TheShammySocialist Posted March 31, 2014 Report Share Posted March 31, 2014 (edited) Private Rafael Sha'am's eyes followed the arcs of lightning over Lake Maracaibo, several bolts flinging themselves across the darkened sky and forking out in long reaches. The Catatumbo Lightning was a fascinating phenomenon that had always gripped his attention when he was here overlooking Maracaibo's shores. The patio of the villa where he stood now might have been in the ridges to the southeast of the Lake, a fair distance from the shores, but the light show was nonetheless impressive, the lightning showing the circling clouds over the lake as the thunder rumbled and rocked. At times he wondered how anyone could sleep with such a light show going on outside their window, and wondered if earplug manufacturers made a killing in this region from sales. He tore his attention away, gently pulling at the loose-flowing toga he was adorned in to adjust it a little bit, a sash that had the colors and emblem of the Stormlands embroidered into it draped across his chest, a gold pendent over his heart, helping keep the sash in place. A gentle breeze tickled the garment around his feet, bare as could be, as he walked from the patio into an open air dining area, where several similarly-gowned individuals sat. Old and young, fresh and seasoned faces, eyes of different colors and shapes, many of them looking up at him, others on the people around or next to them, as they conversed quietly while the Lord Protector, his mussed-up dark blonde hair shifting a little in the breeze as he stopped at the head of the buffed-up mahogany table. A single, almost perfectly-rounded stone, smoothed from millenia of lying in a stream somewhere, was sitting there in front of him, and he picked it up, rubbing his thumb around it, before he tapped it gently against the table. The tapping drew the attention of all assembled, and the group of men and women sat up in their seats, or took them quickly, as Rafael set the stone back down, and looked around the table. "By the Grace of Dahromo, shall we begin?" Rafael said, in a gentle, yet firm tone. "By the Grace of Dahromo, we shall," murmured the group, as one, bowing their heads in a respective moment, before raising them, and their attention turning back to Rafael, who sat down as they muttered their response. "The Stormlands have been born, the flags have been raised, proclamations have been shouted in the streets, order has been enforced, the Imperium has given us their blessing, Dahromo has given us his blessing. The basis of our executive power, the heads of our government has been formed, it now sits here, amongst us, my brother and sister protectors, but we are here to finalize the creation of the lower levels of governance. We are the stewards of the Stormlands, the High Council of Executors, we all have our responsibilities and tasks, and the people to perform them with. Yet our government lacks the representation of the people it truly needs. Which is why we are gathered here, to hear the proposition from Sister Serene, our Protectoress of the People's Will," said Rafael, leaning back to one side in his seat, his hand extending to a relatively middle-aged woman a few seats down on his right. Serene Hightower whetted her thin lips with her tongue, her eyes bright even in the dim light of the breezeway, and she smiled at Rafael, "With your Lords' permission?" "You have it, Serene, go ahead," nodded Rafael, clasping his hands in front of him on the table as the Protectoress stood up to speak. "With every government in history, comes the need for representation amongst the people, all of us here know that. And while we are the most exceptional group of people to be leading the great Stormlands, we are not mind readers, we are not seers, we might be able to read emotion when we sit with a citizen in a private conference. We might be able to hear their needs, their desires, their goals then, but as we all know, that it is simply impossible to see every citizen, or even every district leader for that matter. That is why it is the Will of the People, that we give them a bullhorn to speak through, so that we may hear their impassioned and pressing needs and attend to them post haste, that bullhorn, I say, shall be dubbed the 'Grand Council of all Free Citizens'. The districts already have communal gatherings in their own Great District Assemblies, with representatives and communal leaders gathering to voice their concerns, this Grand Council shall be made up of District Legislators, who are a mouthpiece for all," Serene spoke, in a firm voice, looking around the table, her proposal floating up in the air for others to make note on. One man raised two fingers, to signify intent to speak, which Rafael nodded, "You have permission, Rhaemon." "Sister Serene, I do believe your proposal to be both true and honorable in nature, and worthy of great consideration. How many District Legislators will there be from each district?" asked Rhaemon Rhys'gar, a younger man in his twenties, with a firm face and a passion for decisive action. As one of the Esteemed Executors of the Hall, he was assigned tasks by others in the High Council, with the Lord Protector's permission, to undertake and accomplish. "Of course, quite simply, each district will have Legislators based upon their population, but no Legislator will be more important than another. All shall bath in the light of fair and equal representation," replied Serene, in a curt and confident tone. "Thank you, Protectoress," nodded Rhaemon, making a few notes on a computer tablet in front of himself, as did a few others. One of the older women of the High Council motioned her intent to speak, and Rafael said, "You have my permission, Sybil." "Thank you Lord Protector, my dear Serene, what sort of powers will this Grand Council have, beyond being a mouthpiece for all esteemed citizens?" asked Sybil Cathartis, Executor of Tartamush, the God of Healing and Herbal Lore. She leaned over and looked down the table at Serene, and many members of the Council murmured amongst themselves. The murmurs were extinguished immediately by two taps of the round smooth stone in Rafael's hand. "The Grand Council of all Free Citizens, beyond their duties as representatives of the people, may request funding for projects within their district from the Executor of the Exchequer. They are meant to be experts on what their district needs from the Hall of Righteousness, from our High Council, they are not lawmakers," responded Serene, her tone unwavering. "Very well," nodded Sybil, "I am a tad worried about the possibility of these Legislators becoming entangled with private citizens and special interests, however, and there is a great trap there if we do not watch our step." "As Legislators, they both mouthpieces of the people, but they are also meant to be filters as well, they must disseminate who needs what, and make hard decisions when asking things of the government. The government will provide in general for the people, but there is a limit to the funneling of money to districts, and all must be aware of corruption within the ranks of governance. I will not accept this government having representatives who misuse their position, and the Honorable Magistrates must be given the power to cast anyone who is derelict or misuse their position, into prison immediately," interjected Rafael, when Serene looked at him when Sybil pointed out her thoughts. There seemed to be a murmur of approval and nodding of heads when he spoke. "Anyone who steals from the government or misuses their public office is unfit for service, and they will pay a penalty for their crimes. This will weaken corruption from the start, and ensure that our Legislators are doing their duties properly," he continued. "No one, and I mean, no one, will be safe from scrutiny when it comes to their duties in public office. What we all do here, what our subordinates do, is paramount to the governance of this nation, and we are serving not on the country, but the people within it. Our decisions effect millions, and the decisions we make here will reverberate across the nation like a pebble into a calm pond." There was another general nod of approval amongst the High Councilors, and Sybil stated, "With that sort of decisiveness backing this plan, my Lord Protector, I believe I can give my approval to Sister Serene's proposal for this 'Grand Council of all Free Citizens'." "All in favor for the creation of a 'Grand Council of all Free Citizens'?" asked Rafael, standing up and tapping his stone three times to call the Council to vote. Instead of voicing their approval or waving their hands in the air, the High Councilors who agreed would stand up, which turned into a unanimous 'Aye' from all of them. "Very good, thank you Sister Serene for your proposal, I believe it will make a world of difference to all," nodded Rafael, in a firm, confident voice. There was a murmur of voices around the Council, as Rafael looked around, and tapped the stone four times, "I believe that concludes our business for the night, we shall adjourn until morning, by the Grace of Dahromo." "By the Grace of Dahromo," echoed the High Councilors, bringing their fists up to their hearts and nodding firmly at the Lord Protector. Edited March 31, 2014 by TheShammySocialist Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheShammySocialist Posted March 31, 2014 Author Report Share Posted March 31, 2014 (edited) "As you can see, Lord Protector, these facilities are state of the art. Some of the finest on the continent, perhaps in the world!" declared Jose Ramos, the Chief Executive Officer of Medmerica. The Medmerica Corporation was the most expansive and important pharmaceutical industries in the Stormlands, and supplied it with almost two-thirds of all prescription medications. Medmerica was one of the first corporations to also have the dubious honor of hosting Rafael Sha'am since taking his position as Lord Protector, he would also drag along his medical systems extraordinaire, Sybil Cathartis to the tour. Rafael nodded as he listened to Ramos, his eyes squinting at the brightness of the production facilities around them, there was too much white for his tastes. The uniforms were white, the walls were white, the floors were white, the gloves and masks were white, everything was white and just so... sterile. That wasn't a bad thing to be sure, but he wondered how many of the employees of Medmerica had vision problems from the brightness of the labs they worked in. His eyes scanned the room, where robotic arms assisted in moving pharmaceutical slurries from bench to bench to be processed down the line, while technicians worked their magic at their stations. Rafael pulled a little at his mask, that was feeling a little heavy with condensation from his breath building within it, it was uncomfortable and scratchy on his face, of course it didn't help that he hadn't shaved the small amount of stubble on his cheeks and chin before making the trip to Medmerica. Ramos seemed to be waiting for Rafael to respond to his statement, which the Lord Protector finally offered, "They should be the finest in the world, Mr. Ramos, they serve our citizens, and our citizens deserve the best." "We are always striving to provide superior products at every turn, we work with several medical associations so that we can bring the best pharmaceuticals to the market. Of course, there are other countries who possess better technology, better synthesizers, but we like to think we keep up with them," responded Ramos. Rafael nodded quietly, and walked over to a bench where a young female technician looked up at him with nervous eyes, and he smiled at her behind the mask in a reassuring way, his eyes squinting as they always did when he smiled. The technician quickly looked back to her work, her eyes fluttering to her periphery when she saw him grab a tan pill from a finished tray, and hold it up in front of his eyes, before he looked at Sybil, then at Ramos. "May I ask, what is this pill for?" "Well, that, that is, uh, it's Rodmexol, its a prescription strength painkiller, its very popular for doctors who are treating patients who are, well, in extreme pain for long periods of time," responded Ramos, walking over and taking the pill from Rafael. "I see, how much does a bottle of thirty cost?" "Excuse me?" "How much does it cost for a bottle of thirty of these little pills?" asked Rafael, looking at Ramos firmly. "Well, Lord Protector, I can't exactly be certain right off the top-," started Ramos. "Rodmexol, is one of your mass produced products, Mr. Ramos, it's one of the most popular in the medical community, and you can't tell the Lord Protector what it costs?" asked Sybil, looking at the chief executive with an arched eyebrow. "It's... it's six windcoins for each pill...," stammered Ramos, looking between the two, his eyes looking nervously between the two. "Sybil, how much do you think it costs for Medmerica to synthesize each pill?" asked Rafael, his eyes looking directly at Ramos. "Oh, its mass produced, I'd say, even with labor costs, its probably only fifteen to twenty-five bits," responded Sybil, looking at Rafael, her eyes seemingly curious. "Fifteen to twenty-five bits? My, that's a large profit margin...," said Rafael, his voice trailing off, his eyes directly looking into those of Ramos. "There is much funding that must be done to produced more and synthesize better..." started Ramos. "I think we should start reviewing the finances of you, and your executive directors, right here, if that's the answer I'm going to get from you, Mr. Ramos," said Rafael, interrupting the CEO from what was surely going to be a well-rehearsed speech. He pulled a tablet computer from a large hip pocket on the biomedical apron they were wearing and started opening windows on it, clicking his tongue. "I don't think that's necess-," blurted out Ramos. "My my my, you do have expensive tastes, five houses, all with magnificent views, look at this one, Sister Sybil, I could probably see Panam-," started Rafael. "That is quite enough!" cried Ramos, many of the technicians looking up from their work benches. "Tsk tsk, it looks like he has a penchant for fast cars. I think that garage is bigger than my house," remarked Sybil, seeming to get in on what Rafael was doing. "How dare you invade my-," started Ramos, only to have Rafael glare at him, and grab a tray of Rodmexol, and hurl the contents of it at his chest, the pills scattering all over the floor. Some of the technicians murmured from their work stations, many went wide eyed as the pills clattered on the floor. The young female tech who Rafael stole the tray of Rodmexol from let out a yelp when the Lord Protector slammed the tray back down on her workstation table. Sybil looked at the Lord Protector, before going over to give reassurances quietly to the tech, as the head of state paced a little, before turning back to Ramos, his eyes full of determination, his tone deep and unwavering. "You will lower the prices of your medicines for this nation, you will lower them to a respectable rate, and you will cease your lavish lifestyle, or the High Council will take direct control of your corporation, it will take this corporation from your filthy hands, and put it into the hands of someone capable. There is no reason for the costs you incur, other than filling your pockets, it is understandable for people who have risen to the top to have a respectable and comfortable lifestyle, but there is a point where that becomes wasteful. This, Mr. Ramos, is a waste," growled Rafael, holding up his tablet computer, showing five lavish houses with expansive grounds, some of the technicians murmuring more. "I built this corporation with my associates, we slaved for long hours, how dare you embarrass me in front of my employees!?" growled Ramos, looking with fury at the head of state. "Mr. Ramos, if you know, in your heart, that you aren't in the wrong, then why are you embarrassed?" asked Rafael, looking at him with an even stare. The pharmaceutical CEO seemed to be giving great thought to the Lord Protectors' words, but he never offered a response to them, his eyes showing a look of defeat as the head of state stared him down. Many eyes were on him, and Rafael figured for one of the first times in his professional career, the man felt very small, very alone, very isolated. The truth was, he was very alone, and very isolated. "You will dispose of the lavish assets you do not need, you will dispose of the bonuses you and your executives enjoy far too much, you will adjust your workers' salaries, and you will adjust your product costs accordingly. You know how to do so, and don't you dare tell me otherwise, you will also begin more research with more herbal supplements with less focus on chemical compounds with so many side effects, natural compounds that will help support the cultivation sector of this country. I will accept nothing less than your acceding to these terms within the fortnight," stated Rafael, his voice clear, his tone decisive. "Do you understand?" Ramos only nodded, which made Rafael growl, "I didn't ask for a simple nod, I asked if you understood." "I understand, I will... I understand and will, adjust accordingly," stammered Ramos. "Very good, Sybil, I think we are done here," nodded Rafael, stepping forward and taking Ramos' hand and gripping it firmly. "It was a pleasure Mr. Ramos, I look forward to seeing what your company can do, for the future of this country, her citizens, perhaps even the world." Ramos nodded, and only offered, "Thank you, Lord Protector." Rafael smiled behind his mask, as he turned away from the CEO, and as he passed, he gave the shoulder of the technician he frightened a squeeze, and said gently, "I apologize if I frightened you, m'dear. I'm sure if you're still quite aflutter, Mr. Ramos will be happy to allow you a vacation day." Rafael looked over at Ramos, who stiffened, and processed what the Lord Protector said for a moment, before nodding quickly, his eyes wide. Sybil smiled behind her mask as she followed the Lord Protector out of the manufacturing room, wanting to let out a fit of chuckles at the scene she had just witnessed. Edited March 31, 2014 by TheShammySocialist Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheShammySocialist Posted April 1, 2014 Author Report Share Posted April 1, 2014 [b]Private[/b] The soft sounds of slightly scuffing bare feet echoed gently around the gathering hall as Rafael Sha'am approached the line of men and women, dressed in crisp uniforms, their various colors denoting their branch of service, his toga shifting slightly as he swiftly walked. A small gaggle of High Council members spoke quietly as they followed him, stopping in the shadows of a mezzanine that dominated the floor overlooking the hall above. As he stepped in front of them, all of uniformed individuals brought their fists strongly to their chest, over their heart and bowed their heads in a sign of respect to the head of state, as he paced in front of them. The Lord Protector appeared to be surveying the faces, some seasoned with age, some in the prime of their life, a couple even appearing to be just starting their adult life, his face an indecipherable mask for a moment, before breaking into a genuine smile and he nodded. "Please, my Shields of Stormsend, be at ease," he chuckled softly, looking around at all of them with a reverent respect, his eyes addressing them individually. All of the uniformed men and women seemed to relax and unstiffen at that, and a few of them even smiled back as the Lord Protector regarded them with his eyes, he wasn't looking at their figures, but their faces, reading their eyes politely and intensely. Most of them stared right back at him when their eyes met, and those who did could see his lips seem to contract even further into a smile. "Brother Delazzarios, my Executor of War, tells me that you are the best men and women to serve as the Stormlands' general staff. I trust that Brother Delazzarios has chosen well, and I will be frank, with every single one of you, I am not a man with a military background. The best I can probably do is know which way to point the barrel of a gun and pull the trigger, you are to be the people who not only develop the military forces of the Stormlands, but you will be giving me the necessary information so that I can help make decisions for the military. I am not a man afraid to state my weaknesses, because I know they can be overcome with time, with learning, through being taught I strive to know about the facets of governing this state. This will be part of all your duties, and although I fear that it is not one that some of you will be particularly fond of, I believe it is for the good of the state," remarked Rafael, in a calm, yet firm voice, his eyes scanning to see the reaction on the faces. He saw a few upturned eyebrows when he stated his weaknesses openly with them, but he thought nothing of it. "Grand Field Marshal Eversmann, Grand Fleet Admiral Tarq, Grand Air Marshal Brettshorn, you are my chiefs of staff, who oversee the respective branches of our fine military forces. Your reports shall come directly to my office for me to read and comment upon, you are my representatives to the rest of the military, you are the champions of your branches," he continued, watching as two men, one in a forest green uniform for the land forces, and one in black for the navy, and a woman in darkened blue for the air forces, all stepped forward. "Some of you were chosen for past exploits in war, some of you were chosen for your sense of organization and logic, others were chosen for their sense of creativity. But all of you were chosen so that you could bring your talents, your traits, your knowledge to bear to form the best group of military advisers that could be offered to the Hall of Righteousness." "You may step back," nodded Rafael, at the three chiefs of staff who had stepped forward crisply. "It is your task to provide me, within the next fortnight, of a comprehensive report that will summarize your plans for the defense of the Stormlands. This will include subsections on each general branch and how they will contribute to this task, this will include detailed examples of a campaign simulation that utilizes these defense plans of your making. Furthermore, each chief of staff will present plans for military equipment needed for their branch, the possible costs of this equipment, and how it will be utilized so it can be approved. Make no mistake, the military that you are building will someday become one of the most effective and disciplined armies the world has ever seen. But you are the progenitors of that force, you are to give me the groundwork, laying out the foundation for others to build upon. For others to use in the future, every building needs a strong foundation, and we are building a structure that is meant to defend the sovereignty of our nation, and all its free citizens. They expect nothing less, and my sentiments are the same as theirs." Rafael surveyed their faces, noting the nervousness in some, but there was a sense of determination that seemed to be in every single eye that stared back at him; he held their attention. "Is this understood?" "Yes Lord Protector," stated the assembled group of officers, almost in complete unison. "Good Gods and all the Nine Hells and by the grace of Dahromo, you're soldiers, sailors, pilots, I said am I understood?" he boomed, looking at them all with intensity in his eyes, looking for more. "YES LORD PROTECTOR!" they shouted back, their chests heaving with the effort, which produced an echo around the hall. Rafael smiled at the rousing response, "That's better, let's get to work, shall we?" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheShammySocialist Posted April 1, 2014 Author Report Share Posted April 1, 2014 Throughout the Stormlands, an economic revival was beginning along the lines of an unprecedented model; the slipping away of the profit-driven western free market economy. What came in its place was a much leaner economy, based on real production costs and real labor costs, it was a system devised to ensure the supply of goods at the lowest possible prices, with sustainable consumer pricing. What had happened at Medmerica had spread through media, helped along by the Executor of Citizens' Affairs Gina Verong, who had declared the dressing down Ramos' had received, was an "example to not be hastily overlooked by corporate executives and top businesspeople". The response was next to immediate by other corporate executives; many excess properties seemed to be going on sale quietly and in a flash, the media picking up the story and running with it. The news was out; the Lord Protector had no qualms about humbling executives, and he would do so with supposed impunity, and while that might not have made him the toast of the town, the common citizen had a new champion to look to. The Hall of Righteousness, the seat of the government in Stormsend, released what it called the 'Necessary Future'. This plan put an emphasis on the strengthening of the common families, their community, the health and education of all citizens, equal employment at sustainable jobs for all in the work force, the reduction of poverty, physical national development as a means to achieve these goals, and the protection of Stormlands as a sovereign state. The fires of industry where heating up within industrial centers and cities across the Stormlands, as new workers were hired as companies sought to increase production for a newly revitalized domestic market. Corporate executives realized that like any smart species would, they were going to have to evolve and adapt to survive in this new nation, a nation that wouldn't accept luxurious, lucrative lives. The rich would have to tighten their belt, or personally face judgment in the Hall of Righteousness. A new feeling was spreading through the populace, that merit actually meant something, and it was fostering new ideas, entrepreneurs came out of hiding to bring their ideas and tinkering nature to companies, or sought to find investment partners. The cities and industrial centers spread about the country would find their efforts matched in the agricultural sector, where small communities banded together to tend to their fields, rather than individually. The Lord Protectors' agents were working tirelessly to ensure that it was these communities that embodied the governments' belief that community was so important to all citizens. The government would peruse local citizenry to select chieftains, individuals who understood, were vocal and decisive in trying to foster the governments' strategy. These men and women would not be local strongmen in any sense, but people the government could count on in fostering its policies, and had the ear of the majority of local citizenry to be able to do so. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheShammySocialist Posted April 2, 2014 Author Report Share Posted April 2, 2014 (edited) Private What has begun as the Stormlands' Court of the Shields acceptance of the AR-14 as the standard assault rifle for its' military, and the 6.5x3.9mm as its standard base cartridge, planning and procurement RFIs have exploded. Arsenals have begun construction and weapons designers and tinkerers have come forward from obscurity to bring their ideas to the Court of the Shields with proposals. The Chosen Ones, the name applied to the armed forces by the High Council, would be getting nothing less than the best of what the country could provide for weaponry. This, and given the rugged and varying terrain that the national armed services had to operate on, meant that any weapon would have to pass rigorous field tests. Vehicles would have to operate not only have to operate in the lush tropical interior, but also have to be able to brave the arid south, the semi-marshy plains on the northern interior, and the broken terrain of the spine of the Andes that essentially split the nation in half. This put a premium not only on mobility of all vehicles, but also on crew comfort especially in hot regions, as well as the cooler mountains, necessitating for all vehicles to have complete internal climate control systems. These requirements would have to be coupled with the Court of Shields' 'Firestorm Principle'; that the maximization of individual vehicular firepower without losing logical effectiveness was needed. All vehicles that were to be part of the armed services had to have a distinct purpose and use within the defensive schematic of the nation; and manufacturers needed to be aware of those doctrines in development. Developmental plans for the navy followed an indirect approach; focusing strongly on sea area control and denial, while steadily eroding enemy strength through indirect attacks on battle force components. This approach was likely to see the development of a less-than-conventional naval force, but one that was equally strong to that of many potential opponents should conflict arise. Perimeter defense of the country was a premium, as was regional power projection, operating on the principle that in any regional engagement, the naval forces of the Stormlands would overpower any opponent in the region, and essentially be able to establish effective control over any routes that an invasion force may take against the national shores. The route of the air force was similar to that of the other branches of the Chosen Ones, with the basic ultimate goal of assuring the sovereignty of the skies of the Stormlands, ensuring that superiority was kept during times of war, and thereby ensuring that the strategic depth of the nation allowed its survival. The air force was also responsible for organizing the primary line of offense in any war that required the projection of the Stormlands regionally or overseas. With the development of strong strategic aircraft and missile forces, this goal was to be realized through complete and utter destruction of an enemy on a tactical and operational scale, and when needed, on a strategic one was well. Denying the ability of an enemy to aerially support his own forces in their movements against the Stormlands, and take the fight to their own forces was to be the primary goal in any armed conflict. It was for these reasons that the air forces were to be some of the best equipped of all the branches, boasting several classes of combat aircraft with specific roles intended for each, and the ability to strike on an intercontinental scale. Although the High Council had its private 'reservations' over recent international legislation and an 'impingement' on national sovereignty, the Stormlands would publicly declare itself a nation "that would conform with the prohibition of weapons of a nuclear, radiological, chemical, or biological nature". To this it added that it would not "give up its natural right to develop systems and capabilities to combat and counteract the use of these weapons upon its citizens and the nation as a whole", or to "act with all measures available to it, should the threat of an attack with such weapons was solidly proven as imminent or in progress". Edited April 2, 2014 by TheShammySocialist Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheShammySocialist Posted April 3, 2014 Author Report Share Posted April 3, 2014 [b]Private[/b] "With the state of the world as it is these days, its almost nonsense to care about what goes on overseas anymore," remarked Rafael Sha'am, as he laid back in a comfortable pose on a chaise-lounge that lined the back portico of his residence. Twittering and soft chirping could be heard from the grounds below, where the Lord Protector's residence gave way to a garden that hosted several birds that went as they pleased. Rafael looked from the portico over at his Executor of the Exterior, Taman Volcer, a middle aged man that was rather short and lanky, but had a hawk-like nose and intense blue eyes to match his almost avian appearance. Behind those eyes and nose, though, was a web of intricate knowledge and ideas that coursed through his mind, he was sharp and soft talking, yet his voice had a razor edge to it, able to get his point across without raising his voice. "Unfortunately, parleying with the world outside of the Stormlands is necessary evil, Rafael," remarked Taman, one of the few people who referred to the Lord Protector without first addressing him as 'Brother' first, especially in a private setting. He seemed to be enjoying himself as he sipped a glass of water with a lime sitting on the rim of the glass, his eyes directly on Rafael's, and unwavering. "I'm well aware of that, but it is a rather dismal picture to behold at times. Much of Africa, and even our own home continent sit without sovereign masters, and I suppose it might exactly not be the fault of those who oversee them, but its a shame to see such waste," remarked Rafael, slowing rotating his own glass of water in a circle as he held up in the air, ice clinking inside of it. "The UN preoccupies itself with the goings on in Sierra Leone, where endless civil strife is bound to occur, the war in Eastern Europe and Central Eurasia rages on, the bear forcing the dragon's hand and bringing it into a strife it should have control of. The Europeans continue to seemingly bask in some sort of perceived victory over a state that doesn't equal a seventh our own size, yet couldn't handle without massive intervention when they had to engage it in war. I've heard for quite some time they've been looking for more unity within their sphere; probably to serve as a shield against what they see as encirclement of their vaunted shores. Such fears might be well-founded, as most continue to show relative contempt for involving themselves in a world that is increasingly growing smaller. The Americas stand without much in the way of conflict, besides what goes on in Mexico, it appears our hemisphere is the most quiet of all. Kind of a disquieting notion, as it used to be ridden with conflict for the longest time," responded Taman, with a simple shrug, and a smirk that was mainly meant for himself. "And you believe that Stormlands' future doesn't lie in relative isolation, with that kind of outlook?" chuckled Rafael, with a raised eyebrow. "I could make my job much easier and tell you that it does, but where's the fun in that, Rafael? As much as we hate to admit it, the world is closer together than it ever was before, and that means that nations who are not up to speed with the times outside of their borders, will fall behind, whether by intention or not. We cannot simply ignore our state of affairs externally, despite what I know to be great internal strength which could see us ignore it for a fairly lengthy period of time. No, I don't believe any of our interests lie in the United Nations, as a way of representing ourselves, we must go out in an individual fashion, to build friendships abroad. That means diplomatic visits to and fro, for not only me, but for you as well," remarked Taman, holding his stare steady on the Lord Protector. "You know the international system better than I do, and for that reason I can't say your advise is ill-founded. I concur with you on your sentiments about the United Nations, the future of our foreign policy can not be built based on a controlled environment," nodded Rafael, taking a long sip of his glass of water. "Exactly," nodded Taman, before continuing, "To build our foreign policy will require us to test the waters. And to test the waters, I think that we should open ourselves to a gathering, a gathering of international figures and politicians." "A party?" "Of sorts, yes." "Well, if a party of sorts is what you have in mind, I believe I may know the location to hold it." "Oh?" "What I lack in knowledge of foreign policy, I could probably make up for in being an event's planner and organizer," chuckled Rafael, holding up his glass and smiling at Taman. "I guess the line 'I should have been a watchmaker', would be perversed in my case, maybe 'I should have been a wedding planner'." Taman rolled his eyes, but would give the Lord Protector a shake of his head before grinning and sipping his water again... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheShammySocialist Posted April 4, 2014 Author Report Share Posted April 4, 2014 The Executor of National Developments, Damestorious Polk, whilst touring oil production facilities on the Central Plains yesterday, announced the High Council's decision to "nationalize and incorporate the production, refining, and distribution of all petrochemical products within the next six months". Underlining concerns of oil corporations "running without any sense of foresight, selling off important national natural resources at increasing rates to gain meaningless profit", the High Council, by "a wide margin", approved these measures. The decision to nationalize the countries' petrochemical industries under the administration of the country's newly-publicly-incorporated 'Sparknergy' Group, is expected to slash prices for energy consumption nationally. It has also been reported that most High Council members advocate "slashing production figures to preserve the untapped reserves of both oil and natural gas", which could see export figures drop by more than two-thirds over the next four years. A government working group, working under the supervision of Esteemed Executor Thora Veracruz, assigned specifically due to her knowledge in national energy production and consumption, is expected to work with Sparknergy in coming up with more renewable sources of energy. It is expected that these measures will slowly cut the needs for fossil fuel energy production facilities, slashing the consumption need for oil, natural gas, and coal in producing electricity. Although there has been some outcry over whether these measures will cause job losses in the energy sector, the High Council released targeted manufacturing data points that they are pushing corporations and companies to meet within the next five years. This is expected to create far more jobs than would be lost by cutting energy production, which will still retain a large work force to maintain revised production figures. The High Council has shown a vast interest in ensuring that it wants to move in a "green direction"; many buildings and facilities within Stormsend utilize natural light and are built from recycled materials in a bid to beautify the city. Asked whether the slashing of energy production would alter the Stormlands' performance in the international economy, Polk remarked, "What we lose in sales of petroleum and natural gas to the lands beyond our borders, we will make up for with a new renaissance in manufacturing exports. The Stormlands can provide well-built consumer products, from toasters to laptops, from motorbikes to washing machines. These products will be quite competitive in a market where we are less profit-driven, and driven for more sustainability. Sister Veracruz, one of the council's Esteemed Executors is already working on several working groups that will decrease overall waste and increase production by providing sources of raw materials through recycling efforts. It is this sort of cyclical economy, where we see very little go to waste, and use that waste to produce so much more, that will drive the Stormlands." "The manufacturers of consumer groups for the world would do well to learn from the Lord Protector's words to Mr. Ramos of Medmerica," Polk offered, in a final remark to the question. At the same conference, Polk also unveiled the planned nationalization of regular air transport service within the Stormlands, citing that it would "wholly increase air traffic control and efficiency throughout the nation, and provide citizenry with reliable service domestically and internationally". The planned nationalization is expected to leave small regional air services alone, typically those that fly a handful of small aircraft carrying no more than forty passengers. Polk noted that these air services "typically flew one or two normal routes, while making most of their money through private chartered use, and would be left alone, unless they were flying regular international service". The nationalization is expected to increase reliability within airport timetables, streamline airliner maintenance procedures and safety measures, and cut out a "profit-driven industry that is meant to serve the people as a means of commute, not self serving itself by hiked air fares to ensure platters of over profit whilst running a wholly mismanaged operation". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheShammySocialist Posted April 5, 2014 Author Report Share Posted April 5, 2014 [b]Private[/b] With the continuing development of the Stormlands' armed services, it was paramount that necessary infrastructure was built to provide hosting facilities for all forms of equipment. To this end, the Council of Shields would have to determine what kind of placement was suitable (and also strategic), in the grand scheme of their doctrines and overall strategy. With an expressed duty to defend the shores of the Stormlands, the navy would be required to provide adequate coverage on both sides of Panama, but ultimately more of its bases would be found along the northern and northeastern shores. Whilst one main base, at Chimbote with two smaller bases at Manta and Buenaventura, covered the western coast along the Pacific, the northern shores would see three large bases to host the balance of the fleet. These bases, at Cartagena, Hallowed Waters, and Trinidad City, were supplemented by smaller naval stations at Isla Margarita, Curacao, and Barcaleone, with forward deployed offshore attack and patrol vessels in the Los Testigos Group and Los Roques Group. Most bases would have accompanying naval air facilities and appropriate repair and replenishment facilities that could handle several ships of various types at once. To provide adequate strategic cover of the air, the air forces of the Stormlands were to be dispersed between several dozen aerial facilities, most of them of smaller size and stature, built specifically for fighters and tactical transports. Most of these smaller bases were spread along the perimeter of the nation, along the coastline and in the mountains. Only three of the larger bases, meant for hosting large aircraft including bombers and strategic airlifters, were located outside of the interior of the nation. The so-called 'Central Plains', shielded from the west and from the north by the Andes, were to be home to most of the largest bases that the Stormlands' possessed. All bases were to be equipped with proper aerial defense equipment, repair and replenishment systems, temporary and permanent aircraft shelters for as countermeasures against intelligence and defensive measures. The air forces would also have the honor of command over the Division of the Cosmos, responsible for increasing the Stormlands' presence in orbit around the Earth. Based at the old Colombian space launch facilities at Fort Paez, the Division of the Cosmos would work closely with several government administrations, as well as private contractors and organizations that desired use of the launch facilities. Although these facilities would play host to regular launches of satellites, they were also to be the launch point that saw the Stormlands construct a space station of its own in orbit within the next ten years. Much of this work would progress quickly as the Council of Shields was bade to push forward with their plans to build the Stormlands a significant military force to defend its shores and interests. Orders for naval ships were already put together and keels being laid out, aerospace companies were in the process of churning out new designs to enthusiastically present to the military minds. Approved vehicle designs were being thrown into full production, the sounds of bolt tightening guns and welding equipment echoing from the halls of factories, whilst arsenals were churning out firearms and ammunition, to supply the ever increasing cadre of cadets that had joined to serve their lands as soldiers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheShammySocialist Posted April 8, 2014 Author Report Share Posted April 8, 2014 Herculean construction efforts by workers employed by the Stormlands' government, have finally culminated in the incorporation of Stormsend, the newly-founded capital of the Stormlands. Essentially absorbing the old city of Villavicencio, doing a broad urban renewal of the city, Stormsend has been proclaimed as the "greenest capital on Earth". Dominated by the buildings hosting the Stormlands' government and various administrations, the city also had several short high-rises that were built to highly stringent emission and waste codes. Giving natural light to these structures was vitally important, as was any air conditioning energy, considering the hot temperatures of the region almost year-round. These residential high rises, with large condominiums and spacious apartments for administration and government workers, were top-of-the line. Several large residences were constructed along with strategic placement along boulevards in the government district, built specifically for embassies from various nations. These facilities would have secure communication array hookups, and safe rooms, and could have perimeters enforced if requested by the host nation. Communications between government and administration buildings were secured via fiber-optic cable, with cable banks being run through large armored steel tubes beneath the streets of the capital. These communication and data link lines were secured to outlying communication arrays that had secure data up links for information that needed to be encrypted. Land lines were also in the process of being established with other specific facilities and offices throughout the Stormlands, utilizing fiber optic datalink cables. Several defense and intelligence related buildings had several underground levels, and utilized digital projections to help simulate the weather outside, to help improve worker spacial comfort. These facilities also were built with reinforced construction techniques, with spaces between concrete ceilings and floors, castillated steel beams, and damper bracing systems. Transit in Stormsend was multi-faceted; with emphasis put on green transportation to get around the city, with many workers utilizing electric or hybrid cars. Most workers and commuters around the city, however, would utilize above-ground, and underground transit systems, namely subway trains to get to-and-from work. Many people didn't even need cars to live out their lives in Stormsend, with easy access to the newly-built international airport. Walking and bikes were also viable modes of transportation, and most citizens were urged to get out and about and walk when they could do so. [i]The entrance to the Hall of Righteousness, the seat of governance of the Stormlands' government, and the meeting chambers and offices of the High Council.[/i] [i]View from the balcony of a condominium in Stormsends' Cyclone District.[/i] [i]View of a portion of the Council of Shields' Compound in the city's Council District.[/i] [i]Stahel International Airport, the main commercial and passenger jetport serving Stormsend, located southeast of the city.[/i] [i]Helicopters with the Stormlands' Ground Forces (SGF), preparing to take off from Joint Forces Base Meier, east-north-east of Stormsend, which also provides services for government aircraft.[/i] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheShammySocialist Posted April 9, 2014 Author Report Share Posted April 9, 2014 (edited) The High Council has publicly announced the nationalization of all defense related industries to ensure better cohesion between the Stormlands' armed services and their suppliers. It is also expected to save the government massive amounts of money in the long run, as the armed services acquire new weapon systems and equipment. Independent design bureaus, and teams working with highly-respected national universities will provide data feedback on weapon systems and effectiveness, as a means of third party research and support. This will allow for the government to have private industry still working alongside the armed services, but in a more limited, constructively critical respect. The nationalization of defense related industries are expected to culminate in the creation of the three following nationally-owned corporations; Metalstorm - Metalstorm shall be the nation's sole provider of defense-related small arms, artillery-related weapons, and automatic cannons, and provide ammunition for all these categories and more. Although there will be other private firearms makers within the Stormlands, they will not enjoy the exclusivity that Metalstorm enjoys with the armed services, provide most, if not all of the contract requirements that the government has in the realm of ballistic-related firepower. Condor Aerospace - Condor Aerospace will be a sole provider of combat related aircraft within the Stormlands, specializing in several different fields of combat and military support aircraft. Although they will share the market for auxiliary aircraft, Condor will enjoy the most lucrative of contracts in the Stormlands, that namely being the purveyor of combat aircraft. Condor Aerospace will also be responsible for the production of top-of-the-line missile and rocket systems, employed by all the branches of the armed services. Heart of Iron Shipbuilders - Now commonly known as Hoe-EYE, these Shipbuilders will be the sole purveyor of shipbuilding within the Stormlands, for both military and civilian vessels, and are expected to have excellent domestic and international sales within the coming years. A program aimed at increasing vessel production at several facilities, namely by expanding them and increasing workshop output on location, will bear fruit within the next calendar year, providing a huge boost to production of both military vessels for the navy, and civilian vessels for trade and international commerce. --- [b]Private[/b] In a closed-door session between the Council of Shields and the High Council, the Council of Shields was given the go-ahead to bring upwards of one million combat soldiers into the ground forces, and upwards of sixty five hundred main battle tanks, the Council of Shields did not release figures on other ground weapon systems as of yet. Plans for the defense of the nations' airspace are also to proceed quickly, with a "highly advanced" air defense network to be established, and "at least" two-hundred-fifty combat air squadrons of all types established, the Council of Shields was also given "judicious leeway" to build up the auxiliary aircraft fleet. Furthermore, the Stormlands' navy was to be established with major surface combatants (frigates, destroyers, cruisers) numbering close to eighty vessels, while also being given the go ahead to build aircraft carriers' for the use of the fleet, the submarine force was to be expanded with "multiple underwater combatants". Auxiliary naval forces were to also be expanded, including amphibious forces, seen as "very important considering the geography of the nations' eastern provinces and its lacking infrastructure, as well as helping to contribute and protect Caribbean possessions". Edited April 10, 2014 by TheShammySocialist Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheShammySocialist Posted April 12, 2014 Author Report Share Posted April 12, 2014 (edited) The High Council has finally finished assigning the first division of the nation into a handful of Great Districts, defined in boundaries and now fully represented in the Grand Council of the Free Citizens. Catatumbo Commonwealth (Red) The Grand Headwaters (Light Forest Green) Amazonas Territories (Maroon) Serenity (Purple) Southlands Commonwealth (Gold) Associated Caribbean States (Brown) Each Great District has an established assembly of its own, the Great District Assembly, and will dispatch a group of representatives to the Grand Council of the Free Citizens in Stormsend to represent their interests there. The individuals representing the Great Districts at the Grand Council of the Free Citizens are appointed individuals, not elected, unlike their own Great District Assembly, and must be accepted by the Lord Protector and the High Council. As directed by the High Council, representatives in the Grand Council of the Free Citizens receive a stipend to pay for their services, which are considered a "highly distinguished honor". They are given living quarters in a district of Stormsend for themselves and their families, all of which are government owned. Representatives of the Grand Council are relatively powerful individuals, being direct representatives to the High Council for the citizenry of their Great Districts. But this relative power comes with a price; they are also public servants, and are quite closely monitored by the High Council. The jobs are not for the faint of heart, they and their staff are to be ready to address issues within their Great Districts at a moment's notice, and they must know the ins and outs of their Great Districts, the issues facing it, and have developed schematics to address long term problems. These representatives are held fully accountable for what goes on in their district, especially if their constituent Great Districts are not in a stage of progression, unless there are other issues beyond their control that are ongoing. The law that these legislators abide to, and fear the most, is being charged with, is the Articles of Misrepresentation. These judiciary annals can be brought forward against them if they are not representing their Great District properly. Depending on the severity of their misrepresentation, punishment can range from a closed door meeting with the High Council to face them and explain their case, to, in the most extreme cases, public execution in Stormsend. The latter can be used in systematic bribe-taking/-giving, deliberate extreme misrepresentation with malicious intent, and similar crimes. The people who send the representatives to the Grand Council of the Free Citizens are the elected representatives of the Great District Assemblies, who are similarly held accountable to their posts. They enjoy similar benefits to the representatives to the Grand Council, including government-owned residences in their province of responsibility, and are given a government stipend to support themselves and their families. Similarly-grueling to the jobs of the representatives, they are expected to be sharp individuals who know the ins and outs of their provinces, and are good at organizing information for the representatives to the Grand Council from their Great Districts. The representatives of the Great District Assemblies are to be well-attuned to their local citizens, and their staff are numerous, to be able to address concerns through private consultations. Private consultations of individual citizens are addressed through a "Request of Concern" form, which are reviewed by an internal panel and assigned on the basis of the merit of the concern to a member of the staff. The senior staff of the province representatives are to review after-consultation reports, and handle them based on their merit and degree of importance. In addition to private consultations, senior staff of the representatives of Great District Assemblies also meet regularly with the "wardens" of the counties, which can be quite numerous depending on the population of the province. As with representatives to the Grand Council of Free Citizens, these lower-level representatives are held highly accountable to what goes on in their provinces, and they can be charged under the Articles of Misrepresentation if need be. This "steel anvil of the free citizens over their head", as one High Councilor put it, keeps representatives in line in a convincing manner. The strictness of this system employed ensures conformity of behavior, and are widely seen as positive by most citizenry within the Stormlands, who have seen representatives in less closely monitored governments too much leeway in avoiding justice if they are misrepresenting their constituents. Edited April 12, 2014 by TheShammySocialist Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheShammySocialist Posted April 12, 2014 Author Report Share Posted April 12, 2014 (edited) Private In a letter to the Council of Shields, the High Council have approved the selected numbers of distribution for the Stormlands' armed services. The distribution of combat soldiers, armored vehicles, aircraft, and ships are expected to be expanded on at some point within the future. These force levels are expected to be realized within the next two calendar years or close to it, with training programs expanding to accomodate the arrivals of such large numbers of forces. Taking measures to actively provide the best soldiers for the military, many training staff, senior non-commissioned officers, and mid-level field officers have prior experience from former existing countries. The inclusion of these individuals is expected to add to the capability of the armed services of building a professional fighting force from the ground up, and as many as thirty thousand individuals currently enlisted have service in prior armed forces. The current force disposition allowances are as follows, and reflect the accepted numbers that have been tweaked and then accepted by the High Council in response to their submission; 900,000 Combat Soldiers (Ground Forces) 90,000 Naval Assault Troops (Navy) 70,000 Special Troops (Tier 1 & 2 Special Operations Forces, Domestic Action Specialists, CBRN Response Specialists) 6,000 Main Battle Tanks (Ground Forces) 500 Main Battle Tanks (Naval Assault Forces) 1,200 Combat Fighters (All Types/All Branches) 360 Bombers (All Types/All Branches) Five Aircraft Carriers Eleven Amphibious Assault Vessels (All types) Thirty Five Submarines (All Types) Nine Heavy Cruisers Forty Destroyers (All Types) Forty Frigates (All Types) Fifty Five Light Surface Vessels (Corvettes/All Types) To support these figures, the High Council has approved the Council of Shields to build a "robust force" of armored and mechanized personnel carriers for the Ground Forces, a "highly capable" air mobile capacity, as well as develop a "strong core" of artillery. Appropriate funding has also been given to provide the ground forces with a superb command capacity, logistical services, and other essential forces for a professional modern military fighting force. Furthermore, both the air forces and navy have been given permission to develop "significant auxiliary forces needed to support operations on both a regional and, if needed, global scale". Understandably, this means developing the correct number of support aircraft types for a wide array of combat support and auxiliary services, and ships to support vessels with the tools and equipment needed to project power beyond the shores of the Stormlands to protect its interests. Edited April 12, 2014 by TheShammySocialist Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheShammySocialist Posted April 13, 2014 Author Report Share Posted April 13, 2014 (edited) Public As part of what is now a publicly-acknowledged expansion of the armed services, the Stormlands Council of Shields announces the beginning of the armed services first major field exercises. These exercises are expected to include a total of ten lances, the equivalent of a battalion in the Stormlands, eight of lances from the ground forces, and two lances from the naval assault troops, as well as a small unit of irregular forces. Other forces include pilots in training from the Stormlands' air forces, who are to practice close air support drills. Notice has been given to regional neighbors to explain the exercises as a "measure of defensive strategy, to test the newly-founded units of the Stormlands' defense forces". The exercises are scheduled to take place on the northwestern plain of the Great District of the Grand Headwaters, at an existing training center established in the days of Gran Colombia. Members of the Stormlands Naval Assault Troops warily clear a mock village during simulated rural-farmlands maneuvers. A masked member of the Stormlands irregular forces brings his AR-14 up to cover his comrades during a woodlands fast assault training maneuver. The maneuvers are expected to last a fortnight, and test the endurance of the members of the participating units, with a wide array of drills. Drills are expected to encompass defensive training in several environments, with several methods of operational tactics; delaying actions, tactical withdrawals, and mass unit cohesive counterattacks. Units are expected to hone their skills in building tactical defensive positions, including prepared positions that they can shift around to, during a gradual withdrawal situation. Other units are expected to hone their offensive action skills, and it will be the first experience for many in combined mechanized/infantry drills. The drills are expected to include assaulting guarded objectives, rescuing prisoners of war through combined arms assaults, utilizing artillery and air support properly in combined assault situations. These units will also gain experience in working with irregular special operations forces, night assaults, and close combat situations. Some of these units are also to be trained in logistics and support security, countering oppositional force special force attacks on supply convoys and artillery units. A Gauntlet MBT moves out in a daylight mechanized combined forces raid against a simulated enemy strongpoint. The exercise will be one of the first experiences for the Stormlands' air forces in support of mass ground forces, and giving them a taste of close air support in such an environment. It is expected for the air forces to provide a live fire demonstration for their ground forces' compatriots during the closing days of the exercises, including attacks on unmanned fortified objectives. These objectives will then be assault by elements of the naval assault troops who will be close to the bombardment, simulating a pinned-down infantry force. These types of exercises are meant to desensitize troops to being around explosions and close support on the battlefield, and give the final exercises an element of realism. It is expected that members of both the Council of Shields, and the High Council, will be on hand at various points during the exercises, to observe the progress of the armed services, and meet personally with troops after their maneuvers are done. Edited April 13, 2014 by TheShammySocialist Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheShammySocialist Posted April 13, 2014 Author Report Share Posted April 13, 2014 [b]Semi-Private[/b] It was well understood by the High Council, and many industry leaders, that to perform in a global economy, despite being a relatively insular state, the Stormlands would have to pursue an aggressive trading scheme. As the most feasible way to move goods from one destination to another, and bring materials and goods into the nation, the increasing trade at sea was stretching the Stormlands private merchant marine thin. This was slowly being alleviated by the construction of several expanded shipyards to handle a new heavy flow of shipbuilding that the government required, especially as part of the expansion of the Stormlands' navy. The building of naval vessels would be going hand-in-hand with the expanded production of commercial vessels, many of them container-oriented vessels and bulk carriers, built for carrying respective goods across the oceans. It was expected that this expansion of the merchant marine would ensure better timetables and reductions in material shortages, if they were required from other portions of the world. The Stormlands could veritably produce most of the raw materials to power its own industry, but having other sources of raw materials was also quite important, as well as buying recycled consumer products, vehicles, and structural components and sorting these materials to produce new materials. This use of recycled products, brought in from near and afar, was part of the "circle economy" that the Stormlands was championing; cutting unneeded profit-mongering to ensure companies were lean and very competitive domestically and globally. The circle economy also hailed the reuse of old materials to reproduce new products, recycling materials to build new components, or even reusing refurbished components in new goods if they worked and were plentiful. These cost cutting measures cut out raw material middlemen sellers, and helped cut material procurement costs for several companies, which allowed them to reinvest their money elsewhere. The Council of Shields were strict in their implementation of military shipbuilding, adamantly following the restrictions set down on them by a High Council working group that military ships were to use recycled, repurified, reprocessed steel in their ships as a cost cutting matter. The only vessels that would have newly-rolled steel would be submarines, as this was for obvious tactical and structural reasons, while most surface vessels were to have a composition of at least one third recycled steel in their hulls. The reprocessing of recycled steel made this steel as good as any newly-rolled shapes in chemical composition, and this was expected to save the government hundreds of millions in windcoins. Sections of strengthened keel being laid down for one of the Stormlands' future air combat carriers. One of the Stormlands Naval Auxiliary replenishment vessels stretches her sea legs whilst on her maiden voyage, in the Caribbean. One of the navy's newly-fabricated Kestrel ASW/SAR helicopters performs landing training on a naval air combat training deck off Barcaleone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheShammySocialist Posted April 16, 2014 Author Report Share Posted April 16, 2014 [b]Private[/b] As part of assembling a strong naval force, built specifically for dominating regional conflicts, and securing the interests of the Stormlands in the Atlantic theatre, the navy has begun the final fitting out of the first Deity-class Air Combat Carrier. The High Council has appropriated funding to the Council of Shields, so as to have five total carriers within the next three calendar years. Displacing close to eighty thousand tonnes fully loaded, the Deity-class was specifically designed to cater to the blue-water projection needs of the Stormlands' Navy, with a high capability to operate in highly contested waters. With a surge capacity of forty-eight fixed wing aircraft, along with six helicopters and four support aircraft, the Deity-class is not intended to be on par with most super carriers in modern day. Built with an eye for regional conflict, particularly in the Atlantic theater, it is expected to be able to hold its own nonetheless. Built with armored hulls and flight deck and hanger bays, along with strengthened keel, it is resistant to anti-ship missile strikes and torpedo attacks. Management of aviation fuel and carrier air group weaponry is streamlined, with these particularly dangerous items being stored in bunkers within the ship, with an advanced ventilation system meant to disperse fuel vapors on the hanger decks. Not only built to project aerial firepower, the Deity-class also carries guided missiles, with the ability to carry upwards of fifty high-speed cruise missiles in her forward cold-launch armored angled vertical launchers. The ship also is equipped to partake in its own aerial defense, with upwards of one hundred medium range advanced surface-to-air missiles in armored vertical launchers spread throughout the entire ship. These are supplemented by twelve dual autocannon/SRAAM missile systems that dot the ship. These systems have clear fields of fire around their areas of responsibility (AoR), and can double as anti-surface threat systems, versus small boats, if needed. Crew-surfaced weapons mounts are also located along the perimeter of the ship, to counter these threats as well. As the centerpiece of many battle formations, the Deity-class have superlative signals processing systems, with aerial and ballistic threat search threat radar, multifunction frequency-hopping scanned arrays for tracking and engaging targets, and highly sensitive optical and infrared tracking systems. The carriers have also been equipped with some of the most cutting edge countermeasures, including towed acoustic decoys, flare systems, high-energy microwave emission drones, advanced flares, and chaff. The Deity-class will be a fine complement to any air defense vessel assigned with it, and can engage in cooperative engagement activities, assigning and engaging threats utilizing other vessels' missiles utilizing its highly elaborate guidance arrays. With its strengthened armored flight deck and hanger deck, the Deity-class can also be assigned to carry vehicles and troops as an improvised transport. With an eye for modularity, designers were able to design modular buildings that will fit in the hanger deck, and host upwards of a thousand troops by utilizing these specially-designed hanger deck structures and spare crew cabins. The vessel can be used as a landing helicopter dock, in this respect, while still retaining a smaller carrier air group. This gives the Deity-class a significant useful advantage, not only able to act as an air power projection vessel, but also in operations like peacekeeping or humanitarian operations that don't require large amounts of aircraft, but instead rotary-wing transport. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheShammySocialist Posted April 16, 2014 Author Report Share Posted April 16, 2014 "A strong society is built from its' foundation upwards, and the foundation of our society are our children," boomed Rafael Sha'am, holding a microphone up to his mouth as he looked out at the crowd assembled before him. The large auditorium of one of Hallowed Waters' huge secondary education institutions was packed full to the brim that night. The Lord Protector wore a purple toga that night, with the same national flag sash that hung across over his heart, the buckle to a newly-added large belt shown brightly under the harsh lights as he spoke, as did the platinum medallion that pinned the two ends of the sash over his heart. "It is in these walls that children pass to and fro, developing the skills they need to shape their lives further on. They depend on the teachers, the school administration to guide them, to stimulate ideas and creativity, to build the skills necessary down the road. So much depends on these individuals that influence the lives of our children, but the real influence starts in the home. Proper nurturing and stability are keys to any good childhood, it is why the High Council works with your representatives, and you as citizens, to ensure that all children have a fighting chance to be whatever they want to be," the Lord Protector continued, as he paced along the stage, receiving a few nods from the audience, made up of parents, interested local citizenry, teachers, so many pairs of eyes staring up at him. "The nurturing of a child begins in the womb, maintaining good health, physically and mentally are so important in the stages of pre-birthing development, science has shown us all. By the Grace of Valarules, the Allmother, so much progress has been made in the Stormlands to increase the rights of a mother and her unborn child, and the development of families as a whole. Increasing both standard maternal and paternal leave times, pushing the introduction of early childhood counselors for new parents, providing early childhood care and education, these are all steps we have taken to increase better outcomes for all children," Rafael stated, gaining a number of whoops and several people applauding, some even standing up. "Just as important as a child is to his or her mother and father, a child is also important to us as a society, the Stormlands is a land where all citizens contribute towards the bettering of society, live together in harmony with their neighbors. Every child is a new hand who could one day discover a cure for a disease, or save another person from a burning building, or make impossibly-thought discoveries at a lab floating in space. It is why the birth of a child should never be taken for granted, it is why that every child should be given a chance to succeed, to rise up and prove their skills, contribute to the state, striving always for the greater good, in Dahromo's light," Rafael boomed, the applause seeming to continue as he spoke. "I want to introduce one of the main reasons I chose to speak her, may I ask Elise and Iason Commons please, join me on the stage!" Rafael remarked, looking off stage, and flourishing his arm to the side as he did so, summoning two figures offstage. A young couple would nervously step out into the light, beckoned by the Lord Protector, who would embrace both of them, both the two appearing to be quite shaken by the whole experience, but steadied by the show of kindness. "I want to thank Elise and Iason for allowing me to summon them here today, they are two special people, not only are they new parents, as of three weeks ago, they are the parents of the first set of quintuplets in the Stormlands since independence!" he roared, the crowd giving a polite round of applause, many lingering to clap for the two, who continued to seem shaken. "I had the pleasure of speaking to them before I came up here, and what was it that you mentioned that almost melted my heart, Elise?" asked the head of state, with an encouraging smile on his face as he looked at the young woman. Her partner had put an arm around her midsection in a steadying show of support. "That we're hoping to have more children! That we've always both wanted a large family!" Elise blurted out, with a smile, before sharing a quick kiss with Iason. There was a loud cheer from the crowd, and the Lord Protector nodded. "Not only a mother and father of five beautiful children, all at once, they want to have more. They want to contribute more! These are the faces of the makers of the Stormlands' foundation. It is for that reason, for your achievements as new parents, for your contribution to the nation, that I happily award you both, the Order of the Nurturer, 1st Class! This is a new order that is available to all parents who strive to contribute to the Stormlands as a society, for their expansion of our people, for exhibiting model behavior as parents, as nurturers of a new generation. This three-level Order will be available to all who exhibit themselves as top-notch parents, for their contributions to society!" boomed Rafael, flourishing his arm again, as a small group of young women, five strong, came pattering out of one side of the stage two large elaborate silver pins on a velvet pillow, presenting the elaborate pins to the Lord Protector. "My thanks to the Virgins of the Allmother for their kindness in helping me present these awards today," he chuckled, as he let the young women all of them wearing white togas and about the same height, all of them beautiful, pin the Orders on the two parents. "Thank you both, for your contribution to society, it means so very much to us all as a country." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheShammySocialist Posted April 17, 2014 Author Report Share Posted April 17, 2014 [url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5kS7HXjt0A]Danger Close[/url] Smoke swirled around the blades of the helicopter as it slowly chopped through the air above the northwestern plains of the Grand Headwaters, the sliding doors on the side of the helicopter open, offering the occupants inside a better look. Over the past several days, over five thousand combat soldiers had been training on the ground the helicopter now rumbled over. In the door, wearing his digital urban-style camoflauge fatigues, typical of navy officers ashore, Grand Fleet Admiral Devers Tarq, one of the chiefs of staff for the Lord Protector, and a senior member of the Council of Shields, sat, his hand gripping a stability rail. This would be Tarq's first overflight of the training areas, where members of his Naval Assault Troops had slogged over the plains and hills to engage both fake enemies, as well as the individual soldier testing himself. "We're coming up on the training objective right now sir!" called out the pilot, a senior field officer slated to be Tarq's personal helicopter pilot. "Thank you, Senior Commander!" called out Tarq, over the din of the rotating blades, his voice loud despite them, and the pilot nodded his response when Tarq looked over his shoulder. "This will be a live fire demonstration, so we should be keeping our distance," called out a staff officer, sitting opposite Tarq in the door. The helicopter swung north again, and they were able to glimpse a heavily fortified section of bunkers and trenches. The unmistakable color of mustard yellow and dull olive green fatigues worn by the Naval Assault Troops could be seen huddling in a series of ravines in front of the fortification. The clatter of automatic weapons fire could be heard as the troops fired blanks, and artillery simulators exploded nearby, the shockwave of the blasts even felt slightly by Tarq as they hovered at a safe distance. "I didn't fly all the way from Hallowed Waters to get a distant view of this exercise, lieutenant, this will be just fine," boomed Tarq, making the junior staff officer jump. The man murmured a few words that the Fleet Admiral didn't catch, nor cared to catch, and the latter sat back in his seat, looking over at a Naval Assault Colonel that was flying with him. "So when are my boys and girls going to start moving forward, they seem to really like that streambed they've found down there?" asked Tarq, of the field officer. "They're waiting for air support before heading in, we have two Javelinas coming in hot right now," responded the colonel, in a gruff manner, after clearing his throat. "I hope those lads and lasses down there realize that there won't always be air support to cover their asses if they ever find themselves in a highly contested area. They might have to make do without," growled Tarq, pointing down at the huddling Naval Assault troops. "Oh they're well aware of that sir, they've been training as the opposition force for a week now, and have been denied air support in their maneuvers," responded the colonel, nodding vigorously. "Oh, here comes the pigs now!" he exclaimed, pointing at two approaching dots, that seemed to be speeding up, to their south. Tarq calmly watched from the helicopter as the two jets seemed to gain a little altitude as they neared the training range from the south, before what appeared to be white streaks started exploding from their wings. Tarq adjusted his sunglasses a little as many on the helicopter seemed to be bracing themselves, clumps of dirt and muck exploding as the rockets struck in a line towards the bunker and fortified positions. Some of the rockets made direct hits on the bunker and trenches. As one of the Javelinas came around, the Naval Assault troops appeared to be bracing themselves, more attentive and alert. Tarq smiled to himself as he watched the aircraft, which had made a quick one hundred and eight degree turn, dive in on the objective, this time unleashing one of the bombs it carried underneath its' wings. The large munition quickly exploded over the target, badly mauling the main bunker position, and the aircraft flew past the Naval Assault troops, waggling its wings. As the aircraft passed by, the Naval Assault troops pulled themselves out of their positions, some of them firing under-barrel grenade launchers at the target and along their path of advance, laying smoke down, as they moved out in small groups towards the objective. Several could be seen firing live grenade rounds into the fortifications, as explosions and bursts seemed to engulf the position, the Naval Assault troops befalling the position from almost three full sides. "We like to call that the one-two punch, bring down some fire from the sky, then smother the objective during the assault. Can be quite useful against major fortified strongpoints," pointed out the colonel, sitting next to Tarq, as the Naval Assault troops moved forward. They scurried up the incline to invest the position, the smoke shrouding parts of the wild assault that they were undertaking in. "Very impressed Colonel, I hope such exercises as these can be further refined, it appears that your troops are well handled," nodded Tarq, with a firm smile towards his subordinate. "We aim to please, sir," nodded the colonel, with a smirk. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheShammySocialist Posted April 18, 2014 Author Report Share Posted April 18, 2014 (edited) Classified Despite the end of the first combined forces exercises of the Stormlands' armed services, with several lessons learned and refinements needed to be made, the expansion of the armed forces was ongoing. This included the ever-growing number of aircraft joining the Stormlands' air forces combat wings and naval aviation brigades, building up their combat strength by leaps and bounds. For the latter, much of the last few months had been spent on developing naval aviation skills' - taking off and landing on a confined carrier deck built in Barcaleone to serve as a stand in for a real carrier deck. Much of the air forces were being built from a small basis of veterans into a highly capable force, engaging in highly rigorous training in air to air and air to ground tasks, as well as other missions, including suppression of enemy air defenses, electronic warfare, and maritime strike focuses. The ability for pilots to utilize their assigned aircraft in these tasks meant that most could be called upon in time of war to conduct a variety of roles. This meant training to minimize any shortcomings their aircraft had in any roles that they were not primarily designed for, to increase the air forces' overall effectiveness. As a large fighting force, the air forces had a large variety of aircraft that Condor Aerospace had procured for them to call upon for specific roles that they excel in. --- As the most versatile ground attack and close support aircraft, the Javelina is a friend to any infantryman or tanker in the Stormlands Ground Forces. Utilizing age-old plans for the old Sukhoi Su-25 Frogfoot, Condor Aerospace redesigned the aircraft in a more modern light, seeking to upgrade on an already well-used aircraft that has proven itself in a number of conflicts. To do this, Condor Aerospace completely redesigned the engines of the newly christened Javelina, named for the wildly unpredictable female boars that were common in the region, to increase fuel economy and increase loiter times for the aircraft. The newly designed engines, utilizing turbojets with increased cyclic improvements by increased pressure in the engines themselves, which use improved materials to withstand the higher pressures, give the Javelina a speed of almost Mach 1 at sea level, and increase its combat radius to over five hundred nautical miles. This is coupled by the increased use of composite and titanium armor that surrounds the pilot and around the wingroots and tail of the aircraft, which give the aircraft more resistance to anti-aircraft fire it is sure to be facing. The use of composites and titanium in these areas have not increased the overall weight of the aircraft, given their lightweight design, which was developed by Condor in conjunction with the Stormlands' National Institute of Polytechnics in Hallowed Waters. Most of the improvements in the Javelina come in the form of its' avionics and sensor equipment, which include a new helmet-mounted HUD for increased awareness and system processing for the pilot. As part of the system, these new helmets display information in an intuitive manner to the pilot, presenting the most pressing threats first, with sensors that are built not only to follow a pilots' eyes, but his head maneuvering as well. This system also includes utilizing the aircrafts' sensor systems that analyze ground targets to pick out friend and foe, which reduce the threat of targeting friendly forces. Utilizing a newly-redeveloped targeting system, the aircraft can independently command multiple guided weapon systems at a time onto their target, or utilize cooperative engagement systems to put them on target, including infantry laser range finders and target designators. Sensor and electronic warfare systems upgrades include improved FLIR and distributed electro-optical aperture systems, along with sophisticated synthetic aperture radar modules. Electronic warfare modules include improved datalinks and communication encryption equipment with frequency-hopping capabilities, X-Band pulse doppler surveillance radar, and signals processing equipment to pinpoint locations of high sources of frequency interference. To combat surface to air missile threats, the aircraft is equipped with an array of countermeasures, including advanced chaff modules, high-intensity flares, and towed decoys. Both the Stormlands Air Forces, as well as the Stormlands Navy operates the Javelina, with the aircraft having a carrier-capable variant which is operated by Naval Assault Troop pilots. In any standard "mixed" allotment on a Stormlands carrier, navalized Javelinas typically make up six of a standard forty-two complement. The aircraft is well liked by ground crews for its relative simplicity, and especially by Ground Forces commanders, for its ability to operate from rugged airstrips close to the front line. --- The premier air superiority fighter of the Stormlands Air Force, the delta-winged Arrow lives up to its nickname with a high rate of speed and good maneuverability and stealth characteristics. As the primary aerial defense fighter of the Stormlands Air Force, the land-based Arrow is designed to have superlative stealth characteristics, utilizing its overall design, use of materials, active infrared signature management, and active signals management. All of these, combined with highly durable non-flash paint that is also designed as an extra radar absorbent characteristic. With delta wing designs and reduced leading edges, and the exclusion of tail fins in favor of utilizing the delta wing, the Arrow's overall shape increases its stealthy features. Specially-designed air intakes that have been contoured specifically for the leading edges of the aircraft decrease radar signature as well, Condor Aerospace having gone through several design processes to fit the intakes in the most suitable manner and design possible. The aircraft has a high rate of speed that tops out close to Mach 3, and its thrust-vectoring nozzles with its large delta wing give it high rates of maneuverability. Weight has been decreased by the exclusion of heavy air tanks for pilot breathing purposes, and replaced with an onboard oxygen production system. Utilizing radar absorbent materials rather than stealthy paint coatings, the Arrow is able to operate without climate-controlled maintenance, with standard hangers and temporary aircraft shelters hosting the aircraft during maintenance routines. Baked on fiber mats made out of radar absorbent material increase the durability of the aircrafts' stealthy characteristics. The newest (and first mass production) block of the Arrow has seen an improvement of its' tail thrust-vectoring nozzle design in an effort to improve infrared and radar signature characteristics, replacing the current design with one seen on similar fifth generation concepts like the F-22 Raptor; with flat tops and bottoms. Active cooling of the aircraft's leading edges and large flight surfaces during high speed travel has seen a decrease in infrared detection capabilities, with heat absorbent tiling around the thrusters helping to cool the engine nozzles. The internal weapons bay that can carry up to six BVR air to air missiles, as well as three short range air to air missiles in a forward internal magazine-loaded weapons port. Weapons load can be increased through the use of external hardpoints on the wings, a total of three on each wing with a capacity of close to five thousand pounds. These points can be fitted with conformal fuel tanks that slightly reduce the RCS of the aircraft, but must be dumped should aerial combat ensue. The aircraft can also be fitted with conformal tanks along its upper fuselage, though these non-jettisonable tanks pose risks if they were to be hit, and are mainly used during transit or safe, high-altitude air-to-surface support missions. The Arrow also carriers a twenty-five milimeter caseless ammunition cannon, designed specifically for long range accuracy and high rates of fire along with increased ammunition capacity versus similar non-caseless models. Pilots of the Arrow also enjoy a similar helmet-mounted HUD found on the Javelina for presenting aircraft and targeting information. Equipped with a powerful LPAR AESA radar, with a multifunction integrated RF system array, the Arrow can utilize its radar for a wide array of functions. Advanced air-to-air modes, munitions guidance, air-to-ground modes, multiple ground target tracking, combat identification, and electronic warfare, and frequency-hopping high bandwidth communications. The Arrow's electronics suite does not end there, and includes a distributed electro-optical aperture system, electronic warfare modules that include active cancellation and frequency modulation equipment, cyber attack capability, and highly capable jamming modules. To combat pilot disorientation, the Arrow's flight computation systems is equipped with automatic aircraft recovery during negative flight conditions. --- Serving the Stormlands Air Forces as a tactical strike fighter, the Eagle is a newly-produced version of the classic F-15E Strike Eagle design, built with upgraded avionics and engines. Much of the upgrades to the Stormlands' take on the Eagle have been to upgrading avionics to make it more lethal in its expressed role; that being providing high altitude or close air support missions in highly contested airspace. Its newly-redesigned AESA multifunction radar, along with integrated synthetic aperture radar and distributed electro-optical system is well-built for engaging ground targets in all weather situations, including fog and rain. Terrain following radar has increased low level strike operation abilities, allowing the aircraft to almost hug the ground as it rolls through almost zero visibility. Its electronic warfare suite includes frequency modulation equipment and active cancellation technology, as well as providing it with encrypted datalinks and communications abilities in highly contested airwaves. Fuel efficiency has been increased with a new set of turbofans that have improved cyclic rates giving it a higher speed when needed, but most of the improvements were targeted at increasing its range and loiter time when needed. These improvements have given the classic design a new lease on life, and the Stormlands utilize close to one hundred-twenty aircraft for their needs. --- As one of the most numerous aircraft in the Stormlands' Air Forces, the Condor Aerospace Dart is a highly capable multirole fighter with highly maneuverable characteristics. Although not classified as a stealth aircraft, the Dart is built to engage in aerial combat in highly contested airspace, with a reduced radar cross section utilizing its overall shaping. Its avionics and electronic warfare suite, which are comparable to its more accomplished air-to-air cousin, the Arrow, are its strong suit, and it is well able to participate in air-to-surface strikes. With a delta-wing shape and maneuverable canards, one of the Darts' strongpoints is its high maneuverability, which is further enhanced by its flat-head/flat-bottom thrust vectoring nozzles which allow it to perform extremely negative maneuvers. Like its more advanced and stealthier cousin, the Dart utilizes automatic aircraft recovery in negative events where pilot blackout is quite possible, and utilizes an oxygen producing system to lessen weight. In combat aircraft training, the Dart has proven itself a more agile dogfighter than the Arrow, able to turn inside of it and perform more harsh evasive maneuvers than the Arrow. The utilization of lightweight composite materials for construction and aircraft coatings allow for the Dart to have a fairly reduced radar cross section, but the aircraft has not been classified in any way, a stealth aircraft. It is harder to pick up than most 4.5 Generation Fighters, but it pales in comparison to the stealth that the Arrow enjoys, especially in ranged combat. In the air-to-air role, the Dart is specifically built for supporting the Arrow in aerial dogfights, and providing general combat air patrols and intercept duties, which it can do well with its high speed and supercruise capabilities, the Dart can max out at close to Mach 2.5 for a maximum speed without damaging its' engines. These air combat missions also complement a general surface strike mission capacity, but the Dart has been envisioned as a more capable escort for the Eagle strike fighters, who have more enhanced air-to-surface avionics system, in contested air space. This has led to the Dart to be called the "Official Sidekick of the Stormlands Air Force", but its general ease of maintenance, agile but forgiving flight characteristics, and wide array of capabilities give it high desire to be able to fulfill most mission packages it is assigned to. With a multifunction AESA array that is of a similar capacity to that of the newly-designed Eagle, and with the same air-to-air qualities seen in the Arrow, it has a superlative electronic warfare suite. With advanced radar warning receivers and detectors, the suite identifies threats from both infrared, electromagnetic, and laser guided munitions and accurately localizes them to present these threats to the pilot, and provide reaction decision time to counteract these threats. Utilizing a series of dispersed infrared array detectors around the aircraft for ranging threats and gaining a spherical view around the aircraft, the Dart can unleash directional infrared countermeasures at a missile that is threatening the aircraft. The aircraft is also equipped with active cancellation modules, and frequency modulation equipment that can produce false returns to combat electromagnetic sensor systems. Utilizing plans from the Arrow, the Dart also has active cooling of leading edges to lessen infrared detection of the aircraft. Like the Arrow, the Dart also sports a caseless cannon, but it also has a total of thirteen hardpoints with a total hauling capacity of close to eighteen thousand pounds of mixed munitions or fuel tanks. The aircraft also carries two onboard short range air-to-air missiles in top-mounted angular launch weapons pods built into the fuselage. An upgraded version of the Dart has been slated for service in the Navy, nicknamed the Dart-N, the navalized variant has upgraded engines for carrier operations, and is classified as a naval interceptor/strike aircraft. In a mixed carrier air group, the Dart is expected to make up close to two full squadrons' worth of aircraft. --- The shadowy fist of the Stormlands' Navy, the Condor Aerospace Stormcrow is the only fifth generation multirole aircraft in the Stormlands' possession, built specifically to operate in naval aviation environments alongside the Dart-N and Javelina Close Support Aircraft. Although not as agile or nimble as the Arrow or Dart aircraft, the Stormcrow possesses very similar stealthy characteristics as the Arrow, and combines that with the enhanced electronics warfare package carried by the Dart. The Stormcrow is built specifically for air combat in highly contested air space, and the ability to engage in air-to-surface strikes in similarly contested environments. As the "first fist swing of the fleet", which it has been dubbed, the Stormcrow is the basis of naval projection in terms of naval aviation; throwing the first punches in any combat situation that the carriers are involved with any given enemy. The Stormcrows' stealthy characteristics are built from similar traits found on the Arrow; baked on composite materials in a fiber mat, which have an overlay of anti-corrosive paint containing radar-absorbant composites structures. Not only does this allow for the aircraft to retain its stealthy features through its material, it protects it from the inevitable corrosive nature of salty spray and the general humidity of the maritime environment. The general shape of the aircraft enhances these stealthy characteristics, along with taking into account general facets of construction, including cockpit opening/closing hinges and engine intakes. Infrared emissions are decreased with standard active leading edge cooling and the paint used to retain anti-corrosion also helps modulate temperature from air friction. Air intakes are designed along a similar flat head configuration, but are not thrust-vectoring modules. These stealthy characteristics are only increased with the inclusion of the same electronic warfare package seen on the Dart, which can modulate frequency and actively cancel radar waves. The Stormcrow also enjoys the same electromagnetic, laser, and infrared warning system seen on the Dart, which will actively deploy countermeasures, including directional infrared countermeasures equipment. Similar multifunction radar attributes from the Arrow are also employed on the Stormcrow, and like all Stormlands aircraft, a helmet mounted HUD with compatible software is standard on the aircraft. Armed with the same radar system as the Arrow, the Stormcrow is quite capable of engaging in air-to-air missions, as well as air-to-surface missions, including target surveillance and tracking for cooperative engagement systems. Like most aircraft, the Stormcrow is also armed with a caseless air-to-air combat cannon, this is complemented by an internal weapons bay that can hold up to five BVR missiles in a "three-two" configuration. Two internally-mounted short range air to air missiles can be found mounted in internal pods, one on either side and rear of the cockpit. Four retractable hardpoints on each wing allow for additional armament to be carried, and can be used to carry conformal fuel tanks to increase range, with only a small reduction in counter-RCS characteristics. Stormcrow aircraft also have the capability to utilize a buddy-to-buddy refueling pod, and can be used to refuel another Stormcrow, or another Stormlands' aircraft, a useful characteristic in some situations. --- As the premier first strike and long range attack aircraft, the King Raven is a culmination of efforts by Condor Aerospace and several other corporations to create a viable stealth bomber for attacking targets in contested airspace. The stealthy characteristics of the King Raven give it high regard in the Air Forces, along with its large payload and ability to conduct both general bombing missions, and long-range stand off missions. Condor Aerospace, following the request by the Air Forces for a highly modular aircraft, designed the King Raven to be able to host a large amount of electronic warfare and various surveillance modules. Similar to the classic B-2 Spirit, with a flying wing design, the King Raven is built with the same materials as the Arrow and Stormcrow, utilizing baked on radar-absorbent composite fiber mat with a stealthy sealant coating that is highly durable against weather and heat friction wear. The sealant was specifically designed to eliminate heat build up on leading edges or flight surfaces. Along with active cooling of leading edges, this makes the King Raven difficult to spot through infrared detection methods, and with engine afterburners located on the top of the aircraft, ground-based infrared detectors are especially susceptible to spoofing, especially with specially-designed heat dissipating composite tiles keeping flight surfaces around the engine afterburners actively cooled. The King Raven has very similar electronic warfare modules to that of its smaller cousins, the Arrow and Stormcrow, with laser, electromagnetic and infrared warning receivers dispersed throughout the aircraft to give a three hundred sixty degree threat analysis. Passive electronic scanned arrays provide the King Raven with a quiet means of defensive detection, and allow the aircraft to dispense or enact countermeasures, both physical and electronic. Direct radar frequency modulation and active cancellation technologies are standard on any King Raven aircraft, and the aircraft can also be fitted with sophisticated jamming and cluttering modules that give it capabilities to disrupt enemy communications and air defenses. The King Raven is also able to be fitted with various surveillance modules, including SIGINT and ELINT modules, and has sophisticated datalinks to upload targeting information if needed during strike missions. A long range SAR rounds out its electronic capabilities, able to provide targeting information in all forms of weather, and capable of increasing its surveillance capabilities during intelligence-gathering missions. The King Raven has the capability to carry a total of forty five thousand pounds of munitions of various configurations and types in its internal bomb bays, and able to actively guide weapon systems into their targets if needed. Advanced chaff modules and directional infrared countermeasures are equipped standard. The King Raven boasts an ultra long range, with the ability to operate on the intercontinental scale with airborne tanker support, and has amenities that allow for the two-person crew's comfort. --- In order to fill the gap of a fast strategic strike role within the Stormlands' Air Forces, Condor Aerospace has devised and put into production the Thunder Strategic Bomber, a high speed, low-observable variable altitude strategic strike aircraft. Although not classified distinctly as a stealth aircraft, the Thunder was built with strong lightweight composites with radar-absorbent qualities and properties. The Thunder's main defense, is not its low-observable profile or composite skin, but its high speed capabilities, built specifically for active evasion of air and surface aerial defenses, with a non-engine damaging top speed of around Mach 2.95. Built to complement first strike capabilities against foes of any capability, the Thunder is able to deliver both freefall munitions, as well as guided weapon systems from its internal weapons bay or removable wing pylons. Fully loaded, the Thunder can carry up to forty-five thousand pounds of munitions, with close to twenty-seven thousand pounds in its internal weapons bay. Able to carry large numbers of standoff munitions, and its fast speed and capable electronics suite make it an ideal first-strike platform, able to launch missiles and glide bombs from significant distance or penetrate into enemy airspace to destroy vital infrastructure with impunity. The Thunder is also able to carry air-to-air munitions in its internal bays and on its removable wing pylons, making it a highly capable missile truck, and these capabilities are being tested in air-to-air warfare drills. One of the main strengths of the Thunder, beyond its speed and weapons-carrying capability is its electronic warfare suite, which has plug-and-play options to deploy modules for intelligence gathering missions, a role that it can serve in with relative ease given its high speed. The thunder possesses a very sensitive PESA radar, and a powerful distributed electro-optical aperture system for targeting and weapons guidance, along with distributed warning receiver systems akin to those on other aircraft, giving the aircraft operations crew an almost unparalleled spherical situational awareness of outside events around the aircraft, especially when coupled with helmet-mounted HUD systems. Capable of carrying out electronic attacks, including jamming of both radar and communications, as well as radar frequency modulation, the Thunder is tailored specifically for supporting SEAD missions. Like other aircraft, the Thunder carries directional infrared countermeasures and advanced chaff countermeasures, and can be fitted with false lightweight target drones that can be utilized to provide intelligence back to the mother aircraft when launched. The aircraft possesses a strong frequency-hopping datalink transceiver, that is highly capable of continual operation even in highly contested and electronic warfare sensitive environments. Edited May 3, 2014 by TheShammySocialist Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheShammySocialist Posted April 18, 2014 Author Report Share Posted April 18, 2014 [b]Classified[/b] As part of rapidly expanding the Stormlands' armed services, there was a noticeable uptick in training for all branches of the military. The recently-ended exercises had been a good basis of success to grow upon, but there was still some coordination issues between the ground forces and air forces to work out. The ground forces and Naval Assault troops had proven their durability under a lot of forced marching and round-the-clock exercises, and shown their capabilities well. Several junior officers would be given notes of recommendation in their official record for their displays of tactical sharpness and quick thinking during several of the grueling exercises that had tested endurance and the limits of the ground forces. The Stormlands' Navy was also not without its own exercises that were ongoing, with the newest testing the endurance and limits of two newly-fitted out [url=http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MFRBNmeQJcU/UDULJx19SXI/AAAAAAAABic/7qV6Wb6Dx_U/s1600/HDW-Submarine10a%255B1%255D.GIF][i]Shadow[/i]-class[/url] Diesel AIP Ultraquiet Submarines, the SWS [i]Shadow[/i], the leader of her class, and the SWS [i]Spirit[/i]. Given the long-range endurance of the submarines, and their capabilities to stay submerged for almost three weeks at a time, they would be dispatched on a long range navigation and training exercise that would take them into the South Atlantic. Partway through their voyage, they were to rendezvous with an naval auxiliary refueling tanker that would refuel them and replenish any needed stores. While the exercise was both a test of underwater navigation skills, it would also test the capabilities of the two submarines to evade detection throughout their journey, although no breaches of maritime boundaries were to be carried out. Both submarines would work in tandem with one another throughout their navigation exercise, whilst using recently-updated maps of the seafloor to undertake their mission, testing the crew in navigating broken underwater terrain. The training mission would also see the [i]Spirit[/i] carrying experimental signals and electronic surveillance equipment, fitted in modules that could be released to the surface, and then recovered through the modular workspace behind the [i]Spirits'[/i] conning tower. The submarines were expected to complete their exercises within fifteen weeks, and were only instructed to send messages if they were in distress. Daily updates were to be provided to the submarines over encrypted datalink satellite communications networks at an appointed time frame. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheShammySocialist Posted April 20, 2014 Author Report Share Posted April 20, 2014 [b]Public[/b] Hearts of Iron Shipbuilders proudly announces its first marketing campaign targeting the maritime security market, with the [url=http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa325/VictorDeltaRomeo/StormlandsCorvette_zps96f70514.gif][i]Swift[/i]-class Multimission Light Surface Combatant[/url]. The [i]Swift[/i]-class of vessel has a high degree of modularity and can be built around expressed specifications, including a variety of sensor packages and weapons modules. This makes it ideal for almost any country's navy or coast guard as a fast, well-armed vessel that can operate in the functions of anti-submarine warfare, anti-air warfare, general escort duties, fleet picket duties, anti-piracy operations, temporary brown water operation command, control, and support, and countering fast, light surface threats. Currently, the Stormlands version of the [i]Swift[/i]-class utilizes a heavy 127mm 55 caliber main gun, an upgraded twelve-tube strategic strike vertical launch system package, a SeaRAM CIWS and RAM CIWS launcher, four anti-surface cruise missile launchers, two 30mm dual automatic cannons, four heavy machineguns, and a lightweight torpedo delivery system. In addition to this prodigious firepower, the Stormlands current version of the [i]Swift[/i]-class is equipped to handle two [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AgustaWestland_AW159_Wildcat]Jaguar[/url] Multipurpose Maritime Helicopters, or one Jaguar helicopter and two weapons-capable helicopter UAV aircraft. Current information on sensor packages on this version are currently unavailable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheShammySocialist Posted April 21, 2014 Author Report Share Posted April 21, 2014 (edited) Private After some careful consultation between the High Council and Council of Shields, the High Council has sent the Deity-class Air Combat Carrier, Dahromo, and an attendant carrier battle group, on a shakedown cruise. The purpose of the shakedown is to test the endurance of the Stormlands' navy in a projection situation, including resupply and replenishment at sea, operating carrier aircraft in open ocean situations, and task force maneuver skills. Several other skills will be tested during the cruise, which will depart one of the Stormlands' major bases at Trinidad City, and proceed east, and then north, into the North Atlantic. The task group will stay on station at a location determined to be roughly equidistant northeast of Bermuda, west-north-west of the Azores, and southeast of the Nova Scotia peninsula, this will keep them from straying too close to any nations' shores, and hopefully prevent any unease. The presence of this training force will made known in a regional public announcement by the Administration of the Exterior. The battle group will be centered around the Dahromo, but will contain a heavy guided missile cruiser, three destroyers, three frigates, and two submarines. The composition of the battlegroup, aside from the carrier will not be made public knowledge, and the group will also contain replenishment and resupply vessels. Edited April 21, 2014 by TheShammySocialist Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheShammySocialist Posted April 26, 2014 Author Report Share Posted April 26, 2014 As a matter of need, the High Council has introduced its newest initiative to strengthen the basis of the country; the youngest generations, in an effort to stimulate and introduce healthy and inquisitive nature at a young age. These measures would see the government start at a child's young age to shape and standardize daycare, including introducing advanced childcare techniques that provided a stimulating environment. Childcare providers had to provide curriculum and attend government-approved classes to organize their childcare facilities. A focus on rigorous play, including introducing games and fostering competition, albeit healthy competition, and chastising ill-found competition to promote a sense of teamwork. In the childcare facilities themselves, reading concepts were introduced as much as possible, and basic alphabetic sounding and mathematical skills were also promoted as well. These early childhood measures were to ensure as much early development as possible, and even try to establish an individual child's best method of learning, which was important for further development. In an effort to cater to young schoolgoers' needs, the establishment of a system of classes based on a student's best method of learning was seen as a progressive step to teach children the most effectively way possible. Accelerated development of problem solving skills along with strong reading, writing, and mathematical skills were seen as paramount to the continued growth of a future citizen of the Stormlands. Use of electronic devices in the classroom was stressed, but was also seen as a privilege, and monitored closely, and a student was only allowed to use such devices for a certain amount of time. As students progressed through their curriculum and school years, the development of being able to effectively utilize electronics as well as a strong development of aptitude in sciences, as well as humanities were stressed. The new development of a standardized curriculum in the schools would be accompanied by a similar move in after school activities and student life. All individuals under the age of eighteen were required to partake in athletic "play" for an hour after school every day, this could include organized sports, or just pick-up games soccer or other popular games. This was to promote actively and healthy habits, with students being recognized and awarded for going "above and beyond" the required active time. It wasn't out of character to also see adults trying to also partake in such activities as these, with parents and their children playing against one another in various outdoor games. To provide other healthy services including strength and endurance training, full service public gymnasiums were established, with weight rooms, training tracks, pools, and other facilities. To service these facilities, certified nutritionists and physical fitness specialists would be employed to advise and provide guidance on workout routines. These developments were not only championed by the Administration of Progressive National Development, they were also well-valued by the Council of Shields, who saw an increased pool of individuals it could recruit from. With the level of fitness and health gradually improving, this would surely provide for more physically fit trainees for the armed services. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheShammySocialist Posted April 27, 2014 Author Report Share Posted April 27, 2014 [b]Classified[/b] With conflict seemingly exploding on various ends of the Atlantic Theater, including the failure for mediated talks to end the standoff between the American Commonwealth and Quebec, an emergency session of the High Council was held, with the Council of Shields in attendance. The end of the meeting would result in a several-pronged approach taken by the Stormlands to ensure its readiness should stability fail utterly throughout the theater; including general readiness being brought up to WARCON (War Condition) 3. Instead of fighting duos, standard Sovereignty Air Patrols (SAPs) had their numbers increased to four, and were more frequent in the skies. The Atlantic Fleets' submarines were ordered out of port to their predetermined marshaling areas in the Central Atlantic that shielded the Caribbean and the far eastern portions of the Catatumbo Commonwealth, all the submarines taking a route that passed them by Trinidad and Tobago and away from other nations' territories in the region. The [i]Dahromo[/i] carrier battlegroup was ordered south of its training grounds northeast of Bermuda, and was ordered to replenish its stores and refuel any ships low on fuel, and then rendezvous with the newest carrier in the fleet, the [i]Grockall[/i], and its attendant battlegroup, in the Central Atlantic. From there, the two carrier battlegroups would for now shield the far eastern portions of the Catatumbo Commonwealth. The Stormlands' Ground Forces were noticeable more to the general public as well, with units moving about to get into their field bivouacs outside of the major military bases. Both Councils, with concerns about the internal politics going on in Euphaia, including what seemed to be a reconstitution of the old revolutionary pests, FARC and ELN, would also order the dispatch of eight battalions, six from the ground forces' light infantry, and two from the naval assault troops, to the Amazonas Region to shore up the southern border. These would be supported by the deployment of three squadrons of Javelina close air support aircraft, surveillance UAVs, and sizable numbers of helicopters to help facilitate the movement of troops and material in a region that boasted very little in the way of useful infrastructure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheShammySocialist Posted April 28, 2014 Author Report Share Posted April 28, 2014 [b]Private[/b] The gentle sound of waves lapping at the shores of Isla Margarita was slowly starting to wear at Rafael Sha'am's attentiveness as he tried to concentrate on reading his book, as he lay back on a chaise lounge on the beach at the private Northwoods Retreat. After the failed mediation attempts between the American Commonwealth and Quebecois, he felt a twinge of guilt that perhaps his nation hadn't done enough to try to stop the two sides from coming to blows. It was under the pretense of getting a measure of rest, he departed from the bustling streets of Stormsend to arrive on Isla Margarita and take up residence in the Northwoods Retreat for a four-day vacation. As was customary, the Lord Protector wouldn't be going alone, and had brought along a few priestesses from the Cult of Thaksus with him to ease his mind, the three of which now laid out next to him on large beach towels, working on their tans. Finally giving in to what he believed to be accepted fate, he set the book he was reading down on his chest and put his head up to the sky, the hot sun hitting it and instantly warming him, his lips upturning in a wistful smile as he put his head back against the back of the chaise lounge. As the waves started to lull him to sleep, Rafael's ears tuned in to the sound of footfalls on sand, a very faint sound over the lapping of waves and soft whistling of wind. He felt a twinge of annoyance, having explicitly told the staff of the Retreat to bother him if a situation was "quite critical" or if he summoned them for another drink, and he hadn't done the latter, and he was in no way, shape, or form ready to deal with the former. What he wasn't prepared for, was the voice of one of the High Councilors speaking aloud. "Surprised you're not out in the water, looks lovely out there, Lord Protector," called out Rhaemon Rhys'gar, as he stepped up next to Rafael's chair. Rafael looked up at the Esteemed Executor, and shook his head, "The Priestesses and I went out earlier, it was like swimming in a bathtub, I thought I told the staff specifically that I didn't want anyone bothering me." "I'm not just [I]anyone[/I], Rafael," chuckled Rhaemon loudly, his deep voice causing some of the priestesses to groan nearby, probably because the loud Councilmember had awoken them. "Like it or not, you are the Lord Protector of the Stormlands, no matter wherever you are. The High Council wanted me to come see you, as I was visiting my family down on the southern part of the island. It concerns the developments the inner territories, and in North America." "Is it pressing?" grumbled Rafael, noting at least one of the priestesses eying him from her place on the ground, before he looked up at Rhaemon. "Yes and no, there have been some developments in North America that might interest you." "The mediation failed, both Taman and I failed to come up with anything concrete. Both of them were pretty much intractable in their positions," countered Rafael, looking firmly at Rhaemon, before his facial muscles relaxed. He heaved a sigh, looking at the expectant face of Rhaemon, one of his most trusted Executors, before turning to the line of priestesses, all of whom had woken up. One of them looked utterly confused, probably due to being woken up so suddenly, the other two looked relatively annoyed that their quiet time had been interrupted. "My honorable priestesses, Executor Rhaemon and I have some business to attend to, please give us some solitude if you will," he said, a little reluctantly. Rhaemon grinned lightly as the three priestesses seemed to all put on varying degrees of pouting faces at the Head of State, before resigning themselves to their fate and picking up their beach towels, and heading back towards the retreat. Rafael grabbed the pail of ice containing a jug full of mixed-up margarita and slammed it down in front of Rhaemon, and looked up at him. "If we're going to talk affairs of state while I'm on vacation, we're at least going to drink through it," muttered Rafael, picking up a glass from the pail and filling it before handing it off to Rhaemon. "I'd rather not drink, Rafa-." "You're going to have a drink with me, or you're not going to have a meeting with me, savvy?" responded Rafael, pouring a glass for himself and taking a liberal sip from it. "Do you want to hear about the issues in the interior, or North America first?" "Which is better than the other?" "They're both about the same." "Then choose one, and run with it." "Well, as you know, the Commonwealth and the Quebecois have started trading blow, nasty business," started Rhaemon, taking a sip from the glass of mixed margarita. "Volcer confirmed with me about a half hour ago that he received a note from the Quebecois, they're asking for an armistice, it appears that peace efforts weren't all for naught." "They didn't stop them though," grumbled Rafael, heaving a sigh, before adding, "This is a welcome development. That crisis in North America is a step backwards for the whole entire hemisphere, a waste of blood between brothers and sisters of ours from the north. That is good news, I suppose I can let you off the hook for disturbing my time here for that. Have they stated any intent to utilize myself or Executor Volcer in a new diplomatic effort?" "Not yet, but they did provide us with a receipt of the letter, which could indicate that they might want to utilize us again for mediation in a new effort at peace talks. Either way, despite the conflict that has erupted, there seem to be glimmers of hope," said Rhaemon, with a wistful smile. "My friend, there is always a glimmer of hope, never forget that," murmured Rafael, thinking for a few moments, before responding. "If they request a new meeting at Stormsend, or call us to mediate for them again, I want Taman to notify me immediately so that we can make preparations for such an occasion." "Of course, my Lord." "Alright, what of the news from the interior?" "This Euphaian revolution seems to be gaining some steam, and the Imperium has gotten involved in the effort as well, it appears that both government and revolutionary forces went into Argentina to secure weapons and equipment. There have been also increasing protests, the Council of Shields have already approved the transfer of proper numbers of men and equipment to the south. We've already initiated the movement of intelligence gathering forces as well, but Brother Delazzarios informed both the Council of Shields, and the High Council that we should request your approval for direct action elements to be readied for operations should the situation warrant intervention," stated Rhaemon, as Rafael looked out at the ocean and nodded his head slowly. Rafael seemed to be considering his course of action for a moment, before he glanced up at Rhaemon, "I'll do one better, Brother Rhys'gar, I'm sending you the Amazonas Territories. As a member of the Council of Shields and a Senior Esteemed Executor, you shall serve as Fist of the Protector, and organize our response to this instability. Whatever you need to do to accomplish your tasks in ensuring our interests and the safety of our free citizenry, you have my permission to use." "That's very kind sir, but don't you think that someone else might be more suited fo-." "Nonsense, you're one of my most trusted Executors, driven, ambitious, and a member of the Council of Shields, this will be an assignment to test your viability as the new Fist of the Protector," interrupted Rafael, sipping his margarita and smiling up at Rhaemon. "If that is your final decision sir, then it shall be so." "It is so, because I said it is, Rhaemon, proceed to the interior immediately, and assess the situation on the ground, and do whatever it is required to ensure the integrity of the Stormlands' interests in the region, and the integrity of our borders. These revolutionary actions are nothing but banditry and cancerous politics that preach one ideology, but practice a completely different methodology," grumbled Rafael, shaking his head at the thought that such 'populist' movements could truly represent the 'will of the people'. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheShammySocialist Posted April 29, 2014 Author Report Share Posted April 29, 2014 [b]Classified[/b] As a response to the crisis ongoing in Euphaia, the newly-appointed Fist of the Protector Rhaemon Rhys'gar has issued an edict to reform the Stormland armed services' irregular forces into professional units of operators. At the forefront of this reform, the Stormlands Ground Forces have formed two new units, the 330th Lancers and Task Force Cyclone, the premier Tier 1 SOF that shall serve the Stormlands. These units will specialize in most clandestine and irregular warfare, intelligence gathering, as well as counter-terrorism, both on an international and domestic scale, and will be the cutting edge of the Stormlands armed services. These units will be lent support units from Tier 2 SOF light infantry and specialist units from the Stormlands Ground Forces, and will also be joined in the company of elite soldiering. These other special forces include the newly-formed Air Forces' Combat Support Operations Infantry (CSO Infantry), who specialize in combat SAR, direct action, hostage rescue, and advanced close air support direction operations. To support maritime operations, the Stormlands Navy, in conjunction with the Naval Assault Troops, have also developed the Special Naval Assault Commando force, which are to specialize in maritime irregular warfare, direct action, intelligence gathering, and clandestine reconnaissance. A number of members from these special units have been deployed into the Inner Amazonas as part of the efforts by the Stormlands armed services to clamp down on the possibility of instability stemming from events in Euphaia. Furthermore, the Air Forces have begun active deployment of AWACs to the Inner Amazonas, to provide combat air control and aerial surveillance, monitoring flights within Euphaia. Flights that were originating or pegging their destination into FARC-PR lands were immediately monitored and flagged for further monitoring, with intelligence assets maneuvering to provide surveillance against what could be potential threats. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.