When Will the Stars Come Down? (FINISHED, NON-CANON)

[Astares Amauricanum]

Hello, and welcome to When Will the Stars Come Down?
This is supposed to be a simple diplomatic RP, where the international community gives its opinions about the following fact: the deployment of kinetic bombardment satellites by my nation, the Empire of Astares Amauricanum.
Now, the main question that everyone asks: Why would that interest me?
Well, we are talking about weapons in space, a very controversial debate. Even though IRL, the Outer Space Treaty forbids the use of Weapons of Mass Destruction in space, this only includes nuclear, chemical and biological weapons, and not conventional or inert weapons like, in this RP, tungsten rods.
Here, the Empire will be deploying both big and small rods, allowing for destructive capabilities being both near-nuclear (akin to a small nuclear device), and less than nuclear.

So, where do you come in?
The first, and most obvious option, would be an official and diplomatic answer, whether good or bad. You can also voice the thoughts of your citizens by way of press articles, blog posts, videos (ICly described), that sort of thing. And if you think of any other way, just throw me a TG and we 'll work things out.
So, the rules:

1: I am the OP, my word is law.
2: No Godmodding, Metagaming, that sort of stuff.
3: I control all the characters associated with Astares Amauricanum.
4: Since this is a diplomatic RP, no declaration of war or that stuff.

Concerning actions by intelligence services, please TG me beforehand
5 I reserve the right to amend these rules should the need arise.
6: No exceptions to any of these rules.

Cape Etheria, Florida
June 30th, 2020
9.50 AM

As usual for this time of the year, the sun shines brightly and the temperature is hot in this part of the Empire.
Around the three launching pads, various workers put the finishing touches to the three Ether X Heavy Launchers, while a few kilometers away, around the Observation Zone, many people await the big event, sitting in the grass, standing, snapping pictures of their surroundings, and overall having a good time.
A bit on the side, various TV crews and journalists, standing at the ready to immortalize what is sure to be considered a historical moment, and also a very controversial one.

At the center of the Observation Zone, a stage has been erected, currently guarded by various members of the Imperial Guard and Etheria Space Center Security.
Suddenly, the Astarian national anthem, Itinere Aquilae Silfures, or March of the Silver Eagle, starts to resonates, which causes all the people present to turn their heads towards the stage, as camera crews and reporters scramble in action to capture the moment.

After a few seconds, the Emperor and Empress of Astares Amauricanum, Adrean Blachkor "The Third" and his wife Anna Blachkor, appear on the stage, clad in their dark green Imperial Guard Service Uniforms, with only long-sleeved shirts (the leather jackets having been put away due to the heat), and their trademarl black berets on their heads.
As they walk towards the two stands awaiting them, they take some time to wave and smile at the cheering crowds. Once they are standing in position, they wait for the applause and cheers to die down, taking the time to straighten themselves one last time before speaking in the microphones.

"My dear compatriots, good morning." starts Anna in English. "We are gathered today in this place to be the witnesses of a very important and historical moment, both for our Empire and the world. Although these past few months, with the COVID19 spreading across the world, made us question many things about our civilization, our way of life, and even ourselves, we have prevailed, as we have for the last millenia."
As she says that, another round of applause erupts, causing the Empress to let a few beats pass while waiting for the cheers to die down. If there was one simple thing that pleased all Astarians, no matter their age or political opinion, it was the mention of past hardships and how their ancestors had endured them.
"Thank you, thank you." continues the Empress with a smile. "As usual, you all had a role to play in this endevaour, and for that my husband and I thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.
But today," she says as her face and tone turn more serious," we are about to embark in a journey where many factors are still unknown to us. Today, we dare lauching kinetic bombardment satellites. Today, the ERYK Orbital Weapons System comes online!"
With those words, a few moments pass in silence, the information sinking deeply in the minds of every person present or watching behind his television. Although the ERYK OWS was not breaking any international laws, due to the fact it was using tungsten rods and not nuclear warheads or any other type of WMDs, the power every one of these rods held was still tremendous, the bigger ones possessing destructuve capabilities similar to small nuclear devices.
"This day will not let the world indifferent." continues the Emperor, Adrean, with a calm tone. "Having the means to strike anywhere in the world faster than any long-range missile, without any known means to stop it, is not something to take lightly. While our allies may approve of it, many other nations will have a different opinion on the matter. Some will outright condemn us, calling us warmongers and all other sorts of nice names. Some will think we have something to overcompensate for. Some will call it a waste of money.
What its creators call it, is this: a rapid strike, no fallout. Simple as that.
So, to all of you who are listening, either here or far away, I want to say this: My wife and I hereby swear that like any other weapon of mass destruction, even though ERYK isn't one technically, we shall only use the OWS as a last resort.
To our allies, I want to reassure them of our committment in defending them. And to all those who would seek to harm us, we shall see you on the other side." he says with a calm yet sinister tone.
"But there will be time to worry about all of this later. For now, the sun is shining, the clock is ticking, so let's make sure to not be late and celebrate this occasion. Have a great day everyone."
As he finishes his sentence with a smile, his wife and him turn back towards the launching pads in the distance, as the crowd erupts in cheers and applause.
Soon, fumes start to appear below the Ether Xs, while the countdown is heard on loudspeakers, with the crowd soon joining it to count.

At 10.00AM sharp, the countdown reaches zero, and in a grand display of noise and fire, the three rockets start to rise in the Florida sky.
As the Imperial Couple watches from the stage, each one having an arm wrapped around the other's shoulders, they exchange a few words in Astarian:
"Now there's not turning back, says Anna.
-Indeed, replies her husband. Let's see how the situation will evolve.
-A day to remember." finishes the Empress as the three rockets continue their fuliginous climb towards the stars...

Imperial Department of State
Official Press Release

---

June 30th, 2020
3.00PM

On this day, at 10.00AM this morning, the first three satellites of the ERYK Orbital Weapons System, armed with tungsten rods (both with near-nuclear and less-than-nuclear capabilities) have been launched in space from Cape Etheria in Florida. The link between these satellites and the main control station has been established and confirmed at 10.45AM.
In the following days, other satellites shall be launched, and would in the end number 26 in total. Eventually, the ERYK OWS shall replace a third of the Empire current nuclear capabilities.
While the topic of orbital weapons is not something easy to talk about, and is viewed by many as a sacrilege, Their Imperial Majesties Emperor Adrean Blachkor and Empress Anna Blachkor have assured the world that these weapons would only be used as a last resort, and only in defense of the Empire and its allies.

If you want to send any message to us regarding this situation, please use the following recipient adress.
All official state communication: Imperial Department of State, Thomas Morozov Building, 1520 Aquilae Street.
All non-state and press communication: Imperial Press Office, Columbia Building, Imperial Compound.

Any message sent to the wrong recipient adress shall not be answered to!

[Kuronami]

The Palace of Caloris

The days following the winter ball were plenty busy for the Empress as she was not done just yet with the Good Duchess of the UIS of AHSCA. The two nations continued to flesh out further deals, arrangements, agreements and overall just continue to enjoy each other's company as friends and least not of all two women in power and largely underestimated by the rest of the world. Now obviously neither Kuronami or AHSCA were plotting a war for global conquest or anything like that, or anything nefarious but AHSCA was looking to show it could stand on its own two feet now. It welcomed the friends it made since the days from the war and would always call on them when needed, but nobody had to worry AHSCA would take that friendship for granted or rest on its laurels.

Kuronami certainly wanted to continue to flex itself as a minor power, a real force for influence in the world and another nation that would look out for and take care of its friends in times of need. With the latest round of trade and other topics finished and another round of agreements brought upon the Empress, the Duchess and each of their nations respective foreign ministers stood before a gallery of press agents snapping photos after photos. Throwing out a few questions here and there but really this was a formality a real sign of the two nations continuing years of working together. Whatever Kuronami's motives were to take care of their island neighbors two decades ago and into the present, it was set in stone now.

A side door opened up when one of the under staff members to Kuronami's foreign minister poked it trying to signal to Benio Hanamura to please come hither to her. Glancing over she could only give a nod, if she was interrupting a press event (or rather descritly trying to) this must be something important. But keeping ahead of information is always vital and the press would be all over it if Benio were to suddenly to race to the door. Instead she gave a light tap to the Empress to cue her that they needed to step out a moment. "Ladies and gentlemen of the Press," Fine said standing up with the Duchess at her side. "Thank you for coming out. As such I promised the Duchess some personal time to continue to aquatint her with Kuronami. And there's a few more details our respective foreign ministers must attend to at the moment, so please excuse us." She ushered her little ensemble along with them out of the gallery into Fine's private office.

"Miladies, pardons for the interruption." The Under staff woman said with deep apologies "Your Majesties, Agent Hanamura, Minister VinoCacao, late last night Imperial Department of Foreign Affairs for Astares Amauricanum issued a press statement stating they had launched orbital weapons."

"What?!" Fine slammed down on her desk in disbelief. The fact this was being relayed now thanks to an open statement and not through intelligence is already bad enough but now

Apparently all of them were caught off guard.

"I am sorry milady, our intelligence failed us on this aspect." Benio bowed her head in shame, good grief she was not having the greatest years as Kuronami's Foreign Agent. "Should we convene The Security Council?"

"No, that time has passed." Fine brushed that aside. Granted, A.A. was a friend to both Kuronami and AHSCA but friend or not, a program like this done in secret only means they have something more to hide with this regard. None of them were members of The World Assembly and thus none would be beheld to any existing treaties about space if any existed at all. Something this dangerous floating above them was a disaster waiting to happen. AHSCA and Kuronami were non-proliferation nations, AHSCA was bound to law to not wage war except in the cases of immediate threat or attack. This wasn't exactly an immediate threat or attack but all it would take is one malfunction, one act of cyber terrorism or simply a change in regime leading a nation to go rogue.

"Milady, I'm concerned about this as much, but i feel our hands are tied here." Marcella responded

"I'm afraid you're right, we are tied. All we can do is let them know how we feel. Also other nations aren't going to like this now, I think we're up for round two of the tensions we saw with Shikonjima only now our other friends will look at us sideways because of this. Rest assured Duchess though, we have each other's backs"

"Of course, Milady."

"Benio, Lady VinoCacao let's get writing shall we?"

"Right away." both women were now springing to action to note the concerns

Official Joint Statement on Behalf of the Empire of Kuronami and her friend The United Island States of AHSCA

To the appropriate parties,

As it has become known worldwide at this point, The Empire of Astares Amauricanum has launched it's own grade of orbital weapon technology to the degrees of near-nuclear capabilities in the name of the nation's own self defense and self interest. Kuronami always respects the rights of a nation to take it's matters of security to the degrees that are needed for their interests at home and abroad as does Kuronami and her allies.

The Ladies of the Empire and of the UIS have been briefed and made aware on the situation now unfolding with the Empire of Astares Amauricanum and both are expressing a grave concern about the impact such weapons have on the world at large as well as our own self preservation interests. Both would like to make it known that they share a concern about the implications for nations less interested in defense and more interested in conquest, the implications that will inevitably lead to a day when weapons of radiological, biological and chemical grades are placed into orbit be it by The Empire of Astares Amauricanum or other nations in the future. They wish to express the grave concern about the security for such systems against the present threats of cyber terrorism, later threats of budget and maintenance issues or hypothetical issues of sudden regime shift leading to systems negligence or worse yet a complete control of such destructive powers.

War and conflict will always be destructive and deadly without doubt but advances in technology have both lead to a greater ability to inflict casualties and an even greater ability to minimize casualties. The Ladies want it to be known that the surgical precision of warfare is a preferable, albeit regrettable, desire for the tools we develop in the name of our global stability and security which these tools do not.

The Ladies express concern of the now rising escalation of tensions that will result from this, as already mentioned the now unbearable welcome mat now unfurled for greater and deadlier weapons, but now the countless nations who will respond with fear, anger and even retaliation for this action.

The Ladies wish it to be known while our nations do consider The Empire of Astares Amauricanum to be a friend and valued ally, this program was developed under their own sole discretion and neither the Kuronami Empire nor the UIS nor other allies related by proxy of our nations were aware of this program, be it through intelligence gathering or insider information and thus we absolve ourselves or responsibility for their actions in pursuing this program.

Let it also be known that Astares Amauricanum is in legal and rightful possession of a small island in near proximity to the UIS, known as Islas Malditas that serves as a military outpost. In the interest of the safety of the UIS and her civilian and military ships that regularly travel this part of the region, as well as the military installations established legally and lawfully by the The People's Unified Federation of Mokastana and The Sultanate of Kyrenaia upon her lands and The Empire of Kuronami also in proximity based outlying strip of land.

Any further concerns you have with us directly, we ask you contact our respective Foreign Ministries for communications and statements. At present, we cannot answer any questions regarding this program or the A.A. Empire's further activities, everything you need to know has been outlined in this statement.

花村紅緒
Benio Hanamura
Agent of State for The Empire

On Behalf of Her Majesty,
Ortfiné Fredericka von Eylstadt

Noir VinoCaco
Officer for Foreign Relations for The UIS of AHSCA

On Behalf of Her Majesty,
Marcella Villa, Second Duchess of the United Island States of AHSCA.

Signed, sealed and dispatched urgently for all wires to pick up. Marcella looked out at the now snow covered landscaped of the city of Caloris, her legs right now felt like they would give way any second, a swirl of anger, fear, disgust and disappointment swelled up inside her at this moment. Fine's gentle hand landed on her shoulder. "We just have to wait now. You feel okay about letting it openly known about their island post?"

"If it's already not know internationally, people will find out sooner or later. And I'd rather them know instead of plowing through us to get to them. Then why do I feel guilty about this?"

"You shouldn't. They went behind both our backs and now we're the ones getting drawn into this. You want me to send you back to the UIS?"

"Right now I feel a bit better with you, so I can stay out my time here at least until such time our statements are known and we can gauge the reactions of the rest of the world." She turned to Noir, "Noir, would you please return ahead of me?"

"Of course Milady. Milady, I want you to know I agree with a decision to stay. out of abundance of caution it's best to keep you secure here for now, I'm sure when Milady Empress feels it's safe, she'll have you on a plane home."

"We will keep her safe here." Fine acknowledged, "Meantime I'll have a military flight escort you back the UIS Lady VinoCacao. I'm sorry we have to part at a time like this."

"Your company has been enjoyable. I look forward to returning here again. Please keep Milady safe and sound, Good Empress."

[New Visayan Islands]

TO: The Federal Empire of Astares Amauricanum
FROM: The Confederation of the New Visayan Islands
RE: ERYK

Greetings from the Confederation!

It has come to our knowledge that you have recently deployed an orbital kinetic strike system and is aware that while it is guaranteed to raise questions, established international law, treaty, and custom do not proscribe its deployment.

All that being said, we understand completely that the implications of its use in the defense of your interests; however, we still express the same grave concerns shared by the Empire of Kuronami and the United Island States of AHSCA. The concern that this will escalate at the hands of those nations with less scruples is no small concern; while every nation-state has its own baggage to carry, there will always be those nation-states with an institutional moral compass so twisted that simply navigating from bed to bath is a miracle in itself.

It is because of those nations that the Confederation understands why the Federal Empire did what she did, and wish to reiterate that what was done is not in violation of established international law, treaty, or custom.

Sincerely,


Dr. Jack Castro, PhD (International Relations)
Secretary of Foreign Affairs
Confederation of the New Visayan Islands

Dr. Jack J. Castro, PhD (International Relations)
Department of Foreign Affairs Building, Mandaue, DH
July 1st, AD 2020
0933 PHT

"Dear God in Heaven," Jack said as he reviewed the data. Seated in his desk, he was in the middle of a conference call with the rest of the Federal Council; the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic were still fresh...and none would be more aware of that than Allison Sanchez, the Secretary of Finance, whose face was on one of the screens along with the others.
"Allison, you've met members of the Imperial Family in Kuronami; was there anything from them that might suggest they would do this?"
"No, Jack," Allison replied, "not at all. Most of our discussions were relatively low-level in scope. Basics, trade details, education systems--practically anything anyone with a computer and an Internet connection could learn about publicly."
"Nate," Francis Cui asked, "what exactly does this entail for us?" The President had to redirect the conversation back to ERYK, after all.
"Orbital kinetic weapons are the sweet spot that allows any nation with the tech and the resources to launch a precision strike anywhere in the world without having to breach the Outer Space Treaty. A yield comparable to a nuke without all the attending nasties? While some would argue that Astares Amauricanum is compliant only in letter, there can be no denying that they have finally attained that capability." Nathaniel Charles de los Reyes took a sip from the cup of coffee on his desk before continuing. "Was orbital kinetic weaponry something to consider? Yes; my predecessor thought that such weapons would make WMD as we know them obsolete. Did we decide to pursue the technology?"
"No, we did not," Francis replied evenly. "Bart thought that despite the potential for zeroing out our nuclear checkbook, the raw force demonstrated by deploying such a system was not worth drawing undue attention to ourselves."
"And he was right, Frank. Say whatever you want about Bartholomew Pilapil, but he was right about this kind of system not worth whatever attention the Confederation would attract."

CDR Arthur I. Morados, VCN
Visayan Embassy to Astares Amauricanum
June 30th, AD 2020
2213 EDT

The Military Attaché was presiding over the staff meeting; Ambassador Tezuka had gone to the head and the DCM was in the hospital after learning that his daughter was injured in a vehicular accident. The meeting focused on what had happened earlier in the morning, and the atmosphere was tense enough that had a crisis actually have taken place, tobacco would be consumed in copious amounts.
"Zack? What just happened?"
"Well, Artie, it looks like we've been caught with our pants down in this matter," Isaac Ang replied. The Diplomatic Staff knew that the Commercial Attaché was also VIA Station Chief. "We know that a launch would happen, but beyond that zilch."
"Not blaming you personally," Ambassador Luis Tezuka said as he entered the conference room. "We've only been here for almost five months, after all, and good intel does take time."

[Astares Amauricanum]

July 1st, 9.00AM
Imperial Estate, Florida

Located just 20 kilometers south of Cape Etheria, on the east coast of the peninsula, is the Imperial Estate, or South Palace. Built in the 1940s, this vast complex of houses, gardens, playing fields... serves as the permanent residence of the Dowager Empress Agathe Blachkor, after her son sit on the throne, and is also the Summer Residence of the Imperial Couple and their Personal Guards.

On this warm July morning, as Adrean, Anna, and all the members of their Personal Guard are enjoying a nice breakfast around the swimming pool of the building they share, they hear a rumbling sound, before turning their faces to the North, and watching another fly of three Ether X launchers rising into the sky.
"Well, that's another three, says Phillip Smetov, who had just finished a length in the pool. Only twenty more to go.
-Indeed, replies Norman Whitaker, one of his squadmates. Adrean, Anna, has the hornet's net been kicked yet? he asks to his two friends who have just finished swimming and ae currently lounging in their deck chairs, the Emperor having grabbed his tablet and scrolling the screen.
-Apparently yes, replies the Emperor. The Department of State has received a joint statement made by Empress Ortfiné and Duchess Marcella, and another one from Jack Castro, the New Visayan Islands Secretary of Foreign Affairs.
-So, is everyone panicking? asks Patricia Petrenko with a small chuckle, causing the rest of her friends to chuckle a bit.
-Come on Pat! says Anna with a laugh too as she grabs her own tablets and reads the messages. So, Kuronami and AHSCA express a number of concerns, which are: the escalation of tensions, the danger that this will lead in the future to less scrupulous nations than us to deploy WMDs in space, other dangers concerning cyber terrorism and the hijacking of those weapons, maintenance cost and...regime change?" finishes the Empress with a raised eyebrow.
"Really?" asks Catherine Smetov. "I mean, you don't even have a heir yet! And what of the relationship status between them and us?
- So far, we remain friends, replies Adrean while looking at his blonde, female friend. Although they mention that we didn't talked to them about it, and they also make a small mention of the Islas Malditas. A small and fair revenge I guess.
-Do you feel sorry for them? asks Patrick Leonhart from afar, lounging in a corner of the pool with his wife.
-Of course we do! replies Anna. They are right when they say that this deployment will possibly lead to a greater threat of destruction and all. But we all know the 21st century is going to be far from peaceful. So we have to be prepared. That's why I shall tell them in the personal message I will send them. Do you mind honey? " she asks her husband.
-Not at all, replies the Emperor with a smile. Now, concerning the New Visayans, he continues as he turns back towards their friends, they express the same concerns, but they insist more on the fact we didn't break any international law.
-Do they mention intelligence at any point in their statements? asks Mark Vitella.
-Nope Mark, replies Adrean, and if I was to trust my gut feeling, I would say they were all caught offguard. Good that you asked, can you please send a message to the FIB asking them to put more assets in monitoring Embassy Row? I feel the activity is going to rise in the next hours, if it's not already the case.
-Rah! replies the blonde man before trotting away.
-All right people, time to go back to work! exclaims the Empress as she rises from her chair. Those communiqués ain't gonna write themselves! Pavel, Alicia, get in touch with Foxter to redact an official statement. Adrean and I shall contact the Kuros, ASHCAians and Visayans personally.
-RAH! shout the rest of the group, as they finish drying themselves, before going to grab their laptops and getting to work.

Imperial Department of State
Official Statement

Yesterday, the Empire of Astares Amauricanum, our nation, launched into space the first three satellites of the ERYK Orbital Weapons System, that is supposed to replace in a near future a third of our conventional nuclear arsenal.
In the following hours, the Empire of Kuronami, the United Islands States of AHSCA and the Confederation of New Visayan Islands, have acknowledged the situation whil expressing grave concerns over a possible escalations of tensions, as well as issues over the safety of such a system.

In light of these statements, the Empire wishes first to reassure once again our allies that these weapons are only to be used as a last resort. And while we understand the concerns over the security, especially in the case of cyber terrorism, we have taken all precautions in that field, the main one being a double check system by a ground satellite array as well as the orbital control station, necesary to authenthicate each and every possible strike.

Signed,
Secretary of State Michael Foxter

on behalf of Their Imperial Majesties

Emperor Adrean Blachkor "The Third", Son of the Empire, Master of the Appalachia, Conqueror of the Rockyes, Lord of the Plains and Tamer of the Frost.
Empress Anna Blackor, Daughter of the Empire, Highest Servant of the Stars

Arving Magnam Stoher Pavel Morozov
Arving Magnam Stohersisia Alicia Morozov

From:

Empress Anna Blackor, Daughter of the Empire, Highest Servant of the Stars

To:

Empress Ortfiné Fredericka von Eylstadt of Kuronami
Duchess Marcella Villa of the United Island States of AHSCA.

Subject:

ERYK

Diplomatic Correspondence
Not to be released

Your Majesties, Miladies,
my husband and I have acknowledged the joint statement of your nations, as well as the concerns raised by our deployment of the ERYK Orbital Weapons Systems.
I imagine that when you heard the news, a mix of emotions may have passed through you: fear over such a weapon and its destructive capabilities, questions about why w didn't told you about this before the launch, etc.
I want to apologize for all the uncomfortable feelings you may have felt.
As an ally, I want, once again, to reassure you that all known precautions have been taken to ensure the safety of this weapon, whether by implementing a double control system by means of a ground satellite array and a space station, or by having only used durable materials to build the satellites, so that maintenance would be smoother.

Now, I understand and share your concerns about the possible rise of tensions that ERYK may have paved the way for, but we all know that tensions, and war, are an integral part of human history, if not the main part. Although words alone can achieve many things, they can't achieve everything, and you sometimes need to have a less-pleasant option to back your words. And unfortunately, many people agree that the century we live in will be far from peaceful.
As for why you weren't made aware of the creation of ERYK, my husband and I, in collaboration with the project heads, agreed that we couldn't afford any possible leak, and had to keep the project secret to the last moment, even to our close allies.
Bbut as my husband mentioned it in our speech yesterday at Cape Etheria, as both of you are allied with us, that means you also fall under the protection of ERYK. And while I understand your concerns about a possible regime change, I assure you this will not happen. People know by now what may happen to them if they try such a foolish thing.

I know that what I just wrote will not reassure you completely, but I hope you will find it in your hearts to trust us about it.
In the meantime, please allow me to join to this message a photo from the astronauts manning the station above our heads, they also want to reassure you, in their own way.

Kind regards,
Anna

A photo of three astronauts standing outside the station in theur spacesuits, holding a banner saying:
Long Live Kuronami and AHSCA! This is to protect you too!

From:

Emperor Adrean Blachkor "The Third", Son of the Empire, Master of the Appalachia, Conqueror of the Rockyes, Lord of the Plains and Tamer of the Frost.

To:

President Francis Cui
Secretary of Foreign Affairs Jack Castro

Subject:

ERYK

Diplomatic correspondence
Not to be released

Gentlemen,
my wife and I have acknowledged the concerns raised by our deployment of the ERYK OWS, and we thank you for sharing them with us.
I understand your worries about the possible rise of tensions this will lead to, as well as the concerns about security and such, but I assure you on my honor that all known precautions have been taken to ensure that this system will not be hijacked or diverted for a malevolent purpose.

Concerning the rise of tensions, I'm sorry for that, but we have seen throughout history that this is the case whenever a new weapon system is introduced. Bolt-action rifles, machineguns, the atom bomb,... our history is one of tensions. Although words can appease many of our ailments, alone, they can't achieve everything, and you need to have a less-pleasant option at your disposal to sometimes get your point through.
I also imagine that not being made aware of this project before, even though our two countries are allied with each other, and bound by many treaties including a defense pact, must not have felt pleasant, not for you or your intelligence services. But just like with the atomic bomb back during WWII, the project leaders, my wife and I estimated that it was in our best interest to not let any possible information leak, so that's why we kept it to ourselves and told nobody, even our allies.
In the nam of my country, I would like to apologize for that, and reassure you once again about it. And since our two nations are allied, that means you also fall under the protection of ERYK.
I know this will not completely appease your worries, but I hope the future will prove you of our responsibility about ERYK.

In the meantime, our boys and girls stationed up there to control the OWS would like to send you a message, I've joind it in this message.

Regards
Adrean

A photograph of four astronauts, attached to one of the satellites (the rods visible behind them), holding a banner:
Peace to the New Visayan Iislands! We'll protect you from now on! One Love!

---

Meanwhile...
Columbia District, Embassy Row
As requested by the message sent by Major Mark Vitela to the FIB Headquarters in the Imperial Capital, a lone, white van parks itself in the street. Inside, various electronics equipment to monitor the communications in the area.
"Let's see what we'll get today," says one of the agents inside to his two colleagues, who answer with a small chuckle.

[Iarann Grudaidh]

Cape Etheria, Florida
June 30th, 2020
9.50 AM

As usual for this time of the year, the sun shines brightly and the temperature is hot in this part of the Empire.
Around the three launching pads, various workers put the finishing touches to the three Ether X Heavy Launchers, while a few kilometers away, around the Observation Zone, many people await the big event, sitting in the grass, standing, snapping pictures of their surroundings, and overall having a good time.
A bit on the side, various TV crews and journalists, standing at the ready to immortalize what is sure to be considered a historical moment, and also a very controversial one.

At the center of the Observation Zone, a stage has been erected, currently guarded by various members of the Imperial Guard and Etheria Space Center Security.
Suddenly, the Astarian national anthem, Itinere Aquilae Silfures, or March of the Silver Eagle, starts to resonates, which causes all the people present to turn their heads towards the stage, as camera crews and reporters scramble in action to capture the moment.

After a few seconds, the Emperor and Empress of Astares Amauricanum, Adrean Blachkor "The Third" and his wife Anna Blachkor, appear on the stage, clad in their dark green Imperial Guard Service Uniforms, with only long-sleeved shirts (the leather jackets having been put away due to the heat), and their trademarl black berets on their heads.
As they walk towards the two stands awaiting them, they take some time to wave and smile at the cheering crowds. Once they are standing in position, they wait for the applause and cheers to die down, taking the time to straighten themselves one last time before speaking in the microphones.

"My dear compatriots, good morning." starts Anna in English. "We are gathered today in this place to be the witnesses of a very important and historical moment, both for our Empire and the world. Although these past few months, with the COVID19 spreading across the world, made us question many things about our civilization, our way of life, and even ourselves, we have prevailed, as we have for the last millenia."
As she says that, another round of applause erupts, causing the Empress to let a few beats pass while waiting for the cheers to die down. If there was one simple thing that pleased all Astarians, no matter their age or political opinion, it was the mention of past hardships and how their ancestors had endured them.
"Thank you, thank you." continues the Empress with a smile. "As usual, you all had a role to play in this endevaour, and for that my husband and I thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.
But today," she says as her face and tone turn more serious," we are about to embark in a journey where many factors are still unknown to us. Today, we dare lauching kinetic bombardment satellites. Today, the ERYK Orbital Weapons System comes online!"
With those words, a few moments pass in silence, the information sinking deeply in the minds of every person present or watching behind his television. Although the ERYK OWS was not breaking any international laws, due to the fact it was using tungsten rods and not nuclear warheads or any other type of WMDs, the power every one of these rods held was still tremendous, the bigger ones possessing destructuve capabilities similar to small nuclear devices.
"This day will not let the world indifferent." continues the Emperor, Adrean, with a calm tone. "Having the means to strike anywhere in the world faster than any long-range missile, without any known means to stop it, is not something to take lightly. While our allies may approve of it, many other nations will have a different opinion on the matter. Some will outright condemn us, calling us warmongers and all other sorts of nice names. Some will think we have something to overcompensate for. Some will call it a waste of money.
What its creators call it, is this: a rapid strike, no fallout. Simple as that.
So, to all of you who are listening, either here or far away, I want to say this: My wife and I hereby swear that like any other weapon of mass destruction, even though ERYK isn't one technically, we shall only use the OWS as a last resort.
To our allies, I want to reassure them of our committment in defending them. And to all those who would seek to harm us, we shall see you on the other side." he says with a calm yet sinister tone.
"But there will be time to worry about all of this later. For now, the sun is shining, the clock is ticking, so let's make sure to not be late and celebrate this occasion. Have a great day everyone."
As he finishes his sentence with a smile, his wife and him turn back towards the launching pads in the distance, as the crowd erupts in cheers and applause.
Soon, fumes start to appear below the Ether Xs, while the countdown is heard on loudspeakers, with the crowd soon joining it to count.

At 10.00AM sharp, the countdown reaches zero, and in a grand display of noise and fire, the three rockets start to rise in the Florida sky.
As the Imperial Couple watches from the stage, each one having an arm wrapped around the other's shoulders, they exchange a few words in Astarian:
"Now there's not turning back, says Anna.
-Indeed, replies her husband. Let's see how the situation will evolve.
-A day to remember." finishes the Empress as the three rockets continue their fuliginous climb towards the stars...

(Image)
Imperial Department of Foreign Affairs
Official Press Release

---

June 30th, 2020
3.00PM

On this day, at 10.00AM this morning, the first three satellites of the ERYK Orbital Weapons System, armed with tungsten rods (both with near-nuclear and less-than-nuclear capabilities) have been launched in space from Cape Etheria in Florida. The link between these satellites and the main control station has been established and confirmed at 10.45AM.
In the following days, other satellites shall be launched, and would in the end number 26 in total. Eventually, the ERYK OWS shall replace a third of the Empire current nuclear capabilities.
While the topic of orbital weapons is not something easy to talk about, and is viewed by many as a sacrilege, Their Imperial Majesties Emperor Adrean Blachkor and Empress Anna Blachkor have assured the world that these weapons would only be used as a last resort, and only in defense of the Empire and its allies.

If you want to send any message to us regarding this situation, please use the following recipient adress.
All official state communication: Imperial Department of State, Thomas Morozov Building, 1520 Aquilae Street.
All non-state and press communication: Imperial Press Office, Columbia Building, Imperial Compound.

Any message sent to the wrong recipient adress shall not be answered to!

Duff Gardens, Iarann Grudaidh
June 30th, 2020
9.50 AM

As the clock ticked away in her personal marble office inside her manor, the Supreme Leader was typing away on a laptop as one of her assistants tapped at the door. "Come in!" Georgia beckoned.
"Ma'am, turn on the TV, Channel 7" her assistant would say before walking out, she'd do as such and watch the speech...

As the speech drew to a close, a faint smile laid upon her face, knowing her allies just took a step for the safety of Astares Americanum and their allies. She'd turn to her computer and type away at a draft for a public statement, deep down acknowledging that this will be a public mess which killed the faint smile that laid upon her face.

OFFICIAL PUBLIC STATEMENT BY THE OFFICE OF THE SUPREME LEADER OF IARANN GRUDAIDH

Subject: A Public Announcement from the Supreme Leader of Iarann Grudaidh

Encryption Level: PUBLIC

---

As a lot of you may already know, our allies in Astares Americanum have successfully launched a Orbital Weapons System into Orbit, by doing so they have grown stronger and have became a larger threat to any nation who may try to harm them. I would like to clarify to the public that we in Iarann Grudaidh are in full support of the Empire's actions and believe the OWS to be a reminder to our mutual enemies that we will not be challenged. Anyone who may use these times as an advantage, whether political or during warfare, will see no backing from this great Militarized Nation. The weapon itself is in no violation of any international laws or treaties and is therefore legal, there is no harm done and I echo the Emperor and Emperess' statement regarding it being used as a last resort.

My nation has faced tough foes, and I am glad to say that Astares Americanum is one of our closest allies during these extremely trying times. The weapon in question is to be used defensively and as a last resort, as stated previously by the Emperor and Empress.

Achieve and Overcome,

Supreme Leader Georgia Grudaidh III, Iarann Grudaidh

[Astares Amauricanum]

July 1st, 10.05AM
Imperial Estate, Florida

After having redacted their messages to Kuronami, AHSCA and the New Visayan Islands, Adrean and Anna are made aware that Goergia Grudaidh also redacted a statement...

From:

Emperor Adrean Blachkor "The Third", Son of the Empire, Master of the Appalachia, Conqueror of the Rockyes, Lord of the Plains and Tamer of the Frost.
Empress Anna Blackor, Daughter of the Empire, Highest Servant of the Stars

To:

Supreme Leader Georgia Grudaidh

Subject:

ERYK

Diplomatic correspondence
Not to be released

Dear Georgia,
thank you very much for your statement supporting us about ERYK's launch. As you must be aware, other nations are not so keen about having weapons above their heads in space, and have voiced many concerns to us, ranging from the system's security to a possible escalation of tensions this deployment may generate. We have tried our best to reassure them, but only time will tell if we succeeded or not.
As a fellow head of state, you surely understand that while words alone can achieve many things, it's always good to have another less-pleasant option in case things don't work with just words. And with the troubles both of our nations have been through recently, the Civil War ten years ago for us or the People's Guard for you just a few months ago, we understand this sad truth.

So, once again, thanks for your support, and if you need anything else, please don't hesitate.

Kind regards
Adrean
Anna.

[The Orion Islands]

President Keevert was sleeping in his private bedroom when an aide ran in. "Mr. President, wake up."
The President continued to sleep so the aide physically shook him awake. He was not pleased in the least and a little angry. "This better be good. It's 4:45 in the morning."
"Mr. President, the VOI news channel has something you need to see right now. Can you get dressed in two minutes?"
"Sure."
Presidential office
The President came in dressed exactly two minutes later. "Please don't tell me there is another woman accusing Defense Secretary Matthews."
The Defense Secretary just walked in with the Foreign Secretary. The wall flat-screen was displaying a VOI anchor mentioning how the Astarians have a huge announcement to be made in minutes. The scree then turns to the launch ceremony.
"Matthews, how vulnerable are we?"
The Defense Secretary spoke for the first time. "Our ABM Systems are useless against this weapon. They can now strike at any part of this nation without warning and completely destroy our major cities. To stop this weapon we would have to destroy their satellites. We could get one, but that's it."
The President thought about it for a minute. "Send that emperor a cable asking for a summit. Call Speaker Wilson. Have him convene a secret session of the National Assembly. I don't care about summer recess, I need a functioning Assembly. To hell with social distancing, I need all 360 members in that chamber."

From: Orionite President Conrad Keevert
To: Emperor Adrean Blachkor
I am inviting you to a diplomatic summit in Union City, to be scheduled at your earliest convenience, to discuss your recently deployed weapons system. While we understand that you did not break any laws of any kind, we are concerned about our security and the security of our friends in Europe, Israel, Australia, Taiwan, and Japan. We desire this summit to ensure that you do not have immediate plans to attack any nation whatsoever.

[Kyrenaia]

Hall of the Sand Wolf, Palace of the Azure Hall, Utica, Kyrenaia.
Crown-Prince Ilia ibn-Razia.
1st of July, 2020.
Being Lord-Commander of the Navy, which your mother was the Supreme Commander of, was not a nice place - especially when things took an unexpected turn.
Like, for instance, a friendly nation not only developing, but also deploying and commissioning an orbital strike system - a tremendous waste of money and ressources, sure, but one, which was quite serious, as it was dangerous.
Due to time zones and such, it had taken a bit until the news reached us and when Able Sailor Qadir, my trusted Aide-de-Camp, had finished the report by Naval Intelligence, both Safir and my brother Damir were looking quite miffed.
In the latter case, it was almost furious.
Both men had been instrumental in establishing diplomatic relations with the Empire of Astares Amauricanum and they, too, had been caught completely off guard. Additionally, not even a day ago, Damir, I and Rasha had been in Munjam, celebrating Damir's wedding to Princess Yasmin bint-Atif, the Princess-Regent of Tanin. Aurelia, my niece, was still there, comforting her step-mother in the face of the fact, that her new husband carried a good part of the responsibility over more then half a billion people.
"Well... that is something.", Mother, the Sultana of Kyrenaia, said, leaning back, "We were caught off guard?"
"We had indicators, that they were developing new long-range weapons, but Naval Intelligence presumed, that it was a kind of new missile or something.", I replied and glanced at my own files.
"Technically, this does not break the Outer Space Treaty.", Safir said, "They are not Weapons of Mass Destruction, technically. They have the destructive potential, yes, but they are not. They are a strategic weapons system."
"One a sufficiently advanced power could take out in the first days of a confrontation via Anti-Satellite Missiles.", Rasha, Princess Rasha, added and gave a slight smile, "Destroy them before they can be launched."
"Possible?"
"Possible.", Rasha and I confirmed in unison, looking at each other, then Rasha nodded to me. I continued: "We are not actively planning for a war or conflict against Damir's little friends..." He nodded, acknowledging that. "...but against other powers, who might deploy weaponry in space. Or hijack it."
I raised a document, the... 'condemnation' might be a bit of a harsh term, but the paper expressing the doubts of the Empress of Kuronami and Marcella-Khana in that system.
"Short question...", Safir asked, "Why don't we have something like that?"
I handed him a publically available document. "Because we did the math. Sometime towards the end of the Decolonization Wars. The Lioness' Claw was the name of the project, a brainchild of Doctor Amir Muhayira." Safir took a glance pretty far in the back, at the concluding remarks. I helped him: "According to the math, a six meter by 30 centimeter tungsten rod would impact at roundabout Mach 10, yes, and would have the impact force equivalent to roundabout 11.5 tons of TNT, but the bloody thing would weigh well over nine tons." I shook my head. "A conventional bomb with similar, if not greater destructive capabilities can be delivered by many other means in an easier and more cost-effective way. That would mean having a capable platform nearby, yes, which has not the advantage of the vaunted global-strike capability, that is true, but that makes the entire system highly situational. And developing, deploying, commissioning and ultimately maintaining such a system only for these situational, hypothetical advantages was and is a waste of money."
"They apparently beg to differ.", Damir noted darkly.
"Well, if they have that kind of money to spare, I'll gladly take it.", Safir remarked to general chuckles, turning to Qadir, "And you wouldn't be opposed either, right?"
"Absolutely not, Sir."
"That still does not answer how we are going to respond.", the Sultana said at the head of the table.
My sister and I looked at each other. "We would have an idea. We would like to point out, that it is one, which they will not like."
"Lemme hear it."

---

Official Press Release of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Sultanate of Kyrenaia

---

On the matter of the development, deployment and commissioning of the ERYK Orbital Weapons System:

In the Name of Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad, Lady of the Five Deserts, Ilkhana of Utica, Daughter of Kyrenaia, Mother of Her People, Highest Servant of the Lioness, I am honoured to publish this message.
Much like our friends in the Empire of Kuronami and in the United Island States of AHSCA, the Sultanate finds itself concerned by the recent unveiling of the ERYK Orbital Weapons System by the Empire of Astares Amauricanum. While the Sultanate is glad to hear about the will of the Empire to disarm weapons of mass destruction, the Sultanate is concerned, that an orbital strike system in the wrong hands will cause untold amounts of damage and destruction and despair.
Of course, the Empire tries to reassure the world, that it is safe, that the threat of Cyber Terrorism and hijacking of these weapons is minimal at worst, but the Sultanate is still very skeptical. It is also worth noting, that in their official reply to the concerns of Empress Ortfine of Kuronami and Marcella-Khana of the UIS, they did not address concerns about maintenance and unexpected malfunctions, nor do they address the concerns, which a possible regime change might cause.
Especially Emperor Adrean should be well aware of how quickly and explosively such a regime change can happen - and how quickly the 'last resort' can become a 'first resort'.

The Sultanate does not wish to deny any nation the right to self-defense and acknowledges, that by the letter of the treaty, the Empire did not break the Outer Space Treaty, which prohibits the deployment of weapons of mass destruction in outer space. However, while the Sultanate acknowledges once having thought about a similar system (see file addendum LR-11987-E for the English version), the Sultanate considers the ERYK Orbital Weapons System a breach of that treaty.
While the Sultanate does not condemn the actions of the Empire of Astares Amauricanum, it reserves the right to undertake further steps, both of diplomatic and other nature, however they may look.

---

For all communication by state-actors, please send your messages to:

Azad Safir, Vizier, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Qaleatan Maktab, Utica, Ilkhanate of Utica, Sultanate of Kyrenaia.

For all communication by non-state-actors and press, please send your messages to:

Public Relations Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sub-Department 01, Qaleatan Maktab, Utica, Ilkhanate of Utica, Sultanate of Kyrenaia.

As usual, messages sent to the wrong recipient will not be replied to!

[Astronoth]

To Whom it May Concern of The Federal Empire of Astares Amauricanum

Let me begin by saying I hope this message finds you in good health.

It has become common knowledge among the international community, as I am certain you are aware, that the Federal Empire of Astares Amauricanum has successfully constructed and implemented an orbital kinetic strike system. Despite the natural skepticism, which you no doubt hold for us in the socialist world, hold for monarchies I have directed my comrades to ensure the understanding that our party line is Socialism in One Country. Self-determination is a core tenet in this school of thought, at least in the Atronothan schools, and I intend to uphold it. However, as our expansion of atomic power continues in Astronoth, I expect Astraes Amauricanum to remain silent on the issue should the international community become hostile toward our efforts.

Signed,


General Secretary of the Astronoth Worker's Party.

[Astares Amauricanum]

July 1st, 8.15PM
Imperial Estate, Florida

"And this concludes my report Your Majesties." says the image of General Francis Sturnel,a middle-aged Caucasian male with short grey hair and a mustache.
As he says that, both Adrean and Anna nod. For the past ten minutes, the Imperial Couple has been in a conference call with Sturnel, the Imperial Air Force General in charge of the Astarian Space Force, who among other things, supervizes the ERYK Orbital Weapons Systems. During thos ten minutes, the General has been telling them about a vast study made by his services about the OWS, ranging from the risks of security breaches, to maintenance costs, and many other details.
And the study had came to the following conclusions: that going on with the planned network of 26 satellites would cost more in maintenance and security than first expected, that in order to cover those costs, other military departments would have to be less funded, and that in the end, ten satellites would be enough to keep the best cost/efficiency ratio.

"So, General, what now?" asks the Emperor as he takes a sip of his lemonade, before looking beyond his laptop at the sea.
"Well, Sir, it the four next satellites, which we can now consider the last, shall be ready in tne next few weeks. We launch them, and with the remaining costs necesary to produce and launch the planned next 16, we can cover the maintenance and ressuply costs of the first ten for at least three years. This way, we can reassign the rest of the maintenance budget to Silver Swarm, our newest generation of anti-satellite and anti-missile defense.
-That is a good idea, replies Anna with a sigh. And with two more nations outcrying against us, including Kyrenaia, I suppose now's a good time to settle things before our partners and other countries start to view us in a too negative light.
-I agree Your Majesties, answers Francis. I've seen the messages, and although the Orionites have clearly not been listening, I wonder what the Kyrenaians want to achieve wit their statement. I mean, we only had one state visit for now,that does not make us best buddies.
-Indeed General, says Adrean. Leave the Kyrenaians to us. As for you, how about you go to the Orion Islands meet their President? And while you're at it, redact a statement to be published retelling the great lines of what you told us. We've played the card of honesty so far, let's keep it that way.
-Aye Sir, replies Sturnel. If I may suggest, would you mind if one of your Personal Guards came with me, but as a noble? That would be a good thing to have one of your direct representatives with me.
-I agree, replies Anna. We shall send the Smetovs with you. Do you mind Adrean? asks the Empress as she turns to her husband.
-I've got nothing to say, the latter with a smile. All right General, go work on your statement, and we'll contact the Orionites and Kyrenaians in the meantime.
-Yes Your Majesties! Good luck!
-Good luck to you too Francis." replies the Imperial Couple before the call ends and the screen turns black.

Imperial Department of Defense
Astarian Air Force
Official Statement

---

Yesterday, our country launched the first three satellites of the ERYK Orbital Weapons System, with three more joining them today. In the following hours, many nations expressed concerns over it.
At first, the ERYK OWS was supposed to be composed of a network of twenty-six satellites, controlled by both a space station and a satellite ground array. But in light of a recent study of the Astarian Space Force, it appears that the maintenance and security costs of those twenty-six satellites would exceed initial estimations, therefore mandating cuts in other department's budgets.
This fact, and the recent concerns and outcrys made aware by many nations, have caused the Astarian Space Force to scale down the project, in accordance with Their Imperial Majesties, to just ten satellites, after it was determined this was the best cost/efficiency ratio. According to our study, the production, launch and maintenance costs of the remaining sixteen satellites initially planned can cover the maintenance and security costs of these ten satellites for about three to four years.
The remaining maintenance budget shall be reassigned to the Silver Swarm System, our missile and satellite defense system, in order to finish its transtition to the latest system.
We hope this message shall help appease the rising (and unnecesary) tensions.

Signed,
Lieutenant General Francis Sturnel
Commander of the Astarian Space Force, under command of the Astarian Air Force.

From:

Emperor Adrean Blachkor "The Third", Son of the Empire, Master of the Appalachia, Conqueror of the Rockyes, Lord of the Plains and Tamer of the Frost.
Empress Anna Blackor, Daughter of the Empire, Highest Servant of the Stars

To:

Orionite President Conrad Keevert

Subject:

ERYK

Diplomatic Correspondence
Not to be released

---

Greetings Mr President,
we have received your message, and in light of the recent events, we fear that you have misunderstood what we said when the ERYK Orbital Weapons System was launched yesterday.
As we mentioned it in our speech, this network of satellites is only to be used as a last resort, and only in defense of our Empire or any of our allies. So unless you or one of our allies you mentioned (which we would like to remark are also, for many of them, our allies.) plan to attack us, you have nothing to fear about it.
That said, in order to appease possible tensions, we shall accept your invitation to a diplomatic summit. Unfortunately, due to urgent matters requiring our presence in the Empire, we will not be able to come in person.
That is why, we shall send in our stead two of our advisors, Arving Magnam Stoher Phillip Smetov and his wife Catherine Smetov, and Lieutenant General Francis Sturnel, who is the Commander of the Astarian Space Force under command of the Astarian Air Force.
They shall depart tomorrow, July 2nd, and arrive in the afternoon of the same day.
They shall be accompanied by an escort of eight guards, who are the squadmates of Mr and Mrs Smetov.

Signed,
Emperor Adrean Blachkor
Empress Anna Blachkor.

From:

Emperor Adrean Blachkor "The Third", Son of the Empire, Master of the Appalachia, Conqueror of the Rockyes, Lord of the Plains and Tamer of the Frost.
Empress Anna Blackor, Daughter of the Empire, Highest Servant of the Stars

To:

Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad, Lady of the Five Deserts, Ilkhana of Utica, Daughter of Kyrenaia, Mother of Her People, Highest Servant of the Lioness

Subject:

ERYK

Diplomatic Correspondence
Not to be released

---

Greeting Sultana,
we have taken knowledge of the Press Release of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
As you may have seen in our recent statement written by Lieutenant General Francis Sturnel, the project has been scaled down from twenty-six statellites to just ten. We hope that this will be understood as a first step to appease the outcrys, tensions and concerns from all around the world, including from the Sultanate.
If we consider that said concerns emanate primarly from nations who the Empire is allied with or has starting established good relations with, we suppose that one of the reasons everyone is worried is because none of them were told of this commisioning. To that, we simply answer that we chose to do so in order to avoid to the maximum information leaks to third parties.

Now, while we thank you for not condemning our actions,please allow us to point out one thing: when you mention that you consider we broke the Outer Space Treaty by launching ERYK, remember that the Empire is not a signatory of this Treaty, although we mostly abide by its rules. So tell us, how can we break something we didn't ratify and aren't a part of?
To us, it appears as the same thing that if we were to consider that the Sultanate was breaking the Chemical Weapons Convention of 1993, a Convention you didn't signed nor ratified.

So, in order to avoid unecesary sabre-rattling and damaging the good diplomatic bases between our two nations, we would like to invite to the Imperial Estate a Kyrenaian delagation to talk these things through. We leave the composition of this delegation to you.
In the meantime, please allow us to send our best wishes to your son Damir and his new wife Princess Yasmin bint-Atif.

Respectfully yours,
Emperor Adrean Blachkor.
Empress Anna Blachkor.

"I really want to mention the joke about Dad, says Adrean as he looks the message once more before sending it, but I feel that would be too much.
-Indeed, replies his wife. Let's keep it for the delegation or for the return visit. Speaking of messages, we still have one more to send.
-Yeah, those Astronoth guys, at least they have the same mindset as us, answers the Emperor before typing the last message of the day.

From:

Emperor Adrean Blachkor "The Third", Son of the Empire, Master of the Appalachia, Conqueror of the Rockyes, Lord of the Plains and Tamer of the Frost.
Empress Anna Blackor, Daughter of the Empire, Highest Servant of the Stars

To:

Natacha West, General Secretary of the Astronoth Worker's Party.

Subject:

ERYK

Diplomatic Correspondence
Not to be released

---

Madame,
we thank you for your kind words, and we hope that this return mesage finds you in good health too.
As we Astarians believe too in self-determination, you shall find no criticism or anything of the sort about your country expanding its atomic power. We hope that you shall dissuade your enemies with it.

Regards
Emperor Adrean Blachkor
Empress Anna Blachkor

"There done!" exclaims Adrean as he presses the Send button before closing his laptop. "Phew, finally done for the day. Time to sleep?" he asks his wife.
-I agree," simply replies the Empress, before the Imperial Couple comes back inside to turn in for the night.

[Lillorainen]

Federal Security Office, Lillatorn Tower, Lillamala/Greater Lysköping, Federation of Lillorainen.
For the last couple of weeks, the Lillatorn, the huge tower put up in Lillorainen's planned capital in order to host some of Lillorainen's political elite, had been as busy as a beehive, with Members of the Meritocratic Council and their staff constantly running around and asking each other how they could let this happen. And with 'this', something well-known throughout the world was meant. And even though they had everything well under control, thanks to previous early measurements, there was an aura of nervousness surrounding Lillamala.
Despite all travel restrictions and mandatory testing, the COVID-19 coronavirus had made it into Lillorainen. A group of tourists from the District of Gössning, in the State of Thulia, had returned from a foreign country concerned by COVID-19, despite stating otherwise (probably due to the lack of awareness), which turned out to be the perfect loophole for the coronavirus to enter the Federation's soil. The State Government in Kerkenich had not hesitated for a second, sending medical staff into the area for a massive testing, mandating two weeks of quarantine, as well as closing the state border with the help of State Police, Militia, and Federal Police forces. The governments of the neighboring states of Pontrath, Nessovia, Fyleria, Vedjading, and Rathenia had reacted immediately, more than willing to aid in controlling the spread of the pandemic over the area.
Of course, this had required action from the Federal Government as well. The President's advisory staff hosted several people with a medical background, one of them being Dr. Malte Bjarnesholm, an infectiologist. He was well acquainted with a colleague from Marseille, Republic of France, who had worked as a nurse there a while ago, and now held lectures at the Lysköping Medical School. Said colleague, named Bernadette Meunier, happened to know a professor from her former workplace, Dr. Didier Raoult, who had developed a treatment based on a combination of chloroquin and azithromycin, and while it had been, and still was, controversial across France, his method made it into the Empire of Astares Amauricanum - and succeeded. Based on this experience, Meunier and Bjarnesholm had decided to implement it in Lillorainen as well. The results would be up to see, but the officials would remain in good faith for now.
But today, President Silas Flemming would have to make his way to the Federal Security Office for a different reason, as it would soon turn out. While he was aware of the launch of the ERYK Orbital Weapons System, it had been overshadowed by a more pressing issue in the last few days for obvious reasons. However, not only Flemming's security staff thought, that it was time for the Federation to react to this move.
As Flemming entered the room with a cup of coffee, he was already awaited. A man with black hair (and a few grey streaks) and blue eyes in his late forties, whom Flemming easily recognized as Roderich Hammerschmidt, Deputy Leader of the MND, the Military Intelligence Agency of the Federation, seemed particularly nervous - especially when having to substitute his boss, Srboljub Seljak, in a matter like this.
Next to him, Sven Isengard, a man in his early thirties with blonde hair and green eyes, wearing metal-rimmed glasses, representing the Ministry of Homeland Security during this session. He seemed a bit more calm, almost as if he were unaware of what this would be about in the first place. But everyone who knew him was aware, that there was little that could upset him.
Two young ladies were present as well - on the one hand, Ceyda Nimatuliha Jagoda, Special Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Shamsiyya, who served the Federation once in a while as well, for she was a mix of both and had quite a bit of experience in accompanying diplomatic staff despite only seing her 23rd Summer as we speak, and on the other hand, 30-year old Lauren Kimberly Tyrstrup, advisor of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; the latter had a special relationship with this matter, as she was half-Astarian, her mother Birgit Tyrstrup being the Federation's Ambassador to the Federal Empire. Unlike her younger siblings Brian and Courtney, who had spent but their baby years in Astares Amauricanum, she was fluent at the Astarian language, which would give her and her mother a distinct advantage over in Columbia District - even though Lauren would be likely to end up being asked about her heavy accent, given she was born in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, literally on the other side of the country.
Flemming sat down at the table and took a sip of coffee, before he asked, "So, it seems as if we have a new weapons system created and launched by the Astarians, hidden from everyone's view, which already has caused some outcries throughout the international community. Analysis?"
Hammerschmidt cleared his throat and took a sip of water. "Now" - he began in his heavy Rhenish accent, which tended to get the heavier, the more nervous he was, "the ERYK Orbital Weapons System, based on an armament consisting of tungsten rods, is supposed to replace a third of the current Astarian nuclear arsenal. While we, from the MND, were aware of the ongoings over there, we didn't think of some orbital weapons system, but rather of a new type of missiles or something along these lines - after all, the Federal Empire is well-known, all but notorious, for constantly upgrading their weapons systems on a regular basis."
Sven Isengard nodded. "Even when considering the Empire's enormous GDP, Columbia's defense budget looks all but stratospheric - then again, they seem to have little to no trouble justifying it in the public, despite incidents such as the loss of about sixty lives in an accident involving the carrier battlegroup around the IAS Ebon Atoll near the waters of Shikonjima last February. Not to mention the casualties in, let's say, more aggressive international endeavors."
Flemming nodded. "An orbital weapons system like this does fit the pattern, indeed" - he said.
"Concerns expressed by the international community so far" - Lauren Tyrstrup now began, "include international laws and treaties - albeit it is already perfectly clear and barely questioned, that even if the Federal Empire were a signatory of the Outer Space Treaty, which it isn't, ERYK would technically be fully compliant with it."
"Mhm" - Flemming hummed. Lillorainen was certainly the last country on earth complaining about compliance or non-compliance with treaties not signed or ratified, considering the Lillorainian arsenal was full of weapons condemned by organizations such as the World Assembly (which, needless to say, the Federation was not a member of) and a lot of countries inside and outside of these.
"Another factor would be the cost" - Tyrstrup continued, "and there are already precedences. We all know the study done in 1963 on this, back then commissioned in a joint effort by Member of Parliament Hjalmar Rosrödning and the Shikonjimanese General Yoshifuni Ichigawa. And while both were, and still are from a modern point of view, tremendously controversial figureheads due to their ideological radicality, they did have a point in questioning the cost-efficiency of such a weapons system even for a combined budget of the Lillorainian Federal Republic and the Shikonjimanese Shogunate." She let a beat pass. "And a similar study from 1972, commissioned by the Supreme Military Council of Saressidia, a nuclear and space power much more capable of launching such a system financially, came to the same conclusion. And if I'm not entirely mistaken, the Kyrenaians have done the math somewhere back then as well. No matter how much you twist and wriggle it, you'll find at least ten possible drafts for a weapons system more cost-efficient than this one."
"Lieutenant General Francis Sturnel came to the same conclusion, hence why the number of satellites was reduced from twenty-six to ten" - Flemming said. "So these particular concerns have already been addressed."
"Which would raise the question as to in how far this would be a concern for us in the first place" - Isengard now interjected. "Considering how well the Lillorainian-Astarian relationships have already started off as of recently, I don't see any concerns for the Federation's national security to raise at this point. Sure, there would be those raised from the end of Kuronami, the UIS, as well as Kyrenaia - which the Astarians don't seem to wish to reply to even despite getting asked repeatedly -, but only possible malfunctions in the system, even in the recently modified version of it, could possibly become a security threat for us, and even this only in worst case."
"Yet, we have a diplomatic representation in Columbia District" - Lauren Tyrstrup reminded him, "and not only my Mother eagerly awaits a clear statement from Lillorainen on this matter."
The President nodded. "I do think, that it is necessary to point these concerns out one more time" - he said. "After all, I don't wish the parts of the orbit where the Lillorainian communication and meteorological satellites, or the ones of our allies, are located, to be turned into yet another space trashyard due to some malfunction - or something worse."
Now, Ceyda Nimatuliha Jagoda took over the word. "I would also add" - she began, "that while we might not be concerned directly, there are a couple of other nations who might not be too fond of the Astarian endeavor. I wouldn't even go as far as to say, Saressidia might be one of them, for they generally don't have a bad opinion on the Federal Empire - but if I look at places like the People's Republic of Astronoth, who might be ideologically opposed to monarchies due to their mere existence, they might feel invited to join the Space Race with all capabilities they have. Even though they don't seem to be too concerned about this now, ERYK might change the power structure in the orbit for years, perhaps decades to come. And not everyone might be too convinced, that the Astarians, who already ended up being considered megalomaniacs by many countries, keep it with their intention to only use this for self-defense." She let a beat pass. "We should express our concerns in that direction as well - while staying prudent, of course."
Flemming and Tyrstrup nodded synchronuously.
"And spectating, of course" - Hammerschmidt added.

Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Official Press Release

---

July 1, 2020.

Concerning the matter of the development, deployment and commissioning of the ERYK Orbital Weapons System, this message will be published in the name of President Silas Flemming, the Meritocratic Council and the Chamber of States, as well as the people of the Federation of Lillorainen.
In the light of the very recent change in the ERYK OWS announced by Lt. Gen. Francis Sturnel, which is a step appreciated by the Federal Government as a more cost-efficient alternative to the originally planned system quite much, the Federation still considers herself urged to join the Empire of Kuronami, the United Island States of AHSCA, as well as the Sultanate of Kyrenaia in raising the inquiry as to how safe a weapons system as potentially destructive as the ERYK OWS is would possibly be from ending up in the wrong hands. While we are aware of how unlikely a coup d'etat in Astares Amauricanum is, a regime change can never be completely considered impossible to occur. Not to mention the increasing danger of cyber-terrorism, which no country with access to the World Wide Web, no matter how much it secludes itself from possible attacks from abroad, can be told absolutely safe from. Therefore, we must reiterate these concerns already brought up, as we, so far, miss a satisfying response to them from the authorities of the Federal Empire.
Furthermore, we wish to ask the Imperial Authorities to remain prudent in their decisions, since even the modified version of the ERYK OWS combined with the Silver Swarm System, can be understood by hostile powers as an invitation for another Cold War in space. This step constitutes a major change in the power structure in the orbit, and while the Federation does recognize the Federal Empire's purely self-defensive purpose of this system, not everyone might look at it in the same way.
Finally, the Federation wishes to make clear, that it does not condemn the Federal Empire's action, and that the commissioning of the ERYK OWS has been kept secret for legitimate security concerns. And while we do not wish this to have a negative impact on the diplomatic relationships between the Empire and the Federation, we wish to make clear, that we are going to keep a close eye on the further developments, reserving any opportunity for further diplomatic steps, whatever these might look like.

For any responses, we will be available permanently. In order to ensure maximum efficiency, we ask you to make sure to send your messages to the appropriate recipient address.

For all official state communication: Bundesaussenministerium der Föderation Lillorainen, 1000 Lillamala 1, Federation of Lillorainen.
For all non-state and press communication: Bundespressestelle, Pontrather Platz 4, 5300 Kerkenich 27, Federation of Lillorainen.

[Astronoth]

Fort Hogstead, Capital of Astronoth PR

Natasha clenched a cigarette between her teeth as she adjusted her orange trimmed black uniform. Through the window of her office, she observed the lunchtime crowds mob the pavements of Fort Hogstead's government district. In the hall, she heard the sound of jackboots approaching. She checked her watch and nodded. The office doors swung inward.

"I assume you have good news, comrade Colonel," Natasha asked without turning from the window.

"I do, comrade," Colonel Miles Alanov said as he placed his hands behind his back. "After our two successful tests over the past year and a half, the army's Advanced Weapons Division is happy to inform you that our first nuclear-tipped ICBM is ready to strike enemies of the people at a moment's notice."

"Excellent. The Astraes Amauricanum agreed to turn a blind eye to our weapon developments should the international community throw a fit. Doubtful they expected us to be as close as we were to complete the first of a planned arsenal. Also doubtful that Astraes are bothered by it considering their military capabilities compared to ours." Natasha shook her head. "Forgive me, I have an awful habit of debating myself, as you well know."

"I have no complaints, comrade." Miles stepped closer. "However, I am curious if Project Shade will move forward. I remember it was to be brought up as an option upon the completion of our first nuclear weapon."

Natasha lowered her eyes to the hardwood floor. She took a deep drag from her cigarette and returned a wayward strand of black hair to the bun atop her head. "I want to wait and see how long it takes for foreign powers to become aware of our weapon's completion. As decreed at the beginning of our project, the completion of a weapon is not to be announced, ever, it is on a need-to-know basis. Those who disobey that decree will prove themselves traitors or at least incompetent enough to have allowed foreign operatives to monitor the status of our nuclear program. So, in short, we wait."

"Yes, comrade, I'll leave you to your thoughts." Miles snapped Natasha a salute and departed.

[Kyrenaia]

Fort Hogstead, Capital of Astronoth PR

Natasha clenched a cigarette between her teeth as she adjusted her orange trimmed black uniform. Through the window of her office, she observed the lunchtime crowds mob the pavements of Fort Hogstead's government district. In the hall, she heard the sound of jackboots approaching. She checked her watch and nodded. The office doors swung inward.

"I assume you have good news, comrade Colonel," Natasha asked without turning from the window.

"I do, comrade," Colonel Miles Alanov said as he placed his hands behind his back. "After our two successful underground tests over the past year and a half, the army's Advanced Weapons Division is happy to inform you that our first nuclear-tipped ICBM is ready to strike enemies of the people at a moment's notice."

"Excellent. The Astraes Amauricanum agreed to turn a blind eye to our weapon developments should the international community throw a fit. Doubtful they expected us to be as close as we were to complete the first of a planned arsenal, but it's also doubtful they are bothered by it considering their size." Natasha shook her head. "Forgive me, I have an awful habit of debating myself, as you well know."

"I have no complaints, comrade." Miles stepped closer. "However, I am curious if Project Shade will move forward. I remember it was to be brought up as an option upon the completion of our first nuclear weapon."

Natasha lowered her eyes to the hardwood floor. She took a deep drag from her cigarette and returned a wayward strand of black hair to the bun atop her head. "I want to wait and see how long it takes for foreign powers to become aware of our weapon's completion. As decreed at the beginning of our project, the completion of a weapon is not to be announced, ever, it is on a need-to-know basis. Those who disobey that decree will prove themselves traitors or at least incompetent enough to have allowed foreign operatives to monitor the status of our nuclear program. So, in short, we wait."

"Yes, comrade, I'll leave you to your thoughts." Miles snapped Natasha a salute and departed.

It was in the nature of underground nuclear weapons tests, that they made a lot of noise regardless - no one heard it, but some might feel it. Seismographs and similar devices were tuned to any shaking, including of underground weapons test.
However, even that had a 'range limit', so to speak.
Astronoth was far, far away from Kyrenaia - and no seismograph in the Lands of the Five Deserts picked the explosion up. Combined with sheer lack of interest and concern, which Kyrenaia had in the country, and thus the absence of any investigation of Naval Intelligence, Kyrenaia had no idea about any nuclear weapons program.
It would be caught flat-footed - and if it knew, it would shrug and think, that someone else had a nice deterrent now, too.

July 1st, 8.15PM
Imperial Estate, Florida

"And this concludes my report Your Majesties." says the image of General Francis Sturnel,a middle-aged Caucasian male with short grey hair and a mustache.
As he says that, both Adrean and Anna nod. For the past ten minutes, the Imperial Couple has been in a conference call with Sturnel, the Imperial Air Force General in charge of the Astarian Space Force, who among other things, supervizes the ERYK Orbital Weapons Systems. During thos ten minutes, the General has been telling them about a vast study made by his services about the OWS, ranging from the risks of security breaches, to maintenance costs, and many other details.
And the study had came to the following conclusions: that going on with the planned network of 26 satellites would cost more in maintenance and security than first expected, that in order to cover those costs, other military departments would have to be less funded, and that in the end, ten satellites would be enough to keep the best cost/efficiency ratio.

"So, General, what now?" asks the Emperor as he takes a sip of his lemonade, before looking beyond his laptop at the sea.
"Well, Sir, it the four next satellites, which we can now consider the last, shall be ready in tne next few weeks. We launch them, and with the remaining costs necesary to produce and launch the planned next 16, we can cover the maintenance and ressuply costs of the first ten for at least three years. This way, we can reassign the rest of the maintenance budget to Silver Swarm, our newest generation of anti-satellite and anti-missile defense.
-That is a good idea, replies Anna with a sigh. And with two more nations outcrying against us, including Kyrenaia, I suppose now's a good time to settle things before our partners and other countries start to view us in a too negative light.
-I agree Your Majesties, answers Francis. I've seen the messages, and although the Orionites have clearly not been listening, I wonder what the Kyrenaians want to achieve wit their statement. I mean, we only had one state visit for now,that does not make us best buddies.
-Indeed General, says Adrean. Leave the Kyrenaians to us. As for you, how about you go to the Orion Islands meet their President? And while you're at it, redact a statement to be published retelling the great lines of what you told us. We've played the card of honesty so far, let's keep it that way.
-Aye Sir, replies Sturnel. If I may suggest, would you mind if one of your Personal Guards came with me, but as a noble? That would be a good thing to have one of your direct representatives with me.
-I agree, replies Anna. We shall send the Smetovs with you. Do you mind Adrean? asks the Empress as she turns to her husband.
-I've got nothing to say, the latter with a smile. All right General, go work on your statement, and we'll contact the Orionites and Kyrenaians in the meantime.
-Yes Your Majesties! Good luck!
-Good luck to you too Francis." replies the Imperial Couple before the call ends and the screen turns black.

(Image)
Imperial Department of Defense
Astarian Air Force
Official Statement

---

Yesterday, our country launched the first three satellites of the ERYK Orbital Weapons System, with three more joining them today. In the following hours, many nations expressed concerns over it.
At first, the ERYK OWS was supposed to be composed of a network of twenty-six satellites, controlled by both a space station and a satellite ground array. But in light of a recent study of the Astarian Space Force, it appears that the maintenance and security costs of those twenty-six satellites would exceed initial estimations, therefore mandating cuts in other department's budgets.
This fact, and the recent concerns and outcrys made aware by many nations, have caused the Astarian Space Force to scale down the project, in accordance with Their Imperial Majesties, to just ten satellites, after it was determined this was the best cost/efficiency ratio. According to our study, the production, launch and maintenance costs of the remaining sixteen satellites initially planned can cover the maintenance and security costs of these ten satellites for about three to four years.
The remaining maintenance budget shall be reassigned to the Silver Swarm System, our missile and satellite defense system, in order to finish its transtition to the latest system.
We hope this message shall help appease the rising (and unnecesary) tensions.

Signed,
Lieutenant General Francis Sturnel
Commander of the Astarian Space Force, under command of the Astarian Air Force.

From:

Emperor Adrean Blachkor "The Third", Son of the Empire, Master of the Appalachia, Conqueror of the Rockyes, Lord of the Plains and Tamer of the Frost.
Empress Anna Blackor, Daughter of the Empire, Highest Servant of the Stars

To:

Orionite President Conrad Keevert

Subject:

ERYK

Diplomatic Correspondence
Not to be released

---

Greetings Mr President,
we have received your message, and in light of the recent events, we fear that you have misunderstood what we said when the ERYK Orbital Weapons System was launched yesterday.
As we mentioned it in our speech, this network of satellites is only to be used as a last resort, and only in defense of our Empire or any of our allies. So unless you or one of our allies you mentioned (which we would like to remark are also, for many of them, our allies.) plan to attack us, you have nothing to fear about it.
That said, in order to appease possible tensions, we shall accept your invitation to a diplomatic summit. Unfortunately, due to urgent matters requiring our presence in the Empire, we will not be able to come in person.
That is why, we shall send in our stead two of our advisors, Arving Magnam Stoher Phillip Smetov and his wife Catherine Smetov, and Lieutenant General Francis Sturnel, who is the Commander of the Astarian Space Force under command of the Astarian Air Force.
They shall depart tomorrow, July 2nd, and arrive in the afternoon of the same day.
They shall be accompanied by an escort of eight guards, who are the squadmates of Mr and Mrs Smetov.

Signed,
Emperor Adrean Blachkor
Empress Anna Blachkor.

From:

Emperor Adrean Blachkor "The Third", Son of the Empire, Master of the Appalachia, Conqueror of the Rockyes, Lord of the Plains and Tamer of the Frost.
Empress Anna Blackor, Daughter of the Empire, Highest Servant of the Stars

To:

Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad, Lady of the Five Deserts, Ilkhana of Utica, Daughter of Kyrenaia, Mother of Her People, Highest Servant of the Lioness

Subject:

ERYK

Diplomatic Correspondence
Not to be released

---

Greeting Sultana,
we have taken knowledge of the Press Release of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
As you may have seen in our recent statement written by Lieutenant General Francis Sturnel, the project has been scaled down from twenty-six statellites to just ten. We hope that this will be understood as a first step to appease the outcrys, tensions and concerns from all around the world, including from the Sultanate.
If we consider that said concerns emanate primarly from nations who the Empire is allied with or has starting established good relations with, we suppose that one of the reasons everyone is worried is because none of them were told of this commisioning. To that, we simply answer that we chose to do so in order to avoid to the maximum information leaks to third parties.

Now, while we thank you for not condemning our actions,please allow us to point out one thing: when you mention that you consider we broke the Outer Space Treaty by launching ERYK, remember that the Empire is not a signatory of this Treaty, although we mostly abide by its rules. So tell us, how can we break something we didn't ratify and aren't a part of?
To us, it appears as the same thing that if we were to consider that the Sultanate was breaking the Chemical Weapons Convention of 1993, a Convention you didn't signed nor ratified.

So, in order to avoid unecesary sabre-rattling and damaging the good diplomatic bases between our two nations, we would like to invite to the Imperial Estate a Kyrenaian delagation to talk these things through. We leave the composition of this delegation to you.
In the meantime, please allow us to send our best wishes to your son Damir and his new wife Princess Yasmin bint-Atif.

Respectfully yours,
Emperor Adrean Blachkor.
Empress Anna Blachkor.

"I really want to mention the joke about Dad, says Adrean as he looks the message once more before sending it, but I feel that would be too much.
-Indeed, replies his wife. Let's keep it for the delegation or for the return visit. Speaking of messages, we still have one more to send.
-Yeah, those Astronoth guys, at least they have the same mindset as us, answers the Emperor before typing the last message of the day.

From:

Emperor Adrean Blachkor "The Third", Son of the Empire, Master of the Appalachia, Conqueror of the Rockyes, Lord of the Plains and Tamer of the Frost.
Empress Anna Blackor, Daughter of the Empire, Highest Servant of the Stars

To:

Natacha West, General Secretary of the Astronoth Worker's Party.

Subject:

ERYK

Diplomatic Correspondence
Not to be released

---

Madame,
we thank you for your kind words, and we hope that this return mesage finds you in good health too.
As we Astarians believe too in self-determination, you shall find no criticism or anything of the sort about your country expanding its atomic power. We hope that you shall dissuade your enemies with it.

Regards
Emperor Adrean Blachkor
Empress Anna Blachkor

"There done!" exclaims Adrean as he presses the Send button before closing his laptop. "Phew, finally done for the day. Time to sleep?" he asks his wife.
-I agree," simply replies the Empress, before the Imperial Couple comes back inside to turn in for the night.

Hall of the Sand Wolf, Palace of the Azure Hall, Utica, Kyrenaia.
Crown-Prince Ilia ibn-Razia.
3rd of July, 2020.
"Hm...", Mother made.
We all had the newest files in front of us and Able Sailor Qadir had, once again, finished her presentation, this time aided by a Commander of the Naval Intelligence. Or he aided her. Or whatever, that is not important.
"This is certainly a development, which we did not anticipate.", she said, referring to the amount of satellites being cut down to ten, "Still tremendous power, to be sure, but in how far is this not only a budgetary measure, but also a buckling to international pressure?"
"Yes.", Qadir answered, earning chuckles, continuing: "Commander Tabashir, his team and I came to the conclusion, that it is most likely a combination of many reasons. One, the budget, two, the international opposition, three, the fact, that Silver Swarm is an efficient system."
The Commander nodded. "Indeed. We estimate Silver Swarm, in an actual combat situation, to be much more potent and effective as KAFASD-16s and systems of a similar generation, with the added bonus of not only being an ICBM-Defense, but also of being capable of being used against satellites effectively.", he remarked, "There are a number of problems with targeting military satellites, which we are addressing with the KAFASD-101. Or working on addressing."
"When will that be ready for deployment?", Mother asked me.
I shrugged. "The engineers say, that they'll have the first prototypes ready, at the earliest, later this year. Introduction expected for 2025 at the earliest.", I said and Mother made a face, "And it's not even an issue of the money. We have other means in development, too, but..." I let a beat pass. "Same song and dance, only later. Especially the positron cannon is apparently getting heads smoking."
"Positron cannon?", Damir asked.
"Not before 2040, they'll have the first prototype, that they can burn through a sheet of steel with when connected to the national power grid.", I replied and shrugged, "In summary, we have no means of defending against such a satellite system at this point in time, safe for sending up our own nuclear weapons and blowing it up in the general area, which, too, would be not effective on many, many levels."
"And it stands to reason, that they and everyone else knows it.", Commander Tabashir said. Mother did not look too pleased. "Making everybody believe we have something, however..."
"Possible.", Damir said.
"Hm...", the Sultana said again, "Can we somehow get the KAFASD-101 test launched this year?"
"We'd have to ask the eggheads.", I said, "Sorry, the engineers." I then moved on to address the elephant in the room: "However, one thing is for certain. Whichever is the reason, this downscaling is a try at appeasement, too. Or could be seen as that. With the bombastic military budget the Astarians have anyway, and which I do not envy them for, it would have been easy to redirect funds, but to our current knowledge, they didn't. Instead, they chose to invest more heavily in a defensive system. Sure, their first strike capabilities are impressive with that system, but if they go through with reducing their nuclear capabilities, they'll shoot themselves in the foot in the long run."
"Good ol' nukes.", Damir said with a hint of sarcasm, "Still cheaper... but I agree with Damir. If intentional or not, this is a sign of deescalation. I recommend acting on it."
Mother nodded.

---

To:

Emperor Adrean Blachkor "The Third", Son of the Empire, Master of the Appalachia, Conqueror of the Rockyes, Lord of the Plains and Tamer of the Frost.

From:

Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad, Lady of the Five Deserts, Ilkhana of Utica, Daughter of Kyrenaia, Mother of Her People, Highest Servant of the Lioness.

Subject:

ERYK.

Diplomatic Correspondence.
Not to be released.

Greetings, Adrean, Emperor of Astares Amauricanum, Peace, a cool Breeze and Water may be upon You and Your Empire!
We acknowledge the will of the Empire to go for a peaceful route in regards to ERYK and the Silver Swarm System, reducing size and cost for one to increase funding for the other - and We are glad to do so. While We still are concerned about the tragic power such a system could have in the wrong hands, in whichever way these hands lay themselves onto that power, We admit, that said shift speaks of peaceful intentions.

However, We are, much like Our dear friend Silas Flemming, very much concerned, that repeated questions on these concerns went either completely unanswered or were waived off in a dismissive way. In order to address them and several other concerns, which Our Government has expressed, We agree for two delegations to meet - We propose to hold this meeting on neutral grounds, as it were.
We already took the liberty of asking around a bit among Our other partners and it seems as if His Excellency, Bishop Roel Colaert of the Église de Saint-Pierre le Naufragé in Nouvelle-Dunkerque would be willing to host such a meeting on very short notice. We do recommend, however, to arrive either by ship or by seaplane.

We hope to hear from You soon.
Signed,
Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad,
Lady of the Five Deserts, Ilkhana of Utica, Daughter of Kyrenaia, Mother of Her People, Highest Servant of the Lioness.

P.S.: On a side note, Kyrenaia is a signatory of the Chemical Weapons Convention of 1993 and ratified it in 1999. While there are three plants in Kyrenaia, which produce Schedule 1 substances, these plants are tightly controlled and their produce solely used to test new methods and means for defense against them (which are, by the way, then released to anyone, who wants to listen). If you wish, my dear, young boy, you can send observers and controllers to make sure of that.

---

Official Press Release of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Sultanate of Kyrenaia

---

On the matter of the development, deployment and commissioning of the ERYK Orbital Weapons System:

The Sultanate acknowledges, that the Empire is set to deescalate, as exemplified by the recent press release of Lieutenant General Francis Sturnel of the Astarian Space Force (see file number ERYK-1102-O for the original version). While this mollifies some concerns, which were raised by the Government of Kyrenaia, it does not mollify them all.
To that end, the Sultanate has agreed to meet an Astarian Delegation at an, as of now, undisclosed location, to avoid unnecessary tensions and posturing. This meeting was proposed by the Astarian Emperor, Adrean III..
The Sultanate remains with the firm belief, that any nation has the right to defend itself by any means it sees fit and that while the ERYK-System might not break the letter of the Outer Space Treaty, a treaty, which Kyrenaia considers to be part of the Natural Law of Nations, it breaks the spirit.

---

For all communication by state-actors, please send your messages to:

Azad Safir, Vizier, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Qaleatan Maktab, Utica, Ilkhanate of Utica, Sultanate of Kyrenaia.

For all communication by non-state-actors and press, please send your messages to:

Public Relations Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sub-Department 01, Qaleatan Maktab, Utica, Ilkhanate of Utica, Sultanate of Kyrenaia.

As usual, messages sent to the wrong recipient will not be replied to!

[Astares Amauricanum]

July 4th, 1.30PM
Imperial Estate, Florida
"Ugh, when will this stop?" asks Pavel as he rubs his temple with an angry sigh.
-I'm afraid never brother, replies Maximilian from a few feet away. We have just opened Pandora's box with this thing, adds the blonde man, causing the rest of the group to nod in approval.

Once again, the Emperor, Empress, and the rest of their Guards (including Phillip and Catherine's squads, who chose to finally not go to the Orion Islands due to a lack of response.), are lounging around the pool. Only this time, the atmosphere is way more serious than two days ago, when they were all lounging and all.
Now, all of them have their eyes fixed on their laptops, each one of them checking various pieces of information.

"You know guys, they kinda start pissing me of with their concerns about cyber security, says Adrean as he takes a sip of his tea, seated in a lounge chair next to his wife.
-You can't deny that your answers have not really adressed the point, replies Charles. I agree that they appear as dismissive. Unfortunately though, there's not much else to say.
-You think I don't know that man?! exclaims the Emperor as he throws his hands in the air in exasperation. Everyone on this planet should know that no system is a hundred percent safe, the only thing you can do is constantly probe it and upgrade it constantly.
-Well, we already do that, says Dorothy from the other side of the pool as she raises her head from her husband's chest. But since they are talking about cyber security of critical systems, let's not forget it also concerns others as well. Nuclear power plants, dams, water distribution networks, all that jazz.
-You're right Dorothy, maybe you can mention that in a statement Honey, says Anna to her husband.
-Yeah, maybe, replies Adrean with a sigh. In the meantime, what do we do of the Kyrenaian's proposition to meet in Nouvelle Dunkerque?
-With AHSCA's state visit on the horizon and the already tight schedue for this month, says Pavel, we obviously can't afford the time it would take us to go there by seaplane or ship, talk and then come back. Why don't we ask the Harranis instead? They have an airport, it's also a neutral ground, and plus, it would be good for your mom to see Jasmine again no?
-Good idea Pav, I'll remember it, replies Adrean with a smile. I'll also have to adress the issue about them not forgetting Anna.
-Don't fret too much about it Honey, replies the Empress with a soothing tone as she strokes her husband's arm. Remember that throughout our history, the Emperor always came first.
-Besides, I'm pretty sure they will take it dismissively, says Yuri. Remember these things make one of their balls move without touching the other.
-Yeah, I know that, replies Adrean. But I'll adress it nonetheless. Cultural differences and shit.
-So what now? asks Alicia.
-We redact the statement and message, and then we prepare to go to Harran, replies Adrean. Since you asked Alicia, see with Jasmine if she would accept to host the meeting.
-Aye! exclaims the blonde woman in answer.
-And what about the whole "breaking the spirit of the Natural Law of Nations" thing? asks Phillip with a raised eyebrow.
-That thing is just a wishful thinking, replies Anna. I mean, I don't mean to dismiss completely their concept and all, but we have our own with the Dual Creation Laws, and while we have a few things in common, we all know that peace in space is not something that will happen. Once again, the tensions of the past will follow in our step, and the whole circle will begin again. Everyone will want its share of the cake and will not hesitate to use violence to acquire it.
-True sister, unfortunately so fucking true, replies Catherine with a sigh...

Official Statement of His Imperial Majesty
Emperor Adrean Blachkor "The Third"

---

After we launched the first elements of the ERYK Orbital Weapons System four days ago, concerns started to rise from around the world over various matters about it, one of the key points being cyber security. Apparently, the anwers given by our services have not satisfied all parties yet.
This is why I've chosen to adress the issue personally. All I have to say is this: we do our best to make sure the system is up to specs concerning the cyber security. Our technical teams constantly try to find backdoors and malfunctions that could lead to a virus infecting the whole network, and we constantly update the hardware based on their findings.
This is the best answer I can give. As all of you fellow Heads of State surely know, no system around this world, from the old fortresses of the Dark Ages to the vast networks of today is completely foolproof. I know that this will not appease all worries, but that's the only answer I can give.
But since you're asking about cyber security of a critical system, let me return you the question. What of the cyber security of your nuclear power plants, hydroelectric dams, water distribution networks? Are they also maintained with the same attntion we have for ERYK? A simple virus infecting the system, and you can have a reactor exploding and releasing nuclear material, a dam can break and flood a valley, and thousands or even millions of your compatriots will be affected by it.

As for the ones fearing for the inevitable rise of tensions that this will lead to, if there is one thing I, and all my fellow Astarians have learned from history, it's that humanity's history is built from tensions and hard times. Wherever we go, we bring our instincts with us, and we are sometimes more ready to fight for something rather than use words. So why space would be different? If it had not been us, it would have been someone else who would have done this, in a few years of decades.
As an Astarian, I firmly believe in the concept of Dual Creation Laws, which can be summed up by "Hope for the Best, Prepare for the Worst." And unfortunately, many people agree that the 21st century will not be a peaceful period of time. So we have to take steps to ensure our security through these hard times. While words and negotiations will not appease every ill of this world, let's just hope that common sense will make people realize that showing your muscles is way better than actually using them.

Signed
Adrean Blachkor "The Third"

---

All official state communication: Imperial Department of State, Thomas Morozov Building, 1520 Aquilae Street.
All non-state and press communication: Imperial Press Office, Columbia Building, Imperial Compound.

From:

Emperor Adrean Blachkor "The Third", Son of the Empire, Master of the Appalachia, Conqueror of the Rockyes, Lord of the Plains and Tamer of the Frost.

To:

Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad, Lady of the Five Deserts, Ilkhana of Utica, Daughter of Kyrenaia, Mother of Her People, Highest Servant of the Lioness.

Subject:

ERYK

Diplomatic Correspondence
Not to be released

Greetings, Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad, Lady of the Five Deserts. May the Stars shine bright in Kyrenaia's sky, and may the Silver Eagle bring joy and prosperity to the Sultanate.
Thank you for your message. But first, I would humbly like to correct you on one thing: while the reduction of the number of satellites is partly driven by an intention of peace and goodwill, it is not the main reason. Rather, it is the result of a reevaluation of our overall defense and WMD response system, in order to have the best compromise between the different means available, the efficiency of sais means, as well as the overall cost.
Also, I would like to apologize for the error my services maid concerning the ratification by the Sultanate of the CWC. While I would gladly take you up on your offer to send Astarian inspectors to your facilities, I'm afraid it would be very hypocriticalfrom us, since, as you surely know, we haven't signed nor ratified the CWC ourselves. Although we have done it with the Convention about Bacteriological Weapons.
In our case, although we open the production sites to international inspection, we do not allow access to the storage facilities themselves, whose locations are kept secret. Although we gladly publish the manifests of our stockpiles if asked.

Concerning the concerns about cyber security and such, I already adressed them in an official statement. While I know my answer will not satisfy everyone once and for all, it is the only one I can give.
Concerning the place of meeting for our delegations, while I thank you for your forethough about it, I'm afraid Nouvelle Dunkerque does not fit our needs. Given the fact we are on a tight schedule for this month, with notably the state visit of Duchess Marcella Villa, I'm afraid we won't have enough time to come by either seaplane or ship, and then come back to the Empire.
What I would like to suggest to you instead, would be for our two delegations to meet in the Queendom of Global Harran. Since this city state has an airport, both of our people can arrive by plane, meaning for a faster arrival and departure. Also, it is a neutral ground. Queen Jasmine Morenai has just replied that she would be more than willing to host the meeting at the Parliament Building in Old Harran.

Now, I would like to sincerily apologize, for the fact that this event has put into question our diplomatic relationship that had taken a good start with the state visit last February.
While I have read about the Kyrenaian concept about the Natural Law of Nation, a topic I understand and respect, I rather tend to disagree with it. As mentioned in my statement, I tend to believe more in the Dual Creation Laws. Hope for the Best, Prepare for the Worst. This is why the Federalis Imperium has not signed or ratified any disarmament treaties, aside from the Non-Proliferation Treaty and the Bacteriological Weapons Convention.
In any case, I would gladly discuss more about it with you over a cuppa.

Sincerily yours,
Emperor Adrean Blachkor "The Third"
Son of the Empire, Master of the Appalachia, Conqueror of the Rockyes, Lord of the Plains and Tamer of the Frost.

PS: on a side note, I would like to kindly remind you that I'm not alone on the throne, my wife Anna is at my side. While I haven't forget that in Kyrenaia, you consider the opposite, acknowledging her in your future messages is the kind of small attentions that help greatly in fostering relations.
In any case, do what you want about it. At least I said it.

[Kyrenaia]

July 4th, 1.30PM
Imperial Estate, Florida
"Ugh, when will this stop?" asks Pavel as he rubs his temple with an angry sigh.
-I'm afraid never brother, replies Maximilian from a few feet away. We have just opened Pandora's box with this thing, adds the blonde man, causing the rest of the group to nod in approval.

Once again, the Emperor, Empress, and the rest of their Guards (including Phillip and Catherine's squads, who chose to finally not go to the Orion Islands due to a lack of response.), are lounging around the pool. Only this time, the atmosphere is way more serious than two days ago, when they were all lounging and all.
Now, all of them have their eyes fixed on their laptops, each one of them checking various pieces of information.

"You know guys, they kinda start pissing me of with their concerns about cyber security, says Adrean as he takes a sip of his tea, seated in a lounge chair next to his wife.
-You can't deny that your answers have not really adressed the point, replies Charles. I agree that they appear as dismissive. Unfortunately though, there's not much else to say.
-You think I don't know that man?! exclaims the Emperor as he throws his hands in the air in exasperation. Everyone on this planet should know that no system is a hundred percent safe, the only thing you can do is constantly probe it and upgrade it constantly.
-Well, we already do that, says Dorothy from the other side of the pool as she raises her head from her husband's chest. But since they are talking about cyber security of critical systems, let's not forget it also concerns others as well. Nuclear power plants, dams, water distribution networks, all that jazz.
-You're right Dorothy, maybe you can mention that in a statement Honey, says Anna to her husband.
-Yeah, maybe, replies Adrean with a sigh. In the meantime, what do we do of the Kyrenaian's proposition to meet in Nouvelle Dunkerque?
-With AHSCA's state visit on the horizon and the already tight schedue for this month, says Pavel, we obviously can't afford the time it would take us to go there by seaplane or ship, talk and then come back. Why don't we ask the Harranis instead? They have an airport, it's also a neutral ground, and plus, it would be good for your mom to see Jasmine again no?
-Good idea Pav, I'll remember it, replies Adrean with a smile. I'll also have to adress the issue about them not forgetting Anna.
-Don't fret too much about it Honey, replies the Empress with a soothing tone as she strokes her husband's arm. Remember that throughout our history, the Emperor always came first.
-Besides, I'm pretty sure they will take it dismissively, says Yuri. Remember these things make one of their balls move without touching the other.
-Yeah, I know that, replies Adrean. But I'll adress it nonetheless. Cultural differences and shit.
-So what now? asks Alicia.
-We redact the statement and message, and then we prepare to go to Harran, replies Adrean. Since you asked Alicia, see with Jasmine if she would accept to host the meeting.
-Aye! exclaims the blonde woman in answer.
-And what about the whole "breaking the spirit of the Natural Law of Nations" thing? asks Phillip with a raised eyebrow.
-That thing is just a wishful thinking, replies Anna. I mean, I don't mean to dismiss completely their concept and all, but we have our own with the Dual Creation Laws, and while we have a few things in common, we all know that peace in space is not something that will happen. Once again, the tensions of the past will follow in our step, and the whole circle will begin again. Everyone will want its share of the cake and will not hesitate to use violence to acquire it.
-True sister, unfortunately so fucking true, replies Catherine with a sigh...

(Image)
Official Statement of His Imperial Majesty
Emperor Adrean Blachkor "The Third"

---

After we launched the first elements of the ERYK Orbital Weapons System four days ago, concerns started to rise from around the world over various matters about it, one of the key points being cyber security. Apparently, the anwers given by our services have not satisfied all parties yet.
This is why I've chosen to adress the issue personally. All I have to say is this: we do our best to make sure the system is up to specs concerning the cyber security. Our technical teams constantly try to find backdoors and malfunctions that could lead to a virus infecting the whole network, and we constantly update the hardware based on their findings.
This is the best answer I can give. As all of you fellow Heads of State surely know, no system around this world, from the old fortresses of the Dark Ages to the vast networks of today is completely foolproof. I know that this will not appease all worries, but that's the only answer I can give.
But since you're asking about cyber security of a critical system, let me return you the question. What of the cyber security of your nuclear power plants, hydroelectric dams, water distribution networks? Are they also maintained with the same attntion we have for ERYK? A simple virus infecting the system, and you can have a reactor exploding and releasing nuclear material, a dam can break and flood a valley, and thousands or even millions of your compatriots will be affected by it.

As for the ones fearing for the inevitable rise of tensions that this will lead to, if there is one thing I, and all my fellow Astarians have learned from history, it's that humanity's history is built from tensions and hard times. Wherever we go, we bring our instincts with us, and we are sometimes more ready to fight for something rather than use words. So why space would be different? If it had not been us, it would have been someone else who would have done this, in a few years of decades.
As an Astarian, I firmly believe in the concept of Dual Creation Laws, which can be summed up by "Hope for the Best, Prepare for the Worst." And unfortunately, many people agree that the 21st century will not be a peaceful period of time. So we have to take steps to ensure our security through these hard times. While words and negotiations will not appease every ill of this world, let's just hope that common sense will make people realize that showing your muscles is way better than actually using them.

Signed
Adrean Blachkor "The Third"

---

All official state communication: Imperial Department of State, Thomas Morozov Building, 1520 Aquilae Street.
All non-state and press communication: Imperial Press Office, Columbia Building, Imperial Compound.

From:

Emperor Adrean Blachkor "The Third", Son of the Empire, Master of the Appalachia, Conqueror of the Rockyes, Lord of the Plains and Tamer of the Frost.

To:

Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad, Lady of the Five Deserts, Ilkhana of Utica, Daughter of Kyrenaia, Mother of Her People, Highest Servant of the Lioness.

Subject:

ERYK

Diplomatic Correspondence
Not to be released

Greetings, Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad, Lady of the Five Deserts. May the Stars shine bright in Kyrenaia's sky, and may the Silver Eagle bring joy and prosperity to the Sultanate.
Thank you for your message. But first, I would humbly like to correct you on one thing: while the reduction of the number of satellites is partly driven by an intention of peace and goodwill, it is not the main reason. Rather, it is the result of a reevaluation of our overall defense and WMD response system, in order to have the best compromise between the different means available, the efficiency of sais means, as well as the overall cost.
Also, I would like to apologize for the error my services maid concerning the ratification by the Sultanate of the CWC. While I would gladly take you up on your offer to send Astarian inspectors to your facilities, I'm afraid it would be very hypocriticalfrom us, since, as you surely know, we haven't signed nor ratified the CWC ourselves. Although we have done it with the Convention about Bacteriological Weapons.
In our case, although we open the production sites to international inspection, we do not allow access to the storage facilities themselves, whose locations are kept secret. Although we gladly publish the manifests of our stockpiles if asked.

Concerning the concerns about cyber security and such, I already adressed them in an official statement. While I know my answer will not satisfy everyone once and for all, it is the only one I can give.
Concerning the place of meeting for our delegations, while I thank you for your forethough about it, I'm afraid Nouvelle Dunkerque does not fit our needs. Given the fact we are on a tight schedule for this month, with notably the state visit of Duchess Marcella Villa, I'm afraid we won't have enough time to come by either seaplane or ship, and then come back to the Empire.
What I would like to suggest to you instead, would be for our two delegations to meet in the Queendom of Global Harran. Since this city state has an airport, both of our people can arrive by plane, meaning for a faster arrival and departure. Also, it is a neutral ground. Queen Jasmine Morenai has just replied that she would be more than willing to host the meeting at the Parliament Building in Old Harran.

Now, I would like to sincerily apologize, for the fact that this event has put into question our diplomatic relationship that had taken a good start with the state visit last February.
While I have read about the Kyrenaian concept about the Natural Law of Nation, a topic I understand and respect, I rather tend to disagree with it. As mentioned in my statement, I tend to believe more in the Dual Creation Laws. Hope for the Best, Prepare for the Worst. This is why the Federalis Imperium has not signed or ratified any disarmament treaties, aside from the Non-Proliferation Treaty and the Bacteriological Weapons Convention.
In any case, I would gladly discuss more about it with you over a cuppa.

Sincerily yours,
Emperor Adrean Blachkor "The Third"
Son of the Empire, Master of the Appalachia, Conqueror of the Rockyes, Lord of the Plains and Tamer of the Frost.

PS: on a side note, I would like to kindly remind you that I'm not alone on the throne, my wife Anna is at my side. While I haven't forget that in Kyrenaia, you consider the opposite, acknowledging her in your future messages is the kind of small attentions that help greatly in fostering relations.
In any case, do what you want about it. At least I said it.

Rose Garden of the Former Grand Vizier Mahmut al-Zahir.
Prince Mahmut ibn-Idris.
5th of July, 2020.
"Amateurs.", the Sultana judged the last letter from the Empire and handed the letter to Uncle, a bemused smile on her face. "What do you think?"
Uncle was an ancient man, yet while his body was not the fittest anymore, his mind was sharp as ever. An aide of Mister Safir on a motorcycle had delivered it to the front door of the small estate, which Uncle used as his residence during his retirement.
He mostly tended to the Rose Garden, in which we sat, the Sultana, him and I around a table, my sisters Aischa and Siham playing in the garden with Awwa, my Sand Wolf. Last year, my sisters joined the HGA to spent more time with me, their brother, and when we weren't at our respective Academies (I am still a student at the TBA), we were here. They had, for now, little interest in the affairs of state, which was why Awwa was playing with them, but I had a job and a duty.
And I waited patiently until Uncle handed me the press release and began reading.
He, meanwhile, replied to the Sultana: "Indeed. His youthfulness betrays him yet once again. Instead of using the ball played by us to score, he turned around and shot an own goal by posturing instead of reassuring us, that, yes, indeed, he switched and changed that in order to ease tensions and to avoid unnecessary posturing."
"It would have been a lie so obvious, that he might as well admitted to it in the next sentence, but it would still limit our options tremendously.", I said and looked up, smiling sheepishly, "Sorry."
"Yet you are right.", Uncle said with a small nod. "Are you familiar with these... Dual Creation Laws?"
He looked over my shoulder to find the term.
I nodded. "In passing. A philosophy, which he incorrectly sums up.", I said and Uncle nodded, allowing me to continue: "The summary I read was quite clear on the fact, that the Empire is to always be prepared to fight, constantly and without any sort of regard and quite literally at that in order to prepared for everyone to betray them - their enemies, their friends, their allies, everyone. It's institutionalized paranoia, if you ask me."
Uncle laughed. "'Institutionalized paranoia' - I have to remember that one for when I write about it!", he said and even the Sultana smiled. "But yes, that is, what it essentially amounts to. That, and that they wish to keep all, or nearly all, options open."
"Unlike many other nations, which limit themselves in the spirit of international cooperation and good will.", the Sultana said and nodded, then snorted in bemusement, "Children these days... that is, what happens, when you don't properly groom your successor. I am sure, that his father had the best intentions in mind, but when you hope for the best and prepare for the worst, you also need to prepare for a sudden regime change." She shook her head. "Make sure, that you and Soraya do it better."
I nodded, not bothered by the fact, that she sold Soraya and me as a done deal.
"Why do you think, he is here?", Uncle asked with a smile, putting a hand on my shoulder, "The Gods willing, I not only helped in raising the next Ilkhan of Sarepta, but also one of our next Sultans!"
I bowed my head lightly. "And whichever happens, I will be sure to remember your wise teachings, Uncle."
The Sultana laughed.

---

To:

Emperor Adrean Blachkor "The Third", Son of the Empire, Master of the Appalachia, Conqueror of the Rockyes, Lord of the Plains and Tamer of the Frost.

From:

Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad, Lady of the Five Deserts, Ilkhana of Utica, Daughter of Kyrenaia, Mother of Her People, Highest Servant of the Lioness.

Subject:

ERYK.

Diplomatic Correspondence.
Not to be released.

Greetings, Young Emperor!
Your corrections are noted.
We were well aware, that the Empire hasn't signed any arms control treaties safe for the Non-Proliferation Treaty and the Biological Weapons Convention. Needless to say, that We urge You to reconsider this standpoint as quickly as You can, for
We still offer inspectors from the Empire a tour of the facilities, including the containment facilities, so that they may go home with more knowledge then with what they came. The next tour for international observers starts on the 19th of August of this year.

Keeping in mind your scheduling concerns, We agree.
Our delegations shall meet in the Queendom. Our delegation will be composed of a total of twelve people, seven of which will be an armed escort of the 61st Helicopter Brigade. This number does not include the crew of the aircraft. They will arrive via transport plane and proceed from the airport to Parliament Building in Old Harran via motorcycle, where they will meet with your delegation. A meeting with Queen Jasmine will not be necessary, and neither will be an escort from Her or Your side.
These conditions are non-negotiable and designed to save as much time as possible.
At that time, the question of how the diplomatic relations between our two nations will proceed, will be discussed as well. The proposal in the recent press release can be discussed at that time as well.

Signed,
Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad,
Lady of the Five Deserts, Ilkhana of Utica, Daughter of Kyrenaia, Mother of Her People, Highest Servant of the Lioness.

P.S.: It is noted, that you wish for your wife to be mentioned as well, which has now been done, and I hope, that she doesn't force you to sleep under the sofa tonight.

---

Official Press Release of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Sultanate of Kyrenaia

---

On the matter of the development, deployment and commissioning of the ERYK Orbital Weapons System:

In a recent exchange of diplomatic correspondence, the Sultana has agreed on a meeting between delegations of the Empire and the Sultanate to discuss both the ERYK Orbital Weapons System and the further course of the diplomatic relations between the two nations.
The Sultanate also acknowledges the response the Empire gave about the concerns about the Cyber Security of its military space assets and assures both the Kyrenaian People, the Empire and the world, that we can guarantee for the safety and security of our power generation and water supply systems against electronic attacks, especially in the latter case. We recommend a review of episode 11 of the children's television program The Little Desert Mouse, named Where does the water come from? To our knowledge, there are both subbed and dubbed versions available on the internet.
While the Sultanate acknowledges, that no system is completely proof against all forms of attack, the Sultanate's Government and its leading authorities on such matters are still not convinced about the security of ERYK. We know, that we are not alone with this position. Seeing this, the Sultanate urges the Empire to allow a group of international observers to inspect the ground facilities of ERYK to convince themselves and their nations of origin of both the peaceful intentions and the safety of ERYK, similar to the inspections of the chemical weapons research facilities as prescribed by the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on their Destruction.

The Sultanate remains with the firm belief, that any nation has the right to defend itself by any means it sees fit and that while the ERYK-System might not break the letter of the Outer Space Treaty, a treaty, which Kyrenaia considers to be part of the Natural Law of Nations, it breaks the spirit.

---

For all communication by state-actors, please send your messages to:

Azad Safir, Vizier, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Qaleatan Maktab, Utica, Ilkhanate of Utica, Sultanate of Kyrenaia.

For all communication by non-state-actors and press, please send your messages to:

Public Relations Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sub-Department 01, Qaleatan Maktab, Utica, Ilkhanate of Utica, Sultanate of Kyrenaia.

As usual, messages sent to the wrong recipient will not be replied to!

[Lillorainen]

July 4th, 1.30PM
Imperial Estate, Florida
"Ugh, when will this stop?" asks Pavel as he rubs his temple with an angry sigh.
-I'm afraid never brother, replies Maximilian from a few feet away. We have just opened Pandora's box with this thing, adds the blonde man, causing the rest of the group to nod in approval.

Once again, the Emperor, Empress, and the rest of their Guards (including Phillip and Catherine's squads, who chose to finally not go to the Orion Islands due to a lack of response.), are lounging around the pool. Only this time, the atmosphere is way more serious than two days ago, when they were all lounging and all.
Now, all of them have their eyes fixed on their laptops, each one of them checking various pieces of information.

"You know guys, they kinda start pissing me of with their concerns about cyber security, says Adrean as he takes a sip of his tea, seated in a lounge chair next to his wife.
-You can't deny that your answers have not really adressed the point, replies Charles. I agree that they appear as dismissive. Unfortunately though, there's not much else to say.
-You think I don't know that man?! exclaims the Emperor as he throws his hands in the air in exasperation. Everyone on this planet should know that no system is a hundred percent safe, the only thing you can do is constantly probe it and upgrade it constantly.
-Well, we already do that, says Dorothy from the other side of the pool as she raises her head from her husband's chest. But since they are talking about cyber security of critical systems, let's not forget it also concerns others as well. Nuclear power plants, dams, water distribution networks, all that jazz.
-You're right Dorothy, maybe you can mention that in a statement Honey, says Anna to her husband.
-Yeah, maybe, replies Adrean with a sigh. In the meantime, what do we do of the Kyrenaian's proposition to meet in Nouvelle Dunkerque?
-With AHSCA's state visit on the horizon and the already tight schedue for this month, says Pavel, we obviously can't afford the time it would take us to go there by seaplane or ship, talk and then come back. Why don't we ask the Harranis instead? They have an airport, it's also a neutral ground, and plus, it would be good for your mom to see Jasmine again no?
-Good idea Pav, I'll remember it, replies Adrean with a smile. I'll also have to adress the issue about them not forgetting Anna.
-Don't fret too much about it Honey, replies the Empress with a soothing tone as she strokes her husband's arm. Remember that throughout our history, the Emperor always came first.
-Besides, I'm pretty sure they will take it dismissively, says Yuri. Remember these things make one of their balls move without touching the other.
-Yeah, I know that, replies Adrean. But I'll adress it nonetheless. Cultural differences and shit.
-So what now? asks Alicia.
-We redact the statement and message, and then we prepare to go to Harran, replies Adrean. Since you asked Alicia, see with Jasmine if she would accept to host the meeting.
-Aye! exclaims the blonde woman in answer.
-And what about the whole "breaking the spirit of the Natural Law of Nations" thing? asks Phillip with a raised eyebrow.
-That thing is just a wishful thinking, replies Anna. I mean, I don't mean to dismiss completely their concept and all, but we have our own with the Dual Creation Laws, and while we have a few things in common, we all know that peace in space is not something that will happen. Once again, the tensions of the past will follow in our step, and the whole circle will begin again. Everyone will want its share of the cake and will not hesitate to use violence to acquire it.
-True sister, unfortunately so fucking true, replies Catherine with a sigh...

(Image)
Official Statement of His Imperial Majesty
Emperor Adrean Blachkor "The Third"

---

After we launched the first elements of the ERYK Orbital Weapons System four days ago, concerns started to rise from around the world over various matters about it, one of the key points being cyber security. Apparently, the anwers given by our services have not satisfied all parties yet.
This is why I've chosen to adress the issue personally. All I have to say is this: we do our best to make sure the system is up to specs concerning the cyber security. Our technical teams constantly try to find backdoors and malfunctions that could lead to a virus infecting the whole network, and we constantly update the hardware based on their findings.
This is the best answer I can give. As all of you fellow Heads of State surely know, no system around this world, from the old fortresses of the Dark Ages to the vast networks of today is completely foolproof. I know that this will not appease all worries, but that's the only answer I can give.
But since you're asking about cyber security of a critical system, let me return you the question. What of the cyber security of your nuclear power plants, hydroelectric dams, water distribution networks? Are they also maintained with the same attntion we have for ERYK? A simple virus infecting the system, and you can have a reactor exploding and releasing nuclear material, a dam can break and flood a valley, and thousands or even millions of your compatriots will be affected by it.

As for the ones fearing for the inevitable rise of tensions that this will lead to, if there is one thing I, and all my fellow Astarians have learned from history, it's that humanity's history is built from tensions and hard times. Wherever we go, we bring our instincts with us, and we are sometimes more ready to fight for something rather than use words. So why space would be different? If it had not been us, it would have been someone else who would have done this, in a few years of decades.
As an Astarian, I firmly believe in the concept of Dual Creation Laws, which can be summed up by "Hope for the Best, Prepare for the Worst." And unfortunately, many people agree that the 21st century will not be a peaceful period of time. So we have to take steps to ensure our security through these hard times. While words and negotiations will not appease every ill of this world, let's just hope that common sense will make people realize that showing your muscles is way better than actually using them.

Signed
Adrean Blachkor "The Third"

---

All official state communication: Imperial Department of State, Thomas Morozov Building, 1520 Aquilae Street.
All non-state and press communication: Imperial Press Office, Columbia Building, Imperial Compound.

From:

Emperor Adrean Blachkor "The Third", Son of the Empire, Master of the Appalachia, Conqueror of the Rockyes, Lord of the Plains and Tamer of the Frost.

To:

Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad, Lady of the Five Deserts, Ilkhana of Utica, Daughter of Kyrenaia, Mother of Her People, Highest Servant of the Lioness.

Subject:

ERYK

Diplomatic Correspondence
Not to be released

Greetings, Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad, Lady of the Five Deserts. May the Stars shine bright in Kyrenaia's sky, and may the Silver Eagle bring joy and prosperity to the Sultanate.
Thank you for your message. But first, I would humbly like to correct you on one thing: while the reduction of the number of satellites is partly driven by an intention of peace and goodwill, it is not the main reason. Rather, it is the result of a reevaluation of our overall defense and WMD response system, in order to have the best compromise between the different means available, the efficiency of sais means, as well as the overall cost.
Also, I would like to apologize for the error my services maid concerning the ratification by the Sultanate of the CWC. While I would gladly take you up on your offer to send Astarian inspectors to your facilities, I'm afraid it would be very hypocriticalfrom us, since, as you surely know, we haven't signed nor ratified the CWC ourselves. Although we have done it with the Convention about Bacteriological Weapons.
In our case, although we open the production sites to international inspection, we do not allow access to the storage facilities themselves, whose locations are kept secret. Although we gladly publish the manifests of our stockpiles if asked.

Concerning the concerns about cyber security and such, I already adressed them in an official statement. While I know my answer will not satisfy everyone once and for all, it is the only one I can give.
Concerning the place of meeting for our delegations, while I thank you for your forethough about it, I'm afraid Nouvelle Dunkerque does not fit our needs. Given the fact we are on a tight schedule for this month, with notably the state visit of Duchess Marcella Villa, I'm afraid we won't have enough time to come by either seaplane or ship, and then come back to the Empire.
What I would like to suggest to you instead, would be for our two delegations to meet in the Queendom of Global Harran. Since this city state has an airport, both of our people can arrive by plane, meaning for a faster arrival and departure. Also, it is a neutral ground. Queen Jasmine Morenai has just replied that she would be more than willing to host the meeting at the Parliament Building in Old Harran.

Now, I would like to sincerily apologize, for the fact that this event has put into question our diplomatic relationship that had taken a good start with the state visit last February.
While I have read about the Kyrenaian concept about the Natural Law of Nation, a topic I understand and respect, I rather tend to disagree with it. As mentioned in my statement, I tend to believe more in the Dual Creation Laws. Hope for the Best, Prepare for the Worst. This is why the Federalis Imperium has not signed or ratified any disarmament treaties, aside from the Non-Proliferation Treaty and the Bacteriological Weapons Convention.
In any case, I would gladly discuss more about it with you over a cuppa.

Sincerily yours,
Emperor Adrean Blachkor "The Third"
Son of the Empire, Master of the Appalachia, Conqueror of the Rockyes, Lord of the Plains and Tamer of the Frost.

PS: on a side note, I would like to kindly remind you that I'm not alone on the throne, my wife Anna is at my side. While I haven't forget that in Kyrenaia, you consider the opposite, acknowledging her in your future messages is the kind of small attentions that help greatly in fostering relations.
In any case, do what you want about it. At least I said it.

Brian's Estate, Bentesröd/Sigurdsland, Lillorainen. July 5, 2020.
Brian's Estate was probably one of the best places for residence an internationally active businessman like Brian Ethan Tyrstrup could possibly get for a decent amount of cash in East Lillorainen. A huge, modern mansion, next to which four carports were built up, was located on a huge, walled ground of ten hectars of size directly at a section of private beach in one of the most popular vacation destinations in the entire country, mostly thanks to being one of the most sunny ones as regards the average number of sun hours per annum, as well as its kilometers long beach and fairly decent connection to Lillorainen's notorious interstate road network and railway systems.
While Brian himself was on one of his errands as of currently, which kept him busy almost all over the year, his estate was always open for his family and whomever they wished to meet in here. In this case, Lauren had invited Flemming, Hammerschmidt, Isengard, and Ceyda for a meeting in this place, which provided a more cozy atmosphere than the Lillatorn.
But of course, the topic debated on this round table in the beachside garden was still serious. Therefore, until there would be a definitive reaction on the latest events, everyone would stay sober - afterwards, though, there would be no guarantee for anything.
"So, the Astarians still keep trying to reassure us, that there are few to no security leaks in their system" - Hammerschmidt said. "Why it took multiple inquiries in order to just receive the answer that was expected to come is beyond me, but well, if they insist on keeping their information policy up, which I do see patterns in, but no real concept behind, so be it."
"The Emperor's counterquestion looks almost cutely helpless as well, if you ask me - which you don't, I know" - Ceyda said. "But I love how he compares the impact of a security leak in a hydroelectric dam system with the possible impact, a global one in the worst case even, of an Orbital Weapons System. Well, he might have a point when it comes to nuclear power plants, but the Lillorainian power plants are known for being some of the safest ones in the world for a reason."
"A thing whose security concerns are taken seriously as well" - Flemming said. "Which, of course, will be addressed in our response, just like the Kyrenaians already did in their press release."
"I might even consider watching said episode of the children's TV program they mentioned, just for interest" - Isengard now said, smiling. "A thing the Emperor should certainly consider, too."
"What's also worth considering a look into is their Dual Creation Laws" - Hammerschmidt said. He looked at the Half-Astarian in the round. "Lauren, can you give some explanation onto that?"
Lauren Tyrstrup nodded. "I'll try. The core tenets of this principle were summed up in two sentences - 'Haper det Optimas, Para det Pessimis', 'Hope for the Best, Prepare for the Worst', and 'Om Vis Fred, Para det Skrig' - 'If you want Peace, Prepare for War'." Even for a non-speaker of Astarian, Lauren's cadence in her Idaho accent was audible. "For starters, the principle assumes, that the Empire does seek peaceful relations to other countries, but at the same time, permanently remains prepared for getting attacked by any foreign power - regardless of how the relations to that power might have previously looked like. Hence why the Empire constantly upgrades their arsenals at all costs and by all means, not participating in any efforts of the international community when it comes to disarmament with two exceptions. This roots in history, where Astarians spent a long time fighting against the oppression of colonial powers who considered Astarians uncivilized savages."
Flemming nodded. "It looks as if our countries have more in common than one might think after the first glance" - he said. "We have made our own experience with foreign powers trying to eradicate our Norse faith and lifestyle, during the Crusades in the Middle Ages, and this event, along with others, pretty much shaped our own doctrine. President Siegfried Heiderich summed this up pretty well during a Guest Lecture at the University of Toriyama, referring to the Sasserath Doctrine."
"Which isn't too dissimilar to the Dual Creation Laws in some aspects, as it seems" - Isengard said. "After all, it is based on the legitimation of any means for self-defense, which Sasserath and Heiderich considered an essential right of any nation-state. As we all know, the Federal Army's arsenal is well-equipped with internationally unpopular weaponry such as clusterbombs, not to mention the stockpiles of chemical weapons that were left over from the Civil War and never got destroyed - and while this is not a state secret, it is something we don't really make a fuss about for obvious reasons." He let a beat pass. "But then again, Lillorainen's foreign policy isn't remotely as heavily based on mistrust and bad faith as the Astarian one appears to be. Quite on the contrary."
"Yet, this is where the Astarians might derive the legitimacy of systems such as ERYK from" - Ceyda added. "If they had already launched the system forty years back, I wouldn't be so sure about Heiderich's and Sasserath's disapproval. I could quite imagine, that both wouldn't have had too many objections against this from an Astarian perspective."
"The times have changed since then, though" - Flemming said. "It was a different time, still in the middle of the Cold War. Besides, Heiderich and Sasserath couldn't have anticipated this to happen, as both were aware of the results of the calculations done by the LFR, the Shikonjimanese, the Saressides, and the Kyrenaians, and were pretty sure, that every other nation in the future considering the establishment of such a system would do the math beforehand and get to the same result. They must have assumed, that this would never come into being, at least not in the foreseeable future."
"And since then, various Treaties of Friendship have been signed by post-Heiderich governments - not to mention the SEA-Accords, which Heiderich certainly wouldn't have approved of" - Lauren Tyrstrup added. "Lillorainen has long since given up her policies of Heiderich's spirit, which came tantamount to isolationism, and engages in various international cooperations. Sure, we might still dismiss organizations such as the WA for pretty obvious reasons, and we still haven't signed nor ratified any disarmament treaties of importance, but it is obvious on all levels, that we consider the 1980s to be over."
"Indeed" - Isengard agreed. "And this, along with the differences in motivation, is what tells us apart from the Astarians. It appears to me, that they have engraved their doctrine into stone many Summers ago and don't ever wish to change anything about it, or even reconsider their actions based on these principles. We have always made clear, that principles are one thing and the adoption of new ideas is another, and that we always seek the ideal middle ground between both - as should be in a meritocracy. Heiderich would sign this immediately - after all, this was the spirit of his idea in the first place. The Astarians, as much as I respect and admire their country and culture, seem to be stuck in their ideas forever, and as we see with the Emperor's reaction, successfully pass this stubbornness on to the next generation."
"So what are we going to do?" - Hammerschmidt asked.
"Remain careful and spectating, I'd say" - Flemming replied. "All we can do now is await the reactions. After that, we can still consider further steps, for while we should keep expressing our concerns, we shouldn't be too hasty on further actions."
"I'll inform Mam over in Columbia District, then" - Lauren announced.
Flemming nodded. "I'm gonna call the Foreign Office. And after that, we might get to the more convenient part of this meeting, or what would you say?"

Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Official Press Release

---

July 5, 2020.

Concerning the matter of the development, deployment and commissioning of the ERYK Orbital Weapons System, there Federal Government of the Federation of Lillorainen wishes to state, that Emperor Adrean Blachkor's response, addressing the security concerns of the ERYK OWS expressed by multiple governments including ours, is highly appreciated.
However, while it is well-known within the Federal Government, that no system can be perfectly safe, we join the Kyrenaian colleagues in strongly recommending, that international observers be granted entry to the Federalis Imperium in order to inspect the ground facilities of the ERYK OWS and the safety thereof, as it would reassure the number of nations currently concerned with their own safety as regards possible security leaks and prevention of malfunctions.
And while the Federal Government believes, that the comparison between the possible consequences of a core meltdown in a nuclear power plant, let alone the break of a hydroelectric dam, and the possible risks of a similar incident with an OWS, which might, in worst case, affect the entire world, is fairly far-fetched, we hereby assure, that both the Lillorainian nuclear power plants, which are known for the tremendously high security standards going further than those of most other countries in the world, as well as the hydroelectric dams, are as safe as possible. The former can be gained from a publically available inspection report of the International Atomic Energy Agency, the latter can be gained from various reports of Lillorainian as well as foreign agencies by a quick search on a search engine of your choice.

The Federal Government also wishes to reiterate its stance on every nation-state's right to self-defense by any means it deems necessary, and will continue to not condemn the Federal Empire. However, we consider the aforementioned permission for international observers an important step in order to prevent further tensions. As stated in our previous message, countries with a less friendly attitude towards Astares Amauricanum might consider the ERYK OWS a security threat, therefore themselves invited to join the Space Race, and this is a concern we cannot reiterate enough times. As a result, while we remain acknowledging the establishment of ERYK as along the lines with the Astarian doctrine, as it would be with our own, we also remain concerned over other countries possibly interpreting this step as a potentially aggressive one, and stating, that "If we don't make the start, someone else will", will hardly convince other countries of the peaceful intentions the Federal Empire claims to have. Allowing international observers to get an idea of it might or might not improve on the situation, but it surely cannot worsen it. In the time being, the Federal Government will remain observant.

For any responses, we will be available permanently. In order to ensure maximum efficiency, we ask you to make sure to send your messages to the appropriate recipient address.

For all official state communication: Bundesaussenministerium der Föderation Lillorainen, 1000 Lillamala 1, Federation of Lillorainen.
For all non-state and press communication: Bundespressestelle, Pontrather Platz 4, 5300 Kerkenich 27, Federation of Lillorainen.

[Estado Novo Portugues]

Civil Director Afonso Salazar
Government Palace, Lisbon, Portugal

05/07/2020
04:37

Rrrrrrring! Rrrrrrring! A loud mechanical bell went off on Afonso Salazar's desk, alerting him of an incoming call. The telephone, an antiquated rotary-dial model with no display or buttons, had remained there unchanged since being first installed in 1970, when the Civil Director had been appointed to office. Salazar was a vehement traditionalist, both in societal views and daily life, and especially when it came to information technology. As the rest of the world tapped and swiped at their sleek modern iThings, the Portuguese were having actual face-to-face conversations—an art form that was sadly becoming extinct elsewhere, but alive and well in the Holy Catholic State thanks to the leader's rejection of change.

His reasons were two-fold. First, Salazar absolutely refused to use any piece of technology unless he could take it apart and fix it himself. This basically ruled out any modern computer, as even the simplest operating system was far more sophisticated than any mechanical device could be. Second, computers were extremely susceptible to many invisible forms of tampering, such as malware and secret backdoors. And of course, the previous point (that computers were so complicated) meant that searching for such a vulnerability was like searching for a needle in a haystack. Não obrigado, the Civil Director preferred to play it safe and stick to old-fashioned tools which he was familiar with, and which were surely immune to "hacking", rather than take the risks of using complex alien contraptions like laptops or smartphones.

Salazar, who had been asleep, got out of bed with a grumble and walked back to his desk. He was considerably annoyed by the rude interruption at this time of night. What on Earth was so important that he had to be woken up for it, short of a nuclear apocalypse? Surely the matter could wait until morning, couldn't it? Still, he picked up the ringing phone, if only to give the caller a piece of his mind. "Who is it!?" he roared. "You'd better have a good reason for waking me at this hour, unless you want me to fire your ass!" At the other end of the line was Salazar's defense minister. Turns out, he'd gotten word that another nation had developed a novel type of space weapon. Apparently it could fire tungsten rods anywhere on Earth. This was obviously concerning for Salazar, knowing that such a doomsday device could be over Portugal at any time and he couldn't do anything about it—like living with a gun pointed at your head 24/7.

Theoretically, the Holy Catholic State was also capable of building such a space weapon. While Salazar rejected technology use in the government, the military was a unique exception. Already having built the Dedo de Deus (Finger of God) guided anti-ship missile, the state-owned aerospace company Luso Aviação was no stranger to rocket propulsion and flight-control systems, so building a space launch vehicle would've been trivial for them. But one thing stood firmly in that path: religion. Unlike in much of western Europe, the Catholic Church maintained a strong base of followers in Portugal, including the Civil Director himself. And part of the Church's teachings, was that the Lord created everything in the heavens. So in Salazar's view, it was blasphemy for mortal men to go poking around in the celestial realm. Turning it into a personal battleground? What unthinkable hubris!

Salazar sighed and sat down at his desk. With pen in hand, he detached a sheet of paper from his notepad and began writing his response in cursive. Later that morning, he would have his secretary type it out.

08:00

The notes of the Hino da Carta filled the room—the music came from the radio alarm clock on Salazar's nightstand. It was one of the few electronic gadgets the Civil Director could bear to live with—being a simple appliance with nothing "smart", there was no chance of it rising up against its master. Every day, all Portuguese radio stations were required to play the national anthem when signing on at 8:00 and signing off at 22:00, and Salazar always timed his alarm to start at the same time. He got out of bed and changed into his day clothes, but he didn't mute the alarm clock, because he thought it was quite disrespectful to interrupt the anthem. So he waited for the music to finish playing before pressing the on/off button.

At his desk, Salazar picked up the handset on his telephone and dialed a number on the rotary keypad. "Good morning Lúcia," he said. "Could you please come over and type out this letter I wrote? I'd like to mail it out first thing today." Moments later, there was a knock on the door and Salazar opened it. It was Lúcia, the Civil Director's personal secretary. Salazar got up from his chair so she could take a seat. The young brunette woman got to work transcribing Salazar's handwritten note into a neatly typed document. With flying fingers, Lúcia typed up the entire letter perfectly in less than a minute. Salazar took a look at the finished document, then nodded his approval and dismissed the secretary. He walked towards the window and held the letter in the sunlight, reviewing it one last time before it got mailed.

---

Direitor Civil (Civil Director)
Palácio de Governo (Government Palace)
1349, Praça Afonso d'Albuquerque
Lisboa (Lisbon)
Holy Catholic State of Portugal

Imperial Department of State
Thomas Morozov Building
1520, Aquilae Street
Federal Empire of Astares Amauricanum

Lisboa, 05 de julho de 2020
Lisbon, July 5th 2020

OFFICIAL PUBLIC STATEMENT OF THE HOLY CATHOLIC STATE
ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE «ERYK» SUPERWEAPON

To all whom it may concern:

It has been brought to our attention that the Federal Empire of Astares Amauricanum is in the midst of deploying «ERYK», an innovative type of superweapon that works by launching metal projectiles from the sky at targets on the ground. On behalf of the Church and the Portuguese nation, we wish to make it known that we vehemently condemn this display of hubris and irreverence. As Christians, we firmly believe that the Lord created the universe and everything within it. Some things in the world are best left to Him and not us, and the sky is no exception. Since time immemorial, the heavens have always been the Lord's exclusive domain, strictly off limits for mortal men. Otherwise, He would have bestowed us with wings and the gift of flight, but He did not, so His will is for humanity to remain on the ground. Surely you are familiar with the Tower of Babel. The people wanted to see Heaven so much that they built a tower to climb up, but the Lord scattered them all over the world and made them speak different languages as punishment for their arrogance. Or the legend of the boy Icarus? His father made him a pair of wings with feathers and wax, and warned him not to fly too high or the Sun would melt the wax. But the boy did not listen and he fell to his death. We hope that the government of the Federal Empire will take these cautionary tales to heart, and cease its ambitious plan for another Tower of Babel which can only end in catastrophe.

Even if the Federal Empire does not recognize the existence of a divine Creator, there are other reasons why we are fully opposed to this new weapon. One such reason is the system's extensive dependence on digital computer networks. Like a sorcery ritual, a computer is a convoluted mess of occult spells and symbols, all but incomprehensible for the uninitiated mind. So we are highly skeptical that anyone, even a government with state-of-the-art resources, is capable of developing a computer totally impenetrable against «hacking» by criminals, terrorists or hostile foreign states. Recent high-profile security incidents, such as Stuxnet and WannaCry, have demonstrated that the defenses built into computer operating systems are as porous as Swiss cheese—and the attacks we know about are just the tip of the iceberg. For each «virus» detected, there are many more which fly under the radar. By the time you discover that your computers are compromised, the hackers may have already stolen thousands of sensitive files or planted hidden sabotage codes. That is why, in the Holy Catholic State, the use of computers is kept to an absolute minimum, and under no circumstances may software programs control critical infrastructure without human input and mechanical hardware overrides.

In addition, how can we be assured that this weapon is strictly for self-defense, and not for aggression or conquest? This distinction is easy to tell with traditional armies and navies: if a foreign state were to launch an attack, you would see them approaching from miles away. But we have not the slightest idea if this doomsday device is above our heads as we are writing this. Because the weapon could be anywhere at a given moment, essentially every nation is living in fear of being within striking range. We believe that such an action is entirely inappropriate for peacetime, since it amounts to an unprovoked blockade. At this time we have no reason to view the Federal Empire as a threat, but we are more concerned with how other states would react to this development. If more and more nations start building similar superweapons, that could start an arms race and possibly another Cold War—something which no-one wants to repeat, we are sure. Despite being neither a World Assembly member state nor a signatory of the Outer Space Treaty, the people and government of the Holy Catholic State feel that it is morally wrong to violate the Lord's kingdom in Heaven and make it a battlefield. For this reason, we consider it our obligation to urge the Federal Empire to shut down its dangerous new superweapon, as futile as such persuasion may be.

If you believe there is additional information that can address some or all of our concerns about this new weapon, please feel free to reach us back. The offices of the Civil Director and Minister of Foreign Relations are located in the Government Palace building at 1349, Praça Afonso d'Albuquerque in Lisbon. But of course you are free to refuse, if doing so would divulge classified material. We look forward to hearing your response on this matter.

Yours in Christ,

Afonso Salazar
Civil Director of Portugal

Henrique Carvalho
Minister of Foreign Relations

[Astares Amauricanum]

From:

Emperor Adrean Blachkor "The Third", Son of the Empire, Master of the Appalachia, Conqueror of the Rockyes, Lord of the Plains and Tamer of the Frost.

To:

Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad, Lady of the Five Deserts, Ilkhana of Utica, Daughter of Kyrenaia, Mother of Her People, Highest Servant of the Lioness.

Subject:

ERYK

Diplomatic Correspondence
Not to be released

Greetings Sultana,
I shall see if I can gather some inspectors to send your way for the 19th of August.
In the meantime, concerning the inspection of ERYK Gground Satellite Array by foreign observers mentioned in the Minister of Foreign Affairs statement, I wholeheartidely allow it. In fact, I can do better, and also offer a tour of the space station controlling the satellites in space. The number of observers is limited to ten for the ground array and 3 for the space station. For the space station, you can either sent them to Cape Etheria first, and we'll fly them to the station ourselves, or you can send a shuttle of your own.
I shall repeat this statement in the official communiqué.

Concerning the meeting, I don't find anything else to say, and neither is Queen Jasmine Morenai. A single Harrani police officer on motorbike shall wait for your delegation at the airport to guide them directly to the Old Harran Parliament Building. Given the fact that some of the downtown area is undergoing repairs, some streets might be blocked and the GPS not up to date.

Signed,
Emperor Adrean Blachkor "The Third", Son of the Empire, Master of the Appalachia, Conqueror of the Rockyes, Lord of the Plains and Tamer of the Frost.

Official Statement of His Imperial Majesty
Emperor Adrean Blachkor "The Third"

---

After having reviewed the most recent statements made by foreign ministers and alike concerning ERYK, here are my answers.
On the matter of international observers inspecting ERYK ground control facilities, I hereby allow it. Starting now, I give every nation that wishes it ten days sharp to gather a team of maximum ten observers. They shall arrive at Albuquerque between the 16th and 19th of July, and shall be flown out to the Satellite Ground Array.
Moreover, I also offer at the same time for those same nations to gather a team of three other experts qualified in space flights to go inspect the ERYK Space Control Station at the same date. You can either send your team to Cape Etheria and we'll fly them ourselves, or you can send a shuttle of your own.

In the meantime, we have taken note once again of the concerns raised about a possible hostile arms race and related matters.

Signed
Adrean Blachkor "The Third"

From:

Emperor Adrean Blachkor "The Third", Son of the Empire, Master of the Appalachia, Conqueror of the Rockyes, Lord of the Plains and Tamer of the Frost.

To:

Afonso Salazar,Civil Director of Portugal

Subject:

ERYK

Diplomatic Correspondence
Not to be released

Greetings Your Excellency,
I thank you for mailing me this message.
However, I have to tell you before everything else, that while I am not a Christian, I respect others religion and beliefs. But concerning the dismantlment of ERYK, that's a big no. The Astarian scientists and engineers have not spent the last decade working on this project, only for it to be scrapped just a few days after its deployment. Even though we downscaled the number of satellites from 26 initially to ten now, they are here to stay.
I am perfectly aware that this will not please everyone, and that an arms race might start along with a new Cold-War. And while it is not something I want to repeat either, it is something that many analysts belive will become inevitable in the 21st century.
Speaking of the Lord, I would like to humbly remind you that the concept of orbital weapon is not so foreign to him. After all, what were the fireballs who destroyed Sodome and Gomorrah if not a particular orbital bombardment system?

In any case, to try and allievate some of the concerns you might have, I offer to your nation like everyone else the possibility to send a team of observers to inspect the satettlie ground array responsible for ERYK's control.

May the Stars guide your way,
Signed,
Emperor Adrean Blachkor "The Third"
Empress Anna Blachkor.

Old Harran, Downtown.
Parliament Building
July 6th, 4PM

After a morotbike trip led by Officer Ahmed Shebir of the Harran Police Department, the Kyrenaian would arrive to the Parliament Building, where some unmarked local police cars and Astarian SUVs would be parked, while in the small plaza, Rapace Guards in tactical gear would be standing, balaclavas hiding their madibula-like jaws. And scattered around the plaza as well, one would spot the squads of Lieutenant Colonel Patrick Leonhart and his wife Alexandra, clad in cargo pants, ranger boots, dark green polo shirts with a plate carrier on top, and with their berets on their heads; their weapons at their side. In contrast to the local security apparatus, the Astarians would clearly appear as laid back.
Aside from these two groups, some local MPs and their aides walk around, the premises.

As he is talking with the others, his back to the statue's pedestal, Major William Foster turns his head towards towards the street as he hears the sound of motorcycle engines.
"Guys, the package is here, he simply says to his friends.
-Well, time to go to work, replies Alexandra, as the ten men and women stand up, readjusts the slings of their Nix Grevling PDRs, and walk towards the delegation.
-Hello, says Patrick in English to the twelve Kyrenaians, if you can please follow us", he says simply before turning back towards the building.

[Astares Amauricanum]

Hey everyone,
Thank you all for having participated in this RP so far.
Even though the reactions has not always been what I expected, I still had much fun, and I hope you did too.

However, tonight, I have decided to close this RP.
It is now considered non-canon
I've realized that our species has come far enough in the way of destruction.
And while I partially agree with the IC views of my nation, I think that we don't need to add yet another thing on top of our already full sack of destructive capabilities.
The Empire has more than enough weapons to defend himself, let's not make him a pariah state.
And let's hope that IRL, we'll never face the same thing.

Once again, thank you all for playing.
And see you all soon in future RPs.

Regards
Astares Amauricanum