News from The Nation of Selenarctos

[iKrolm]

[b]Public, Investor News:[/b]

Electric Horizon CEO Martin Jairo made a public appearance today to announce two major milestones in the development of synthetic body parts, a mission his company embarked upon three years ago. Both positive news building upon the announcement of artificial nerve cords last year, Mr. Jairo announced the successful implantation of an artificial eye into a human subject and the first nerve-to-computer link in a monkey.

Ms. Violetta Gil, a native Manilan who suffered a severe bacterial infection as a teenager that left her blind in both eyes. Tests indicated that the existing nerve endings, though weakened, were still in working order and Ms. Gil volunteered to undergo the experimental treatment. A team of doctors working at Electric Horizon surgically replaced Ms. Gil's eyes with artificial counterparts that tied into her existing nerves. Following the operation, for the first time in nearly a decade, Ms. Gil was able to see again. Though her vision is grey-scale with image definition roughly equal to a quarter of normal human sight, Electric Horizon is already preparing a version two for wider human testing that will offer color and improved quality over the current version.

And from a research facility in the jungles of northern Luzon comes Estrella, a monkey linked to a computer. Using the artificial nerves previously demonstrated in a pig, Electric Horizon scientists were able to read nerve impulses along the spine and major limbs on an external computer. The procedure was minimally invasive, providing no disruption to the monkey's locomotion or other functions and does not require a dedicated processing chip or discrete power source within the monkey.

Martin Jairo spent ten minutes answering reporters' questions following the reveal but declined to comment on progress in other areas and would not speculate whether Electric Horizon was on track to meet it's goal of producing commercially available synthetic human body parts within ten years.

[iKrolm]

[b]Public Announcement:[/b]

President Hygin Romero announced the 'Global Security Initiative,' a new program and expansion to the Selenarctos Peacekeeping Force. Under the new program, friendly nations around the world may request assistance from the Selenarctos Peacekeeping Force to promote economic and political stability in protectorates, associated regions, and home territories for a nominal fee. President Romero said the following to an audience of SPF veterans and press when he introduced the initiative:

"The Selenarctos Peacekeeping Force was formed to promote peace and security in the Selenarctos Protectorate Zones. Today, I announce the Global Security Initiative to expand these benefits to the whole world. This is not a new mercenary organization nor an attempt to capitalize on our men and women in uniform. First and foremost when the SPF is deployed every member of the SPF is deployed on a humanitarian mission. This belief is taught during recruitment, reinforced during training and kept strong by the cammraderie of our SPF peacekeepers. Time and time again the SPF has demonstrated themselves to be a stabilizing force throughout Oceania and the South Pacific, and the Global Security Initiative I seek to provide the same benefits beyond the borders of our Protectorate Zones. In the days and years to come, any friendly nation may request the assistance of the Selenarctos Peacekeeping Force. Whether it be to secure a protectorate, facilitate border security or undertake a policing action the SPF forces bring with them decades of experience in intercultural coexistance and cooperation and, if necessary, "

SPF commander General Ferdinando Valenzuela followed the President, stating that the SPF would not engage foreign national armies but that terrorists and other perpetrators of disorder and violent crime all fell within the SPF's jurisdiction if a nation wished for assistance.

[iKrolm]

Classified:

At the request of the Air Force, the Selenarctos Aerospace Consortium has begun investigating the possibility of underwater hangars for the Air Force's classified X-111 squadrons. The X-111 is the only known jet fighter in the world to take off and land in the water. Currently X-111 planes are housed in camouflaged hangers in two locations within range of Manila, but if located the hangars are vulnerable to conventional attack even if the runways are not. The expense of constructing and maintaining a camouflaged hangar underwater is much greater but the risk of attack as well as damage by storm and other natural causes are greatly reduced.

The proposed system would camouflage hangars, reloading and maintenance facilities to blend in with the ambient underwater conditions. Men and materials would be brought in through a tunnel to the shore that could be sealed in the event of an attack. An pressurized elevator would raise each plane to the surface and lower the plane back down after flight.



Artist's Concept of an elevator lift

[iKrolm]

Public:

Following reports of the dissolution of the Australian Government, Selenarctos Peacekeepers already on the continent have been activated to restore order. While members of the SPF decommission the Australian armed forces and return Australia to a Protectorate Zone, the Selenarctos White Cross shall ensure humanitarian aid and basic supplies reach those who need them.

[iKrolm]

Public:
Primarily broadcast in the Luzon Free Territory
Downplayed in media around Greater Manila

In the wake of the former Acting President Dallas Valdes' death, Governor Matthew Galvez of the Luzon Free State publicly announced an expansion to the Luzon Free Territory's militia. Citing aggression from Greater Manila, Governor Galvez stated that the current militia will be increased by an additional 40,000 soldiers. This expansion, Mr. Galvez continued, brings the total militia size to over half of the Greater Manila fighting force which is itself divided between numerous borders and targets of importance.

The expanded militia's first duty will be to secure the Luzon Free Territory's borders against intrusion by Greater Manila. New border walls and fences will be constructed across the Greater Manila-Luzon Free Territory border along with other defensive emplacements to support the Luzon Free Militia.

The announcement was met with spirited patriotism and widespread support among constituents of the Luzon Free Territory. The national government in Manila declined to comment on the development, and the Mindanao Territorial Government stated that while self-defense was a right of all free people and it continued to support the Luzon Free Territory and all of the Outer Philippines, it was concerned that Luzon Free Territory rhetoric might reignite violence in the Outer Philippines.

[iKrolm]

[b]Classified:[/b]

The Air Force has completed it's initial analysis of Selenarctan Radar emplacements and has issued a report to the Department of Security advising specifics for new constructions. A series of medium and long range radar stations will be built near the edges of Selenarctos to expand and promote overlapping coverage of all nearby air spaces. The acquisition and deployment of short and medium range mobile radars will further augment to provide redundancy and increased resistance against conventional attacks. All of the new radars will incorporate advanced anti-stealth and anti-electronic warfare features built and designed natively in Selenarctos plus hardening against EMR attacks and satellite and aerial surveillance countermeasures in fixed stations. Along side the radar upgrades and new constructions, the Department of Security has approved funding to renovate its fiber network to improve network security and incorporate the new radar stations. The new network will be fully isolated from the internet, removing the GASP fiber link entirely. Traceability countermeasures such as laying down extra fiber length will be implemented, and data routing subsystems will be configured along fiber lines independent of the primary communication lines between bases. As with the radar stations, the fiber network will be hardened against EMR attacks and on-the-ground tampering.

[iKrolm]

[b]Classified:[/b]

Air Force scientists in Dinalungan have begun experimenting with a new nuclear bomb to augment Selenarctos' nuclear deterant. The research promises to deliver several times the destructive of the Aleph class bombs detonated inside of the former Lunar Republic cities, and an order of magnitude more than the current 5 MT nuclear Gamma+ nuclear bombs.

[iKrolm]

Public:

 

Hernandez-Segura Systems is pleased to announce the addition of the Starstreak Mark III man portable surface to air missile system to our product line. The Mark III is an upgraded Mark II optimized for use against stealth drones, helicopters and other low flying aircraft. The Mark III features a improved radar sensors and guidance sensors that reduce vulnerability to electronic countermeasures. The new internals fit within the same external shell as the Mark II and though the Mark III missile is incompatible with the Mark II launcher, training is nearly identical and most users should have no trouble switching from the Mark II to the Mark III with minimal adjustment time. Like its predecessor, the Mark III weighs seventeen kilograms, has a combat range of seven kilometers and has an export cost of 45,000NSC. The Selenarctos Army has announced its intention to phase out most Starstreak Mark II systems in favor of the Mark III.

 

 

 

Encrypted notice:

 

Due to an ongoing upgrade of Selenarctos Department of Security communications service to the Manila-Tianxia military fiber link has been interrupted on the Manila end. We apologize for this disruption and hope to restore service soon.

 

Classified:

 

While work continues to upgrade the Department of Security's fiber infrastructure, President Hygin Romero has signed an update to Security Council Resolution 287 concerning sensitive and classified data:

 

Presidential Addendum 287a to Security Council Resolution 287:

 

Electronic Transport/Storage: All document encryption techniques shall be protected with a encryption techniques designed to protect against conventional and quantum decryption attempts.

[iKrolm]

Private, Not Classified:

Coast guard units near the Borneo-Selenarctos border have been placed on alert following reports of violence in the Borneo-Sumat Federation. Drone patrols over the area have been placed on stepped up readiness and satellite surveillance resources will be adjusted to increase presence over the Indonesian region.

[High Emperor Aggron]

To: Nation of Selenarctos

From: Chief Princeps Wahir

Subject: Riots in the Republic

-

Due to the recent uproar and violence caused by the rioters, I am formally requesting the peacekeepers tied to the nation of Selenarctos be removed from the country until further notice. The rebels have seized one city as of today and riots are ensuing in no less than four other cities. Any support offered by Selenarctos in the form of satellite survaillance of the city of Kuching would be appreciated. 

-

We thank the great nation of Selenarctos for your help in ensuring these rebels do not gain more ground.

-

Chief Princeps Wahir,

[iKrolm]

 

To: Nation of Selenarctos

From: Chief Princeps Wahir

Subject: Riots in the Republic

-

Due
to the recent uproar and violence caused by the rioters, I am formally
requesting the peacekeepers tied to the nation of Selenarctos be removed
from the country until further notice. The rebels have seized one city
as of today and riots are ensuing in no less than four other cities. Any
support offered by Selenarctos in the form of satellite survaillance of
the city of Kuching would be appreciated. 

-

We thank the great nation of Selenarctos for your help in ensuring these rebels do not gain more ground.

-

Chief Princeps Wahir,

 

 

Encrypted reply:

 

We shall forward satellite imagery of Kuching and the surrounding province to you. Given the rebel situation it would not seem prudent to remove our peacekeepers from Borneo, but they shall remain in their bases (per deactivated operating procedures) and allow your forces to handle the situation as it develops.

 

-Abaco Magana, Secretary of Security

Edited July 29, 2013 by iKrolm

[iKrolm]

[b]Public:[/b]

"To continue our support of friendly government present and future around the world and recognizing that internal and external threats may appear suddenly and without warning, I today announce a new collaborative program between the national government of Selenarctos and the major arms manufacturers within Selenarctos: Hernandez-Segura Systems, Southern Firearms, Bulldog Armored Vehicles, Precision Tactical, and the Selenarctos Aerospace Consortium. In a modern war the combatants rarely have time to wait for weapon systems to be designed, factories built and production to begin. Some nations surrender, others turn abroad for support. Selenarctos has participated in the fair trade of weapons to friendly governments throughout her history, and this continues through my term. After today, Selenarctos will begin stockpiling a wide range of our export-approved weapon systems subsidized by the national government. These weapons will be available at market prices to all allied and friendly nations, immediately without the production delay usually associated with weapon purchases."

-President Hygin Romero

[iKrolm]

[b]Private, Observable:[/b]

 

Elements of the 104th SPF Mechanized Division deployed to Borneo have been placed on high alert. All units on Borneo have been instructed to prepare for a failure in governance and be ready to step in to restore order if necessary.

 

 

[b]Also Private, Observable:[/b]

 

The Department of Security has approved a change of organization and tactics for the Army's 10th, 11th, and 12th Divisions. Over the next five years, these divisions will transition to light infantry divisions and adopt the associated tactics. The 10th, 11th and 12th Light Infantry Divisions will still to specialize in jungle warfare and operate under the decentralized command structure unique to their units.

[iKrolm]

In Private, Classified:
Capital Building

"Thank you for coming, Director," Chief of Staff Abo Raya offered a half bow followed by a handshake to the man entering his office.

Sandor Mondragon, director of the President's Intelligence and Analysis agency returned the greeting, "Thank you for your invitation, Mr. Raya." Both men were Filipino, speaking a relaxed mix of Tagalog and English.

"Please, our meetings are always an enjoyable break from the routine and occur all too infrequently. Would you like some tea, perhaps? Or coffee, or something else?"

"Tea, thank you."

Abo Raya tapped a finger on the heavy wooden coffee table in the center of the room, it's surface instantly illuminating to reveal a sophisticated computer interface, currently underutilized in the simple task of requesting tea from the Capital Building kitchens. Voice and gesture computer interfaces were available too of course, but a microphone or camera watching the Chief of Staff's office 24/7, all things considered, seemed unwise.

The rest of the office, like the table with its hidden-until-activated computer, was functional first and subtly impressive. A working office, unlike the airy and light President's official office downstairs, the Chief of Staff's office served a blunt functional purpose like the man who occupied it. The two men exchanged pleasantries for a few minutes until an aid arrived with the tea, then talk turned to business.

"I'd like to compliment your department's staff once again, Director Mondragon, their reports are always clear and to the point. As you no doubt know, your predecessor's branch of I&A was not simply limited to observing and reporting. SecDev I&A took an active roll in domestic affairs and poked a few fingers in international affairs as well.

"Selenarctos has played a low hand in international politics as of late, and our unique position has allowed us to do so quite well: all fingers intact, so to speak. Sometimes it can be more profitable not to remain passive. I want the IAA to poke a a few fingers and see what happens." Abo Raya slid a memory chip across the table to Director Sandor Mondragon. "You'll find the task described here, operational details are left to your discretion. You report directly to me on this, any questions come to me directly, not my or the President's office."

"Of course. Was there anything else?"

"No Director, that will be all."

[iKrolm]

Public:

Tensions have increased along the LFT-Manila border in response to rumors that the Luzon Free Territory (LFT) will attempt to claim a portion of the Cordillera Central. Since the Diokno Doctrine awarded semi-autonomy to the four states that make up the 'Free Philippines', most of the states have kept to themselves and worked to keep their economies afloat.

If the Luzon Free Territory should issue a claim expanding its borders, this would be the first direct attack on the Diokno Doctrine by either side, Greater Manila or the Free Philippines. Tensions have been warming between Greater Manila after former Acting President Dallas Valdes was killed in an tragic accident at the LFT-Manila border, and later when the LFT announced its intention to build and police a wall along the LFT-Manila border. The Cordillera Central provides a direct land route from Manila to the northernmost parts of Luzon and is home to several important military facilities; it is unlikely the national government would allow the LFT to claim it without a struggle.

-The Manila Times

[iKrolm]

[b]Public:[/b]

 

While Selenarctos may disagree with the Australia's governent, we recognize that the government appears to have stabilized and re-extend diplomatic to the Australia Democratic Federation.

 

-Mr. Rabulas Davila, Secretary of Humanities

[iKrolm]

[b]Public:[/b]

Air pollution remains a major problem in Manila, with particulate matter exceeding the hazerdous Air Quality Index 500 rating twenty-nine days out of thirty last month. Heavy metals, carcinogens and other hazards that escape from the massive industrial complexes surrounding Manila hurt people's health and cause damage to the city's infrastructure. Most denizens of downtown Manila opt for [url="http://forums.cybernations.net/index.php?/topic/65408-news-from-the-nation-of-selenarctos/page-8#entry3018602"]varying degrees of personal air filtration[/url], and household and commercial [url="http://forums.cybernations.net/index.php?/topic/65408-news-from-the-nation-of-selenarctos/page-9#entry3027978"]air filtration systems[/url] have been on the market for some time now. The Manila city government has taken a step further now, updating building codes in response to an advisory report from the University of Manila. Beginning next year, all new commercial buildings and residences housing greater than twenty people will be required to install a Bulldog or off the shellf filtration system offering equivalent protection. Many buildings already include air filtration systems to deal with particulate matter, but commercial and residential buildings with a capacity greater than two hundred individuals are also required to upgrade their air systems to meet the new regulations. Additionally, the changes also impact building construction and materials choice: new buildings must be built with all exterior and exposed surfaces and structural elements resistant to corrosion by acid rain and other pollutants. We predict immediate effects of this policy change to be an increase in the use of advanced polymers and other materials the Artega group has brought to the market recently. Not to be left behind in the chaning market however, General Metals Ltd. issued a list of their own metals and alloys that meet the new requirements shortly after they were announced.

-The Manila Times

[iKrolm]

Classified:

President Hygin Romero has approved testing for the Dinalungan Nuclear Research Lab's latest project. The warhead will be securely transported to the orbital launch loop's west terminal on Palawan, then placed in route to Freeside for a final tuning before the test.

[iKrolm]

Public:

The national government of Selenarctos in Manila has approved funding for the construction of additional submarines. Four new Sirena class attack submarines will be constructed, and Fieres Shipyards has been awarded a contract to construct eight new cruise missile submarines. The 'Lhuillier' class missile submarine, named after the first Commander of the Selenarctan Navy, Zaira Lhuillier, holds an arsenal of one hundred eight hypersonic cruise missiles in eighteen launch tubes. The submarine itself uses the latest advances in underwater stealth technology to minimize engine and operating noise and reduce the vessel's underwater and surface signatures. The eight Lhuillier submarines are expected to join Selenarctos' Navy within the next five years.


Artist's concept of an Lhuillier class cruise missile submarine at sea.

[TheShammySocialist]

[b]Closed Dispatch[/b]

 

"The Union of South Africa would like to put forward a confidential RFI on the new Lhuillier-class missile submarine, as a potential substitute to current South African guided missile submarines."

[iKrolm]

Closed Dispatch

 

"The Union of South Africa would like to put forward a confidential RFI on the new Lhuillier-class missile submarine, as a potential substitute to current South African guided missile submarines."

 

[b]Encrypted Reply:[/b]

 

"Selenarctos is pleased to help out a friendly aligned nation; the Navy has approved your request and will pass along non-compromising details of the submarines preformance specs and design features to the relevant South African authorities."

[iKrolm]

Public:

The national government release figures for the the fourth national census today, noting that the population has grown by approximately five million new citizens and legal residents. The capital city of Manila posted the largest gain of nearly four million new residents, largely attributed to the booming economy and demand for high tech jobs in the city. Other greater Manilan cities posted gains as well, with Batangas and Mariveles each growing by roughly two hundred thousand residents and Dagupan and Dinalungan posting a more modest fifty thousand new residents each. In the Outer Philippines, Naga City in the Naga City Commonwealth posted a net loss of fifty thousand citizens and fled the Commonwealth's faltering economy to the neighboring Free Philippines. Cebu and Calbayog experienced a net increase of one hundred and one hundred fifty thousand residents respectively, while Balcalod experienced a net loss of nearly a hundred thousand residents. Davao City in the the Mindanao Territory gained two hundred and fifty new residents, many seeking the cities promise of safety and security under the watchful eye of the Free Philippines' 2nd Mechanized Division while Laoag in the Luzon Free Territory netted a loss of nearly fifty thousand thousand citizens as many migrated towards Greater Manila in the hope of better pay and job prospects. The permanent population of Freeside remained stable at ten thousand citizens, and the Freeside mayor's office noted that tourism to the Island 3 habitat has on the rise. Last year, more than 5,000 tourists visited the habitat orbiting the L4 point (mostly Filipino tourists due the visa difficulties; a standard Selenarctos visa does not grant access to Freeside) and the number is only expected to increase.

The National Government ended the report with a note that population figures in the Outer Philippines were supplied by the territories' regional governments and may be subject to inaccuracies.

-The Manila Times

[iKrolm]

Public:

The Manila city governance, in cooperation with the cities of Dinalungan, Dagupan, Batangas, and Mariveles and the National government of Selenarctos announced an expansion of Manila's high speed rail system throughout Greater Manila. Recent advances have made speeds greater than five hundred kilometers per hour obtainable by magnetically levitated trains, and with growing industrial capacity in the other cities of Greater Manila the national government has placed a high priority on boosting trade and commerce links. The expansion will replace current conventional rail links with multiple inbound and outbound lines for passengers and freight. A refit of the tracks in the current high speed Manila subway system is required to be compatible with the maglev trains, by itself expected to take three years. The first rail intercity rail lines are expected to become operational also within the next three years and the system will reach full capacity two years after that. Once complete, the new rail lines will greatly reduce the burden on roads and air traffic across Greater Manila.



A young boy stands next to a prototype high speed train.

[iKrolm]

Public:

With Hygin Romero's presidency reaching it's tenth year, political parties are gearing up for another election. President Hygin Romero is expected to remain the National Conservative Party's candidate of choice, and with a popular following and record of solid economic growth the opposition faces an uphill battle. The Communist Party of Selenarctos and the National Socialist Party continue to have a small following in Selenarctos, but even if the parties band together again as they did under the Ferrerist Coalition (unlikely, given past events), it is unlikely that their candidate will be able to gather enough support to challenge the incumbent president.

The Democratic Party of Selenarctos is expected to be the Conservatives' main challenge. During the last election they ran Martin Tagalog, a popular Director from the Central Government era who lost to Hygin Romero by a considerable 9% difference. The Democratic Party will need an even stronger candidate to have a chance against an incumbent President Hygin Romero.

Finally the Catholic Central Party, though smaller than either the Democratic Party of Selenarctos or the National Conservative Party, continues to hold a devoted base of support in Greater Manila. With a mixed history of participating in national elections or not, the CCP may run their own candidate, endorse another party's candidate, or ask it members to abastain from the election depending on the party leadership's will.

All citizens of Selenarctos, including those on Freeside near lunar orbit, are eligable to vote in the presidential election. In the last election voter turnout was high in Greater Manila but very low in the Outer Philippines where the position of President was viewed as another way to enforce Greater Manila's influence. The next election will likely see a similar turn of events.

-The Manila Times

[iKrolm]

Public ad distributed in Greater Manila:

"When is fiber not enough? Selenarctos has one of the largest and most advanced economies in the world and chances are, you work for a company that helped make her that way. But we didn't get this far by waiting around and we won't keep our edge that way either. In the global market, wide-area wireless networks provide faster deployment to a greater area than dedicated fiber channels can. That's why Luzon Electronics has teamed up with the Selenarctos Space Program and telecommunication providers across Greater Mailna to launch over fourty new satellites this year and more to come. Thanks new advances in wireless and RF signals, our wireless solutions have never been more reliable, secure, or affordable. We provide business-class solutions with guarenteed bandwidth, uptime, and security features tailored exactly to your needs throughout Greater Manila and around the world. For pricing and assistance getting started, contact your local telecommunications provider."


Luzon Electronics, Inc. is a register corporation based out of Manila. Edited October 5, 2013 by iKrolm