Reactivation of the Stonehenge Turret Network (MT/IC)

by **TURTLESHROOM II** » Tue Jan 24, 2023 8:26 pm

GREAT BOUNTIFUL EMPIRE OF THE UNITED TURTLES, MUSHROOMS, AND MEN OF TURTLESHROOM
EXECUTIVE CABINET OF PEERS
IMPERIAL MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
GOOD OVERSIGHT DIVISION
BUREAUCRAT

TO THE SANTAOKITE CROWN AND THE ROYAL COURT THEREOF:

Peace be with you.

The Great Bountiful Empire of TurtleShroom commends the decision of the Santoakite Crown and its esteemed government to invest in the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction for the sole purpose of defense against hostile threats.

We cannot imagine the immense manpower, courage, and sheer brilliance of the Santoak peoples that it took to invent, deploy, and intercept an asteroid large enough to be spherical, saving the lives of billions. While TurtleShroom has experienced no comparable impact, we are amazed at the sheer power of the Stonehenge Array.

In a time as dark as this, there is no greater guarantee of peace on Nationstates than a nuclear deterrant. The Stonehenge is a weapon beyond the wildest dreams of our nuclear scientists, who only deployed a nuclear fusion bomb within the year.

Why this is a matter of controversy is baffling. Any nation trembling at the Stonehenge Array should immediately recognize that its commander seeks only to deter aggression and prevent a system with parity from destroying the nation it protects.

We strong encourage the Santoakite Crown to continue this decision and engage in, where ever possible, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction in order to continue the pursuit of the end of all war. No doubt, combat in the country and Santoak's wars with Russian-cultured states this century exhibit the escalation of the fundamental principle of all deterrent strategies.

That belief is peace through superior firepower.

We wish nothing but the best for the Santoak military and wish the Stonehenge Array much success in removing any potential threats aimed at their country.

May your missiles fly fast and true, in defense alone!

Godspeed,
-BUREAUCRAT ON BEHALF OF THE IMPERIAL MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE GREAT BOUNTIFUL EMPIRE OF THE UNITED TURTLES, MUSHROOMS, AND MEN OF TURTLESHROOM

by **GermanEmpire of kaisereich** » Wed Jan 25, 2023 2:08 pm

Santoak wrote:
GermanEmpire of kaisereich wrote:´´And what do you want me to offer you, one of Our Imperial Cruisers? We can provide it in just 2 days, want one of our Warbots? It will be delivered in less than 1 week, do you want us to give you our technology? Just ask, you are talking to a representative and General of the German Empire, we have everything you need, from civilian to military, so tell me soon, what do you want, the German Empire will provide.´´ Said Reinhard in tone defiantly the representative who is receiving him at the port.
´´ But I want to see these defense towers Personally, I came here for this reason, and I don´t like to return to the German Empire with an uncompleted mission, so we can go, or do you want to tell me something else?´´ Said Reinhard a little impatient.

"A monkey's paw. To use a Western term," she said, "But I suppose I can make a request and in return, I may offer a little more. So here it is, reduced German presence in the Philippine Sea, the Celebes Sea, the Sulu Sea, and the South China Sea for the next six months. Not only might you get what you came for but the chance of a conflict between our two nations will lessen considerably."

Reinhard raised his eyebrows in surprise and had to take a deep breath not to yell at the representative, he caressed the Eagle that was on his arm and replied:
´´We are about to go to war with the American Confederation, the Pacific is very important to us, reducing our Pacific fleet would be a show of weakness for the Reich and the damn American fascists would take advantage of that and attack us and destroy ours. Pacific Fleet in 2 months and they would invade the Island of Gamora, and they would invade Papua German, what we will do is at least leave Celebes and the Sulu Sea, for 6 months and we will remain more forward in the Pacific, but we will still maintain the South China Sea, because of the Americans, is that enough for you? Or do you want us to do some other thing that is totally disgraceful to the Reich?´´ Reinhard said with a tone of irony and a little anger.

by **Soveiniesberg** » Wed Jan 25, 2023 7:31 pm

Santoak wrote:snippy snippy

The pilot laughed. "They think we have five fighter jets?" The copilot flushes red. "Oh my god. Oh my god. It's happening. LAND THE FUCKING PLANE AND DO WHAT THEY SAY!" One of the navigators turns around. "We're dead? Right? Is that what I've heard?" He says. The copilot throws his hands up. "LAND THE GODDAMN PLANE!"

The five planes eventually land on the runway at Fort SEELE.

by **Santoak** » Thu Jan 26, 2023 9:49 am

Regnum Alea Spaceflee wrote:
Santoak wrote:
A pause and muted discussion on the other hand. "You will surrender them before you dock. A platoon of Marines will be sent by patrol boat and helicopter to disarm you and inspect your ship. Be aware if you offer resistance at that point... well you know the drill."

"I am glad we could reach an agreement but we will withhold our melee weapons for fear of attack."

"We'll see about the melee weapons. I want them inspected by my Marines."

Almost at once two OH-1 naval attack helicopters escorted a UH-60 carrying 12 SSDMF Marines to land on the deck of the Seigneur. Dressed in blue camouflage they quickly repelled down and secured the landing deck with their Machine Pistols and Carbines. "Your weapons!" the commander of the Marines yelled in the most gung-ho was possible, "Lay them down here at once!"

Meanwhile, a pair of RHIBs had pulled alongside the ship. But their seats were empty so it was clearly to transport whatever diplomatic staff was needed.

by **Santoak** » Thu Jan 26, 2023 9:56 am

GermanEmpire of kaisereich wrote:Reinhard raised his eyebrows in surprise and had to take a deep breath not to yell at the representative, he caressed the Eagle that was on his arm and replied:
´´We are about to go to war with the American Confederation, the Pacific is very important to us, reducing our Pacific fleet would be a show of weakness for the Reich and the damn American fascists would take advantage of that and attack us and destroy ours. Pacific Fleet in 2 months and they would invade the Island of Gamora, and they would invade Papua German, what we will do is at least leave Celebes and the Sulu Sea, for 6 months and we will remain more forward in the Pacific, but we will still maintain the South China Sea, because of the Americans, is that enough for you? Or do you want us to do some other thing that is totally disgraceful to the Reich?´´ Reinhard said with a tone of irony and a little anger.

"Declaring another nation fascist while you carry out your imperialist ambitions upon the Pacific? I think the term 'pot calling the kettle' is another you westerners use." the Agent said, "Rest assured our request is one we do not make lightly. Reduce your fleet and forces around the Philippines and there will be less chance of a confrontation between us that would only distract from your little war games. Additionally, if the ijiwaru Americans do make a move against the pacific in your reduced area they will come into conflict with us. Make no mistake. This would not be us supporting you but rather us protecting the people against yet another colonialist power."

by **Regnum Alea Spaceflee** » Thu Jan 26, 2023 10:37 am

Santoak wrote:
Regnum Alea Spaceflee wrote:

"We'll see about the melee weapons. I want them inspected by my Marines."

Almost at once two OH-1 naval attack helicopters escorted a UH-60 carrying 12 SSDMF Marines to land on the deck of the Seigneur. Dressed in blue camouflage they quickly repelled down and secured the landing deck with their Machine Pistols and Carbines. "Your weapons!" the commander of the Marines yelled in the most gung-ho was possible, "Lay them down here at once!"

Meanwhile, a pair of RHIBs had pulled alongside the ship. But their seats were empty so it was clearly to transport whatever diplomatic staff was needed.

"JEEZ ALRIGHT WE WILL DO IT!, But once you are done inspecting our gear could you give us back our melee weapons?

by **GermanEmpire of kaisereich** » Thu Jan 26, 2023 10:43 am

Santoak wrote:
GermanEmpire of kaisereich wrote:Reinhard raised his eyebrows in surprise and had to take a deep breath not to yell at the representative, he caressed the Eagle that was on his arm and replied:
´´We are about to go to war with the American Confederation, the Pacific is very important to us, reducing our Pacific fleet would be a show of weakness for the Reich and the damn American fascists would take advantage of that and attack us and destroy ours. Pacific Fleet in 2 months and they would invade the Island of Gamora, and they would invade Papua German, what we will do is at least leave Celebes and the Sulu Sea, for 6 months and we will remain more forward in the Pacific, but we will still maintain the South China Sea, because of the Americans, is that enough for you? Or do you want us to do some other thing that is totally disgraceful to the Reich?´´ Reinhard said with a tone of irony and a little anger.

"Declaring another nation fascist while you carry out your imperialist ambitions upon the Pacific? I think the term 'pot calling the kettle' is another you westerners use." the Agent said, "Rest assured our request is one we do not make lightly. Reduce your fleet and forces around the Philippines and there will be less chance of a confrontation between us that would only distract from your little war games. Additionally, if the ijiwaru Americans do make a move against the pacific in your reduced area they will come into conflict with us. Make no mistake. This would not be us supporting you but rather us protecting the people against yet another colonialist power."

´´Did you just call us fascist? Do you happen to know that we face the greatest fascist threat in all of Western Europe? Our Kaiser led the revolt against the fascists in Germany and by their leader, the Americans were influenced by the Italians and the French, and we have many important things in the Pacific and leaving our nation unprotected would be a mistake in the Pacific, we will leave the seas close to the Philippines and Japan, but gamora will not be vacated, and then we will leave the China Sea and we will go to the Bering Sea and we will be in the Coral Sea, that is enough for you'' Said Reinhard while caressing his Eagle , inpatient to be able to continue the visit that could go down the water.

by **Santoak** » Thu Jan 26, 2023 9:41 pm

Soveiniesberg wrote:
The pilot laughed. "They think we have five fighter jets?" The copilot flushes red. "Oh my god. Oh my god. It's happening. LAND THE FUCKING PLANE AND DO WHAT THEY SAY!" One of the navigators turns around. "We're dead? Right? Is that what I've heard?" He says. The copilot throws his hands up. "LAND THE GODDAMN PLANE!"

The five planes eventually land on the runway at Fort SEELE.

Fort SEELE was Built into the Jigokudani or Hell Valley, littered with dramatic craters, boiling sulfuric hot springs, and volcanic steam plumes that covered the land in mist. Air defenses in the form of missile silos and CIWIS systems littered the valley like lousy and the SSDF had managed to haul a half dozen Aegis Ashore systems to this mountain base. Bunkers and hidden gun emplacements watched all approaches. Despite the problematic appearance from a distance, it was relatively easy to land due to a lack of crosswinds. The steam reduced the turbulence on the runway caused by cold air being warmed by the sun's heat.

The runway itself ran through the length of the valley but several strips ran off the main into the sides of the valley itself, bunker doors guarding the entrance. A majority of the base was suspected to be underground, winding down for how many miles or how deep into the imposing summits all around.

The moment the planes all came to a stop Type 74 Tanks and Jeeps came rolling onto the causeway, disgorging an assortment of troops. About three dozen barrels were pointed at each plane.

"Come out with your hands up!" the Air Marshall yelled through a bullhorn as he stood on the bed of a jeep, his winter coat flying in the wind.

by **Santoak** » Thu Jan 26, 2023 10:17 pm

TURTLESHROOM II wrote:-snip-

Lord Protector
Asuka Ikari

Tokyo-2
National Defence Ministry

An Open Message from the Principality of
Santoak

The Santoakian Government thanks the nation of Turtleshroom for its understanding that in a world with growing threats, a nation has every right to use whatever means it has to defend itself. The neo-colonialist and imperialist powers do not wish to see a revolution of the people claim victory over their oppressors and decry any resistance to their boot as "blatant acts of aggression."

Stonehenge was built, used, and will always be used to protect the peoples of Eastern Asia and beyond. It is a defensive weapon which is why certain powers fear and snarl at it for it now prevents them from carrying out their barbaric ways and traditions.

Peace and freedom will be achieved over the Pacific and it will be under the guidance of Santoak.

We hope that an understanding can be reached between our two nations and greater cooperation in the future.

"Land of the Rising Sun and the Land of rising hope"

by **Santoak** » Fri Jan 27, 2023 8:56 am

The Green Union wrote:-snip-

New Antarcticania wrote:-snip-

"You've gone too far now Asuka," Prime Minister Shinji said.

His words were reinforced by the pitter-patter of rain crashing against the window of his office that overlooked a stormy Tokyo-2 bay. It was a grey and spartan office with not much other than his desk, neatly organized paper, a secure computer terminal alongside his office chair, and two chairs facing him.

"Why what makes you say that?" the redhead replied. Her uniform was matte black and her right breast was bare save the simple name tag that denoted her as Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. She took a sip from her cooled steel thermos flask. Shinji had never seen her drink from anything else.

"Stonehenge."

"Oh, that little thing? I thought we were in agreement on bringing it back."

He would have jumped over the table and wrung her neck until the life faded away from her eyes if he could, but he hid the desire. Shinji had been getting those urges more and more with every move the SSDF made.

"We did agree. I just didn't agree that you announced it to the Diet before it was fully complete," he snarled. "We both know it had to be brought back online but announcing it to the world before we were done... you gave every nation that opposed us reason to act now."

"I don't like keeping secrets from the public. Wasn't that was you encouraged my men to do last Diet session?" she had as much of a charm as a vixen. Shinji couldn't hate it more.

"Cut the crap. It was right before we voted on a new budget for your resource sink you call the RX-78-2. You knew announcing Stonehenge before that would have inflated your budget. Stonehenge was seen as a protector of Santoak and any populists worth their damn would have supported a budget increase to look good to their voters."

"So what if I did?" she shrugged, "Give the people what they want."

She was doing this on purpose to get a rise out of him.

"Give the people what they want," he scoffed, "I don't think a conflict with the Markion Coalition is what they were looking for."

It was her turn to scoff, "Markion Coalition. A group of Imperialists that already crushed a people's revolution. We were going to lock horns with them sometime soon anyway. Besides, let them make empty threats against Stonehenge. My forces will see them off easily enough. Another glorious victory for Santoak, like the Vladivostok War. We'll crush them and all who come after them like we did Moscow."

"That's not the point!" Shinji slammed his hand against his desk, sending spider-web cracks along its glass surface. He hid how much it actually hurt, "Damn it, Asuka, just because the SSDF has the firepower doesn’t always mean it has the solution. You may be able to blast their fleet of forty ships with a single carrier but that doesn’t change the fact we didn't have to do it in the first place. If you had the patience to wait until Stonehenge was fully complete we would have had a trump card that made any intervention pointless. But now we only have 80 hours until only one turret is in operational condition. On the history textbooks, we claim victory in the Vladivostok War but I've seen the balance papers, I've seen the Economic reports, the terms of payments and I know who really lost that war. We would have recovered in three years instead of the decade it took! I don't need another crisis to undo all of th-"

He was about to continue on but he realized it was pointless. She and the SSDF could give less of a damn about the basic living conditions of civilians and the prosperity of the state. She simply saw them as a means to an end. She only ever saw things in context in how they would support the military and its Industrial Complex. If more people lived on the streets, what did she care? If anything it just meant more recruits.

She wanted this to balloon into a war. Another war to prove the SSDF's worth and ingrain it into the population as the only alternative. It reeked to Shinji of the old Imperial System that they had thrown off. He had spent most of his life doing everything he could to curtail this and he didn't lie to himself that there would be times were he would feel like he regretted the choices. But every time he felt the urge the walk away, he looked to a future where the SSDF had no checks or balances... and saw only darkness.

He sighed, "However, we cannot back down. You are right about that. Backing down will only make them believe they can exploit us more. Unlike you, I serve the people for the people, not the SSDF. Deploy the fifth fleet to shadow this enemy fleet. Mirror them from a long distance but don't even think of firing a single shot."

"Wouldn't even dare."

"But understand this. If this does turn into a shooting war... I will personally ensure that your funds are diverted away from the RX-78-2 to more important sectors such as missile defense. Don't even think about using your black funds. You've already had the attention of private auditors for a long time. One word is all it takes and you'll have another scandal on your hands, unless you want a repeat of that rogue broadcast. Not everyone in the National Diet believed your denial."

For the first time in the entire conversation, the aura of smugness on her face faded away to reveal a dark glare at him. Shinji stared back.

"As you command Prime Minister," she nodded and stood up, placing the cap on her head, brim first.

"I will make an announcement to the Diet soon on our official response. In the meantime, keep your men on a tight leash and make sure the negotiations get us that reactor safely installed as fast as possible. The sooner Stonehenge is complete the less chance that some idiot cuts the tension. Intentional... or otherwise. "

She didn't saw another word before she turned around and strutted out of the room.

Shinji looked out the glass onto stormy Tokyo, clutching his knuckles which had already started to bleed.

by **Soveiniesberg** » Fri Jan 27, 2023 3:21 pm

Santoak wrote:snippy snippy

The pilot looked out of his plane, and grabbed a small portable radio. "Do what they say." He murmured into it. The navigator reached for a Croatian PHP pistol, shoving it in his jacket. The pilot groaned, the copilot groaned. The pilot grabbed a Polish Tokarev pistol and threw it in his parka pocket. The pilot groaned again. "Are we ready to step out onto the pavement? He mumbled. They all nodded silently. He opened the door, and threw out a rope ladder so he could get out of the aircraft.

They all crawled out, terrified.

by **Santoak** » Fri Jan 27, 2023 4:32 pm

Gonswanza wrote:"The project can be shared, of course, though it will call for volunteer subjects and heavy use of biomass collection to assist in the studies. My research has moved up to genetic repair attempts, but it has only been tested on stem cells and lab rats to little effect. A shame that one's mutations tend to be self-repairing for unknown reasons, but perhaps my research can attempt to undo the damages that have been accumulated from radiation, while your team works to streamline the gene editing process to ensure that the mutation, if present, is not restored... Or even made dormant for future therapy."

A cure, perhaps, but not one that can restore the lives ruined by the deformity. More so prevention, than anything.

"The self-repairing could possibly be because the body has decided that its "mutated form" is now its "true form" just. The body could see the changes as a foreign intrustion and attack it with T-Cells," she said, "But of course this is all speculation. I lack the proper data to see and while I did complete my medical degree, I didn't specialise in gene research. However I do know several of the best within our Unit 731 that can assist with you. They're some of the best when it comes to the human body and ways to... improve their health. Yes, lets say that."

by **Gonswanza** » Fri Jan 27, 2023 9:29 pm

Santoak wrote:
Gonswanza wrote:"The project can be shared, of course, though it will call for volunteer subjects and heavy use of biomass collection to assist in the studies. My research has moved up to genetic repair attempts, but it has only been tested on stem cells and lab rats to little effect. A shame that one's mutations tend to be self-repairing for unknown reasons, but perhaps my research can attempt to undo the damages that have been accumulated from radiation, while your team works to streamline the gene editing process to ensure that the mutation, if present, is not restored... Or even made dormant for future therapy."

A cure, perhaps, but not one that can restore the lives ruined by the deformity. More so prevention, than anything.

"The self-repairing could possibly be because the body has decided that its "mutated form" is now its "true form" just. The body could see the changes as a foreign intrustion and attack it with T-Cells," she said, "But of course this is all speculation. I lack the proper data to see and while I did complete my medical degree, I didn't specialise in gene research. However I do know several of the best within our Unit 731 that can assist with you. They're some of the best when it comes to the human body and ways to... improve their health. Yes, lets say that."

"Perhaps. Luckily I've dedicated my life to this research, so 731 will find themselves right at home with my own researchers. In fact, they might even find the Gonswanzan method favorable, even if again one must sacrifice a pound of flesh to appease the experiments. All for the sake of science, unrestrained by pointless morals, no? Given that morals are what keeps man from ascending beyond their moral forms and unlocking the secrets of the universe... To view and comprehend what lies beyond the veil, to reach out and stand upon the same level as our creators, if they even exist... Or perhaps even surpass them."

by **Santoak** » Sat Jan 28, 2023 8:21 am

Regnum Alea Spaceflee wrote:
"JEEZ ALRIGHT WE WILL DO IT!, But once you are done inspecting our gear could you give us back our melee weapons?

At once the Marines began to sweep the ship, searching if there were any weapons or surveillance equipment that was undeclared. If any of the latter was found then they would be disabled temporarily and have a Marine posted to guard over it. The guns on board were confiscated, brought onto the deck, and into the open so that another squad of Marines boarding could also stand guard over it.

Soon a smaller helicopter descended and dropped off a woman in a black naval officer uniform with short blond hair and a captain's cap. She had a Glock holstered on her waste. She talked with one of the Marine Sergeants out of earshot for a moment before moving up to the crew.

"I'm Harbor Master Jessica Stalwart, I was the one on the radio. Captain Charmayanne, I'm afraid that while your ship is docked in my port and until High Command decides that your nation poses no threat to us, your weapons will be confiscated. Alongside the Electro Maces. We will allow you to keep your little... kitchen knives with you but I don't want to see a single flash of steel. If my men see it, they will treat you and your men as active hostiles. Understood?"

by **Santoak** » Sat Jan 28, 2023 8:30 am

GermanEmpire of kaisereich wrote:´´Did you just call us fascist? Do you happen to know that we face the greatest fascist threat in all of Western Europe? Our Kaiser led the revolt against the fascists in Germany and by their leader, the Americans were influenced by the Italians and the French, and we have many important things in the Pacific and leaving our nation unprotected would be a mistake in the Pacific, we will leave the seas close to the Philippines and Japan, but gamora will not be vacated, and then we will leave the China Sea and we will go to the Bering Sea and we will be in the Coral Sea, that is enough for you'' Said Reinhard while caressing his Eagle , inpatient to be able to continue the visit that could go down the water.

"I forget that you don't like that word. I would apologize if I saw the difference between your oligarchy and them." she turned around, "Anyhow. Santoak has what it needs. I suppose I should hold up my side. We don't appreciate reneging on our agreements. Please, follow me to the harbor masters' conference room. I have a presentation on the basics of the Turret Network and our intentions with it."

She grinned.

"Unfortunately the Director is busy conversing with the envoy from Gonswanza. If she is done soon she may entertain the idea of speaking to you or any technicians you have brought with you.

by **Santoak** » Sat Jan 28, 2023 9:10 am

Soveiniesberg wrote:
Santoak wrote:snippy snippy

The pilot looked out of his plane, and grabbed a small portable radio. "Do what they say." He murmured into it. The navigator reached for a Croatian PHP pistol, shoving it in his jacket. The pilot groaned, the copilot groaned. The pilot grabbed a Polish Tokarev pistol and threw it in his parka pocket. The pilot groaned again. "Are we ready to step out onto the pavement? He mumbled. They all nodded silently. He opened the door, and threw out a rope ladder so he could get out of the aircraft.

They all crawled out, terrified.

They found themselves facing a tank barrel staring down at them from fifty meters away and around two dozen soldiers armed with Howa Type 89 Rifles standing in a firing line. "On the ground, face down!" one of the soldiers shouted. "Hands behind your head and cross your legs. You will be disarmed."

by **Santoak** » Sat Jan 28, 2023 10:20 am

The Green Union wrote:-snip-

New Antarcticania wrote:-snip-

Prime Minister Shinji Soryuu knew a hundred eyes were staring at him and a million more through their screens as he stood up at his podium.

The normally chaotic and defeating hall of the Diet had fallen deadly silent. To him, it might as well be empty. Members from every party and bloc looked to him with complete focus. From his supporters and allies in the Communist Vanguard and the Workers Union to his foes in the Defensive Expansionists and Public Guard. They had all stopped their bickering to listen to the one man that actually united them in one way or another: him.

He had done this a hundred times before with every State of the Union speech he had made and dozens more in critical situations to re-assure. Yet he never really got used to it. Each time was as nerve-racking as the last. A single wrong line here could quite literally break the nation apart. He by all rights should have run away a long time ago or retired before he ever got close to being Prime Minister.

His father, a lowly construction worker, had worked himself to an early death building Stonehenge because he believed in this country and wanted to provide a future where his son could make a difference to the community, never have to know hardship and lift others from it. So he mustn't run away. Not just for his father but for the people of Santoak. Because he saw no alternative without him that the country could remain true to itself.

He took in a breathe and spoke:

"Citizens and constituents of the Socialist Principality of Santoak, there has been already much talk of the speech of my peer Josef Stöckler regarding Stonehenge. It is the divisive and certainly aggressive speech of not only Stonehenge but our nation at last. These are difficult times and in difficult times our flaws and faults are all the plainer to both our allies, foes, and those who are still not sure where they stand. This is why I am speaking to you today, not only to our citizens but to the citizens of the world and in particular, those whose nations belong to the Markion Coalition. This is not an attack nor do I intend for this to be only an argumentative refutation where I speak to a wall with no expectation of a good-faith reply."

"No, I want to talk to the people. I want to talk to you. I want what I say today not to be the opening salvos of a new conflict but the opening words of a greater understanding between our nations and our unique circumstances. It is only through a greater understanding of others that the world can become better. It is only when nations refuse to understand us that our nation feels like it must act in a decisive manner. That is why today I speak so that our citizens and the nations of the world may understand us and why we feel as if Stonehenge must be built."

"Forty years ago, the stars fell from the Heavens onto our mortal lands in what we know as First Impact. Where only years before we and the rest of the world had been engulfed in civil strife and conflicts of the horrific Third Great War, we united in the face of this existential threat. Blood foes became brothers. Rivals became partners. All in the largest united effort humanity had ever seen as we toiled for survival. But the peoples of Eastern Asia and Santoak did not run to hide in bunkers or deep caves, intending to abandon the surface to its fate and emerge a hundred years later into the ruins. Instead, we chose to resist the impossible and fight back. We chose to not go gentle into that good night. We chose to not only rage against this dying light but to reinvigorate it with our unity and determination."

"That is why Stonehenge exists. It was the greatest feat of our nation since our unification. It was the culmination of the best minds and the best hands of our nation as a weapon that would allow us to fight back against the very heavens itself. It served not only as a way to defend East Asia but also as a symbol of hope for the rest of the world that it was possible to resist. Stonehenge became a flickering light in the darkness that lighted only more lights and more lights until humanity was a blazing torch against the oncoming threat. Many workers died in the construction of Stonehenge. We rightfully remember each one of them as heroes that stood taller than any warrior or mythical hero we can conjure. Each one of them was a mortal person keenly aware of their own mortality who made the greatest sacrifice so that their sons and daughters could see a brighter day. And that bringing about that brighter day is the greatest tribute we can pay to those who sacrificed their lives for us!"

"This is why we have brought back Stonehenge. So that once more it may serve as a protector of our nation and allow us to reach that goal. Despite the accusations, Stonehenge is a defensive weapon. It is at its core a point defense system meant to bring down any threats that approach the Home Islands. We all recall the lives lost due to the Russian missile attacks during the Vladivostok War. Too many mothers saw their children buried under rubble as Moscow chose that instead of pursuing peace, it would resort to a ruthless bombing of our cities and people. No mother should ever have to go through such a thing ever again. We do not seek to use Stonehenge as a sword but rather as a shield. As threats to the peoples of the Pacific emerge we must pursue we must act accordingly."

"But this must be said. It is true that Stonehenge has its offensive uses. It is an inevitable byproduct of such systems that their use may be varied. It is true that it would act as a massive artillery system or an anti-air system that reaches as far as the Hawaii Islands. But other Anti-Air systems have advanced in both range and scope that such a reach can no longer be said as something dangerous to the world order. Another is the saying that we view this as a method to bombard cities, easier to justify and escalate to as a non-nuclear option. Sadly this is a mistake on our culture I believe and the place Stonehenge has in our hearts and souls."

"Stonehenge was our savior. Never will we allow it to sow the same terror it protected us from. We will not pervert nor violate its sacred duty of protecting us. If we were ever to corrupt it to such means, then I will say this:"

"If one day should Santoak stoop to such levels and subject others to direct bombardment from Stonehenge, then something is so clearly wrong with those who control it. Then the people of the world should identify her as a massive threat to global peace, expose it, oppose it, and should it come to it, work together with the Santoak people to destroy it. It is the greatest show of our values should such a thing happen from within, that the people too shall rise up to fight for the true spirit of our nation."

"I will not deceive you. Santoak possesses many flaws with our systems and even military," he glanced over to Asuka standing with a cadre of Joint Staffs on his right. She gave him a glare but not one solely of going against the deal, "But we strive every day to hammer away at them, to forge a better state and a better future for our people. This cannot happen until Stonehenge is once more our protector and we no longer must worry about watching our backs. We only wish to lift others up."

"But understand this. If you insist without compromising to destroy our protector if you try to take a symbol of hope away from us, our sovereignty if you choose to even resort to violence and dangerous means to achieve what you want, we will defend ourselves. Not attack, but defend ourselves. If you choose to confront us you will see our faces, not our back, but our faces. I do not want it to ever come to such a situation. I do not wish for conflict between our nations. So I extend a hand of friendship to the Greater Markion Alliance of Nations and hope a greater understanding can be reached with us."

"That is all."

He picked up his papers off the podium and walked off, just as the National Diet erupted into turmoil. But a united turmoil. The resolve was clear to all. Santoak would not budge on Stonehenge.

Shinji released a breath he had no idea he was holding.

Now it was wait and see.

Elements of the fifth fleet have begun to shadow Markion ships in the pacific from a respectful distance and it is obvious to all that the fifth fleet is massing for operations. Possibly beyond the pacific. But it is far from certain if or where they will go to.

by **The Rio Grande River Basin** » Sat Jan 28, 2023 10:31 am

A sleek looking ship began to dock into Santoak territory.

A man, dressed in a smart looking suit stepped down the stairs. In his hand, a small bag of gifts, a bottle of wine from the “gifts” room, as a demonstration of culture, and flanking him, a single, rather excitable Dr Matteus. They were there for several purposes, not least of which was improving relations with Santoak, in case a pacific war ever happened. Considering both nation’s socialist leaning, it would not be surprising if he was successful.

“Hello? My name is Jonas Phillips. I am the Deputy Secretary of Foreign Affairs, and I come representing the American Federation.”

Off the EEZ, a carrier task force waited, as a demonstration of technological prowess. They were of course not fighting anyone, but still, it was best to show how powerful they were.

by **Soveiniesberg** » Sat Jan 28, 2023 2:32 pm

Santoak wrote:snippy

The pilot looked at the other men around him. "Comply." He said through gritted teeth, and they all got onto the ground with their hands on the backs of their heads. They felt the cold pavement on their bodies. Revolvers, handguns, derringers. All taken from them. Even small pocket knives. They groaned. All were nervous, and on edge.

They waited for the next move.

by **Santoak** » Sat Jan 28, 2023 6:57 pm

Soveiniesberg wrote:
Santoak wrote:snippy

The pilot looked at the other men around him. "Comply." He said through gritted teeth, and they all got onto the ground with their hands on the backs of their heads. They felt the cold pavement on their bodies. Revolvers, handguns, derringers. All taken from them. Even small pocket knives. They groaned. All were nervous, and on edge.

They waited for the next move.

The Air Marhsall strode up, dressed in a heavy brown overcoat. He was clearly an older man with tanned and wrinkled skin possessing shock-white hair. He sniffed in the cold, his bush mustache twitching at the action. One of the troops handed him the Polish Tokarev that he inspected. The Air Marshall grabbed it.

He walked over to the pilot it belonged to and looked down at the man on the ground with the pistol in his hand.

And ejected the magazine and the round in the chamber before deftly handing it back to the pilot, handle first.

"How about getting out of this freezing weather son?" he said with a smile on his face.

It was like a whirlwind. One second they were on the cold tarmac and the next they were in one of the nearby barracks/office buildings with a heavy blanket and a cup of hot chocolate in front of them. It wasn't like they really had a choice to say otherwise the way the soldiers had bundled them forward, but at least they had been given back their weapons, albeit with empty chambers.

The Air Marshall's office was wood-paneled with a green Persian carpet under his heavy oak desk. In the corner of the room, a stovepipe fireplace was roaring against the cold. On his desk were pictures of him with a young man and woman, the Marshall holding a very young child in his hands. A single soldier with an assault rifle stood at the entrance.

"Please sit." he motioned the crew to a series of couches around the room. There were enough for all of them. "Now. I have to apologize for forcing you and your men to land but you were violating our airspace. I'm afraid I have a duty to my nation to carry out, especially in such sensitive times. The least you could do now is to explain what you were doing. It couldn't possibly have been to try to take pictures of Stonehenge. You weren't exactly in a stealth aircraft or something like an SR-71."

by **Soveiniesberg** » Sun Jan 29, 2023 3:32 pm

Santoak wrote:snippy

The pilot rolled up his jacket sleeves, and looked around the room. "I would say... We do not have any stealth aircraft, however, I guess that's not entirely true now because the Iyumians, of all people, in their kindness, are selling us some of their new stealth fighters." He leaned back in his chair. The navigator chuckled. "I would also add, uhh, it was, 1, a show of force, and 2, we don't have satellite imagery that's worth a damn." The copilot nodded.

The pilots of the MiG-31s looked at each other, holding their flight helmets. "I do not think the MiG-31 is suitable as a stealth aircraft." One pilot says.

by **Regnum Alea Spaceflee** » Sun Jan 29, 2023 3:43 pm

Santoak wrote:
Regnum Alea Spaceflee wrote:

At once the Marines began to sweep the ship, searching if there were any weapons or surveillance equipment that was undeclared. If any of the latter was found then they would be disabled temporarily and have a Marine posted to guard over it. The guns on board were confiscated, brought onto the deck, and into the open so that another squad of Marines boarding could also stand guard over it.

Soon a smaller helicopter descended and dropped off a woman in a black naval officer uniform with short blond hair and a captain's cap. She had a Glock holstered on her waste. She talked with one of the Marine Sergeants out of earshot for a moment before moving up to the crew.

"I'm Harbor Master Jessica Stalwart, I was the one on the radio. Captain Charmayanne, I'm afraid that while your ship is docked in my port and until High Command decides that your nation poses no threat to us, your weapons will be confiscated. Alongside the Electro Maces. We will allow you to keep your little... kitchen knives with you but I don't want to see a single flash of steel. If my men see it, they will treat you and your men as active hostiles. Understood?"

"That is.... Acceptable....

by **Santoak** » Sun Jan 29, 2023 7:32 pm

Gonswanza wrote:
Santoak wrote:"Perhaps. Luckily I've dedicated my life to this research, so 731 will find themselves right at home with my own researchers. In fact, they might even find the Gonswanzan method favorable, even if again one must sacrifice a pound of flesh to appease the experiments. All for the sake of science, unrestrained by pointless morals, no? Given that morals are what keeps man from ascending beyond their moral forms and unlocking the secrets of the universe... To view and comprehend what lies beyond the veil, to reach out and stand upon the same level as our creators, if they even exist... Or perhaps even surpass them."

"Heh," she chuckled, "I'll be honest. You sound like every beginner technician or scientist I've had under my wing at one point or another. I'm not saying that science has to be restrained in totality by morality. But one way or another we seek to uplift others through our work. If we want to help humans, we have to stay human. Or else why did we even seek to help others in the first place? If the public cannot trust us to act in their best interest, what's the point of gaining knowledge if the people won't accept it. That's why unlike you I can't abandon these "pointless morals." And that obsession for looking whats beyond the viel? If you're too hasty and if you recklessly stare into the abyss, you'll find the abyss staring back at you. We found that the hard way at the start of the Evangelion Project and even today they're... not quite right... to be it in uncertain terms."

She sighed.

"I'm not the biggest fan of UNIT 731, they claim that their human test subjects are willing and by and large the public isn't aware of the full extent of their actions. Yet they are our best virology and gene group. Its strange to be frank, they both serve as a defense against biological attacks yet give us the means to launch such attacks of our own, a sort of Ying-and-Yang. Not quite unlike the paradoxical nature of Stonehenge. It was our protecting shield but now it could serve as our sword. I'm just in charge of getting it online, not really in how it'll be used. I'm not sure how my father would really have felt about that."

by **Gonswanza** » Sun Jan 29, 2023 7:53 pm

"And I shall offer myself an explanation to my research. The public is unaware, but they openly support what few public programs are active, seeking out cures or even treatments for mutations and cancers, as one of many concerns. It matters not what the means are, so long as the desired result is achieved. You wish to defend your islands, so regardless of what the others may say even to spite you, you will do so anyways through Stonehenge. This is merely a means to an end, in short. But the end is only a beginning of something new."

by **Santoak** » Sun Jan 29, 2023 8:20 pm

Regnum Alea Spaceflee wrote:
"That is.... Acceptable....

"Then form a team that will come ashore. Tell me their names and who they are. We will allow them to attend a presentation by one of our agents and if we see fit, we may allow you to visit the guns themselves if you have anything to offer in return," she said, "The rest will stay on this ship and under guard."

Reactivation of the Stonehenge Turret Network (MT/IC)

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