Helios

It was an unusually hot, sunny afternoon in Belfast. People milled about in the streets, many carrying cones of ice cream in a variety of flavours, vanilla, strawberry, bubblegum... Young people could be seen everywhere, simply relaxing on the grass chatting with friends or browsing the latest selections of clothing stores. Mothers and fathers held tightly onto the hands of their children, lest they be lost in the throng of bodies that peppered the streets. Traffic moved slowly, drivers lolling in their seats as idle hands hung out the window or tapped the roof of the car to the beat of pop music. Seated in the back seat of a government car himself, as he took all this in, William Prescott glanced down at his watch. It wasn't an expensive Rolex or some other timepiece of Swiss magic. Just a simple digital thing his wife had purchased on his previous birthday. He didn't know why but there was just something about its simplicity and spartan look that made him prefer it over any other watch he could want. It read 12:40. Twenty minutes until a meeting began that would put two old countries on a new course of history.

"The Federation of Great Britain and Northern Ireland of course welcomes the rise of a new German nation. We implore the Northlands to permit the growth of a new state there and resolve to officially recognise the nation and its leading government." - Minister of Foreign Affairs Richard Winters

Richard nodded in understanding as the guide went on. The Middle East always seemed to be a troublesome place but these days it looked like they were re-establishing some sense of order. "Indeed. I believe the Alexandrians recently acquired the Suez Canal. Funny place the Middle East...you never quite know what's going to happen." The Minister waved off the guide's last question. "I was merely curious. We've established our own diplomatic process with them and I confess I was searching for the French opinion." Richard turned to the guide and grinned slightly, then looked out of the window once more. The limo's windows were shaded of course, so no-one could see in. But looking out, Richard glimpsed all of the features that made France such a beautiful place to live. Architecturally gorgeous apartment blocks and large houses dominated the streets they passed through, as they entered residential areas and just as quickly left them. Street vendors selling flowers and food attracted many customers on a fine day, with a mix of fashionable-looking teenagers and smartly-dressed businesspersons dominating the streets. As they drew further into the city, Richard pondered additional questions. "I understand there was some nasty business in Asia recently. Were any French subjects adversely affected by that?"

The two men walked through a set of heavy wooden doors that led to the Hungarian section of the European Diplomatic Unity building. A long corridor stretched out before them with spotless floor-to-ceiling frosted-glass windows every ten yards, providing a degree of privacy for the offices that lay beyond them. There were four such offices in total on this corridor, all at the disposal of the Hungarian government as diplomatic ties strengthened. William strode forward and opened the first one on his right. Inside the walls were painted a light green colour, adorned with sconce lights and in some parts the Hungarian national flag. Bullet-shaped windows on the other side of the room faced out towards the river Thames and the numerous boats milling through its calm waters. Chancellor Prescott's face had a look of concern etched upon it. "Attempted assassination you say? I'm afraid I have had no such news delivered to me. It concerns me greatly however that such an event has taken place. Perhaps as our relations improve, we may work out a security agreement. I can certainly see this as being something my security services could look into." The Chancellor took a moment to reach into a small refrigerator under one of the desks in the office and retrieved two bottles of chilled mineral water, offering one to the Hungarian ambassador before twisting off the cap on the other and taking a long gulp. The water was refreshing and gave him a moment to think about the suggestion the ambassador made. Eventually he nodded. "I believe that is agreeable. What kind of resources would you be interested in trading? You should inquire with Minister O'Mahoney as to the specifics of that, although I believe we possess significant reserves of Shale gas and coal. We also experienced a boost in aluminium manufacturers this year, if that is of interest to you." William took another long gulp of water whilst he waited for the Hungarian's response.

"The Federation of Great Britain and Northern Ireland welcomes the appearance of yet another prosperous African state. Recognition has been granted." - Minister of Foreign Affairs Richard Winters

I nominate TightBuccaneerMaster and FHIC.

"The Federation of Great Britain and Northern Ireland warmly grants recognition to this Federation of the Atlantic. We express great pleasure at the appearance of yet another federal government. Perhaps soon, we may be able to engage in diplomatic discussion." - Minister of Foreign Affairs Richard Winters

Richard smiled as he stared out the window at the storefronts and office buildings that flashed by, as the vehicle weaved in and out of traffic, making its way slowly but ever surely towards a meeting that held great importance for two nations. He decided to use the opportunity to coax some information out of his guide. "I understand that France is currently part of a Mediterranean security force alongside the Italians? I wonder if you might tell me how the French generally view their Italian allies?"

Lucas felt momentarily awed by the reception granted to him upon his arrival in the lustrous Italian capital. He wore a typical sage smile as the Chancellor met him and explained her hopes. Monk simply nodded in agreement and allowed himself to be led along towards the room where they would discuss matters of importance. The British diplomat opened up first. "It's a pleasure to be here Ms Rosetta, it's been a very long time since I last visited your beautiful country." He took a moment to properly relax, reclining in his seat and placing his hands on the table, fingers interlocked. "Now, on to business. There is, I feel, a pressing matter that must be discussed first before anything else. I've read reports that Italy and France are now operating a naval security force in the Mediterranean sea, preventing military vessels from free travel. Is this true?"

The Hungarian ambassador would be met straight off the plane and politely directed into a government vehicle ready to take him to an embassy building in the centre of the city. Once there, he would be met by none other than the Chancellor himself. William extended a hand. "Good afternoon Mr...forgive me, my secretary did not mention your name and I haven't had time to read the required dossier. My name is William Prescott, I'm the Chancellor. Please, your embassy is this way. I realise this is somewhat unusual but as the first foreign diplomatic representative sent to my country in rather a long time, I felt it appropriate to come and meet you personally."

My advice would be to not let him have that land given his initial proposal lacks any willingness to RP in a manner that is not a troll attempt.

MILITARY Official Designation: Armed Forces of the Federation of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Mission statement: 'The territorial defence of the British Isles and all associated lands and peoples by the projection of force wherever and whenever and as is necessary to protect British influence in the defence of such subjects'. Branches: Federal Army Federal Navy Federal Air Force Federal Special Forces Strategic Reserves Group Strategic Services Corps Total Military Personnel: 212,640 Overall Command Organisation: Federal Warfare Command FEDERAL ARMY Federal Army Command Field Marshal of the Army Mordechai Khan General Michael Ince General William Novak Major-General Allison Carter Brief description: The Federal Army is the modern successor to the British Army; it is the primary on-land fighting component of the armed forces and controls the majority of land-based assets and weapons systems. Regular/Notable formations: 7th Armoured Division, 14th Infantry Division, 60th Mechanised Infantry Division, 1st Airborne Division, 5th Air Assault Brigade, 41st Air Assault Brigade, 17th Artillery Brigade, 23rd Maneuver Support Brigade Personnel: 100,800 men and women of all ranks Small armaments: Heavy armaments: Land vehicles: Aircraft: Naval vessels: Equipment: FEDERAL NAVY Federal Navy Command Sea Marshal of the Navy Gideon Carver Admiral Lee Croft Admiral Richard Lancaster Brief description: The Federal Navy is the modern successor to the Royal Navy, as such it controls all naval-based assets, provides fleet support for offshore operations and provides near-sea defense of the British Federation's oceanic territories. Regular/Notable formations: 1st Offshore Combat Patrol Group, 2nd Offshore Combat Patrol Group, 9th Task Force, 25th Coastal Defence Squadron, 4th Marine Guard Personnel: 15,412 men and women of all ranks Small armaments: Heavy armaments: Land vehicles: Aircraft: Naval vessels: Equipment: FEDERAL AIR FORCE Federal Air Force Command Air Marshal of the Air Force Patrick McLanahan General Linda Eriksson Major-General George Collins Major-General David Rand Brief description: As the modern successor to the Royal Air Force, the Federal Air Force controls all aircraft and space-based assets, providing for the defense of the British Federation against threats from the skies. Regular/Notable formations: 21st Expeditionary Air Group, 27th Expeditionary Air Group, 10th Expeditionary Air Group, 75th Bomber Air Group, 105th Transport Air Wing, 3rd Logistics Air Wing Personnel: 48,728 men and women of all ranks Small armaments: Heavy armaments: Land Vehicles: Aircraft: Naval vessels: Equipment: FEDERAL SPECIAL FORCES Federal Special Forces Command General Alan Roth General Thomas Pike Brief description: A small branch, the Federal Special Forces are the culmination of all special forces units in the armed forces. Its operations are classified. It works closely with MI7 to provide for the defense of British interests anywhere in the world. Regular/Notable formations: 4th Special Operations Battalion, 6th Special Operations Battalion, 7th Special Boat Group, 13th Skytrooper Battalion Personnel: 5,200 men and women of all ranks Small armaments: Heavy armaments: Land Vehicles: Aircraft: Naval vessels: Equipment: STRATEGIC RESERVES GROUP Federal Strategic Reserves Command General Timothy Hurst Lieutenant General Bronagh Connors Brief description: As the primary, and only, reserve force component of the armed forces, the Strategic Reserves Group performs a wide variety of duties, including territorial defence, force security and combat logistics in combination with the Strategic Services Corps. Regular/Notable formations: 50th Security Brigade, 18th Security Brigade, 31st Combat Support Brigade, 2nd Joint Logistics Brigade, 9th Joint Logistics Brigade Personnel: 30,000 men and women of all ranks Small armaments: Heavy armaments: Land Vehicles: Aircraft: Naval vessels: Equipment: STRATEGIC SERVICES CORPS Federal Strategic Services Command General Christopher Lahm General Trevor Westinghouse Major-General Arthur Conrad Brief description: The Strategic Services Corps operates entirely in a semi-administrative manner as it governs strategic resources such as forward operating bases. It also operates the twin-command Joint Logistics Services alongside the Strategic Reserves Group, handling the vast majority of logistics needs. Regular/Notable formations: 102nd Air Operations Battalion, 12th Joint Logistics Brigade, 93rd Joint Logistics Brigade Personnel: 12,500 men and women of all ranks Small armaments: Heavy armaments: Land Vehicles: Aircraft: Naval vessels: Equipment: [WiP]

ECONOMY Unemployment: Gross Domestic Product: Major Registered Domestic Companies: Major Registered Foreign Companies: Major Imports: Major Exports: [WiP]

Last month's passing of a new piece of legislation in the National Assembly, the Bill of Recognition for Small Superpowers, has led to a sharp increase in the Chancellor's popularity, revealed by a series of polls set out last week. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the new bill takes into account the fundamental political rights of newly-declared states to be formally recognised by the Federation of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Chancellor Prescott further clarified this in a statement made immediately after the passing of the bill: "As a modern and civilised nation, it is important for us to recognise in all political forms, other young nations that declare their existence to the world. Not only is this a matter of mutual respect and political credence, it is also representative of the identity that our country has - and must continue to forge - within the wider world. The benefits of such recognition for all, vastly outweigh the consequences. Thank you." [ooc: This bill serves as blanket recognition of all nations who have declared existence up to this point, including 50k+.] The Ministry of Defence announced last week that it has acquired a single Kora-class corvette outfitted with a 76mm rapid-fire cannon, four quad Harpoon missile launchers and two 20mm Phalanx close-in weapons systems. Additionally, the Federal Navy has successfully restored and refurbished two mothballed Type 23 frigates. These ships will for the foreseeable future be the primary offshore combat vessels of the armed forces. Furthermore, shipbuilding contracts for two new series' of coastal patrol vessels have been agreed upon, with construction of the first vessels of each class beginning next month.

A request from Italy for diplomatic discussion had been received by the Cabinet. Chancellor Prescott hesitated at first; news of the Mediterranean security force irked him somewhat. But in the end he obliged and instructed for an ambassador to be sent. There was no harm in merely opening a dialogue. Lucas Monk was an experienced diplomat. He'd been in the business for a good three decades now and he would be retiring soon, at the age of fifty-three. Lucas took a direct flight to the Italian capital where he intended to meet his counterpart and hopefully begin a pragmatic discussion on a variety of matters.

Richard released a chuckle at the guide's remark. "Indeed, English weather is something of an anomaly even to ourselves. And thank you, I have family in Amiens whom I used to visit quite regularly, it's a pleasure learning your language." He took the card and glanced at it for a moment, memorising the details before stashing it in his coat pocket. "My thanks again, with any luck I'll have need of you quite a lot in the months to come." He flashed a wink in her direction as another warm smile spread across Richard's face. Winters was a married man, faithful and unwavering in that faith. But he wanted the woman to know that she was more than just a cog in a machine, that she was actually an important person, at least in Richard's eyes. The Minister now proceeded with pace towards the limousine and stepped inside, adoring the sleek and soft feel of leather beneath his fingers as he moved across a little and sat back. In his mind, business began to dominate his thoughts. "I suppose the first order of the day is to take me to the people who are expecting me."

A reply would be sent back to the Hungarians quickly, without fail. As Richard would be needed for France, Michael Temple would be selected to go. A young, ambitious and driven ambassador, he could speak well for the Federation. His plane would leave a day after Richard's and go straight to the Hungarian capital.

Richard, his excitement almost overtaking him, snatched up his briefcase and hurried out of his seat towards the exit door. He composed himself and then walked at some pace down the stairway for what would be his first contact with the French government. He nodded at the smart young lady who greeted him, his face naturally beaming with a wide smile, before extending a hand in greeting. "Bonjour madame Aurelie, the pleasure is all mine" Richard said, his accent shifting like quicksand between the two languages, "I must say, I've had great interest for some time now in opening a dialogue between our two countries."

IRL yes it's a Crown dependency but ICly I didn't make a claim to it when I started out. I don't think anybody has Jersey at the moment.

You don't need my permission to claim Jersey, I do not control it. Bumping this for your attention Mogar.

I'm gonna throw my support in for Mogar's proposal, with the infra modifiers. As much as I quiite like Uberstein's points system, I can't help but think it's not really entirely necessary for aircraft. And I would suggest we keep it simple and focus on individual planes rather than squadrons.

Richard Winters was having a good day. The sun was shining and brought London up to a humid twenty-seven degrees. It certainly went against the grain of typical British weather but nobody complained, quite rightly. Taking a break from the report he was writing up, he took a long glance out of the floor-to-ceiling office window to his right, noticing his favourite restaurant across the street, Le Château Blanc, whose chef was a specialist in French cuisine to boot. The thought of salmon terrine on peppered crackers and the soft, crisp texture of a well-buttered baguette made his mouth water. Unfortunately it wasn't lunch time yet. More importantly, it reminded him that he had a very important flight to catch later. Finally, Britain would end her political slumber and forge a new path into the world at large, all beginning with this long-awaited meeting with France. Some hours later, Richard boarded a chartered plane at Heathrow. He would land at Orleans within a couple of hours, where he would make contact with the French.

The second of recent diplomatic expansions by the Federation now focused on the Hungarians.

With the British change in foreign affairs policy, fresh diplomatic movements were in the works. The first was focused on Imperial France.

[url=http://forums.cybernations.net/index.php?/topic/121722-british-federation-news-and-actions/?p=3259460]Le claim[/url] to Shetland and Isle of Man. Danke.