Max Rockatansky

Well no, but that's why it's called a CYA measure. Just one of those things. Can ya dig it?

It's meant as: If they try to ghost another AA while in GGA in order to re-enter the conflict. Which we've been assured isn't going to happen so it's a moot point as far as we're concerned. Just doing some CYA, you know how it is.

Well we all got together and decided that it was the best way to agitate people for fun and profit. They attacked us, and it was agreed to that we should get reps for that. Last I knew, that's how that was supposed to work. Unless it's not.

Wow you read that awful fast. Or did you?

Anyone who says these guys can't scrap has never fought them. Good show boys. Let's hope this is the last time we find ourselves on the field of battle. o/

Nothing warms the hearts of the people of The Wastes more than peace and scantily clad women with guns. Nicely done.

The font size was increased so that the numbers for the footnotes didn't interfere with the text. That and I'm blind as a mole. Need to get new specs. Aside from that, thanks. Glad you guys liked it. At least someone is capable of reading more than three sentences on these forums. More is on the way, I assure you.

Hell yeah boys! Take battle axe to the "Big Red Machine"!

[OOC] Disclaimer: This is intended to inspire debate for the purposes of compiling a more comprehensive resource of the local wildlife. Think of me as sort of the Marlin Perkins(link) to CN's Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom(read the link, man. I'm not explaining who that guy is for three pages). I realize this doesn't apply to every single situation but it's as close to an accurate generalization as I could make it. So please, sit back, relax, and enjoy...or don't. I'm not losing any sleep over it. Unless I am.[/OOC] In my previous installment(link), we learned about the cyclical nature of life and death here on Planet Bob and how it applies to it's inhabitants. We observed that the current state of affairs are simply another part of a pattern that's emerged over the course of recorded history and that as a people, we tend to feel the need to destroy what we create. This is accepted as truth by the majority, as nobody else seems to have come up with a better idea at the time. Now we shall examine another fundamental aspect of life on Bob: Foreign Affairs. Last time, we touched on the volatile nature of diplomatic relations between separate sovereign(in some cases) entities known as Alliances(unless they're not) or even larger entities known as Blocs(unless they're not). For the uninitiated, Alliances are tribal communities established by national rulers(bored people)who aspire to make their mark on the world stage of politics. In turn, Blocs are much larger tribal communities made up of alliances. In both cases, members of these tribes tend to be like-minded, or at the very least like-minded enough to band together for a myriad of reasons including(but not limited to),national defense, mutual economic growth, military growth, political growth, or any combination thereof. In this part of the series we shall delve further into the diplomatic arena/human cess pit that is the political landscape. It has been said1 that "There is no such thing as an innocent man on Bob, unless you count the neutrals"2. A majority of this planet's inhabitants are guilty of having some blood on their hands. Some people know this and have come to terms with it by trying to make amends for past misdeeds. Others refuse to admit it, even though everybody knows it so they're not really fooling anybody except the inactive members of their tribes who only pop in to ask questions every once in a while, and could otherwise care less. Apathy is the largest political movement on Bob. The majority of the world's inhabitants really don't give a crap one way or another. Those with enough time and not a lot else going on make up a majority of the "people who care". While the rest of the "people who care" are insane fanatics who should seek professional help, probably a few prescription downers, and companionship. May I suggest a dog? Or possibly something you want to see naked3? In any event, this is evidenced by our Public Forum(as in like...these ones...right here...)as well as various Secure(unless you piss off Vox Populi) Communications Networks(IRC, Alliance forums..blah blah blah). With all these things we have learned, breakdowns in communication still occur. What could be a cordial peace negotiation can turn into a obscenity laden "NO U!" fest in a matter of seconds. Diplomacy is almost literally, dog eat dog. This is especially true when some of the people you're dealing with can kick that $@! to pieces without breaking a sweat and they know it. There is a process involved. Time honored traditions that have become part of our way of life. Step One: PRIVATE CHANNELS FTW! Unless something is fundamentally wrong with you, always take your problems to the source. Just about every alliance and every bloc has a Headquarters(forums) or is on the Coldfront Satellite Network(/server irc.coldfront.net). If they're not then they're not cool and nobody cares. If the target of your grievance has multiple personality disdorder(different ruler/irc user name) then consult with his government. You're more likely to get help this way as people in government hate problems that should make them look weak,stupid or unable to handle business like a boss. If everyone but you thinks you're being stupid then they will ignore you. Have hope, for you still have options. If you encounter the opposite, you are more likely to find success. It's like prison, everyone has their own corner of the yard and you have to pay respects if you want to pass through. Except on Bob it is considered your fault if you let yourself get $%&@ed in the shower ( tech raided, or worse). Alliances exist for a reason they'll say. They are correct. It's very difficult to exist with a pristine pooper without one, and even then there are no guarantees. Remember: You should always be able to rely on your friends to tell you if you're being stupid. Sometimes, though people show bad judgment and it has to be brought out into the open. Which brings us to... Step Two: The Public Forum aka The Pit of Despair Hate being ignored by people in person? Come here and do it! Here, diplomats and ordinary citizens gather from all over the world to spread news, information, misnews and misinformation. If you have a legitimate case, people will rally to you. If not then you will be ridiculed en masse. Either way, more than a few people will call your sexuality into question as they read from the same script. Some people will even answer their own questions regardless of what you've offered by way of response, and at least a few will tell you that you would've been better off handling this in private. Interspersed in all the monosyllabic explanations as to why you suck are garrulous essays precisely describing in excruciating detail as to why you do, in fact, suck. On the flipside of that coin, you'll see the same sort of behavior exhibited by your friends and supporters...assuming you even have any to speak of. They'll be the ones hailing you(o/)and explaining to your detractors why they suck in similar fashion. If so, then your political point has been made and you were at least moderately successful. Regardless of intent, however, there are only four possible outcomes to such a brilliant(often used sarcastically) political move: You'll go back to being ignored, Someone declares war, you buy a first class ticket on the rocket ship to Planet Ar-El(the dreaded RL that everyone tries to avoid), or sometimes all at once creating a dramatic and soon forgotten mess on the way out. If you even get that lucky. As discussed in the last chapter, the end result culminating about once every year, is usually.... Step Three: WWWWWAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!! Planet Bob loves to fight, unless you've decided to remain neutral. In which case you don't, and are generally insulted publicly or at least spoken with in subtle distaste for doing so. Yet, even neutrals have spilled their blood in the dirt every rare once in a while. Usually because someone decides they can't stand to see them sitting there looking so...so...neutral. It's like their mocking everybody with their non-involvement. Violence is the "Go-To Guy" in most forms of diplomatic relations. After a while, everyone becomes desensitized, disenfranchised, demotivated, dismembered, demented, or distended and goes home. The Circle of Diplomacy is complete to begin once again. In general, most problems are simply avoided using courtesy and manners. If anyone encounters a stranger that refuses to reason, they should run away and tell an adult. Don't be afraid to pass the buck to your friends with guns. Just don't be a dick. Because on Bob, civilization ends at roughly arm's length4. 1. By me, just now. I'm sure someone else did and will try to verbally castrate me over it. I know how you guys get. It's really not a big deal, unless it is. 2. Which some people don't. In fact, most people don't unless you count the time NPO counted GPA as one of the numbers on their list of "People to do bad stuff to." which is probably the only time anyone has counted a neutral. Unless they didn't. 3. I'm not making any judgments here, as long as everyone is of age, consenting, and you don't hurt the dog. 4. Hold out your arm and make a fist like you're going to punch somebody in the face. That's exactly where civilized behavior ends.

We're going to turn your brains to goo, because we're aliens and that's how we roll. Seriously though, I can see some new treaties coming out of this. New friendships forged in the heat of battle between alliances that wouldn't have had anything to do with one another otherwise. I know that it is my hope that after this is over, a lot of the old grudges will fall to the way side as we stumble out into a new way of doing things. If anyone in this collective has any brains at all, then that's what will happen. If not, then, oh well... maybe next year when everyone gets bored and decides to start poking at each other with pointed sticks again. Every ending brings about a new beginning, this is the way of life on Bob.

I think the only problems people have with either is that they constantly confuse the two, and that no other alliance is allowed on red team. Protecting unaligned nations is a good thing. Saying no one else is allowed on their playground is not. Seems to me that it would be in their best interests to bring in as many allies to that sphere as they possibly could if only for the trades. Unless of course, there is an ulterior motive for doing so. Otherwise, it makes no sense at all.

Just two more nations to go and it's a lock. I sent out a few PM's, hopefully we'll have some takers.

yeah what with all the EZI/PZI's being handed down and overly oppressive surrender terms and moles planted withing enemy and allied alliances alike yeah we're a lot like that...get a clue dude. If not for your sake but for the friends that are depending on you to put your best foot forward. Even though you're not an alliance...unless you are. Your definition of the word seems to vary with each post so it's hard to say. It's not getting through because we've all felt that sting and we're living proof that it's complete and total crap. Nobody cares what you do as long as you don't try to come in all puffed up and throwing your soaking wet 130 pounds around like we all owe you a living. That's not the way to do things, man. I'd be happy to assist you in improved foreign relations techniques. Who did you talk to? I know it wasn't us, and I doubt you came on IRC and talked to anyone I know(I haven't been on yet today and won't be until tomorrow). I don't see you masked on any of the alliance forums I'm on(quite a few). If you did talk to one of us, then who did you talk to that you're so steadfast in your claim that we wouldn't have taken you seriously? If that's what you want, you've gotta do a better job opening up the door to solid long lasting friendships. I'll give you a hint, they don't start with " I'll kick your $@! if you do this!" Whether you want to grow or not, respect is given where respect is shown. Oh, and as for your protection concerns? How well are they protecting you now? Obviously not very well if you gotta come in here with bass in your voice making demands. Not everyone in Karma techraids and not all techraiding alliances are affiliated with us. Do your homework before you start shooting off at the mouth. Perhaps if you had done so, so many wouldn't be mocking you now.

Unless he's actually fighting to take him down to Zero Infrastructure and hold him there even if mhawk re-rolls I really don't see how you can consider it either EZI/or PZI. A lot of people are fighting to get back into the game on their own terms. If that's what you're complaining about then I really don't know what to tell you. Well, I do know, but it would be inappropriate for this particular medium. That's really all there is left to say.

Oh not too terribly, but since I've been fighting this same fight for about a year or better I tend to think I have a pretty unique perspective on the current conflict and what got us to this point. Central to that point is a complete lack of mutual respect from one ruler to another. Not all enemies are created equal, bud. I don't like the terms that these guys got at all, but we have to live and learn. Only NPO and Co. claim to have never made any mistakes even while they continue to do so. We're only human. As I've said before... Nobody's going to get exactly what they want out of this mess. Not a single person is going to be completely happy with how this turns out, no matter how it turns out. I'll settle for contentment.

Let's see here, apparently you're not familiar with my credentials. Come to #Athens and we'll discuss that as it's ancient history and too boring for this sort of medium. I will tell you that I know exactly what my enemies are capable of. Hence, I show them the proper amount of respect so that I do not underestimate them. That would be a grievous mistake that I made once and shall not do ever again. Ya gotta understand that honor is given where honor is displayed. TSI is an honorable alliance not just because they fought and got peace, but because they accepted this heavy burden in order to protect those who look to them for such protection. They performed with class, conviction, and yes honor. I will treat them as such, if that's alright.

I think I said once before on here and elsewhere that nobody's going to get exactly what they want out of this. Now, Kevin...on to you... Yeah it does apply. To the many, many people who actively aided in NPO's atrocities or just sat and did nothing. You want to talk about honor? Let's analyze the word, and you tell me what you think it means: Honor: n. 1. High respect, as that shown for special merit; esteem: the honor shown to a Nobel laureate. 2. 1. Good name; reputation. 2. A source or cause of credit: was an honor to the profession. I have never experienced this sort of treatment from NPO even as a supposed ally. Then again, when I disagree with something I'm pretty vocal about it. I remember several occasions when I tried to behave in a manner of high respect when it came to my particular situation. I wasn't even allowed to state my case, as it was presented to me as a " You don't play or we won't let you play, take it or leave it" situation that doesn't jive. What it boils down to is, neither they nor anyone else but Lord Holy Admin has that right. Anyone who's willing to face the guns and defend our constant screams to be treated with high respect certainly deserves it. 3. 1. Glory or recognition; distinction. 2. A mark, token, or gesture of respect or distinction: the place of honor at the table. 3. A military decoration. 4. A title conferred for achievement. I wish I had been able to negotiate TSI's terms, but that sort of thing isn't up to me. I wish they had gotten much better, especially in light of what some others have been getting, however, it's simply not my call. TSI is an honorable alliance as I feel are many others on the other side of this little spat. I'd like to see more of those individual voices ring out across the field. What we get though are the same stock answers to our many different questions, which make it very hard to take your points and counterpoints seriously. 4. High rank. 5. The dignity accorded to position: awed by the honor of his office. 6. Great privilege: I have the honor to present the governor. 7. Honor Used with His, Her, or Your as a title and form of address for certain officials, such as judges and mayors: Her Honor the Mayor. This, I think we can all relate to. TSI's govt. deserve to be treated in such a fashion, If I were to name all the other alliances I felt also deserve to be treated in such a manner I'd think you would be surprised as it is a very long and eclectic list. I've made very good friends all over planet Bob and not just on the Karma side of the fence. 8. 1. Principled uprightness of character; personal integrity. 2. A code of integrity, dignity, and pride, chiefly among men, that was maintained in some societies, as in feudal Europe, by force of arms. 3. A woman's chastity or reputation for chastity. I'm sorry but I really don't see too much of this other than pride coming from the top dogs in the Hegemony. In fact, I remember a great many times when they would talk about honor and morality while forcing a knife in the back of just about anyone who wasn't up against the wall at that time. They've reneged on surrender terms, using it as a war tactic over and over again. They've used their considerable bulk to force others into isolating their own beloved Polaris brethren even as they were coming on here and spitting out bold-faced lies about "unbreakable bonds" and all that noise. Oh, and they tried to surrender before this fight even started(unless it was in fact another ploy, in either case it doesn't matter). Are these the actions of "honorable" people? I cannot comment about their chastity or lack thereof. tr.v., -ored, -or·ing, -ors. 1. 1. To hold in respect; esteem. 2. To show respect for. 3. To bow to (another dancer) in square dancing: Honor your partner. 2. To confer distinction on: He has honored us with his presence. 3. To accept or pay as valid: honor a check; a store that honors all credit cards. Ok, let's go over these...we're almost done. I know this sucks, but bear with me. This is what happens when you go throwing buzzwords around without putting any thought behind what you're actually saying. I've been guilty of it too, so don't feel bad. So, respect is bad according to NPO because nobody deserves it but them and their buddies, hence they refuse to show respect to those they view as "beneath them". The dance is still going so we'll see who bows to who there. I wouldn't call being in the presence of a Pacifican to be much of an honor except for a very rare few who have shown that they can think above their latest talking points. I'd say they racked up quite the bill and we're asking them to honor that check in blood, tech, and infra. Unless you want to pretend the last three years in CN never happened. idiom: honor bound 1. Under an obligation enforced by the personal integrity of the one obliged: I was honor bound to admit that she had done the work. This makes sense, people are honor bound to uphold their treaties. That much is a given. I ask you though, if you remember what the first thing that happened the day we declared war was? Oh yeah, mass cancellations and tons of back-pedaling until NPO's allies were goaded into fighting like little children on the playground who talked all tough until the bully got a broken nose. I'll say here and now, any alliance that jumped right in and defended their friends without hesitation have honor and deserve respect. The ones who did so only because they were rightfully exposed as too scared to fight the fight they've asked for(for at least the last two years I was on, anyway) do not. That's like saying " Wanna fight, !@#$%?" then when the kid with the glasses says "Yeah" and when it turns out he knows Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu you are like, "Yeah well, we'll just go over here then.". Yet, you still throw rocks from inside your glass houses held together with lies and misery. Problem is, doing all that caused you to destroy your own walls and now you've got nobody to blame but yourselves. I understand. I've made mistakes too. It sucks. So yeah, long story short. Don't talk about honor when you defend the dishonorable. Do your homework before you talk smack. Oh and many hails to TSI and the hopes of brighter days ahead for the good people who make that alliance and others like it what it is. They deserve my sympathy, NPO and their "lap dogs" (see what I did there?) do not. They certainly didn't show any when they had the chance, nor would they again. They've come right out and said as much. Their cries shall fill my bowl of fruity pebbles and will taste sweeter than any milk i can buy.

To be fair, NPO is extremely proficient in the "My nuts to your fist" style of kung-fu. Seriously, this is great news another deep cut for the stumbling beast. Hopefully they'll sink to the bottom with the rest of the dregs and stay that way, never again to appear in my morning coffee.

I see no real reason for anyone to be prohibited from reforming any alliance they want. The only exceptions to that rule would be any alliance that engages in illegal activities(illegal scripts, etc...) and things of that sort. Nothing wrong with seeking any advantage, but there are limits that must be maintained. That being said, I don't think any governing body except for High Lord Admin should make the call on whether or not certain people live or die together whatever the case may be.

The amount of respect being shown today is actually more than the amount of respect that was shown to us. It's about mutual respect and the lack thereof. [OOC] I think most of us would be more apt to act in a respectful manner if we weren't ridiculed for trying to bring that sort of thing into the game in the first place. I have no respect for someone that treats people like !@#$, nor will I ever. I have just enough respect to not underestimate them, and that's all they get until they prove that anything more would not be a complete waste of time and effort. That's jut my opinion based on my experiences in dealing with NPO mostly.[/OOC]

Put me down for Pigs/Spices. If we can, I'd like to stay on aqua. Thanks. Nation linky: http://www.cybernations.net/nation_drill_d...ation_ID=326059

When you guys are constantly spewing the same party line(in some cases) verbatim, how do you expect us to separate the truth from the sheer !@#$%^&* of it all? The fact is, you can't. Nor should any of us be expected to. When you were on top you guys talked about "No mercy" and all that jazz. Well you're not on top anymore. Some people are going to have it easier in this war than others. On both sides of the fence. I mean, let's be fair here. You guys had no problem endorsing so much worse, to complain now is laughable at best and an insult to any literate human being on these forums. It's real funny though. I've never really heard to many people in Karma talk to each other about moral rights and wrongs. I'd imagine since I speak to them more than you, let's pretend I know something you don't. What I have heard though, are questions of ethics. What is ethically acceptable to the inhabitants of this planet as a whole? I've said it once, I'll say it a thousand times. Morality is obsolete. You ask just about anybody they'll tell you that they are good and moral people, but what makes a person good and moral are hardly ever the same thing. The concept itself is even open to interpretation depending on who you ask. No sir, not for me. I prefer acceptable ethical standards that are much easier to agree on. You'll never hear me refer to anyone on your side as Immoral or any variant of the term. There are however some very unethical things your buddies have been up to that cannot be excused. Without ethics, a man is without logic or reason. That being said, our prophets here in The Wastes psang: "With dreams to be a king, first one should be a man I call about and charge them all with a life that is a lie And in their final hour they shall confess before they die" In one way or another Hegemony made us. All of us. We are the result of your failures. The cumulative evidence of past misdeeds, disrespects, and antagonisms. So, you can say whatever you like. It doesn't matter. This is what you've created, and you have nobody to blame but yourselves. So sit back, relax, and enjoy it, you guys definitely earned it.

My applause and kudos to you, sir. I appreciate the use of ribaldry and satire which were subtle yet poignant in their mockery of the absurd. I am Athens, and so can you! <Insert Politically Inflammatory Catchphrase Here!><Complicated Pictogram!>

Go get 'em! :jihad: :jihad: :jihad: :jihad:

Yes, for all your bleating about not showing your enemies any mercy keep on crying about not getting any. We don't have nearly enough of that, you cowards. You wanted to fight, you got the fight. Take your medicine. EDIT for clarity: This isn't about TSI, but about NPO and their dogs. I like TSI.