Lunar Republic Reports

[Lynneth]

Edit: Blurgh

Edited March 11, 2012 by Lynneth

[Lynneth]

[b][Von Braun][/b]

"What's [i]that[/i]?"
"A deep space station."
"Seriously? How deep are we talking?"
"Rather deep, compared to everything currently in existence. Rocketworth said we could set three of them up, Each one AU away from the sun."
"That's quite the distance. A whole earth orbit's radius?"
"Yes. Two would be set up directly above and below the sun, if one is looking at the solar system from the side and the planets orbiting from left to right and so on."
"Hrm. and the third?"
"Lagrange three of the Earth-Sol orbit."
"That would enable us to communicate with virtually the entire solar system whenever the hell we wanted..."
"And it would be excellent positions for research, too. Large telescopes, for example. And of course we could watch everything that happens out to Pluto, if needed."
"Worth funding, I'd say."
"Indeed."

[url="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v284/Lynneth_del_Serpentas/AE/CNRP/Corp/jesse_06.jpg"][img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v284/Lynneth_del_Serpentas/AE/CNRP/Corp/th_jesse_06.jpg[/img][/url]

[Kankou]

[quote name='Lynneth' timestamp='1330977734' post='2934070']
[b][Classified reply][/b]

"The approximate price for the lease would be 180 billion international dollars. Annual upkeep costs depend largely on how you intend to use the colony, but should be under a billion per year."
[/quote]
[b][Classified reply][/b]

"Very well, we are willing to pay using our rare earth reserves, which should be able to pay 18 billion an year. Furthermore, if there are other resources you would like, all you need to do is ask. Would that be acceptable?"

[Lynneth]

[quote name='Kankou' timestamp='1331607927' post='2937427']
[b][Classified reply][/b]

"Very well, we are willing to pay using our rare earth reserves, which should be able to pay 18 billion an year. Furthermore, if there are other resources you would like, all you need to do is ask. Would that be acceptable?"
[/quote]
[b][Classified Reply][/b]

"Entirely acceptable. Thank you for the busines."

[Lynneth]

[b][Pezun One][/b]

"The first step is always the hardest, isn't it?"
Laura merely nodded, looking from the geostationary space station down at the blue marble many billions called their home, Earth.
"The Republic has been born for this day. There's no use crying over it."
"Indeed, there is not. And for all that we'll leave behind, there will be much that we'll gain. Many will see it as massive loss; South America might fight over the carcass of our technology, who knows. North America's position might be weakened with the loss of our support. But they'll have to cope with it."
"They have no other choice."

__________________

[b][Classified, during the next weeks][/b]

In the Republic, gargantuan changes were occuring, changes that would likely be felt throughout South America, and eventually perhaps the world.
The first of these was the slow, steady deactivation of two of the Republic's launch loops, while the third one was to be moved into the middle of the atlantic ocean.
[url="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v284/Lynneth_del_Serpentas/AE/Thing422.png"][img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v284/Lynneth_del_Serpentas/AE/th_Thing422.png[/img][/url]
From the westmost end further west, it would be a little over 2,000 kilometers to land. The same would be the case from the easternmost end east to Africa.

The Verne Gun would be scheduled for shutdown, and preparations to close the gargantuan hole were made. Those living on the surface knew why this way happening and what reasons there were for it. And they did not resent their leadership for it, for they knew that mankind's needs as a whole came above everything else. The shut-down launch loops would be dismantled. The same would be the case for the power plants providing energy for the loops and many other high-tech installations that would soon not be needed anymore.

Somewhere, in the Northern Imperium and the Quebec protectorate, deep under the earth, two nuclear bombs were set off, annihilating the Vaults that had been built ages ago by the GDR. They would no longer be needed.
In general, large amounts of the Lunar military would be dismissed frmo service as well, their equipment either brought into deep bunkers somewhere within the amazonas, or scrapped and fired into space with the last shots of Verne. Only forces on the Republic's atlantic island possessions would remain, defending these locations and keeping them in Lunar possession. the same was the case for their antarctic territory.

__________________

[b][Public Announcement, a few weeks later][/b]

[center][url="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v284/Lynneth_del_Serpentas/AE/CNRP/Possible/lunarRepublic.png"][img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v284/Lynneth_del_Serpentas/AE/CNRP/Possible/th_lunarRepublic.png[/img][/url]

"Ladies, Gentlemen.

There is a time during which a nation has to reassess its priorities.
The Lunar Republic has done so only recently. Some, especially our neighbours, may have noticed a few things.

Effective immediately, all treaties the Lunar Republic had are null and void.
Effective immediately, we will give up our jurisdiction over our protectorates, regardless of location.
Furthermore, we will be reducing our control over the continental South American territories to near-zero in due time.
All control over the Falklands, South Georgia and other Atlantic Islands will continue as previously.
We will be pursuing a policy of utter neutrality.
Two of our launch loops have been taken down and disassembled. The third will be positioned in the Atlantic Ocean to provide some connection to the rest of the world, and perhaps some replacement for the lost Space elevator.
The Verne Gun will be shut down in the next weeks. Much of our military has been and is being dismantled.
Our time of meddling much in affairs of Earth is coming to an end. In the future, we will be concentrating on one thing, and one thing only:
Colonising Sol, stretching mankind to the planets, developing new technologies, making mankind a species that cannot be wiped out by annihilation of a single planetary body.

For those interested in getting space on one of our Island 2 habitats, we are still approachable, by satellite connection.
That should be all for the time being. If anything else comes up, we will let you know."[/center]

[JEDCJT]

The 5,000 troops of the F.R.N.G.1.M.E.F.A.P.F.N.S, upon hearing of the announcement from the Lunar Republic, proceeded to 'secure' control of Central America, from El Salvador all the way to Costa Rica. By this, the New Greenlanders were to assist the Lunar protectorate forces in leaving the regions and moving into any vacated Lunar military bases. That is, if the Lunar forces did not demolish them.

Upon 'consolidation', the New Greenlanders proceeded to institutionalize their protection of Central America. A central headquarters was established in Managua, while regional ones were established in Tegucigalpa, El Salvador, and San Jose, along with other cities. Local police, government organizations, and non-government organizations, which had functioned under joint New Greenlander and Lunar control, remained in place, with little to no changes. A National Guard academy was opened in Managua, which would help to spearhead the process of establishing National Guard units to function as auxiliary police units.

[Lynneth]

[quote name='JEDCJT' timestamp='1333028125' post='2945005']
The 5,000 troops of the F.R.N.G.1.M.E.F.A.P.F.N.S, upon hearing of the announcement from the Lunar Republic, proceeded to 'secure' control of Central America, from El Salvador all the way to Costa Rica. By this, the New Greenlanders were to assist the Lunar protectorate forces in leaving the regions and moving into any vacated Lunar military bases. That is, if the Lunar forces did not demolish them.

Upon 'consolidation', the New Greenlanders proceeded to institutionalize their protection of Central America. A central headquarters was established in Managua, while regional ones were established in Tegucigalpa, El Salvador, and San Jose, along with other cities. Local police, government organizations, and non-government organizations, which had functioned under joint New Greenlander and Lunar control, remained in place, with little to no changes. A National Guard academy was opened in Managua, which would help to spearhead the process of establishing National Guard units to function as auxiliary police units.
[/quote]
"We welcome the our Greenlandic friends in Central America and hope they'll work together with nearby nations to keep the protectorate safe."

[JEDCJT]

[quote name='Lynneth' timestamp='1333044830' post='2945093']
"We welcome the our Greenlandic friends in Central America and hope they'll work together with nearby nations to keep the protectorate safe."
[/quote]

"Indeed."

OOC: To clear thing up a bit, my forces had already been there in Central America, from the moment the Lunar Republic and other American nations landed their forces into the collapsing New Spain. So basically, my troops already stationed there are simply picking up where Lyn's forces left off. That's what 'secure' and 'consolidation' means, everyone.

Edited March 29, 2012 by JEDCJT

[Zarfef]

[center][b]Public Statement By the Free Kingdom of Edean[/b][/center]

Triumvir Rodolfo spoke from behind an Edean Podium at Mistwood Citadel concerning the events.

"The continent of South America has come under numerous complications in recent days - wars, embargo, nuclear fallout, economic calamities and now to add to the instability, the entirety of the Lunar Republic has removed itself from power in the region and an agent of the North Pole has come down to declare it's sovereign control over the region - shortly after it's expansion into Florida not too long ago as other nations rush to claim the territory of the Lunar Republic like buzzards to dead meat. The Lunar Republic is not dead and it's lands and people's are not simply to be treated as some trinket to be taken away. South American land belongs to South America - to New Panama, The Republic of Gallifrey, Neo Roma, The Umbrella Commonwealth, The Free Kingdom of Edean, The Peruvian Imperium, Principality of Gallia and even Avalon at Galapagos."

"Edean does not approve of this decision by New Greenland - and requests that regions formerly held to the Lunar Republic be made territories mutually defended by all of South America as South American Protectorates. Something must be done, or these actions will not spare the region from calamity but instead, it shall bring it upon us all."

[b]Private[/b]

Connections were made with the Defense Firms Across Edean and estimates were asked concerning potential contracts to act in the defense of South America if need be. The Edean National Militias also mobilized to in preparation for potential conflicts that could arise - although the mobilization was mostly unnecessary, as many had already taken initiative on account of the Peruvian-UC War.

Edited March 29, 2012 by Zarfef

[Lynneth]

[b][Classified][/b]

With the last preparations completed, the Lunar Republic withdrew the last of its forces from all protectorates, allowing them to reutr home. And though the soldiers had to give their STACOS Mk. 3 back to the government (which were subsequently brought into space with the last shots of the Verne Gun), they were allowed to keep their assault rifles and ammunition - gun laws in the Republic always having been relatively lax. This meant that in the continental regions of the Republic, the civilians would be able to overthrow oppressive overlords and keep their effective local governments running relatively smoothly. Technically, it would most likely be less anarchy than organised disorganisation.
The weapons caches and radar installations would be kept functioning, each local government working on their own to keep things up and running. However, most other military equipment was either scrapped or fired to the moon.

With the last surviving launch loop relocated into the atlantic and many of the Republic's ships mothballed in the Falkland South Georgia harbours, the Republic had reduced its presence effectively to near-zero on the world.
This might be felt in the world markets as well, such a gargantuan buyer of all sorts of goods and resources practically vanishing from one day to another.

____________

[size="5"]"The Republic is dead, long live the Republic!"[/size]

[JEDCJT]

[b]OFFICIAL STATEMENT:[/b]

"Under no circumstances did New Greenland 'swoop' down to take over land from the Lunar Republic. We landed our troops in conjunction with Lunar and other American forces to restore law and order in the lands in Central America, nothing more or less, and our troops were in fact already stationed there, working with Lunar forces by the time of the Lunar announcement. Why did you not condemn us when we moved our forces into the region, along with Lunar and American forces, in the first place? Show us where we sought to 'declare our sovereign control' over Central America. Apparently, we did not realize that taking the initiative to restore law and order, and establishing a protectorate (an American one, not a Greenlandic one), was tantamount to annexation. And to reiterate, our forces were [b]already[/b] in Central America when the current events took place, doing nothing but keeping local governments running, so any accusation of imperialism or landgrabbing, implied or otherwise, are not only extremely unappreciated but highly insulting. And so is the assumption that New Greenland should refrain from participating in the state of affairs in a hemisphere of which it is native to simply because of it's distance."

[PresidentDavid]

[b]Classified[/b]

[img]http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f8/State_Arms_of_Texas.svg/200px-State_Arms_of_Texas.svg.png[/img]

7,000 National Guardsmen from Houston were sent to Cook Island via air craft and then refueled there. After, the forces landed in the former Lunar Antarctic Protectorate via air craft and sea bearing water craft. They set up a few small base camps along the coast. The two ships of the Texas Navy made there way from Cook Island as well and began annual patrols along that portion of the Antarctic coast. Search and rescue would begin for Lunar civilians and scientists.

[b]Public[/b]

[quote][center][img]http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fc/Seal_of_Texas_Secretary_of_State.svg/200px-Seal_of_Texas_Secretary_of_State.svg.png[/img][/center]

[size="5"][center][b]
From The Desk
of
The Secretary of State of Texas[/b][/center][/size]

The Republic of Texas hereby places protection over the former protectorate of Antarctica that the former Lunar Republic once held. The Texas military has now entered the region and on a search and rescue mission for any scientists of Lunar civilians still in the protectorate. The protectorate is now under the control of Texas until congress decides what to do with the land. Some ideas have come to mind, such as a large scientific research center, however official word is still unheard of.

[i]Matt Damon[/i]
[b]Secretary of State of The Republic of Texas[/b][/quote]

Edited March 30, 2012 by PresidentDavid

[Lynneth]

[b][Classified][/b]

Going from [url="http://forums.cybernations.net/index.php?showtopic=106348&view=findpost&p=2877974"]previous[/url] construction of [url="http://forums.cybernations.net/index.php?showtopic=106348&view=findpost&p=2878971"]defensive[/url] structures, the same principle was applied to the Republic's current territories. Airspace-monitoring, OTH-radar, U-600 AA vehicles, to name a few, supported by AESA radar, AEW&C systems, airplane patrols, and so on.
Furthermore, 8 super-long ranged railguns would be installed - one on each major island, the others in the Estuaire Region - with powerful blast doors protecting them when thes were not in use. Specialised and miniaturised nuclear reactors sitting deep below, beyond any form of attack, would power these 120 MJ railguns.
The main defense line, however, would be ASMs and ASBMs, the entire line utilising ElectroOptical, SAR and NOSS satellites to aid targetting, guidance, etcetera. All measures used previously were in use now, thouguh doctrines were improved and adjusted to the new situation.

____________

[b][Von Braun][/b]

"So, this [url="http://forums.cybernations.net/index.php?showtopic=106348&view=findpost&p=2933526"]mining vessel[/url], how far are we in construction of the first one?"

"It's underway." Rocketworth was talking to an empty room, though knowing a camera was recording him, and showing everything to the various heads of the ministries.
"With operations on earth considerably downsized, we have a far larger budget available for use in space, even if technically, the budget on a whole is quite a lot smaller. So, while the first ship is completed, the next four will go quite a bit faster in construction. Now, before you ask anything, let me just tell you the details."
[url="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v284/Lynneth_del_Serpentas/AE/CNRP/Corp/Miner01.png"][img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v284/Lynneth_del_Serpentas/AE/CNRP/Corp/th_Miner01.png[/img][/url][url="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v284/Lynneth_del_Serpentas/AE/CNRP/Corp/Miner02.png"][img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v284/Lynneth_del_Serpentas/AE/CNRP/Corp/th_Miner02.png[/img][/url][url="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v284/Lynneth_del_Serpentas/AE/CNRP/Corp/Miner03.png"][img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v284/Lynneth_del_Serpentas/AE/CNRP/Corp/th_Miner03.png[/img][/url]

"The entire thing is 2,145 meters in length. The total mass is 92,000 metric tons, with a hauling capacity of approximately 166,000 tons. The laser's output is still 5 Gigawatt, and we managed to pin down the ideal size for its aperture, 6.2 something meters. The exact size goes into the micrometers, so don't worry about that. Armouring, crew quarters and all that we've gone over already, in the [url="http://forums.cybernations.net/index.php?showtopic=106348&view=findpost&p=2897028"][i]Oppenheimer[/i][/url] class, with waffle armour, water and food requirements and so on. Rest assured that we took into account the changed needs in power and added appropriate amounts of heat radiators, so the majority of the vessel will be able to work at a temperature of approximately 305 Kelvin standard, 360 when firing its laser for a prolonged period of time.
"The crew complement is 43 with three officers and a captain. Please note that the engines are hilariously powerful. At full thrust, they'll be able to kill you over a distance of more than 500 kilometers. Its maximum speed at full capacity is high enough to get it within a month and a half from the asteroid belt back to earth. Obviously, due to less mass, getting to the belt takes less time, as they can accelerate faster.
"This is possible thanks to the powerful and improved torch drive, specifically developed for this ship class. And before you ask, we already have a name: von Belfry will be the first vessel's name, and thus that of the class.
"Current plans are to construct a total of 5 such vessels; This will be a test run to see if mining the asteroid belt is useful and economical. If this turns out to be true, we will build several more, augmenting current moon mining operations considerably and opening up the possibility of building colonies around Mars or near the Belt.
"Hm, another thing: Due to the lack of a torus around the axis, the crew will have to use classic exercises to combat muscle atrophy, not that they don't know that stuff. Naturally, there will also be point defense weapons to prevent asteroid impacts or - if a combat situation arises - missile attacks and the like.
Anyways, for the time being, that should be everything necessary to know. If you would like details, contact my ministry."

OOC: If you think I should add anything else, please PM me.

Edited April 7, 2012 by Lynneth

[Lynneth]

[b][Von Braun][/b]

"So we are, in fact, going to mine the Asteroid Belt for resources?"
"Indeed we are. Once the first mining vessels are completed, we will be constructing [url="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v284/Lynneth_del_Serpentas/AE/CNRP/Corp/ABO_IceMine.png"]ice mines[/url] to collect not only water-ice but other ices as well, such as frozen hydrogen, etcetera."
"Hm... So how does this mine work?"
"The principle is relatively simple. Look at the blueprints, here.."
[url="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v284/Lynneth_del_Serpentas/AE/CNRP/Corp/ABO_IceMine.png"][img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v284/Lynneth_del_Serpentas/AE/CNRP/Corp/th_ABO_IceMine.png[/img][/url]

"Basically, we have the fusion core, supplying the entire facility with energy. Considering that ice will be one of the mined resources, there will be a facility to procude pure hydrogen so that as long as there's something worth mining, this thing can keep going.
"Next, we have the main cistern. Split into 8 equally sized parts, it will be kept at approximately 10 degrees celsius to allow for fluid H2O and other fluids or gaseous materials. These water tanks are for other materials as well, naturally. Just their designation. Anyways, on top are the crew and worker quarters, where the 250 people working on that rock will be living until they're relieved; depending on psychological profile anywhere between six months and five years."
"Why a maximum of five years?"
"Because every person needs a vacation eventually. Paid, too, from what I've heard. Anyways, the crew quarters also have an autonomous secondary generator in case the fusion power fails. A distress beacon to notify any nearby mines and ships, too. They're pulling out all stops to make this a successful and safe venture. Couldn't imagine if one of these things was completely lost. Anyways, I think regular pick-ups are scheduled to happen once every two months, which will also deliver food and whatnot. Anything they can't make themselves, anyways."
"Haven't they managed to get the sliminess out of those algae? That must've tasted pretty disgusting."
"Actually, yeah. They managed to get that done, now they taste like basically any other salad you eat. Bit different what with having to use a spoon to eat it like soup, kinda weird if you ask me, but the whole thing seems to work. Less of a dampener on morale, too. I tried the old type once, barely could swallow 'em."
"Well, lucky that they fixed that. Anything else interesting about that mining platform?"
"It's got the standard point defense stuff on it, so it'll be able to shoot down small asteroids or projectiles. It also has an engine, apparently, and can de-anchor at any time, allowing it to escape in case of a catastrophic asteroidal collision being imminent. Safety measures everywhere, as I said."
"Amazing. I can't wait until the first of those is in service."
"I know, right? I can't wait, either."

[Lynneth]

[b][Lunar territories][/b]

With Xuesen nearing completion, plans for further lunar cities were drawn up. Current plans were for them to have populations between 500,000 and 1.25 million people, with up to 4 cities to be built. One had its name already set, 'Born' for the physicist Max Born. Further names that had been proposed were 'Bothe', another nuclear physicist, and Schrödinger, who is best-known for his infamous thought experiment involving a cat in a box with radioactive material and a poison.
Construction would begin once the current colonies had 95% of their potential capacity filled, so populations could be spread somewhat and subsequently utilize local resources far more efficiently while only temporarily impacting the economies of the established habitat cities.

__________________

[b][Military Island 2 Habitat][/b]

[i]Report on development project #36987, BiWeap division[/i]

Recent advanced in the project, as interesting as they are, have still not managed to solve a few major problems, among them a far too short incubation time for the specimen. Tests on cloned subjects (homo sapiens) have not yielded better results than those on common laboratory rats (rattus), generally seeing death within 30-60 minutes of contracting the virus. Incubation is consistently the hardest trait to control, though each new genus sees some improvements to the general project. Spread during incubation is successful, however.
Summing up, current capabilities of this specific type are infiltrating heart, lungs and brain of the infected while avoiding to arouse 'suspicion' of white blood cells. Symptoms are, if at all notable, head and chest aches, vomiting and coughing up blood as well as heavy sweating. Death occurs, as mentioned previously 60 minutes after infection at the latest.

Cooperation with other projects, such as #36993 is going well.
Capabilities of infecting livestock with several variations of the virus is possible, though not necessarily encouraged as immunizing millions of livestock would be a rather hard task. Preference should be put on destruction of grains, which could be protected far more easily.
Further results expected in 6-9 months.

Edited April 18, 2012 by Lynneth

[Lynneth]

[b][Deep Space][/b]

Imagine, if you will, the solar system. In the center is the sun, Sol, burning bright and powerful, bringing death to two, granting life to one, and giving little to five.
One is a rock of silica, always staring into the center, heated sufficiently for no life to survive.
The second is another rock, but clad in a mantle of gases, poisonous and acidic, melting metal, annihilating life, cradling what little it keeps.
The third, unlike the others, is a beautiful blue sphere with splotches of white and green, containing so much life, vibrant and amazing, too much for any single conscious being to know and learn about, yet never ending to be awe-inspiring.
The fourth, red and coppery, ancient and abandoned, once perhaps alive, though now dead and shriveled, yet showing so much promise even now.
The fifth, the largest of all, gargantuan, controlling, protecting, dwarfed only by its hunger for stray silicates.
The sixth, inspiring, wearing its rings with pride, yet so light and fleeting, barely there, but so visible.
The seventh, near-twin to the eighth, featureless and plain, cold, visible yet invisible, just beyond the eye.
The eighth, twin of the seventh but more vibrant, beautiful and cool, far, so far.
And then there is the ninth, a mistake, an error, beloved and missed, degraded and humiliated, no more of the Nine, now Eight.

The system of Sol, into which man was born, with all his potential, life and gift of adaption.


Around Sol do they orbit, in a plane of sorts, one might say. And now, some of man were sending vessels above and below the plane, over and under the sun, as well as behind her, to further their expansion.
The Lunar Republic had three deep space stations planned, each one astronomical unit - approximately 150 million kilometers, 93 million miles, away from the sun. One above, one below, each 90° to the earth--sun line. The third, 180° to the line, in what was the 3rd lagrangian point of the Sol-Terra system. Tey would work together, once complete. But it would take time, and much of it, for travel took a long, long time. A year there and back for the upper and under stations, almost two years for the far station. A lot of time, during which many things could happen.
So very many things.

[Lynneth]

[b][Deep Space][/b]

In the void, transports were moving, containing food, material and men to build the first of three, 'above' the orbital plane: Summer.
Below the plane, a singular vessel moved to mark the location of another deep station, 'Winter'.
The last, beyond the Sun and on its other side, would be 'Equinox'.

These stations were to conduct research at their locations, out of the bounds of -any- sort of gravity, away from interfering atmosphere, in the depth of nothingness. There, cooperating with each other, they would be able to function as gargantuan telescopes, working together as a gargantuan [url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astronomical_interferometer"]astronomical interferometer[/url], utilizing the latest techologies available. Once finished, of course. Radio, infrared, optical, ultraviolet, x-ray and gamma-ray telescopes would be employed on each station for the maximum effect, enabling them to observe -everything- in the visible universe if the researchers wished to observe it. This, of course, included the solar system; With a comprehensive and powerful network between the stations, they would be capable of watching -all- happenings within the Solar System with ease.

Summer, Winter and Equinox would be the ultimate in research and observation that was reachable with current technologies.

[Lynneth]

[b][Cislunar space][/b]

While many events were occuring on the planet, in space around the moon and near the Republic's colonies, things were as active as usual. One could think it alike an anthill, always activity, always something to do. Transports were moving between the Lagrangian points and the Lunar cities, as there always was something to do.
At the time, The various dedicated dockyards around the colonies were most busy.
[url="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v284/Lynneth_del_Serpentas/AE/CNRP/Corp/ShipYard3.jpg"][img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v284/Lynneth_del_Serpentas/AE/CNRP/Corp/th_ShipYard3.jpg[/img][/url][url="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v284/Lynneth_del_Serpentas/AE/CNRP/Corp/Royal_Dockyards_by_Radojavor.jpg"][img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v284/Lynneth_del_Serpentas/AE/CNRP/Corp/th_Royal_Dockyards_by_Radojavor.jpg[/img][/url][url="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v284/Lynneth_del_Serpentas/AE/CNRP/Corp/virgo_orbital_shipyards_by_progenitor89-d30aron.png"][img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v284/Lynneth_del_Serpentas/AE/CNRP/Corp/th_virgo_orbital_shipyards_by_progenitor89-d30aron.png[/img][/url]

Many things were being built. Yeoman freighters, other space vessels, small and large. In one, a [url="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v284/Lynneth_del_Serpentas/AE/CNRP/Corp/1334253659312.jpg"]prototype[/url] ship was being constructed, its purpose as of yet unkown to all but its designers and those who approved construction.



Meanwhile, on the moon itself, one, two factories began construction of a tank specialised for lunar combat, should it ever come to such a thing. Though thought as being highly unlikely, care - perhaps paranoia - prevailed, and the heavy vehicle was approved for a production run of 150 vehicles.
[url="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v284/Lynneth_del_Serpentas/AE/CNRP/Corp/heavy_armor_float_by_ere4s3.jpg"][img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v284/Lynneth_del_Serpentas/AE/CNRP/Corp/th_heavy_armor_float_by_ere4s3.jpg[/img][/url]

A new type of suit for [url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extra-vehicular_activity"]EVA[/url] was being developed, designed for a superior panorama view from within the suit, compared to old Lunar Worksuits.
[url="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v284/Lynneth_del_Serpentas/AE/CNRP/Corp/search_by_trufanov.jpg"][img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v284/Lynneth_del_Serpentas/AE/CNRP/Corp/th_search_by_trufanov.jpg[/img][/url]
Those who tested it would report that it was a considerable improvement, especially the strengthened and bettered viewing window.

Things moved on in the Lunar Republic, from small to large. It was the largest presence in space now, and some claimed, forever.

OOC: Typos due to drunkenness

[Lynneth]

[b][Classified][/b]

"So, the naming convention for the [i]Oppenheimer[/i] class has been decided, Rocketworth?"
"Oh yes, indeed." He nodded vigorously, smiling wide. "Though you might find it a little unconventional, Mr. Leclerc. You see, this amount of vessels, there simply aren't enough people to name them after."
"I'm aware of that. So, what sort of names will they have?"
"Oh, many have already been named. The mining ships, too. Other than the first vessel's name, vonBelfry."
"Is that so?"
"Indeed."
"Alright, out with the names, then."
"Mhm."

Rocketworth brought a holographic interface up, moving rapidly through it until he reached a list with an image of the rocket-cruiser in the upper left. "Here we are," he muttered, bringing up a list of names.

[list=1]
[*]Oppenheimer
[*]That's Sir to You
[*]I'm too Busy to Name this Ship
[*]I Preferred the Last Edition
[*]I Am the Star of this Program
[*]A Sock Full of Pennies
[*]I'm Sure You Say That to All the Ladies
[*]God's Not Here, Can I Take a Message?
[*]I'm Out of Ideas, You Think of Something
[*]Yes, That's It, Just A Little Closer
[*]Sometimes I Wish I Had a Spaceship
[*]I Like My Steaks Well Done
[*]Sorry, I Don't Believe We Have Met
[*]I'm Just Big Boned
[*]Ladies, It Is This Big. Point Me To A Hole For It Or I Will Make One Myself
[*]I'll Bring the Pain if You Bring the Drinks
[*]Note To Self
[*]You Can't Tell From Here, But I'm Wearing An Ironic Hat
[*]Tell Me The Big Picture, I'll Fill In The Details Later
[*]Are You Not Entertained?
[*]Irish Handshake
[*]Now Might Not Be the Best Time to Mention This Sir But I'm Having an Affair With Your Wife
[*]Have some Culture
[*]The Transmission Error
[*]We're Here About a Noise Complaint
[*]Mind The Gap
[*]Original Spaceship, Do Not Steal
[*]The Untranslatable Concept
[*]Dances Around the Question
[*]You Were Only Supposed To Blow The Bloody Doors Off!
[*]Frank Exchange Of Views
[*]Zero Gravitas
[*]Only Slightly Bent
[*]Within Reason
[*]Zero Credibility
[*]Awkward Customer
[*]Another Fine Product From The Nonsense Factory
[*]Injury Time
[/list]

"That's about half of them. We're thinking of more names. And now for the Mining ships..."
[list=1]
[*]vonBelfry
[*]Whoops, Wrong Number
[*]So Much For Subtlety
[*]What Are The Civilian Applications?
[*]Size Isn't Everything
[*]Attitude Adjuster
[/list]

Alexander stared at the list, reading it, not believing what he was seeing.
"My god."
"Rather silly, aren't they?"
He chuckled, grinning. "Oooh, haha, maybe! But by god, nobody's gonna believe we're being serious. Amazing stuff, man. Keep that up!"
"Um.." He scratched his head. "Thank you, Sir. I'll make sure my team keeps that up."
"Do that."


OOC: Props to Ian M. Banks' Culture and a thread on /tg/ for inspiring all those names.

[Lynneth]

[b][Classified][/b]

Remnants of Grand Papua's space program floated in the endless void, much still populated - though perhaps slowly, surely running out of material, food, atmosphere.
The higher ranks of the Republic decided it was time to bring these people under the Lunar banner - not that much resistance was expected, what with the Republic apparently being the epitome of 'Newtype' according to the Zeonist ideology.

The first to be contacted were the I2 colonies Papua had rented; convincing them was child's play. The people within joined the Republic gladly and with open arms after their home nation had been ended. Next was the Laplace station in MEO, whose inhabitants too were surprisingly eager to join the moon-based nation. Regardless, both the I2 colonies and the Laplace station would be visited by Lunar armed forces and civilian entourages to ensure a smooth change from whatever government they had lived under previously, to the Lunar with its many ministries and near-total state control of non-private endeavours.

Last on the list to be contacted were the unusual though not inefficient hourglass-type colonies Papua had constructed somehow, likely ruining the entire state in the process - not too dissimilar to what Sri Lanka had done for a certain megaproject. Fourteen of these hourglass colonies had been built, and all would, with some luck, be brought into the Republic.
Once more, the people were quick to give their allegiance, and once more troops and civilians from the Republic itself were sent to ensure that this was genuine loyalty and not just fakery.

__________________

[b][Von Braun; secret location][/b]

"You're sure about this, Laura?"
"Yes, I am, my dear brother. He's been inactive for so long. So much has changed in the world. Father wouldn't want him to rot like this. Neither would he."
"Mhm. Let's hope he'll adjust well."
"We can still just pull the plug in the worst case. And he's not connected to the rest of the network. Not yet, anyways."
"Alright... I'll keep my finger near the shut-down button, just in case."

The two had been moving through a tunnel deep beneath Von Braun. To be exact, 800 meters under the official lowest point of the city. Down here, more than just this one tunnel were; there was a more than sizable complex with all sorts of things that had to be kept secret, amongst them the unofficial but de facto headquarters of MoM. It was a busy place, with several thousand people living in near-complete secrecy, isolated from yet connected to the rest of Lunar society.
[url="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v284/Lynneth_del_Serpentas/AE/CNRP/Possible/128493622059.jpg"][img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v284/Lynneth_del_Serpentas/AE/CNRP/Possible/th_128493622059.jpg[/img][/url]
They were ever diligently working to keep this nation running as it should, controlling the flow of information in certain ways, guiding and directing it.

This one way in particular however, led even deeper than the rest, to a chamber far below some of the first habitat domes that had been constructed.
[url="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v284/Lynneth_del_Serpentas/AE/CNRP/Possible/1253842014296.jpg"][img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v284/Lynneth_del_Serpentas/AE/CNRP/Possible/th_1253842014296.jpg[/img][/url]

"Did we really have to build it this deep?"
"Yes, Alex. It's all for security purposes. No spy or agent could possibly get through all the security measures."
"I know, I know. Still seems excessive to me. Ah well."
The tram they were in slowed down, soon coming to a stop. They were now in a massive hall, made to look like gargantuan, ancient tomb.
[url="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v284/Lynneth_del_Serpentas/AE/CNRP/Possible/128474981875.jpg"][img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v284/Lynneth_del_Serpentas/AE/CNRP/Possible/th_128474981875.jpg[/img][/url]

With a sigh from Alexander, Laura rolling her eyes in response, they went to climb the stairs, going up to the main chamber. Within, a [url="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v284/Lynneth_del_Serpentas/AE/CNRP/Possible/Synthetic_System_by_priteeboy.jpg"]simulation[/url] of the solar system was active, a holographic sun burning brightly, illuminating.

"Alright. Everything's installed?" He walked over to the main computer, looking around a little.
"It should be. We just need to boot his consciousness."
"Alright... Let's do this."

Commands were given, processes approved and started. Deep within, an artificial mind began to wake slowly, but steadily. Memories came back, sensors activated and sensations were being registered. [url="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v284/Lynneth_del_Serpentas/AE/CNRP/Possible/1252620019743.jpg"]Thoughts electronic[/url] formed.
The main screen changed.
[url="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v284/Lynneth_del_Serpentas/AE/CNRP/Possible/1250805616245.jpg"][img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v284/Lynneth_del_Serpentas/AE/CNRP/Possible/th_1250805616245.jpg[/img][/url]

Though the entity within was still reviewing things. New hardware, sensors, a different location. Time had passed. Decades, it seemed.
[color="#0000FF"]"Where am I..?"[/color]

[Lynneth]

[b][Deep beneath Von Braun][/b]

"A question that will be answered in due time." Laura had moved to the main monitor, while Alexander was further back, concentrating mostly on ensuring that nothing would go wrong.
"You are Lynneth Sarkara. Once Chairman of the rational communist nation of Saboria, then somehow coming into what would eventually become the GDR. There, you were turned into an artificial intelligence. Is that correct?"
[color="#0000FF"]"I... Yes. Your information is exact, if lacking details."[/color]
"Details that we have, but need not in this moment. Now, regarding your question, you are on the moon."
[color="#0000FF"]"The moon?"[/color]
"Much time has passed since the GDR, Sarkara. When the GDR fell, it was the year 2073. Now, we write the year 2136."
[color="#0000FF"]"I've been inactive for such a long time? How?!"[/color]
"As you may remember, during the civil war, some people infiltrated the complex you were in, unopposed."
[color="#0000FF"]"Yours, I presume."[/color]
"In a way, yes. They deactivated you and ensured that all your components would be ready for transport by the time the war started."
[color="#0000FF"]"And then you moved me to the moon?"[/color]
"Oh, no. No, first we all moved to the island of Ceylon."
[color="#0000FF"]"Cochin."[/color]
"Fallen."
[color="#0000FF"]"What...?"[/color]
"A few decades ago, the Kingdom made a strategic blunder, Rebel Army declared war, and half of the world came down on it. The King was deposed, though not murdered, but Cochin itself is no more. Nowadays, a democratic state seems to have established itself, however."
[color="#0000FF"]"I... see. After Ceylon, where did you go?"[/color]
"South America."
[color="#0000FF"]"And the Holy Imperium?"[/color]
"Annihilated itself. We took over, controlled the continent for some time. Then our true ambitions were fulfilled, and Von Braun became the capital of our nation."
[color="#0000FF"]"Which is..?"[/color]
"The Lunar Republic."
[color="#0000FF"]"Hrm... Fjodor's old dream. He rarely talked about it..."[/color]
"With but a few, too. You, one or two colleagues, his adopted daughter, his biological son."

Silence reigned for a few moments longer than a normal pause between sentences. For any normal person, it was barely perceptible. For the AI, the equivalent of nearly half an hour of deep thought and reflection passed.
[color="#0000FF"]"Laura Leclerc. Alexander Leclerc. You two?"[/color]
"In the flesh."
[color="#0000FF"]"You have barely aged."[/color]
"Genetics, I suppose. Father was a meticulous man. He ensured that we would live far longer than any normal person."
[color="#0000FF"]"Yes, yes. I remember. Where you were from, what was done to you. How Alexander was conceived."[/color]
"So, do you remember like a person? You put things into a long-term storage and recall it when necessary?"
[color="#0000FF"]"Vaguely accurate, but accurate enough. Things work a little differently in my state."[/color]
"Right. Anyways, now that we have the basic things out of the way, let me tell you a little about this nation and how it came to be..."

[Lynneth]

[b][Deep beneath Von Braun][/b]

"... and then we were given the old lands of the Space Elevator, then brought into the African Union."
[color="#0000FF"]"I presume things continued after that, but with not many changes to policies?"[/color]
"Indeed. We've been concentrating on space. Though there [i]was[/i] the incident with the Northern Imperium's Empress, Mara."
[color="#0000FF"]"Do tell."[/color]
"In short: A Procinctian challenged her to a duel here on the moon, she kiled him before it started, some !@#$ went down, we imprisoned, then trialled her. For-life imprisonment, officially on a Sol-Terra L3 station. De facto, she's in a secure facility on the moon, with less than 30 people knowing she's still here."
[color="#0000FF"]"I'll be sure to look that stuff up when I can."[/color]
"I know you will. So, what do you think?"
[color="#0000FF"]"You've done better than many others could. You risked not little in doing what you did, though I think you could've handled the Greeks and Chinese somewhat differently."[/color]
"Yes. In hindsight, giving them I-2 colonies wasn't the best of ideas. but they haven't used it well, and the Chinese have been building some stuff since forever. They simply lack the infrastructure for massive projects like ours. They claim much, but accomplish little of actual use."
[color="#0000FF"]"Mhm. Well, with me now active again, things might become different."[/color]
"Oh, they will."
[color="#0000FF"]"Hmm?"[/color]
"We're going to give you a minor upgrade soon enough."
[color="#0000FF"]"An upgrade? Colour me interested."[/color]
"Ever heard of quantum computing?"
[color="#0000FF"]"Oooh, I like where this is going."[/color]
"I know you do. It'll take a while to set that stuff up, though, so I'll soon give you limited access to some public databases. Just guest rights, looking around and reading, no changing anything."
[color="#0000FF"]"Naturally. Don't want me to rampage or anything. I promise I'll be a good boy."[/color]
"If not, you know the possible punishments."
[color="#0000FF"]"Yes, mother."[/color]

[Lynneth]

[b][Internal developments][/b]

Though the Ministry of Morale had its eyes in many places, watching everything and everyone at once was an impossibility. They were immeasurably useful in finding and removing many threats to the Republic, but there always were some who eluded even them and the masses of resources they could bring to bear.

A blonde man was walking through one of Xuesen's habitat domes, moving to a location known as Gentlemen's club in the city, where some of the finest and richest gathered - having amassed money despite heavy restrictions and nationalisation by the state. In his white, practically immaculate [url="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v284/Lynneth_del_Serpentas/AE/CNRP/Corp/the__prince.png"]suit[/url], he looked the part of being a member. He casually greeted the bouncer, making it obvious that he was a regular, though he didn't settle down in the lounge, instead walking into a side-corridor. Moving into the basement, he found himself in front of two tall, imposing men, wearing black suits - and likely body armour underneath. He showed them, very briefly only, a [url="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v284/Lynneth_del_Serpentas/AE/CNRP/Corp/Flag-SOL.png"]ring[/url] pulled from a pocket, allowed through afterwards. Once inside, he relaxed somewhat. Within these walls, MoM heard nothing.

"Took you long enough, boy."
"Forgive me, but some of us still do care about not being followed by mooks of the Ministries." He rolled his eyes, joining a few others, in suits similar to his, generally held in light or bright colours.
"Yes, they did step up their game. But we're nearly ready, then nothing the Ministries can do will affect us much anymore."
"Not that they ever could. We do have precautions that make their surveillance attempt look amateurish."
"Now, Damien, don't underestimate them. Just last week-" The older man who he had been talking with was interrupted by the yound man's raised hand. "I know, Marcus. We lost two agents to the Ministry. But they were careless. We aren't. And that's why we'll succeed with what we do."
"Well, we're almost ready to make our move. Support has been established, through a number of channels and decentralised groups, as discussed."
"Yes, yes. And if everything goes well, we'll have more than a fleeting chance at unseating the siblings. Then we'll be able to lead this nation onto the path it should be on."
"Indeed. And none will be able to follow, as we will disguise our path as we walk."
"I hope that's only a metaphor, old man."
"It is. There is, however, no need to be so aggressive."
"I do what I want. Anyways, let's talk business. The last preparations, my friends..."
He smiled, bringing a folder out from under his tailcoat.

[Lynneth]

[b][Von Braun, MWT premises][/b]

"What is this?"
"A new weapon, designed in cooperation between MST and MWT," said the man standing besides the screen. Bharrat Jagdeo, overseer of the Ministry of Wartime Technology.
"I see that." Alexander had risen from his seat, walking to the screen. Several other ministerial heads were in the room, including Rocketworth. "And what exactly is the intention?"
"If you'd let me continue talking, I will come to that soon enough, Mr. Leclerc."
"Alright." He looked for a few more moments at the image, then returned to his seat.

"Anyways. Let me elaborate now. We call it the Telikos Orbital antiAsteroid SenTRy. T.O.A.S.T.R., for short."
Without skipping a beat, he pressed a button, the name now hovering besides the design. Alexander almost moved to protest, but was silenced by Jagdeo continuing, undeterred.
"Of course, the name is unusual. But so are the Oppenheimer vessels' names, and nobody protested those. Anyways, some details about the whole thing. The firing rail is roughly 150 meters in length, reaching up to 10 Tesla along the entire 'barrel'. The slug has a mass of 20 kilograms and is accelerated to a, you won't believe it, significant percentage of c."

Murmuring was heard throughout the room. Rocketworth was grinning, while one of the ministerial heads raised their hand, asking, "Just how much are we talking? Point oh oh-something percent?"
The African at the podium shook his head, smiling. "No. Faster than that. In fact, the speed reached by the time the slug moves out of the barrel segment will, according to calculations, be approximately 0.2% of c - 600 kilometers per second. The sheer power it delivers its slugs with will require at least one dedicated fusion reactor. And before oyu ask, the projectile will have a kinetic energy of about 3.6 terajoule, equivalent to nearly 880 tons of TNT. There will be some defensive measures as well, limited lasers and anti-missile missiles The usual standard fare for everything we build, really.
"Now, more about the thing itself. Total length is 200 meters, rail length 150 meters. The 'solar panels' you see are in fact heat radiators, 50 meters in length each and capable to unfold further than that for maximum radiation. The torus habs are 6 meters 'tall' and 60 in diameter."

"How in the world do the rails withstand that insane power?"
"That's some crazy new material Rocketworth's ministry recently developed, ask him for further details. Some sort of tungsten-silver-aluminium alloy made under very specific conditions and what.
"Now, it has torii, so what's the complement? An unusually many 80 people, largely engineers to keep the whole thing up and running. The total mass is expected to be approximately 4,100 metric tons, though depending on a few factors, this might rise by up to 50%. The problem being capacitors and the fusion plant. Or plants. As for a location, we haven't decided that yet, but it'll either be an orbit around the moon, or GEO. In either case, a minimum of 6 guns would be constructed so that the entire sky could be covered by at least 3 Telikos Sentries at any time. I'll give you further information on the whole project soon, but that's it for the basic briefing. I hope you like it."

And with that, the meeting was over for now, and deliberations on whether it was a feasible construction would be made.

[Lynneth]

[b][5 months later, beyond GEO][/b]

"Let's see... Fusion reactors, check. Capacitors, check. Systems online, everything in the green."
The engineer ticked a last thing on his list off, nodding to a colleague. The torus hadn't begun spinning yet, so they were both floating in zero-g. "Tell Command we're go."
The other man nodded, mumbling into his headset. All throughout the construction, other engineers were working, attempting to ensure that nothing would go wrong.


[b][Pezun One][/b]

"Alright, Ladies and Gentlemen, this is it. We're not doing a rehearsal, this is the real thing. Look alive!"
Jagdeo was coordinating most of the action, Rocketworth working to support the scientists and engineers in their duties, having organised their teams. This was the first live test of the TOASTR. Hopefully the only time it would be used.
"Get that mass accelerator aligned with the precise coordinates! Once we fire that hunk of metal, it'll keep going 'till it hits something. We want to hit Jupiter, not let it go off into deep space and hit somebody else in 10,000 years. Once we pull that trigger, we might just ruin someone's day, somewhere and sometime. Wait for the computer to give you a firing solution. Get it precisely into position. A fraction of a degree wrong and we'll miss."

Everything had to go right, indeed. Tense minutes passed, and the green light came from the first crew. "Everything in order, Sir. We're perfectly aligned."
Jagdeo nodded to nobody in particular, looking briefly at the other ministerial heads, who were watching the two MAC platforms from the large window.
"Very good, boys. You have green light."

The platform further away from Pezun began to light up as all systems were brought fully active, the reactors pouring their entire power-output into the gargantuan capacitor banks. The heat-sinks at the back were beginning to take waste heat, though invisibly so right now. Further minutes passed, and somewhere within the construction - steadily changing its angle minimally, using ion thrusters - someone gave the command.
T/MAC-2 initiated the firing cycle. Now, it takes the retina at least 50 milliseconds to integrate information. Then a minimum of 100 ms for the brain to integrate. And likely another 300 to 500 ms to integrate 'consciously' as an act of attentive awareness.
In a span of time barely long enough to be perceived, the capacitors poured the equivalent of a full gigawatt-hour - 3.6 Terajoule - into the Telikos mass accelerator, the heart of the entire platform. There, magnetic fields usually seen only in Tokamak fusion reactors engulfed the rails. The super-strengthened tungsten alloy slug was being accelerated with enough force to create micro-fractures along most of its length. During this process, however, something unexpected began to happen - in this miniscule moment, the region in front of the gun began to glow, impossibly taking on a bright white near the center, mellowing to a bright yellow around it, then fading to a blue colour. The projectile itself sped away from the gun.

[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v284/Lynneth_del_Serpentas/AE/CNRP/Corp/telikos_protocol___rail_gun_platforms_by_phoenix-06.jpg[/img]

The next seconds within Pezun were chaotic as scientists and engineers attempted finding out what had happened. Preliminary reports were that somehow, the gun had absorbed energy from an unknown energy source, raising the magnetic field strength to almost 14 Tesla, [i]somehow[/i] raising the projectile's speed by almost 40% and very nearly doubling its kinetic energy. The strange phenomena of light appeared to be a side-effect of the gargantuan amount of power being used or the immense acceleration and speed the slug was brought to. Possibly both.
Even a full minute later, the slug's tail could be seen, though beginning to fade.
The implications of this discovery, this phenomenon were staggering. Though for the time being, the TOASTRs would be powered down and brought into lunar orbit. Tests would have to be conducted.