Stephen N Young

Here are the terms of the surrender: we're protected by TAO for 30 days, starting today. At the end of 30 days, "relationship" will be reevaluated. In exchange for this, we will be conducting tech deals with whomever they designate at a rate of 6/200 and or 9/200.

There are a handful of people who speak on behalf of our alliance. Apparently, there have been various messages from our people going out regarding God-knows-what, and here we are. I take personal responsibility for a couple of things, including the post above, which was intended to do no more than establish a public record of what was going on; not to goad or prod, as was suggested. That appears now to have been not much more than an exercise in poor judgment. I speak on behalf of our entire leadership when I say that whatever else was done was neither intended to cause disruption nor to proffer disrespect. Regarding SDS... We had ties with them at one point, but those were severed some time ago. We take full responsibility for whatever messages were sent to them regarding our defense. I forgot that in CN, jumping to defend oneself against an attack is often a terribly foolish course of action. Our sincerest apologies, for whatever they may be worth at this point.

Check your messages.

Is "Tsk tsk tsk" the content of the comment I made? I don't remember writing that.

Apparently there is misinformation being spread about the unprovoked attacks being perpetrated against us by TAO. Due to a "smart ass comment" which has yet to be made clear to me (and of which there is an ostensible screen shot), we are currently under attack from people who were briefly allied. As a result of our evident shortsightedness over the holidays, we lack a protector. Due to the colorful reputation of one of TAO's loudest spokesmen, I doubt anyone will fail to notice a trend or see through whatever bogus claims come down the pipeline.

A note about our forums: We need volunteers with experience who can put up something nice looking. Do it for free or for some good money/tech -- the choice is yours!

Our Declaration of Existence Our aim with the creation of this alliance has always been to provide a safe haven for small nations seeking to escape what is increasingly being perceived as the monopoly of large alliances. We stand firm with those nations and groups who wish to identify themselves as independent nations and we continue to be otherwise neutral and peaceful. We need you -- help us shape and define the culture of our community. Our Forum: http://commonwealthgov.forumotion.com _____________________________________________ CHARTER of the COMMONWEALTH OF NATIONS PREAMBLE WE THE HEADS OF GOVERNMENT DETERMINED to establish peace for those nations seeking it within our realm, and to reaffirm faith in the self-determination of the State; to establish conditions under which justice and respect for the obligations arising from treaties and any other just source of international law can be maintained, RECOGNIZING the need for voluntary associations of sovereign States, each responsible for its own policies, consulting and cooperating in the common economic interest of our community, and influencing the world through the pursuit of the common principle of peace, HAVE RESOLVED TO COMBINE OUR EFFORTS TO ACCOMPLISH THESE AIMS and do hereby present the Charter by whose authority is established the Commonwealth of Nations. CHAPTER I: THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY ARTICLE 1 A Member State shall be defined as a nation whose alliance affiliation reflects the Commonwealth of Nations. All applications for membership are considered on an individual basis. ARTICLE 2 The General Assembly shall consist of all Member States that have registered themselves as such on the communitys online forum. This registration confers upon the Member State a seat in the General Assembly and the subsequent right to vote therein. ARTICLE 3 Those Member States not registered as part of the General Assembly forfeit their right to vote and are conferred Observer status. ARTICLE 4 Matters requiring a General Assembly vote shall be declared in an official alliance announcement at least one week prior to the commencement of the vote, which shall take place on the forum over the course of an additional week. The result of the vote is to be made public as a poll to ensure transparency and to guard against corruption. CHAPTER II: THE SECURITY COUNCIL ARTICLE 1 The Security Council shall consist of three permanent members: Herring Island, Kezira, and Southern Rhodesia. Should any one of these nations cease to exist, the remainder shall select a third General Assembly member to assume the vacancy and this Charter shall be amended accordingly. These three nations shall be responsible for the technical management of the alliance. ARTICLE 2 The Security Council reserves the ability to override, by veto, any decision reached by the President or the General Assembly. This veto shall be produced by a majority vote of the Security Council. CHAPTER III: THE PRESIDENCY ARTICLE 1 The President is elected by the General Assembly according to the ordinances governing voting procedure. The term of office for a President shall be three months. The duty of the President is to serve as a leader of the Commonwealth, presiding over the General Assembly and heading the Commissions. ARTICLE 2 The candidate for the presidency must be a General Assembly member and must also have been a Member State of the Commonwealth of Nations for at least three months prior to a declaration of candidacy. ARTICLE 3 Any Member State seeking the presidency must give such notice to the Security Council at least one week before the beginning of the election process. ARTICLE 4 In order to be instated as President, the candidate must first obtain a majority vote. If no such majority can be obtained, a second election, not to exceed three days, is to be held. It shall feature only candidates who obtained at least fifty percent of the vote. This process, overseen by the Security Council, shall continue until one candidate earns a majority of the General Assembly vote. CHAPTER IV: THE COMMISSIONS ARTICLE 1 The following Commissions have been established to facilitate the organization of international governance: Finance, Defense, and State. Each of these bodies shall be led by a Commissioner who serves at the discretion of the President and upon approval of the Security Council. These Commissioners may, in turn, appoint a Deputy Commissioner at the discretion of the President. SECTION 1: THE FINANCE COMMISSION ARTICLE 1 The Finance Commission shall serve as the primary institution for establishing and maintaining the well-being of Member States. Headed by the Finance Commissioner, the main purpose of the Finance Commission is to improve the general economic state of the Commonwealth. ARTICLE 2 The International Commonwealth Bank (ICB) is an institution managed by the Finance Commission. The nation(s) responsible for holding and managing ICB funds is to be determined by the Finance Commissioner, under the supervision of the President. The ICB is to be funded and maintained by voluntary contributions from Member States. Any debt owed to the Commonwealth is to be deposited to the ICB. ARTICLE 3 The Commonwealth Trade Department (CTD), upon advisement of the State Commission, is to be maintained by the Finance Commission. This oversight may be given directly by the Finance Commissioner or indirectly, through his or her Deputy Commissioner. The main purpose of the CTD is to establish long-lasting trade resources for all Member States, as well as to facilitate the trading of technology. SECTION 2: THE DEFENSE COMMISSION ARTICLE 1 The Defense Commission is the primary institution for all matters relating to the general safety of the Commonwealth. Officially under the direction of the Defense Commissioner, the goal of the Commission is to advise and prepare Member States for potential armed conflict and to mobilize their forces in time of need. ARTICLE 2 The Wartime Commission has two operative states: active and dormant. During a time of declared war, the Wartime Commission is automatically sent into an active state, wherein it becomes responsible for developing a strategy to achieve victory with minimal damage incurred by Member States. When activated, the Defense Commissioner serves as General and reports to the President and the Security Council. When dormant, the Defense Commissioner reports directly to the President. ARTICLE 3 In order for a state of war to exist, at least two members of the Security Council must agree to military action upon advisement from the President and the Defense Commissioner. The President may then declare the state of war to the General Assembly. After a period of two weeks, if a conflict is ongoing, the President must make a new declaration of war. ARTICLE 4 Any aggressive action initiated by a Member State not authorized by the President or the Security Council will be considered a direct violation of the principles of this Charter and may result in the immediate and permanent expulsion of that Member State. ARTICLE 5 Any attempt on the part of a Member State to undermine the economic or military security of the Commonwealth shall be perceived as an act of war and shall be answered accordingly. SECTION 3: THE STATE COMMISSION ARTICLE 1 The State Commission is the institution responsible for all matter relating to the internal and external welfare of the Commonwealth. Headed by the State Commissioner, its main objective is the consistent recruitment of new members, proper instruction of young nations, and the establishment and maintenance of peaceful diplomatic relations with the world community. ARTICLE 2 The Commonwealth State Academy (CSA), under the direction of the State Commissioner, serves as a repository of information for young nations. The CSA is to be jointly operated by the Defense and State Commissions, while oversight may be given directly by the State Commissioner or indirectly, through his or her Deputy Commissioner. When a Member State has demonstrated proficiency according to CSA standards, that Member State will then be eligible for entry into the General Assembly. ARTICLE 3 The Recruitment Department is intended to find and recruit new Member States. The Recruitment Department is maintained by the State Commission, while oversight may be given directly by the State Commissioner or indirectly, through his or her Deputy Commissioner. ARTICLE 4 The Internal Affairs Department (IAD), under the direction of the State Commissioner, is an agency tasked with maintaining the general peace by resolving conflicts that may spring up within the Commonwealth. A Member State may reserve the right to pursue peaceful resolution unilaterally, regardless of IAD recommendations. Any dispute which generates a potential threat to the stability of the Commonwealth is to be referred to the President, who may form a committee of two disinterested General Assembly members and the Security Council to hear the case at hand. CHAPTER V: AMENDMENTS ARTICLE 1 Any amendments made to the Charter must be written in full by a Member State and then approved by a two-thirds majority vote in the General Assembly. Alternatively, an amendment may be written and approved by a unanimous vote of the Security Council. ____________________________________

Please hurry...

In that case, I would like to claim dis here red-painted land, if I may (preferably in royal red or royal blue, if you got it):

... :ehm:

I want to join, but I have no invitation. Where do I go for the interview?

The Commonwealth of Nations is a rapidly growing new alliance and we like to be ambitious. We're looking for larger, slightly more experienced nations (especially if you have nukes) as we need to increase our experienced member base and our own defenses. If you are over 20k NS have nukes have experience in a large alliance are great at making and designing forums want to have a leadership position have delusions of grandeur are willing to teach noobs have any combination of the traits on this list then please contact me in-game. We're in the process of finalizing our newly-minted Charter and have some leadership positions to fill -- We need you!

...

Lord North disembarked the plane and warmly greeted the representative. His immaculately slicked hair and pencil moustache added to his suave demeanor and were throwbacks to an age long gone. He was still taken aback by the extent of damage brought by the aftermath.

"The Tianxians were the first to issue ultimatums regarding military action. Regardless... We will consent to no further advance by sea if they are truly interested in peace, however it is necessary for them to accept the ceasefire offered before any withdrawal or draw-down can begin. This is not done out of principal, but rather for national security purposes. If the ceasefire is ignored, we will have no choice but to press on. "If the United Kingdom were to act as a diplomatic mediator, that would also be acceptable."

OBC: Breaking News The War on Imperialism: President Bloy addresses the Assembly "My fellow citizens, this evening, an ultimatum posed by the Tianxian government has necessitated an immediate military response on the part of our nation. Along with military support from our Femocratic friends in Europe, we are on the brink of war with the Asian Horde. An offer of ceasefire has been made and it is up to the Tianxians either to heed the call of reason or to discard the world's chance at peace. "The acquisition of Parthia's Asian provinces, in combination with the collapse of the former Asian economic sphere, has given rise to an arrogant totalitarian regime whose obvious ambition involves the complete dominance of Asia. This ugly push for territorial gain brings a direct threat to our homeland, a safe haven for peaceful democracy. That is one of the reasons we are willing to undertake this endeavor; it is the reason the Tianxians have threatened hostilities; however, it is not the reason we came to Indonesia. A mission to eliminate minions of the violent and racist ONP faction brought us west of our waters. New intelligence has come to light that Tianxia is not only aware of the presence of these criminals, but has also harbored them and offered them aid should they choose to persist in their vain attempts to regroup. By the way, their efforts, like those of their sponsors, will come to naught. "There is no need for fear -- only to have faith and to show vigilance. We come here showing unity and strength, for whether we be Federalist, Progressive, Conservative or Nationalist, we are all Oceanites. "We reach out to our new French allies and ask for their cooperation in this War on Imperialism. We look to our new friends in Britain and ask for their patience, understanding, and loyalty. We ask them for their assistance, as war is lonely and hard. We do this with the promise that they and other democratic, peace-loving nations will share in the coming order that will bring peace to the Pacific and, eventually, to the world. "Most importantly, we reach out to those of you who pray, and ask for your prayers as we embark upon this dangerous mission. We seek God's blessing and hope for a brighter tomorrow without war; but should that war come, days or even hours from now... we stand ready. God bless our Federation."

A communique to Tianxian officials read as follows: "Since the start of its mission, the Oceanic Navy has had control of the Andaman Sea. Now it fully occupies the Celebes Sea. A coalition force under Federation command is set to weigh anchor for Japan. We cannot live under the threat of violent reprisal. If you wish to discuss peace, we are ready for a truce and to receive an ambassador. Should you choose not to discuss terms of peace, war will be waged." The 1st and 11th Armies, two divisions of Femocratic troops, and the 3rd Air Cavalry, guarded by a division of Federal Marines, numbered 60,000 troops in all. This force was set in motion across the beloved Pacific on a mission to blockade the Japanese waters and prepare for an invasion of the mainland, should such action be necessary.

Initial bombing raids have started in the southern part of the Philippines and are making the journey north. Though air reinforcements are on their way, a scant handful of bombers, manned by the bravest of pilots, begin their raids virtually unescorted. It's only a matter of time before they're intercepted or shot down, but they unleash their payloads along defenses in the small islands. Bombers unleash death over targets across the Philippines Fighters begin raids along the eastern coast of Java and the Tianxian-occupied Malaysian peninsula. Tianxian-occupied Maylasia minutes after aerial bombardment. With the coasts clear, naval units are now finally realigned to strategically block naval reprisals in the waters south of the Philippines. That gateway to the mainland of Oceania has been closed off. The Admiralty breathed a sigh of relief, the homeland secure, at least from the north. Military assistance from an ally was fast on its way, and the top-secret engineering project on the northernmost tip of Java would finally be properly protected.

A preemptive airstrike was launched on the southern Philippines just minutes ago. It's effects were as yet to be determined. An official declaration of war was expected within hours. Naval forces rearranged their position to occupy the waters south of Borneo and a small contingent of ships was sent to the sea just south of India.

Frederick, Lord North, the Earl of Guilford, has been dispatched and will arrive within the hour. His Majesty's Government expresses regret at the delay, which was unavoidable.

"If the Grand Secretary wishes to believe that our mission has expanded, that is his own choice and far from the Federation's purvue. It consists of operations on two islands -- nothing more. The confrontation you are implying is a serious business and should not be thought of lightly. Undersecretary of State William Whitford.

The Secretary of Defense was always willing to accept progress. "Your concerns are understood and let me assure you that such an alliance would not be against any nation or group of nations. It woul be only a buffer to regional aggression and territorial expansion, should that ever occur. What I'm thinking is that we might establish a shipping lane around Africa, where our navies could practice maeuvers under joint or exchanged command as the first several shipments of goods goes through."

Public "No aggressive action has been carried out against the Tianxian state. The policing actions, meant to eliminate certain targets deemed hostile to Oceania, is geographically comprehensive and does not pertain solely to Indonesia. The insistence of Tianxia to label this as aggression, coupled with its refusal to conduct any more private discourse, is deeply troubling. Our mission is still underway in Indonesia, though the terms have been altered in order to preserve peace. There can be no further guarantees at this time." From the desk of the Junior Diplomatic Internship Office. Private The absolute secrecy of their mission guaranteed by a small contingent of ships and naval spy planes, Oceanic engineers hastily began their high-priority engineering mission in an undisclosed location in Indonesia.

"Lord Marbury, welcome," the President ushered him into the conference room at the capital building. "We've been very interested for some time in laying the groundwork for a treaty organization between nations with a presence in the Pacific. The UK features prominently in this arrangement, which would offer trading privileges to member states, as well as defense agreements (with options, of course) that would allow for joint military bases and exercises in the region. Such an endeavor would extend member states' economic and military capacity across the world. "We realize this is rather sudden," he added, "but we see no need in delaying, either. What might your reaction be to that?"

I have two slots available. http://www.cybernations.net/nation_drill_display.asp?Nation_ID=543712