PresidentDavid

"Full house, read 'em and weep boys!" Another airman looked over in astonishment, "Really?!" Jordan shook his head and sighed. "No I just thought that'd be a stereotypical thing to say, I don't have anything. What about y'all?" The other airmen checked their cards and laid them out. Staff Sergeant Irwin accepted his win with a Straight hand of cards. The others rolled their eyes as they lost more of their chips to the "Poker Chief" as they called him. Jordan preferred "Poker Thief" because Irwin was known to hustle knew recruits or other men on the base that hadn't played with him before. They were inside a large hanger at Briggs Army Airfield. It was nearly midnight when the loudspeaker creaked on. They all froze, "Now hear this! Pilots, man your planes! Pilots, man your planes!" The men, most of them officers, dropped their cards and ran to various hangers where their aircraft were fueled and already waiting. Jordan was an Air National Guard officer, he piloted a B-2. The massive hanger door to another hanger down the runway opened up. He squinted his eyes and could see a room full of fighters slowly inching toward the runway. "I think this is the real deal," Jordan said. Irwin handed him a pistol, "You almost forgot this." Jordan took it and secured it on his side. Both of the men jolted to the intimidating triangle before them and manned their stations. Within minutes they were in the air. At first they didn't believe where they were going. Thirty Minutes Earlier Anthony straightened his tie and looked over a new report that a military aide had handed him five minutes ago when they were on the first floor. The Governor shook his head once he saw the satellite photos. A Maritime Guardsman who was guarding the door of the new "Situation Room" opened the door for the governor and quickly closed it behind him. Inside the room were many of Texas's brightest military minds ranging from the Director of Public Safety to the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Everyone in the room stood when the Governor entered and quickly retook their seats once he took his. "What do you have on California?" The Joint Chiefs looked to the Director of Public Safety who clicked through a power point presentation. Satellite photo after satellite photo revealed what they had feared. "The California Republic has launched an invasion of Baja California. What we saw yesterday was not a military exercise, but was in fact a deployment into Baja California. While our attention was on California, we also noticed a heightened state of military readiness in the north. Sure enough Cascadia confirmed our suspicions, the Californians are demanding southern Oregon. We aren't exactly sure why, but they have just started a large-scale expansion spree sir." Anthony checked his watch and nodded. "Well I understand why you woke me up for Cascadia, but why do any of you think we should be concerned about Baja California? It's a place for resorts, scenery and that's about it." The Governor's Chief of Staff, Davis Snow, cleared his throat and proceeded. "Sir if we are serious about working with Japan, and also for our own security, Baja California is realistically the only place that Texas could safely be connected to the Pacific Ocean. On top of that, the California Republic has declared themselves the 'new United States'. It's the opinion of many of us here, sir, that what they pretend to be does not justify their mass invasion of the lands that surround them." The Governor folded his hands and took a more serious tone. It was apparent that what the men in the room were asking for was more than just a statement. "And what do you think justifies us to go over there Davis?" Anthony watched the man ponder his mind for a few moments and then finally respond. "Because we are the good guys sir. You know that, everyone in this room knows that, and the Cascadian government knows that. If we let our national security, and one of our potential allies's security be threatened so much by such a small power... That's not only a bad message to the rest of the world sir, that's a damaging future for the people on this continent." All eyes turned to the Governor who took a sip of water and then set his glass down. "Options?" The Joint Chiefs and the Director of Public Safety shuffled papers around in some form of organized chaos. "What we have to worry about is getting our soldiers their safely and quickly. California doesn't have an astonishing number of troops there, so I don't think that is going to be our biggest problem. We just need to get boots on the ground," said the Director of Public Safety, Francis Watchmaker. The Chief of The Air National Guard spoke up right after his boss. "Sir, the Air National Guard can get a decent number of men there quickly. The Californians have five battalions there at most. There's no way that they have every strategic location manned and most of the troops haven't made it south yet, from what we can tell. Here is our plan we came up together, we fly in three battalions. One in San Jose, another at La Paz, and a third one at Ciudad Insurgentes. The first two take strategic positions and spread out. The third waits for more reinforcements form the air until pushing forward, meanwhile we are going to give them air cover. The Air Guard will also put our strategic fleet on DEFCON 3. Also, we are going to send three divisions of the Third Field Army to Baja which the Army National Guard will handle." The Governor nodded in simple agreement, "Do it. I'll address the nation in the morning." As previously stated, the troops by air would launch with an appropriate jet escort. The ground troops would also have constant air coverage and would travel with mobile SAMs. Cascadia would immediately be made aware of what the Texas military was doing and what the Governor's intentions were. The Governor made sure that the Cascadians knew that he and the Texas Congress were on the Cascadians side.

I would like to save my stats please. Let me know if there is anything I forgot. http://i.imgur.com/RcjzSiI.png http://i.imgur.com/5MADATr.png http://i.imgur.com/WZNNlyz.png

​We collaborated about as well as a two-headed longhorn at feeding time.

I've always seen this as a community thing, so I am going to assume that we are setting aside our internal differences when it comes to the separate games. That being said I'm going to include people in CNRP2 and CNRPA etc as well. I hope that isn't a problem. Also Eva you forgot to change the stuff to 2015, like, "Bloc most likely to succeed in 2014" :P Most Diplomatic Nation: France Friendliest Nation: The Northlands Most Hostile Nation: Japan (Mogar) Most Honorable Nation: Plains Federation Least Honorable Nation: N/A Most Active Nation: Nippon (Eva) Least Active Nation: American Commonwealth Best Military: Tianxia Best Nation Building RP: Nippon (Eva) Best Economy Building RP: Malta (TBM) Best Rookie Nation (First-time Player): France (FHIC) Best SCIENCE!: Lynneth Most Powerful Nation: Military: Tianxia Most Powerful Nation: Political Influence (IC): Japan (Mogar) Most Powerful Emerging Military: Japan (Mogar) Most Powerful Emerging Political Influence (IC): Northlands Most Powerful Bloc: Military: Economic Security Pact (This is the tri-alliance Ty and them are in in Europe) Most Powerful Bloc: Political Influence (IC): Economic Security Pact Bloc Most Likely to Succeed in 2014: Economic Security Pact Best National Leader (IC): King of Malta Nicest Player: Dillon Funniest Player: TidyBowlMan Player of the Year: TidyBowlMan Best Upcoming Player: 2015: Californian Best Declaration of War: N/A Best Diplomatic Meeting: Meeting between me, Mogar, and Dillon and somewhat TBM. That was just fantastic. Best Wall of Text: N/A Biggest Controversy: The schism of the RPs Best Character Development, Arc: TBM Best Character Development, 2+ players: N/A Character RP you most enjoyed reading: Eva's

Anthony sat at the table with the Monarch of the Northlands and his staff. Olivia and the others went on as normal, taking mental notes and keeping an arsenal of information in case the Governor needed to explain a specific political detail in greater knowledge, but Anthony felt so at home it was almost terrifying. Maybe it was the Spanish culture he was use to seeing at home, maybe it was the simplistic yet stunning hospitality the King was showing him, or perhaps it was deep nostalgia for Spain that had been locked away long ago in his subconscious; whatever it was it couldn't have been done more right then the way it was. He observed the orange glass bulb in his hand and sipped from it. The succulent juice and sweet pulp ignited a sweet-bomb in his mouth that spread faster than a California wildfire. He hadn't done ecstasy before, but he assumed all of these euphoric feelings must have been what it was like. He maintained his fortitude but didn't hide that he was pleased. After the shaking of hands had passed and the aforementioned tasting of the euphoria cocktail had passed by, Anthony continued dialogue with the King while his staff enjoyed the well-prepared meal. "I can relate Your Majesty. It's usually awkward when this happens but I'm happy you did it first so I don't have to ask." Olivia cracked open the Governor's suitcase and pulled out a bottle of Tabasco sauce. She passed it over to the Governor who cracked it open and gave his share of spice to the food as well. "I'm sure there is a lot we can relate to, but I'm happy that taste is one of them." He took his first bite after the King did and was more than satisfied with the taste. "The Lone Star State is prospering like it should be, Your Majesty. Of course I'm sure you are aware of the difficulties we had with the fall of the United States government. The Texas government was one of the few State governments lucky enough, and strong enough, to survive what happened. I could ramble on, but I'm just thankful that we are still here, keeping our Republic alive." He politely gorged on more of his meal and looked up to the King. "And you, Your Majesty, how are the state of affairs of the Northlands? As far as the papers have said in Texas, the Northlands has been participating in peaceful expansion and has been prospering these past few months. I congratulate Your Majesty's government on that. From what I understand, Germany has joined the Northlands along with this portion of Iberia, right? How are the Germans taking the integration into the Northlands?"

Troops Return Home From Alaska Soldiers of the Texas National Guard and Texas State Guard have returned home in the masses after deployment to Alaska. It didn't take long for Governor Sparks and the Texas Congress to take notice of the increasingly tense situation on what was going on in the westernmost part of the New World. With permission from the congress, four-hundred thousand soldiers were deployed into Alaska and "thankfully" as the Secretary of State put it, not a single shot was fired. This was the first mass deployment of troops - also the first foreign deployment of troops - since the fall of the United States. Vice Admiral Henry Morgan of the Texas Maritime State Guard, who is currently acting as ambassador to the League of Nations, said that, "Although there is room for improvement in how we train our field officers and soldiers, I believe Texas Military Forces did an outstanding job and they all deserve a heroes welcome when returning home." The Admiral was sent as a war-time representative to the League of Nations and is likely to be replaced soon, though he will retain his post in the military. Soldiers were indeed given a heroes welcome by citizens and by the Governor himself. A short resolution was even written, proposed, and passed by the congress to suspend school for the next three days so that students could reunite with their parents if they were deployed, or "celebrate the return of heroes." To some, however, this celebration was not necessary. "The Japanese are still in Alaska," said Bernie Frale, a political analyst who served under two governors. "While they don't control the entire State, or former State I suppose, they do have the Aleutians and the Alaskan peninsula and that is cause for concern. The Texas people should watch the Japanese carefully as they continue to step on the backs of the weak to make themselves taller." Frale explained that the Japanese have no place in the New World, but if that the Governor was willing to keep them from further expansion in North America then maybe "we can live in harmony," though he noted that is a far fetched notion. Time will tell whether or not Texas and the rest of the continent will remain at peace, but what is certain is that the Texas Military Forces will be ready to respond to any threat.

Anthony would take an escorted flight to the Northlands. Upon landing in Europe he'd wait patiently for an escort with his secretary, Olivia, and two Texas Rangers who were tasked with protecting his life at all costs.

Texas forces would begin a withdraw from Alaska and return to Texas via Cascadian land routes and airspace. Provided that the East Asian troops would do the same they would totally vacate the newly agreed, "White Space" which has been left to the Alaskan people of those lands. OOC: Further RP to come somewhere else, but we came to an agreement.

Mapmaker please adjust the new Alaskan border thanks!

The Alaskan Treaty of Mutual Peace Nations: Republic of Texas, Cascadian Empire, East Asian Imperium Act 1: Borders The nations agree to the following borders presented in this map. Smaller details include that the East Asian Imperium will be able to operate a number of radar and SOSUS in the Aleutian islands that are lightly armed for the purpose of self-defense. The Republic of Texas will withdraw all forces from Alaska, Cascadia will move back to their designated borders and remove themselves from Western Alaska and Japanese forces will leave Alaska except for the agreed facilities in the Aleutian islands. The green and the part of Alaska that borders British Columbia to the south will go to Cascadia. The other parts of Alaska, including the white, yellow, and gray will remain independent territory except for the Aleutian Islands (see Aleutian Act). Act 2: Resources Natural resources in the unoccupied part of Alaska will not be tapped by any of the involved nations and will be preserved for the people of Alaska. If a nation were to rise up in the lands without a large central government, the rights to these resources would fall to them. None of these nations will occupy these "white" lands in any way and will not move military units through them without permission from the other signatories. Act 3: Aleutian Islands Self-Determination The Aleutian Islands will have the right to self-determination and will themselves conduct a survey which asks what nation it would like to be a part of or if it would like to remain "white" space and still allow the East Asians to maintain their facilities. Regardless, the East Asians will be able to keep their installations. Act 4: Cooperation and Tranquility The nations of this treaty will do their best to work together and keep peace between the three of them. Should war ever break out between these nations, this treaty will remain in force unless one of the above three acts are compromised. If one of these three nations fall this treaty will still remain in place. If all three nations permanently fall, then this treaty will be abolished. Signed for The East Asian Imperium, Signed for the Cascadian Empire, Emperor Alan Wymore Signed for the Republic of Texas, Governor Anthony Sparks

OOC: The following is a meeting between the Empress of East Asia, the Emperor of Cascadia, The Governor of The Republic of Texas, and a Mexican waiter named Sancho. It is canon, and has resolved an upcoming war. There will be some type of treaty posted after this, but I wanted to post the logs first. Mogar I chopped this up into four parts so if I deleted anything let me know. IC: The following takes place in a small Mexican town around lunch time. It has resolved the Alaskan conflict. 22:07 EmpressHoshiko good, good we've all arrived 22:07 EmpressHoshiko unless anyone wants to make a coin flip to decide that 22:07 GovernorSparks It's very nice to meet Your Imperial Majesty. 22:08 GovernorSparks Emperor Hoshiko it's nice to see you. 22:08 EmpressHoshiko courtsys 22:08 EmpressHoshiko I was not aware I had a penis, a functional one anyway 22:08 EmperorAlanWymore would bow to both the governor, although the one to Kazuko would be shallower 22:09 EmperorAlanWymore It is an honor to meet you as well Governor Sparks your reputation precedes you 22:09 GovernorSparks Ah so that's what is under your dress. Trust me Empress, I have many things to hide as well. 22:09 GovernorSparks Thank you Emperor Wymore, the same to you. 22:09 EmperorAlanWymore Kazuko it is always nice to see again 22:09 GovernorSparks So, I hear that we all agree on absolutely nothing? 22:09 EmperorAlanWymore Seattle is a distant memory but a warm one 22:09 EmpressHoshiko I'm fairly certain we can agree that we do not agree on anything, yes 22:10 GovernorSparks Fantastic. Do you think we can put that on paper? I want to get that in the Texas Tribune tomorrow. 22:10 GovernorSparks thinks 22:10 GovernorSparks Empress, Emperor, I think I have found something we can agree on. 22:10 *** tidybowlman joined #alaskacrisis 22:10 GovernorSparks Can we all agree not to use our vast nuclear stockpiles? 22:11 GovernorSparks I believe a nuclear war is something that would benefit none of our nations. 22:11 EmperorAlanWymore Governor may we at least take this meeting in any seriousness. I would prefer this end peacefully. 22:11 EmpressHoshiko I can agree to that, having felt the effects of several dozen of the weapons 22:12 GovernorSparks My condolences to you and your people. I am happy that we can agree on that point. 22:12 EmpressHoshiko my dear Emperor, we are taking this quite serious 22:12 EmpressHoshiko nuclear weapons are not a laughing matter, nor something that should be joked about 22:12 GovernorSparks We should start a nuclear proliferation organization when we are done threatening each other with total annihilation. 22:13 GovernorSparks sits back and thinks again 22:13 EmpressHoshiko I did try that within the League of Nations, but it was as though everyone there gradually lost interest, and then eventually stopped gathering there 22:13 EmpressHoshiko a strange circumstance, but one that happens frequently in our world 22:13 EmpressHoshiko shrugged 22:13 *** Hereno joined #alaskacrisis 22:14 *** seuwp joined #alaskacrisis 22:14 GovernorSparks I know right? It's like, like bare with me here, these great nations rise with no domestic violence or political strife and they are doing great and then BAM *slams hands on table* they fall apart with no internal attempt to hold them together. 22:14 GovernorSparks Please excuse my French, Your Majesties, but it is terrifying. 22:14 GovernorSparks The average life of a nation in modern times is a few years I think. 22:15 EmpressHoshiko The craziest part? sometimes they just spring out of nothing, whole area could be a nuclear wasteland and then all of a sudden a billion people live there, it's like what the hell? 22:15 GovernorSparks It's amazing. It's actually fascinating. Why in God's name aren't we investigating this? Or here is the best part: 22:16 GovernorSparks I did not want to come to this meeting at all, but it was like some supernatural force made me do something I did not want to do and fly here to meet with the two of you. It's like I'm literally being used as a puppet right now. Like the gods are just toying with me, you know? Do you ever wonder if we are all in the Matrix? 22:17 GovernorSparks But you both are quite lovely, I must say. Would you like some tea EmpressHoshiko, EmperorAlanWymore? 22:17 EmpressHoshiko Have you ever heard of Generalissimo? He once investigated it, disappeared a short time later, I have some of his notebooks, truly a great man, He stood up to the great Mara Lithaen so many years ago, I will have to send over a copy of some of the movies we've made starring him, after we finish blowing each other up of course. 22:18 GovernorSparks Wow really? That'd be fantastic! 22:18 EmperorAlanWymore I'll take some rum if you have it 22:18 GovernorSparks I've never heard of the guy but he sounds like an idiot. 22:19 GovernorSparks Sure Emperor *pours shot glass*. 22:19 EmpressHoshiko We're in Mexico, you'll drink Tequila, and like it. 22:19 GovernorSparks Oh! 22:19 GovernorSparks I brought some Captain Morgan. 22:19 GovernorSparks That's rum. 22:19 GovernorSparks That's close right? 22:19 EmpressHoshiko are we pirates or mexicans? 22:19 GovernorSparks Both? 22:20 EmperorAlanWymore Well we don't have to blow eachother up 22:20 GovernorSparks makes his tea Irish and takes a worthy sip 22:20 GovernorSparks I agree Emperor. 22:20 GovernorSparks Look Empress, you want your Pacific security right? 22:20 EmpressHoshiko How about this, we have a drinking contest, alright? 22:20 EmpressHoshiko I haven't figured out the second step 22:20 GovernorSparks Just for a moment, let's try to talk this out. 22:20 GovernorSparks Then we can drink the entire bottle. 22:20 GovernorSparks Now, you want Pacific Security correct? 22:21 EmpressHoshiko of course 22:21 GovernorSparks My analysts went through all of your speeches and it's the phrase you use most right after the name of your nation. 22:21 GovernorSparks Ok great. 22:21 *** tidybowlman is now known as NinjaAssasinKiller 22:21 +++ EmpressHoshiko has given voice to NinjaAssasinKiller 22:21 GovernorSparks If we would be willing to work with Japan 22:21 GovernorSparks and help keep the Pacific secure 22:21 GovernorSparks could Japan consider leaving Alaska? 22:22 EmpressHoshiko Please, East Asia, We do not believe in ethnicities 22:23 +++ EmpressHoshiko has taken voice from NinjaAssasinKiller 22:23 GovernorSparks I apologize for that. The East Asian Imperium. 22:23 EmpressHoshiko Cascadia has made it clear they don't hold an interest in that 22:23 EmpressHoshiko and we have a number of Aluetian citizens as is 22:23 GovernorSparks Well hang on, we can get to that, but let's just say we'd be willing to work with you. 22:23 GovernorSparks If we compromise, would you be willing to meet us half way? 22:24 EmperorAlanWymore frowned 22:24 EmperorAlanWymore Hey we want pacific security too 22:24 EmpressHoshiko not a full withdrawal, the borderline I set with Cascadia was rather large however. any time we have given an enemy a place to strike they have used it. I don't make the same mistake twice. 22:25 GovernorSparks Could the Texas Republic and Cascadia have territory in Sibera so that it is an even trade? 22:26 EmpressHoshiko Texas is not a Pacific nation, and Cascadia has not proven they are able to behave on a world stage 22:26 GovernorSparks Empress, I feel that if we don't come to a resolution, the Alaskan people will unrealistically come up and kill us all. And then there will be no Pacific Security, let alone security for any of us. 22:26 EmpressHoshiko I told you man 22:26 EmpressHoshiko Generalissimo 22:26 EmpressHoshiko he had laser mechs 22:27 EmperorAlanWymore Empress I do apologize for my sons behaviour he can be 22:27 EmperorAlanWymore Unpleasant 22:27 *** NinjaAssasinKiller left #alaskacrisis 22:27 GovernorSparks Your troops have come into North America which is something we cannot stand for. But if it is security you want, we'd be willing to help you achieve full security provided your troops stay out of Alaska? 22:28 GovernorSparks We would both have to concede, but if we do we can avoid a war and maybe these odd forces will stop controlling us. 22:28 EmpressHoshiko I will not authorize a full withdraw, I can acknowlege that Eastern Alaska has a cultural connection to Cascadia, but Western Alaska is heavily Native population, and we have signifigant experience in building up these isolated communities 22:29 GovernorSparks The native population also has strong cultural ties to the Alaskan people. 22:29 GovernorSparks I don't understand your point? 22:29 EmpressHoshiko Alaska is not a homogenous culture 22:29 GovernorSparks Correct. 22:29 EmperorAlanWymore Neither is the EAI 22:29 GovernorSparks Correct. 22:29 GovernorSparks Neither is Texas or Cascadia. 22:29 EmpressHoshiko Cascadia is far more a homogenous culture than EAI 22:30 GovernorSparks We all have that in common too. 22:30 EmpressHoshiko with large white populations 22:30 GovernorSparks Cascadia has a lot of Mexicans and Asians. 22:30 *** Yerushalayim joined #alaskacrisis 22:30 GovernorSparks Even more Asians than we do. 22:30 EmperorAlanWymore HEY 22:30 EmpressHoshiko the people who make up the eastern alaskans 22:30 EmperorAlanWymore We don't have those here 22:31 GovernorSparks Are you insinuating that white people and people /very distantly/ related to Asians can't coexist? 22:32 GovernorSparks hands EmperorAlanWymore another shot of Captain Morgan 22:32 EmpressHoshiko I'm stating that it has come to our intentions that Cascadian military forces may not be so welcoming to those they are annexing, they have not even finished their annexation in the yukon and they continue to expand to our borders, even after they suggest that those who surround the Imperium should rise up against us. Are you saying I should allow an imminent threat to my safety to grow 22:32 EmpressHoshiko closer? 22:33 GovernorSparks Is controlling Eastern Alaska considered surrounding four 14-million square mile nation? 22:33 GovernorSparks Western* 22:34 GovernorSparks EmperorAlanWymore, please correct me if I am wrong, but didn't you tell me you have no intentions of expanding into Asia? 22:34 GovernorSparks I don't see what the point would be. You aren't an Asian nation and it would be unethical. Correct? 22:35 EmpressHoshiko France and Northlands are not Asian nations either 22:35 GovernorSparks And? 22:35 EmpressHoshiko Malta and Greece are not South African nations 22:35 GovernorSparks Absolutely. 22:35 GovernorSparks What's your point? 22:35 EmpressHoshiko to claim someone's location has any relevance upon their holdings is ignoring the realities of our world 22:36 EmpressHoshiko Cascadia and yourselves claim that my nation controlling the Pacific is a threat to international trade, I do not see an argument against their strangehold on the Med 22:36 *** tidybowlman joined #alaskacrisis 22:36 GovernorSparks I think the Polish people and President Monroe would disagree with you. 22:37 *** tidybowlman is now known as outragedpolack 22:37 GovernorSparks The Republic of Texas is not on the Mediteranean sea. 22:37 EmpressHoshiko The United States at its peak had bases in over a hundred countries 22:37 GovernorSparks We don't care what goes on there. 22:37 EmpressHoshiko the Republic of Texas is not on the Pacific ocean either 22:37 GovernorSparks The Republic of Texas is in North America. 22:37 *** outragedpolack is now known as furiousmexican 22:38 GovernorSparks Something the Alaskans, Cascadians, Texans all have in common is that we are all Americans on this continent. 22:38 *** furiousmexican is now known as PolitelyPeevedCanadian 22:38 EmpressHoshiko I will not allow western Alaska to fall into Cascadian hands 22:39 GovernorSparks Would you be against Texas occupying Vietnam? 22:39 EmpressHoshiko they may not wish for war, but their words towards us clearly prove they wish for someone to attack us 22:39 GovernorSparks It's thousands of miles from your capitol. 22:40 EmpressHoshiko the distance between Vietnam and Tokyo, and our holdings in Alaska and your capital are not comparable 22:40 GovernorSparks They are for Cascadia. 22:40 GovernorSparks Would you mind if Cascadia occupied Vietnam? 22:40 EmpressHoshiko not in the slightest, but I also would not defend them if Druk Yul took issue 22:41 GovernorSparks So would you mind if Texas went to Vietnam? 22:41 EmpressHoshiko more so than Cascadia 22:41 GovernorSparks Or if we would colonize Africa? 22:41 EmpressHoshiko the Europeans have already begun to do so 22:41 GovernorSparks Empress, I am disturbed that you are so content with colonizing peoples who should be independent. 22:41 EmpressHoshiko Africa is not my responsibility, the Pacific Ocean is 22:42 GovernorSparks Can we colonize Indonesia then? 22:42 GovernorSparks I don't understand the logic you are using Empress. 22:42 GovernorSparks It's very confusing. 22:42 EmperorAlanWymore Am I needed here? 22:43 EmpressHoshiko considering you are the one who is supposed to be negotiating 22:43 EmpressHoshiko and instead this has become a debate with a nation half a continent away from alaska, and far closer to our current locale. 22:43 EmperorAlanWymore Well neither of you have asked me anything 22:43 *** PolitelyPeevedCanadian is now known as tidybowlman 22:43 GovernorSparks That nation half a continent away has it's army there. 22:43 GovernorSparks So I can leave this meeting but whatever you agree with the Emperor doesn't hold a baring on me. 22:44 GovernorSparks EmperorAlanWymore you presence is most valued here. 22:44 GovernorSparks Please, add some input on anything. 22:44 GovernorSparks I feel that drinking game is coming close and I think you could be the voice of reason. 22:44 EmperorAlanWymore would ask for the bottle of rum and drink it slowly 22:44 GovernorSparks gives it willfully 22:44 *** tidybowlman is now known as Sancho 22:45 GovernorSparks Empress why does one of your Ninjas keep changing his nametag? 22:45 GovernorSparks It is quite distracting. 22:45 EmpressHoshiko I dunno, I just sort of met them at the airport 22:45 EmperorAlanWymore (LOL) 22:45 GovernorSparks Oh. 22:45 EmpressHoshiko I'm not really worried about assassins myself 22:45 EmpressHoshiko so i just try to be friendly you know? 22:45 EmpressHoshiko a ruler of the people and all that 22:46 GovernorSparks I can relate. 22:46 GovernorSparks Like my people voted for me so they actually like me. 22:46 GovernorSparks Anyone here like Jack Daniels? 22:46 EmpressHoshiko Ever since Jeanne's unfortunate death, I had my scientists working on technology to prevent such a possibility 22:46 EmperorAlanWymore Uh oh 22:47 GovernorSparks ....What do you have against Jack Daniels? 22:47 EmperorAlanWymore Nothing 22:47 GovernorSparks Not you Emperor. 22:47 GovernorSparks Go back to drinking. 22:47 EmpressHoshiko slides over her glass, and with a wave of her hand a dark orange shield appeared 22:47 EmpressHoshiko i dunno how it works 22:47 EmpressHoshiko but it stops bullets or something 22:47 GovernorSparks Can I still stab you? 22:47 EmpressHoshiko yeah, I figured that'd be a more honorable way to go 22:48 GovernorSparks Oh. So I could just end the war right now and stab you with my pocket knife? 22:48 EmpressHoshiko pats the Sword of Axum on her side 22:48 GovernorSparks Also that waiter looks like he wants to talk (TBM) should we let him? 22:48 EmpressHoshiko I'm open for a formal conclusion 22:48 +++ EmpressHoshiko has given voice to Sancho 22:48 GovernorSparks Howdy Sancho. 22:48 EmpressHoshiko Hola 22:48 GovernorSparks Mexico is nice this time of year. 22:48 GovernorSparks What's on the lunch menu? 22:49 EmpressHoshiko and for the record I like Mr Daniels, especially in non public enviorments 22:49 Sancho Tamales senor 22:50 EmperorAlanWymore Got any Carolina Reapers? 22:50 GovernorSparks ....I feel like I deported you before. What's your last name Senor Sancho? 22:50 Sancho Just Sancho Senor, yes, you deported me twice ese. 22:50 EmpressHoshiko Wait wait wait 22:50 GovernorSparks Oh. Well third time is the charm. 22:50 EmpressHoshiko i'm getting lectured on people when you are deporting people 22:50 GovernorSparks I tell you what, I'll let you come back with me to Texas. 22:50 EmpressHoshiko we WANT people, we're not kicking them out 22:50 GovernorSparks And we can work this out. 22:51 EmperorAlanWymore They are mexican though empress 22:51 GovernorSparks The United States government deported him. 22:51 GovernorSparks The new Texas government hasn't. 22:51 GovernorSparks We've been struggling to stay afloat. 22:51 EmpressHoshiko whats wrong with Mexicans? 22:51 Sancho You need more cheap labor senor, my cousins all need jobs. 22:51 EmperorAlanWymore eyes widen and he goes quiet 22:52 GovernorSparks Eh... Just you. 22:52 GovernorSparks And maybe your wife and kids. 22:52 GovernorSparks We can talk about your cousins later. 22:52 EmpressHoshiko I never understood western culture and their insistance on ethnicity having any bearing 22:52 Sancho No comprende ingles, Tequila? 22:52 GovernorSparks That's right you don't understand western culture. 22:52 GovernorSparks Si 22:52 GovernorSparks Tequila me up. 22:52 GovernorSparks gives glass 22:52 Sancho pours a glas of Tequila for the Govenator. 22:52 GovernorSparks drinks and asks for another 22:53 Sancho pours him another, good ol' tonsil burning mescal tequila with a worm in the glass. 22:53 EmpressHoshiko Favor traer tamales y más Tequila para todos 22:53 GovernorSparks watches as the Japanese lady tries to speak Spanish 22:54 GovernorSparks So I say we either start this drinking game or we have our body guards battle each other. 22:54 Sancho fetches a plate of tamales for the Empress and two more glasses of Tequila for the Empress and Emperor. 22:54 EmperorAlanWymore What the $%&@ did you just say to me Empress 22:54 GovernorSparks EmpressHoshiko are your men any good? I figure we can take some ninjas together. 22:54 GovernorSparks whispers "She like white meat" 22:55 EmperorAlanWymore Kazuko how did your korean husband die? 22:55 Sancho Senor Wymore, I heard your wife is a 3 dollar whore, is this true? 22:55 EmperorAlanWymore My wife is dead 22:56 EmpressHoshiko An Assassination. Our Intelligence suggested it was meant for me, as I had stayed in bed late that day and he had gone out early. An unfortunate event but at least I have my Katsuro. 22:56 Sancho Do you still rent our her dried up pinchita to any takers? 22:56 GovernorSparks Oh well thank God they didn't kill you... 22:56 EmpressHoshiko I've been lucky to avoid those 22:56 EmperorAlanWymore stands up 22:57 GovernorSparks offers EmpressHoshiko more alcohol and rinks some more himself 22:57 EmperorAlanWymore What the $%&@ did you say to me you piece of !@#$ 22:57 GovernorSparks Emperor it's ok he's a Mexican they don't know any better. 22:57 Sancho I said do you rent out your dead whore wife's dried up pinchita to any takers. 22:58 EmpressHoshiko raises her glass and laughed, "Estos chicos blancos no pueden mantener sus bebidas!" 22:58 GovernorSparks stops talking and drinks some Jack next to the Empress. "Who do you think will win?" 22:59 EmperorAlanWymore Two of the Emperors security detail would enter, put a bag over sanchos head, and drag him out 22:59 Sancho steps back and easily avoids the Emperor's guards inept attack 22:59 Sancho runs behind the emperor and grabs at his pants 22:59 EmpressHoshiko sized up both of them, the Mexican seemed as though he was more used to the hard life, but Alan had height and age. "Tough call, I'll have to go with alcohol winning." 22:59 Sancho pulls down the emperor's pants and screams, "He ain't got no pants" 23:00 *** Sancho was kicked by EmperorAlanWymore (EmperorAlanWymore) 23:00 GovernorSparks "Hey Empress I want the shield thingy to work so look out!" pulls out his .45 and shoots at her 23:00 *** Sancho joined #alaskacrisis 23:00 *** Sancho was kicked by EmperorAlanWymore (EmperorAlanWymore) 23:01 EmpressHoshiko the bullet would ricochet off the shield and into one of the empty alcohol bottles, narrowly whizzing my Alan's head 23:01 EmpressHoshiko I told you, melee combat, haven't you ever seen a samurai film? 23:01 EmperorAlanWymore Hey that's not cool dudes 23:01 EmpressHoshiko you just tried to like, murder that guy 23:01 GovernorSparks I just wanted to make sure it'd work. 23:01 GovernorSparks And yeah Emperor. 23:02 EmpressHoshiko and then I am being questioned why I don't trust you 23:02 GovernorSparks Poor Mexican dude. 23:02 EmpressHoshiko you're not helping your case 23:02 EmpressHoshiko he was gonna go to texas and be with his family 23:02 EmpressHoshiko maybe be like a gardener or something, I dunno, what do you guys even make in texas? 23:02 GovernorSparks He was going to work for me. 23:02 EmperorAlanWymore sits back down 23:02 GovernorSparks I'd find a good government job. 23:02 EmperorAlanWymore Can we talk terms yet? 23:02 GovernorSparks He's fine I'm sure. 23:02 GovernorSparks I'll pick him up one the way out- 23:02 GovernorSparks Oh yeah. 23:02 EmpressHoshiko Oh right, Alaska 23:03 GovernorSparks Man being in charge of a country is !@#$@#$ awesome. 23:03 *** seuwp left #alaskacrisis 23:03 GovernorSparks EmpressHoshiko I don't think we can agree to any terms. 23:03 GovernorSparks Do y'all think we should just go home? 23:04 EmpressHoshiko probably not, but hey, we also don't really want to blow each other up either 23:04 GovernorSparks Well alright. 23:04 GovernorSparks What if we just all leave Alaska? 23:04 EmpressHoshiko whoa now 23:04 EmpressHoshiko that's a crazy idea 23:04 EmperorAlanWymore What 23:05 GovernorSparks Cascadia can keep that bit that borders British Columbia so he has an ocean border, and then all the rest of it is just left to local governments until they form a national government. 23:05 GovernorSparks And then we can all get together and watch a movie or something in Hawaii? 23:05 EmpressHoshiko I got a better idea 23:05 EmperorAlanWymore Lets hear it 23:05 EmpressHoshiko I got these Casinos, right? I could totally throw a party there 23:05 GovernorSparks I'd be fine with that if you don't kill us. 23:06 GovernorSparks But is the Alaska thing a deal? 23:06 EmperorAlanWymore No 23:06 EmperorAlanWymore How about 23:06 EmperorAlanWymore I get my borders but I don't take the rest 23:07 EmpressHoshiko I don't think so Tim 23:07 GovernorSparks Emperor, if you do this you get every major city but Anchorage and the East Asians don't feel threatened by a relatively peaceful small nation that isn't threatening. 23:07 GovernorSparks And thousands of Texans don't die. 23:07 GovernorSparks We all win. 23:08 EmperorAlanWymore Anchorage though 23:08 EmperorAlanWymore frowns 23:09 GovernorSparks Well Empress what do you say to that deal? The Emperor will get that skinny bit on the ocean and up to Anchorage and the rest is local governments that none of us have domain over. 23:10 GovernorSparks EmpressHoshiko 23:10 EmperorAlanWymore AND WE ALL BECOME FWIENDS 23:10 EmpressHoshiko I can agree to him getting his borders on Alaska so long as we can maintain the Alaskan Peninsula for SOSUS and Radar stations, since Pacific Security is the whole point of this spat, along with Kotz, and shared drilling rights to the North Bank, of which neither of us will hold any formal claim 23:10 EmperorAlanWymore AND WE ALL BECOME FWIENDS 23:10 GovernorSparks Then that isn't really local governments. That's just you owning the land. 23:11 EmpressHoshiko there'd be a large demilitarized zone that would be independant, one second 23:11 EmperorAlanWymore AND WE ALL BECOME FWIENDS 23:11 GovernorSparks Emperor shut up and drink more. 23:12 GovernorSparks I could agree to allowing the Japanese SOSUS being set up and radar stations. But no one will drill for oil or disturb the natural enviornment there. It belongs to the people who live there. 23:12 GovernorSparks And if they ever decide to make a national government then it belongs to them. 23:13 GovernorSparks EmpressHoshiko? 23:13 EmpressHoshiko taps away at her cell phone 23:14 EmpressHoshiko (mapmaking) 23:14 GovernorSparks (If the Alaska peninsula is on the map for you don't bother making it) 23:15 EmpressHoshiko the Aluetians are too important to simply release, and if we are allowing Cascadia to further expand, why is there no give from your side? 23:16 GovernorSparks The give from our side is that Cascadia barely takes any of Alaska and doesn't "surround" you anymore. 23:17 EmpressHoshiko that doesnt solve the long term problem for us, it merely pushes is further on 23:17 EmpressHoshiko *it 23:17 GovernorSparks Of course it solves it. We don't occupy the land of controversy, you don't occupy the land of controversy, and you get radar and SOSUS installations that we wont mess with. 23:18 EmpressHoshiko any national government should be allowed the useful parts of Alaska then 23:18 EmperorAlanWymore How about an MDP Empress 23:18 GovernorSparks Those parts of Alaska would belong to the people that live there. 23:19 GovernorSparks I don't see Alaska as land to be exploited. 23:19 GovernorSparks We are leaving it up to them to form their own national governments. 23:19 GovernorSparks I don't see Alaska as land to be exploited. 23:19 GovernorSparks We are leaving it up to them to form their own national governments. 23:19 EmpressHoshiko put her head to her head, rubbing her temples with her thumb and middle finger 23:19 EmpressHoshiko relax your highness, we need to come to an amicable solution before we can agree to anything like that 23:20 EmperorAlanWymore Okay 23:20 GovernorSparks Empress? 23:20 EmpressHoshiko my point Governer Sparks, is that if I were a hypothetical god who was able to influence this world of ours, I would not want to be an Alaska without the major population centers. 23:21 EmpressHoshiko The Imperium may be skilled at constructing a city where ever we desire, but others may not have our talents 23:21 GovernorSparks I understand what you are saying. But if a government never rises there, then we never have to deal with the controversy they might cause correct? 23:21 GovernorSparks It's a win win. 23:23 *** Yerushalayim is now known as Toph 23:23 EmpressHoshiko We still have several hundred Aluetians who will be disappointed they are not able to be reunited with their friends 23:23 GovernorSparks Who are their friends? 23:23 GovernorSparks Cascadian Alaska? 23:23 EmpressHoshiko they are Aluetian 23:24 GovernorSparks In this deal no one owns the Aluetians either. You can have installations there like we discussed. 23:24 GovernorSparks So the natives are still all united. 23:24 EmpressHoshiko so what of those several thousand aluetians 23:24 GovernorSparks Along with the other Alaskans. 23:24 EmpressHoshiko what if they wish to join us? 23:24 GovernorSparks What if they wish to join us? 23:25 GovernorSparks Empress, we are very close to making this work. 23:25 EmpressHoshiko you're Texas, I kinda don't think they have releatives 23:25 EmpressHoshiko Texas isn't suited for Eskimos 23:25 GovernorSparks You'd be surprised. 23:25 GovernorSparks It's the most diverse State in the former United States. 23:26 GovernorSparks Anyway, can you agree to this? 23:26 GovernorSparks I'd rather us go watch that movie in Hawaii then try killing each other. 23:26 EmpressHoshiko not without the Aluetian population be given a right to decide their own fate 23:26 GovernorSparks Sure. We can let Malta or some neutral government do a survey. 23:27 EmpressHoshiko I don't consider Malta to be neutral 23:27 GovernorSparks Really? 23:27 EmpressHoshiko since they are currently doing exactly what you suggest we're doing 23:27 GovernorSparks What? I wasn't told about this? 23:27 GovernorSparks (What are you talking about?) 23:27 EmpressHoshiko their so called Economic Security Pact controls South Africa and several cities in the middle east, as well has maintains a stranglehold upon the Med, as I said earlier 23:28 GovernorSparks What does that have to do with the Aleutian Islands and East Asia? 23:28 EmpressHoshiko I do not feel any nation that is a member of that pact is unbiased towards us 23:29 GovernorSparks Why? 23:29 GovernorSparks I don't think they are biased towards us. 23:29 EmpressHoshiko perhaps not to you 23:29 GovernorSparks I mean you can have observers there while they do the survey if you like. 23:29 GovernorSparks Biased means in favor. 23:29 *** Toph is now known as Yerushalayim 23:29 GovernorSparks Well I suppose it could go either way. 23:29 EmpressHoshiko I meant biased against 23:29 GovernorSparks I don't see why they'd be biased against you. 23:30 EmpressHoshiko especially considering their own expansions and imperialism 23:30 GovernorSparks Then they are more like you than us. 23:30 GovernorSparks We could let the Northlands do it? 23:30 EmpressHoshiko I am saying they would be biased against the Imperium's interests 23:30 EmpressHoshiko Northlands is a member of that treaty... 23:30 GovernorSparks Of controlling 30 islands? 23:30 GovernorSparks That transcript I read said the Northlands is your friend. 23:31 EmpressHoshiko of anything that favors strengthening our position 23:31 *** Hereno left #alaskacrisis 23:31 EmpressHoshiko northlands wishes us to give up the Falklands to a foreign power 23:31 GovernorSparks Empress out of all due respect you are skeptical of everyone. 23:31 GovernorSparks The Northlands suggested it. They aren't pushing it. 23:31 EmpressHoshiko considering they left our conference without signing our version of the document 23:32 EmpressHoshiko and have their own "economic treaty" moving military fleets towards islands near the Falklands 23:32 EmpressHoshiko what is it we should be so trusting of? 23:32 GovernorSparks Oh the transcript didn't go that far. Mine only goes until you kicked out the Cascadians. 23:33 EmpressHoshiko the Northland government left immediately after it was clear no one else was interested in their version of the treaty text 23:34 GovernorSparks Why don't we let the Aleutians conduct the survey themselves? 23:34 GovernorSparks All three of us can have observers there. 23:34 GovernorSparks That way there is no bias. 23:34 EmpressHoshiko that would be the most unbiased option then 23:34 GovernorSparks Agreed. We'll do that. 23:34 GovernorSparks So do we have a deal? Want me to go over the details again? 23:35 EmpressHoshiko I think we can agree to this, perhaps you should reiterate for clarity's sake 23:36 GovernorSparks Alright, here it is: 23:38 GovernorSparks Texas forces will vacate Alaska. Cascadian forces will move to Anchorage. Japanese forces will leave North America but lightly armed forces can maintain SOSUS and radar facilities in the Aleutian islands. The remaining territory will not have its resources exploited or bases put on its territory and will not be occupied. 23:39 GovernorSparks All nations agree to a peace treaty and will meet somewhere nice to sign it. 23:39 GovernorSparks And we shall live in tranquility and try to work together to make the world better. 23:39 GovernorSparks Oh and 23:39 EmpressHoshiko none of us are formally at war 23:39 EmpressHoshiko just saying 23:39 GovernorSparks the Aleutians can decide their own faith. 23:39 GovernorSparks fate* 23:39 GovernorSparks Oh I know, but we are close to it. It's just to establish we don't plan on going to war. 23:39 GovernorSparks A way to make it official.

Oh yeah you use to be an ass to me.... Now you help me with my Anthropology tests. It's interesting how things have changed.

The Admiral sat in confusion for about a minute before he stood up to give his statement. "Thank you Empress for giving such a swift response. I'm afraid our language barrier may have inhibited what you thought you heard me say. I specifically stated that while there are not large, organized states, every nation at this conference can confirm that local governments, some being larger than others, exist. While Brazil or Argentina or Ecuador are not unified nations they still have local governance as far as we are aware and I'm sure it will only be a matter of time before these extremely similar peoples reunify their governments in some form. That being said, I'm not aware of any disasters or diseases that are plaguing South America that require aide. Out of all due respect, it just seems like a ploy to occupy territory with the claim that the locals are being helped when they are, in fact, in no need of such help. I also think you misunderstand my presence here as well - I understand that the United States of America no longer exists. The Texas government has been scrambling to establish itself as a national power after our entire country collapsed around us. You also talk like Cascadia is some superpower trying to oppress the people of Alaska - whom share direct cultural, political, and economic ties that go back hundreds of years - while Your Majesty's military has invaded and occupied nations all around Asia and subjugated them to yourself. We also can't forget to mention that Your Majesty's government has absolutely no political, cultural, or economic ties to Alaska yet is trying to invade this continent and rule over those people? And, once again, I either blame your translator or your intelligence agencies - the Republic of Texas stands behind the Empire of Cascadia without reservation. We are not trying to mask our support, we proclaim wholeheartedly. They are Americans bringing back stable central government to other Americans. I hope it comes to a point where every square inch of this continent is once again under central governments - be it one or many, as long as anarchy steps back. And as far as the claims of Inuit slaughter come - this is the first I have heard of it -, I once again ask you to look to your intelligence agencies. If these reports are true and Inuit people have fallen, then I would like to be the first to offer my sincere condolences to the families and friends of the fallen. After this incident the Texas government will be more than happy to start an national or international investigation into what occurred there. The Cascadians are unequivocally in the right in this scenario, so I highly doubt they would compromise their ethical superiority by slaughtering a village of innocent Inuit; and thus is why I question the authenticity that they would have done it especially when there is just one eye-witness. The only thing that could make it harder to believe is if a video or recording of some sort was made with supposed Cascadians showing off, like they didn't know they were causing an international incident or killing innocent people. Another questionable point you have brought up is that France and Naggaroth gave the East Asian nation their blessing for occupying the Falklands? Empress, I mean no disrespect, but I do not think you understand the political boundaries of Western international relations past Europe. The nations of Europe are in no place to approve of the invasion of the Americas. I do not see how their blessing holds any merit past a faulty justification. Furthermore, in response to your deployment of Texas forces; it was done in order to to prevent your military from colonizing Alaska, a place which has never in human history been under an Asian nation and has a small Asian population which doesn't even live in the part of Alaska that the East Asian Imperium is claiming. Governor Sparks made the Alaska Proclamation which stated that Texas had no ill-will to the East Asian Imperium but had serious doubts and reservations in regards to the East Asian nation colonizing Alaska. We do not want bloodshed, but just because we want to maintain peace doesn't mean we are going to lay down on the ground and be trampled on by those who seem to believe they have some type of dominion over us. And while I do not want to risk the security of Texas servicemen in the field, I am aware that if any additional operations were put in place it was to prevent a second wave of an estimated 60,000 East Asian Imperials from locating to Alaska. The alleged operation was done in defense, not as an offensive action. Furthermore if your Imperium has never prevented the trade of any nation then I would like an explanation of why the East Asian Imperium finds it necessary to control every route into the Pacific which would give it the ability to deadlock international trade? In fact, from my knowledge, the French and Northlands outposts or colonies or whatever one wishes to call them are not considered a threat to the Imperium and from what I understand no mass invasion of the Pacific has ever taken place and with the fall of several large international governments and the rise of a powerful East Asian Imperium nation, I couldn't see that happening for a hundred years unless the world united and decided to stop the Imperiums imperialism. Please, Empress, explain to me why this mass expansion in Alaska, let alone Asia, is justified? The Pacific Ocean is a global treasure of vast beauty and history and has a large economic sphere of influence which has never been interrupted since World War Two. The Pacific Ocean belongs to no one nation or man, it belongs to all of us as citizens of the world. Finally, I'll say this to your ending statement. Cascadia and Texas do not want to threaten your nation or any nation's security or harm them in any way. But The Republic of Texas and The Empire of Cascadia do not want an Asian nation colonizing North America. If Cascadia had invaded Siberia claiming it wanted to secure its national security, I am sure the Imperium would not have been in favor of that. In fact, the Republic of Texas would not have stood for such an action either which is why I don't understand how you cannot conceive that we do not want our continents colonized. If you can simply agree to not colonize the Americas, Your Majesty, then we can agree stand peacefully with the East Asian Imperium and even work together to protect your Imperium from whatever threat you see that has caused the massive growth of your nation. Provided that Imperial forces stop occupying and subjecting Alaskans and Cascadians alike, I'll be the first man on a plane to Tokyo to meet with you and write out our peaceful future. Americans are just trying to live our lives and rebuild, we want an international war as much as we want Alaska to be subjected and colonized. The decision lies with Your Majesty, Empress. But I sincerely request that you do not start an unnecessary war.

Vice Admiral Michael Henry Morgan of the Texas Maritime State Guard was appointed as the Texas representative to the League of Nations. Halfway to Europe he was confirmed by the Senate and was briefed by the Governor of what the entire situation was and what the goals of the Republic was. "Governor, I'm honored that you chose me to represent Texas but are you positive that I can do this? I've never been outside of the United States, I've went to Mexico once but that was just a vacation. We talked before sir, but I just wanted to make sure you were certain." Anthony looked at his watch and knew he was already five minutes late for a meeting with Senate leaders and the Lieutenant Governor. "You're going to do fine. I'm the youngest governor in Texas history, if I can do it I'm positive that you can too. Now remember, the League of Nations is headquartered on the island of Malta. When you get there the boys on the plane will get your things to your residence, but you will need to head directly to the conference. Text me to keep my updated on my private phone. You're gonna do great amigo, just hang in there." Anthony hung up and walked into his meeting. The Vice Admiral opened a Coke and drank it in a few gulps. He went into the back of the plane and changed into his white formal Vice Admiral uniform with tassels, ribbons, and of course his hat. After landing in Malta he greeted the Knights and observed the trappings of one of the world's most interesting nations. A global organization, The Knights Hospitaller, once again had their own sovereign nation to operate and interact with the rest of the world. The ancient buildings and castles of the island were simply magnificent. Texas had major civilizations occupying it for the past three-hundred years, but Malta and most of Europe had a deep-wounded history of war, strife, tranquility, and baffling architecture that most builders could not reproduce today even if they tried. By the time he was in the chamber with the other representatives he was humbled by the environment and passed occurrences that happened on the island. It really made him think carefully about what he was going to say since he was going to be adding to the history of that place. He looked over the minutes of the past few hours and then listened to a bit of the back and forth between representatives. He found a time to butt in and speak and so he did. "Fellow representatives it's an honor to be here among all of you to try to keep the peace and restore balance to our world. I am Vice Admiral Henry Morgan of the Texas Maritime State Guard. I was sent by Governor Anthony Sparks to represent the Republic of Texas. I've looked over the minutes here and I have been listening to the back and forth between a few of you. I haven't spent much time here, but from what I can gather, the Republic of Texas and the Cascadian Empire and being painted as belligerents in this conflict by the worthy representative from the East Asian Imperium. While I was flying over the Atlantic this morning I was handed some of the minutes from the Cascadian government who had a representative at the Pacific Rim Conference. The East Asian Empress and East Asian Representatives at the conference again and again noted that if nations at the conference questioned or stood against East Asian expanse that they were supposedly either a threat to or against the security of the Pacific. While there exists multiple examples from the minutes we were given, I point to this example specifically. "And also this second statement made by the East Asian Empress, "I first point to the East Asian statement that there is no government in South America or Africa. While there are not large, organized states, every nation at this conference can confirm that local governments, some being larger than others exist. Next the Empress states she wants to unify the Pacific region so that there will be no restrictions on trade. Later she states that the Pacific is her ocean and that she has made 'Gods' kneel before her. She even went as far to assert that 'the nations of the Americas have all collapsed'. Fellow representatives there are a consistent number of fallacies or blatant miscommunications that were offered by the East Asian Imperium and the Pacific Rim Conference which we are still trying to decipher but our conclusion is this so far: The Asian governments that make up the East Asian Imperium vest authority in their Empress who believes she, the ruler of 'Gods', has the soul claim to the Pacific Rim and all of those who inhabit it. Meaning that any nation who does not share an alliance or general relationship of above neutral with the Imperium is a threat to 'Pacific Security'. Both the Northlands and the Cascadians presented questions to this... concept that the empress was declaring at the conference and both were treated as if they had burned the Imperial flag. It has been brought up that the Inuit people, whom have resided in North America for thousands of years, somehow provide a cultural link to Asian which justifies the East Asian invasion of North America. I point to the Inuit peoples all along the northern hemisphere of North America including Eastern Canada which the Japanese have not - yet at least - claimed as their own. It is an absurd notion that a people who were isolated in North America for thousands of years, came into contact with Europeans and then Americans for four-hundred more, and have remained on their lands somehow have a direct cultural or even linguistic tie to the Japanese, Chinese, or South East Asian peoples. Perhaps, 10,000 years ago their ancestors dwelled together, but that is not justification to conquering a region the size of the Great Plains from a tranquil continent that was trying to restore balance after the fall of major governments. These facts make it clear that the East Asian government has secret motives to invading North America which do not include the random association of the sparse but peaceful Inuit community. These motives include having a stranglehold on the Pacific and dominating it. I fear for the security of any nation on the West Coast of North America that wishes to totally keep their sovereignty and continue to maintain their own policies in regards to trade and governance. Further evidence can be pointed to the Antarctic Peninsula and southern Chile and Argentina which have both been occupied by the East Asians along with the Falkalnd islands. The East Asian Imperium is indeed Imperialistic and has proved so by launching an unprovoked, dastardly invasion of Alaska; more broadly North and South America. I am not here to announce that the East Asian Imperium is an enemy of the Republic of Texas. War or any type of conflict that will result in bloodshed is the last thing the Texas government wants to see. We are rising from the ashes of the fall of the United States of America which has resulted in the deaths of thousands of Americans including countless Texans. What the East Asian Imperium does in Asia is their business as far as the Texas government is concerned, but their imperialistic invasions of the Americas is a threat to their cultural, economic, political, and individual sovereignty of each and every American nation including the Republic of Texas. If the East Asian Imperium agrees to vacate Alaska in a reasonable amount of time, proclaims it will not again expand into North America or further into South America, and promises it will not restrict passage of ships vessels through the Drake Passage then the I can guarantee that there will be no conflict or violence and that Texas nor Cascadia will be a threat to East Asian national security. We are simply trying to protect our sovereignty and the cultural independence of the Americas. Americans, north or south, are ruled by no one but themselves."

A representative from the Republic of Texas would be appointed by Governor Sparks to represent the Texas government at the League of Nations.

Sorry about that grammatical errors I'm on my phone.

CNRP has a concept similar to this. My only concern is people abusing this. For exams, Malta has a population of about 400,000. If two players to there and one decides to RP the population, he shouldn't be able to exceed the RL population. Of both players RP the population, their combined numbers shouldn't surpass the numbers. Understand what I'm saying? It's unfair if you send in a small contemporary force to take an island or a local community and then someone goes "Hurr durr this town of 1,000 now has 30,000 angry citizens with pitchforks!" Zoot did something like that to me in Scotland a few years ago...

OOC: lol Eva I love you :p

TEXAS-LOUISIANA BORDER 1200 HOURS "Now let me say this, and honestly this is what I think, if the government - I mean the American government - still existed in some fashion, we would have heard from them by now. Washington is still dark, no word from the Pentagon, SRATCOM was just decapitated like some 13th century prisoner of war, and the army went into open combat with itself in the north. I think we are literally witnessing the balkanization of the United States. It's possible don't you think? There's no president, no congress. Basically all that's left is some of the military. Half the State governments were taken out too. We're just lucky we had the Texas Rangers back in Galveston to protect the Governor and to protect the Lieutenant Governor in Austin. That's what I think." Arnold Freeman, private, read an article on his iPhone about trouble in the Dakotas. His feet were up on another chair in a relaxed position and the radio softly played on the background. His rifle was neatly set in a wall-box about five feet from him, it hadn't seen use since he joined the State Guard ten weeks ago. "I think you think too much," said Charlie Grimes, private first-class. He was relaxing too but had been irritated by the new recruit for a few days now. "This might be the end of the United States, but it wont be the end of the States. Texas is doing all right for itself. You just need to have hope." Charlie went back to his book The Cold Dish and wondered what his family in Wyoming was doing right now. He missed his sister and his grandparents. When the president was shot he was in Galveston on vacation to visit his parents who had moved to Houston a few years back. Before he knew it he was offered a position in the State Guard by a local recruiter since he was in the reserves in Wyoming. Now he was wondering if he was really fulfilling any "duty" if he was just guarding a border that didn't seem to need any guarding. Orange, Texas sat on the border with Louisiana and had a major continental artery, Interstate-10. Thousands of cars would pass between Louisiana and Texas only a few months ago. Now? Only about one-hundred move between the border. The American economy was at a standstill. Food was the only commodity really being transported across the country. Things were getting tough. "Sir do you hear that?" Private Freeman got up from his chair and grabbed his binoculars. The Texas-Louisiana border was the Red River. Crossing it meant that someone would have to take the six-lane bridge which had been converted into a makeshift border station on the Texas side. Freeman heard a light hum and it continued to grow louder and louder. Grimes didn't bother to set down his book and nodded his head to fuzzy radio until it turned to white static. That got his attention. "What's going on?" Grimes got up and took the binoculars from Freeman who was observing the bridge which wasn't flat but arched. Once he got focus of the wide piece of infrastructure he saw it - a fully armed Apache helicopter. After only a few seconds a tank followed after it, thought it was on the road. More vehicles followed behind. "Holy &$*@." Freeman grabbed his rifle and took a defensive position outside. Grimes picked up a phone inside their makeshift border post and called the National Guard post in downtown Orange. "6-Wide to Orange, there's a damn army coming over the bridge! Request immediate assistance.... No I'm not joking! We need backup over here!" The tank stopped at the top of the bridge, right before the sign that said, "Entering State of Texas". By the rumbling and noise, Grimes gauged that there were a lot more vehicles and men on the other side of the bridge. The Apache and the one tank were definitely just scouts for a much larger force. The Apache zoomed past the border but stayed around the bridge. The ham-radio next to him lit up. "Hello? Hello is anyone there? Do you copy?" Grimes hung up the phone with Orange who would hopefully send reinforcements. He picked up the receiver for the radio and transmitted. "This is Private First-Class Charlie Grimes of The Texas State Guard, charged with protecting the Texas-Louisiana border. Who goes there?" Grimes waited anxiously for a response. The seconds felt like minutes. "Private First-Class, make way. We are headed to Fort Hood with orders." Grimes checked his logs which consisted of food companies and pressed down the receiver on the radio again. "Negative, I don't have any record stating that anyone would be coming through at this time. I say again, who goes there?" There was a bit of scuffling on the radio and then a new, deeper, scruffier voice came over the radio. "Hey! Who the hell is this?! Get your ass out of the way! My men have been marching for a week now. You are going to make way.... Private First-Class, or I am going to have you court-marshaled damn it! Copy? Over!" Grimes gulped and replied, " I copy, but you still didn't say who you are sir." The man on the other end, who was apparently frustrated, transmitted again. "This is Colonel Stephen Sanders of the United States Army, Commander of Fort Knox, Kentucky. You have one minute to make away, otherwise we're rolling over you. Fawkes out." AUSTIN, TEXAS GOVERNOR'S MANSION 1230 HOURS "Olivia, is the Governor in there?" The Director of Public Safety strutted towards the doors of the Governor's office along with a few aides. "Yes but he's in a meeting with-" Direct Watchmaker barged in anyway. Anthony was sitting at his desk and the President of The University of Texas was explaining something about national grants. "Governor I am sorry to interrupt but there has been a major development. I need the room." Anthony stood up and buttoned his jacket, "I apologize Jim but I'll need to take this. We can keep talking about this over a late launch, alright?" The president nodded and thanked the Governor for his time. Once they had the room Anthony sat back down and the director handed him an iPad. "Two-thousand tanks, what looks like ten-thousand men, and a about one-hundred helicopters are crossing the border from Louisiana into Orange." Anthony looked up swiftly, "Who is it? Are we under attack? Jesus, Francis. I know we don't have a 'Situation Room' yet but you need to tell me when these things happen! Assemble the Joint Chiefs and bring us down to DEFCON 3!" "No no sir, you don't know who it is: United States Army Colonel Stephen Sanders." Anthony was bewildered again, "Sanders? From my fraternity? Wait, United States Army? Where the hell is he coming from with ten-thousand men and two-thousand tanks?" The Director handed him a small packet of papers with pictures. "Fort Knox, Kentucky. He's the Commander of the base. I don't know what made him want to come here, but supposedly he's heading to Fort Hood under orders from 'higher up'. The State Guard at the border let him through, though I don't think they had much of a choice. The convoy is big, they've been marching for about a week is what the border guard said. What are your orders, sir?" Anthony opened his phone and swiped through a few photos before he found the one of his fraternity reunion only last year. Sanders was there in his full glory. "What a bad ass" Anthony thought outloud. "Sir?" Anthony put his phone down, "Oh sorry... Get communications with the Colonel. Tell the National Guard the prepare provisions for the men and provide security. If they don't have air support other than those helicopter, scramble two F-22s from Ellington Field and give them cover." The director nodded and motioned to his aides to carry out the orders. About fifteen minutes later the director came back and pointed at the phone on Anthony's desk. "He's on line one sir. It might be a bit fuzzy since he's using satellite coms on his side, but it's good enough." Anthony picked up the phone, "This is Governor Sparks. Are you there Colonel?" A gruffy laugh echoed from the other end, "Sparkie! It took ya' damn long enough! I hope you don't mind me coming into Texas. They noticed y'all have y'alls $&%# together, so I was ordered to go to Fort Hood. I wont get any trouble along the way, will I? It was a pain in the ass to go through Baton Rouge, I tell you what." Anthony sat back and felt a bit more relaxed. "We have your back Colonel. Who ordered you to go to Fort Hood?" White static built up on the other side but then it returned to its normal, light white-noise. "STRATCOM, not all of it is gone. The orders are about a month old - we just got them by courier believe it or not - but orders are orders," said Sanders. "I copy that Colonel. I'm going to come meet you in Fort Hood," Anthony replied. Anthony took AirGuard-One to Fort Hood. The Colonel and his convoy made it to the base once they were in friendly territory. They double-timed it once they found out that they'd get hot meals and a chance to relax on base. They were confused to see only a Texas flag flying above the base when they got there though. A lot had changed. The two met outside of an aircraft hanger. A few helicopters from Sanders's convoy landed with important materials from the fort. Dozens of 18-wheelers pulled up too with black covers. The Colonel came into the hanger with a cigar in his mouth and a helmet on his head like General Patton. "Governor!" he shouted, "This is a nice base you got here! Damn it's great to be home! I miss this damn Lone Star State!!!" Anthony shook his hand and patted him on the back. "Colonel, welcome to Texas. I'm happy to see you home, though I'd like a bit of background if you could provide it." The Colonel didn't say anything but motioned for Anthony to follow. They went outside to one of the heavy-duty industrial 18-wheelers. Sanders opened the hatch for one and then jumped down. In his hand was a gold brick. Anthony's hands fell to his side, "Jesus Christ..... You brought the gold here? How much is it?" Sanders through the bar to Anthony who fell over because of its weight when he caught it. "About $262-billion worth. We thought it might be safer here." Men unloaded the gold truck by truck into a secure underground facility in the middle of the base. Anthony watched soldiers head over to the truck the Colonel was standing at. He walked over to the truck and sat the gold back inside, but saw more than just gold. "What's all of that on top? Those boxes?" Sanders ordered his men to get the metal containers down. One of the men opened an umbrella to shield the container while four other men carried it. It passed by Anthony only briefly so that they could get it underground. But he saw the gold parchment with the curled black letters that read, "We The People". The Colonel smiled at Anthony's bewilderment. "The FBI got this out of the National Archives before the riots in D.C. got bad. You are now the guardian of America's treasurers Governor Sparks." THREE DAYS LATER AUSTIN, TEXAS GOVERNOR'S MANSION "Why the hell would they do that? Don't they know that they are pushing us to the verge of war?" Anthony set down one of the cigars that Colonel Sanders had given him and puffed out the smoke. "How many troops are they tying to bring over again?" The Director pushed over a paper with troop estimates and he looked it over. "It says 40-60 thousand. Why don't we have exact numbers?" The director looked something over on his laptop and then folded his hands, "Estimating D-day like launches like this aren't as easy as you'd think sir. We have the capability to sink some of the transports if you would give the order, but they left Japan only a few hours ago. I would deploy the Air National Guard and the Bering Sea and state that reinforcing current positions would be taken as an act of war. Here, let's go over a few things. Some analysts are coming over from the DPS to help show you what our assets are and what we can use. We already have a lot in Cascadia, so I think our response should be able to be reasonable." Anthony checked his watch and lit up another cigar. "Olivia," he said into his intercom, "call the Secretary of State. I want to talk to the Governor of Alaska." TWENTY MINUTES LATER Anthony sat down the Director's iPad on a stand on his desk and sat back in his armchair. He waited for a face to appear and wasn't disappointed. "Good afternoon Governor Anosov, can you hear me alright?" The man on the other end was young like Anthony. He couldn't have been older than thirty-five. "Yes sir, it's good to hear from you. On behalf of the Alaskan people I want to thank you for sending troops all the way from Texas to defend us. From one governor to another it's a debt I don't know how I'll be able to repay." Anthony nodded politely and puffed his cigar. "Happy to help governor, we're all Americans here. Listen, I'm committing a lot of people to this campaign. I just wanted to make sure that I'm not... damning the State of Alaska. The Alaskan government does want to join the Cascadian Empire, right?" Governor Anosov nodded, "Alaska cannot function as an independent State like Texas can, Governor Sparks. There's places in this State where a hamburger costs fourteen dollars or you can't find natural fresh water because it's all frozen like rock. I will do everything I can to assist Texas and Cascadian troops while they are here. I can't offer you much in the way of military equipment, but I can offer the Alaskan State Defense Forces which number in a few hundred. They are primarily Military Police and search and rescue units who know the State well. They are at your full disposal." Anthony nodded, "Thank you governor. I know you are busy, but I wanted to have this chat with you first." "Any time Governor Sparks, any time." TEXAS MILITARY FORCES ARCHIVE - OPERATION BIG DIPPER Governor Anthony Sparks authorized the deployment of an additional 100,000 armed soldiers to the Cascadian Empire, bringing the total troop numbers in the region to three-hundred thousand men. The Air National Guard also moved major assets in the first deployment, and more would come in the second deployment. Thanks to the absolute cooperation and hospitality of the Cascadian government and military, military bases and facilities were being used to their full potential along with civilian airports and ports. After the first wave of troops made it to Cascadia (the first two-hundred thousand) they would trek through the Yukon and into the State of Alaska. The Texas Air National Guard brought in equipment and smaller boats for the Texas Maritime State Guard to operate, however larger vessels such as small flat-bottom barges were obtained from the Cascadians. From Juneau, the Texas Maritime State Guard would deploy mobile Harpoon missile vehicles in strategic locations on the southern barrier islands so that the Cascadians had an additional line of defense along with their own defense networks. Meanwhile the Air National Guard would immaterially begin escorted patrols with several P-8 Poseidons along Cascadian controlled Alaska. Submarines and other vessels would be actively sought out. Simple, low decal radar installations would also be set up in the mountains and along the coast, however the United States radar pav paws and instillation would be utilized and the United States early warning system as well. Texas Military Forces would take advantage of their access to Cascadian radar and SOSUS and would continue to monitor Japanese movements while double checking their findings with the Cascadians. The Air National Guard dropped one-hundred paratroopers on Middleton Island and set up camouflaged anti-ship weaponry similar to southern Alaska. A radar instillation would also be mounted there. The East Foreland Lighthouse Reserve would have a surge of Texan troops. The area had a native population of the Inuit people who had lived peacefully along with the people of Alaska for over 200 years. A small communications aray and radar outfit was put atop the lighthouse. Forward operating structures were built to house the few thousand troops arriving in the facility who were armed and ready for combat. Light vehicles landed south of Fire Island on the peninsula and took a little-used road to get to the Lighthouse base, but tanks and troop transports would depart from Anchorage with air cover and land at the base to harden their position. An armored battalion of ten M1-Abrams tanks, thirty armed Humvees, and a plethora of troop transport vehicles flanked by 15 light armor (M2 Bradley) plus mobile anti-aircraft surface to air missiles and light machingunneries. The Texas Air National Guard maintained regular patrols over the Kenai Peninsula, all of it, with F-22s in the north and a mixture of F-22s and F-16s flying in a tri-formation in the south with the F-16s numbering in two and the F-22 numbering in one. This battalion would head from Anchorage to Soldotna where they would set up a forward operating base. The Air National Guard would establish patrols Several checkpoints would be made on the Sterling Highway to ensure that only Texas and Cascadian military forces could use the artery. The Texas Air National Guard would occupy Seaward with a battalion of men and a FOB would be established. Anti-aircraft surface to air missiles which were camouflaged to match the environment were installed and anti-ship weaponry similar to southern Alaska was also set in place. Check points were set up at Bear Creek and other points along Seward highway. In total fifty-thousand troops were in Anchorage and occupied large warehouses or government buildings to use to house soldiers and constructing their own FOBs. Anti-aircraft weaponry was also set up in ordination with Cascadian efforts. Another fifty-thousand, with the appropriate armored assets like the troops in Anchorage, was deployed to Fairbanks. The soldiers in Fairbanks had brought plenty of supplies and were readied with anti-aircraft mobile vehicles to place around the city. Local air ports and air force bases were utilized to their full potential. Massive, complicated air patrols of central Alaska were made by the Texas Air National Guard to clutter the skies. Partnered F-22s kept a close look on the sky while vehicular radar aircraft flew in the safezone, high in the atmosphere to detect bogies. The Air National Guard made a heavy liftoft from Anchorage. Six Hercules C-130 transport aircraft were escorted by four F-22 and three F-16 jets where they would drop 200 paratroopers near Gambell along with the equipment to assemble ten mobile anti-ship vehicles and two anti-aircraft mobile vehicles. Two of the F-22s would remain on the island and the last C-130 would unload a stockpile of fuel which would be dispersed and used when need for the jets. A radar instillation was set up as well. The other aircraft would return to anchorage and make a second trip with similar supplies. The Texas Air National Guard would also secure DeadHorse Airport and maintain regular patrols for a 75-mile radius around the airport. One-thousand troops would be brought there by plane and an additional two-thousand would migrate there via the Dalton highway with armor and anti-aircraft weaponry. A forward operating base would be established there and supplies airdropped to make a large FOB. The remaining 197,000 troops were put on standby for further deployment, while the other 203,000 did their duties. (OOC: This takes while your troops are moving from Japan in that second post) IC: TEXAS MILITARY FORCES ARCHIVE - OPERATION BIG DIPPER Following the message being sent, 35 patrols of F-22s would begin off the southern coast of the Aleutian islands and would be fitted with anti-ship and anti-aircraft weaponry. They would remain low to the surface in order to keep off of radar, though they would be difficult to detect already with conventional radar.

To President Marco Hernandez of The United Caribbean States From Governor Anthony Sparks of The Republic of Texas Mister President, It has been brought to my attention to the Caribbean government has closed the central American canals to all international military vessels. I was going to have the Secretary of State send this message but I thought it would be more fitting if I sent it myself. First, I would like to convey that the Texas government does not see this as an act of aggression or an act of favoritism towards other foreign states who may be stirring up international affairs in North America. I respect the Caribbean States's decision to remain neutral in ongoing conflicts or confrontations and I do not see it affecting our current relationship. However, with that being said I do recognize that the Republic of Texas does not have an official diplomatic standing with the Caribbean States and thus I am requesting to send a permanent ambassador to Havana and, in exchange, receive one in Austin who would be treated with an embassy. I believe there is plenty we can do together with our close proximity economically. And, on the topic of national security, I am confident that there is plenty we can do to keep the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico a demilitarized zone. I would go into more detail, but if these topics interest you then the ambassador I send will be able to convey more detailed plans in person so that you and the Caribbean Congress can review them and discuss if we can make policies together. We are still working to see who orchestrated the attempted coup de etat on the American government, so I hope you can understand why it has taken so long to get into contact. I am running a State like it is an independent nation, but I fear that we will have to remain sovereign. I do not think there is an American government to return to. But these are domestic matters I'm sure you don't have an interest for. I do know that there is a big discussion in Congress to establish a free-trade and laxed-borders system with the Caribbean States. I believe there is a big tourism industry that the UCS can benefit from Texas residents who have to settle for some of our less exotic beaches. I look forward to hearing back from you; if there are any questions you have concerning Texas policies please don't be afraid to ask. I hope you accept our ambassador and, like I previously stated, the Texas government would be honored to receive a Caribbean ambassador. Oh, and congratulations on establishing a national ferry system in the Caribbean. A nation-wide transit is something that we would like to have eventually via-rail, but I think that dream might take a while before we can make it a reality. Best of luck in your current endeavors and be willing to ask if the Caribbean needs any assistance protecting the canals from foreign intrusion. Best Regards, Governor Anthony Sparks

Classified Two field armies of 100,000 men each were deployed and would begin a sparse migration through the wilderness into the Empire of Cascadia. The Cascadian government had already been made aware that such troop movements were going to be made, so no prior warning was initiated. The appropriate air support teams were also deployed into Cascadia along with the Air National Guard. The State was immediately brought to DEFCON 4 and congress was assembled in the event that a declaration of war needed to be made. Two-hundred thousand men rushed from the north west border of Texas on tanks, in helicopters, in troop transports, and even some on trains. The Texas Air National Guard began regular patrols of Texas airspace while former American radar installations were utilized. Special Forces were also being flown in on low-decal aircraft where they would await further orders. The Texas Air National Guard would provide air cover for troops while they were being transported. Mobile anti-aircraft weaponry would be brought along the way as well to double the efforts of security. The Director of The Department of Public Safety would request from the Cascadian Military access to its radar information and the location of all known Japanese troop movements.

A Proclamation From The Governor of The Republic of Texas The Alaskan Proclamation In the most complex political and socioeconomic situations the nations of the world come together to discuss and compromise what is best for all of them. However, when independent groups form with malice intent, it is the duty of independent nations to stand up to any destructive actions they may take which will harm or disrupt the peaceful sovereignty of other nations. It is by this ethic that the Republic of Texas shall not stand for the invasion of the Western Hemisphere by any nation, including Japan. The Republic will stand with the Cascadian Empire and defend our part of the world, no matter what the cost may be. The Texas government demands that Japan declare its intentions to leave the State of Alaska immediately, otherwise its continued occupation or any engagement of the Cascadian Empire will be taken as an act of war on the Republic of Texas. The Texas government maintains that peace is the greatest way to obtain and maintain prosperity around the world, however any invasion of North America will not be tolerated and will be responded to. Governor Anthony Sparks, December 28, 2014

To Emperor Alan of The Cascadian Empire From Governor Anthony Sparks of The Republic of Texas Emperor, Understood. You will see troop movements into Cascadia within the next two hours. I am going to give orders for deployment in following this message. This message and all other diplomatic messages from the government of the Republic of Texas will be encrypted. I will send a representative of the Republic, Kevin Houston, to act as the official ambassador from the Republic of Texas to the Cascadian Empire. We invite you to send a representative to Austin in order to make diplomatic communications easier between Cascadia and Texas. I will be making my statement to the world shortly, the people of Texas would appreciate it if you swiftly respond with support. Also, if there are any other sovereign nations willing to stand up to the Japanese please let me know. I look forward to working together, please send my office any messages in the event that we need to talk directly. Regards, Governor Anthony Sparks

Anthony peered outside of his office's window in the Governor's Mansion. The Texas Highway Patrol was clearly visible in front of the mansion. The carefully planned attempt to kill the governor was headed as a serious warning to the security of the Texas Government. In fact, the Highway Patrol was rumored to have been infiltrated for seventy-two hours and the Texas Rangers, all 150 of them, were called in to Austin to protect the Congress and Governor. After the Highway Patrol was put through a strainer of sorts including polygraphs and background checks the troopers were cleared and put back into the position of protecting the capitol and the Texas government. It was an interesting scenario to say the least though the Congress was not pleased. Francis Watchmaker, the Director of The Department of Public Safety, was criticized for the supposed infiltration but his seemingly inevitable impeachment was prevented by Anthony who was his saving grace. It was indeed Watchmaker, however, who had been Anthony's saving grace. If it hadn't been for his quick thinking in Galveston and Houston, the Governor of Texas would most likely be dead. "Governor Sparks," Olivia said politely from the intercom on Anthony's desk. "The Director of Public Safety is here to see you. He says it is urgent." The Governor put his jacket on and straightened his tie. Just a few weeks on the job of governor and he was having to practically run an independent nation. "Alright Olivia, send him in." The Director entered with a few other high-ranking military officials in the National and State guards who were holding several laminated posters. The director shut the door behind him and then they all stood respectfully. Anthony took his seat, "At ease gentlemen. What is the situation?" The other men that came with the Director set up a few tripods and put the posters on them which showed detailed satellite imagery of the State of Alaska. "Governor, we have been told by the Cascadians that the Japanese have invaded western Alaska with a number of troops ranging between 25,000-50,000. It's a bold move by the Japanese." Anthony got closer to the images and looked them over. "How recent are these?" One of the other men spoke up, "Within the last twelve hours sir. As long as we have the Johnson Space Center we have eyes in the sky." "I understand the situation Director, are you trying to suggest something?" Watchmaker nodded, "Yes sir. We the best course of action would be to deploy the National Guard and back up the Cascadians. We cannot allow foreign nations, specifically those outside of the Western Hemisphere, to just invade the New World like this. It would make a statement to the rest of the world that we are still here, even if we are going through some hard times right now." "Have we spoken to the Cascadians about this yet?" Anthony questioned. "No sir, but to be frank I am sure they would be happy to hear that we are willing to help. We might even get a naval base out of it." The Governor grabbed his wool over-coat and buttoned it over his jacket. "Where are you going sir?" Anthony poured himself a glass of Jack Daniels and set foot outside to walk to the capitol building. "Olivia! Call the Lieutenant Governor. Tell him I want to address the Senate in a closed session." Ten Hours Later To Emperor Alan of The Cascadian Empire From Governor Anthony Sparks of The Republic of Texas Emperor, I have been given secret permission by the Texas Congress to offer military assistance to the Cascadian Empire in the State of Alaska. I would be happy to assist the Cascadians in preventing a foreign invasion of North America at any cost. However, our assistance will come at a cost. In order to convince the Senate that the Republic of Texas had a vested interest in this venture, I promised that we would receive an island naval-base of our choosing after the "trouble" is resolved. If those terms are acceptable, then I will declare Texas's support of Cascadia in the morning and order the deployment of the Texas Military Forces. Please respond as soon as possible. Regards, Governor Anthony Sparks

Texas Armed Forces Reach Over 500,000 The Governor's Office announced that the Texas Armed Forces have reached well over the previously set goal of two-hundred thousand soldiers. Standard United States military equipment from Fort Bliss, Fort Hood, Fort Sam Houston, and the U.S. Navy's training center at Corpus Christi. The Director of the Department of Public Safety assured the media in a brief press conference that the soldiers "are not being rushed through basic training" and "are being held to a higher standards, higher than the Texas National Guard was even before the catastrophe." The Governor confirmed that the "Republic" will continue to recruit soldiers as long as the the countryside remains in a state of disarray. The Texas Rangers have also been handed a significant boost in funding and are being encouraged to actively recruit more highly qualified members into its ranks.