Lestari

"I think it goes without saying that nothing decided by this conference or by the organisation borne of it is worth much if it does not have the popular approval of its constituents," Isabel remarked, as a general comment, and perhaps partially in responce to Otero-- though that was more particularly covered by her next statement. "That applies also to any expansion by any established nation, if that's what you're commenting on. These are not principles, I think, we need to worry about, as I think most of us here not only abide by those principles but recognise that it simply stands to reason that, in these kinds of discussions and decisions, the voice of the people of the territory in question deserves to speak with the greatest authority."

As its passengers seated themselves comfortably within, the car departed the little airport, eventually finding itself on the road that led to the town of Castanhal, not far ahead. The car eventually emerged out onto a road that ran along a bluff overlooking the beach and the flawless azure waves that lapped at the flaxen sands, and the cool chill of the sea, tinged with its characteristic scent, filtered into the car through the half-opened windows. "You'll have to forgive me for asking a question that's undoubtedly been put to you in every country you've visited..." Isabel reluctantly shattered a sublime silence, looking to the two South Africans with a vague smile pulling at the corners of her lips, though it was fleeting. "How has South Africa fared?" And sure enough, as the jocund tones faded from her voice, so too did her expression (though there was always, it seemed, a hint of that laid-back insouciance lurking there-- simply an indispensable aspect of her mannerism, one supposed). "It's my admittedly paltry understanding that the Mozambique region is experiencing a certain discord in the wake of South Africa's independence." Isabel had sought, to be sure, to glean at the very least an adequate understanding of the status of post-independence South Africa in the time preceding the arrival of President Paton. This meeting with the South African head of state, though certainly not destined to be the site of major political discussion, was not only to set the tone for future Paráense - South African relations, but it also marked the first real foray of the Republic into international politics. It was not a secret that Pará's foreign policy since its inception had been predominantly South American-centric, and even then, for an extensive period through the middle of the Republic's life its foreign policy perhaps merited the term of isolationism. But that was not a state of affairs Isabel would tolerate for long. The Republic was at last freeing itself of its demons-- the phantoms of overpopulation and intermittent poverty that had long haunted Pará, standing as stubborn obstacles to the premier's efforts. Now, the Republic of Pará was ready to assert itself, in South America and across the globe, as a player on the international economic and diplomatic stage. And this first meeting with South Africa, an encounter certainly valuable in and of itself, was to be the first step in that bigger picture.

"Well met, Premier Vieira," President Paton replied, reciprocating the handshake firmly. "A pleasure to make your acquiantance. I daresay this is probably the first time I haven't been greeted with a bustling metropolis as a backdrop." "I suspected as much," Isabel smiled good-naturedly. "If you'll forgive the presumption, I felt you might appreciate a break from the cityscape for a while. I know I certainly do. That said, shall we go on? This car--" She gestured to the simple silver automobile not far behind, large enough for herself and the South African delegation. "-- will bear us towards the coast, where we can sit down, talk, and perhaps enjoy a cup of erva-mate chá." OOC: Sorry for the short responce, didn't have much time. Enough, hopefully, to keep things rolling.

It was not an ideal circumstance-- with little information on the candidates, and certainly little other than the word of those nominating those candidates to go on. Perhaps this was expressed in the minute twinge of vexation in Isabel's voice as she said, "Well, both candidates, from what I am told, offer certainly adequate qualifications; however, between the two, I am inclined at the moment towards Antonio Silva."

Castanhal was by all regards a small town-- a quiet little place that lay comfortably along the eastern coast of Pará, where its populace enjoyed an idyllic existence as though forgotten by the passage of time and the chaotic machinations of the world beyond. Among tourists it knew little reputation, and it was often overlooked in favour of the larger, more affluent cities that dotted the coastline, each resplendent with a lively day life, a gleaming night life, and modern attractions to satisfy any visitor, from deeper within Pará and from nations beyond. No such influx of tourism had homely little Castanhal ever known. Perhaps it was for this reason Premier Isabel Vieira held the town with such high regard-- considered it a retreat from the day to day business of Amazônia, from the hectic pandemonium that seemed to dominate the world beyond Castanhal. Perhaps for that same reason was it that Isabel opted often to host foreign delegations here in this coastal sanctum: lacking though it was in the grand sights offered by the capitol, or by other larger metropolitan cities, Castanhal compensated with a simplistic, picturesque beauty-- the quiet sublimity of nature that spoke in a voice much grander and much more majestic than any of man's ephemeral feats of engineering and architecture. Every head of state needed a retreat from the pandemonium that all too easily swallows up the life of one tasked with overseeing and guiding an entire nation, Isabel felt-- and in that respect, she had Castanhal. The premier was there, waiting, at the tarmac of a small airport located not far from the town, watching as the plane that bore the South African president and his delegation descended from the skies and touched down, coming to a halt before Isabel and the car that was to bear them into Castanhal, to the coast. Not long after, the flight staircase unfurled, and provided a bridge on which President Adolph Paton and his delegation could descend to the approaching premier. "Good afternoon, President Paton, Mr. Zawilza," Isabel greeted him pleasantly, extending a hand first to him, and then to the man she marked to be the South African Chief of Staff, Roland Zawilza. "Welcome to Castanhal, and to Pará."

The Republic of Pará would be pleased to host a South African delegation.

Classified Information In Brackets The Navy's second aircraft carrier, the NAP Escudo, has followed the NAP Rei into Paráense waters, [and has joined the bulk of the Paráense Navy in conducting joint exercises with the army and the air force to measure the capabilities of the military and its personnel. Much of the exercises are to consist of anti-submarine warfare exercises, as well as tests of anti-air capabilities, anti-missile interception, and tactical coordination. The military has also begun development of the MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial combat vehicle, which has conducted its first flight trial; a number of small but definite design errors noted following the flight have necessitated that initial production be postponed until performance flaws are ironed out completely. The air force has begun phasing out Su-25M air superiority fighters and replacing them with F-22 Raptors, and the process is expected to be completed by the end of the year. One hundred ASLAV III AFVs have been produced, with another hundred more on order, and an official review of the state of the armed forces has been ordered by the premier.] Paráense Army Active personnel: 436,264 Reserve personnel: 95,000 Main Battle Tanks: 5,312 M1A1 Abrams MBTs in service Infantry Fighting Vehicles- - 150 ASLAV IIIs - 360 Boxer APC modules - Artillery- - 182 PzH2000 - 392 M270 MLRS - 24 9A52-4 Tornado MLRS - 102 S400 Surface To Air Missile System - 5 S500 Anti-ICBM Anti-EW Missile System Paráense Air Force 230 F35 Lightning Air Superiority Fighters 195 F22 Raptor Air Superiority Fighters 120 F-16 Fighting Eagle Fighter Bombers 46 AC-130J Spectre Ground Attack Crafts 61 A-10A Thunderbolt Ground Attack Crafts 101 B-2 Spirit Strategic Bombers 37 B-1 Lancer Strategic Bombers 24 E-3 Sentry AWACS 100 V-22 Osprey VSTOL Transport 96 C-130J Super Hercules Transport 10 KC-10 Extender Tankers 36 RQ-170 Sentinel UAV 105 MQ-9 Reaper UAV 56 RQ-4 Global Hawk UAV Paráense Navy Independence-class Littoral Combat ship - NAP Sarney - NAP Da Silva - NAP Recife - NAP Titania - NAP Oberon [Among others] Duke-class Anti-Submarine Frigate - NAP Jove - NAP Saturnus - NAP Umbriel - NAP Acrux - NAP Suhail - NAP Alnitak - NAP Alkaid - NAP Naos - NAP Sadr - NAP Aspidiske - NAP Wei - NAP Velorum - NAP Carinae - NAP Monoceros - NAP Aurigae - NAP Doradus - NAP Scorpii - NAP Zetas [Among others - 28 in total] Citadel-class Arsenal Ship - NAP Amazonia - NAP Vitoria - NAP Uniao - NAP Liberal - NAP Io - NAP Corvus - NAP Al Rai - NAP Lunairis Kirov-class Battlecruiser - NAP Jaceguia - NAP Parnaiba - NAP Triniciao - NAP Thebe - NAP Rana - NAP Eridanus Arleigh Burke-class Guided Missile Destroyer - NAP Pollux - NAP Antares - NAP Castor - NAP Canopus - NAP Achernar - NAP Agena - NAP Spica - NAP Pollux - NAP Becrux - NAP Adara - NAP El Nath - NAP Sadira - NAP Ain - NAP Tureis - NAP Ushakaron - NAP Haedus - NAP Alkes - NAP Alhajoth [among others - 28 in total] Virginia-class Attack Submarine - NAP Bellatrix - NAP Rigel - NAP Mira - NAP Circinus - NAP Cygnus - NAP Altair - NAP Hyades - NAP Izar - NAP Sirius - NAP Marka [among others - 12 in total] Ohio-class Ballistic Missile Submarine - NAP Regulus - NAP Vega - NAP Tethys - NAP Phobos - NAP Prometheus - NAP Europa - NAP Saiph [among others - 12 in total] Nimitz-class Aircraft Carrier - NAP Rei - NAP Crucix - NAP Betelgeuse - NAP Mu Cephei - NAP Sigma Orionis - NAP Mintaka [[updated as of 4 September]]

In light of a recent wave of social reforms in Argentina, Premier Isabel Vieira of the Republic of Pará released a statement expressing approval of Argentinian President Bautista Otero's Dignity Bill. "It's most refreshing to see another nation that refuses to be constrained by the prejudices and bigotries of the past-- all the more so to see a government taking steps to eliminate antiquated belief systems that enable such institutions as racism and sexism."

"May I ask what qualifications Mr. Hancock would be bringing to the position aside from his presidency?" Isabel felt the need to put in. "Excuse my ignorance on the matter; internal matters have kept me preoccupied and shamefully behind on affairs in South America and beyond. Acknowledging, of course, that Mr. Hancock is the former head of state of the Falklands, and certainly guiding a nation through the trepidatious first steps of independence is no mean feat; what is his formal background?"

"It is not without a degree of trepidation that I welcome the Império República to South America; the strongly nationalistic and militaristic tendencies exhibited in Chancellor Delgado's speech are a cause of slight concern. Nevertheless, misgivings aside, it is always a pleasure to see another South American nation acquire self-determination, and it is my sincere hope that Império República proves a hand of peace and cooperation in South America." - Isabel Vieira

Isabel couldn't help but frowned. Otero's overzealous behaviour was, she found, perhaps somewhat off-putting, though there was no reason to suspect ill will or intent in his evident eagerness to 'unite' Argentina. That wasn't a problem, she perceived-- not yet. To this, therefore, she merely commented, "As long as it's the will of the people of Argentina to be unified by the Falklands government, then I can offer no protest to that. That being said, it appears we are all more or less in agreement on the course of actions. A neutral entity comprised of all South American nations dedicated to administrating unaligned South American territory with a generally 'hands-off' policy with regards to more specific duties, which will be left to the territorial authorities. Is that right?"

"What is the basis of the Falklands' claim to Argentina?" Isabel replied to Otero's remark. "Furthermore, I don't think we as regional powers have the right to sign over land-- and the populations therein-- to a given country. This is something that requires the input of the people living in the territory of Argentina, and, speaking for myself, I cannot look favourably upon a claim to the territory in question without the input of its population."

At Juagari's suggestion, Isabel voiced approval. "That seems the most reasonable course of actions-- with that method, the regions can be administered efficiently, with the added benefit of providing them with a structure of self-determination that will make a transition into independence all the more smooth and efficient when that time comes. I can say that Pará would quite enthusiastically be willing to provide funding, personnel, and administrative functions for such a venture. I'm willing to commit whatever assets are necessary for the success of this plan if we choose to go ahead with it."

It was an unfortunate truth that Isabel Vieira had found herself neglecting external matters, her business as premier occupied almost wholly with internal Paráense affairs-- with overseeing the metamorphosis of the Republic from a small, isolationist enclave of civil war survivors and veterans nestled amidst the callous confines of the Amazon, weak of economy and military, into a regional power that could assert itself militarily and economically, and truly play a role in creating a unified, stalwart South America wherein an imperturbable foundation of peace could at last be forged. Great strides in matters scientific, financial, and military had bolstered this hope, as well as the development of new nations with similar concerns-- and though it was by all regards a great disappointment to her to see the collapse of Gran Colombia, staunch defender of South American unity as it had been, it was not all too shocking an event in light of the incidents leading up to it, and the status of the continent was otherwise a bright prospect. There was, of course, also the matter of the conservative Senate opposing her on virtually every matter and all but deliberately impeding what could and would have otherwise been a meteoric rise to prosperity, but that too was a matter to be dealt with in due time. For now, however, Isabel was well aware that continuing to neglect her duty not only as the guiding force of her country but as an active guiding force in South America would not have been acceptable. Was it not true, after all, that it was Pará, all those years ago, that, born into a fractured continent divided along nationalist lines drawn by petty conflicts of the past, had immediately sought to change this? To dismantle those conflicts, and above all the bitter recriminations that lingered from the era of the civil war, and forge in South America an atmosphere of lasting peace and cooperation to serve as an example to all others? In those days, this had, she knew now, been a pipe dream. Pará had been a small, paltry nation, amounting to an anorexic dwarf in comparison to the economic and military might of its neighbours, who, for their part, had been too caught up in their disputes-- perhaps she could even venture to say, too myopic-- to see the bigger picture. Today and now saw a different picture-- one more conducive to what had once been naught but a pipe dream. And therefore the message from the president of Chile served as a much-appreciated reminder to the premier that it was her duty, as it was for all leaders of South American nations, to refuse to lose sight of that aim, and to maintain a steady communication with other South American nations to ensure a peaceful, cooperative coexistence. Isabel therefore replied almost immediately, and was eager to take part in the discussion. "I think it's quite imperative that, in the wake of the loss of control of their protectorate following the recent turmoil in Mexico, we as a continent ensure that those regions affected do not suffer for it. On that note, it seems two possibilities have already been brought, in a way, to the table-- the first being a 'bloc' of sorts that collectively maintains and manages the areas affected, though that's clearly not a popular option. The other, of course, is what President Otero has suggested: security regions. But do you propose that each security region be administrated and maintained by a single given nation-- perhaps by basis of culture or proximity-- or that they be collectively administrated by South American nations as a whole?"

The Paráense Navy has announced the launching of its first Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, the NAP Rei, and has received funding for the laying down of a second Nimitz-class soon to follow. The launching of the Rei marks the initiation of another wave of military reforms intended to modernise the Paráense army, air force, and navy; the air force's aging Sukhoi Su-25M air superiority fighters are to phased out in favour of the more modern, effective F-22 Raptor craft, and the army has taken a vested interest in AFVs such as the Stryker family of AFVs. Furthermore, another four Virginia-class attack submarines have been commissioned. Meanwhile, the Department of Research has released continual updates on the progress of the space station project; the core module of the station has been completed and launched, and is said to be based on earlier non-modular designs and consists of a stepped-cylinder main compartment and a spherical 'node' module, which will serve as an airlock and provide ports to the station's expansion modules upon completion. Work has begun on the second and third module, the former of which is to provide orientation control, communications and electrical power for itself, whilst also facilitating a passive connecting node connecting it to other modules; the latter will provide critical systems, facilitate a permanently habitable environment, and handle guidance, navigation and control for the entire space station. Other known modules designed and ready for the production stage include an astrophysics module, destined to be used for study and in-space research; consisting of several pressurised and unpressurised experiment compartments, the module will be equipped with a wide variety of electromagnetic spectrum telescopes, electrophoresis units, and x-ray/gamma ray detectors, as well as all necessary equipment to study and examine the data gleaned thereof. Another module will be equipped with a top-of-the-line multi-spectral imaging system in order to study weather patterns and geology on Earth.

I would've given everybody hotdogs and heroin, but none of you ass holes nominated me, so you get to settle for weed or hookers or democracy or whatever bullshit.

Nation Name: Republic of Pará Team Name: Paráense Brawlers

Work To Begin On Paráense Space Station Today marks an auspicious day in the history of the Paráense Space Agency (AEP), a department under the authority of the Director Of Research which has regrettably seen little funding, as finances have instead been directed towards the integration of old Pará and Maranhão, the construction of new infrastructure therein and the influx of immigrants into the newly integrated provinces. The acquisition of the provinces, providing both new work opportunities and space to those who once suffered unemployment and poverty in overpopulated urban centres, has enabled an impressive upsurge in the Paráense economy, which was no doubt a significant factor in Premier Vieira's decision to publicly announce her decision to allocate significant funding to the AEP in order to begin construction on a Paráense space station. "Regrettable economic circumstances have stayed my hand in this regard for several years now," the premier remarked in her public announcement. "With the welcoming of old Pará and Maranhão into our country, and the tempering of those economic obstacles that once inhibited us, I feel there is no better time than now to pursue this goal. It is a vital step in demonstrating to the global scientific community that Paráense engineering and research is not only held in high regard by our administration, but also has something to offer-- something new to add to the annals of human endeavour in space." Director of Research Dr. Marina da Silva, who will directly manage the details of the project and report directly to the premier on its progress, spoke at length concerning the purpose of the station and what the administration intends to glean from its launch. "This space station will provide a platform for in-depth scientific research in space that couldn't be conducted to the same extent through any other means, as well as a long-term environment in which studies can be performed by engineers and researchers for years on end." The Director also remarked upon plans to fit the station with a module known as an alpha magnetic spectrometre, which will "detect and dissect cosmic rays and feed us the data gleaned therein, potentially shedding light on such notoriously elusive phenomena as antimatter, dark matter, and strangelets". "All in all," the premier stated decisively. "This is a great step in Paráense history-- an opportunity to learn, to discover, to contribute to the ever-burgeoning tome of human knowledge." Despite the premier's grandiose rhetoric, others in the Senate baulked at the potential costs of the station, as well as the premier's neglect in putting the proposal before the Senate for approval. "Premier Vieira is indulging her own pursuits, and completely trampling upon the democratic process," Chairman of the Senate Vinicius Valverde declared in a fiery address before the Senate shortly after the premier's announcement. "The costs of this venture aside, the premier's refusal to consult the Senate before discussing this venture with her cabinet sheds much light on just how much authority she seems to think she holds on the federal level."

Agreed heartily! CNRP shouldn't be a game of risk. It should be roleplay-- cooperative writing, building a storyline with unique characters and nations. We've seen that spirit largely supplanted by the idea that it's not writing but a game-- a competitive arena. I feel that's detrimental to the quality of roleplay and writing.

President de Ardanza met Isabel's words with a smile. "It is most encouraging," he replied, addressing first the former point of the burgeoning state of Pará. "To hear that Para has begun to flourish despite its initially humble beginnings, born from the turmoil that has seemingly plagued this continent until recently after the Holy American Empire broke up. As probably one of our most important and stable neighbors, it is quite uplifting to hear that your nation is coming into its own, Premier. I mean that." Isabel returned the smile cordially as the vehicle bearing them unto their destination slowed to a gradual stop. "The sentiment is much appreciated," was all she remarked in responce as the two heads of state disembarked from the limousine; she thanked the aide that had opened the doors for them, and cast an appreciative glance around the locale. A small estate-- even reminded her a bit, just a bit, of the old [I]fazendas[/I] that still dotted the Paráense countryside, their magnificence dimmed but not at all extinguished by disuse and the relentless march of time. Not to imply she was necessarily fond of the old plantations-- the [I]fazendas[/I] occupied their own less than pleasant page of Brazilian history, and that stain to their name aside, she found their architecture by its nature perhaps a little too... well, what was the word? [I]Let's just go with vain, eh?[/I] Yes-- it was probably best to say the [I]fazendas[/I] quite aptly epitomised the aristocratic vanity of the day. Well, that was a whole lotta off-topic goin' on in her head. Isabel merely shook her head a bit, got back in the flow of things and followed the Colombian president as they proceeded along through the quaint halls of the estate. "To answer the query you posed to me," de Ardanza began to speak again, now remarking upon the latter point of the premier's words; there was a lively beat to his words. "Colombia has been able to rebound from the conflict that was started by Lupe de Santa Anna relatively quickly-- we were lucky to have a number of friends internationally who provided us with aid to rebuild. Most of our industry was left intact, the energy sector saw some moderate damage, but nothing that has taken the country offline from being able to supply exports and itself. Infrastructure remains a work in progress. But we're looking at this as an opportunity to upgrade existing or damaged infrastructure with better construction and engineering techniques. It has also given us a chance to overhaul security that will also help ward off possible bids of industrial espionage, as well as taught us a number of valuable lessons that we won't be quick to forget." They had arrived now upon a roofed balcony of sorts, looking out unto the Atlantic; an assortment of wicker chairs had been arranged there, adorned with cushions. The president gestured for Isabel to take a seat, and graciously she did; as her counterpart followed suite, however, there was a palpable shift in his demeanour. "Unfortunately, those lessons came with a cost, a cost that can never be replaced or bought. Both soldiers and civilians fell by the thousands in this conflict. Privately, I cannot help but feel somewhat responsible for the carnage, and it is a burden that this country, and our opponents, share, something that can never be returned to us. I can only hope that a tragedy like that one does not befall us again, nor any country for that matter. Wars may be fought for the right reasons, Premier, but that never makes them, wholly, a 'good' thing." "I fear I may know that only too well," Isabel replied shortly, maintaining a solemn tone at the grave turn of conversation. As the two fell silent, an aide appeared with a jug of water and a couple of glasses, setting them upon the table between the president and the premier. "I apologise for my dissertation," he added, as he took the glasses and began to pour water into both. "I hope that the conflict did not shake Para's confidence in Colombia's stability as a nation." At this, the premier remarked thoughtfully, "I think I can say with some confidence that I have great faith in your administration, President de Ardanza. Recent years have not seen the most peace-minded leaders in South America, and it's refreshing to be able to meet with and discuss national relations with an administration as devoted to the goal of a peaceful, unified South America as Colombia."

My first thought was 'wow, Zoot's been thinking? He does that?' On the proposal itself, I have said and will continue to say that I don't think that wiping the map will do any good. People will just rush to claim what was theirs, and others will rush to claim what they previously wanted but was already owned by somebody else. That somebody else, feeling cheated out of 'their' land, will then reroll somewhere nearby and pretty much find any excuse to roll the person who took the land they used to RP in. Basically, I reckon it wouldn't provide anything more than more reasons for people to cross the IC/OOC line. A note on the topic of driving off new players: A lot of those new players seem lately to be along the lines of ishabad or Tom Riddle: they weren't good RPers, they weren't gonna [I]be[/I] good RPers, and they sure as hell weren't gonna contribute anything to the community creatively speaking except maybe a bit of fleeting amusement.

"I can't begin to describe the shame I'm feeling at this moment." Though the radiance of the warm summer sun streamed through the windows of the Premier's office and illuminated the room with a balmy effulgence, Captain Alex Valverde had never felt herself to be in a darker, colder place. She could not even bring herself to raise her head and look Isabel in the eye-- the severity of her tone, delivered in the rough-edged rasp that had been characteristic of the premier since her teenage years, was enough without the Marine having to withstand the harshness of her unrelenting gaze as well. "... I don't know what you're--" Alex began to protest hoarsely, but the premier cut her off ruthlessly. "Please, Alex. Don't insult me, and don't embarrass yourself. It is proven beyond a shadow of a doubt." "It's not true," the captain continued to insist weakly, even as she could not force herself to raise her eyes to Isabel's-- perhaps because she knew a single look and all would be betrayed. "You know me, Izzie, you know where my loyalties lie--" "Do I?" the premier spat back coldly as she paced around the seated captain; her niece all but recoiled at the harshness of the words. They stung worse, far worse even than the bite of the venomous wandering spider that made its home in the Amazonian forests. "I'm not sure what I know about you anymore. I didn't want to believe it at first-- tried to convince myself of every other possibility, looked everywhere but the truth until it was staring me in the face. How could you do such a thing, Alejandra? How?" "I don't know," the captain breathed weakly, her resolve gradually faltering. "I just... I got caught up. I didn't even realise what was happening..." "You should have stopped when you realised what you were getting into," the premier retorted without sympathy. She sighed forlornly, and ceased her pacing just in front of Alex, shaking her head ruefully. "Imagine the anguish, the shame, when I found out my niece, a stalwart metalhead, a purveyor of real music, was listening to La Roux. La Roux, of all things!" "I'm so ashamed," Alex whispered in horror. "And well you should be," Isabel pressed unforgivingly. "I can't begin to imagine what you were thinking. I'm not sure I even want to." Alex raised her face at last, perhaps to beg forgiveness for her sin, but she had not spoken a word before she was cut off by the ringing of the Premier's cell phone; she reached a hand into the pocket of her pants to withdraw the device, and her countenance brightened considerably when she saw the caller ID. "Admiral," she greeted Kaneda as she raised the phone to her ear and began to speak evenly but eagerly. "I hope this is regarding the update I requested? ... indeed. Well, that's great news. Have we got a rough timetable on this? ... excellent. Absolutely excellent." The premier paused to listen, and then gave a hearty chuckle. "Bet he did. Typical. Well, keep me posted on the progress. Thanks, Kaneda. You're doin' some good work." And with that, Isabel hung up, and shoved the phone back into her pocket. "Update?" Alex ventured, the animosity of a mere moment prior vanishing as she stood from the chair. "We've commissioned two Virginia-class submarines, and they've been laid down," Isabel explained, before glancing at the clock on the far side of the room. "I'm also waiting on a call from Director da Silva concerning the Paráense space programme." "Oh?" Alex piped up, interest piqued. "Yeah. With recent strides taken into consideration, economically and with regards to our scientific institutions, I've discussed with the director the possibility of building a gamma-ray space observatory for the purposes of studying distant galaxies, quasars, pulsars, dark matter..." "You lost me at 'gamma-ray'." "... and a mission to get Paráense astronauts on the moon to do some study on lunar geography and water." "Sounds serious. And costly." "Costly, yes," the premier agreed, leaning against her desk. "Worth it, you can be damn sure." And then she gave a casual shrug, and a wistful smile. "It was always a dream of mine to visit space. 'least I can do is send other people up there."

Did you just say that Did you just say it doesn't matter if this 'adds a page or two to the existing 398' Did you really just say that Eva Do you think this is a fucking game we're playing here

Goddamn folks, chill the fuck out and unbunch your panties. It was one off-hand comment but the way y'all reacted you'd think he made a whole post spouting the usual conservative anti-science anti-woman anti-lower class anti-minority anti-government anti-progress drivel. Honestly, nobody's bringing RL politics into CNRP.

WE ARE THE 99% - posted from my ipad