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Westaxe

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  1. [img]http://i1163.photobucket.com/albums/q559/Westaxe/SloanSabbith.jpg[/img] "...both Houses of Congress passes a bill to kick start the rehabilitation of Hero City Harbor today. The bill covers only the commercial section of the harbor, not the former military facilities. With the nation comprised mostly of a few islands, the move to revitalize the harbor sent the stock market's soaring. Increased trade, both directly with the United States and with other North American nations through American lands, should hasten the country's growth. The President is already said to be reaching out to nations to foster new trade agreements..."
  2. "Haven't they heard of paved roads? Or airports closer to the city?" The complaint rang loudly in the SUV. The driver, a dark-skinned native, remained silent. [url="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-It1vGMfNbeU/T-3eOCdv6wI/AAAAAAAAEwI/GwniR0qaHc8/s1600/newsroom3."]Mackenzie Huggins[/url], foreign field producer for ACN, looked at the man who had spoken and let out an exasperated sigh. "Would you stop it, Nick? This is an important story, and we need the best here." The SUV lurched as it went over another bump. Mackenzie caught site of the ACN satellite truck behind them slowing down to go over the bump carefully before continuing on. "Important story? Please Mackenzie." [url="http://img2.timeinc.net/people/i/2004/04/specials/sma03/doyou/dquaid.jpg "]Nick Donaldson[/url], the lead foreign correspondent for American Cable News scoffed. "No one back home is going to care about what happens in this little, backwater nation." He pulled out a small pocket mirror and started fixing a hair that was invisibly out of place. "Hell, half of our viewers can't even pick this place out on a map." "Then that's why we're here to educate them. To show them there are things going on outside of North America, Europe, Asia." "You realize you just named three out of the world's seven continents, and one of the remaining four is mostly uninhabitable, right?" "Oh shut up, Nick." "Easy now... not in front of the newbie." Nick looked over to the young man sitting across from them, a black, bulky case clutched tightly in his lap. "What's your name again, son?" "Austin, sir. [url="http://i2.listal.com/image/3170674/600full-louis-cordice.jpg"]Austin Rodgers[/url]." Mackenzie spoke next. "You do realize that you can put the light case down, don't you Austin?" "Uh, yes ma'am. Just trying to keep them safe." "Ma'am? How old do you think I am." "Don't answer that, Austin. It's a trap." Another bump saw the young man clutching the case tighter. Mackenzie sighed. "Austin, could you have pointed out this country on a blank map?" The man looked at her for a second, looked down, and then shook his head. "Don't be so hard on the kid, Mack. I couldn't have named half the places we've been to before we went there." That voice was [url="http://images2.fanpop.com/image/photos/10400000/Hugo-Weaving-hugo-weaving-10490570-1600-1200.jpg"]Jarvis Matlock[/url], one of the satellite truck operators. Riding with him behind the SUV was the other truck operator, [url="http://ia.media-imdb.com/images/M/MV5BMTM4MDcwMTU2NF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwMzMyMjg0Nw@@._V1._SY314_CR2,0,214,314_.jpg"]Edward Burgundy[/url], and the former military man turned cameraman, [url="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ZDDBjRzIU_c/TS3OJkOOaFI/AAAAAAAACio/yvRYGOmHN6Y/s1600/woody-harrelson.jpg"]Alan Walters[/url]. The two vehicle convoy moved through the city of Windhoek, and Mackenzie could practically feel the tension. She looked over at Austin. "Is this your first time away from North America, Austin?" He nodded his head. Mackenzie started to worry a little. She didn't want to bring a kid into a potentially hostile situation. The SUV stopped, the sat truck pulling up behind it. The driver turned, and opened his mouth, speaking the first words he had all day. "You're here." The Windhoek Hilton.
  3. Gilroy Burgundy, a British-born black market arms dealer who is looking for an easy way to finance his business for the next year.
  4. [center][img]http://i1163.photobucket.com/albums/q559/Westaxe/fic-ura.gif[/img][/center] The Fifth Republic of the United States is saddened to see war once again scar the continent. While we do not have much knowledge of the events preceding these actions, any loss of American life is saddening in our eyes. We hope that this conflict can be resolved quickly, and offer the Hero City as a neutral ground for negotiation and understanding. Signed, Thomas J. Whitmore, President Dr. William Kamala, Vice President Caroline Blitz, Secretary of State
  5. [quote]Nation Name: The Fifth Republic of the United States of America (United States of America for short) Embassy Selected: Nineteen Embassy Circle Ambassador Name: [url="http://images.wikia.com/pixar/images/8/89/The-state-within-20070215060804870.jpg"]William Tavington[/url] Continent Location: North America Special Requests: None [/quote]
  6. Public excerpts of ACN reporting. [img]http://i1163.photobucket.com/albums/q559/Westaxe/SloanSabbith.jpg[/img] "...in the first month of operations on the American Stock Exchange, the Dow Industrials has risen more than 13 and a half percent. Analysts see this as a indication that the President's initiatives to get people back to work, including the re-population of Long Island, is paying dividends. At close yesterday, the Dow Industrials stood at 2152.94, up from 1861 at opening last month. However, while general stocks are rising, technology stocks continue to suffer. Tech stocks have fallen just over one percent for the month. They close at 220.88, down from 224 at open. The President has announced a new wave of investment to try to bolster both markets..." [img]http://i1163.photobucket.com/albums/q559/Westaxe/HeatherHolloway.jpg[/img] "...defense spending has almost tripled. After pushing through the new defense spending bill in the House of Representatives, Conservative members of the Senate manged to convince nearly the entire Independent bloc, along with a few Liberals, to vote in favor to secure the bill's passage. A compromise allowed this to happen. Liberal Senator Dennis McCuen was able to work out language to include more spending on industrial business in the country. The move particularly helps Senator McCuen's area, near the northern part of the country. The bill was then sent back down to the House, where it was approved again. It now heads to President Whitmore's desk. There has been no word from the President's office on his intentions with the bill, but sources tell me that Senate leaders from both sides are lobbying the President hard on this one..." [img]http://i1163.photobucket.com/albums/q559/Westaxe/WillMcAvoy.jpg[/img] "...and a new report out tonight from political website "PoliticsNow". It is reporting that the FBI has been investigating, since just after the election, approximately 15 Conservative congressmen. According to the report, the men, their wives, and a number of staffers, all jumped into Long Island Sound following a victory party on the north shore of Long Island. One, Representative Daniel Yaeger, stripped down naked before jumping in, according to witnesses. Representative Jack Menken, Conservative Speaker of the House, reportedly chastised the group of newly minted congressmen the next day. The FBI's investigation has resulted in no formal charges..."
  7. [center][img]http://i1163.photobucket.com/albums/q559/Westaxe/ACNLogo.png[/img][/center] Today marked the establishment of American Cable News, or ACN for short. The news network aimed to cover the goings on in the United States, as well as serve an important First Amendment right: not only Freedom of the Press, but also to serve as the eyes and ears of the people over the government. Lead anchor Will McAvoy heads the network's coverage, while Heather Holloway covers politics (herself a Founder), and Sloan Sabbith covers the economy. Together with a team of other journalists, they aim to expose corruption, inform the public, and maintain the fourth arm of the government. [img]http://i1163.photobucket.com/albums/q559/Westaxe/WillMcAvoy.jpg[/img] Will McAvoy [img]http://i1163.photobucket.com/albums/q559/Westaxe/SloanSabbith.jpg[/img] Sloan Sabbith [img]http://i1163.photobucket.com/albums/q559/Westaxe/HeatherHolloway.jpg[/img] Heather Holloway
  8. [img]http://i1163.photobucket.com/albums/q559/Westaxe/thomaswhitmore.jpg[/img] [i]Thomas J. Whitmore[/i] On the steps of Hero City City Hall, Thomas J. Whitmore strode forward. Dr. William Kamala followed closely behind as the two men took their seats near the podium. It was a dream of both men, finally realized. A dream that had been hundreds of years in the making, in reality. A dream that had been torn apart by civil war, dashed by infighting, betrayed by an enemy, bastardized by those with a political axe to grind, and repressed by those scared of what it represented. But now it was back, in its full glory. After introductions by the mayor of Hero City, Whitmore walked up to the podium, reaching inside his jacket and slowly unfolding his speech. He knew the words spoken would be talked about for years to come, so he wanted to make them count. "Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for being here today. First, I'd like to thank some people, without whom today wouldn't be possible. I'd like to thank the Mexican government for overseeing negotiations between our delegation and Vinsalia. I'd like to thank Vice President Kamala and Secretary Blitz for their fine work in those negotiations. And I'd like to thank everyone who voted in these elections, both for Congress and for President. Without you, nothing here today is possible." "To begin, I quote the great President George Washington. "The magnitude and difficulty of the trust to which the voice of my Country called me, being sufficient to awaken in the wisest and most experienced of her citizens, a distrustful scrutiny into his qualifications, could not but overwhelm with despondence, one, who, inheriting inferior endowments from nature and unpracticed in the duties of civil administration, ought to be peculiarly conscious of his own deficiencies." I stand before you today not a perfect man, but a man with vision, with hope, and grateful for the support of our young nation." "For too long, America has been the flame hidden under a basket. We have been the ideal long remembered, but never duplicated. So where did it all go wrong, and how can we keep from repeating past mistakes?" "This country is not the greatest country in the world. This country, this administration, will make mistakes. We are not infallible. We are not perfect. We will make mistakes because we aren't the greatest country in the world. We're not, but we can be. We can stick up for what is right. We can make laws for moral reasons. We can care about our neighbors, build great big things, reach for the stars. We can explore the universe, cure diseases, and cultivate the world's greatest artists and the world's greatest economy. We can aspire to intelligence without belittling it or feeling inferior because of it. We can be informed, and not identify ourselves solely by who we voted for in the last election. We can do all of these things and more, and we will." "Fairness, justice, and freedom are more than words. They are perspectives. Many countries have freedom. Having freedom doesn't automatically make you great, or special. Neither does justice, or fairness. But the combination of the three of those, that can make us great. A country where any child, regardless of race, social class, or gender can grow up to become President. When that dream is realized, then we will truly be the greatest country in the world." "For too long the very idea of the United States of America has been feared, marginalized, and packed away. And the actions of past incarnations of the United States of a America tended to support those fears. But that time is gone. This is a new day, and a new America. And together, we march forward into the bright sunlight, ready to prove that the ideal of American exceptionalism is not just an ideal, but a goal. Thank you."
  9. The Republic's Election Commission has announced that, based on popular vote, Thomas J. Whitmore has been elected as the First President of the Fifth Republic of the United States. President Whitmore won with 78% of the popular vote over Mr. Kenneth Bradshaw, a businessman from the Hero City. Mr. Whitmore has named Dr. William Kamala as his Vice President and Caroline Blitz as his Secretary of State. The inauguration of President Whitmore will take place next week on the steps of Hero City City Hall. Dignitaries from around the world are welcome to join this celebration of democracy.
  10. Patrick O'Reilly had just gotten to his car more than 10 blocks away when his cell phone rang. "Dr. O'Reilly here. Go ahead." "Dr., there's been a shooting downtown. You're needed at the hospital immediately." The thought crossed Patrick's brain for the briefest of moments before he shook his head and dismissed the notion. Crime in Gotham was nothing new. There's no way he was being called in for his target. But that's exactly who he was called in to treat. In surgery, Dr. O'Reilly was who he was, a skilled surgeon. He stitched tendon, repaired muscle, did everything he could. He was on autopilot. It wasn't until later, when it was only him and Therese Praslin in the room, did he begin to think about what he'd done. There was no one here, no one to see. An increase of her morphine drip would ensure that she never woke up. Inserting air into the drip tube would do the same. There were a number of options. Patrick couldn't remember the last time a target had lived unintentionally. He stood slowly, walking over to her morphine drip. It was simple. Just turn the knob, and it's all over. He stared at it for a long second. And then he closed his eyes and turned to leave the room. As he did, he heard Ms. Praslin move. Turning, he walked back over as she lifted the sheets. He could see the pain and disappointment in her eyes. But he could also see her anger. "Ms. Praslin, I'm Dr. O'Reilly. If there's anything I can do to help ease your pain, please let me know."
  11. As soon as Thomas Whitmore received the phone call from Caroline Blitz that the borders were finalized, he gave the go ahead to the elections commission to announce the results of the Fifth Republic's first election. Copies were distributed to media outlets around the world. The results were as follows: In the Senate, the breakdown was 17 seats for the Liberals, 12 seats for the Conservatives, and 8 seats for the Independents for a total of 36 seats. Though no party gained a clear 50+1 majority, the head of the Liberals was granted the title "Majority Leader" while the head of the Conservatives, with the second most seats, was granted the title "Minority Leader". Founder Ortolan Finistirre was named Majority Leader, while Founder David Levinson was named Minority Leader. Founder Charles Epps was named leader for the Independent Party in the Senate. In the House of Representatives, the breakdown was 34 seats for the Conservatives, 29 for the Liberals, and 24 for the Independents for a total of 86 seats. Following the same procedure as the Senate, Founder Jack Menken, as Conservative leader in the House, was named Speaker of the House. Benjamin Gale was named Majority Leader for the Conservatives. Founder Eleanor Green was named Minority Leader for the Liberals. Founder Kira Carsen was named leader for the Independents in the House. The first task the new legislatures would be tasked with would be creating a new Constitution for the country. They also announced the first Presidential elections. Thomas Whitmore immediately declared his candidacy, announcing Dr. William Kamala as his running mate. Other candidates also announced, but none were thought to have a chance against Whitmore.
  12. Patrick O'Reilly walked slowly through the parking garage. This is where he had told the men who had contacted him to meet. His headset had shown three bodies, and few other heat signatures. Nothing out of the ordinary. Still, he wore a bulletproof vest under his coat and his face was partially covered to conceal his identity. Walking up to the three men, O'Reilly smiled. "Gentlemen. I believe you said you had a target." A picture was slid across the hood of a car towards him. Along with that picture was an address, date, and time. O'Reilly's eyes flashed over the assignment quickly and then back up at the men. "This will cost you twice what we talked about earlier. Daylight, public place, and her? Definitely double." One of the men shook his head. O'Reilly shrugged. "Fine. Find someone else to pull this job. You won't." He started to turn and walk away, but the slam of a boot heel stopped him. It echoed in the vacant parking structure. O'Reilly turned, expecting to see a gun pointed at his head. Instead, he merely saw a nodding head. Grinning, he scooped up the paper and picture, looking at them one more time. Confident the information was now stored in his headset, he put them back down and looked at the men. "Clean bills, all of them. Backpack, this floor, three days from now. If it's not all there, I come after you three. And if you're hiring me, you know I'll find you." He smiled, nodding at the three of them. "Congratulations, gentlemen. You've just earned the services of Dr. Horrible." ============================================================== Two days later, O'Reilly was snuck his head up over the edge of a rooftop. He'd been laying there for a day, underneath a cover the same color as the roof. The position had already been scouted. The sun at his side so not to give away his position with a rifle glint, but also not behind him to give a blinding glare to the glass of the lobby. Slowly, he set his silenced rifle on the ledge. And he watched. She moved gracefully, with power. Very pretty as well. A shame he was being paid to kill her. As she finished her speech, O'Reilly steadied his breathing. He squeezed the trigger. And as he did, a gust of wind blew in between him and the building across the street. The glass of the lobby shattered, but he knew his shot would be just slightly off. Still able to see his target, he quickly squeezed off two more rounds. The entire sequence took less than two seconds. Pausing only to gather his spent shell casings, O'Reilly ran. He would find out the result of his hit on the evening news.
  13. Dr. Kamala smiled at the Chairman. He was nearly positive this wouldn't be the last they saw of the man. "None here." He turned to look at Caroline but she was already out the door, phone in hand. Within a minute she had informed Whitmore of the situation. They were a country at last.
  14. Dr. Patrick O'Reilly looked out over Gotham City and smiled. The Irishman had come to Gotham a few months back, running from an old war in an old country. He didn't have a price on his head... at least he didn't think that he did. But he made the heads of other people with prices on them disappear. Slowly, O'Reilly knelt down against the edge of a roof. He adjusted his scope on his sniper rifle, and then adjusted his goggles. The top center sensor measured wind velocity, humidity, anything that could affect his shot. The right sensor held his Heads-Up Display, which contained all sorts of useful information including threat assessment and target location. The left sensor was his targeting lens, allowing him to zoom in artificially to scope his shot. His target tonight was a city councilman. No one of real importance, but the man was standing in the way of his client's want to build some skyscraper or mall in Gotham. Not that it really mattered to him. He got paid, that's all that mattered. The target walked out of his office, signaling a cab. O'Reilly smiled. This was almost going to be too easy. He waited as the cab pulled up, and the target got into the back seat. The top sensor fed information, as the winds shifted slightly. The right sensor gave him range to target as the cab started pulling away. A final scan showed no sign of the Bat. An ear piece tapped into the Gotham City Police Department scanners showed no chatter in his area. The cab was halfway down the street. O'Reilly zoomed in with his left sensor. He could see the target talking on a cell phone. His cross hairs centered. A slight breeze picked up. He adjusted. Steady breathing. He squeezed the trigger. The echo of the shot bounced off the buildings around him. The rear view window of the cab shattered and O'Reilly saw the man slumped forward in the seat. He didn't need anymore. He was gone before the cab driver stopped the car and ran around the back. As he walked away, he tapped his ear. "This is Dr. Horrible. The job's done. I expect my payment." "It'll be in your account within the hour. Nice shot." O'Reilly ended the call. He never worried for jobs. He could be contacted through the criminal underworld of the town. If someone really wanted to reach him, there were ways. But he was protected enough in his real identity that he seldom worried walking around on the street. About 20 minutes later, he was home, gear safely stored away in a secret compartment in his apartment. He passed his lab coat near the door and smiled. There was a picture of him and his name under the words "Gotham General Hospital". Life saver by day. Angel of death by night.
  15. Dr. Kamala opened his mouth to speak, but was stopped by a gentle hand on his arm by Blitz. After a quick glance to him, her eyes shifted back to the Chairman. They narrowed slightly. Her gaze was penetrating, but she wasn't looking to stare the Chairman down. No, it was more as if she was looking into the man's soul, trying to judge just exactly what type of man he was. After what seemed like forever, but in reality was only about seven seconds, Caroline leaned over to Kamala's ear, whispering, "this is as good as we're going to get from this man right now." She looked at him, raising one eyebrow. Her facial expression told the Doctor to just shut up and deal with it, but Kamala knew her better than that. Her eyes were pleading with him, begging him just to accept what was being given and to leave. After a moment, the Doctor gave Blitz the smallest of nods and turned back to the Chairman, rose, and held out his hand. "A pleasure doing business with you. Neighbor."
  16. Dr. Kamala stared at the map for a long second, seeming to think deeply about the decision. In reality, this was perfectly acceptable. The territorial division was already along where the Republic was holding elections, regardless. Finally, he leaned back and gave a simple nod to Blitz. She smiled as she turned to the Chairman. "The division of land will work nicely. We do, however, believe there are other matters to discuss beyond the simple division of land. Precisely, what happens to a nation's land if that nation happens to collapse? Fishing and transport rights in Long Island Sound. Trade and travel agreements. And..." Caroline paused a moment to let this point sink in, "what guarantees our safety from you? It is obvious to see that you are bigger, stronger, with more man power at your disposal. We will need some kind of assurance that you just won't wait a few months or years for this entire thing to blow over and then wipe us off the map."
  17. [img]http://i1163.photobucket.com/albums/q559/Westaxe/drwilliamkamala.jpg[/img] Dr. William Kamala [img]http://i1163.photobucket.com/albums/q559/Westaxe/carolineblitz.jpg[/img] Caroline Blitz Kamala and Blitz landed in Mexico City off their 737, painted white, with no markings. The Doctor, in a black suit with fedora that he wore to protect his face from the Mexican sun, and Blitz, in a silver business suit with her hair pulled up in a severe bun, got into a car to head to the meeting place. Both greeted the Mexicans cordially, smiling. They knew that elections were due to start in Republic-held counties soon, and they wished to get the negotiations over with quickly so they could report the good news along with the fact that they officially had a country. Neither the Doctor nor Blitz carried any kind of weapon. Dr. Kamala only carried a black briefcase with a few pens and a map of New York inside. While Blitz was the more skilled negotiator, quick-witted, with a sharp tongue and no need or want of the usual politics, the Doctor was a long-time personal friend of Thomas Whitmore's, and would be able to speak as if the man was there himself. Kamala had earned his doctorate in Political Science, so he was not a medical doctor. Blitz had started as a reporter, before joining Whitmore as his spokesperson and media coordinator. As they entered the building where the negotiations would take place, Kamala removed his hat, holding it in his hands. As they entered the room, he smiled slightly as he saw Francisco Bourbon sitting across the table. "Well well well, the Chairman himself. I was beginning to think you may have just been a figure we were going to have to use to scare little American children to bed at night." Blitz quickly interjected. "Forgive my colleague. He lacks the usual diplomatic... graces. I'm Caroline Blitz. He is Dr. William Kamala. We're the representatives from the United States." Both Kamala and Blitz took their seats at the table.
  18. The announcements from Vinsalia and caused a great cheer to erupt from City Hall, and soon the island of Manhattan and Long Island. There were fireworks, dancing in the streets: it was a party and festival-like atmosphere. The people truly felt that they had been staring down the barrel of a gun, and that now the man holding that gun had blinked first. Inside City Hall, there were hugs and tears. Every single person there knew that if it had come to war, each and every one of them would have been hunted down and executed, at best. Amid all the celebration, Dr. William Kamala and Caroline Blitz pulled Thomas Whitmore away from the party. "Thomas, we need to speak with you." "What is it, old friend?" "You need to remain here for the elections," said Kamala, holding up a hand before Whitmore could protest. "The people need to see you, need to see this stability. And if this is some trick, Caroline and I can handle ourselves. The people couldn't afford to lose you right now." For a moment, Whitmore looked like he would protest again, but instead nodded. Kamala and Blitz left, heading for Hero City International. They'd be on the next plane to Mexico. [quote] Republic Statement The fact that Vinsalia has chosen diplomacy instead of war is wondrous news to our ears. The Fifth Republic never wanted a fight, though for a long time it seemed as if one would be brought to our land whether we wanted it or not. We are glad that cooler heads have prevailed. Dr. William Kamala and Caroline Blitz are currently on their way to Mexico. They will represent the Founders and the Fifth Republic at these negotiations. Signed, The Founders[/quote]
  19. The election volunteers were making excellent progress in all counties, except Rockland and Westchester. Namely, problems were being had in Yonkers and New City. The populations were too great for too few volunteers to get everyone registered in time to vote in the elections. Very few candidates were travelling south from these counties to register as well, so the Founders announced that Rockland and Westchester counties would no longer be a part of the upcoming elections to create the transitional government. Therefore, the number of seats up for election in the Senate would drop to 36, where in the House the number would drop to 87. Nearly 1,000 candidates would be running for the 123 seats. The legislature would go about writing the nation's constitution and set the guidelines for the nation's first presidential election. There were dozens of political parties, but they began to coalesce into three main groups: Liberals, Conservatives, and Independents. There were multiple parties within each group, but a definite three-party system began to emerge. Election preparations were now in full swing, and the Founders invited any other nations who wished to observe the elections to send them now.
  20. [quote name='Kankou' timestamp='1341837043' post='3007232'] Food for thought: What is the political compass of your nation? Greater Quebec Republic: Economic Left/Right: -0.50 / Social Libertarian/Authoritarian: 7.18 [/quote] Where can I find such a calculator?
  21. [img]http://i1163.photobucket.com/albums/q559/Westaxe/NewYork.png[/img] Where the red line is, actually. The move gives Owned-You access to the Atlantic Ocean through Long Island Sound.
  22. Owned-You and I have come to an agreement regarding the allocation of lands in New York. Everything south of Westchester and Rockland county (basically Manhattan and Long Island) goes to me, the rest of New York State goes to Owned-You. I apologize that I do not have a map drawn that marks this demarcation. Obviously this will need to be hashed out IC'ly, but those will be the boundaries. Owned-You can confirm.
  23. [b]Private Discussion Between the Founders in Hero City City Hall[/b] "We can't simply go out and hire mercenary groups. Just think how that would look to the world at large. We claim to be peaceful and then we begin hiring mercenaries?" The words were shouted, trying to drown out others as discussions took place inside a conference room at Hero City City Hall. There, the Founders had gathered. David Levinson slammed his hand down on the table. "We can't do it. It's out of the question." "Why not, the First Republic did it?" The female voice belonged to Heather Holloway, a former news reporter from MediaCorp working with the Founders. "She's right. And if we don't get troops fast, we'll have nothing left to defend." That voice was much gruffer, and belonged to William Grey, a lifelong military man. "So we prove the Vinsalians correct by bringing in troops, which is exactly what they want us to do?" Jack Menken spoke up from his wheelchair, with a raspy voice. "Menken's got the right idea. We have the advantage in the international sphere at the moment, if not at home. I say we allow these elections to move forward and worry about what comes next, after." Caroline Blitz leaned back in her chair after she spoke. "Enough." Conversations quieted as the other twelve heads in the room turned to look at Thomas Whitmore, who had been the face of the Founders thus far. "Bringing in mercenaries at this time will get us nowhere. I'm hesitant to even speak to any groups, lest they turn on us and sour public opinion. I say we stay the course. Let's get through these first elections, then we can worry about it. If Vinsalia attacks during the elections, or after, they'll be seen as attacking a democratic state voted into power by the people. Now let's vote." A few minutes later, the votes were counted. Four of the Founders were for hiring mercenaries at this time, nine were against. The elections would move forward as expected. ========================================================== At City Hall, the flood of candidates looking to sign up was greater than the Founders had even anticipated. In the first few hours alone, more than four hundred candidates came to pick up applications for the 40 seats in the Senate and 97 seats in the House of Representatives. Each candidate was given a packet containing the rules and regulations for the campaign. The Hero City's ordinance against posting flyers was rescinded by the Hero City Police Department. With so many candidates, it would be impossible to hold a debate for them all, so candidates were allowed to put on posters what they stood for and the issues they would fight for. They could also buy commercial time on local television and radio stations and make public appearances. Applications would be available for a few more days, and campaigning would take place for a short while after that before the vote would be cast. Observers from Mexico and other nations were invited to City Hall to observe to make sure that no potential candidate who wanted a packet was turned away. A few of the Founders also picked up packets to officially declare themselves as candidates as well.
  24. [quote name='Kevin Kingswell' timestamp='1341666078' post='3005862'] In compliance with the Founders request four civilian C-130 planes would be packed full of medical supplies and other requested materials before being flown airborne and out to the coast. Here they travelled north and as long as nothing went wrong they would pass into New York airspace and land at Hero City International Airport on Long Island where they would begin to offload their cargo. As no military troops or equipment had been requested none had been sent though that could change in the future if required. [/quote] The cargo planes were met by a mixed group of civilian volunteers and police officers. A police sergeant would inform the pilots that payment for services and supplies would be negotiated and made at a later date, once the country's first free elections had taken place. For now, the planes were welcome to refuel at the airport before heading back. A letter of thanks would be sent back with the pilots as well. [quote name='Lynneth' timestamp='1341667536' post='3005875'] [b][Private to the U.S. leadership][/b] "Greetings. We would be willing to support your cause with monetary assets. If you need anything bought, buy it and we'll see about delivering money to you to lessen the impact on your fledgling economy. I do not believe Vinsalia to be the future of your region. With regards," Laura Leclerc, First Speaker of the Lunar Republic [/quote] A private response was sent back to the Lunar Republic. [quote] To: The Lunar Republic From: The Founders Greetings, We thank you very much for your offer of support. At this moment we are debating the merits and risks of buying supplies from private military groups for our protection. We will let you know if your assistance is needed. Your generosity will not be forgotten. Signed, The Founders[/quote] [quote name='Isaac MatthewII' timestamp='1341673672' post='3005939'] "We hope a diplomatic solution is decided rather then anything that would involve loss of life. Should you find it necessary the Carolinas are always open to be a third party location to discuss such maters." [/quote] The United States will keep your offer in mind. However, due to recent events, we doubt that diplomacy will become an option, given comments made by Vinsalia's Chairman and their hostile nature. We still hold out hope for a peaceful resolution to this conflict. ======================================================================================================================================= A public statement from the Founders, through Thomas Whitmore. "Good evening, Once again, the Chairman of Vinsalia has chosen to spread vicious lies about the United States through the media, and once again I am here to correct his mistakes. To the Chairman's first point, we have not unlawfully seized any territory. The Hero City Police force has chosen to work with us on community outreach programs, programs which continue even as I speak. Our community outreach began with the Founders themselves, going from citizen to citizen, door to door to meet with the populace of the Hero City face to face, to talk about our goals and dreams for the future. This is what Vinsalia's leaders would have you believe is, to quote them, "gaining the support of the populace through subversive means". Once again, the Chairman misconstrues the checkpoints and security sweeps of our tunnels an bridges. These checkpoints are not meant to keep the citizens of the Hero City trapped, or even to prevent other citizens from entering. What they are there to do is to keep our citizens safe. As soon as we declared our independence, others sought to have us destroyed. Not taking these proactive measures to ensure our citizens' safety would have been a failure of leadership on our part. As to what has changed since we declared our independence, I will point to two specific things: One nation declaring that they thought we should be destroyed simply because of our name, and another entity claiming the lands that we declared our independence on. Those two events, in our opinion, have greatly changed the political landscape and negatively impacted the potential safety of our people since we have declared independence. Claiming the lands we declared independence on is claiming OUR lands. That, in and of itself, is a hostile action in our eyes, and more than enough for us to denounce your claims and call on the international community to do the same. Vinsalia's chairman claims the citizens of the Hero City are his citizens. He claims that we do not have their best interests at heart. The people of the Hero City tell us otherwise. Now, Vinsalia claims they will only negotiate our withdrawal from the Hero City. We offered negotiations for peaceful coexistence and they counter back, publicly, by saying the only solution suitable to them is for us to leave. Leave, the land we declared independence of and have the support of the people on. If Vinsalia wishes to actually negotiate a peaceful coexistence of our two nations in New York, then we will be happy to do so. But we will not enter negotiations where the opening demand is that we leave. I am also happy to take this time to announce that the Fifth Republic of the United States will be holding their first elections very soon. Elections for the House of Representatives and the Senate will take place in Rockland, Westchester, New York, Bronx, Richmond, Kings, Queens, Nassau, and Suffolk counties. We have citizen volunteers working door to door to get everyone registered. Those wishing to run for office should contact Hero City City Hall for an application. As the elections draw closer, we will ask that international observers be flown in to observe a free and fair election. Thank you."
  25. Where would one find a list of/contact these private military companies?
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