News from The Nation of Selenarctos

[iKrolm]

[b]Public News:[/b]

In anticipation for national elections scheduled to take place next year in Manila, political parties in Selenarctos have been lining up and preparing their candidates. Each political party is allowed to select their own candidate however they would like, with primary elections and direct selection by party leadership as the most popular methods.

The National Conservative Party has seen strong growth in recent years. Though President Diokno neither chose nor associated with a political party, he was most often referred to as a conservative and his policies closely resembled the NCP's stated goals. The NCP's growth, especially in Manila, is attributed to the success of President Diokno's policies, though opponents claim the end of the recession was inevitable and that it occurred during Diokno's term was irrelevant. Primary elections for the NCP's candidate are under way now.

The Democratic Party of Selenarctos was the most vocal opponent to President Diokno's term and though the DPS gained respect for stand with its ideals, they lost influence as the economy recovered. The DPS has not announced a candidate, but it is rumored that Martin Tagalog, former Second Director of the Popular Division and now in his late sixties, may be on the party's ballot.

The Catholic Center Party's membership has declined throughout Selenarctos. Though marginally affected by a continued decline in religions rates across the board, this change is most likely attributed an influx of Filipinos returning from abroad under President Diokno's immigration changes. The most notable demographics change has been the influx of Islamic worshipers to the Manila area, along with smaller groups of other religions to throughout Selenarctos. The Center Party has selected Waskar Rodríguez, a Priest and activist from Mariveles as its candidate.

Both the Communist Party of Selenarctos and the United SOcialist Front have seen heavy declines in the greater Manila area since the end Carlos Burke's interim government. No longer united under Ferrerist Coalition's banner, critics would be surprised if the CPS' candidate to receive more than five percent of the vote and the USF is not expected to put a candidate forward.

The Constitutional Party of Selenarctos (CPoS, not to be confused with the Communist Party of Selenarctos, the CPS) has fared similarly to the Democratic Party under President Diokno. Never as large as the DPS or even the USF however, the CPoS is not expected to submit a presidential candidate either.

All citizens of Selenarctos retain the right to vote in national elections per the Diokno Resolution, but voting rates from the Outer Philippines are expected are decline from previous elections. This change is expected both because of standing perceptions that Outer votes are less important in national elections due to the high population difference between the Outer Philippines and Manila, and because the Outer Philippines mayoral elections have been reschedule to offset them from national elections.

[iKrolm]

[b]Public:[/b]

Acting President Dallas Valdes has announced an end to the Army draft , in place since the earliest days of the Selenarctos Security Division. Citing continued population growth, the a Acting President said this move will make the Army stronger and promised to reveal details of the upcoming restructuring following the semi-independence of the outer Philippines. Officially the draft remains in place for the Selenarctos Peacekeeping Force, however a SPF press release following the Acting President's announcement revealed than draftees make up only 5% of SPF personnel.

The 2nd Mechanized declined to comment if they would follow suit in the Outer Philippines when we contacted them.

-The Manila Times

[iKrolm]

[b]Public:[/b]

Citing anarchy and a loss of communication with the government of the Republic of Papua, elements of the 7th Mechanized Division deployed in country have been activated to restore order and revert New Guinea to a protectorate of Selenarctos. Humanitarian aid will be coordinated through the Selenarctos branch of the international White Cross, and the 107th Mechanized Division of the Selenarctos Peacekeeping Force shall begin preparations for extended deployment in the region.

[Triyun]

OOC: We still have troops on the Island as part of the TSI Agreements.

IC:

[b]Private Message from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs:[/b]

Tianxia troops on the Island of Guinea have reported landings by the Selenarctos forces. Tianxia has no intention of propping up a declining regime, however we consider Guinea to be within Tianxia's Zone of Strategic Interest. Papua was a member of the Sovereign Initiative and prior to that behaved as a strategic adversary which engaged in ethnic violence against our Diaspora. We therefore would like to propose that we establish a joint protectorate. Our primary interest is to ensure that there remains a regime that is friendly to Tianxia and does not engage in further ethnic violence that harms our ancestral brothers and sisters.

[iKrolm]

OOC: My troops didn't land, they've been there since Lavo asked them not to leave after Sonderaktion Gelb
IC:

[b]Reply to Tianxia:[/b]

Selenarctos welcomes the support of our Tianxian allies. Contacting the 7th/107th SPF Mechanized command in New Guinea directly will assure fastest response and reply times. If you wish to coordinate humanitarian aid, the Selenarctos White Cross will be in touch.

Edited November 7, 2012 by iKrolm

[iKrolm]

[b]Public:[/b]

The Selenarctos Army, coordinated from Manila, completed its withdrawal of all equipment and personnel from the Outer Philippines last month in the wake of the Diokno Resolution calling for semi-autonomy of the cities, islands and territories beyond Manila's direct influence. All fourteen divisions, with the exception of the 2nd Mechanized whose allegiance lies with the Outer Philippines now, have been reassigned to Manila, Mariveles, and Batangas. These three cities, plus Dinalungan and Dagupan are the only cities to declare allegience with Manila though many suspect Dagupan may be sympathetic to the Outer Philippines' separation and only declared with Manila out of intimidation due to it's close proximity to the capital.

In the the wake of these geopolitical changes and its own forced troop movements, the Selenarctos Army has announced its new organization structure to retain and modern combat capabilities in the new Selenarctos. The new structure increases division specialization, while replacing the reserve divisions in favor of all active divisions.



[b]Standard Infantry Loadout:[/b]

All soldiers of the Selenarctos Army are elite specialists to a degree. On average, the smaller size of the Selenarctos Army allows much greater emphasis and money to be placed on selection of candidates and constant, rigorous training to ensure the average Selenarctan soldier remains far superior to the general fighting forces employed by most countries.

The Selenarctos army excel at jungle fighting, and their training and equipment reflect this. Every soldiers is issued and trains with the [url="http://cnrp.wikia.com/wiki/Selenarctos_Ground_Force#Standard_Combat_Uniform"]Standard Combat Uniform[/url] (SCU), designed and produced in Manila by Precision Tactical. The SCU represents decades of research to produce simple yet highly effective protection in standard and NBC-hot battlefield conditions, even in the tropical humidity prevalent throughout the Philippines. The SCU is issued in standard jungle and urban/night patterns, with special-issue desert and arctic modifications in reserve.

The standard rifle of the Selenarctos infantryman is the [url="http://cnrp.wikia.com/wiki/Selenarctos_Ground_Force#M41-A_.22Pulse_Rifle.22"]M41-A 'Pulse Rifle'[/url], manufactured by Southern Firearms. The Pulse Rifle is a sturdy, durable battle rifle constructed from corrosion resistent materials to survive from the rigors of a tropic battlefield to hostile, exo=planetary conditions. The Pulse Rifle u sing an electric 'pulse' action to fire 10mm caseless shells. The Pulse Rifle features a standard, integrated M92A under barrel 30mm grenade launcher, though experimental variants without this launcher and with other attachments have found their way into general service. Officially, the [url="http://cnrp.wikia.com/wiki/Selenarctos_Ground_Force#P229_DAK"]P229 DAK[/url] is the Selenarctos Army's standard issue handgun, but many other handguns are available and soldiers may choose to supply their own, or request an MP7A1 as a sidearm. Finally, all soldiers are trained with [url="http://cnrp.wikia.com/wiki/Selenarctos_Ground_Force#Kris_Combat_Knife_.26_Kampilan"]traditional Kris combat knife[/url] and, to a basic proficiency, the Kampilan Sword. While all soldiers are issued a steel Kris, only enlisted men and women of rank Sergeant or higher and special forces are issued a Kampilan to carry at their own discression.



[b]Fighting Forces:[/b]

[b]1st Mechanized Division[/b]

The 1st Mechanized are the elite special forces of the Selenarctos Army. The 1st Mechanized is divided into four regiments, each with its own specialization. The 1st Mechanized/1st Regiment specialize in deep cover ops and deployment behind enemy lines. The 1st/2nd Marines after deploy aboard naval vessels for combat operations. The 1st/2nd Regiment specializes in airborne helicopter insertion and assualt operations. For covert and rapid insertions, they are the best. The 1st/3rd Regiment are paratroopers: unlike the 1st/2nd, they rarely use helicopters but drop out of high-altitude planes and remain on the ground for extensive periods of time. Finally, the 1st/4th Regiment isa marine fighting force, trained to operate at sea and close-coastal environments. The four 1st Mechanized regiments occasionally work together if the mission warrants (eg. the 3rd Regiment may drop in to meet 1st Regiment forces already deployed in an area), but generally the regiments operate with much greater independence than other divisions. The 1st Mechanized is based in Manila.



"First Mechanized! First in, first to fight!"


[b]3rd & 4th Mechanized Divisions:[/b]

The 3rd Mechanized Division and 4th Mechanized divisions are Ground Hammers. Though the Army generally prefers to fight an enemy from the side, rear or above, the 3rd and 4th Mechanized are on the front lines when a head-on confrontation is unavoidable. The 3rd and 4th deploy the highest ratios of tanks and often utilize Scorpion gunships as well. The 3rd and 4th are based in Manila and Mariveles, respectively.


[b]5th through 8th Airborne Divisions[/b]

The 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th Airborne Divisions operate with heavy helicopter support as the 1st/2nd Regiment does. Much larger in number, the 5th through 8th offer broader deployment options with less precision than the 1st/2nd. It is not uncommon for the 1st/2nd to move in quietly to secure targets of interest first, followed by an Airborne Division to provide shock-and-awe support. The 5th and 6th divisions are based out of Manila, the 7th out of Batangas, and the 8th out of Dinalungan.


[b]9th Marine Division:[/b]

The 9th Marine Division specializes in marine and coastal environments. If an amphibious landing is required, the 9th Mechanized will spearhead the charge and clear a path for other divisions to follow. Soldiers from the 9th Mechanized regularly deploy on board naval vessels during peace and wartime. The 9th Marine Division is also known to train with the 1st/4th Regiment, and both unit's command structures are closely linked to provide close support if needed. The 9th Mechanized is based out of Mariveles.


[b]10th through 12th Mechanized Division:[/b]

The 10th, 11th, and 12th Mechanized Divisions specialize in jungle warfare. While all divisions train in extensively jungle environments due to the nature of the philippine islands, soldiers of the 10th through 12th take this training to a higher level. The 10th through 12th closely model their command structure after than of an insurgency, allowing small units much greater autonomy than other divisions. The 10th and 11th are based out of Manila and Dagupan respectively while the 12th is unique, basing itself in the Cordillera Central on Luzon rather than inside of a city.


[b]13th through 15th Mechanized Division:[/b]

The 13th, 14th, and 15th Mechanized Divisions specialize in urban warfare. As with jungle warfare, all Selenarctos army units train extensively in urban environments as well but the 13th through 15th's command structures are organized to better accomodate it. The 13th through 15th deploy the highest numbers of armored personnel carriers (APCs) and armored fighting vehicles (AFVs) of any division, and nearly as many tanks as the 3rd and 4th Mechanized. The 13th through 15th are based out of Manila, Manila, and Batangas, respectively.

[b]16th Mechanized Division:[/b]

The 16th Mechanized Division specializes in logistics. They support supply lines, ensure food, water and ammunition reach the locations they need to go, and generally operate in friendly or pacified territory behind the front lines. The 16th Mechanized is based out of Manila.




[b]Special Units:[/b]

[b]Electronics Warfare Brigade:[/b]

The Electronic Warfare Brigade (EWB) is responsibility for the security of Selenarctos military networks, as well as offensive cyber actions. Though the EWB's strength is less than typical brigade strength and its fighting force far less, the EWB retains the title out of tradition and due to its unique administrative overhead. The EWB operates out of Dinalungan, but also maintains a significant presence in Manila.

[b]Scorpion Wings:[/b]

Squadrons of the Scorpion medium gunship are flown by Air Force pilots but typically placed under Army command to provide direct ground support.



[b]Units outside the jurisdiction of the Selenarctos Army:[/b]

[b]2nd Mechanized Division[/b]

The 2nd Mechanized Division is an airborne division that split from the Selenarctos Army in support of the Outer Philippines. The 2nd Mechanized retains its original command structure from the Central Government of Selenarctos, and over strength at nearly 4,000 combat personnel recruited from the Outer Philippines, remains the Outer Philippines' only fighting force. The 2nd Mechanized is based in Davao City.

Edited November 28, 2012 by iKrolm

[iKrolm]

[b]Public:[/b]

The Selenarctos Space Program has recovered two 'space vacuums' from the ruins of Lunar Republic projects at the L4 lunar lagrange point. We are pleased to say that they have been restored to working order and fully crewed. Using these vessels, Selenarctos shall reinstate the service previously provided by the Lunar Republic to clean up debris and keep the earth orbits clear from navigational hazards.

[iKrolm]

[b]Public, Investor Announcement:[/b]

Following the dissolution of the Kingdom of Bhutan, the security staff formerly of Terminus Systems deployed to provide security at the Precision Tactical-owned Makin Island Research Facility have been in limbo. Precision Tactical is pleased to announce that the issue has been successfully resolved with the Selenarctos Government, and that the security staff shall be absorbed as a limited subsidiary of Precision Tactical for the present time. Worker visas will be extended to the staff and immediate family and the security staff shall continue their duties unimpeded.

[img]http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb26/iKrolm/Precision_Tactical_Logo_1_small.png[/img]

[iKrolm]

[b]Classified:[/b]

At the request of the Air Force, the Selenarctos Aerospace Consortium has begun investigating possible replacements for the Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) and MOP-C "bunker busting" bombs. The Air Force would like the new munitions to be smaller and lighter without sacrificing penetration power. The payload may be shrunk as well, but the Air Force would like approximately the same explosive power and requires that the solution remain non-nuclear. As optional though highly requested improvements, the Air Force wants the ability to mount the new munitions on a F-X strike fighter, and for the new munitions to offer an extended range after drop, with an intermediate flight distance larger than a guided bomb but less than a full cruise missile.

[iKrolm]

[b]Public:[/b]

Presidential elections have begun, with the following parties submitting their candidate:

National Conservative Party: Hygin Romero

Mr. Romero was born and raised in Manila, and received a degree in macroeconomics from the University of Manila, followed by law school there as well. Mr. Romero worked for the City of Manila for four years in public planning and regional economic development, followed by a term in the late President Diokno's staff, and direct work with the NCP. Mr. Romero has publicly spoken out against the Outer Philippines' move to semi-autonomy, but also decried calls by the Constitutional Party of Selenarctos to invade the Outer Philippines and restore them to the direct control of the national government. On the economy, Mr. Romero hopes to continue recent growth by extending Diokno's economic, environmental, and labor incentives throughout the central Manila region. On foreign policy, Mr. Romero called for continued spending to maintain Selenarctos military prowess and increased relations with nations on the Pacific side of the Americas.


Democratic Party of Selenarctos: Martin Tagalog

As suspected, the DPS nominated Martin Tagalog, former Second Director of the Popular Division under the Central Government. Dr. Tagalog possesses a PhD in public policy, but has had little participation in politics since his defeat by challenger Tim Toribio, Second Director of the Popular Division until his death at the end of the Central Government. On the economy, Dr. Tagalog calls for more stringent immigration laws to increase employment of native Selenarctans and a tightening of emission control laws as air quality in the greater Manila urban area continues below safe levels. On foreign policy, Dr. Tagalog wishes to develop closer ties with mainland Asia and supports measures to promote large-scale Asian international unity not seen since the Asian Unity Pact many years ago.


Catholic Center Party: Waskar Rodríguez

The CCP's candidate is Waskar Rodríguez, an ordained Catholic Priest from Mariveles. The pillars of Mr. Rodríguez's campaign have been increased spending on education and social services. Mr. Rodríguez wants to expand both programs to all individuals with a worker or permanent visa as well as their families, and continue to make these services available in the Outer Philippines despite their semi-autonomy. On the economy, Mr. Rodríguez believes current growth is proceeding well and will preserve President Diokno's laws without implement major changes in either direction. On foreign policy, the CCP wishes to increase non-binding military and trade treaties with Oceanic, Asian and East-African nations.


The Communist Party of Selenarctos, United Socialist Front and Constitutional Party of Selenarctos did not submit candidates for the presidential election.

[iKrolm]

[b]Public News:[/b]

Following the successful conclusion of national elections, conservative Hygin Romero has been elected President of Selenarctos. In his victory speach, President-elect Romero vowed to continue the tradition of a strong national government with a Manila-centric policy. On the Outer Philippines, Romero firmly reiterated that military options were off the table as he had many times during his campaign, but expanded his vision with a Manilan economy, influence, and technological prowess so strong that the Outer Philippines would return of their own accord.

Romero and the National Conservative Party received 43% of the vote, with liberal challenger Martin Tagalog and Catholic Waskar Rodríguez receiving 34% and 11%, respectively. Voting turnout was surprisingly high in the greater Manila area, with 82% of eligible votes casting a ballot, however turnout was significantly reduced in the Outer Philippines where only 32% cast a ballot in the national election. This difference reflects the continued divide between the capital Manila and the cities of the Outer Philippines.

-The Manila Times


[img]http://cmssales.kapatidtv.com/uploads/cast_images/29_philip_salvador.jpg[/img]
Image: President-elect Hygin Romero

[iKrolm]

[b]Public News:[/b]

President-elect Hygin Romero revealed his staff picks today, beginning with the newly-created position of Chief of Staff, Abo Raya. Mr. Raya is a Manila native and, as Chief of Staff, second in line to the President. A figure head in the National Conservative Party before appointment to his current position, Mr. Raya is a solid choice though likely to ruffle the feathers of many Catholic Center Party members who dislike his hardline stance on the seperation of church and state. Mr. Raya is an outspoken supporter of former-president Melchoro Diokno's deregulation and streamlining of the government process.

Mr. Abaco Magana, another native to the greater Manila area, received the position of Secretary of Security. Mr. Magana is an expert in international politics, and has nineteen years experience in international relations.

Secretary of Justice Mr. Liku Meng, a Chinese-Filipino from downtown Manila, is fluent in Tagalog, English, and mainland Cantonese. A judge for fifteen years and ten years of law experience before that, Secretary Meng is highly regarded as a moderate centrist: an unusual pick in President-elect Romero's Filipino- and Conservative-dominated staff.

Secretary of Humanities Mr. Rabulas Davila is the only staff member who was born outside of Selenarctos, but immigrated with his filipino parents to Manila at the age of five. Mr. Davila is a long-time activist for individual and tribal identify within the Philippine islands, recognizing that the blanket Filipino race misrepresents the cultural diversity found in Selenarctos.

Finally, we heard from reputable sources that Acting President Dallas Valdés was encouraged to take up his former position, but declined the offer. Instead Dr. Odon Zelaya, the former deputy chief to Mr. Valdés as Secretary, has been appointed Secretary of the Economy. Dr. Zelaya helped co-author the Diokno deregulation bills while a professor of macroeconomics at the University of Manila.


-The Manila Times

[iKrolm]

[b]Public News:[/b]

Elections in the Outer Philippines concluded today with few surprises. Originally scheduled at the same time as the national presidential election, elections in the Outer Philippines were delayed by a unanimous vote of the outer city mayors to distinguish and seperate them from the Manila government.

The most pressing ballot issues were the creation of sub-territories in the Outer Philippines and election of governors for each territory. After tallying the votes, four territories were formaly brought into existence. Farthest to the south, inhabitants of the island of Mindanao voted themselves the Mindanao Territory and elected Phillip Carrero their Governor. Govenor Carrero is a long-time advocate for increased local development and self-sustainablility for Maindanao. Officially associated with the Catholic Center Party, Carrero's first move was to name 2nd Mechanized Division General Sotero Farias to Protector in Chief of Mindanao, an honorary position recoginizing General Farias' actions in the seperation of the Outer Philippines.

Just north of the Mindanao Territory, the Free Philippines consists of Calbayog, Cebu, and Bacolod, plus southwestern Panay (excluding the west end of the launch loop). With Calbayog as its capital, it came as no surprise when former Calbayog mayor Armentario Heredia won the governatorial election in a landslide. Heredia, a member of the National Socialist Party, has always received high approval scores from residents of Leyte island and was one of the few socialists or communists to maintain his position during Melchoro Diokno's presidency.

In between Leyte and Manila, Naga City voted to maintain independence as the Naga City Commonwealth. Unlike the Free Philippines, the Naga City Commonwealth's economy based heavily upon fishing and agriculture fared better than most regions of the Outer Philippines. Recognizing that their livelihood depends on continued use of these resources, the Naga City Commonwealth elected pronounced environmentalist and liberal Adam Solenzo to the position of governor.

Finally Laoag, Selenarctos' northernmost city and formerly a large Air Force and Naval Base, became the Luzon Free Territory and elected its mayor Matthew Galvez to govenor. Govenor Galvez is a member of the Democratic Party of Selenarctos and supports increase militarization of the Outer Philippines. Towards this goal, Govenor Galvez has pledged the creation of a militia force for the Luzon Free Territory.


Govenor Galvez's assertions on military force brought focus to defense contractors in Selenarctos (all of which are headquareted in Manila), and how they will handle contracts with the Outer Philippines. Hernandez-Segura Systems was the first to respond to our inquiries, stating they would continued to sell to the armies of the Outer Philippines. Bulldog Armored Vehicles will likewise sell to the Outer Philippinesand Southern Firearms stated that while Manila blocked sales of the M41-A Pulse Rifle (of which the national government holds the pantent while Southern Firearms holds exclusive manufacturing rights), sales of military and civilian product lines will continue unimpeded. Precision Tactical responded that they continue sales and training in the Outer Philippines, branch offices outside of the greater Manila area will be closed in the coming months and the Artega Group said they will not deal with governments of the Outer Philippines.


In other news the island of Yap, home of the east end of the Selenarctos Orbital Launch Loop, officially declared allegiance to Manila and rejected the Outer Philippines. While a disappointment to the Outer Philippines who hoped to claim a half share in the launch loop, the move was not unexpected given the launch loop's public prominence during the late President Diokno's term and its substantial boost to the economy of Yap.


-The Manila Times



[b]Classified Military Rebasing News:[/b]

The Navy and Air Force have begun construction of new bases citing turmoil in the Outer Philippines and a reprioritization of defensive targets to the greater Manila area. From the Navy, the 2nd Task Force shall be based out of Dinalungan instead of Laoag. The 3rd Davao Fleet shall remain deployed out of Davao City, but the 1st Task Force is moved from Davao City to Dinalungan and the 3rd Task Force is moved from Davao City to Yap.


From the Air Force, the following aircraft squadrons are relocated to the cities and regions as noted:

110th Interceptor Squadron from Laoag to Dagupan
111th Interceptor Squadron from Laoag to Dagupan
117th Interceptor Squadron from Davao City to Manila
118th Interceptor Squadron from Davao City to Manila
126th Interceptor Squadron from Bacolod to Dinalungan
127th Interceptor Squadron from Bacolod to Dinalungan
128th Interceptor Squadron from Bacolod to Dinalungan
129th Interceptor Squadron from Bacolod to Dinalungan
130th Interceptor Squadron from Bacolod to Dinalungan
131st Interceptor Squadron from Laoag to Dagupan
132nd Interceptor Squadron from Laoag to Dagupan
133rd Interceptor Squadron from Laoag to Dagupan
134th Interceptor Squadron from Laoag to Dagupan
137th Interceptor Squadron from Davao City to Dagupan
138th Interceptor Squadron from Davao City to Dagupan
211th Strike Squadron from Davao City to Dagupan
212th Strike Squadron from Davao City to Dagupan
440th Strategic Squadron from Davao City to Dagupan
450th Strategic Squadron from Laoag to Dagupan
306th Remote Squadron from Laoag to Dinalungan
307th Remote Squadron from Laoag to Dinalungan
308th Remote Squadron from Laoag to Dinalungan
1004th Scorpion Medium Gunship Squadron from Laoag to Dinalungan



Signed,
President Hygin Romero

[iKrolm]

[b]Public:[/b]

With the departure of President Hygin Romero on his world tour earlier today, Chief of Staff Abo Raya has assumed the President's duties and will make public appearances on the President's behalf until his return. Legislative power still rests with the President, and President Romero and Chief Raya will maintain close contact throughout the President's travels.

[iKrolm]

[b]Private, some parts observable:[/b]

Selenarctos has completed its appraisal of old Lunar Republic hardware at Lagrange Point 4. As expected by many in Selenarctos and predicted by Athens, records and inventory left by the Lunar Republic were in abysmal shape. Archeological and technical teams dispatched from Manila did their best, but the vast amount of debris and rubble left by the sudden departure of Lunar Republic Authorities in the wake of the LR civil war left little in the vast shells of once-hospitable island habitats. In secret, a team from 16th Mechanized Division was dispatched to L4 to process any military hardware and support a small team from the Electronic Warfare Brigade with all the resources of the GASP array at their disposal devoted to decryption and data mining work, but to SelCom’s disappointment much of the LR’s "greatest achievements" turned out to be little more than propaganda ploys.

Built in the old days of the German Democratic Republic, the [url="http://forums.cybernations.net/index.php?showtopic=90657&st=180#entry2769384"]Laplace[/url] space station had transferred from the GDR to Sri Lanka to Ceylon to Guyana before Guyana became the Lunar Republic had long since decayed and, by the technician’s best estimated, burned up in orbit several years ago.

Similarly, Pezun One and and Pezun Two, two transfer stations in LEO, and their precursor station Matara, were in such poor shape that all the Selenarctan crews could do was make sure they landed in an uninhabited portion of the Pacific Ocean. Of the GDR’s Explorer Class ships, even GASP could not find their current location. Perhaps they were off on missions deep into the solar system when the LR fell, or perhaps they had never existed in the first place? None could say.

At the L4 point, every island colony was searched and inventoried. Of twelve colonies including Freeside, only Freeside and two I2 colonies still held an atmosphere, and those two just barely. One of the ten original I2 colonies had been completely stripped of life and population sometime in the past and loaded with industrial and manufacturing gear: purpose and product unknown.

Amidst the ruins however, a few surprises did remain. A team of technicians found nearly a hundred [url="http://forums.cybernations.net/index.php?showtopic=90652&#entry2415681"]CAR 21[/url] assault rifles preserved in storage, with no obvious explanation why or how the Ceylonese weapons arrived there.

Perhaps, thought the 16th Mechanized officers who took charge of the assault rifles for shipment back to Manila, perhaps the rifles were kept when the debacle of LR laser weapons became apparent for there was no shortage of those. No shortage indeed, nor any use for the [url="http://forums.cybernations.net/index.php?showtopic=90657&st=100#entry2659105"]first[/url] and [url="http://forums.cybernations.net/index.php?showtopic=106348&st=140#entry3000614"]later[/url] generation laser guns that fared so poorly in comparison to modern assault rifles during testing that the techs in Manila receiving the specimens did not even bother saving them.

In another island habitat, the discovery of two [url="http://forums.cybernations.net/index.php?showtopic=90652&#entry2415682"]Type 170[/url] main battle tanks sent the EW brigadiers who discovered them scratching their heads for days. The records for the tanks were impeccable: perfect maintenance, perfect storage for a hundred years, combat ready and all but not a mention of why--or how--they came to reside in their present location. Eventually, never to be put off for long by a mystery such as that, the 16th Mechanized packed up the tanks, shipped them over to Freeside, and dumped them in a warehouse rapidly filling with other anomalies found amidst the remains of the Lunar Republic.

Mining LR records for any clues to help with the recovery efforts, the GASP array stumbled across complete [url="http://forums.cybernations.net/index.php?showtopic=90652&#entry2665759"]plans[/url] for the Corporate Republic of Ceylon’s Sukanya destroyer Yuhai, frigate and Jayasagara cruiser class ships that once sailed the seas of Earth, yet not a file dedicated to the supposed [url="http://forums.cybernations.net/index.php?showtopic=90657&st=200#entry2785582"]war vessels[/url] built in orbit by the LR.

The Sri Lankan [url="http://forums.cybernations.net/index.php?showtopic=90657&st=160#entry2731935"]freighter[/url] was gone too, along with the LR’s asteroid [url="http://forums.cybernations.net/index.php?showtopic=106348&st=100#entry2949507"]mining ship[/url], and only a single [url="http://forums.cybernations.net/index.php?showtopic=90657&st=180#entry2769384"]Yeoman[/url] transport vessel remained from the LR’s rumored fleet. Even so, the sole Yeoman proved to be of benefit hauling freight as the search efforts continued.

The [url="http://forums.cybernations.net/index.php?showtopic=90657&st=160#entry2737974"]Icarus solar satellite[/url] was left untouched. SelCom needed nothing from it and was content to leave it as-is for now, but without further maintenance from Aeon (now the sole remaining benefactor), it’s orbit would soon decay to a point where the Selenarctos Space Program would intervene to ensure it landed in the ocean on reentry.

From records and stores aboard the vacuum-preserved island three habitat, the [url="http://forums.cybernations.net/index.php?showtopic=90657&st=120#entry2683286"]HAL[/url] lunar exosuit was located but deemed impractical for any real use. Too heavy, even in lunar gravity, and the robotic exoskeleton was not nearly as effective as advertised.

The [url="http://forums.cybernations.net/index.php?showtopic=106348&st=100#entry2955663"]Sol-Terra[/url] lagrange stations, a crowning achievement if any nation could actually build one, turned out to be yet another pipe dream of the Lunar Republic. Never built, nor even plans to actually be built, the LR seemed to have fabricated their existence to trumpet it’s own prowess and assumed no nation could verify their existence or prove the lack of.

As for the space [url="http://forums.cybernations.net/index.php?showtopic=106348&st=40#entry2885569"]hardware[/url] inherited from the Kingdom of Cochin, already quite old at the time, without proper maintenance it had long since deteriorated and been lost forever. A team dispatched from Freeside to investigate the LR’s inherited [url="http://forums.cybernations.net/index.php?showtopic=106348&st=100#entry2966205"]hourglass[/url] habitats reported a similar fate to the island colonies. Without atmosphere or life support, the fourteen habitats were dropped into the pacific ocean one by one.

In the end, after spare parts and souvenirs were removed, space faring nations were notified that the eight I2 colonies and the other I3 colony without an atmosphere would be nudged out of orbit from the L4 point to collide with uninhabited sections of the moon. Freeside would, of course, receive the continued support of Selenarctos but the two remaining I2 colonies that still had an atmosphere were claimed and painted with the Selenarctos flag over their access hatches, stripped, and sealed shut to remain in orbit until they were needed or became a navigational hazard. Officially, the L4 and LEO cleanup was declared a success. Teams from Freeside were sent home, and primary goal of the remaining military and contractors turned from search and recovery to cleanup and damage control as focus shifted to debris at the L1 and L5 points, plus the empty lunar cities on the surface of the moon.

[iKrolm]

[b]Private, some parts observable:[/b]

Selenarctos recovery teams have finished their inspection of old Lunar Republic habitats at Lagrange point 5. The work was carried out much faster and with much less care than the L4 habitats where work began. By now the workers decided they had seen everything the Lunar Republic had, and acted accordingly. For the most part, they had. Habitat after habitat, they were nearly identical on the outside and, save for one, the inside too.

Of the island two habitats, two more had been hollowed out and filled with manufacturering gear for an unknown, though large, purpose. A third island two habitat resembeled a massive hospital inside, but curiousity quickly turned to fear as the habitat's purpose of bioweapon research became apparent. A team from the 107th SPF Toxic division was dispatched on a high-g burn straight from Manila (by a Karman shuttle on emergency stand-by to orgital transport ship, no less) and kept the civilians who discovered the lab under quarentine until they determined whatever super bugs the Lunar Republic might have been working on had long since turned to dust without proper containment and support protocols aboard the decaying habitat. Just to make sure, a team or Air Force technicians personally carried the Beta bomb from Selenarctos' nuclear arsenal aboard the island two habitat and detonated it in a spectacular show of fireworks completely hidden from viewers on Earth by the intervening moon.

In the end, all ten island two habitats (including the radioactive wreckage of the biolab) and both island three habitats were shoved onto decaying orbits and crashed into unoccupied portions of the lunar surface, leaving a legacy of only craters amidst uncountable other craters.


[b]Highly Classified:[/b]

The nuclear plant in Dinalungan has been tasked to produce a 5MT warhead codenamed Delta to replace the Beta bomb. Funding was also approved to produce a unique set of four 30MT nuclear bombs, codenamed Aleph One through Aleph Four, to be transported to Freeside upon completion for a purpose undisclosed to all save the Air Force generals who commissioned them.

Exploration of uninhabited cities on the Lunar surface has commenced by members of the 107th SPF toxic division.


EDIT: Corrected city name

Edited December 10, 2012 by iKrolm

[iKrolm]

[b]Public:[/b]

With the ever increasing population density in central Manila, the national government as awarded the Artega Group a contract to expand the city's system of MagLev subways. Originally constructed through a contract Imperial Wellington, the high speed subways and trains have an excellent service record but simply lack the capacity to match growth in Manila.

The new system will include more trains and stations, and add direct service routes to Mariveles and Batangas. An Artega Group spokesman commented that by using Artega advanced manufacturing techniques, the expansion would be completed in record time. The government press release, less inflated by the Artega Group's claims of production prowess, noted that the Artega Group's bid and existing industrial base offered the lowest overhead costs and promised continued quality of service for years to come.


[b]Classified:[/b]

Adoption of the Artega Group's advanced manufacturing has seen highest adoption levels in the armed forces and by military contractors supplying the armed forces of Selenarctos. Hernandes-Segura and Bulldog have signed contracts to transition nearly their entire product lines to advanced manufacturing facilities, while Southern Firearms has begun construction of plants in Manila for the automated production of the M41-A 'Pulse Rifle', and Precision Tactical and the Selenarctos Aerospace Consortium are considering adopting advanced manufacturing as well.

The civilian market has seen less enthusiastic adoption: while 3D printers and robotics assembly lines are being incorporated into nearly all of Manila's new heavy industry, few companies are pushing advanced manufacturing to the fully-automated levels demonstrated by the Artega Group and pre-existing industry has seen low introduction levels.

[iKrolm]

[b]Public:[/b]

Governor Matthew Galvez of the Luzon Free Territory, the northernmost territory to seperate from Manila under the Diokno Resolution, called a press conference today to announce the creation of an armed militia. Destined to a fighting force 20,000 strong, Govenor Galvez claims the Luzon Free Militia will be a force for peace, stability, and independence in the Luzon Free Territory. The Luzon Free Territory's capital and only major city, Laoag, was one of the first cities to spar with Manila over rights and recruitment quotas for the new militia are expected to be be met easily thanks to the Laoag's patriotism to their new-found semi-independence. If quotas are not met however, Governor Galvez has authorized the militia to conscript male residents between the ages of eighteen and twenty-four into service for a period of up to two years.

[b]Classified:[/b]

The Luzon Free Militia will be organized into two infantry divisions. With export sanctions in place on many military exports from Manila, the militia will be will be equipped with older equipment including the SG550 assault rifle and combat armor previously used by the Selenarctos Defense Force. The Selenarctos Aerospace Consortium denied the militia's request for two squadrons of Scorpion class gunships, weakening the militia's position in the air and Bulldog Armored Vehicles will be supplying the militia with Bionix II AFVs and Terrex APCs, but Bulldog will not be building a new factory in Laoag so all new units and spare parts must be sourced from existing locations in the greater Manila area.

[iKrolm]

[b]Classified:[/b]

The Air Force has approved funding for the Selenarctos Aerospace Consortium to pursue promising [url="http://www.technologyreview.com/view/508826/quantum-imaging-technique-heralds-unjammable-aircraft-detection/"]research[/url] into radar upgrades that emit discrete packets of polarized photons and measure polarization on reflected packets to verify authenticity of radar imagery. The end result of such upgrades would be greatly increased resistance to jamming and other electronic warfare attacks through radar stations and receivers.

[iKrolm]

[b]Public:[/b]

The Department of Humanities released a map today plotting Manila and the territories of the Outer Philippines, as well as cities and a handful of other noteworthy items. The map is freely available from the DoH and available under fair use limitations.

[img]http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb26/iKrolm/Selenarctos_21_zps0952fdd6.png[/img]

[iKrolm]

[b]Private, some parts observable:[/b]

Cleanup operations at the L1 point slowed as new security measures were implemented, prompted by the discovery of the Lunar Republic biolab at the L5 point. Like the other Lagrange points, L1 hosted a pair of island three habitats and ten island two habitats. In the harsh environment of space, beyond the protection of Earth's magnetic field and without regular maintenance, most of the habitats had long since fallen into disrepair. A handful of spare parts were salvaged from the habitats before the Space Program administration deemed the habitats unfit for future habitation and their prospects for repair uneconomical. All twelve habitats were pushed out of orbit and sent on collision courses with uninhabited parts of the moon.

Ship [url="http://forums.cybernations.net/index.php?showtopic=106348&st=100#entry2958890"]construction yards[/url] at the Lagrange points suffered similar fates. A few spare components for Freeside worth salvaging were shipped over to the L4 point before the remaining yards were dropped to the lunar surface. In the absence of Lunar Republic hardware in lunar orbit, a trio of unencrypted Selenarctan civilian communications satellites were positioned to provide the Legion's MOOB and anyone else on the surface with channels back to Earth if they needed them.

On the far side of the moon, SPF teams from the 107th slowly made their way through the Lunar Republic's underground cities. Exploration was slow and dangerous amidst the unstable ruins that had sat empty in hard vacuum since the last of their atmosphere leaked away. As in orbit, little of use was located, though computer records seemed to be in better shape in the cities at least. A few of the Lunar Republic's new style [url="http://forums.cybernations.net/index.php?showtopic=106348&st=100#entry2958890"]EVA suits[/url] were located and transferred to Freeside. Offering better dexterity and protection than existing Selenarctos pressure suits, the Artega Group was tasked with replication of the suits and manufacturing them for workers above Freeside.

A single [url="http://forums.cybernations.net/index.php?showtopic=106348&st=100#entry2958890"]lunar tank[/url] was also located amidst the ruins--a prototype,its serial number--indicated, but not trace of the 150 others computer records indicated the Lunar Republic built and stored. The prototype was allocated for research purposes, shipped to Freeside, mothballed and forgotten about.

In the deepest locations under the Von Braun ruin, a massive [url="http://forums.cybernations.net/index.php?showtopic=106348&st=100#entry2966205"]computer array[/url] was uncovered, with no official records acknowledging its existence. A mystery to the Electronic Warfare Brigade members flown in to investigate, attempts to interface the computer with the GASP array proved entirely unsuccessful and GASP reported the computer system was actively fighting against its most advanced intrusion techniques. With no tangible results and a growing emphasis from Manila to finish up and move on, work on the computer array was abandoned.

Finally, all space powers with permanent residence around the moon were given seven days and SPF teams made a final sweep through each of the Lunar Republic's four cities (excluding the Legion's MOOB). 107th SPF teams laid secondary explosives in the tunnels connecting the cities together and detonated them, collapsing the tunnels and sealing them forever as Air Force teams transported four 30MT nuclear bombs built at secret facilities in Dinalungan from Freeside and placed one in each city. On last minute orders from Manila, the EW Brigadiers plastered the computer array under Von Braun with C4 and detonated the mass before retreating. As the last teams withdrew back into lunar orbit, the four nuclear bombs were detonated leaving only craters where the cities once stood.

[iKrolm]

[b]Public Announcement:[/b]

Citing a loss of communication with the Macronesian government and anarchy in the area, dormants elements of the Selenarctos Peacekeeping Force (SPF) 106th Mechanized Division have been activated to restore order and basic services. The Selenarctos branch of the White Cross shall provide humanitarian aid to those in need, and all islands formerly held by Macronesia shall become a Selenarctos protectorate.

[iKrolm]

[b]Classified:[/b]

Selenarctos Command has moved the national readiness level to [size=3]DEFCON 1[/size]. The Air Force, Navy, and Army have been placed on [size=3]HIGH ALERT[/size]. UAV patrols over Selenarctos and Protectorate Zone waters have been stepped up, along with extended AWAC flights over the Indian Ocean and the SOSUS network placed [size=3]HIGH ALERT[/size]. The Navy's 1st Carrier Group, 1st Task Force and 4th Task Force shall deploy to coastal waters near the Arabian Peninsula under the cover of Tianxian air and missile defenses. Elements of the 1st Mechanized Division shall deploy to the Tianxian Arabian Peninsula with members of the 16th Mechanized Division and the Air Force's 110th through 120th Interceptor Squadrons, the 229th through 233rd Strike Squadrons, and the 420th through 450th Strategic Squadrons.

[iKrolm]

[b]Public News:[/b]

Earlier today, the national government in Manila approved legislation that expands the mandatory vaccination program in Selenarctos to include all migrant workers, work visa holders, and individuals over the age of eleven living for more than ninety days in the greater Manila area. As when the program was first implemented, inviduals must demonstrate progress on the vaccination routine within the first six months or face strict fines on a yearly basis. A Department of Humanities representative stated that it was up to individuals to source and pay for new vaccines, but that the DoH was confident vaccine supplies were sufficient for the expansion and noted that if vaccines ran short, fines and penalties would be waved until the supply was restored.

Opponents called the new requirements a gross overstepping of the national government's power and noted, correctly, that the vaccine program expansion is not legally binding in the Outer Philippines. The Luzon Free Territory responded by abolishing all legal requirements for vaccinating citizens stating that it should the invidual's choice, not the government's, and will continue to provide vaccines to the public.



In other news, immigration laws have been at the direction of President Romero. Under President Diokno's administration, increased numbers of worker visas and a fast track to citizenship were made available to anyone who could demonstrate at leats 1/8th Filipino heritage. Under the new changes, individuals familiar with Tagalog and skilled in high tech, industrial manufacturing or advanced science are eligable for worker visas and citizenship as well. The Department of Humanities hopes that the new rules will help attract talented workers to the greater Manila area.

[iKrolm]

-nvm-

Edited December 30, 2012 by iKrolm