TheShammySocialist

Private After intense discussions within the high echelons of the Stormlands Government, the Council of Shields have internally issued its first defense review and official statistical review, named the 'First Stormyear Defense Forecast'. The purpose of this new report is to detail the military forces in raw numbers breakdown, including significant revisions made since the last defense report, which is now considered outdated. The numbers that the Council of Shields included in the report included systems or statistics that are considered to be target levels, and may not be presently met, but are expected to be met within the next eighteen to thirty-six months. As requested by the High Council, the Council of Shields broke down its statistics across the branches of the armed forces, and provided simplification for ease of understanding. Stormlands Ground Forces (SGF) 1.2 Million Combat Soldiers (Current Active Duty/Reserve Ratio 1:2) 100,000 Special Combat Personnel (Tier 1/2 SOFs, Domestic Security Support Personnel, Irregular Forces, CBRN Response/Direct Action Specialists) 6,000 Main Battle Tanks Circa 4,000-6,000 Artillery Pieces (All Types, most mortar systems not included) Circa +/- 7,000 Armored Personnel Carriers Circa +/- 4,000 IFVs Circa +/- 2,000 Helicopters (All types) Stormlands Air Forces (SAF) 1,500 Special Combat Personnel (Tier 1 SOF Operators, Air-to-Ground Special Operators, Irregular Forces, Combat SAR Infantry) 700 Arrow Stealth Air Superiority Fighters 1,000 Dart High Performance Multirole Fighters 450 Thunder Strategic Strike Bombers 240 King Raven Stealth Bombers 300 Eagle Tactical Strike Fighters 400 Javelina Combat Strike Aircraft Stormlands Navy (SN) Naval Assault Troops 175,000 Naval Assault Troops 2,500 Special Purpose Troops (Tier 1 SOF Operators, Boarding Personnel, Special Combat Response Infantry, Underwater Clearance Personnel) 684 Main Battle Tanks Circa +/- 500 Helicopters (All Types) 150 Javelina Combat Strike Aircraft 200 Lightning-B Stealth Multirole STOVL Fighters Combat Operations Fleet 5 Deity-class Air Combat Carriers (CVGs) 4 Arsenal-class Heavy Amphibious Assault Carriers 8 Inflexible-class Landing Helicopter Docks 5 Stork-class Amphibious Assault Ships 9 City-class Heavy Cruisers 15 Devastation-class Destroyers (13,000 Ton Class) 35 Cyclone-class Destroyers (10,000 Ton Class) 5 Windcall-class Light Destroyers (5,000 Ton Class) 25 Faithful-class Multipurpose/ASW Specialized Frigates 20 Victory-class Guided Missile Frigates 60 Swift-class Multimission Light Surface Combatant 25 Hunter-class Diesel/AIP Submarines 15 Shadow-class Diesel/AIP Submarines 20 Porpoise-class Nuclear Attack Submarines 10 Kraken-class Guided Missile Submarines Stormlands Naval Aviation 550 Dart-N High Performance Navalized Multirole Fighters 450 Stormcrow Stealth Multirole Fighters [OOC: Formulated with substitutions made for various equipment, full substitution record available upon request.]

Semi-Classified With much conflict about peripheries of the Stormlands' region of interest, the new development of large, mass-scale exercises in the Caribbean by Tikal was, to some extent, a concern. Although both Tikal and the Stormlands had a seemingly positive line of exchange, this did not detract with the concerns that the High Council had with general developments throughout the Atlantic world, and particularly the Caribbean, which represented almost half of the coastline and offshore islands that the Stormlands possessed. With this logic in hand, the Council of Shields was given permission to use whatever means it had at its disposal to monitor these large-scale exercises, so long that it "did not infringe upon the sovereignty of other nations to attain surveillance". To this end, the Council of Shields would assign the responsibility of this monitoring operation to the pilots and crews of the Stormland Navy's [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BAE_Systems_Nimrod_MRA4]Orca[/url] Maritime Patrol & Surveillance aircraft. A full squadron of twelve of these aircraft would be rotated into the naval air station located near the city of Crystal Waters in the northwestern portion of the great district of the Grand Headwaters. Flying with standard modular ELINT/SIGINT surveillance packages equipped, the large ungainly-looking Orca aircraft would fly in relays of three into the Caribbean, to monitor the large-scale exercises ongoing there. This surveillance would be round-the-clock, and would be supported by aerial refueling tankers positioned strategically to keep the aircraft in the air for eight hour shifts.

[b]Private[/b] Although the steady loud whirring of the helicopter blades drowned out most normal voices, if it didn't completely give you a migraine headache, it didn't drown out the voice of thinking in ones head. This was something that Rhaemon Rhys'gar was thankful for as he wistfully peered out the open side door of a medium utility helicopter at the sea of green beneath him. The helicopter was bearing he and his associates, belonging to the newly-formed 330th Lancers on a routine sovereignty patrol along the relatively poorly-demarcated border of the Inner Amazonas Grand District, and Euphaia. Although he was certainly not required to participate in such escapades, field commanders were generous with their praise that a high ranking Council member accompanied the soldiers on patrols. These types of moves were not only a small boost to morale, but also a boon for political propaganda purposes, showing the nations' leaders about being concerned in day-to-day operations of individuals and a credible security concern that was relevant to all Stormlanders. 'And they say democracies are the only ones who care about the welfare of a state, Pah!' though Rhaemon, his lips upturning into a slight smirk as they overflew a couple clearings. Some of the operators accompanying him seemed to get a little more observant when they passed over such openings in the thick green canopy of jungle beneath them. Rhaemon was a staunch supporter of the system of governance that the Stormlands possessed, anything less of what they had now, was appalling within his own mind. He was a man who was of the opinion, that any government that claimed to have its fate in the hands of the people, was either lying, or completely ignorant of how governments actually worked. Some of his fellow High Council members thought that the system of government was too stringent, and had bowed to give the people a representative court to voice their opinions in. That was all well and good, and as far as Rhaemon would ever want to see it. The oligarchs who sat on the High Council made the decisions that needed to be made, because they were the decisive people that knew their roles, knew how to perform them, and were there for a reason. Why did they need to be replaced if they were doing their jobs? Rhaemon had been one of the few people who had laughed following the mediation failures between the Commonwealth and Quebec, not because it was a failure of diplomacy, but of what kind of terms the Commonwealth was forcing on another country. Rhaemon had very low opinions of military dictators; regimes made from former officers and leaders of men were typically rigid, not compassionate enough, and thought that martial abilities and organization that the military brought with it could save or run a country. There was little truth in that, sure, a military dictatorship that turned into one run by professional civilians who could control the military was one thing, but military dictators who just clung to power were nothing more than autocrats with little sense of vision or nationalism. Promoting liberal democracy was all well and good in his book, but if it wasn't going to create effective governance, than the people who were decisive enough to ensure that effective governance should take the reins. Democratic governance did not make sense to people who didn't care to understand it, nor did it make sense to people who felt disinclined to be part of the system. It was why the Stormlands had developed in the way that it did, most average citizens did not care who was in charge, so long as they could do their jobs, ensure that they had a chance to at least have a semblance of comfortable life, and try to enjoy the luxuries they could get their hands on. This was typified by the Inner Amazonas that Rhaemon was now flying over, this was a region run by local strongmen and individuals who held sway over other citizens, it wasn't democratic, nor would it respond well to democracy. Sure, it had representatives at a district and national level, but at the basic level, this region was one where tribalism ruled supreme, and for someone like Rhaemon, it was a reason why the Stormlands existed. Strongmen who had too much power, or did not answer to the state had been driven off or forced to relinquish their power, in their stead, it was people who were loyal to the government that kept the peace, that kept the social structure in order. Citizens had created the state, in the first place, to protect them and their families from harm, it was one of the most fundamental reasons for communal governance since the dawn of man. For a man like Rhaemon, the state created order, purpose, and opportunity, it would help those who wanted to be helped and actively sought it. It didn't tolerate unproductive members of society, it protected the weak who needed protecting and would keep in check those who would intentionally harm others. That was the duty of a Council member, who was not just an oligarch, they served the nation as a whole, they were a servant of the people, whether the people realized that or not. They kept their jobs based on the merit of their service to the people. It was this fundamental understanding that Rhaemon had, that gave him scathing opinions of those who would dismiss forms of governance just because they might not have elections for national leaders or referendums. The people in governance were there to make decisions for the good of the people, not just one part of society. Rhaemon smiled as he looked out at the seemingly lawless sea of green beneath him, and then at the soldiers that sat around him in the helicopter. Like them, he was a keeper of the peace, like them, he held a great power, but that came with supreme responsibility. These were burdens he would bear until he was dismissed or old age took him, but it was a burden and a challenge he ultimately enjoyed altogether.

[b]Classified[/b] Despite possessing a large swath of land in northern South America, the Council of Shields have begun to move forward, with the blessing of the High Council, with its' newest adopted defense measure; the Strategic Depth Initiative, in order to improve and ultimately strengthen the Stormlands' defense infrastructure. Although the country already had invested and was utilizing defense infrastructure built upon by regimes that had been active in the region, this would be the biggest effort yet to devise a national-wide strategy to ensure that even in the face of the most ferocious of strikes from strategic weapons, the military forces of the Stormlands would continue to be able to operate at a "satisfactory level, conducive with national defense goals and maintaining the integrity of the nation". Although there was much emphasis on aerial power in this day and age, these reforms and improvements would be extended to all branches of the armed forces, ensuring the ability for all of them to continue to perform their basic functions in defending the nation in the face of a massive multi-front war. This meant putting an emphasis not only on protecting existing assets like aircraft at airbases, barracks, motor pools, and shipyards, this meant strengthening the supporting facets for these facilities. To protect this vital supporting infrastructure meant relocating and reconstructing existing structures, like constructing reinforced underground fuel tanks at air fields and major military bases, building strengthened underground arsenals with climate control systems to control interior moisture and keep stored systems at an optimal temperature, building underground spare parts storage lockers in strengthened structures, and keeping spare electronic equipment within specially designed electromagnetically-cloaked rooms to resist electromagnetic pulse attacks. These constructions, particularly of fuel tanks and strategically-placed spare parts bunkers, would take place away from main runways and the flight line on air bases, with fuel lines being drilled and installed to fuel distribution points along the tarmac or at refueling truck stations. Fuel could be distributed to these strategic refueling tanks from offsite connection pipelines, whose location was usually masked by some sort of utility access point. The sites on the bases were specifically chosen out of the way of the main facilities to help mask their true use in wartime, and construction of the facilities was typically done in conjunction with nearby buildings being built for other, less important uses. On top of these measures, many bases were provided with large, very basic electrical generating equipment, that could still function after a spate of electromagnetic attacks, and be used to produce power for emergency floodlights and other basic working equipment that would be extremely useful in restoring base operations after an attack. Other efforts were made to ensure that spare equipment could be kept in off-base locations, and the military would ensure this by keeping notaries of large warehouses and storage facilities in areas that could have containers moved on site in relatively short periods of time. To protect against large aerial strikes, aircraft shelters were constructed utilizing the most advanced construction techniques available, including deep short-span castellated steel beams with tension connections, embedded in thick reinforced concrete and supporting steel framing with attached dampers to flex under the weight of sudden shockwaves. With reinforced steel doors and an earthen construction on top, these shelters could typically hold one to two fighter-sized aircraft and dotted the landscape around a base runway system. Although not completely immune to attack, it would typically require an attacker to target these structures individually, rather than be able to wipe out whole lines of aircraft along a tarmac system with one or two weapons. These structures also provided security from overhead surveillance and sheltered maintenance crews when doing routine work on their aircraft. These efforts were made in a conjunction with added air raid shelter systems to protect support personnel at bases around the nation, along with military families that resided on the bases themselves. These facilities would be equipped not only with strengthened overhead and sidewall protection, but also security against NRBC threats in the event of an asymmetric attack. This effort would be made in conjunction with efforts to provide the national armed forces with a "superlative and satisfactory" number of spare parts for all forms of military equipment in peace time in order to "ensure that a necessary stockpile was available in the event of conflict".

[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.

[OOC: If you want to do "fluff" RP, address me a diplomatic dispatch or something if you want to address something. Or [i]ask[/i] for a meeting.]

[OOC: Don't roleplay my characters, please and thank you.]

[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'.

Six days is enough time, I have no problem accepting this request.

"As a courtesy to the Imperium, the Stormlands hereby opens aerial logistical and combat routes for its use for the duration of this conflict and in the interests of ensuring peace and stability in South America. The Stormlands also confirms its stance that it will use whatever means necessary to protect its interests in the region, especially ensuring the safety and security of its free citizens." --- Although not completely overt, following the incursion into Argentina, Stormlands' military assets in the Amazonas Territories stepped up visible operations by considerable margins, with sovereignty patrols along the border with heliborne troops and surveillance drones. Instead of sitting at base and waiting for fire missions, the Council of Shields approved round-the-clock patrols by Javelina Strike Aircraft, supported at a distance by Eagle Tactical Strike Fighters. Although approved by Euphaia to dispatch one hundred peacekeepers into the nation, the Stormlands opted for a much more subtle approach; aerial surveillance. Utilizing low-observable, long-endurance UAVs, the Stormlands' Air Forces began its largest surveillance campaign to date, sending three UAVs over Euphaia to conduct EO/SAR imaging intelligence missions, along with SIGINT operations, all aimed at gaining a measure of situational knowledge. These missions would be conducted under total blackout conditions, although a closed friendly notice would be sent to the Imperium, noting that Stormlands unmanned intelligence gathering craft were in the air and any relevant intelligence would be passed along after being analyzed and disseminated.

Rhaemon Rhys'gar would greet the Euphaian diplomat at Stahel International Airport, having been dispatched on the behalf of the High Council to take care of this sudden diplomatic visit. Unaccustomed to typical diplomatic meetings, Rhaemon would sit quietly as the Euphaian made his case to the Stormlander, the SUV they were sitting in not moving from its place on the tarmac. "The Stormlands' Council of Shields and High Council send their regards Mr. Secretary, but they're very reluctant to relay equipment to an embattled regime, when we cannot guarantee the stability of your nation. The retreat of your military forces in the face of a rebel group makes the situation very delicate and intricate, and I'm afraid we cannot allow for the transfer of military weaponry. That said, we are very concerned about the situation on the ground in Euphaia, and therefore, the Stormlands will be taking steps to support your government in our own way. The Council of Shields have approved steps to be taken to suppress these rebel groups, and these steps will begin over the next twenty four hours," stated Rhaemon, in a curt sounding voice.

Working over the course of a full week to get the referendum organized in Northern Mexico, the task force assembled from the Administrations of the Exterior and Progressive National Development labored furiously to organize polling stations. They also organized security for balloting stations and for ballot-carrying convoys. Developing a strong working relationship with local police and constabulary forces, by the time referendum day had come around, the task force had gotten all bases covered to ensure a smooth voting day was to ensue. The balloting would stretch into the night, with the last votes going out at eight at night local time, before the ballots would be taken to a vote counting station. When all was said and done, Tikal would receive a large number of ballots in several of the southern states of the disputed region, with a majority of votes favoring absorption into Tikal. These states would be; Colima, Jalisco, Guanajuato, San Luis Potosi, Aguascalientes, Zacatecas, and Nayarit. Surprisingly, several of the northern states would vote for independence from both states, requesting to form a new autonomous region, these states being; Baja California, Baja Cali. Sur, Sonora, Sinaloa, Chihuahua, Durango, Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, and Tamaulipas.

[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.

[b]Secure Dispatch[/b] "With the apparent destabilization of the both the North and South Atlantic, and the proximity of Gabon to the conflict in the Cape, the High Council has become concerned with the deployment of large numbers of Stormlands civilians in Gabon. To allay these fears, and protect our interests in Gabon, namely our citizens, we would like to make the request that we be allowed to deploy a naval assault troop battalion combat team to Gabon. We hope that this request is acceptable to the Gabonese government and we hope that you understand our position with these unstable events that are unfolding throughout the Atlantic theater." [i]From the Administration of the Exterior[/i]

Y'know, there would probably be more willingness to fight, if it weren't implied they'd get curbstomped by another global power for entering the fray. Just saying.

Keep it in the OOC thread.

"The Stormlands Government questions the validity of the claims that these rebels can get support from rebel groups or self defense groups that does not exist... the FARC has not existed for many years, and there is no recorded armed insurrection ongoing in the Stormlands. Nor does the Stormlands government condone the use of self-defense groups to support its regime, the Stormlands armed forces are more than capable of handling such pitiful bands of insurrectionists. Not to mention, Colombia no longer exists as a nation, but is a [url=http://forums.cybernations.net/index.php?/topic/121143-murmurs-in-the-howling-winds/?p=3245235]district[/url] within the Stormlands."

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.

"Has there been any change with you position, Madame Valmy? After your phone call? If you mind me asking?" asked Taman, watching the Quebecois representative step back into the room and find her seat once again. Rafael stayed by the balcony, looking down at the garden, seemingly in deep thought.

"It has been some time since Americans have come to blows in war, and if these talks were to break down, I fear that result," stated Rafael, with a sigh heaved, his eyes surveying the garden below him. "We were hoping to gather regional powers together for talks in the coming months, and until this came about, I was looking forward to that moment. Its been some time since the Americas have had, what I consider, to be very competent leadership spread amongst our two continents." "If there is to be a deal here, I believe the best system to enact would be some sort of stepped progress, I think that's only way to deal with this situation. We need hard commitments made, I think there has been a gross misunderstanding between your two regimes here. The determination to fight a war, if needed, seems to be strong with both of your nations, but I daresay neither of you want to actually come to that point. But as you yourself have said, Mr. Martinez, there is a point where options have been exhausted diplomatically. That said, as long as you two still believe you can sit at this table and work towards something, the Lord Protector and I will be here," nodded Taman, his eyes grim, but his tone full of determination.

Both Rafael and Taman would let the two representatives exchange back and forth before the Quebecois stood up to make contact with her government. Rafael would nod to an aide who was standing off to the side to escort her, and the aide would open the door, and explain that they had a secure phone link that she could use to communicate with Quebec. Taman sat back in his chair and poured himself another glass of water, whilst Rafael stood up to fix himself something that was a little more stronger. "I wasn't sure if the Commonwealth was going to dispatch someone down, I was pleasantly surprised when they did so," remarked Taman, looking over at Martinez. "The concern for peace in North America stretches beyond the continent," interjected Rafael, as he walked over to the balcony and observed the large gardens below. "The crisis that the Commonwealth faces is one that has implications across the hemisphere."

"The Stormlands can provide a viable source of security should third party enforcement become and issue, and I'm certain that there would be other nations that would be willing to step up to the plate, if further needed," stated Rafael, trying to allay some concerns that Martinez had about a potential shortage of third party members that could provide enforcement. "[I]If[/I] a demilitarized zone were to be accepted and set up, what kind of guarantees can Quebec provide the Commonwealth that a civilian authority will overtake the current military regime? And beyond referendums, how can we provide assurances to allay fears that Quebec will not use a withdrawal of Commonwealth troops to its advantage? Right now, it is my opinion, that this be a step by step process, that allows for one party to make good on their assurances, which then unlock the other party to then act on their own. If a DMZ were to be set up, it could be initially patrolled by third-party peacekeepers to allow for the continued feeling of security by your civilians, Mr. Martinez," offered Taman, his eyes looking between the two delegates quickly. "These are all ideas I'm throwing out here, I sincerely believe we are on to something here."

Rafael seemed to be a little more expressive when the two seemed to be putting out their statements, which were a step in the right direction. Albeit a small step, there was some progress he believed to be seeing, and he looked between the two of them. "Instead of outright territorial concessions, perhaps a demilitarized zone on the south bank of the St. Lawrence, and an international naval task force in the Gulf of St. Lawrence to help keep the peace there? That would help alleviate some concerns on the part of Quebecois, and would be measures that could be a step forward in long term solutions. I suggest that any referendums held, would have third party monitors, perhaps ones from our nation, or Tikal, or other non-aligned nations?"

1-70 Success 71-100 Failure 97 11 One success, one failure, guv'na.

Rafael seemed to make some notes as both representatives spoke, noting the responses from each, the Lord Protector keeping an expressionless face as he made notes. Taman looked between the two representatives as they spoke, keeping a enigmatic look on his face as they spoke, the smile was gone, but the same grim determination remained in his eyes as he took a sip of water. He read something on his computer tablet for a moment before setting it down and blackening the screen. The wicker chair creaked a little as he sat back in it. "Well then," Taman said, clearing his throat. "Now that we've established that, and knowing what both parties have laid out at the moment, what is either side willing to offer as concessions right now? Perhaps one of you could string together a demand made for an offered concession? I sincerely hope that the demands laid out have some play involved in them? They can't be as intractable as they are now, or else these negotiations were all for naught."