lordliam

[b]The North Sea Theatre[/b] The First Alba Battle Group managed to escape most English electronic warfare and keep their wits about them. The complex attack pattern was predicted but the fleet knew that defeat was very likely due to simply the number of enemy vessels, their superior technology and the sheer number of missiles being launched. After spotting multiple missiles being launched, the fleet was ordered to attempt to spread out and head North-East. When changing direction, all ships were ordered to turn off all their systems and propulsion. The plan was to attempt to trick at least the enemy's sub-sonic missiles in to missing their targets by denying them tracking opportunities and launching flares in directions that would cause seeking software to be disturbed. Those that would not use heat or inertial tracking would be attempted to be shot down. Many missiles missed their mark. Turns out those were fakes, fed to Scotian radars by the English. The defensive order was reasonably successful. All around the Scottish fleet, missiles missed their mark and sank in to the North Sea, but many were still effective in landing hits. Three Corvettes, and Two Cruisers were sunk in a glorious balls of flame. A Frigate and a Destroyer were also struck. Fire breaks out on both vessels and crews scramble to contain the damage. They are not yet sunk but had their effectiveness essentially taken away, with no propulsion and many missile ports on fire. The Fleet contemplated contacting shore to catch up on the political situation, and see if a negotiated surrender was perhaps on the way, but no attempts at contact were responded to as military communications have not yet been restored. Thus the Type 46 Destroyers of the English fleet were targeted with a dozen missiles each. It was ascertained that these would be easier targets to hit first compared to the super carriers that would have many screens. [b]On The Rig[/b] "Try again." The radios crackled but no response came. It took a while for McGregor to accept, but it finally hit him that all of Scotia was cut off from the rest. "Damn it. What if we sent back a boat?" Sutherland responded: "Are you daft? We came all the way out here, I don't want to go back to negotiate some surrender. Let the President do it." "Boss, you saw those ships. Our navy's gonna get blown to bits. We should have just surrendered to the English. Saves a lot of bloodshed." "They're not going to touch the rig. And no body on the rig is going to touch us. This is really just a stalling measure. We can finally have this place all to our selves once peace is negotiated. Just give it time McGregor. The most important thing right now, is that every one listens to me." "That'll be easy, eh? With those hired guns of yours." "They didn't take the fact that we're being blockaded well but it's alright. They know they're not likely to die on this hunk of metal. They'll obey." Both men nodded. The sounds of missiles being launched could be heard from miles away but they were satisfied knowing that those sounds were not meant for them. At least for the moment. e (OOC): Edited first part a bit and increased losses after GM rulings.

[img]http://img843.imageshack.us/img843/1450/spai.png[/img] I'm going to go out on a limb and assume that I'm able to ask for 2 intelligence rolls on Zoot. One for stopping the worms and viruses in Scotian military communications and another to attempt to deploy anti-disruption software for Scotia Oil's corporate navy.

"Are you sure that you are able to employ us legally?" The gruff man asked. Chairman Sutherland snapped: "What does "legally" even mean any more? Haven't you heard about the collapse of the government? Get yer arse on the boat, I'm paying you for this and you know that you're not likely to die. We just need a few guns on SORO to take care of any potential problems with the roughnecks. They might try funny things now that they aren't protected by the law and neither is the Company. You know this. Are you saying that your supposedly brave men from the Western Isles are complete wusses? Get a move on!" The man shrugged and began boarding the container ship. The rest of the armed group soon followed. Sutherland's breath was visible in the cold night air. He brought the short-range communicator to his lips and whispered: "Sutherland here, McGregor, do you hear me? I can see that your ship hasn't left yet. Tell those filthy meatshields to get a move on." "McGregor here, loud and clear. We're almost done, Mr. Chairman. Only about 100 civilians left to board." "Good. Hurry up. The Rig Police Force is ready." "You never consulted the Board of Directors on the name, sir." Both men laughed. It didn't take long for the small fleet of container ships containing weapons, men hired to hold them, civilians, various industrial equipment and several metric tons of gold and silver to slip about 20 nautical miles away from port in Aberdeen and dock at the only place in the Republic of Scotia that the government had no effective jurisdiction. Posing as humanitarian aid, they easily slipped past the English blockade. The First Alba Battle Group received orders scrawled on pieces of paper from the Chairman. They were delivered by car: "You are to defend the assets of the Company". Although its mission was nebulous, the crew understood the severity of the situation. The fleet soon set sail.

Never mind.

The Chairman of Scotia Oil appeared in front of a crowd today: "Ahem, Prime Minister Fisher, you do realize that the Republic of Scotia government no longer has control over what goes on aboard that rig. Furthermore, it is very English of you to go ahead and try to seize what the Scots have created through hard work instead of developing your own fields in your own sea space. It seems to us that neither the Scotian government nor its people have the will or means to wage a war. Despite this, I am terribly sorry about to say but if your intention is to seize our rig, it is not going to happen. With our newly found profits Standard Oil has commissioned a navy to protect our assets, most of which comes from abandoned German vessels. But we'll have you know that it is quite enough to protect the interests of the Company. Our so-called government will cower in fear but deep pockets don't disappoint. Black gold will continue to flow and I'll be damned if any lousy Englishman is going to stop me." Following the statement, indeed the First Alba Battle Group set sail to defend Scotia Oil Rig One.

Production at Scotia Oil Rig One has begun and the second stage of construction is about to begin. The new expansion would include expanded living quarters, a shop and a large greenhouse filled with water-based plants as an on-rig food source to reduce dependence on shipping from the Scotian mainland. When questioned about the feasibility of the greenhouse, the Minister of Energy waved his hand and said that with there would be in fact enough space on the rig to apparently recycle the fecal material of rig members and turn it into a nutrient broth solution. Reporters seemed squeamish and did not pursue the line of questioning further. "For now we will be simply testing the rig, basically. Training the crew, let them get the hang of it. The oil produced will be piped out to a refinery near Aberdeen and from there will be distributed for domestic use."

Most of the Scotian delegation was taken slightly aback. Chairman Sutherland quickly recovered though, and continued: "Well then that's another matter altogether. I'd assume that we weren't thinking big enough up to now. It is true that we would like to develop as much of the field as possible, yes. But financing has been a problem. Are you sure that there is enough demand for our product at this time for it to be worth the investment?" The Chairman knew that Scotia's oil was perhaps the only thing it had going, so he was careful to make it seem like he would give up control of the lion's share of benefits to a foreign entity, no matter how friendly.

[quote] To: Prime Minister Max Fisher That would be wonderful. I trust that there will be no altercations at the border, hm? I will be informing you of my date of arrival posthaste. Thank you. Best wishes, President Sinclair of Scotia [/quote]

BUMP FOR AN AWESOME ALLIANCE, OBV.

Annabelle Hartley, the Scotian representative, rose following Fisher's comments: "Hold up a minute, the Republic of Scotia barely has any formal relations and as such this European treaty would have immense repercussions for our nation. We do not want to be locked in to a position that we can not get out of but we would also like to be supported as a small nation that has resources. Is there any way that this compact would not cement us together in terms of foreign affairs but still offer a means to cooperate?"

Finally, Chairman Sutherland rose to the occasion and decided to speak. "Ahem, it seems to me that what the Irish delegation is trying to imply is that this venture will be jointly operated. I'm sorry but the rig is squarely in our exclusive economic zone, a little way off the territorial waters. I doubt that there will be any chance to cooperate on the project. As you know, production is actually slated to begin soon. The only problem is that there is a lack of consumption in Scotia itself. If the rig were to open, it would most likely lead to a loss for Scotia Oil. What we have offered here is energy security, not a business opportunity, is that correct, Mr. President?" President Sinclair very obviously wanted to cooperate with the Irish, but the rig was already built and financed with Scotian Pounds. It was very unlikely that Scotia Oil would want to risk shipping product all over the world though, so what it truly wanted was perhaps a couple of safe customers so that Scotia's economy would finally get going again after years of festering under German protection. "It does seem like now there is a death of opportunities to cooperate on the rig itself, but would the Irish delegation be interested in a joint pipeline for delivery, perhaps? Thus the dollar value for the rig itself would be zero, since it's close to being finished in any case. The pipeline however, that's perhaps a different story."

"We understand that you're concerned about our political status. That's to be expected. Alright it seems as though we have agreed that we are interested in pursuing some sort of economic deal involving our oil, is that correct? Well then what would you say to a proposal that we go visit the rig itself?"

So proud. [spoiler][img]http://i0.kym-cdn.com/entries/icons/original/000/002/796/447px-Manlytears3.jpg[/img][/spoiler] Onwards to 3mil!

The room was large and well-lit with ceiling lights. Harsh, bright lights. Anxious lights. The floral prints on the walls betrayed the piece's original purpose of the conference room as a dancehall from centuries past. But that was then and this is now. The delegation was small. It didn't need be large. The Minister of Trade, Foreign Relations, Natural Resources, President Sinclair and Chairman Sutherland of Scotia Oil were all there. The President clearly thought that the extra bodies were unnecessary but the rest of his cabinet insisted. He was in no position to oppose and in any case it would be a lot more trouble than it was worth. So instead he decided to try and hit as many points as possible to stop the others from talking. "Welcome Mr. Prime Minister. I'm quite glad that you could attend today. There are a few things on the agenda that I would like to discuss with you. I'm sure these are also at the top of your list. I'm sure you've heard about Scotia Oil Rig One. We'd be overjoyed if you would sign a trade agreement with us for energy. There's a lot of black gold under the North Sea and with Irish investments we can all contribute to the energy independence of the British Isles as well as provide cheap fuel and growth for both our nations. Second is perhaps defence. It's no secret that Scotia's army is currently weak. It does seem like we're trying to mooch and pressure you into helping our young nation but you have to understand our position. I'm sure that the Germans aren't looking at us too kindly and there's no telling what the English might want to do to us at the moment." The President took a deep breath. "I truly thank you again for coming. You do realize that the Irish are perhaps our only option at the moment but I assure your delegation again that your efforts will be repaid in kind soon enough." The rest of the delegation felt rather offended that the President wouldn't let them have a chance at opening remarks but they were soon enough slowly introduced. The men were wrought with nervousness but they all feigned calmness and excitement. Sutherland clasped his hands together as the President spoke and stared across the table. His scraggy chin showed wisdom but his eyes were filled with contempt for the man who waxed poetic endlessly at his expense.

The Ministry of Energy and Scotia Oil have announced the successful completion of the first phase of Scotia Oil Rig One. Production is slated to begin after safety inspections have been conducted and a few extra crew members have been transported to the rig.

[quote]Edinburgh International Airport Air Traffic Control here. Irish C-130 you are cleared to land on Scotia Air Force Base Edinburgh South. The President and a few fellow Senators are waiting to meet the Irish delegation. Have a nice stay here in Scotia![/quote]

Hand delivered to the office of Prime Minister Best: [quote]Peace be with you George Best! I see that you have addressed the entirety of the Senate, but I have found it necessary to reply personally. It is with great enthusiasm that I shall personally invite you to Edinburgh to discuss trade relations. As nations on the British Isles we have many reasons to be close to each other and I hope that the Scots and the Irish will be able to get along in this world. Regards, Donathan Sinclair.[/quote]

Principality of Zeon was about as cool as this guy: [img]http://i2.kym-cdn.com/entries/icons/original/000/006/569/title.jpg[/img] And instead of moving on, it looks like one member still is.

I'm all for things in orbit, but beyond the solar system is just a bit ridiculous.

Most people have realized that this game isn't as fun as it is since a week after they started playing and were more or less forced to join an AA. Stop trying to be edgy HoT. You can't fault top-tier alliances for playing the game in an efficient way.

The Senate has recently passed a bill allowing Scotia Oil the exclusive right to develop Scotia's offshore oil. The value of the company has gone up and with a combination of borrowed money, personal fortunes and a national lottery, plans to construct Scotia Oil Rig One have been finalized. Engineers and roughnecks are clamouring for a chance to leave the mainland and get good paying work.

You guys are welcome to join, you know. DW there's room for every one on the AA.

[quote name='Bernkastel' timestamp='1350158518' post='3041139'] Care to waste time recruiting me again, Elrich? I'm always game for it. [/quote] Don't worry we'll shower you with just as much attention as before.

[quote name='Nemhauser' timestamp='1350139732' post='3041072'] Hey LSF, maybe these guys will fight your wars. [/quote] Count on it.

The pink flower flag will fly forever fly on in my heart. Here's to the start of a new era. o7