saw a lone car slowly driving down the side that went into the town not too far from the prison. Tanya waved her arms and stuck out her thumb to signal the car to stop, which it did to Tanya’s delight. She is walked up to the car, just as the back seat window rolled up as well as the passenger window. When she got to the car's side, she groaned and raised her hands up to the silenced pistol that was aiming at her and the white woman who was driving the car.

“Tanya Sioux?” The woman spoke, tilting down her sunglasses to get a good look at her.

“Yes…”

“Perfect timing, we were on our way to pick you up but I guess the PRA almost beat us to it. Get in.”

“And if I say no?”

“You really don't wanna say no sweetie. Get in.” Tanya sighed and reluctantly got into the front seat of the car and felt the cold barrel of the pistol touch the back of her neck. “You promise to cooperate? My friend in the back has an itchy trigger finger so to best to answer quickly.”

“Yeah yeah I promise… whatever…”

“Perfect.” The gun was removed from behind her and Tanya let out a sigh as she relaxed a bit. Allowing the mysterious woman to take her somewhere more secure and secluded, away from the plums of smoke gushing out of the prison as a fire broke out.

The Chairman's office was quiet except for the low hum of a fan in his office, and the infrequent cough from one of the guards in the room. Before him were two operatives, both wore grey and dark green fatigues with black vests over them. A pair of sunglasses avoided them making direct eye contact, but it was clear they were both staring him down.

"So... you two are from where exactly..."

"We aren't at liberty to say, just a certain group that is interested in your cause ChIrman. We wish to help you achieve sovereignty in return for a favor in the future." The one on the right spoke, the subtle feminine tones in their voice was hard not to hear. He turned to her and narrowed his eyes, before leaning back in his chair, stroking his chin.

"You come bearing no flag, no leader, and nothing to bargain with... and you're only doing this for our sovereignty?"

"Yes that's exactly what we're offering you. Currently we have a cargo ship with guns and supplies, as well as a team of specialist ready to train your soldiers into a a force to be reckoned with... all you have to do is say yes and we'll get to work."

"And if I say no..." The operative on the left took off his glasses and looked at the chairman.

"If you say no, then we leave. We were never here and never contacted you. We gain very little from helping you, so I hope you'll consider our offer..." The chairman scoffed and leaned in on his desk with his head resting on his knuckles.

"I'll talk to my men... see how hey feel about a foreign entity helping us in our revolution... See to it that they find their way back to the port safely." The chairman ordered the five guards in the room, and gestured to the two operatives to leave. They both bowed before him and left the room, the woman lighting up a cigarette as they left. "Wait." They all paused and turned around. "What is the name of your outfit..." the male operative chuckled and put on his glasses again.

"Just call us LODESTAR." The chairman muttered the name again in his mind and nodded, snapping his fingers and allowing his guards to escort them once again.

"What are our odds?"

"I'm a betting man, I'd say yes."

"I'll take you up on that 33...""

"As always 15."

[Tarazed]

[“Imperia”] - [January, 2000 – 10:16:22] - [Constantinople, Province of Thrace, Taursion Imperium]

Constantinople. The eternal city of the east. Settled by the Ancient Greeks as Byzantium, founded by Emperor Constantine I as Constantinople. The city of trade. Of culture.

Of power.

From the walls of Theodosius to the domes of the Hagia Sophia, the city boasted engineering marvels that were unrivaled in scale until the dawn of the modern world.

While the city's skyline bore the centuries that it had been the capital of Christian civilisation, with many cathedral towers stretching skywards across the old city, it has been the seat of Roman power for even longer. The inscriptions of Old Rome proudly adorn public buildings across the new and old city; banners of the Imperium hang from main-avenue streetlights and from triumphal arches; a palpable nationalistic fervor hangs in the air, soaring like the sun that continued its rise across the morning sky and glinting off the golden eagles lofted by the military parade marching its way through the New City toward the Old City centre.

Elements of Legion IV Macedonia, a crack force with a distinguished military history, passed through the Second Military Gate of the Theodosian Walls in perfect order. Each synchronized step taken was echoed by a rhythmic drum beat and punctuated by the cheer of the crowds lining the wide street. The six standards of the legion were spread out equally down the long line of soldiers, nearly half a kilometer long and wide enough to barely fit within the confines of the street, each received a patriotic cheer as they marched past the waiting citizens.

The ceremonial uniforms worn by each soldier bore resemblance to the lorica segmentata worn by the legionaries of Old Rome, with the fabrics sewn together to replicate segmented armour and purple cloak that lapped down to each man's ankles. Helmets of senior officers shared the raised horse-plumage and feathers of their ancient equivalents, with golden fabrics pronouncing the segmented fabrics across their chests.

The Eastern Roman Empire, which had spawned the Taursion Imperium, had often been jokingly referred to as Greeks pretending to be Romans in a world which cared about neither. Though this assumption had long since been discarded in the world since the Imperium's formation and resurgence.

The vanguard elements of the parade marched under the main triumphal arch, flanked on both sides by more cheering crowds throwing confetti from the roofs of Latin-inspired marble buildings. Once the first eagle had entered the Forum of Constantine, they began to wheel around to follow the boundaries of the circular plaza before marching up the road again towards the revitalized Hippodrome - the terminal point of the parade.

It took less than ten minutes for the entire parade to march into the Hippodrome after the first man had set foot within the grounds. With stands filled with baying crowds, the atmosphere was electrified, with only the larger of military parade instruments being loud enough to escape the noise of the packed stadium - though even these were drowned out by the occasional jet sortie flying overhead in parade formation.

The military bands played through many traditional Roman musical pieces, including classical works of the Imperial Golden Age of the late 30s, as well as popular marching songs. It was only with the commencement of the Imperial Anthem did Emperor Maxentius Diogenus make his presence officially known.

Both he and the other presiding consuls, Consul Alexios Stamatis and Consul Damon Harris, as well as the Imperial Family and Patriarchs, shared a VIP bay at the lower levels of the stands, standing barely two meters above the grounds themselves. All three men wore their traditional garbs as they stood for the two and a half minute long Anthem, though Diogenus' Imperial garb was by far more exquisite and eye-catching. The Taurison Emperor was not yet middle-aged, but his black hair was already graying. Nevertheless he still looked his age with his smooth purple and golden robes and Imperial headwear.

At the end of the Anthem and applause, Diogenus stood alone in the box, as both Consuls sat down, and raised a hand to passively silence the crowd. This year's celebrations would be the greatest in living memory, with a week-long Olympiad held in both Rome and Constantinople as well as festivals in many other smaller cities.

Even as Diogenus began to orate his nationwide address from the stand, as he had done every year of his reign, he couldn't help but feel that this was the speech that would surely break his routine. For now an entire province, Armenia, was gripped by revolt and threatening to secede from the Imperium entirely.

Diogenus paused as he glanced around the Hippodrome before continuing his speech, touching on the government's fiscal plans for the coming year as well as announcing a period of restoration work in Athens, with applause answering the latter.

He'd been talking now for almost five minutes uninterrupted, the crowd entirely captivated by his expert prose and charismatic delivery - as well as laughing at the jokes he timed with admirable delivery (particularly his jibe at the President of Kazakhstan), when he concluded with a solemn vow to bring the dissidents in Armenia to heel and re-establish Imperial domain over the province.

A thunderous applause accompanied the Taursion emperor as he sat down, with the military parade stepping back to a march as they cleared the Hippodrome in short, yet professional order, for the first of the civil events to take place. The cheers continued unabated in the stadium for the next few hours, contrasting greatly with Diogenus' inner thoughts of coming unrest and disorder - though he put on a warm face for the crowds.

Particularly, Diogenus thought sullenly, if the rebels in the east were not put down quickly.

[Tiong Hoa]

Tianjiang, Nanjiang

The sun rose over the skyline of Tianjing like a divine light sent from the heavens, signifying the birth of a new day. People rich and poor, male and female, Nationalist Republican and Federalist Democrat, all emerge from the abodes of the city and commenced their lives once again. The bells of churches chimed resonantly over bustling market places, which blatantly emitted the scents of freshly harvested crops, among other commodities commonly displayed in the marketplace. Automobiles raced down the streets of the city as if they were the winds of the northern frontiers of the Republic. The mundanity of the day had done an exceptional job of masking the day’s importance. This day was January 1st, the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand. This year now marks the 88th year following the Great Qinhai Revolution of 1912, the 51st year following the destruction of the Communist Party on the streets of Maokong [Tiaouwang] in 1949, and the 48th year following General Siang Gong’s Revolution in 1952. Nonetheless, the year Two Thousand marks the beginning of a new millennium, and the reign of a new President.

At the heart of the city of Tianjing, the beating heart of the Tiong Hoanese Republic, stands the Presidential Mansion, the soon to be residence of Jiahao Kuang. A handpicked candidate by the Nationalist Republican Party, Jiahao Kuang had effortlessly won the Presidency from the Federalist Democratic Party and their candidate in the General Election last December,in the wake of the previous President’s untimely death. Simultaneously, the Federalist Democratic Party had also lost control of the Congress of Representatives, opening the door to the success of Jiahao Kuang’s agenda wider than the range of wisdom of the long deceased Tiong Hoanese philosophers of the Imperial Era. Jiahao Kuang could now, without difficulty, bestow upon the Tiong Hoanese what they had selected him to do: bring forth economic prosperity, the return Tiong Hoa’s prestige on the international stage, and the return of the culture that was forged in the fires of revolution, populism, and Christianity. It seems a daunting challenge for those who dare seek the highest office in the land, yet those who do are more than equipped to face the challenges the Presidency conferred.

On the grounds outside the Presidential Mansion, the Tiong Hoanese people, many of whom voted Nationalist Republican, patiently waited for the soon to be President to appear before them. It was a common tradition for the President to be sworn into office before the people who had elected him, therefore making them less and less patient with each passing minute. At last, at Nine O’Clock in the morning, the President emerged from the Mansion with the Chief Justice of the Federal Judiciary, Guanting Chong, and the President’s Prime Minister, Xiang Yeung. As per tradition, the President laid his left hand upon the original copy of the Constitution of the Tiong Hoanese Republic, and affirmed his loyalty to it and the people who had elected him with the utterance of the words: ”I, President Jiahao Kuang, pledge with my life and honor to uphold the Constitution of the Tiong Hoanese Republic, preserve the liberties and freedoms of my countrymen, and serve my nation with dignity and responsibility, so help me God.” With their President before them, the people roared with approval, yet those words were not the last time they'd hear the President speak. Now, it was at time for the President to deliver his Address to the people before assuming the full role as President:

”Dearest Friends and hateful enemies, I stand before you today as a man entrusted with the highest authority in the land, under the Constitution of the Tiong Hoanese Republic, that authority being the Presidency of the Tiong Hoanese Republic. For the next two years, whether it be day or night, wartime or peacetime, depression or prosperity, I pledge myself to be your servant in Tianjing, not your master whom lives far away with no concern with you. Let it be known that under my administration, I shall pledge myself to deliver upon the promises I had given to you, the people of our great nation of eighteen states. Whether it be economic and social reform at home, constructing the projects of tomorrow, or representing the nation abroad, it shall and always will be the people of Tiong Hoa first.”

“Therefore, to the nations of the world, whether they wish the Republic prosperity or damnation, the Republic shall arise to any occasion, accept any challenge, and stand when necessary, in order to defend the liberties and freedoms our forefathers had forged until they ring unchallenged and resoundingly from the Sea of Bohai to the South Tiong Hoanese Sea, from the mountains of Bashu to the harbors of Shantung, and from the island of Taoiuwang to the great mountains and deserts of the north. That the Republic shall stand as one of the great beacons of democracy on the face of this earth. That the Republic, should tyranny and fear stand before us, will look to the great souls that her people had elected as inspiration to take action, and that the Republic shall thrive on the basis of the Constitutional Republicanism that was forged in the fires of revolution so many years ago, so help me God. Thank you, and may each and every one of you remember: the East is Free.”

---

Tiong Hoanese National News

”Měihǎo de yītiān, I am Su Huang with THNN, the news network you trust to present you with the latest news you care about. Today I am joined with my fellow reporters Gang Wen and Zheng Liu, as well as senior political correspondent Yang Guang. Without further delay, allow us to commence our daily news broadcast, shall we?”

“The news that everyone is talking about today is the inaugural ceremony that was held today before the Congress of Representatives in Tianjing, as some 300 million observe at home or on the steps of the Congressional Building. Mr. Jiahao Kuang, throughout his campaign, as promised to the people of Tiong Hoa a stronger economy and safer world to live in. Yang, what is your take on the President’s promises on the campaign trail, and do you feel as if he would be the most suitable figure in regards to leading Tiong Hoa?”

”To be frank, Su, I would like to argue that his agenda on the campaign trail, combined with the methods he used to express his goals to the Tiong Hoanese people, were two of the deciding factors in his ability to win the Presidency. Should one need additional justification to elect him as President, I would refer back to his record as Governor of Tiaouwang. During his time administering the State, one can observe the steady growth of the island’s economy, in particular it’s manufacturing and service related industries. Overall, I argue Mr. Jiahao Kuang is the right person for the job.”

”Thank you, Yang. In other news, the Congress has published newly proposed legislation to stimulate the economy. Called the Economic Stimulation Act, the Congress will aim to create a 10% flat federal income tax across the board, a 5% tariff, promoting growth and technological development, and encouraging the manufacturing and service industries, among other economic reforms. Simultaneously, the Congress has also announced this morning that a new healthcare reform bill is “in the works,” and will be enacted by the end of the month. Called the Tiong Hoanese Healthcare Act, the bill aims to repeal the National Healthcare Act of 1978 and replace the current system with a new model based on free market economics. The most significant supporter of the Tiong Hoanese Healthcare Act, Representative Guiying Kwaning from Shantung’s 9th District, stressed the importance of the proposed legislation by stating that a market based reform combined with reasonable government regulations will insure that all Tiong Hoanese citizens will have access to higher quality healthcare at an all around lower cost to the nation. In a recent poll conducted by THNN, we have determined that the people are in agreement, with 52% of polled citizens favoring such reforms, whereas 31% are against the bill and 17% are unsure. However, should the bill lose popular support, a referendum may be called to resolve the issue once and for all.”

“In other news, regarding energy, the Department of Energy has announced that it would commit to increased development of nuclear energy, in a bid to gradually wane Tiong Hoa off of fossil fuels. Called the Next Generation Project, the overall objective of the project is to develop cheaper and more reliable nuclear energy, as develop the fourth generation of nuclear reactors by 2005. A continuation of Tiong Hoa’s series of Green Projects, such investments are aiming to promote clean energy, the reduction of carbon emissions, and the like. The push for nuclear energy has expanded since the Nuclear Revolution commenced in the 1970s, and the Congress justly approved nuclear power to be used to service public energy needs within Tiong Hoa. In the present, however, this reinvigorated push for nuclear energy has been met with the Nuclear Power Act by the Congress, which places essential safety regulations on nuclear power plants, such as a ban on the construction of nuclear power plants within areas that the security of the plant could be compromised. However, the legislation also encourages the investment and consumption of nuclear power through monetary incentives, most notably corporations who agree to invest in and assist in the development of nuclear power. All in all, nuclear power may be just what Tiong Hoa requires to satisfy the energy needs of the growing nation we call home.”

“And in our last piece of news, in regards to culture, the people of Tiong Hoa are preparing for Tiong Hoanese New Year, which is set on January 30th this year. Traditionally the last Sunday of January, the Tiong Hoanese New Year is a festival celebrated at the turn of the traditional lunisolar calendar used by the Tiong Hoanese over the course of many generations. To celebrate the commencement of this new year, which shall be the tenth recorded Year of the Dragon, Tiong Hoanese in the homeland and across the world will clean their homes, in order to sweep away any ill-fortune and to make way for incoming good luck. Windows and doors are to be decorated with red color paper-cuts and couplets with popular themes of good fortune or happiness, wealth, and longevity. Other activities will include the of lighting firecrackers and giving money in red paper envelopes. Additionally, reunion meals between families, parades, prayer, among other activities will be enjoyed in the process of seeing out the old year and seeing in the New Year. Following the New Year’s Day, fifteen days of celebrations will occur, as always, which will culminate in the Yuanxiao Festival, or Lantern Festival, with lantern filled parades rife throughout Tiong Hoanese communities, as well as lit candles adorning every home as a way of guiding wayward spirits home, which will ultimately conclude the festivities, and the regularity of life shall resume once more.”

“That is all for today’s broadcast. Be sure to tune into the next broadcast, as we bring you the latest news you need to know. I am Su Huang with THNN, the news network you trust to bring you the latest news you need to know, signing off.”

The symbolism of the Year of the Dragon.

Nuclear Program projected to explode with popular support.

Future construction projects you may be interested in.

Our economic projections for 2000.

Referenda: Are they right for Tiong Hoa?

[Sobeiska]

Bulgarian Left-Unity MP lights up mid-speech, fight erupts

This is Bŭlgarska natsionalna televiziya, BNT, coming to your straight from the heart of Northern Bulgaria, Varna, the time is 15:00, and I am your anchor Angel Draganov. The ever-controversial left-unity politician, Boyko Radevov is at it again, he in the middle of an impassioned speech for the legalization of marijuana, pulled a joint out of his coat pocket, and lit it. This caused Preservation Party firebrand, and Speaker of the House of Representatives of Northern Bulgaria, Branimir Ivanov to burst out in a rage at what he called "a mass disrespect to the state" and engage in a fistfight. It is not known if Radevov will press charges. We can neither show the fight, or the consumption of the joint due to Northern Bulgarian law prohibiting both violence, and the consumption of illicit drugs on Broadcast television.

Many argue it is time for a change in Northern Bulgaria, there is no other state with such restrictions on drugs in general, for example, in Northern Bulgaria it is impossible to purchase alcoholic beverages containing more than 7% ABV on the weekends, in addition to the drinking age for such substances being 25. Progressives are calling these laws an absurd over-reach by the government into the personal lives of individuals, and are working to bring us closer to Serbia in terms of drug laws. In Serbia by contrast, the drinking age is a mere 16 years of age, and the smoking age for both marijuana, and tobacco is 21. For an even greater contrast, illegal possession in our state of North Bulgaria will result in a 20 year mandatory minimum prison sentence, no matter the amount.

Now at this time, it isn't clear if our edgy friend, Boyko Radevov will be charged for possession, it appears as if the Governor will pardon him, but here is the exchange that went down, approximately 6 minutes into Radevov's speech

...RADEVOV : The use, and possession of Marijauna are both victimless crimes, how can you doubt this, I look about this room, and I see men who claim to stand for the principles of the Federa...

...IVANOV : Would you allow an interposed question?

...RADEVOV : Let me get one last thing past before I answer it

...IVANOV : Right

...RADEVOV : [Pulls out Joint]

...IVANOV : What do you intend to do..

...RADEVOV : Exactly what it looks like, [pulls out lighter] Observe, my fellow MPs that this joint does not break your leg, nor pick your pocket. Who could it possibly hurt but me?

...IVANOV : You would not dare! [standing up]

...RADEVOV : but I would, [lights Joint]

...IVANOV : [Hops desk]

...RADEVOV : [takes drag off Joint, and drops jacket, whilst sighing]

...SECURITY GUARD A : Break it up! Break it up!

...IVANOV : I'll crush you, you degenerate [dives at RADEVOV]

...RADEVOV : If you seek a fi-- [levels shoulder into RADEVOV, and tumbles to the floor with him]

...SECURITY GUARD B :[Pulling on IVANOV] More huggy than that Kazakh fellow [throws him to the side]

...SECURITY GUARD A : IVANOV you will have to leave...

...MAJORITY CAUCUS LEADER PETROVA : I would like to call for a recess, all in favor say AYE

...House : AYEEEEEEEEEE [no]

...CAUCUS LEADER PETROVA: The ayes have it!

...IVANOV : [Whilst restrained to RADEVOV] You're lucky we weren't alone, I'd of wrung your neck......

...RADEVOV : Normally, such a pleasant fellow

[Maragua]

Jesus Figueroa Inaugurated as President of Maragua

The inauguration of Jesus Figueroa was held earlier today in the eastern portion of Porto de Jésus and marked the commencement of Jesus Figueroa's term as president. His inaugural address encompassed the major themes of his campaign and would define his presidency during a time of economic prosperity, emerging social changes, and diplomatic challenges. Figueroa of the Maraguan Democratic Party was challenged by 3 other candidates, with Franco Palacio of the Labor Party as his main rival. As none of the candidates obtained over 50% of the valid votes on December 7th, the first round ended with the selection of Jesus Figueroa and Franco Palacio as second round participants, as neither of them received a majority of votes cast in the first round and had finished first and second respectively.

Both candidates offered little threat to the economic stability of the country, but differed significantly on issues such as fiscal discipline, foreign policy and state intervention. They were both likely to maintain a primary budget surplus to make public debt payments and reduce the ratio of debt to GDP. Some analysts believe Palacio would have contained expenditure more effectively. Figueroa, in the other hand, favors a bigger role for state enterprises in the economy, which could reduce participation by private firms in sectors such as banking, oil and gas. Palacio is seen as more open to privatization, as well as cuts in the public sector payroll. While past elections brought economic instability, in 1999 neither candidate was expected to stray far from current economic policies. Figueroa was expected to continue his foreign policy, boosting ties with developing nations and pushing for reform of multilateral bodies. Palacio would likely have taken a harder line in trade disputes.

Since the first round there has been a drive to woo far-right voters with Palacio making immigration a major issue of his campaign and Figueroa focusing on the state of the economy. Palacio's move to the right in embracing themes such as stricter immigration has drawn criticism from prominent figures from his own party. There was more criticism of measures by Figueroa, while he also responded to Palacio's words at a rally in Santa Rosa saying that "without borders there is no nation, there is no Republic, there is no civilization. We are not superior to others but we are different." In turn Figueroa told a bigger rally in Porto de Jésus that "I want victory, but not at any price, not at the price of caricature and lies. I want to win over the men and women who are angry, a hundred times yes, but compromise myself? A thousand times no." Palacio said that there would be a presumption of self-defense when police are involved in the killing of suspects. He further spoke "to those Maraguans who stay home, don’t complain when Jesus Figueroa is reelected and regularizes all illegal immigrants and lets foreigners vote." Figueroa then went to win the runoff with 52.92% of the vote to Palacio's 47.08% on December 21st.

Second Round Results by Municipality
Second Round Results by State
First Round Results by State

[Hespero-Belkia]

First Chik-Fil-A in Hespero-Belkia Opens in Acheron Mall

A new year brings new additions to Acheron's Lesiunas Mall. Today, Hespero-Belkia's first Chik-Fil-A opened in the mall's food court, one of the first located outside of North America. The North American fast food chain, specializing in chicken sandwiches, has had a keen eye on the international market in recent years and plans on opening franchises throughout Europe. Its opening in the Lesiunas Mall was certainly a hit, with the line stretching the entire length of the food court at times. Allegedly Crown Prince Vilhelmas was spotted in line, and picked up a sizeable order for members of the royal family and Imperial Palace staff, but there has yet to be confirmation from any official source.

"I've been in line for almost an hour," said Inga Beinoryte, one customer we talked to. "I can't wait to try it. One of my friends studied abroad in Aurineia last year and the university had one of these on campus. She said it was really good."

The wait was worth it, according to Leon Kelertas, who sat at a food court table eagerly consuming his chicken sandwich and waffle fries. "I'm not that big a fan of McDonalds and the like. But this... this I can get behind."

But why Hespero-Belkia? Out of all the nations of Europe to choose for foreign expansion, why did Sutherland ((Georgia))-based Chik-Fil-A opt to open a franchise here and not in an English-speaking country like Britain or a larger economy like Germany? Well, it all began when restaurant investor Karol Pavalkis went on a business trip to Aurineia, where he first discovered Chik-Fil-A. Famished after his long transatlantic flight, he went to the Chik-Fil-A in New Ely ((New York)) airport precisely because he didn't recognize it. Impressed by the sandwich he ordered, he contacted the corporate leadership and negotiations began to open a location in Hespero-Belkia. If the Lesiunas Mall location proves to be successful (which it has so far), Pavalkis currently has plans to build 100 more Chik-Fil-As across the country.

President Manuel Noriega was at his desk in his office when an aide knocked on his door.

"Sir, Los Cazadores are here to see you," the aide explained.

"Let them in," Noriega ordered.

The aide opened the door allowing three armed men dressed in black to enter. Two of them wore balaclavas and helmets, the third was unmasked, and sported a backwards baseball cap. This man was Martín "Fuego" Davalos, the leader of the Cazadores, one of Esperanza's top private military companies.

"So, Mr. Davalos..." Noriega began. "Seeing as you're here, I assume the operation I hired you for was a success?"

"You can bet it was," Fuego replied, leaning against Noriega's desk. "Your intel was good. We nabbed those Staddy carriers just after they left port, before they rendezvoused with their escort. The carriers each had a skeleton crew with a small contingent of marines for security, and they certainly weren't expecting any trouble. Booted them off in lifeboats once we reached Central American waters. And please, call me Fuego."

"They'll make fine additions to the PDN," Noriega said. "Now then, Fuego, about payment. We agreed to 750 million Pounds, correct?"

"One billion," Fuego said coldly.

"One billion Pounds! Are you out of your mind?" Noriega exclaimed slamming his fists into the desk as he stood up. "After we already agreed to a price, and now you're holding my carriers hostage! This is extortion!"

"No, it's business," Fuego stated with a sly grin on his face. "This was a risky operation, one that could've led to a direct confrontation with the Stadaconan Navy. Now you see, my men are good, but we can't win a fight like that. So for actually pulling it off and bringing you those carriers intact, we deserve a little extra. Not to mention, the Staddies have already put out a one billion dollar reward for the return of those carriers... so you can either match that price, or I can return those carriers to Panama just as easily as I brought them to you in the first place."

Noriega growled and threw himself back into his chair. "Fine. One billion it is."

"And you'll hire our services again in the future," Fuego added. "With the current conflict in Panama - and it's not exactly a secret which side you support - there's surely more wetwork you'd want done without your fingerprints on it."

"I'll consider it. Now leave. The money will be at the airport when you get there," Noriega said.

Fuego performed a mock bow and departed with his men. "A pleasure doing business with you," he remarked. "I do so love repeat customers."

[Nieblham]

"Hello and welcome for tuning into Marach & Ladd on SNN said Sean Marach
"Our top story tonight is bustling at the Foreign affairs department." Rosa Ladd stated, "as Zid Nigam spoke with ambassador from the SEU Nattapon Tossakrai, and spokesperson for the murderous rebels Ngo Thi Hồng. Along with speaking to Tiong Hoa ambassador Guo Zhāng the 4 of them had this to say."
the camera cut to pre recorded footage inside the state department's building with Zid Nigam at the podium.
"As acting minister of foreign affairs I have been asked to begin the Nehru administration's foreign policy goals, namely of bringing peace back to the SEU as the Neta campaigned on. We have all agreed to mediation in Hong Kong in hopes of a peaceful resolution to this awful war that has taken countless lives. All EACPU members are invited to participate in the discussion if the wish to do so and any government can send a representative to watch the proceedings and if they have anything to address they're will be some time at the end to address their concerns. The date for the negotiations is Jan 10th, 8 days away. We are also asking that the SEU and Vietnam enact a ceasefire until the end of the first day of negotiations if not longer."
The camera cut back to the two "reporters"
"So basically this is the carrot." Sean started
"hmm." replied Rosa
"The Nehru Administration is looking to offer a more peaceful resolution to these events." Sean continued, "A stark contrast from the neutral policy of Patel. Vietnam must realize they are running out of options here."
"There's never been another option than reunification with the SEU. " Rosa Ladd pointed out, "They've been throwing away lives for naught. Hurting countless people for selfish reasons. I'm glad to see Neta Badaal take a stand against these murders."
"In other important news." Sean transitioned, "The Badaal administration has started the process of a possible Kra canal."
"Oh yes, they have asked for designs to turn the shallow river in the area into a working canal from companies all over the EACPU and the world." Rosa pointed out, "The only requirements are to use Nieblhami or EACPU resources and workers."
"Now this is still early on and some members of the opposition party, namely the environmentals have objected to the construction." Sean mentioned, "But the project is expected to create millions in revenue and thousands of jobs while speeding up shipping traffic from the Arabian world to the Pacific."
"Before we end this broadcast tonight Bahamut Nuclear has sent in a variety of applications to Tiong Hoa to build nuclear reactors in the nation." Rosa Ladd reported, "it is still unclear if they will be accepted but a spokesperson said they are hopefull."

[Everhall]

---

Éric Chapuis - Hello, and welcome back to IBN, the world's first Imperial News Source. I'm Éric Chapuis here with my colleague Amanda Bourque here to bring you the world's top stories. Amanda?

Amanda Bourque - Thank you Éric, today's top story Death of a Hero. Today marks the end of the month of mourning following the death of Emperor Napoleon VI. During his forty-nine year reign, he lead the nation to economic prosperity after the devastation of the Second World War. He continued the efforts of the previous Allied command to hunt down the communist traitors that lead to the outbreak of the conflict in the first place and as a paragon of generosity and virtue. Even before his coronation in 1950, he was the Commander of the Free French Forces which were instrumental in liberating Communist Francia in the final months of the war. His son, Emperor Napoleon VII, is expected to speak later today during his father's funeral.

Éric - He will be missed. Now, to our next story, The New Administration. With the election of Brussels MP Charles Hollande as Lord Minister late December last year, a National Labour Front coalition government has been put in place. The administration already has begun to reverse the decisions of Julienne Hachette's ten-year tenure as Lord Minister, namely working to repeal controversial Immigrant Exclusion Act which has received wide criticism for its disenfranchisement of foreigners in the workplace. Currently, Hollande is attending the annual LEN leadership conference in London to renew Francia's commitment to the alliance. Coming up next after the break, the Parisian Eagles had a surprise victory over the Bordeaux Fishers 10-9. How did they do it? We'll find out after the break.

---

LEN Capital Building,
London, Britain
20:00 GMT

---

A pool of international press crowded into a small conference room inside the LEN Capital Building. Reporters from all over LEN had come to see a planned new Franco-Belkian policy announced in the Middle East. At the front of the room stood two brown podiums bearing the LEN symbol on the middle. After a brief wait, the Charles Hollande and Valdis Hasenkamp entered the area shaking hands before taking their places behind their respective podiums. Hollande was the first to speak,

"Bonsoir, correspondents. You all have been gathered here today due to a conflict that has long gone unresolved and because of a solution Monsieur Hasenkamp and I have devised. For the past five years government and terrorist forces of the Democratic Republic of Somalia have been locked in a brutal war for control over the region. During this conflict, terrorist forces, some linked to the 1993 bombing of the Brosseau-Trodoux Complex in New Paris, have committed crimes against humanity and horrible atrocities to those that they deem as unworthy. This along with the capture of several foreign citizens has forced our hands to act. Prime Minister Hasenkamp and I have considered this problem seriously over the past few months and have come to the conclusion of the need for a joint Franco-Belkian intervention into the Somalian Civil War."

As soon as Hollande finished his opening statement a flurry of hands raised from the press pool, all wishing to have their questions answered about this planned Franco-Belkian intervention. After a moment of deliberation, Hollande gestured towards a woman at the front of the crowd.

"Hello, Monica Wolfe, BBC. I have a question for Prime Minister Hasenkamp about the nature of Belkian support for the Somalian government. Is this due to your nation's history in the colonization of the region that is now in conflict?"

"That is one of the primary reasons that Hespero-Belkia has chosen to involve itself in this conflict. We feel we have an innate responsibility to aid in the expulsion of the islamic extremists from a country that in the past we have done nothing but to exploit. Our history may be wrong, and our actions in the past unjustified, but I can say with confidence here and now that we shall not abandon any nation that needs our help.

[Axle]

The Midnight Address

[ The screen faded back to Beppe Grillo behind a desk, with what looked like a script in his hands, smirking at the camera with his signature twinkle in his eyes. ]

[ Comedian, Beppe Grillo ]: “And with that final sketch we reach 1500, half way through this last passed millennium and with all of the Italian states entering into the Roman Empire.”

[ He squinted down at the script, before looking slightly to the side, his hand up by his mouth to project his voice further. ]

[ Comedian, Beppe Grillo ]: “Should I really be calling them that? Sure there’s a better way we could describe them? Let’s just go balls deep and offend them as much as possible.”

[ He turned back to the camera, grinning mischievously and ready to cause some controversy. It was what he was known for after all. ]

[ Comedian, Beppe Grillo ]: “And with that final sketch we reach 1500, half way through this last passed millennium and with all of the Italian states entering into the Greeks’ Roman Fetish Orgy, the bastards. Now we’ll have a short break for the midnight address from his Holiness, but we’ll still be here afterwards for the next 500 years of history. I hope to see you soon.”

[ The image faded completely to black, before the national anthem began to play and as the Pope appeared on screen, in his signature armchair with a warm smile directed at the camera. ]


[ His Holiness Pope John Paul II]: “Good evening, and welcome to this most important address, at the end of the second millennium in the year of our lord. This is a very special night, though not of significant religious importance such as Christmas or Easter are, but because it is not. It is important that we let Christ guide us at all times, not just twice per year, and that we live according to His example. For it is not up to us to live according to one book, one code, one ruleset, but to follow the moral law set down by our Lord and let that be our ruleset, fitting each and every situation as God intended. We have made huge steps in the last 1000 years, both here, in Belina, and around the world. 1000 years ago it would be unthinkable for women to even serve in a parliament, let alone make up over one third and rising. 1000 years ago it would be unthinkable to have a country as democratic as ours. 1000 years ago it would be unthinkable to have triumphed over the evils we conquered in the last century alone. Remember this as we push on, and even greater mountains can be scaled. We can reduce poverty greatly, we can fight to end wars and find better solutions and we can help the world rediscover its morality in this ever growing maze of scientific progress without pause for thought. We can do this together.”

[Yottabota]

STADACONA BROADCASTING COMPANY

Hello, and welcome to a quick news bulletin, I'm your host Leland Howe

And I'm co-anchor Triss Boland, here to bring you the latest news updates with Arnold Sujhuata on weather and Michael Morrison on sports. We’ll take a quick commercial break but will be right back with you after a quick word from our sponsor.

The commercial starts with the face of a sad puppy which was accompanied with a sad violin, and quickly change the channel to a different news channel but then change back once you're sure that the commercial was over.

Our top story of the night, Ft. Panama State Prison fell under PRA attack, resulting in 45 militant deaths and 9 Prison guards along with 34 civilians who were shot down by PRA forces. Prison officials put out a statement of condolences to the fallen guards and applauded the quick response of Ft. Panama task force soldiers. This marks the third terrorist style attack that the PRA has committed against Stadacona since it has declared war against the TFS in the 90's. Supreme General Jean-Claude Le Pen has assured the public, and the international community, that the attack will not persist any longer and that the PRA will be no longer be a problem in the future. More news on the ongoing Panama Crisis as it persists.

That's all for now, stay tuned in for a double feature of Will and Grace...

Downtown Worcester held the Stadaconan Central Military Command, which housed the Supreme General and his/her family if needed. Jean-Claude Le Pen stood at a window that gave him a view of the rest of the city; a sprawling metropolis that had it's fair share of problems but it was his home town nonetheless. He stroked his goatee and looked behind him to the Prime Minister and his second in command, the PM sitting at the general's desk while the officer stood dignified beside the desk.

"Gentlemen we have an issue, an issue that neither Eva or Kennedy need to be concerned with."

"That issue being, General." Arin took a long draw from his pipe and blew it out, hazily glancing at the man who commanded his military.

"Our deal with the Caribbean didn't go through... The carriers, the Nantucket and the Jourgmand, were both captured at 03:50 hours late last friday..." He turned to both of them, his figure silhouetted by the sun behind him. "We have multiple suspected groups, but S8IN operatives within the USCA have confirmed both carriers have been drydocked in Guatemala." Arin sighed heavily with the news and placed down his pipe on the desk and folded his hands.

"Are you suggested they committed an act of piracy?"

"I can't say yes or no, but those carriers were hijacked en route to their escort, during that time any sort of private military group or paramilitary organization could've gotten aboard the carrier and... As a positive the crew of both ships have been recovered in Veracruz... Along with four dead marines."

"How did we recover the bodies?"

"They washed up on the shore of Veracruz, locals spotted the flag on their uniforms and alerted authorities, the surviving crew was found floating on a reserve raft by a fishing ship." Arin rubbed his face and started to think. "With your permission, Prime Minister, we could send in a LODESTAR task force to confirm and destroy the carriers."

"No." Arin immediately responded to the Jean-Claude's surprise. "No instead we'll send them a message that they won't misinterpret..." He took out a map with the current positions of all of the naval fleets, tapping his finger on the South Atlantic Fleet.

"The South Atlantic Fleet sir?"

"What is it's current purpose?"

"Naval and air superiority, it has a Daisy Girl Class Carrier and a Lotus Class as well."

"Move them into the gulf, inform our contacts within the PGCA, Caribbean, and Veracruz to tell them ahead of time, less they perceive or move as hostile towards them."

"Moving our navy in such a way would attract international attention."

"Precisely. Have our spies within the nation take more pictures of what it's like within the USCA and show the world of their crimes..." Arin stood up and started for the door.

"What is your plan Arin..." Le Pen turned to watch the Prime Minister leave, he stopped at the and glanced behind to both the officer and the general.

"As the old saying goes. Eye for an Eye." He smirked and left. Jean-Claude and his second in command both exchanged the same look and he gestured him to come in closer.

"Send word to Kolin, we have a job for them." His second in command nodded and left the room. Jean-Claude looked back outside at the setting sun, sighing as he checked his watch. "Here's to hoping..." He muttered as he sat back down at his desk.

[b]0120

The Sierra 7 scout sat perched high up in a tree overlooking the militant base, looking through his binoculars at the PRA camp infront of him. Took out camera that was strapped to his waist and started taking photos of the bases layout for Sierra 7 assault teams to move in and clear this base out. As he took photos, he noticed the black suited soldiers that were with the PRA, and noticed that they were training them. He took out his binoculars again and zoomed in on the soldiers themselves; faces covered so he couldn't determine their race or sex, but he did notice the emblem that was adorned on their shoulders. He took out a note pad and drew the symbol on it, and continued to take pictures of them until he noticed something. They weren't using standard militia fair, they were using Stadaconan armament, C7's and R-96's.

"How are they... This is a problem." He took out his radio and radioed in to the rest of his squad.

"Jensen to Grey Team, Jensen to Grey Team do you copy..." He whispered, into his headset.

"Grey team leader here, what's the situation Jensen. Over."

"We got a third party involved in the PRA, I don't recognize the outfit..."

"Take notes and report back, we're exfiltrating at 0500."

"Copy that, over and out." He put away the radio and continued to take photos until he had to leave...

[The Newton Collation]

Good Evening Everybody, it is currently January the 3rd,2000, 21:00 local Eureka time. I am you're host, Kendra Truman, here to present the latest in national and international news.

Well to start off this week, it is clear that another Newtonian election season is upon us. With candidates for council positioning themselves early to earn a spot at the national debates coming this later summer, the race is only now starting to pick up for the seat of Executive Councillor. Theodore Prescott has yet to formally announce his plan for Re-election, but that has not stopped some of his most avid supporters from campaigning for him already. Posters emerged this morning all around Eureka bus stations featuring a portrait of the Honourable Mr Prescott with the bolded words at the bottom 'My Year'. Official word out of the EC's office is that they are all pretty amused by this little stunt, but do not claim any responsibility for the work. The EC himself is out of country at the moment, on an official state visit with President Fernando Cortez in Veracruz, but has coyly been quoted as saying, "Well, thank goodness for that. Now if I do run, I at least have a slogan."

If the EC doesn't sound too worried there, that is because he has no reason to be. He still leads his next leading competitor, former Prime Minister Damian Batista, by at least 40 points in the latest poll. No other major contenders have joined the pack as of yet, but with still 11 Months away from the General Election, anything can happen that could change this race in a massive way.

In other news, Marshal of the Newton Navy, Charles Ortega, has announced the complete list of invited nations to participate in this years RIMPAC navy exercises hosted at Newton's Olympus Fleet Yards. These include the entire P5 nations of Neiblham, Qian Shi, Tiong Hoa, Maljaratas and of course Newton itself. Also invited are the pacific nation of New Wales, Nippon, Korea, Votochanaya Rossiya, Kaskadia, The Pacific League, Drucezchski and also Great Britain.

Marshal Ortega clarified that an invitation to the Southeast Union has been made, but does not fully expect a response from due to the current unrest in Vietnham.

Also in Hawaii today, Hishomi Ichi, managing Director of the Pacific Aerospace Command made an announcement today regarding the future of PAC, and their continued investments in space exploration. In short, he announced that the final stages to Titan station would be launched this March, and that the station is now projected to be fully complete and operable by this time next year.
He also gave hints regarding that planned mission to Mars he has been teasing for weeks will soon be announced, sounding confident that the directors promise of having a man on mars before the decade is out sound like a true possibility.
.............................................................
............................................................
............................................................


Titan Station. Current Location: 560 000 Metres above the Caucasus
Javier's hands were shaking. With no air or gravity to act on them, their vibrations stirring around in a vast sea of nothing. He needed to calm down if this was going to get done any faster. He had already foiled this bar for an hour, if he missed another bolt he might be out here for another 3. He was on the last leg of 10 hours outside Titan station, Rachel Feltsworth, Medical officer, was observing behind him in the C Section observatory, on the other side of the station. A section was almost complete, the last of the external struts were being attached to the main structure at the moment.

Hey Javi, you almost done out there?

If only it were*Grunts*that simple Rachel. I am trying to bolt down a*grunts* bar . In a vacuum,and no direction of 'down', constantly dealing with a fluctuating temperature either freezing my ass or burning it.... Oh, and I lost a bet to Shijin last night so she get's to control the radio which last time I checked Flipping back on the radio to the music frequency Was still playing Polka music.

I mean, if it's not too difficult for you, I am sure I can go ask Tong to start the station spin a little early.

Javiar Finishes installing the last of the supportsOh no, you wouldn't want to be amazed by my superior space walking skills now would you?He kicks off from the station, doing a somersault in the air, catching one of the central crossbeams in his flight across the central construction station, turning to look at Rachel at C section.This is Titan 1-3, and I am a space god.

Captain Rictor Ozerman speaking over mic now.Nice to know that Javi, come back inside, command just relayed a message for us to see.

The rest of the team had gathered already in the command center in B section by the time Javier and Rachel had glided over. Huddled around a cluster of monitors, Captain Rictor Ozerman claimed the attention of the room.

Ah, now that my fellow Newtonian's have joined us, I think we can start.Rictor flips on the monitor to show a pre-recorded message of Hishomi Ichi's address in Hawaii earlier that day, followed by a full report by Ichi himself at the Mañana command room. The message ends, followed by a brief silence only broken by the room exploding in celebration.

Do you hear that ladies and Gentlemen? Our mission here is just getting started. We still have a few months before the final pieces come up here, but we still need all that time to prep for their delivery.Rictor gives a beaming smile before the crew gathered before himJust like I said, we just might see this baby spin this year yet.

Midway Island, Tribute Airforce Base.
This island was paradise.

Not merely in a 'natural beauty' means either. If you were a military hard-nut or weapons fanatic, this island was your Valhalla and Elysium combined. Midway had become a hiding place for the air forces latest toy's, those already tested and ready for war, but have not been cleared for deployment yet. It was here, in a hanger at the centre of the base, sat Captain Camila Vertagra. She had been put in charge of the contents of this particular hanger a few months ago, overseeing the weapons upkeep and maintenance while they sat here ready to go. There were many hangers scattered about Newton and here allies holding weapons identical to these under her control. But unlike their caretakers, Camila was in command of all of them. She was chosen to head this entire project because command had seen something that no other candidate had, absolute decisiveness. When Camila saw a target or was given an order, she had no guilt in pulling the trigger. In this line of work, that was an absolute necessity.

Camila was finishing up some paper work in her office, too busy to hear the foot steps coming down the hall until the figure was standing at her door way.

Yes? Can I help you? She raised her head, and placed her pen on her desk.

The figure entered the room slowly, taking off his cap and wiping his brow.

Yes Captain, I do believe you can.

A flare of recognition flashed over Camila's face. Startled for a moment, she stood up immediately into a salute.

Air Marshal Claire. Sir, I did not think you were coming so soo...

At ease Captain, I am not here for the inspection. I am here because you finally have orders. He pulled a letter from his shirt pocket and handed it over to Camila.

She dropped the salute and took the note from the captains outstretched hand. She puzzled over the exterior for a moment, wondering about its contents, before her determination took over. She simply looked the Marshal dead in eye and asked:

Where?

This response drew a smirk to the Marshal's face "This is exactly why she was chosen for this program."

Pack your bag's Captain, your are going to Maljaratas

The Marshal turned his head towards the office window, addressing the row upon row of Predator Drones waiting to be unleashed.

[Nieblham]

"Hello and welcome to the Sazh Report on SNN, the no spin zone!" Mike Sazh started as the camera zoomed in on him
"Today is Jan 8th, 2000 a week already into the new Congress and new Neta. Today the PSC announced their first major legislative proposal. While details are still are still coming out the major points of the bill is-"
The camera pans to the left as a list to the right of Mike Sazh appears.
"Repair rails in need of repairing, expand existing rails including a plan to connect to rails in the Islamic Republic, to privatize parts of the Nieblhami public transit system, and to modernize the trains and cars themselves."
The camera switched to a camera to the right of Mike who spun in his chair towards the camera.
"The major question is where will the PSC get the money for this bill? Well the PSC is hoping to cut admin costs that made up 10% of the budget last fiscal year, gather investments from the EACPU government and businesses, and to reduce federal spending on the environment a move that the Cetri party is hoping to give power back to the Oracles. There are rumors that they may be willing to raise some taxes to be able to afford both this project and the Kra canal."
The Camera switched to a front facing view on Mike, behind him were fake windows playing pre recorded cars moving across a street somewhere.
"On the executive side of things, Neta Badaal announced a meeting with President Jiahao Kuang on Jan 25th, 17 days away. This will be the first meeting of the two Heads of State." Mike Sazh pointed out, "Finally a variety of regulatory agency have announced plans to deregulate certain industries, allowing for businesses to grow in Nieblham."

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

Andrish Gharvel, in his loose clothing, walked outside the Temple of Shiva with the Oracle of Shiva, Minwu Radhakrishnan, besides him. Andrish's 10 students were chanting parts of the Shiva summon ritual inside the temple. The Temperature was freezing, as is normal at such altitudes, but he had long grown use to the cold weather. "They always say that the gods will test us, but never have I felt so tested Oracle." Andrish said
"Why? Are you worried about recent politics?" the Oracle replied.
"Are you not? they are proposing to literally cut Ozma. And our dear Nibels, how they will suffer once Alexander has his way."
"This is all talk Brother, let us stay patient." the Oracle turned to Mount Nibel's summit, "Shiva and Ozma will guide us."
"Oracle, have you thought about retirement?" Andrish asked but then quickly added, "I don't know how you do it."
The Oracle of Shiva sighed and turned to Andrish, "Let us join your students inside Brother."

[Osphen]

January 1st, 2000 CE

Alexandria


"Five... Four... Three... Two... One!" and with that dozens of fireworks flew into the sky, and then exploding, dyeing the the night sky a mixture of green, blue, purple, red and white. On the ground, the crowds began cheering, jumping, taking exceptionally large swigs of alcohol and kissing as the stroke of midnight. This moment was the dawn of a new millennium.

Around Dauran and his friends, there were shouts of “happy new year”, cheers, music, kissing couples and dancing. Today was the first day of the new year, which, coincidentally, was also Republic Day. The next half an hour with dancing, singing, a bit of drinking and his first kiss. Dauran tried to get the girl’s number, but his friends dragged him away before he finished writing it down. He tried pulling back, but they pulled him through the crowd despite his protests. Eventually, he gave up and walked with them.

He and the other eight people in his group pushed through bodies, the air filled with cheering, music that was just barely too loud. Wherever he turned his head, it was just a swirl of jostling arms, sweat and colourful clothing. Momentarily blinded by a band of orange, carried by an overly zealous patriot. Pushing it out of the way, he narrowly avoided a thick flagpole. Finally breaking through the dense crowd, they walked down the street, which was much less cluttered by now.

“Goddamn, that was hectic.” Dauran laughed. His friends nodded, all smiling but with a measure of exhaustion on their faces.

“Let’s go down to the breakwater a couple of blocks down,” Puran suggested, putting down a glass bottle and lightly kicking it beside a rubbish bin.

“Yeah, it’s quiet there.”

The street lined with pubs and a few night clubs, each filled with party goers, with several people hanging outside, smoking or drinking, Eventually, they reached a small concrete path that led them to the breakwater. Employing some basic parkour, they climbed over the fence and onto the breakwater. Dauran found a comfortable spot to sit and took off his shoes. His friends all found places to sit, except for Moustafa, who elected to lean on one of the rocks.

“Damn, we’ve gone far in just over two thousand years,” Fatima exclaimed

"And a hundred twenty-eight years of Osphen," Azimò added.

There was a brief moment of silence, with glances occasionally exchanged.

"Well, it's just another year." Halil said. “Let’s make it good though. We’ve been friends for how long?”

“Like, eight or so years I think.” Dauran answered.

Once again, the group fell silent, with the sound of cheering and laughing crowds and exploding firework in the background.

“I really appreciate all of you,” Halil said

Everyone smiled at that wholesome announcement.

“Thanks.” Dauran

“It’s kinda sad though, there are kids in Somalia dying while we’re having fun,” Halil

“Just how things are.” Moustafa

“I guess,” Halil uttered. “Let’s head back to my place in a bit.”

“Okay.”

____________________________________________________________________________

January 1st, 2000 CE
18km outside Dubai

Constable Hazal Beni of the Zandarmiria Našyetçetan (National Gendarmerie) sat on the hood of her truck, facing the city of Dubai where the fireworks were exploding above the tall buildings. For this kind of thing, she usually prefered to keep a distance. This will be her eighth year in the ZN, and every new year’s celebration she would go to this same spot with her patrol partner, Karin. However, Karin decided that she’ll head into town to celebrate this year. Hazal didn’t take it too personally, but she did take it personally. Having turned the engine of her truck off, she silently and twiddled her thumbs, watching the glowing city in the distance.

___________________________________________________________________________

January 1st, 2000 CE

Unlike the rest of Osphen, there were no fireworks, cheering or music here. On the Fort LIttle Alamut, Captian Dolunay of the Republican Guard stood in a guard tower staring into the black sea. Behind him his men were celebrating in their own, quiet way. He knew the operation to Somalia would begin soon, but further intelligence had yet to arrive. There, the Osfenar Republic will engage with an age-old enemy: Hezbollah. Having had experience fighting them in south Yemen, he was well aware of their tactics and strategies, but he couldn't shake off a peculiar feeling of dread. Behind him, someone was going up the ladder.

"Vaŕau traie, sir, (Hello)" Lieutenant Bezan said up the ladder.

"What do you want,"

"I have the intel for Somalia."

"Go on."

[Bering]

January 8th, 18:15 EAT
Hudur, Somalia

Morgan sat in the back of a van with the rest of his unit. The six men had decided to take a literal backseat for this part of the mission. In front was a borrowed member of the British Foreign Brigade. Ethiopian by birth, he could pass for a native better than any of the others could.

"He's coming out." The driver informed Morgan.

"Roger, wait until he pulls out, then follow." The driver discreetly nodded and after a few moments the car moved forward.

Their target, Nuruddin Hassan was not their ultimate objective, rather he was the latest in a series of them. He was one of several warlords in the area, not tied to any particular faction. Tall by most standards, he was 198 centimeters and charismatic. That meant he attracted quite the following and made him valuable to many sides of the civil war, even the AF forces. The commander of the British force had reluctantly sanctioned the operation.

"Hot as hell." Grant complained, "Can we get any AC back here?"

The driver smirked as he gave them a glance. "AC is broken."

"Of bloody course. Is there anything in this country that isn't?" Grant asked.

"Stow it trooper. We're on a mission right now." Nolan said.

Morgan nodded, letting his senior enlisted keep the men in line. Across from him sat the new gu-MacPherson, Morgan corrected. The lad had done well on the last mission. He was a part of the team now.

MacPherson noticed the look and gave Morgan a thumbs up, signaling that he was good to go.

Morgan nodded before he turned to the front of the van, "How much longer to the compound?"

"We're here." The driver answered as he brought the car to a stop.

The six man unit piled out of the van's back doors. The sun had set some minutes and the area was rapidly cooling. The driver had found a small outcropping to hide the car behind. The compound was a big house, three stories, surrounded by a 3 meter wall. Hassan even had a private generator that powered the place. About twenty to thirty guards operated from the compound that Hassan used as his base.

"Goggles on." Morgan ordered, placing his own night vision goggles on. Morgan turned to the driver, "thanks for the ride."

"Don't mention it." The driver replied, "literally as you English like to say."

Morgan smiled. "Indeed we do." He pounded lightly on the side of the van as he passed it.

The driver took this as his cue and drove off, back to his base.

Nolan tsked as he observed the compound. "Sloppy. No snipers on the roof and all the windows are curtained on this side. no one inside can what happens outside."

"And no one outside can see what happens inside." Morgan added. "Hassan likes his privacy. He has deals with half-a-dozen factions. People would pay good money to get dirt on him."

"Security on the outside seems light too. Only two guards, one in the shack and another relieving himself. Isn't he supposed to have two hundred some men?" Grant offered

"Sure, out collecting extortion, keeping order in the city, guarding other profit making places. And they say he has enough weapons to fend off a small army stocked up in that house." Nolan responded. "Let's not find out if that last one is true."

"Agreed." Morgan said. "MacPherson, take out the two by the shack."

On command, the one attending his business fell and the one in the shack soon followed.

"Move up." Morgan ordered. All six men quickly, but quietly crossed the distance from the outcropping to the shack. The knelled and waited, listening. The noise from inside, including a radio and some laughter seemed relaxed.

"Died in his own piss." Timmons muttered as he approached the first man.

"Poor bastard." Palmer agreed.

"Leave the bodies." Morgan ordered. "We need to do this quickly."

The two men moved away from the corpses and approached the wall. Grant produced a small periscope. He extended it and peeked over the wall. "All clear. We should be okay to go over here."

Without prompting, the men lifted MacPherson up first, he would provide overwatch as Nolan joined him. The Sergeant then helped each subsequent man over. Palmer was the first man to set foot inside the compound. Morgan followed, then Timmons, who was pulled up by Nolan and Grant. The last three all went down into the compound at near the same time.

In front of the unit was a spacious courtyard that had been converted into a loosely military zone. a few tents lay scattered around the dirt to the left with six cars dominating the middle of the courtyard. Four pickups, two with machine guns attached. A van not unlike the one that brought the squad here and a conspicuously well kept sedan, Hassan's personal vehicle. He had it cleaned every other day. The only dirt on it was from the ride here. To the right was a small building that seemed to serve as a makeshift barracks, judging by the noise coming out of it.

"Cars first." Morgan ordered. That meant check the van. The pickups would not really hide anyone and Hassan would never let any of his men play around in the Sedan. But Morgan would be damned if someone sleeping in the back of the van screwed the entire mission. The squad still checked the other five vehicles before they made their way to the van. Timmons and Grant took positions on either side of the van. They lightly opened the door to make sure it wasn't locked. It wasn't. Palmer and Nolan took positions a couple of feet from the door and readied their rifles.

"One..." Timmons began.

"Two..." Grant returned.

"Three!" the two said together opening the doors as quickly as they could. Nolan and Palmer quickly moved their rifles around their lines of sight, checking the van.

"Clear." Nolan reported.

"Clear." Palmer agreed.

"Right. Palmer, Timmons, Nolan. You three take the tents. Grant, MacPherson, with me into the small building."

A chorus of agreements sounded as the small unit separated.

Morgan took off his goggles and peeked into the barracks. four men sitting around a table playing cards with a further two off to the side, sleeping. A radio was on the table playing some music as far as Morgan could gather. "You two take the four at the table, I'll take the two sleeping beauties, and for god's sake, don't hit the radio. On my go...now"

a hail of silenced bullets sounded. Morgan took his two out and the other two in his unit did the same to the four gamblers in the middle of the room.

"Nolan?" Morgan asked over his radio.

"One moment." Nolan responded before a few pop-pops were heard over the radio. "eight dead in the tents."

"Six here, plus the two outside, that makes sixteen."

"so between four and fourteen left then."

"If command is to be believed." Morgan retorted dryly. "You can see the right side of the house, correct?"

"Our right or the house's right?" Nolan asked.

"House's." Morgan clarified

"Yes sir."

"Do you see the generator for the house?"

"Affirmative."

Take it out, but send Timmons back,"

"Sir?" Timmons asked.

"You and Grant will man one of the technicals, incase we need any support." Morgan explained

"Yes, sir." Timmons responded, eagerness clear in his tone.

The squad, now in three pieces took up positions around the compound. Morgan and MacPherson at the main entrance. Nolan and Palmer at the generator and side entrance. Grant and Timmons had decided two was better than one and were each manning a technical.

"Nolan, now." Morgan said.

"Lights out ye bastards." Nolan responded before lights all over the house flickered.

"Remember, we only need Hassan, but we need him alive. He should be on the third floor, but he could anywhere." It shouldn't be hard to recognize someone who was almost two meters tall, but caution never hurt.

Morgan opened the door of the main entrance and found himself in what past for a living room. Three men were in it. all confused at the sudden darkness. One approached and called out a name, probably a friend from outside the house. Morgan answered with a bullet to the chest. MacPherson echoed the sentiment at the other two in the room.

"Nineteen." Morgan reported over the radio.

"Twenty," Nolan responded, shooting a man who came out to check the generator.

"Twenty-one." Palmer chimed in, getting the man right behind twenty.

"Twenty-two." Morgan said as he dropped a man in the kitchen eating a sandwich

"Twenty-four." Nolan continued as he took out two in the hallway

Twenty-five." Morgan noted as Macpherson shot a man coming down the stairs.

"Twenty-six." Nolan said as he saw a man laying in the corner, moving his gun errently.

And so it went as they made their way through the house, taking the hapless Somalis in the dark. The final count was thirty-one, the last going to Palmer. Who, everyone agreed, was owed a beer by intelligence for the lapse in numbers. As they made their way through the house, the enemy become increasingly aware of the presence of intruders. Now they stacked up in front of Hassan's door. They could hear him speaking to someone on the phone, clearing panicking.

Morgan to a flashbang from his belt and pulled the pin. Nolan dutifully opened the door a bit to let it in before closing it. A bang was heard followed by screaming. The four men quickly piled in. Nolan taking the initiative and smashing the cellphone Hassan was using while MacPherson grabbed Hassan and forced him to his knees.

Hassan was screaming what Morgan knew to be obscenities in a number of languages.

"English, do you speak it?" Nolan asked.

"Yes." Hassan said after a moment's hesitation.

"Good." Morgan said as he stepped forward. "Because we have questions, and you better have answers."

"What do the English want with me?"

Morgan fished out a white snake symbol. "Recognize this?"

"Yeah, some people, they look you-" Hassan began.

"Us?" Palmer interrupted.

"White." Hassan spat out like it was a curse. "they sometimes buy from me or ask me to introduce them to others."

"Anything else?" Morgan asked.

"I don't talk about my...clients." Hassan paused as if searching for the word.

"You better start." Morgan said.

"And what do you think they'll do to me if they find out I did?" Hassan asked.

"Let me ask you a better question. What will we do if you don't." Morgan said.

"You're bluffing, yo-" Hassan began. a boot to the face ruined whatever else he was about to say.

"Ask you can probably tell, We aren't your usual unit. You'll find there is very little we won't do."

"Okay, okay, I'll ta-" the boot silenced him again.

"Don't interrupt me. You tell us what we want to know. And then we'll see what we're going to do with you. If you lie, I can promise it won't be kind. And no one will ever know. clear?"

"Yes." Hassan managed.

"Good, come with us." Palmer and MacPherson forced the man to his legs and led him out of the building. They piled into the sedan he loved so much and took off. Grant and Timmons following in a technical. Off in the horizon, a helicopter approached to get them.

[Hespero-Belkia]

Corporal Sara Judolaika - Fox Company, 1st Marine Infantry Brigade
Merca, Somalia
January 8th, 2000

Mere days after declaring its intention to intervene in the Somalia conflict, Hespero-Belkian Imperial Marines had already reached the war-torn nation. Fox Company, the force recon element of the marines, had arrived in the port city of Merca, 109 kilometers southwest of Mogadishu, aboard the Tokar-class landing ship HBL Stragis. Having just disembarked from the ship, Sara Judolaika, a 24 year old corporal from the city of Nerisa ((Kaunas)), was waiting on the docks for the rest of her squad, and was in the process of performing one last check of her kit.

"Sure beats the weather back home, eh Sara?" young Pvt. Giedrus Pretkelis quipped as he approached his squadmate.

"30 Celsius in January, who would've thought of that?" Sara replied. Having finished inspecting her MSS-4 rifle she moved on to her sidearm. "It never gets this hot back in Odysia."

"Never was much of a fan of the cold," Giedrus said as he rolled up his sleeves.

"Judolaika! Pretkelis! Cut the chatter and form up!" their squad leader, Sgt. Mykol Salatka, ordered as he passed them, waving a dossier in their faces. "I've got our orders."

The 10 man squad grouped together and Salatka opened up the dossier, revealing a map of Somalia within.

"We're here," he began, pointing at Merca on the map. "Merca, southwest of the capital, Mogadishu. Right now, most of the fighting is going on in the central regions of the country, near the Ethiopian border. That whole area is a stronghold for the Islamic Somalian State. They're the largest anti-government faction and the coalition is planning a big push into their territory to finish them off for good. Don't get too comfortable, we're moving out as soon as they finish unloading our equipment. Dis-missed!"

And with that, the squad dispersed. Salatka headed back towards the ship to talk with their platoon commander, while Sara and Giedrus stayed in place, now joined by a third squadmate, Lance Corporal Agenas Lytov.

"I hear the fighting's pretty intense where we're headed," Agenas said. "No real front lines, just both sides striking whenever and wherever they can."

"We can handle it," Sara stated. "We're Fox Company marines, not some Ground Force conscripts. We chose this path, knowing full well what it might mean for us."

"Spoken like a true marine," Giedrus grinned, patting Sara on the shoulder. "Agenas and I are gonna go check up on the guys from K Squad, we'll be right back."

With them gone, Sara was left alone. She collapsed her rifle's stock and slung the weapon over her shoulder, then reached into her flak vest and pulled out a photo of her with her with her parents, with both her and her father, retired Air Force Master Sergeant Grigori Judolaika, wearing their dress uniforms. She was the latest soldier in the Judolaika family, but the first to actually go to war in 60 years. In fact, almost everyone in Fox Company had never been in a war before, despite their status as Hespero-Belkia's elite marines. As she put the photo away, Sara hoped that all their years of training and exercises would pay off in the field...

[Tiong Hoa]

Tiong Hoanese National News

”Měihǎo de yītiān, I am Su Huang with THNN, with a breaking news broadcast. The nation's of Taursion, Iran, the Islamic Republic, Uyghurstan, and Tiong Hoa have all agreed to partake in the construction of a twenty-five billion dollar rail line between Constantinople and Tianjing. Called the Silk Road Railway, the line stretches from Tianjing to Urumqi to Kabul to Tehran, planned through Armenia and ending in Constantinople, the heart of the Taursion Imperium. In total, the line will span eleven thousand kilometers and stretch from coast to coast, yet will take five years to complete at the latest. Construction of the line began yesterday outside Tianjing, with President Jiahao Kuang hammering a ceremonial spike into the first piece of track, before construction officially beginning. That's all for now, and be sure to stay tuned to our regular broadcast. I'm Su Huang, with THNN News."

[Nieblham]

Jan 10th, 2000
1000 hours
Hong Kong, Tiong Hoa

A group of 6 men sat around a circular table with the center cut out. They were representatives from 6 different EACPU members. Many more were coming in to view the mediations in the observer portion of the room. Flags were everywhere, 1 for every EACPU member, and for the EACPU itself. Only Vietnam didn’t have a flag present. Aides were bustling too and from, translators were in another room using headphones to translate the different speeches to the representatives here at the meeting. A bright light shone overhead casting downward shadow under the table. Zid Nigam hoped that peace could be achieved today, if successful he might just keep his job as Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Nieblhami Minister of Foreign affairs Zid Nigam stood up from his seat as the last of the observers sat down.
“We are here to give diplomacy and peace a fighting chance, to fix the wrongs of the past, and to look forward towards a brighter future.” He began, “I would like to begin this discussion by asking the two players involved, what are their goals in the war. And the goals for their people beyond this war.”

SEU Minister Suttisin Dasom was the first to respond. “What we want is a return to peace and order. This conflict has led to thousands of deaths in a meaningless war. We demand that this war end. The Vietnamese Nationalist rebels have proven incapable in protecting the interests of any of their non-Vietnamese minorities. We cannot allow every little spat to devolve into a new state, it would leave us all weaker. What we need is unity. For almost fifty years, this union has endured with peace among the many peoples in it. Why end it now? Both states will be left weaker as a result. Thousands have died to keep the SEU united across several wars, why spit the face of their sacrifice for principle? The SEU is willing to acknowledge that mistakes have been made on both sides and our leadership is willing to reform to preserve our union.”

Zid Nigam acknowledged the speech and said, “Yes it is important to understand that everyone here today has some fault to play for the tragedy that has befallen us for the past 3 years. Vietnam is there anything you’d like to say on the question at hand?”

The Vietnamese minister took this chance to respond. “We are tired. We are tired of being the second-class of the SEU. We are tired of having to obey Bangkok. We are tired of not being able to determine the future for ourselves. We want a Vietnam for the Vietnamese. We are tired of Thai domination of this union. The Vietnamese Nationalist Party was elected to all three regional assemblies. We wanted to leave peacefully, but these, butchers, sent troops to suppress our peaceful people. We fight for our freedom, that is all we want and all we will take! Freedom for Vietnam!”

Dasom stood up, “And what of the Thai in Vietnam? The Khmer? The Malaysians? Do they not deserve the right to chose their own future? Your ‘peaceful people’ have driven over a million non-vietnamese from their homes! The SEU will not stand for this! You cannot think of only the Vietnamese! You must consider the rights of all people in Vietnam!”

The Vietnamese ambassador rose up, both delegations followed and a shouting match quickly began as both sides hurled abuse at one another.

Zid Nigam rose and used his gavel on the top, “Order, order, how can we accomplish peace at home if we are fighting here?”

The conference quieted down.

“I have a proposal that should work to satisfy both parties and i believe the rep from Tiong Hoa also has a proposal if my is not satisfactory. First I propose that the assemblies of the SEU have more control over the military than the Federal Government. The Feds can still pass defense budgets, and enact uniformity measures, but it will be up to each assembly what they buy with their allotted money and who they hire. No assembly can declare war though, that is still the power of the Federal government. When it comes to the Senate, the size shall be increased from 8 to 16, 2 from each assembly. The requirement to pass will be increased from 5/8th to 6/8th. And in case of 5/8th decision the Executive branch shall vote. When it comes to the Presidency that makes that vote, instead of one President there shall be 5, elected using a STV voting method, and if they shall need to vote then 4 votes will be required. Thus the Presidency will not belong to any single one group here nor the Senate. In other words you must work together.”

The SEU minister stood up, “we reject every provision of this proposal.”

The Vietnamese ambassador stood up, “as do we.”

Zid looked at the two, “millions have died over this dispute and hundreds continue to die because the two sides cannot peacefully resolve their dispute. Both sides have blood and mistakes on their hands. You have both agreed to be here because we cannot let this state of affairs continue. We must have discussion because bloodshed has gotten us nowhere over these years. Let us stop speaking of violence and start speaking of peace. You have both rejected the first proposal so you clearly know what will not work. Now what we must figure out is what will work. Firstly, we must find what was unreasonable of the first proposal and why they were unreasonable. Let us first focus on the military aspect.”

The SEU minister spoke first, “the Union military is the pride of the Union. We cannot break it up into a regional mess for the sake of making others feel better. It will breed factionalism and poor communications.”

The Vietnamese ambassador shot back, “a military that your people dominate.”

“They dominate the military because a majority of the military is Thai! It only follows that our people would be common in the upper echelons of a force that they are a full sixty percent of.”

“And this upper echelon of citizens have abused their power in Vietnam! Might I remind you of the brutality and rapes your soldiers committed even before my people grew wise and rose up against your tyranny!”

“The soldiers that committed crimes were punished! That is on record. No system is perfect and the Ministry of Defense sacked a number of senior officials before the war began to right that wrong. We acknowledge that some mistakes were made before the unpleasantries, but we cannot be held accountable to every crime committed by an ethnic Thai anymore than you can be held accountable for a crime committed by an ethnic Viet.

“It seems here,” Said Zid, “that the problem with the military is the hiring and demographics of the military.”

“That is not the problem, it is merely a single grain of sand on the beach that the SEU government forced Vietnam to endure. I'm speaking on behalf of all of my Vietnamese brethren, this war will not conclude unless the dignity and freedom of the Vietnamese people are assured to us. As is our god given right. And all attempts at peaceful compromise with the SEU have failed, we merely responded with the one language they understand, force.”

“And has the SEU changed its opinion a bit after the deaths? Are you more willing, SEU to work with Vietnam?” Zid asked the delegation.

The SEU minister looked rather embarrassed, “as we have said, mistakes were made...we were not..aware of how the situation in Vietnam had...degraded until the war had begun. And for that the SEU extends sympathies to the Vietnamese people.”

“And vietnam can you forgive the SEU for those mistakes?” Zid asked, “Reconciliation and forgiveness is the first step towards peace.”

“You asks us to forgive four decades of abuse. They only listened when we marched in the streets with guns. Why should we believe that it will be any different now.”

“I’m not saying there won’t be change and forgiveness isn’t forgetting the past aggressions.” Zid replied “Now we have all said a great deal, perhaps it would be best to meet at a later date after we have properly concerned our options and consulted our governments?”

“That is acceptable to the SEU.”

“As it is to Vietnam.”

“Alright let’s schedule Feb 1st as the next meeting date.” Zid said as he bannged his gavel ending the conference.

[Aurineia]

Chimes can be heard

"A. B. C..."
"Good morning, and happy New Year, and Millennium to all. This is your host, James Smith, stepping up to replace my colleague William Hunt, who retired this Christmas after 23 years as the host of Radio A.B.C. But before we get into the news, a word from our sponsors, and a musical break."

The chime of A.B.C plays and then stops, followed by another brief moment of silence,

before long, music begins to play, then followed by a Commercial break.

"Tired of that traditional Urika-Cola taste?" a masculine voice says "Boy, I sure am Mister!" says the voice of a young boy. "Well Billy, then you should try brand-new Urika-Cola Cherry, that good old Urika-Cola taste, now enhanced with the sweetness of a Cherry, which you, little Susan at the playground, Mother and Father will love."the old male voice said. "Brand new Cherry Urika-Cola, that good old fashion Urika taste, now with sweet Cherry!"

as the commercial ceased, another song began

the A.B.C chime played once more, followed by the man saying in tune "A.B.C..."

"And we are back from our break. In national news, the traditional ball drop in Time Square to celebrate the new millennium in New Ely had the largest crowd in the Ball drops history, bringing in people from all over the Nation and abroad, including celebrities, and even President Hopkins attended. In Carver, Ohneka (Cleveland, Ohio) Steel workers who had been on strike since last November because of pay cuts from management have finally desist after management promised to restore the Workers pay to the full amount. In sports, the Carver Oilers Played against the New Ely Continentals for the Traditonal New Years Football game, the Continentals beat the Oilers with a score of 28 to 17.And in International News. The Vietnam War, where the Vietnamese People are revolting against the role of the SEU over the little representation they have, has entered it's third year of conflict, current casualties are unknown to Aurineian Reporters. Events have been going on the same in the Eastern Fringes of the Taursion Imperium, the region of Armenia has itself too taken up arms against the current Government in defiance and to seek independence. In Bulgaria, a fight broke out within the Bulgarian Parliament, Boyko Radevov, a heavily left politician caused controversy, and a fight broke out in the floors of the house between him and Speaker Branimir Ivanov. In the Americas, Tsar Nicholas of Kaskadiya has stepped down as Head of State in favor of his daughter, Crown Princess Sonya in a press conference in Houston, Texas. In Stacodan Panama, terrorist attacks have plagued the region, calling forth a Curfew garnishing more criticism from all, and in related news, the PRA attacked a prison in Panama, 88 people including Militants, Guards and Civilians lie dead. Seems like with this new millennium, we have new and old problems. I'm James Smith, you're host, to wish you a Happy New Year, and God bless." the A.B.C chime played one last, time, before switching over to another song.

the White House, Patterson, 12:30 PM
The Cabinet room was full of men, from all Departments of the Federal Government and their respective heads, centered around the long cabinet table topped with cups, papers, and other miscellaneous objects, then the door opened. The members of the Cabinet expected to see their President first and prepared to sit down, but they were surprised to see a big fat black dog, with a gray muzzle and droopy ears waddle in first with a bone, followed by the fat President Hopkins, smiling, and whilenin the door way, cheerfully said "Happy New Years, Gents!" his Cabinet responded with a range of half-hearted responses, while Hopkins walked over to his seat at the center of the table and sat down, everyone else followed suit.

"So, what's on todays agenda gentlemen?" Hopkins asked, after taking a sip of Coffee, and now a more serious tone.

"To start, Mister President. said Attorney-General Edward Langstrum.

"Some 7 miles off the coast of Ellicot, New Ely (Buffalo, New York) A civilian Fish Trawler pulled up a quarter ton, of Nuclear Waste filled Barrels. I'm to inform you as well that the Department of Justice has launched an official Investigation into the matter." Langstrum said, as Secretary of War, William Armquist stood up and spoke.

"Mister President, with the events unfolding at the current moment across the continent, the War Department would like to propose that we collaborate with Stadaconan forces in Panama, to insure the situation in Panama does not explodes into a full blown revolution like in Armenia and 'nam, sir." he said, walking over to a map of the Americas brought in by a war department intern, showing pins in the map representing attacks by the PRA. Hopkins looked at the Secretary of state, Robert Gaines.
"Do you think they'll accept such a proposal?" Hopkins asked Gaines.

"I'm not particularly sure, I'll call Ambassador Lacey in Boston and have him propose the idea to them." Gaines replied in a southern accent, from somewhere on Cantuk (Kentucky).

"Alright. So is there anything more for todays agenda?" Hopkins asked.

"Doesn't appear so, sir." Gaines replied, looking down at his paper, and the other Secretaries shaking their heads.

"Well, meeting adjourned then." Hopkins said, as the members of his Cabinet began getting up and slowly dispersing.

[Hespero-Belkia]

Captain Vitus Sova - 16th Fighter Squadron - 'The Skyraiders'
North-Central Somalia
January 12th, 2000

"HQ, this is Raider Seven, en route to target. ETA 30 minutes until arrival," Capt. Sova reported as his AS-18 Thunder-Cat soared across the skies of northern Somalia. "Skies are clear, no enemies in sight."

"Raider Seven, this is HQ. We read you loud and clear, continue on your scheduled flight plan to strike the hostile supply depot at point Bravo-12."

"Understood, HQ. Will proceed," Sova replied. All of a sudden, an alarm started blaring. His radar was detecting an enemy SAM launch to his southwest... locked onto his plane. "HQ, HQ, this is Raider Seven! An enemy SAM has a lock on me! Performing evasive maneuvers!"

"Enemy SAM? The Islamic forces aren't supposed to have any SAMs!" came the reply from HQ.

"Yeah, well they've got one now!" Sova twisted and rolled his aircraft through the sky and , desperately trying to break the missile's lock. "I can't shake it, gonna have to bail out!"

Sova slammed the eject button mere moments before the missile made contact. As his parachute deployed, he watched as his plane plummeted to the ground in flames. Slowly and gently, he descended towards the ground, landing in the desert a few minutes later. Upon reaching the ground, Sova shook off his parachute harness and reached for his pistol, only to find it wasn't there. His holster had gotten caught in the ejection seat mechanism and ripped off of his leg. Now he was alone, unarmed, and stuck behind enemy lines.

"Shit," was all the pilot could mutter upon realizing the seriousness of his situation.

[Yottabota]

Commanding Officer: Colonel Michael Vales
Operating Forces: 12th Infantry Corp/ 25th Close Air Support Wing/ 300 Sierra 7 Special Assault Forces
North Central Somalia; Garowe
14:33 EAT; 21:33 EST

The Stadaconan 12th Infantry Corp arrived at the outskirts of the Islamic Militant controlled city of Garowe, about 150 km out. The forces came to a complete halt, with 30 T20A1 Bull Moose sitting at standby, supplemented by 5 M1 Abrams and a dozen or so Bison IFVs. The soldiers in the IFV got ontop of vehicle and watched from a distance as the 26th CAS Wing did it's job; a small wing of five A-30 Monoliths and two GS-250H Rainmakers, escorted by six F-28 Falcons.

"This is Alpha Whiskey to Ground team, arriving at target vicinity, beginning attack run on target area. Over" The lead GS-250 communicated with the commanding officer back down on the ground.

"Roger that, enjoying the fireworks down here. Over." The commander spoke from within his RSOV. As soon as he finished, he spotted five APCs rolling up along the embankment of the hill they were on. Sierra 7... Huh this really is a big deal ain't it? He thought as he looked through his binoculars to watch the Rainmakers keep up with their namesake. The soldiers let out a cheer or two when they saw the two gunships circle around the town and rain down on the city with it's 105 mm cannons.

"This is Alpha Bravo to Alpha Whiskey, detecting SAM SITE! Engage in evasive maneuvers!" One of the A-30's shouted out over the comms.

"Copy that! Disengaging! Take out those Sam!" Alpha Whiskey responded as the two Rainmakers pulled away from the city, allowing the A-30s to bank down to 75 feet above the city to take out the SAMs. After locating them, three A-30s rain down on the two SAM sites they had detected within the city and went back up to 1,500 feet. However as they ascended, a flak gun nicked the wing of one of the A-30s, resulting in it going in an upward spiral before one of the engines blew, as another round penetrated its armor.

"Mayday mayday I've been tagged by enemy flak! I'm ejecting!" And to that the pilot shot out of the cockpit of he A-30 flew out into the open air, parachute deploying as soon as he left it. As the pilot defended he was fired at by the enemy flak guns, one almost hitting him and exploding just above his chute.

"He's gonna get shredded! Rainmakers do your job and save his sorry ass!" The Alpha Bravo spoke over the comms. The GS-250s circled around back to the city, and started to raining down on the city block that housed the Flak gun nests.

"Confirmed kills, repeat confirmed kills on IR radar. Continuing attack run on AO." The ground team started to move up on the city, with the tanks firing HE rounds into the city to destroy the MG nests that were taking shots on the advancing army. As soon as the soldiers got to the city, the planes retreated back to the FOB and were replaced with attack helicopters that filled in the role of CAS.

"Move move move! Watch your flanks!" The Sierra 7 operator shouted as the APC parked beside one of the buildings and allowed his fellow operators to move out be into the war torn city. The colonel watched from the hill and smirked as he took a swig of his flask.

"Tell the field officers to keep it up, at this rate we'll be back for drinks before nightfall." He jabbed his second in command and comms officer.

Back on the front, Sargeant Vincent "Buck" Corleone fired his Mossberg 500 into the door of the fourth house they had raided, with him and the rest of his squad rushing in and clearing out the room before moving out. "Lion, your uptop, get on the roof and rain down some fire on these fucks." He fist bumped his female comrade who nodded and moved up to the roof with the ammobearer. He used the butt of his shotgun to crack open a window and drew out his C7 to take pot shots at a few militants hunkered down behind a mound of sandbags.

"Yo Buck! We got four Charlies on a technical! We're pinned down!" The squad across the street shouted out their situation over comms. He peaked out of the window and spotted the five soldiers hunkered down behind the cement wall of a destroyed cafe, along with the technical and three militants shooting at them.

"Alright hang tight im coming over!" He unslung his rifle and placed it at the ground, loading in a few shells into his shotgun and then pumped it. "Lion! Bison! Hound! Cover me I'm going across the street!"

"Alright! Tossing smoke!" Lion shouted from the roof and tossed a white cylinder down onto the street and covered it in thick white smoke. Buck vaulted through the window and sprinted through the street and dove for cover before a hail of bullets came his way. "Six degrees west! Two Tangos!" Lion called out the two soldiers in an MG Nest. Lion took her M249 and started to lay down suppressive fire on the two, allowing Buck to stand up and run through the window of another house so he has a flanking position of the technical. He took out a grenade, pulling the pin with his teeth and tossed it through the window, covering his ears as the grenade went off, he leaped through through the shattered window and pumped five shells into the surviving militants who the grenade didn't kill. Buck turned to the pinned down squad who peaked over the wall and held out an OK gesture with their hands.

"Saved our asses Buck, when we get back to base I owe you one!" The squad leader chuckled and helped drag one of their wounded soldiers into the building that Buck's squad was camping out in.

[Nieblham]

"Good Evening Ladies and Gentlemen it is 5pm Insomnia standard Time, Jan 15th, 2000. " Marach said as the Camera began to focus on him and his partner Rosa Ladd, "and this is Marach & Ladd."

"Details of the attempt at mediation with the Vietnamese rebellion are coming out with another meeting planed for Feb 1st." Rosa Ladd said, "while nothing concrete has been agreed too, a cease fire is still in effect. Though a couple of small firefights started by the idiotic and blood hungry Vietnamese have been reported."

"The acting Minister of Foreign affairs stated that the first meeting was to simply get them to the table and begin talking instead of shooting, even if talking involved shouting." Sean Marach continued, "In terms of the economy CM announced today that they are planning on building a factory in Dastar, the city is welcoming for the additional jobs."

the camera cut to an animation with the blood red words AVALANCHE WATCH!

"Our latest program on the Marach & Ladd show is AVALANCHE WATCH!" Rosa said putting emphasis on the word 'watch." "Don't forget watch is always capitalized."

"The Modernization Coalition hosted a 'No Canal" protest in the Kra region but apparently invited the clowns to join them." Marach reported

The camera cut to amateur photos and local newspaper photos that Kefkas were in. The non-clown participants are somewhat disturbed. A Kefka holds up a sign that says 'DOWN WITH SHINRA'

"Apparently the MC is desperate for power they are working with AVALANCHE" Rosa stated, "And we should point out that the SHC has very little stock in construction so the project wouldn't directly help them."

"Yes, AVALANCHE now hates businesses and prosperity in general. I can understand the environmentals being upset about disturbing the Ozma, but it's a river that we're making bigger so we can better live and have happier lives and be able to spread Dhama as it is our duty to make sure every Cetri can live a decent life."

The camera cut to the muted footage of a Nieblhami general speaking before Congress


"Air Force General Samar Highwind was confirmed by the Senate as the next 'General' of Nieblham, being in charge of all branches of the military and the paramilitary education program." Rosa Ladd transitioned.

"His acceptance speech marked a point of strengthening the Nieblhami military and those of other EACPU members, while also wishing luck to acting Minister of Foreign Affairs with the current problems in Vietnam." Marach reported as more muted footage of Highwind speaking was playing."

"Lastly the Lok Sabha passed the Railroad Restoration Act, RRA, today with the speaker of the Sabha stating that he's happy to help put Nieblham to work." Rosa Ladd mentioned, "the Upper house will take on the bill next before the Neta reviews it."

[Confederation of imperial states]

Congo Federation Congressional Hall, New Tanner
January 5th, 2000

The President, Daniel Starn walks up to the podium, as the rest of the hall settles down for the president's 7 minutes on the stage.

Gathering his papers, the 6' 3" man was a menacing sight, placing them up on the podium, he leaned slightly towards the mic.

"My fellow congressmen....." The President's voice and tone was one of authoritarianism, and strength. An aspect that few lacked nowadays. "I'm standing here, in the dawn of a new millennia, because it's time for changes to be made".

"In history, Africa has had a rough and violent history throughout the course of the world. From Invasions, to Colonization, to aggressive wars for independence. Only now are we finally at one of what will be a pinnacle of not only African Cooperation, but saftey and security. The forming of The African Federation was a staple of Africa, showing that it will not lay down and let the so called 'first world' trample it". He looks up, and around the hall.

"However it seems that the so called 'first world' has kept their cards close to their chest. Nevermind how not only the Congolese, but the Osphenar, Bayside, Kenyans, Libyans, and other African people have bled for the European, The Americans, and the Asians in the world Wars. Nevermind how millions died in offensives that helped to win the war, thrown off by politicians as 'your death dosen't matter', Nevermind how We've been able to build our continent to a stable standing point, with gracious help in our close allies in Britain, Standoca, and The Balkans".

"Somehow, Africa, with near 20 nations now, having active roles in past, present, and what will be future geopolitics. Africa has been denied a seat on the Security Council".

"How is it that they preach for Cooperation and world peace, and at the same time leave an entire continent to collect dust with the issues that press them, by giving europe 3 seats, and giving seats to nearly every other continent. Except Africa and South America. How is this fair?".

"How can you preach to be about cooperation, but show your obvious bias in giving Security Council seats, and cutting others out. With what history has shown, and how every nation, politician, and person has their own Agenda. How can we, the peoples of Africa: The Congo, Bayside, Kenya, Osphen, secure our interests by trusting you with our future. We will not, and we shouldn't have to. The African Federation, with it's humanitarian efforts in South Africa and Somalia, have shown that we are just as much of a player and a power in World Politics. Not only wielding Political Power, but Military, Economic, and Industrial".

"With the dawn of the New Millennia, I ask this congress to push and propose the U.N. to deem Africa a Permanent seat on the Security council. if The United Nations is to have any credibility in their Integrity, their ideals, and, hopefully, their morality and justice. They will give Africa a seat on the Security Council. For the sake of our people, our interests, and our future".

"Thank you".

---

Congo News Now

Top Stories:
Congo Federation President 'Daniel Starn', gains the support of congress to push the federation for a Security Council Seat

(Starn addressing The Federation Congress this morning)

"In an intense and moving speech given this morning by The President of the Congo Federation, Daniel Starn rallied and pushed the Congress to have the congo propose for Africa to gain a Security Council speech. Though there have been talks and wants for an addition, clout and discussion on the matter remained silent. Not being afraid to make an impression, and seemingly calling out the U.N. on what he believed to be 'hypocritical', Starn has successfully gotten the Congress to push The Congo to address The United Nations. Though preparations for such a proposal will have to be drawn up, his sucessfull election just 2 years ago, and his growing support within the Reactionary and Nationalist parties shows how much the politician's clout is growing"

"However this has also drawn backlash, with many saying Starn was 'too harsh' in his words, involving britain and europe, saying it could 'Damage LEN - AF Relations'. However as shown in his speech, it seems a bit of temporary damage between strong allies is a price to pay in what Starn's vision for a successful Africa entails.

In Other News:
Fighting Boils as War in Somalia reaches another possible fighting outburst


"for the past 4 years, Somalia has been embroiled in a deadly, and brutal civil war. The war is between The Democratic Somalian Militia, The Islamic Somalian State, The Somalian Privateers Coalition. And, strangely, a small fascist kingdom labeled 'the Holy Empire of Mark'. Fighting was engulfing the entirety of the horn around early 1997, as the war continued to rage on, it was only until an AF backed Coalition backed the Democratic Militia that fighting started to cool down. Coalition forces touche down in Mogadishu as Islamic Forces attempted to push the capitol, fighting and beating them back, the Coalition successfully secured the rest of the southern half of the peninsula by 1999".

"However reports of fire fights, along with Coalition forces and militarization of the forces at the 'warfront border' ramping up. It appears that the Joint AF Coalition is now hellbent, with entering the new year, to push forward and finish off the Insurgents within Somalia finally, and secure the horn. Though no official reports of fighting or militarization have been given, the ongoing small firefights and exchanges now appearing on both sides of the temporary border are giving signs of change".

---

Other News:

The Black Battalion: The Congo Federation's Ghost Army in Somalia

The Zimbabwean State threatens to purge all coffee beans, after dictator's drink was reportedly brewed poorly

As Congolese politicians show adversity towards the Boer state, what will be the future of the Boer militants in the coming years?