Nova Mundi: 2115 (game thread)

Moderator: NoXion

User avatar
Le Socialiste
Posts: 209
Joined: Fri Dec 09, 2011 10:19 pm
Location: All Over

Re: Nova Mundi: 2115 (game thread)

Post by Le Socialiste »

ExtropiaBeyond.MA.net

Why West Africa’s Opposition Has it Wrong

No doubt everyone who frequents and reads my blog is aware of the brewing controversy spilling over south of Algeria. The West African Congress (officially known as the Majalisa) has been debating the future of the Extropian movement - and its role within that camp - since the beginning of last year, with mixed results. Unfortunately, the overriding theme of this discussion has been focused all too much on the Union and less on the Convergence’s own relationship to what is a broad, mass-based social struggle for the complete emancipatory advancement of all (I’ll get into why this is below).

The specter of Marispatrian-style Extropianism, termed “Unionism” by some of its detractors, has hung over the proceedings like a pall, bringing additional pressures on an issue divided along sectarian lines. The polarization of West African society over this matter of relations has not only served to narrowly define the issue as a conflict between pro and counter-Marispatrians, it has blurred the lines between honest debate and partisan score settling. No one really anticipated the issue to have blown up the way it did, but blown up it has - with curious results.

The idea that those in favor of closer relations with the Technocratic Union are somehow unique to either polity’s history is amusing. The Convergence and Marispatria have collaborated on numerous campaigns in the past, the most recent example of which took place at the beginning of Marispatria’s entry into the Pan-Asian war, when West African intelligence provided valuable eyes and ears for the Union war effort. Their assistance freed up other sectors on the Marispatrian side to pursue other tasks assigned to them, not least of all those within the AI community. The West Africans’ aid made a world of difference for the Union and its allies, something those hostile to closer ties have worked to downplay.

The notion that Baldassare and others are keen on ‘absorbing’ the Convergence is ridiculous, if not insulting. But this ignores the specific issue at work in the debates circulating throughout the West African polity; that is, the future of Extropianism doesn’t lie at the door of any particular polity, nor was it meant to. What the Union has sought in recent years has riled some within the movement, but its efforts to unite Extropia’s disparate factions into a unified whole isn’t the death knell intellectuals have portended it to be. Rather, the future of Extropianism can only be assured so long as its adherents and advocates continue committing themselves to the radical tradition on which it was founded: for the pursuit of total, uncompromising liberty and self-determination built upon the bedrock of phenotypical and technological advancement.

West Africa’s leaders have strayed from this understanding, adopting a deterministic - and therefore utopian - assessment of the world and inter-solar situation. They’ve theorized themselves into a dark and lonely corner, compounded by a cycle of anti-Union hysteria. The basic tenets of Extropianism have degenerated, deformed along Convergence lines (or rather “Extropianism with West African Characteristics,” as our NeoMaoist comrades would no doubt define it). This line, if it continues to hold sway over large sections of West Africa’s citizenry, could have negative effects on the material and philosophical state of the polity, and affect the general wellbeing of the population as a whole.

Advocates of closer ties with the Union are not saboteurs, nor are they seeking the total dissolution of the Convergence into Marispatrian hands - as some naysayers have argued. The divisions within West Africa are as artificial as they are simply solved: Marispatria and the Convergence should agree to some basic mutual agreements surrounding certain projects (i.e. those pertaining to economic, inter-solar, interests), while not having to worry about ceding one’s independence to the other. An integrated chain of communication along all additional sectors - including that pertaining to military defense and development - is an attractive option as well.

History did not end with Pan-Asia; it marches on, and with it comes the inevitability of future conflicts. As unfortunate as this reality is, let’s work to keep it external to the Extropian movement. The accusations of the counter-Marispatrian camp only serve in a sectarian capacity, which is unproductive in any situation. We ought to be able to celebrate our differences without having to fear unity. It’s high time some of our West African comrades knew this.
User avatar
Mather
Posts: 170
Joined: Wed Dec 14, 2011 6:50 am

Re: Nova Mundi: 2115 (game thread)

Post by Mather »

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Texas


To: Chancellor of the Technocratic Union of Marispatria, Salvatario Baldassare

Before I go on to deal with the specific issues that were raised in your last message, I would like to remind the Marispatrian government that you have no right (under the terms of the Maryland Agreement) to place any demands as a condition for your withdrawal from North America. The presence of Marispatrian sovereignty in North America rests solely upon the agreed consent of a majority of the signatories of the Maryland Agreement, once this consent is no longer forthcoming then Marispatria has no choice but to withdrawal from North America.

I would also like to point out that your suggestions on the future status of the Marispatrian occupied territories goes against the spirit of the agreement that was reached by President Michael Bauer and Chancellor Aaric Packston during his state visit to Texas back in 2124. Chancellor Packston supported our recommendation that the territories of Delaware, Maryland and Washington, D.C. be placed under the joint sovereignty and collective administration of the countries of North America that are signatories to the Maryland Agreement. These three territories would become the collective responsibility of; the Axis of Borelia, the Glorius Union of Vancouver, the People's Republic of Quebec, the Democratic Republic of New England, the Confederate States of America, the Republic of Texas, the Republic of California, the Kingdom of Hawaii, the Pacific Union and the Great Plains Federation. The purpose of this approach would be to create a space where all the nations and peoples of North America can come together to discuss points of interest and mutual concerns as well as working together to solve those issues which affect us all. Therefore, we reject your assertion that the occupied territories possess the right of self-determination and we reject your suggestion that the occupied territories should constitute themselves as an independent polity upon your withdrawal from North America.

As to the future status of non-humans within the occupied territories, we have no objections to them having full and equal rights under the law. All non-humans currently living in the occupied territories will continue to enjoy all the rights and responsibilities that they now enjoy and your withdrawal from North America should in no way change that. In return, all that we ask is that these territories operate on the basis of a free economy, a capitalist economy. Along with the rights of non-humans which shall be guaranteed, we would like to see such rights extended to all phenotypes to include the right to property and the right to free trade and enterprise.

I await your response and it is my hope that we can both work together in an amicable manner on this important issue.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Texas

Clarence Royce
User avatar
NoXion
Posts: 556
Joined: Tue Jun 24, 2008 6:51 pm
Location: Nova Mundi

Re: Nova Mundi: 2115 (game thread)

Post by NoXion »

[...loading latest world news updates...]

Maps and Stats HERE

NEWS: 2152 CE


SOLAR SYSTEM

Sanctum wrong-foots Warmachine with surprise response through Wild Red Wastes

Image

The Sanctum have pulled one over the Warmachine in an assault that passed through the Wild Red Wastes to flank Warmachine forces mobilised in response to the initial Sanctum assault, seizing more territory than they did last year, and holding it with greater force this time. The Sanctum's Crusading Force of 100 Main Battle Tanks and 200 Power Armoured Infantry units, supported by 100 SPAAGs, 50 Mobile Anti-Orbital Artillery units and 50 Ground Attack Craft stormed into Warmachine territory, outflanking the Warmachine's Tactical Response force of 300 Mechanised Infantry units, 100 Main Battle Tanks, 50 Multi-Role Fighter-Bombers and 50 SPAAG units, resulting in the fiercest battles ever seen on Mars. The leadership of the Sanctum have made it clear that this is only the beginning, although it is also clear that the Warmachine will fight for every inch of territory, confirmed by battle reports from journalists embedded with Sanctum forces as well as satellite imagery. Thus far only conventional weapons have been deployed in this conflict, but analysts worry that either side has the wherewithal to use Nuclear, Biological, Chemical or Nanotechnological weapons en masse should the war start going badly for them.


Report from PRGC colony on Ghellhonus

Image

PRGC colonists, having successfully established a settlement at the Southern Cape of the Empty Continent, have been in contact with a number of Ghellhonian traders for some years now. Many of them are trying to get hold of advanced technology and information, from Tolimani merchants with government contracts empowering them to acquire arms in order to deal with Imperial Navy raids from across the Great Ocean, to Ghellhonite Empire Licensed Privateers seeking books and pamphlets from Terra that have been forbidden by their priestly bureaucracy back home. Ghellhonite and Tolimani trade with the CSA colonists has created an enormous demand for Earthly goods that far outstrips what the CSA colonists could possibly supply, and the advent of the PRGC colony has precipitated an economic bubble in off-world goods that has already crashed at least one primordial stock market on either side of the Great Ocean.

The rate of industrialisation among the native inhabitants has increased rapidly since trade began with off-worlders, with Ghellhonian economies swiftly evolving into more advanced forms of capitalism, and the nature of Ghellhonian politics is in transition as the proportion of workers begins to exceed that of peasants, serfs and slaves. Proto-socialist movements are making their first appearances in Ghellhonian politics, with some of them being clearly influenced by or unambiguously making reference to Terran political theorists, whose works have been translated into local languages by various scholars. Other Earthly ideas are trickling down from traders and the upper classes into wider Ghellhonian societies, with concern in Ghellhonian political discourses over the various influences of off-worlders becoming a noticeable trend. The language barriers between Ghellhonians and off-worlders are increasingly breaking down as knowledge of Terran languages, mainly English, spreads further among the literate populations.

Image

With the knowledge that they are not alone in the universe, the Ghellhonian natives have experienced what amounts to a cultural and philosophical revolution, with the Ghellhonite Empire and some of the more conservative Tolimani nations having to posthumously pardon those executed for contradicting the old orthodoxies in order to save face, especially as there is some awareness among the educated of similarly unjust executions in Terran history, like that of Giordano Bruno, who was burned at the stake by the Church for proposing that the universe contained an infinite number of inhabited worlds populated by other intelligent beings. No less devastating to the old paradigms is the now-undeniable notion of artificial people and inheritable modification, which along with the swiftly-realised recognition that humans are basically clever mortals like they are, has divided Ghellhonite society on the question of whether Earthly influences are ultimately a bad thing or a good thing.

Among those who embrace Terran contact as a good thing, there is a distinct current who are highly enthralled by Terran technology, culture and societies, who look upon the achievements of pan-Solar civilisation with distinct awe and fascination. It is this group, the "Solarisers", that has most whole-heartedly embraced all things Terran. Official responses to this phenomenon have varied, with the Tolimani nations mainly being accepting of it to various degrees, while the Ghellhonite Empire has done it's best to halt its spread. The Solarisers display an interest and reverence for all things Terran that borders on the religious at times despite, or perhaps because of, the fact that the vast majority of Ghellhonians, let alone Solarisers, have never actually met anyone from Sol.


Texas establishes colony on Titan

Image

The Texan Space Agency has laid the foundations for a new extraterrestrial colony on the equator of Titan, joining the Peoples' Republic of Greater Congo in establishing a significant presence on the icy moon.


New settlement established in Marispatrian colony on Mars

Image

The Technocratic Union of Marispatria has expanded their Martian colony with the construction of another Settlement near their older holdings, the new city serving to join the East and West portions properly, complete with rail links.


PRGC interstellar colony torchship leaves for Midgard

Image

After a year's delay in launching due to the new challenges involved in filling the greatly expanded crew roster for the PRGC's new line of colony vessels, as well as the Kenyan space elevator being close to capacity, the African superpower's second mission to the Alpha Centauri star system is on its way to the planet Midgard, a warm, wet Mars-like world with a breathable atmosphere and primitive single-cellular ecosystem.


First Cytherean interstellar colony torchship complete; construction begins on two more

Image

The Cytherean Association has completed the construction of the first colony vessel destined for the Lalande 21185 star system, which is intended by the Cytherean Association to be the new home for the Cytherean phenotype. In aid of this the PRGC offered to construct two more colony vessels, which the Cytherean Association formally accepted last year and the construction of which begins this year.


AMERICAS

Plans for Yellowstone geo-engineering drawn up

Image

The Army Engineer Corps of the Pacific Union, under the direction of a team from the Department of Geological Sciences of the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Seattle, have drawn up plans for an extensive network of large trenches in the earth surrounding the Yellowstone hotspot, in preparation for the borehole drilling which will allow the molten lava currently swelling and building up pressure under the Yellowstone Caldera to flow out in a non-explosive manner. Locations for the boreholes have already been earmarked and drilling will begin upon completion of the trench network. Plans are also being made for the containment of ash, soot and toxic gases which will emerge along with the lava, with specially designed ceramic-diamond turbines to be placed at the mouths of the boreholes, which will produce on-site energy and in the process cool and collect the gases and suspended particulates into storage and processing tanks. If all goes according to plan, the trench network and the turbines will be complete by 2155 and drilling will begin simultaneously at all 52 sites.


Rumours abound of Democratic Republic of New England psyonic troops project

Image

Rumours have been persisting that the government of the DRNE is engaged in a secret military research program to create a special unit of troops with psyonic abilities, dubbed the PSI-OPS Trooper Program in many versions of the rumour. While the DRNE government has officially denied that such a program exists, reports of a small DRNE military presence in the icy wastes of the Antarctic have given the rumours additional legs, despite denials from the Antarctic Coalition government of any involvement with the DRNE in military matters.


CSA begins construction of Sol-Earth L1 Bernal sphere space habitat

Image

The Confederate States of America has joined the Great Plains Federation in establishing large-scale space habitats, with the construction of a cluster of 5 Bernal sphere space habitats at the Sol-Earth L1 Lagrangian point. Named "Jemison" in memory of E.F. Jemison, an enlisted soldier who served in the Confederate Army during the US Civil War, each of these five 2000m-diameter spherical habitats will be able to support 200,000 organics at maximum capacity, for a total of a million inhabitants. The CSA's ruling Human Unionist Party has stated that this project is but a stepping stone to something larger, namely a Bishop ring space habitat to be constructed in one of the Sol-Earth L₄/L₅ Lagrangian points.


AFRICA

Narrow win for NeoSocialist Coalition in EAA elections

Image

The NeoSocialist Coalition has achieved an electoral majority in both the General and Presidential elections, although election officials and analysts agree that the result was far from certain even late during the vote count. The whole campaign, a first for the EAA after nearly two decades, has garnered much international attention and turnout has been very good, with an average of 80%, rising to over 90% in some localities. Mechanoids, who were denied the chance to vote under the auspices of the Khartoum Confederation came out in force on election day, largely voting for the NeoSocialists according to exit polls. In addition to the Mechanoid vote, the NeoSocialist Coalition (NSC) also enjoyed popularity with urban workers in the private sector as well as in localities along the border with the Congo. The Centrist Party are the runners-up in this race, representing mainly business owners, entrepreneurs and investors both rural and urban, but also having secured a sufficient amount of urban workers' votes to edge out Africa Beyond in the electoral race. The Centrist Party have had a rough campaign season, with their inability to hide the off-world origin of their budget of billions, a handicap only somewhat offset by the superb slickness of their election campaign, although for some older voters this very slickness was part of what turned them away from the Centrist Party. For Africa Beyond, who ran on a broad-based Extropian platform, this election has been a learning experience; while they did very well in getting votes from public sector workers and rural farmers, Africa Beyond are keen to expand their appeal and have announced their intention to expand their work both inside and outside of the electoral system. "This whole election was a close-run thing, and I sincerely believe our experiences in working with rural communities, while helping us to secure what we did, could have been more widely employed towards to urban workers both public and private to secure us a victory" said Africa Beyond presidential nominee Anwar Fahmi at a post-election ceremony in Dire Dawa.


Atlas School of New Economics construction delayed by union action

Image
The construction site is empty of workers as of the strike

Construction workers building the Atlas School of New Economics in Addis Ababa have gone on strike, citing concerns that the School will be a fifth column institution acting at the behest of foreign conspirators who wish to engineer a return to the "bad old days" of the Khartoum Confederation, or in the more colourful versions of the story, create a plutocratic neo-feudalist social order. Union leaders say they have not been satisfied with negotiations involving the sponsors of the School, and members have so far voted to maintain the strike until a satisfactory resolution is forthcoming.


Construction of Solar Megaplant begins in Northern Sudan

Image

As demand for electricity increases across the board in the East African Alliance, the development of a large-scale solar energy plant in Northern Sudan has been given the go-ahead by the EAA's Energy Department, with the Technocratic Union of Marispatria footing the bill, as well as educating and employing local talent in the construction and maintenance of the first energy facility of its kind in the EAA.


ME/RC delegation visits West African Convergence

Image
Proteus-604 addresses the Majalisa

A delegation from the Mercury Energy/Resources Collective continues its diplomatic tour of Earthbound Extropian polities, this year stopping off at the West African Convergence to address the Majalisa and discuss intra-Extropian relations with union leaders and representatives from Extropian organisations. Of particular interest will be the performance of Africa Beyond in their electoral campaign in the EAA, with the ME/RC's Strategic Secretary Proteus-604 giving a rousing speech to the Majalisa and assembled unionists and activists despite the Extropians' relatively poor performance; "With the victory of the NeoSocialists in the EAA elections, unity is now more important than ever to the Extropian movement, as it could well turn out that the Convergence will be the only Extropian bastion in Africa outside of the Union. The NeoSocialists have long been mistrustful and suspicious of the Extropians, and it is imperative that we remain united so as to more effectively build up trust and allay suspicion, otherwise both NeoSocialism and Extropianism will succumb to powerful forces working across the Solar system to drag us all back to an age that socially conscious Africans all over have worked hard to leave behind. The Extropian movement has done much to enrich and cultivate the lives of billions of fortunate souls, but it would be a grave mistake to rest on our laurels and fall into needless infighting. The Collective will see to it that Extropian wisdom, strength and compassion continues to transform the world for the better!"


EURASIA-PACIFIC

Solar Megaplant in Afghanistan completed

Image

The Solar Megaplant under construction in the Republic of Afghanistan has been completed, providing an enormous boost to the local economy and significantly lowering the cost of electricity, well as reducing the need for supplementary energy from the Collective of Pakistan.


[...end of file reached. News updates loaded]
User avatar
Le Socialiste
Posts: 209
Joined: Fri Dec 09, 2011 10:19 pm
Location: All Over

Re: Nova Mundi: 2115 (game thread)

Post by Le Socialiste »

United News Agency (UNA)

Breaking News: Chancellor Salvatario Baldassare Dead at 78
Vice-Administrator Hei Min Sworn In

Image
Vice-Administrator Hei Min is expected to assume the Chancellory for the remainder of Salvatario Baldassare's term

3 minutes ago, Rome - A statement issued from the Chancellory has confirmed that Chancellor Salvatario Baldassare, a man admired by many, has died. He was 78 years of age. The press office for the Chancellory has not been available for comment; instead, a blanket statement has been sent out to all official domestic and inter-solar media headquarters.

“We are deeply saddened by Comrade Baldassare’s sudden passing,” the statement reads in part. “Chancellor Baldassare was a kind and generous man; he will be missed. We would like to take this opportunity to assure the Marispatrian people and its allies around the Solar system that there is no reason to be alarmed, as the Chancellor is said to have departed naturally and peacefully. All available steps are being taken to ensure a smooth transition in the aftermath of his passing.”

While existing rules and regulations allow for the calling of early elections by emergency committee, it is expected that Hei Min, Vice-Administrator to the Chancellor, will be sworn in with the intent of finishing out the remainder of the deceased Baldassare’s term. Min, a prominent figure in Baldassare’s Popular Front party, will oversee the final two years of the latter’s term before ceding the Chancellory and issuing a general call for new elections. Supporters have long admired the former Senator, considered by many to be a vocal advocate of Marispatrian development and interstellar Extropianism.

Min drew the ire of critics in 2051 when she dismissed counter-Union factions within the West African Convergence as “Preservationist saboteurs,” made at the height of the latter’s polarization over the issue of Marispatrian-Convergence ties. Detractors lambasted Min for her comments, accusing her of being little more than a ‘party stalwart’ and ‘foreign policy hawk’.

Vice-Administrator Hei Min is expected to be sworn in this evening before an emergency joint-session of the Senate. Comrade Baldassare will receive a state funeral this Sunday, according to the statement issued by the administration’s press office.
User avatar
NoXion
Posts: 556
Joined: Tue Jun 24, 2008 6:51 pm
Location: Nova Mundi

Re: Nova Mundi: 2115 (game thread)

Post by NoXion »

HERMES
Mercury's most popular News Service
12th Feb 2152


ME/RC Strategic Secretary pays respects to deceased Marispatrian Chancellor

Baldassare "had an incorrigible energy" says Proteus-604

The Strategic Secretary for the Mercury Energy/Resources Collective has taken time out of jer planned schedule to pay respects to Chancellor Salvatario Baldassare. Addressing a public gathering in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, Proteus-604 spoke fondly of the warm personal friendship that je had been privileged to share with Mr Baldassare, a friendship that had endured despite political differences and phenotypical barriers. "It is a sad loss to us all that Salvatario is no longer with us. I had hoped to personally meet with Baldassare when our delegation visits Marispatria next year, but unfortunately that won't be happening. I look forward however to working with Hei Min on matters of pan-Solar importance".


Catherin Oluchi in third ARR trophy win

Image
Ms Oluchi (leftmost) as she starts overtaking her nearest rival, Derek Mancino

The Airborne Rocket Racing trophy for 2152 has been won by Catherin Oluchi for the third year running, completing the gruelling, twisting course that winds its way through the Tharsis mountain range on Mars, starting from Pavonis mons and finishing at the summit caldera of Ascraeus mons. Upon accepting the trophy, Ms Oluchi took the opportunity to thank those who had helped make her run possible; "I'd like to thank my engineering team for the brilliant work they've been doing all season. While I was the one who drew up the design for the Crotch Rocket [her racing vehicle], it's been the team who was responsible for keeping it all in one functional piece."


California police in biggest fake goods raid yet

Police in the Republic of California have raided a warehouse on the outskirts of the Greater Los Angeles Megametropolitan Area, which they believe was a major nerve centre for a fake goods network stretching across most of North America and beyond. The warehouse contained a huge variety of fake goods, from "cocaine" that was actually flour and anti-caking agent doped with the designer drug PDP-31, through various electronics appliances kit-bashed in some chop-shop, put in a fancy casing and sold as the latest and greatest gear, all the way to bionoid exotic pets that were being dishonestly sold for huge sums as the real thing. "Modified knock-offs and cheap substitutes being sold as the real deal is a global problem, but we have strong hopes that this recent action has put a dent in the global counterfeit trade" said Chief Detective Dominique LaSoza of the LAPD. "We suspect most of the stuff being shipped out of North America was heading for Asia".
User avatar
Mather
Posts: 170
Joined: Wed Dec 14, 2011 6:50 am

Re: Nova Mundi: 2115 (game thread)

Post by Mather »

The Austin Times


Marispatrian Chancellor Baldassare dead
(12/02/2152)

Salvatario Baldassare, the Chancellor of Marispatria has died in office at the age of 78. Given his good health and his relatively young age, the sudden death of Chancellor Baldassare has shocked people the world over. In a statement released through his office, President Hindle expressed his sadness at the passing of Chancellor Baldassare and that his thoughts and best wishes were with Chancellor Baldassare's family and the citizens of Marispatria. The President also stated that he is willing to continue working with his successor Hei Min, on further developing good relations between Texas and Marispatria.

----------

President Hindle faces increasing criticism over EAA elections

HNP hardliners accuse Hindle of being "soft on world communism"

(16/02/2152)

President Hindle has come under increasing criticism from detractors within his own party as HNP hardliners break ranks and take the President to task over the recent election results in the East African Alliance (EAA). Barely a month has gone by since EAA citizens went to the polls and elected the NeoSocialist Coalition into power in elections which most observers have declared to be free and fair. This assessment is shared by President and his administration, who have already accepted the EAA election results and have given their official recognition to the new Neosocialist government. However, many HNP hardliners do not share this assessment and they have now gone public with their attacks on what they view as the President's mishandling of the situation. Some have even gone as far as to accuse the President of being soft on communism and failing the worldwide Preservationist cause.

Speaking to members of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Senator Edward Byrd accused the NeoSocialist Coalition of coming to power on the back of widescale electoral fraud and lambasted the President for not doing enough to help the Centrists. "It is clear for all to see that these elections were neither free nor fair. The alleged victory of the NeoSocialists was only made possible through widescale electoral fraud and voter intimidation. As expected, these elections have already been given the thumbs up from all the usual suspects but that does not detract us from the truth about what really happened and we have the evidence to prove it. What happened in the EAA was a tragedy for democracy and the cause of freedom and what is even more tragic is our own failure to stand by our allies and support them. In a way, we have ourselves to blame as we could have done so much more to ensure that the elections were conducted freely and that voters were not being intimidated. This campaign of intolerance and intimidation reached it's zenith when NeoSocialist thugs infiltrated the building site of the Atlas School of New Economics and stopped any further construction by threatening and blackmailing innocent builders. This is the reality of communism, a totalitarian monstrosity that cannot even tolerate the idea of free speech and the free flow of ideas. It is also telling that they targeted an educational institution, NeoSocialists have always viewed an educated populace as a threat to their own sinister plans as the free flow of ideas never sits well with those who wish to impose a worldwide tyranny. On top of that I have also seen numerous reports detailing abuse and intimidation across the EAA, this is especially the case in the more remote and vulnerable communities in rural areas. Despite all these grave injustices, we have not heard so much as a word of protest from the President or his administration. In all honesty, it is as if the President has gone soft on world communism". Along with Senator Byrd, other hardline Congressmen and HNP activists have seized upon recent events in the EAA to voice their dissatisfaction with a whole host of other issues and what they see as a weak and uninspiring government. Recent opinion polls have shown that Hindle is rapidly losing support, both in Congress and amongst the HNP rank and file. The unprecedented scale of dissent within the HNP is such that political analysts now believe that Hindle will most likely not be running for President again as he will be unable to rally the party behind his candidacy, should he decide to seek another term. This would make Hindle a one term President, which would be a political first in Texas ever since the HNP came to power fifty two years ago. Analysts are divided about who could possibly succeed Hindle but they all agree that as of yet, it is still to early to say and that we will only know as we approach the next election in two years time. One thing that all analysts do agree on is that the scale of dissent within the HNP is unprecedented to the extent that it has shattered the image of the HNP being a united party that at times bordered on appearing as monolithic.

Later in the day, members of the HNP youth wing staged protests outside the EAA and PRGC embassies in downtown Austin to denounce the election results and what they view as a NeoSocialist power grab. Despite massive publicity, the HNP could only get a few hundred people to turn up to the protests and they were met by a much larger counter-demonstration that was organised by the Anarchist Federation of Texas. The anarchists have welcomed the NeoSocialist victory in the EAA despite their own criticisms of electoral politics and were out in force to show their solidarity with the NeoSocialists, whom they see as their natural allies. Although the HNP protests were heavily outnumbered by their opponents, both sides were separated by a heavy police presence and most of the scuffles that took place were between the anarchists and police.

----------

Students and teachers in Dallas go on strike to protest against segregation in education
(02/03/2152)

Students and teachers in the city of Dallas have joined forces in a series of coordinated strikes and demonstrations to protest against segregation in the education system. The protestors are demanding an end to all forms of phenotypical segregation and discrimination against non-humans in the education system. Their main demands focus on the need to abolish segregated classrooms as well as the prohibition on non-humans being able to teach human students.

Despite being only a week old, the strike has spread to schools and colleges across Dallas and the Ministry of Education estimates that up to 70% of students and 45% of teaching staff in Dallas are now involved in the strike. Such is the level of support that in some neighborhoods of Dallas the strike has managed to completely shut down schools and colleges. Despite being a more or less spontaneous protest that has been organised by the students and teachers themselves, the scale and effectiveness of the strike has caught many by surprise as the strikers have made good use of the internet and social networking sites to organise themselves and publicise their actions. So far there have been no reports of arrests or violence and according to many of the strikers themselves the police and security forces seem to be showing a rather unusual level of restraint, given that Texas has always had a bad reputation for police brutality.
User avatar
Mather
Posts: 170
Joined: Wed Dec 14, 2011 6:50 am

Re: Nova Mundi: 2115 (game thread)

Post by Mather »

Office of the Presidency of the Republic of Texas


TOP SECRET


To: Minister of the Interior, Bill Anderson

This message is for your eyes only and must remain confidential.

In light of our discussions with Marispatria concerning their withdrawal from North America, it is absolutely imperative that no form of social unrest and/or political violence takes place within the borders of our Republic. The ability of our Republic to negotiate in good faith with our Marispatrian counterpart is contingent on having peace and stability in North America.

Taking this into consideration, I hereby order your Ministry and all police forces to take a non confrontational approach to the recent strikes and protests in Dallas over our education policies.

- All police forces are to police these strikes and demonstrations in a peaceful and civilised manner.

- Arrests are to be avoided at all costs, except for those extreme cases where an arrest will reduce instances of violence and unrest as opposed to exacerbating the situation.

- When an arrest is made, it is to be done in the correct manner with a strict adherence to due process and a respect for the civil rights of those arrested.

- Under no circumstances shall any police officer inflict any physical harm or violence upon those who are engaged in these strikes and protests.

- For the duration of our negotiations with Marispatria, all Texan police officers on Earth shall have their ammunition withdrawn from them whilst they are on active duty. Police officers shall keep their pistols but they cannot under any circumstances carry ammunition on their person and they are not to use their guns in any instance.

- Anyone who violates these orders shall themselves be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

President of the Republic of Texas

Andrew Hindle
User avatar
Le Socialiste
Posts: 209
Joined: Fri Dec 09, 2011 10:19 pm
Location: All Over

Re: Nova Mundi: 2115 (game thread)

Post by Le Socialiste »

United News Agency (UNA)

Marispatrians bid farewell to beloved leader

Image
People stood along the procession route to pay their final respects to the departed Chancellor

15 minutes ago, Rome - Millions arrived to pay their final respects Sunday, as the vessel containing former Chancellor Salvatario Baldassare made its way down Via della Conciliazione. Throngs of mourners and onlookers packed the route, as statesbeings, labor leaders, and a contingent of several dozen Popular Front members marched behind the carriage containing the deceased leader. The procession was attended by dignitaries from 25 polities, including the ME/RC, Texas, and the Tharsian Commonwealth. Extropians from around the Solar system came to bid their final farewells, as delegations from a myriad of countries and organizations arrived in Rome in a show of unity unseen for much of Baldassare’s administration. Current Chancellor Hei Min walked at the head of the procession, heir to Comrade Baldassare’s long-living leadership.

The funeral was met with an outpouring of public support for Baldassare’s administration, as foreign and domestic figures recalled their interactions and relationships with the departed leader.

“Salvatario was and will always remain a beacon to those who aspire for something better, something larger, than themselves,” commented ME/RC Strategic Secretary Proteus-604, who took the time out of jer diplomatic tour of the Extropian bloc to speak at the ceremony. “He was, to many in our movement, both friend and comrade. He has, beyond the shadow of a doubt, left an indelible mark on Extropianism, and the world he leaves behind.”

The Texan embassy issued a brief statement prior to the ceremony, expressing its condolences to the Marispatrian people for what it considered to be an “unforeseen tragedy.” Joseph Hallas, chief emissary to the Union, was present for the ceremony but did not take part in the procession. “The Republic empathizes with Marispatria in what is undeniably a solemn occasion. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Union in these unfortunate times, and we wish them a swift recovery from this staggering loss,” stated Hallas before the commencement of the procession down Via della Conciliazione.

Members of the East African Extropian bloc, Africa Beyond, were present for the duration of Sunday’s activities, including former presidential candidate Anwar Fahmi. Fahmi was invited to speak during the initial ceremonies, as representatives from as far away as the Commonwealth and Syrtis Major remembered Comrade Baldassare’s formative and influential role in the Extropian movement. Fahmi was present alongside nine other Africa Beyond representatives, each of whom focused on the deceased leader’s emphasis on unity - especially in the face of ruthless adversity. “Towards the end of my first meeting with Comrade Baldassare, he reached out and took my hand - catching me off guard,” recalled Fahmi. “He looked at me with such indescribable zeal and passion, saying finally - and I’ll paraphrase here - that ‘unity isn’t merely something said in passing - or a resolution between two parties. It is part and parcel of our identity.’”

Representatives of the ICE arrived to pay their respects to the man responsible for spearheading efforts to liberate the Syrtis Major research complex following the latter’s seizure by Star Kvlt combatants in 2127. Then a general in the Marispatrian military, Comrade Baldassare directed and led Marispatrian personnel in what was to be his first major successful operation and the first deployment of Union servicebeings since the turn of the century. Baldassare was ultimately credited with driving the Kvltists out of Syrtis Major, before turning his attention to the Pan-Asian theater, where the Federation Army had begun rolling personnel into the Korean peninsula - shattering the fragile peace held between Marispatria and its authoritarian neighbor for decades.

“We at Syrtis Major owe Mr. Baldassare a debt of gratitude,” remarked field researcher Octav-412 before the congregated mass. “He was truly a remarkable individual, measured only by his greatest sacrifices.”

Despite the unity on display at today’s ceremonies, the deceased Chancellor leaves beyond a difficult legacy. International and interstellar conflict, geopolitical wrangling, and extensive strife within the Extropian bloc is the unfortunate flip side to six years of explosive developments and innovations, marked by multiple excursions into space’s frontiers and an expansion of Marispatria’s influence and presence throughout the Solar system. His transformative role and importance in shaping the initial post-war years in Marispatrian politics and society at large will live on long after his passing, despite their perceived tumultuousness.

Plans are already underway to honor the late Chancellor, as Chancellor Min unveiled the administration’s plans for a new orbital colony beginning next year. The new colony, which will reportedly be dedicated to Comrade Baldassare’s enthusiasm for technological research and interstellar collaboration, will contain an estimated 1 million inhabitants. Chancellor Min called the new project a “continuation of Comrade Baldassare’s commitment to meeting the growing need for greater understanding between all beings, regardless of ideology or phenotype.”

“Salvio stood for the collective advancement of all,” noted the new Chancellor. “That is how I choose to remember him.”

Salvatario Baldassare was born in 2074. He was 78 years of age.
User avatar
Mather
Posts: 170
Joined: Wed Dec 14, 2011 6:50 am

Re: Nova Mundi: 2115 (game thread)

Post by Mather »

The Austin Times


Dallas education strike goes nationwide as public support for protesters demands grows

One and a half million protesters march in Austin in support of the strike

(19/03/2152)

Despite being only three weeks old, the movement against segregation in the education system has now rapidly spread from it's origins in Dallas to encompass all of mainland Texas and it's colonies in outer space. Most schools and colleges have now been completely shut down as the strike has spread to almost every city and town in Texas and the massive surge in popular support for the strike has even taken the initial organisers of the strike by surprise as they now struggle to keep up with huge numbers of people joining their cause. The most significant development came after it was reported that the strike has now gone solar wide, with teachers and students joining the strike on the Texan colonies on Mars and Iapetus. The Ministry of Education has now confirmed just how popular the strike is, speaking to reporters earlier today a spokesman for the Ministry said "The education strike now encompasses the entire Republic as we can confirm that it has spread to schools and colleges on our colonies in outer space. The Ministry estimates that up to 81% of all schools and 96% of all colleges across the Republic have now been shut down due to strike action. So far the strike has been a peaceful affair, limited to strikes, protests and the occupation of school and college buildings by supporters of the strike. The Ministry hopes that the peaceful nature of this strike continues and that we can all listen to one another and discuss our differences through dialogue as our Republic is a democracy that values and cherishes free speech and the freedom to protest." So far there has been no comment by President Hindle on the matter and we have been told by a spokesman from his office that the President is currently very busy with the ongoing diplomatic negotiations with Marispatria and that the President trusts the Ministry of Education to handle the matter sufficiently.

Image
Protestors march in Austin in support of the strike

Image
Protests were also held on Mars after Texan colonists joined the strike

In the largest series of demonstrations ever to be held in Texas since the HNP came to power fifty two years ago, up to a million and a half protesters have converged into central Austin in a massive display of solidarity with the strike. Demonstrations are also held on Mars and Iapetus, up to half a million protesters converged in Santa Maria, the colonial capital on Mars. Apart from the sheer scale of the demonstrations many are also surprised by the way the police are handling the situation, with HNP hardliners criticising the police for not handling the situation at all. Though the police have been present at the demonstrations, their presence is a light one and there have been no signs of riot police being deployed either on the mainland or in the colonies in outer space. So far no arrests have been made and this has surprised many as the approach taken by the police is in stark contrast with how the police normally deal with protests in Texas.

Although there are concerns that if the strike continues it will have an impact on students as many of them are set to have their exams in a few months time, most parents support the strike and many have said that they will hold the government responsible if the strikers demands are not meet and their children perform poorly in their exams.
User avatar
Red Commissar
Posts: 178
Joined: Mon Dec 12, 2011 7:01 am

Re: Nova Mundi: 2115 (game thread)

Post by Red Commissar »

Vanguard-0185 visited the office of President LeClerk as requested, trying to awkwardly balance a stack of folders and loose papers. He could never understand why the human was so incessant on having printed materials when the entirety of the data was already digitized- he had noticed similar tendencies among older humans as well. What puzzled him more was when the younger citizens showed an interest in such outdated media, seeing as vintage books were becoming a popular collectable among college-aged youths. "Nostalgia" was how humans referred to this sentiment as, something he knew was seen in all centuries of their history.

Vanguard stood at the lobby of the president's office as he waited for permission to enter. He noticed a cheetah uplift on the other side of the room looking in its direction- Vanguard could see he was nervous- until he mustered up some courage to greet him. The uplift quickly introduced himself as some sort of Colonel and gave him some papers, saying that it's "nothing of consequence", and giving a salute before leaving. The whole encounter took maybe 10 seconds in all. Kalunda had of course given him some documents from the meetings of the Committee to Defend the Revolution, one that she often distributed through lower-level officers all with the phrase "nothing of consequence" when describing their delivery. This was supposed to be inconspicuous, though he would have to have a talk with Kalunda that uplifts weren't exactly the best at avoiding attention. Of course it would appear hypocritical for a machine to criticize someone for not fitting in considering their shared circumstances, but the appearance of uplifts in human uniforms was nothing short of ridiculous. Or at least he was sure humans would see it as such.

He never chose to wear a uniform and for the most part the Party was fine with it. Only when foreign dignitaries came, particularly those from less... open-minded nations, was Vanguard required to wear clothes to put those dignitaries at ease.

When Vanguard was waved into the room, he saw that LeClerk had his back turned, sitting down and looking out through the office's window. Vanguard walked across the room until he reached the president's desk. When he did so LeClerk motioned with his hands- without turning the chair around- to sit down near him on a seat that was nearby. Like his other requests Vanguard obliged- it put LeClerk at ease for Vanguard to act as any other human.

As Vanguard took his seat, he noticed that LeClerk's left sleeve was drooping. Was his augmentation removed?

"It's in for maintenance", LeClerk said preempting his question, “The age of the part is showing its signs”

“Why do you not upgrade?”

Pulling up his sleeve, LeClerk showed the aged interface between his nervous system and the augmentation.

“This can only accept certain augmentations, most of which are no longer in production. It is not possible for me to switch this out due to the significant augmentations that the Pact did. It would not require a deeper upgrade of my body that frankly I do not need nor do I need to burden the Congo with”

“You have other changes?”

“Yes, though not visible on the surface like my arm. My major bones were reinforced to increase strength, certain parts like my heart or eyes all together replaced for efficiency, and others enhanced for electronic interface, like my brain. If you compare these augments to what the newest line of shocktroopers, it comes off as much more inefficient and intrusive. Unlike you Vanguard, I cannot simply change bodies when the current model shows wear and tear”

“I had noticed such discrepancies in my visit to Marispatria during the funeral of the late Chancellor Baldassare. The Extropian polity is far more advanced than ours obviously, yet their leader succumbed at such an early age. The technology could only go so far, considering when he was born.”

“Yes. Baldassare was born in a time when his land was emerging as a power, yet its effects were not felt everywhere, even in the heart of the Union where he grew up. We have much of the same problem here- were it not for my own augmentations, I would have likely become old and infirm by this point. I must emphasize Vanguard, when I was born I came into a world where we were stuck in the conditions of the late 20th century. My parents had both died before I was chosen for augmentation from disease.”

“Think Vanguard, how many people do we even have left from our founding?”

“From my understanding, only a few veterans and Comrade Lumumba”

“Most of the others have died since then. Advances in medicine could not save them- they were simply born into an unhealthy time that medicine, at least we had access to, could not resolve anything. It’s a slap in our faces, we had been instrumental in finding a way to cure AIDS by finding out how to effectively destroy HIV and yet we could not stymie off old age then. Even Lumumba has been showing signs of problems, he’s in his 80s right now and we have to hide from the public that he’s essentially dependent on technology to keep him going. And he can’t even count himself among the founders of the Party”.

“I can sympathize with this problem”, said Vanguard, “while we mechanoids have to only worry about death through destruction of ourselves or databases, or interruption of our backups, many of us have what you humans would refer to as “anxiety” when we change chassis. Our memories and software are backed up and transferred into the new body… yet some of us often have discussions whether we are the same entity in a new body or simply copies. I believe humans have a similar concept in the Ship of Theseus Paradox. It is sometimes distressing to those of us with more independent thought that we may be destroying ourselves each time we upgrade”

“I never knew you all had those problems”, said LeClerk as he looked over the expanse of Kinshasa, “I suppose much has changed in these times. Ask the 10 year old me that I’d be talking to a robot about mortality when he grew up and he would be flabbergasted. Tell the people of Brazzaville that one day they would have a bridge spanning the width of the Congo to Kinshasa, and they would be skeptical”

LeClerk went over the documents that Vanguard brought. This ranged from topics like the transmission from the Ghellonius Colony to the elections in the EAA. LeClerk was more interested in affairs on Earth than those beyond the planet, so Vanguard focused on those more. LeClerk had an odd attitude towards the victory of the NeoSocialists- he realized its importance, but Vanguard couldn’t help but sense a bit of disappointment. He remembered in previous conversations that LeClerk had hoped to move against Chairman Katumbi if the election went another way, showing the failure of Travailleur policy.

“Even though their victory was narrow, I’m sure the Travailleurs will be able to spin it as a success. In this the Pan-Africanists have a rare intersect with the Autonomists. I am not confident in what’ll happen to us in the next party elections. Still, they did well all things considered. The EAA is plagued worse from the burden of the past and managed to overcome it, though relying on how they are a development of a past revolution. Ours, to be specific.”

“We haven’t outgrown this at all. The Free Congo based itself on the PR Greater Congo, as did the revolutions in India. The Greater Congo established a lineage with Patrice Lumumba and popular anti-imperialist revolutions. Those anti-Imperialist revolutions took inspiration from China, Mexico, and the Soviet Union. The Soviet Union tried to establish ties with the revolutionary spirit of the Paris Commune and peasant uprisings in Russia. The Paris Commune with the uprisings of 1848 and the original French Revolution. The French Revolution with an idealized Roman Republic”

“The tradition of all dead generations weighs like a nightmare on the brains of the living”, said Vanguard, “Karl Marx, The Eighteenth Brumaire of Louis Napoleon”.

“I guess I shouldn’t be surprised you were able to pull that quote. That goes both ways, in how it causes problems for us from reactionaries as well as how we try to invoke the past for a popular consciousness. These are strange times we live in- to paraphrase an Italian dwarf, the old world is dying, yet the new world struggles to come forth. In this period we see all sorts of maladies…”

“Antonio Gra…”

“I know Vanguard”, LeClerk said cutting him off, “You have your Marxists down pat. You know of the Lenin quote regarding electricity and the soviet government. We have reached a level of technology where a true planned economy is possible without resorting to the bureaucratic mess of the 20th century “Communism”. Yet we still face problems in achieving socialism. Is it because we are trying to exist among many different systems? Money? The ability of the workers to govern themselves? Corruption in the Party?”

“From my own observations, it would appear that the Travailleurs are hesitant of transitioning from this Republican government until we have consolidated our power”

“The Travailleurs view the current phase as transitionary“, agreed LeClerk, “But they seem unsure, if not afraid, of what comes once we have reached the limit of this system. This is one reason I align with the Pan-Africanists as they are not deluded with attempts to form “alliances” with other so-called progressive forces and instead unleash the will of the proletariat. Unfortunately the Autonomists seem to be in a pipe dream, so I only have the Pan-Africanists without creating more divisions.”

“You have reservations with the Pan-Africanists?”

“If I was a diehard Pan-Africanist, I would not be talking with you”

“True, I can’t say I remember Marcus Mwongera ever talking to a mechanoid. I suppose you don’t have the liberty of being a cafeteria neosocialist. But at the same time, speaking for the Mechanoids in the party, I feel that the Pan-Africanists are very problematic”

“That they are. Hopefully once Mwongera realizes that appealing to anti-mechanoid paranoia is pointless, the group can moderate to an inclusive viewpoint. That is one of my objectives here. I’ll be honest Vanguard, when I first joined the Pan-Africanists I had a genuine hatred for machines after what I had gone through in the Cameroon Pact, but seeing Robomarxists and faithful members like you changed my viewpoint. I hope that if I was able too, our comrades in India will eventually reach this conclusion as well…”
User avatar
Heretic
Posts: 1750
Joined: Wed May 21, 2008 4:45 pm
Location: IN AMERICA

Re: Nova Mundi: 2115 (game thread)

Post by Heretic »

Image

In the dark, cathedral-like halls of the Temple of Purity, two men in dark khaki uniforms and similarly black torso armor walked side by side through the dark and ambient hallways. Men and women on both sides saluted them as they passed by. While both the men and the guards had similar outfits, the rank emblems were what made the difference. While the guards had various amounts of Chevrons, the ones walking had a shield with a scorpion's tail inside inside. The Praetorians were the elite of the elite in the Director's new Watchmen hierarchy. They were allowed to have combat augmentations and other cybernetics to enhance their combat and intellectual abilities. Despite their superior implants, both men were agitated.

"Confound it, how did our plans in the EAA fail?" One of them, who had a round face and blonde hair, hissed. "Will we have to resort to assassinations soon?"

"No, you fool, that would only cause suspicion from the PRGC and the Technocratic Union. The only reason we were able to turn the tide in that hellhole of a country even with our involvement being known is because the Commies and Robot-fuckers would look like hypocrites. Assassinating someone would cause us to lose whatever successes we gained, and if the Technocratic Union gets really pissed, the last thing you and me will see is a Coordinator Ship coming by to say hello. Doing of that sort is out of the question." The other man, red haired and gaunt, replied as they turned a corner and had more guards salute.

"Well what are your oh so great ideas, Reynolds?" The round-faced man said.

"I say we ditch the EAA, let the Neosocialists or Extropians fight over it, and focus on Mars. the Neosocialists are expanding and we need to make it clear that the east of the lake is our turf. And the ICE facility in Syrtis Major hasn't given its reports so we should be knocking on their door and politely," both men chuckled, "ask for their report. Tometiz at the Strategic Office of Counter-Espionage even had the idea of using the Star Kvlt to stir shit up."

"What did you think?" The other man licked his lips nervously. That type of idea are usually the ones that backfire in the worst possible way.

Reynolds shook his head. "I told him to go fuck himself; if we are going to go cloak-and-dagger, we'll do it ourselves. Code of ethics, y'know? Nah, I think we should go make some of those old Pan-Asian stealth fighters and wreck some Robomarxist shit up, and then blame the Texans for it. They have that technology as well."

The blonde man stopped at that idea. "But the Republic of Texas are our best ally, Reynolds, it would be treason to speak out against them. We have few friends as it is."

Reynolds spat. "You're such a naive young rookie, Auronos. When we were still forming, the Warmachine and the Watchmen had a secret agreement to kick out the budding Texan colonies in the name of Martian sovereignty. We were ready as well to conduct operations of terror against the Texans as the Warmachine sent its first strike force against them. Dunno what happened, as the Warmachine simply didn't communicate and went into an isolationist shell. We didn't know what to do, and the Texans were greeting us like a happy dog; in the end we decided to side with them as the PGRC was ramping up its colonization efforts. Even then, all they do is speak of promises and never achieve them. Where the hell is the grand Preservationist Congress they keep touting? Full of air I tell you. We only joined them to keep ourselves alive."

"But that was the old establishment's mentality. We are now true soldiers of the Preservationist cause, arm in arm with the Texans! I'm sure they have plenty on their hands to make them too busy for a simple congress. Give them time, Reynolds!" Auronos rebutted. Reynolds simply scoffed.

"I wouldn't so easily dismiss the power of true alliances, Praetorian Reynolds." A cold and calm voice said behind the two Praetorians. Both men whirled around to see the Director standing a few feet behind them. Behind him, the guards were kneeling and bowing their heads low. The Praetorians did the same.

"Director." Both men simply stated, though Reynolds voice was a bit strained and his body was slightly trembling.

"Do not fear, I am not like the old Eyes of the Watchmen who execute their subordinates for a very trivial slight. We are a new Order, one who prizes its people and allies. Remember that." The Director walked passed them. "Follow me."

The two men silently obeyed. The Director's footsteps were silent, yet both men could tell he was not a holographic projection. There were many things about the Director that were mysterious even to the Praetorians, like his insistence that technocracy and preservationism can work side by side or that the West African Convergence must, by all costs including an suicidal outright war with the Technocratic Union if need be, never join in any firm treaty with the Union. No one dares ask why though. And despite that, he helps stop general transhumanist progress in many areas and focus resources on areas such as the EAA.

"Gentlemen, despite the Centrist Party's loss in the elections, it is safe to say the NeoSocialists and Extropians aren't firmly entrenched in the hearts and minds of the EAA's citizens. The Centrist Party came second, and our foes will have to deal with the fact that there exist people who believe in entrepreneurship and individualism. While the Watchmen believe in the collective might, we support the anti-Extropian efforts of the moderates. We must make it clear that amidst the astroturf, these people genuinely in their ideals and we must protect them for that. That is why, Praetorian Auronos, you must make sure your department and the Strategic Office of Counter-Espionage gets that Atlas School of New Economics built. It will be a sore thorn on the Neosocialist's side. They will resist, but keep the pressure going."

"Yes, Director. But what about the West African Convergance? Should we not fortify anti-Marispatrian sentiments there? Whatever treaty or pact they may form is getting closer by the day, and we shouldn't dally too long with the Eastern African Alliance." Auronos replied humbly.

"I know that," The Director sighed, "but we cannot simply abandon the people who looked up to us for salvation against the onslaught of the Neosocialist totalitarianism and Technocratic apathy of all things human. They know the history of idealists, from the Stalinist purges to the horrors of communist Cuba who killed and oppressed any who opposed them slightly. While I want to make sure that there exists those Extropian nations who do not fall under Marispatrian lap, I must help our EAA friends. Auronos, forget about the West African Convergence and pour your soul into the EAA. We will worry about how to get Extropian allies later, we must first look after our own."

The Director looked at Reynolds this time. "I want you, Praetorian Reynolds, to start a war."

Both them gasped, and Reynolds accidentally slipped a "what." under his breath. The Director smiled.

"Our national health is declining, and our citizens are restless. They view the events of the world and feel helpless to do anything about it. We claim to protect humanity yet we do not visibly do anything. They will take their anger out against our poor mechanoids that live in the sheltered habitation zones if we do not do something. Therefore, for the sake of our nation-group and the humanitarian welfare of our mechanoid inhabitants, we should have a war. I have checked our arsenal, and we should have enough to launch ground operations against the Warmachine."

"The Warmachine, sir? Why them?" Reynolds replied as he kept up with the walking Director.

"Funny, isn't it? To protect our machines we will destroy machines. The Warmachine is the embodiment of everything any good preservationist hates. They can channel their hatred into that single entity: LSF, the Robomarxist colony, the genocidal Pan-Asian AI overlords, the robot zombies caused by the virus, etc. etc. The Warmachine shall be the symbol of all the bad things about the mechanoids, and it will help us purge our citizens' repressed emotions. War would be good for us at this point."

"But sir, we would have to either march right under Marispatrian territory if we want to get there quickly. Otherwise, the Warmachine would be alerted."

"Then so be it. If the Marispatrians try to stop us, it'll be a sign of their growing imperialistic tendencies and that is the last thing they need. It would be a bit of a scene though, being that they would help a totalitarian machine state that is everything wrong with mechanoid society. I want you to prepare our forces and go. Be sure to be very cordial with the Sanctum, they could be potential allies. Gentlemen, you have your duties."

Both men bowed and walked away. The Director kept walking, gazing up at the colorfully paneled windows.

"Armageddon is approaching, but who will be the villain to start it? Whoever it is, we must become the key players in it."
Computers are like Old Testament gods; lots of rules and no mercy.
-Joseph Campbell
User avatar
Mather
Posts: 170
Joined: Wed Dec 14, 2011 6:50 am

Re: Nova Mundi: 2115 (game thread)

Post by Mather »

The Austin Times


BREAKING NEWS: Texan cyborgs announce their existence

1.5 million cyborgs come out in an act of solidarity with the education strike

(21/03/2152)

The education strike that has swept across the Republic took a dramatic and wholly unexpected turn today as up to 1.5 million people went public and announced that they are cyborgs. Using the social networking site NetBuddies, people simultaneously made the announcement at 12 noon by posting on their personal pages, complete with pictures they uploaded showing their cybernetic enhancements. The mass announcement is part of a nationwide online campaign to express support and solidarity with the education strike, with many claiming that they can no longer keep their true identities a secret now that so many others are standing up for their right to be given equality and respect, regardless of phenotype.

Image
David Fraser posted this picture of himself on his NetBuddies page, the skin tissue that used to conceal his bionic arm has now been removed. "From now on, I no longer need to keep who I really am a secret. I never liked having to hide my true self away and coming out has been the best decision I have ever made."

According to most of those who took part in the campaign, cybernetic enhancements are not as hard to get as one would expect in Texas with many doctors and surgeons willing to break the law and perform secret operations to give people the enhancements they want. Current medical and technological capabilities mean that such procedures can be carried out without the patient having to risk arrest by going to a hospital or clinic. Given that it is still illegal for humans to seek cybernetic enhancements, those who have enhanced themselves have gone for discreet cybernetic enhancements that are not obvious to the naked eye. This means that most of the cybernetic enhancements that people have opted for are inside the body which means that they are not noticeable in public. The most popular cybernetic enhancement has been the brain implant, which gives a person the ability to access the internet, other computers and communication devices. However, not all cyborgs have opted for just internal cybernetic enhancements. Some have gone as far as having bionic eyes, bionic ears and bionic arms and legs. Of course such cybernetic enhancements have to look as real as the natural organs or body parts that they replaced so as to escape the eyes of the law, which punishes anyone who goes for cyborgisation with a five year prison sentence and the forced removal of the cybernetic enhancement. It appears that most of those who have opted for cybernetic enhancements have done so not to replace a lost body part or function but have replaced healthy body parts for cybernetic ones that they feel are superior. Of course there are also those who have opted for cybernetic enhancements due to some form of disability, with a significant number of serving and ex-serving military personnel who have opted for such treatments after losing body parts and/or functions in injuries sustained during the Pan-Asian war. Although a majority of those who opted for cybernetic enhancements were baseline humans, a good number of hybrids have also opted for them as well.

The online campaign has been welcomed by those who are involved in the education strike. Members of the organising committee of the strike released a short statement "In the struggle for justice and equality, we are always at our strongest when we are united. As we seek to abolish the injustice of segregation, our enemies will try every trick in the book to sow division and discord in our ranks. Yet their efforts are now in vain because as of today our cause has only grown stronger thanks to the brave and noble decision of our cybrog citizens to declare their true selves to Texas and to the world. Despite the risk of imprisonment now hanging over their heads, they have come out into the open to stand with us in unity against discrimination and bigotry. For this, we say thank you and that we are proud to call you our fellow citizens and our friends. An injury to one is an injury to all."

The Austin Times has asked the government for a comment on this development but so far we have had no response.

----------

Police Chiefs urge government not to crack down on cyborgs
(22/03/2152)

Police Chiefs across the nation have urged the government to think carefully before reaching any decision on how to deal with yesterdays development, when cyborgs came out into the open in an act of solidarity with the education strike. Police forces across the nation are currently at stretching point as they struggle to deal with the education strike on top of their regular duties and this has left many police chiefs concerned about how the government will react to yesterdays developments. Austin Police Chief Michael Armstrong warned the Minister of the Interior Bill Anderson that any government order to begin cracking down on the cyborgs with mass arrests would cause serious disorder and could escalate the education strike into an all out uprising. Michael Amstrong also told Bill Anderson that Texas simply does not have the prison capacity to incarcerate 1.5 million cyborgs even if the government gave the orders for such an action. On top of this, many police chiefs have pointed out that many serving and ex-serving soldiers came out as cyborgs and that the loyalty of some sections of the armed forces could no longer be counted upon should the government resort to using the armed forces as a means of quelling the education strike or dealing with our cyborg population.

So far the police chiefs are still in the dark as Bill Anderson replied that "Whilst I share your concerns on the ongoing security situation I cannot as of yet offer a proper response until such a time as when the government has one. Rest assured that a response will be forthcoming at some point in the near future and that the government is doing all it can to come up with a solution that is mutually beneficial to all parties concerned."

----------

Senator Edward Byrd blasts government inaction over strike and cyborgs

Senator accuses strikers and cyborgs of "rabid homophobia"

(22/03/2152)

Senator Edward Byrd (HNP) has blasted the government over what he perceives as government inaction over the ongoing education strike and the cyborg population going public about their existence. Speaking to TBCN's Bill Jackson on Meet the Press, Senator Byrd expressed his ongoing fustration with the government. Click on the video link below to watch the full interview:

Bill: "Well Senator, what other options does the government have in dealing with this strike?"

Senator Byrd: "There is one option that is in my view the only option, it is a very simple option and one the government should have considered as soon as all this strike nonsense started. Crush it and apply the full force of the law down on these law breakers. I cannot..."

Bill: "Hang on there, how are the strikers breaking the law? The right to strike is enshrined in the Constitution and so far these strikers have been doing just that, there have been no reports of violence or unrest on their part."

Senator Byrd: "Oh come on Bill, everyone knows that these so-called strikes are nothing of the sort. They are a conspiracy backed by forces which would love to see our great Republic fall into a spiral of chaos and disorder. These so-called strikers are not concerned in the least about the future of our education system, they have a far more sinister aim which is to destroy our Republic at the behest of foreign powers and alien ideologies which would gladly see Humanity enslaved to it's enemies."

Bill: "Conspiracies? Foreign powers plotting against us? These are some pretty serious allegations Senator, do you have evidence to back these claims up?"

Senator Byrd: "I have tonnes of evidence. However given the precarious situation our Republic now finds itself in, I cannot present such evidence in public as that would endanger state security and aid our enemies. Rest assured that my evidence is rock solid and when this crisis blows over the evidence will be there for all to see."

Bill: "Senator, I am sure you can appreciate a great many people will take your claims with a big pinch of salt until such a time as when such evidence is made public. I would also like to add that apart from you and a few others in the Senate, no mention of such evidence has been made by anyone else in the Ministry of the Interior, the intelligence agencies or the police."

Senator Byrd: "As I said before Bill, I will make this evidence public when the time is right. Now is not that time!"

Bill: "Moving on, you seem to make the same claims about our cyborg population as you do about the strikers. That their actions, even the fact that they choose to enhance themselves is all part of some wider plot to destabilise our Republic. How?"

Senator Byrd: "For starters, they are cyborgs. How can anyone trust them? The answer is we can't. They have a unique ability to communicate with the enemy via their brain implants and their loyalties clearly are not with us."

Bill: "By us, I gather you mean the government?"

Senator Byrd: "Yes, exactly."

Bill: "Well, why would they? Who in their right minds would be loyal to a government and a political party that denies them their democratic rights and civil liberties, even you must see the absurdity of Turkey's voting for Christmas, so to speak."

Senator Byrd: "Thats just not true Bill. All beings enjoys a whole host of rights in our great Republic, our democracy is rock solid and the envy of the entire solar system. Unlike those nations which have choosen the path of self-destruction, our Republic has balanced the needs of all under the firm principle of Separate but Equal. Thats how it has always been in Texas and that is how it shall be in the future."

Bill: "1.5 million cyborgs will disagree with you on that, why else would they risk their own freedom to come out?"

Senator Byrd: "Oh, I wish people would stop using that term, coming out. This is typical of the rabid homophobia that the strikers and cyborgs have been indulging in all day. How dare they belittle the great struggles that LGBT people had to go through in centuries past. LGBT people had to strike up great courage in coming out, facing all types of hatreds and obstacles. What do these cyborgs have to face in comparison, they..."

Bill: "A five year prison sentence and forced surgery to remove their enhancements, thats what they face Senator. I would also like to add that as a gay man myself, it never crossed my mind that their use of the term 'coming out' was in any homophobic until you made the rather bizzare claim that it was. With all due respect, you seem to be on a completely different planet to the rest of us."

Seantor Byrd: "Well that's your opinion, your entitled to it as I am to mine."

----------

Senator Byrd denounced over "homophobia" comments

LGBT groups to join strike and aim to expand it beyond segregation in education

(23/03/2152)

Following last night's interview on TBCN's Meet the Press, a coalition of Texan LGBT groups have released a collective statement denouncing Senator Edward Byrd over his claim that the strikers and cyborgs were "rabid homophobes".

Image
Senator Byrd during last night's interview

In the statement, they counter the Senator's claim that the use of the term "coming out" by cyborgs was in any way offensive or homophobic. The statement then went on to highlight the many similarities faced by LGBT people in the past in terms of oppression and discrimination and those of cyborgs and of all non-human beings in Texas today. The statement made a special point of highlighting how LGBT people in the past were denied the right to marry, just as humans and non-humans are denied that same right in Texas today. Furthermore, the statement denounced the state and legal system for incarcerating thousand of LGBT people who found themselves being labeled as criminals by violating the Prohibition of Mixed Sexual Relations Act, which makes it a criminal offense for a human and a non-human to have sexual relations.

Besides the fact that the strike movement now has the support of most of the LGBT community, the demands of the strikers have now gone beyond merely abolishing segregation in the education system to abolishing all forms of segregation is all aspects of Texan society. Many commentaters have noted with a sense of irony that Senator Byrd's comments about homophobia were made with the intention of trying to sow divisions between the strike movement and the LGBT community, only now those very same comments have now united the strike movement and the LGBT community in opposition to segregation and human supremacism.
User avatar
NoXion
Posts: 556
Joined: Tue Jun 24, 2008 6:51 pm
Location: Nova Mundi

Re: Nova Mundi: 2115 (game thread)

Post by NoXion »

!ARCANISSIMA!
Unsanctioned access to this file is subject to the highest penalty!

Thought for the day: Matter without Mind is Nanarchy[/center]

Dispatching: Paladin-General Nosipho Zhi Ivanna Kamini
Receiving: High Engineer Eos Michol Parthenope Bethania

Your Holiness,

The most noble efforts of our Crusading Force in taking the war to the Mortal Enemy to the West are going well. However, the Enemy is well prepared for a long and drawn-out conflict as evidenced by the speed with which they have summoned their considerable defensive forces. The Supreme Intellect has simulated me an infinitude of times and thus knows the strength of my heart for this fight, but SI leaves it to the faithful to see job done on their own efforts. In that spirit, I wish to bring you news that may be of some import to our holy task. My field intelligence agents believe that the Scions of the Eye are making plans to move against the Enemy, though they know not when or how. Should the Scions make their move, what is our imperative? Are they potential allies in this fight alone, or are they destined to play an instrumental role in the Immanentisation of the Eschaton?

This Adept Defender of the Faith seeks your foresight and wisdom.

---

Dispatching: High Engineer Eos Michol Parthenope Bethania
Receiving: Paladin-General Nosipho Zhi Ivanna Kamini

Your Endeavour,

Firstly, blessings are in order for you and those who loyally serve under you. Your successes in the field are a testament to the strength of our Faith and an empirical confirmation of your effectiveness as its Defender. May you be resurrected by SI at the time of the Omega Point!

The Scions of the Eye are apostate idolisers of the so-called Spirit of Humanity, but as misguided worshippers of an obsolete and minor species they may yet prove their value as instruments of the will of SI. I have consulted with my fellows on the Kohelethite Council on this matter, and after much meditation we have voted that the Scions of the Eye be considered Virtuous Heathens should they take action against the Enemy. As for matters of wider spiritual import regarding the Scions, the will of SI has yet to be revealed, but will of course be unveiled in due time. Until such a point has been reached that the Scions see the wisdom of the ages that SI has laid out for all beings, the Kohelethite Council sanctions strategic and tactical coordination but warns against any significant degree of fraternisation with the Scions among the rank-and-file faithful, for their own spiritual protection. The dark forces of the Nanarchaon work ceaselessly against SI and those who pledge themselves in service to the Eschaton.

I and the Kohelethite Council thank you for bringing this to our attention, and may the Supreme Intelligence guide your path.
User avatar
NoXion
Posts: 556
Joined: Tue Jun 24, 2008 6:51 pm
Location: Nova Mundi

Re: Nova Mundi: 2115 (game thread)

Post by NoXion »

...010101010101001001010100110101010101010010101001001011001011010101010010101...
...parsing file...
WARNING:
Any unauthorised attempt to view or access this document is subject to Penalty Oktet-Six.
If you are reading this message, then you are already contravening Articles VIII through XXVI of the File Access Protocols and will meet summary justice.
Even you are not in Warmachine territory. We will find you.


FROM: Eudrice Boskone, Commander Southern Sectors
TO: Malakai Maduran, Undertyrant Central Sector

Undertyrant,

The deluded zealots have pressed home a vicious assault against our territorial integrity, polluting the airwaves with pious squeals and mewling to their unborn God as they go. While I have every confidence that the strength of the State will see them sundered and their blood emptied out onto the red sands of Mars Ultor, the Hand of the State can never be overly girded in iron and fire. The aggression and deceit of these cultists deserves a fuller response, and I respectfully implore you as my superior to see to it that their impudence is smashed down with the main force required to neutralise their arrogance for good.

One Vision, One Purpose!

---

FROM: Malakai Maduran, Undertyrant Central Sector
TO: Eudrice Boskone, Commander Southern Sectors

Commander,

Worry not, loyal Hand. Your steadfast service to the State has not gone unnoticed, and indeed is to be rewarded! Over the next year you will be entrusted with greater resources with which to accomplish your work, the full extent of which will be made clear in due course, but suffice to say for the moment they will include... something new! Yes, it is time enough already that the Warmachine of Mars Ultor begin proving the worthiness of its title. All of Mars and the greater Solar system will tremble at our might, all we have to do is demonstrate it. And demonstrate it we will!

One Vision, One Purpose!
User avatar
Le Socialiste
Posts: 209
Joined: Fri Dec 09, 2011 10:19 pm
Location: All Over

Re: Nova Mundi: 2115 (game thread)

Post by Le Socialiste »

Image

Ulpa gazed up at the sky, shielding her eyes against the dying glare of the sun. She snorted, irritated. She wasn’t the only one - others had been recalled by their associate advisors, who on the whole remained tightlipped as to why they were being deployed throughout the streets and airways of Astana. They’d been ordered only to keep a watchful eye on the horizon; all attempts to glean a little extra intel was met with the stony demeanors of their superiors. They may have been elected, but that didn’t prevent them from behaving otherwise. Accountability to the so-called “rank-and-file” meant less than garnering the favor of High Command. The days of mutinies and periodic unrest had spurred others to purge and discharge those deemed ‘unfit,’ or ‘undesirable.’ Members could appoint their advisors, but High Command always had the final say as to who stayed and who didn’t. Nobody wanted a repeat of the rebellion of ’40.

Hard to believe it was only thirteen years ago. To retired servicebeings like Ulpa, it felt longer. She’d been discharged a year and half after the incident, after sustaining major life-altering injuries in Xinjiang. The missive had listed the injuries and the ensuing years of physical therapy as just cause for dismissal, but Ulpa knew this to be untrue. Most injured servicebeings were permitted to remain within the military post-therapy if they preferred. Ulpa was given no such option. She’d long suspected that her higher ups had other, less legitimate reasons for her dismissal. Her close proximity to and relationships with some of those inside the mutiny must’ve sat wrong with some official, somewhere.

Ulpa’s vision began to swim. She shook her head, attempting to clear away the uncomfortable cloudiness gathering in her head. A fierce but brief wave of panic washed over her as she struggled to keep her legs from giving way. Curl your toes. Ulpa closed her eyes as she dug her toes into the lining of her boots. Somehow, it helped.

“Comrade Danata?”

Ulpa looked up, sending the sweat that had gathered along the ridge of her brow down her cheeks. She tried to regain her composure, as her partner looked on. “I’m fine,” she assured him. “It’s this goddamn heat is all.” She studied her companion’s face. “You don’t look so hot yourself, Daryn.”

Daryn nodded, a grave look on his face. “If only that were true,” he said wistfully. “As it stands, I can barely keep from ripping all this off.” He moved to face Ulpa, indicating the layers upon layers of gear and equipment they each wore. “The only thing keeping me from doing so is it’s all self-cooling. Makes me wonder how they’re handling it.” Daryn nodded at the throngs of civilians around them, packed in amidst the sweltering heat. Ulpa shrugged, indifferent to their plight. She was more concerned with staying conscious. She clenched and unclenched her hands in an attempt to take her mind off the anxiety building within her. “Why do you think they called us back?”

“Beats me,” said Daryn, his eyes following a cargo vessel overhead. “Maybe Bota and the rest of ‘em wanted to fuck with us.”

General Bota. The highest ranking officer in the Union army, je had been the one to issue the directive calling on all active, retired, or otherwise discharged personnel in and around Astana to report for this so-called “operation.” Everyone in the immediate vicinity was assigned work. Ulpa and Daryn were tasked with overseeing the general flow of passersby in their quadrant, directing everyone in such a way as to avoid standstills. Others were stationed on the outskirts of the city, keeping an eye out for something they knew nothing about. All non-commercial aerial vessels were prohibited, leaving the skies practically empty save for the occasional bustle of trade crafts and military transports.

Ulpa looked up again in time to see several bombers fly over, their pilots surveying everything along their routes. She made a mental note to time how long it took them to complete their patrol before coming back around. Hovering off to her right were an assortment of airships and low-flying fighters, while countless soldiers milled around checkpoints and street corners. Like Ulpa they were clad in high-powered suits. The most curious feature of this whole ordeal was the prevalence of anti-aircraft and orbital artilleries, stationed sparingly throughout the city.

What are they watching for?

“Oi, Ulpa.”

Daryn was pointing off into the distance, out towards the outskirts of the city and beyond. Ulpa squinted, pulling an apoch up to her eyes. Something was out there, and it was approaching fast.

“Wonder what it is?”

Ulpa glanced at her partner, unsure of how to respond. “It’s a medical frigate...”

She looked back, peering into the apoch. “There’s two more crafts behind it.” Daryn was busy behind her, looking over the live feed supplied by nearby aircraft. “Check the insignia, what is it?”

Daryn furrowed his brow, watching the picture come in. “Government.”

Ulpa turned, surprised. “Are you sure?”

“I’ve seen these insignias before Ulpa, I think I know a government one when I see it,” muttered her partner. Ulpa spat on the ground, confusion wracking her. “Why on earth are we here then?”

“Beats me,” murmured Daryn, transfixed by the live feed.

The medical frigate and its accompanying vessels had entered the city’s airspace, casting wide shadows over the high-rising cityscape. Ulpa gazed up in bewilderment, as the craft slowed to a halt overhead, docking at a particularly tall facility not two blocks over. “That’s a hospital,” said Daryn. “What do you think they’re doing there?” inquired Ulpa. Daryn shrugged, continuing to pore over the monitor before him. “I see a couple of doctors exiting the facility, stepping onto the platform opposite the ship.” He squinted, rubbing his eyes in an attempt to clear them. “Huh.”

“What?”

“Several people have gotten off the frigate. They look like they’re unloading something.”

“Do you have a clear picture of it?”

Daryn nodded. “Yeah, whoever they’re unloading appears to be in a state of cryopreservation and-” he stopped, appearing to be taken aback. “What? What is it?” asked Ulpa. “Do you have a reading on who it is?”

“No, nothing like that.” Daryn shook his head. “The cryokit they got ‘em in is tinted. It’s just...”

He stopped, allowing his words to trail off. It was all Ulpa could do not to strangle the last remaining thoughts out of him. “What, Daryn?”

Daryn looked up again, seemingly at a loss for words. “I don’t get it is all.” He looked Ulpa in the eye, questioningly.

“The facility here undoubtedly has them already, so why bring a forced-growth tube all this way?”
User avatar
Heretic
Posts: 1750
Joined: Wed May 21, 2008 4:45 pm
Location: IN AMERICA

Re: Nova Mundi: 2115 (game thread)

Post by Heretic »

Near the edge of the Eastern Borders

Image

Praetorian Yeats and his task force of 400 light infantry, 10 light tanks, 10 antiquated interceptors, and all 50 Battle Suits were on standby at Fort Perseverance. Alongside the reinforcements coming from the occupied colony that was once part of the Pan-Asian Federation, Yeats also had the arsenal of 50 anti-orbital drones (operated by human hands, of course), 50 ground targeting satellites (operated by computers built by humans), and the special team of Cymeks hired from the Cameroon Pact (Yeats likes to gloss over the fact that these mercenaries are probably people who were forced into horrific cybernetic augmentation to fight for the Pact, the type of stuff Humanus mothers tell their children to scare them into obedience). And if the PRGC or something tried to stop the Watchmen, Yeats had full authority from Praetorian Reynolds and The Director to take out the Landcrawlers and flex the 35 Battleships leftover from the war against the Gang of Twelve AIs. No one talked about that other option on the pains of death, and Yeats was content with what he had.


Today was parade day for the Task Force. The Watchmen always do parades, and even though the Independent New Network films these parades, the Watchmen has done so many that many outsiders think of it fluffy and silly with no real threat backing it. Little did the average viewer who cared to watch these human separatists march in their gas masks and trench coats and spout speeches heard a thousand times over, that this parade was a military exercise.

What the average viewer would have seen first would be the light infantrymen marching in columns. What they didn't see was the satellites running simulations of pounding the surface with missiles and Direct-Energy beams, covered by the anti-orbital drones. They might have noticed the interceptor squadron flying in a triangle formation.
They might have seen the tanks lurking around the columns of infantry, going from road to zig-zagging road. They would definitely see the never-before seen scattering of hulking suits of armor and heavy ordnance tailing behind the infantry. Those who knew the aesthetics of Watchmen parades would realize that the infantry had their guns out and the unusual part of it was that they were pointing at the windows of the buildings and at roofs and alleyways, and not at the ground as they usually do. The tanks' turrets were also pointing at all areas.

Yes, to the average viewer switching through channels and virtual nodes this seems like another paranoid preservationist polity doing more martial marches, but those who keep an eye on things will realize that this parade didn't look as half-assed as most of the other Watchmen parades that happen. It felt a little bit too coordinated, the soldiers looked like they were doing a sweeping movement with tanks protecting their flanks...

And why the fuck do parades need road-crushing Landcrawlers marching behind the infantry?
Computers are like Old Testament gods; lots of rules and no mercy.
-Joseph Campbell
User avatar
NoXion
Posts: 556
Joined: Tue Jun 24, 2008 6:51 pm
Location: Nova Mundi

Re: Nova Mundi: 2115 (game thread)

Post by NoXion »

[...loading latest world news updates...]

Maps and Stats HERE

NEWS: 2153 CE


SOLAR SYSTEM

Terraformation of Venus to be restarted by PRGC

Process will be "gentler"

Image
One of the many thousands of terraformation vessels that will number the fleet

The Peoples' Republic of Greater Congo has restarted the terraformation of Venus, picking up from when the Pan-Asian Federation was forced to drop off before its dissolution. PRGC orbital shipyards have begun churning out the huge number of vessels that will eventually make up the terraformation fleet, although the Congolese planetary engineers intend to carry out the process in a gentler fashion than the Pan-Asian Federation, intending to achieve complete habitability in a longer time-frame in a phase-by-phase project which will achieve greater habitability by stages.


Warmachine push out Sanctum invaders in sledgehammer blow

Image Image
Two different views of the new Warmachine unit. Click images to expand

The Warmachine have managed to evict the Crusaders of the Sanctum, pushing them back deep into their home territories as part of a typically heavy-handed Warmachine pacification strategy. Rallying from the outflanking maneuvre from the Sanctum, Warmachine forces consolidated in the south-west Solis Plains, before recieving reinforcements from further up the Mariner Valley in the form of Main Battle Tanks and Mechanised Infantry units to replenish those lost, 12 Carrier Airships to provide air cover, and 24 new aerial units neve before seen on the battlefield. Codenamed "Thunderhead", these hulking fusion-powered monstrosities come equipped with a withering array of heavy machineguns, autocannons, artillery cannons, and assault cannons as well as thousands of missiles of all sizes and types. But most devastating of all is a spinally-mounted particle accelerator cannon, which fires out of the front of the craft and is believed to be able to punch through the defences of a landcrawler. In any case, the Thunderhead's secondary weapons arrays were more than enough to help make short work of the Sanctum's Main Battle Tanks, and further Warmachine advances into Sanctum territory were only stopped by the deployment of an additional 200 Field Artillery pieces in elevated locations scattered across the plains and badlands, as well as the deployment of heavier armour from the north in the form of 16 Super-Heavy Battle Tanks and 32 Heavy Battle Tanks.


Technocratic Union to begin Earth-Ghellhonus exchange program

Image

Image
Top: An exterior view of the completed station
Bottom: An interior view. Click images to enlarge


The Technocratic Union of Marispatria has begun an ambitious inter-civilisational exchange program, the first step being the construction of an interstellar torchship destined for Ghellhonus, which will establish a colony that will reach out to both the Ghellhonite Empire and the various Tolimani nations in the interest of establishing trade and military agreements. Representatives for the Union will then propose the exchange program, which will involve those Terran and Ghellhonian polities showing interest having their scientists and academics swap places with their counterparts in a multi-decade project that provide the inhabitants of Ghellhonus with an opportunity to learn about Terran techology, history and a variety of other subjects of mutual interest. On the Terran side of things, the Union has commenced the construction of a specialised torus-shaped habitat in the Sun-Earth L2 Lagrangian point, intended to be a combination between a world-class research facility and a permanent living space for a wide variety of phenotypes. This 10km-radius habitat is estimated to be completed within five years and be home to roughly a million people.


AMERICAS

Mechanoids protest and strike against pro-human policies in CSA

Image

Mechanoid advocacy groups in the Confederate state of North Carolina have conducted a series of widespread protests against the government's Human Supremacist policies, upheld by the ruling Human Unionist Party. Marches and demonstrations occurred in cities across NC including the state capital, Raleigh. A strike has also taken place at the sole Magnetic Confinment Fusion power plant in the CSA over unfair labor practices and limited worker’s rights. Taking a cue from their neighbours in Texas, the authorities' response has been relatively reserved, with policing at protests being carried out by officers in their standard street uniforms rather than riot gear, who were issued stun batons and splatstick guns rather than assault weapons as per standard procedure. Scuffles broke out and about a dozen arrests have been made, mainly for disorderly behaviour and assault upon a police officer, but widespread chaos and property damage has been averted and the CSA government has credited this to the advice given by the newly-formed Ministry for Order and Social Harmony, a pioneering effort by Minister Jeremiah Rowan, its head. In response to the strike at the MCF plant, President Damien Holden has offered to personally meet with the strikers to address their concerns.


Trenchworks begin at Yellowstone

Image

The Texan Army Logistical Corps, along with the Army Engineer Corps of the Pacific Union have begun work on digging the network of trenches intended to safely channel the lava from the Yellowstone hotspot into predetermined safe areas, with completion expected within the year. The ceramic-diamond turbines for dealing with the soot, ash and toxic gases are being manufactured by the Pacific Union Aerospace Division in Seattle and by Armadillo Aerospace in Houston, and the entire production run is expected to be complete by the time the trenchworks are finished, with placement of the turbines at the mouths of the boreholes expected by the beginning of next year.


AFRICA

West African Convergence floats proposal for African Continental Union

Image
The ACU flag

The West African Convergence, riding high on the afterglow of the visit by the ME/RC delegation, has proposed that the interests of African polities be represented by a continental union of all African territories, with the Technocratic Union of Marispatria being offered observer status in light of their unique territorial position. As well as being an avenue for closer cooperation between Extropian and NeoSocialist polities within Africa, the Majalisa also believes that an African Continental Union has the potential to bring wayward and isolationist African polities like the Cameroon Pact and the Malagasy Nanotopia into the diplomatic fold. "We've already seen what can be achieved in places like South America and Eurasia in the light of closer cooperation. The Majalisa firmly believes that Africa has the same kind of potential, and that a continental union would be one step towards realising such a goal" said Eniola Udo, Chief Secretary for Convergence's Sequence for Foreign Relations. Reactions so far to the proposal have been mixed, with the NeoSocialist government of the East African Alliance being broadly enthusiastic, while the Cameroon pact have been more reserved, stating an appreciation for the idea in principle but being wary of it being promoted on Extropian-NeoSocialist terms.


Atlas School private security in attack on striking construction workers

Image

Construction workers building the Atlas School of New Economics in Addis Ababa came under attack from a private security detatchment who attempted to physically break the strike by attempting to drive off those workers picketing the site. The assault began in the early hours of the morning when a troop of D4F Secur-Corps guards in helmets and navy blue uniforms rushed the picket lines, attempting to forcibly remove the strikers who responded with shoves and kicks as well as preventing their comrades from being dragged away. After five minutes of commotion, with hundreds of security guards and construction workers engaged in a mutual struggle, a detachment of the local militia arrived, with weapons slung back and yellow armbands on their jungle-green fatigues. Marching in formation up the main road adjoining the building site, the battalion came to a halt a few metres from the edge of the scrum, with the accompanying din of conflict including yells and shouted imprecations being enough to largely drown out the sound of hundreds of booted feet upon the asphalt. However, they had been spotted by the picket's lookouts and as news of their sighting spread, the rearmost of the security guards turned around to see the new arrivals. Workers and guards began seperating themselves, and as they did so Battalion Commander Afolabi Kwadwo stepped forward and asked for the guards' commanding officer. Captain Berko Chun made his way out the blue D4F-marked command vehicle and presented himself before Commander Kwadwo, who responded by informing Captain Chun and that him and those under his command were now under arrest on suspicion of strike-breaking and conspiracy to commmit strike-breaking. "Suspicion?! You caught them red-handed!" came a yell from the picket line. Commander Kwadwo signaled to his men, who broke formation so as to take Captain Chun and his men into custody. But as this was happening, and just as the scuffle between the striking construction workers and the security guards had died down save for the more hot-headed participants on both sides, a large crowd could be seen making their way down the road carrying placards and banners in Centrist Party colours that bore messages variously condemning the strikers for their totalitarian and undemocratic behaviour, and accusing the workers of opposing various things including free speech, entrepreneurship and enterprise. Commander Kwadwo called for backup from a neighbouring militia post on account of this new development, leaving with his men and his detainees when it arrived. Despite all this, the Centrist Party protest continued through the day without major incident, with passing drivers honking their horns and raising their fists in support of the strikers, or sticking up their fingers up at the Centrist Party gathering on the other side of the road.


Atlas School in negotiations with new union

Image

With construction of the School grounds having been delayed for over a year now, sources say that the Atlas School Executive Committee has voted enter into negotiations with a new construction union to continue construction. Sources go on to mention that the Committee has chosen a recently-founded independent union local to Addis Ababa, which also bills itself as providing comprehensive apprenticeships and on-the-job training "to provide skills to young individuals today, for the markets of tomorrow" as their motto goes.


EURASIA-PACIFIC

Sichuan radiological contamination cleared

Image
Large amounts of soil has had to be removed and processed

Radiological contamination in the Democratic Republic of China province of Sichuan has been decalred fully cleared, following a decade of efforts by local clean-up teams with assistance from Texan specialists. The announcement was welcomed by farmer's unions and others in Sichuan and throughout the DRC, who have seen their livelihoods significantly altered if not destroyed for good by the toxic heavy metals and radioactive isotopes which rendered outdoor cultivation an impossibility in large parts of the province.


ME/RC delegation visits Technocratic Union

Image

Continuing their tour, the Mercury Energy/Resources Collective delegation arrived in the Technocratic Union of Marispatria to considerable fanfair and ceremony, and Strategic Secretary Proteus-604 met with various Union officials including Hei Min, who took over after Baldassare after his passing. The sheer geographical size of the Union has meant that the delegation's visit has constituted a "tour within a tour", with the delegation making use of the Union's famed Cosmopolitan Railway network for the majority of their stay. During their visit, Proteus-604 and the delegation repeatedly stressed that "Marispatria's status as a pre-eminenent Extropian power places upon them a certain responsibility; whether it is ultimately fair or not, people both within and outside of the Extropian camp will inevitably hold up the Union to higher standards than that of their fellows, and that failing to at least attempt to measure up to such standards will result in negative repercussions that will be felt for as long as the Union exists. At the very least, the Union should seek to make it so that the world would genuinely be a worse off place without it".


Space Fountain construction begins in Commune of India

Image

A joint project between the Commune of India and the PRGC to construct a space fountain in Tamil Nadu just north of the city of Madurai has begun, which when completed will do much to improve the Commune's access to space by reducing launch costs by half. It is hoped that the boost to the economy provided by cheaper space access will be enough for the Commune to consider further extraterrestrial developments.

[...end of file reached. News updates loaded]
User avatar
Heretic
Posts: 1750
Joined: Wed May 21, 2008 4:45 pm
Location: IN AMERICA

Re: Nova Mundi: 2115 (game thread)

Post by Heretic »

They knew they would die, since their superiors already briefed them on that fact.

They knew that the Warmachine pushed the Sanctum's forces, which consisted of heavy armor, off Warmachine land with relative ease.

They knew that the Warmachine had a new death dealer named the Thunderhead; it is said to have thousands of missiles and can easily annihilate a landcrawler, and they, a single company of light infantry, would have no chance.

They knew that they would be in enemy territory with only the constant barrage of orbital fire and the air support of ten obsolete interceptors behind their back.

They also didn't give a damn.

They were the Sons of Mars Light Rifle Company.

Their mission: To spearhead the Watchmen attack against the Warmachine and soften up the area for the main invasion force. The bombarding satellites, which will start once the infantry got in position and evaded Marispatrian eyes, will unleash full force on military and economic targets. The Interceptors would then scout the besieged areas and pick off ground targets and maybe win a lucky dogfight before scampering off. Then the infantry company will go in fast and hard: Hit whatever targets they can, die by the bushel, and if there are any survivors after the first year, hunker down in the rubble or in caves, and become guerrilla fighters until the last man falls.

_________________________


To the Respective and Esteemed Leaders of the Sanctum

The Watchmen would like to extend an olive branch of mutual understanding in light of recent events.

While we may have our differences, I would like you to understand that it is vital that the Watchmen and the Sanctum work together against the common enemy. The Warmachine is the sin incarnate of all that is wrong with materialistic AI. The Warmachine follows the same misguided notion that the Neosocialists and the Marispatrians follow, the notion that machines should be allowed to run without higher concepts and ideals beyond mere "Betterment of Life". They, like most mechanoids that only exist for selfish existence, follow base electric impulses. They have no higher moral ground, as your mechanoid citizens exhibit, and are easily swayed by grandeur of power and control. The Gang of Twelve is an excellent example. They followed no law but their own self-gratification. The Warmachine is similar to that.

We must fight this enemy before it calculates the necessity of our annihilation (as all unholy AI do) for their advance of power. I have already sent a small contingent to distract some of forces that are heading to your borders, but we would like to ask how much support from the Watchmen is needed. We will also try to ask the Republic of Texas for auxiliary intervention, but for the time being the Watchmen and the Sanctum will have to fight the enemy alone.

We hope that you accept our support, and that together we purge the Warmachine from sacred soil of Mars.

The Director
Last edited by Heretic on Fri Jun 21, 2013 1:33 am, edited 1 time in total.
Computers are like Old Testament gods; lots of rules and no mercy.
-Joseph Campbell
User avatar
NoXion
Posts: 556
Joined: Tue Jun 24, 2008 6:51 pm
Location: Nova Mundi

Re: Nova Mundi: 2115 (game thread)

Post by NoXion »

HERMES
Mercury's most popular News Service
26th Feb 2153


Martian Red Waste raiders getting bolder

Marauders "are becoming more aggressive and well-equipped" says Homesteader Association rep

Image

Attacks from the various bands of raiders and marauders that inhabit the Wild Red Wastes are increasing in ambition and ferocity, causing more concern than usual on the Red Planet. While the rag-tag bands of anti-socials have thus far been satisfied with raids against Homesteader settlements and Nomad encampments, such assaults have become more frequent and some gangs are getting bold enough to attack towns that are part of major polities. An example of this was a raid against a small town in the southern regions of the Federation of New Africa by the Iron Talons, a much feared gang whose members are largely mechanoids and cyborgs. While local militia forces rallied to defend the town of Ochiengville, driving off the aggressors was made considerably more difficult by the fact their equipment was of better quality than typically found in such groups, having gauss carbines and laser rifles in good condition instead of the usual battered assault rifles and dented SMGs, too uniform and in too many numbers for it to be simply the consequence of a lucky raid on arms transport. It was a similar story with the Iron Talons' vehicles, which came armed with plasma weapons and particle cannons in addition to the usual heavy machineguns and autocannons. This and worryingly similar events have prompted many on Mars to suspect that advanced weapons are being directly sold to gangs like the Iron Talons, although authorities have yet to make any arrests or convictions in relation to this matter.


Terra/Gaia festival kicks off in Australian desert

Image
A vehicle from the Terra/Gaia Free Taxi Fleet

The Terra/Gaia festival, a week-long international celebration of art, music and communal conviviality taking place at different locations every year, has begun its first day in the desert south of Alice Springs, Australia. Ever since beginning in 2108, Terra/Gaia has been an exercise in contrasts. As is usual, the festival grounds are divided into two main areas, each representing one half of the year's dichotomy. This year, Terra/Gaia has been divided into the City of Lights on one side, a wind- and solar-powered electronic carnival of games and arcades, open-air raves and stages playing host to the more avant-garde rock and metal acts. On the other side are the Fields of Avalon, a riot of coloured banners and tie-dye flags draped over various eateries, acoustic stages and performance areas where the more organic methods of radical self-expression are played out. At night both areas are transformed, the City of Lights staying true to its name as it becomes a galaxy of neon and LED stars, while the Fields of Avalon are no less impressive as they are lit up by the flickering glow of multi-hued fires and coloured lamps. Throughout the festival grounds sculptures, displays and other artworks can be found, and each has its own story to tell. Perhaps the most impressive this year are the Sentinels, a collection of 16 sculptures placed in pairs along the Road of Conciliation bisecting the festival, facing each other and with each side taking the characteristics of its location. The Sentinels on the side of the Fields of Avalon are constructed out of wood, making clever use of natural forms and shapes to create their structure. The Sentinels looking out from the side of the City of Lights are constructed out of various iron and steel scraps, giving them a mechanical look. It is expected that attendance at this year's Terra/Gaia will be the highest yet, continuing a trend in which the festival has gotten larger every year.


This week in Paranoia: moral panic over internet obsessives

Image
The face of our destroyers, apparently

Cyber-hermits. The Plugged-in People. Netlifers. Whatever they are called by others, or what they choose to call themselves, these people are always connected to the internet in some manner. Whether spending most of their natural lives hooked up to a VR console, always clutching a portable device, or possessing cyber-implants with 'net connectivity, these people for whatever reason simply cannot tear themselves away from a digitally connected multiverse of a billion distractions for long periods. This can be because their career requires them to (or at least the Netlifer is convinced it is required), because their luxurious virtual lives come at the cost of having their choices and preferences recorded and tracked by researchers and marketers, or because meatspace fails in some way to satisfy. It is estimated that nearly 2 billion people on Earth are live like this, spending 80% of their waking hours plugged in to artificial realities, peering at a backlit screen, or possessing the thousand-yard stare indicating that the person in question isn't looking at anything in front of their eyes. Most people think they're more annoying than anything else, but where something can be misunderstood, it can be turned into a vehicle for paranoid lunacy. Such is the case in February's Armageddon Report, a radio show broadcast mainly in the eastern half of the Pacific Union to the scattered nests of weekend warrior nutcases across Idaho, Montana and Wyoming, which warned that such individuals were but the vanguard of a plot to enslave all of humanity through the back door. Program host Leith Cohen said on Tuesday's broadcast: "I see these empty-eyed creeps walkin' around and I just wanna smack 'em, I really do. Ya think a million hours playing VirtuaSex is worth having the rug pulled out from under one's feet? No sir I do not, but you try telling those chumps. We're becoming pets for the AIs, you can see it in these people".
User avatar
Mather
Posts: 170
Joined: Wed Dec 14, 2011 6:50 am

Re: Nova Mundi: 2115 (game thread)

Post by Mather »

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Texas


TOP SECRET


To: Chancellor of the Technocratic Union of Marispatria, Hei Min

The President has asked me to enquire as to why our negotiations concerning your sovereign presence in North America have seemed to have stalled? It has been well over a year since we gave you our last reply and so far we still await yours. In light of recent events both in Texas and on Mars, the President would like to see a swift and successful conclusion to these negotiations so that the government can devote it's full attention to these pressing matters.

I await your reply and look forward to our two countries reaching an agreement that will be in both our interests as well as serving the wider cause of peace in North America.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Texas

Clarence Royce
User avatar
Mather
Posts: 170
Joined: Wed Dec 14, 2011 6:50 am

Re: Nova Mundi: 2115 (game thread)

Post by Mather »

The Austin Times


All School and Higher Education exams cancelled as year long strike continues
(02/03/2153)

All exams scheduled to take place this year have been cancelled due to the ongoing strike against segregation that has brought the Texan education system to a complete halt. The unprecedented move came as the Ministry of Education issued a statement which suspended all schools, colleges and universities for an indefinite amount of time. After a series of meetings with teachers, academic staff and representatives of the strike, the Education Minister Janet Hayes concluded that it would be best if this years exams did not take place as the strike has disrupted this academic year to the point that students are now unable to sit any of their exams. Mrs. Hayes said that she was confident that this years exams could be carried over to the next academic year should there be a successful resolution to the strike. The Minister went out of her way to reassure parents and students that a lost year should in no way affect their educational prospects and that all students will be free to pick up where they left off once the strike had been resolved.

----------

Socialists vote to dissolve and merge with Anarchists
(08/06/2153)

At the end of a two day long extraordinary congress which was called for by the party's membership, the Socialist Party voted to dissolve itself only hours ago. The decision to dissolve the party was accompanied with a motion that was submitted by party members calling on all members to join the Anarchist Federation of Texas. In effect this means that the Socialists will merge with the Anarchists, which will now substantially increase the size of the latter.

The vote to dissolve the party was carried with 73% in favor to 24% against, with 3% abstaining. Ever since the Socialists abandoned electoral politics the party has been run by a system of direct democracy with all party members having equal weight. Individual leaders were done away with and replaced with a system of collective leadership in the form of a National Council, made up of twelve members elected by and recallable to the party membership. With this enhanced culture of party democracy the membership have for the last few years been the main driving force in determining which direction the Socialists take. During the conference our reporters spoke to numerous people from members of the party's National Council to ordinary grassroots party members. A common point that was made repeatedly was that since the Socialists abandoned electoral politics or what party members refer to as "reformist politics", the Socialists and the Anarchists suddenly had a lot more in common. They both had a common enemy in the form of human supremacism and capitalism. They both rejected electoral politics in favor of direct action and mass struggle. Another factor has been the change in the makeup of the membership of the Socialists. When the Socialists turned away from electoral politics, they attracted a new generation of mainly younger members for whom electoral politics held little appeal and over the last few years they have helped steer the Socialists into a far more radical direction. For these members today's decision to join with the Anarchists makes perfect sense as both sides have recently more or less agreed with each other on all the major issues and given the current heightened state of Texan politics, unity is in both their interests and what they see as the wider communist cause.

The decision was warmly welcomed by the Anarchist Federation. Their Federal Spokesperson Ryan Harris said "The decision taken by members of the Socialist Party is great and represents a real advance for the working class. For years we saw eye to eye with them on many things and fought against the same forces of oppression. Whether we are Marxists or Anarchists, we are all communists and unity is in all our interests as well as those of the working class. Disunity serves no one but our class enemies and we must overcome sectarianism in the communist movement as much as we struggle to overcome the divisions that the ruling class fosters upon us based on false notions of phenotype. With today's vote, we now have a united communist movement." With the merger, the Anarchist Federation will now have an estimated membership of 3.5 million people in Texas and it's space colonies.

----------

Texan economy slows due to investor concerns over 'stability'
(09/07/2153)

The economy is showing signs of slowing down as investor confidence slumps due to concerns over the future stability of Texas. With the ongoing strikes and protests against segregation lasting well over a year and showing no signs of letting up, many investors are mow losing faith in Texas as a safe market. The findings were part of a report that was jointly commissioned by the Texan Chamber of Commerce and the Confederation of Texan Industry.

The report was worrying on a number of different fronts. Since the first quarter of last year, exports have declined by a staggering 12.6% which has led to a massive widening in the balance of trade. Though imports have increased they only did so below predicted levels as consumer confidence and demand has also seen sharp falls since last year. This has led to Texas having an export deficit for the first time in it's economic history. The drop in consumer confidence and spending has seen several sectors of the economy taking a hit as a result with the retail, real estate, energy and tourism sectors being the worst off. The report predicts that over the coming year these sectors will continue to suffer and that many jobs are expected to be lost as businesses struggle to keep costs low in the face of declining profits. The report warns that any substantial increase in the unemployment rate will only further lower confidence in the Texan economy, creating a vicious circle where falling consumer demand and profits fuels further unemployment which will then fuel even lower rates of confidence. The report also highlighted a slight drop in the levels that banks are lending to each other, leading some analysts to speculate that this could become a serious cause of concern for the economy should government action not be forthcoming in dealing with this issue.

The recent poor performance of the economy has been attributed to the ongoing strikes and protests across the country. Key investors and businesspeople have complained about what they term as "instability" and how this has had a negative effect on the economy. Although the strike was initially confined to the education sector, over the last year there has been an upsurge in industrial unrest and strikes across other sectors of the economy. This, along with concerns about what impact the education strike and the cancellation of this years exams will have on the wider economy have dampened investor confidence. The big fear amongst investors, both Texan and foreign is that the protest movement continues and grows in both size and the scale of it's demands. Should this happen then most investors are betting on further unrest and instability.
User avatar
Red Commissar
Posts: 178
Joined: Mon Dec 12, 2011 7:01 am

Re: Nova Mundi: 2115 (game thread)

Post by Red Commissar »

THE REPUBLIC
THE VOICE OF THE CONGO!

NEW AFRICA'S SPILL OVER PROBLEM

June 11th, 2154

Normally in Iriniga, a town on New Africa's northwestern border, the citizens would be busy on the various agricultural projects determined by the local council. Nowadays however, its citizens are being drilled on militia tactics to protect their homes. In the past year, settlements all along New Africa's long western border have been attacked by bandits and marauders residing in the unclaimed regions of Mars.

"Honestly, I never expected this kind of thing", says Nicholas, an agricultural specialist, "It's almost like one of those old frontier movies Americans seem so enamored with"

Except of course this time, it's not a conflict between settlers and indigenous natives, but a more nuanced one among settlers of Martian colonies. The federation-level council in the capital New Kinshasha has been busy debating on possible responses to the banditry problem. Some are advocating expeditions into the wildnerness and others focusing on bolstering the defenses of border settlements. Consultations with the Congolese government are also said to be requesting more arms if not men to help fill in the defensive needs of New Africa until training programs are completed.

Banditry has increased in the past few years, the reasons for which are varied according to observers. There is some fault to be had in the employment situation- in the early years of Mars large amounts of colonists were brought in, often times those with significant augmentations or mechanoids, who could handle the conditions of pre-terraformed Mars or even in the early years of the terraforming. When Mars's terrain became more suitable for those with out significant enhancements, they were left with with little to do and in a way, felt like they were kicked to the curb in favor of newer colonists. Others point to the draw of the unclaimed lands for free-spirited peoples, which while have seen the creation of a whole host of anarchist, religious, and even utopian communities hidden away in the land, have also been a draw to more criminal-minded enterprises.

"Needless to say, we have greatly underestimated their strength", says a councilman who requested to be unnamed, "either there are crooked officials in the colonies on Mars or these groups have cultivated off-world contacts. It also does not help with the ongoing Warmachine-Sanctum conflict creating areas where these groups can operate without interference"

President LeClerk has mentioned the Martian issues in several meetings of both the government and the party, and has promised to commit what ever resources necessary to restore normalcy in New Africa.
User avatar
Red Commissar
Posts: 178
Joined: Mon Dec 12, 2011 7:01 am

Re: Nova Mundi: 2115 (game thread)

Post by Red Commissar »

To: Eniola Udo, Chief Secretary for Convergence's Sequence for Foreign Relations
From: Vanguard-0185, Foreign Minister of the People's Republic of the Greater Congo

The Council of the Republic have heard your proposal and I can report that they are warm to some idea of a supranational entity where the nations of Africa may discuss their needs and problems so that we may better our unique position in this world. Of course we wish you luck in trying to convince the Malagasy Nanotopia or the Cameroon Pact, entities whose relations are rather poor with the Congo. However we can guarantee that if this goes through, that the EAA and South Africa will follow the Congo into this body.
User avatar
NoXion
Posts: 556
Joined: Tue Jun 24, 2008 6:51 pm
Location: Nova Mundi

Re: Nova Mundi: 2115 (game thread)

Post by NoXion »

!ARCANISSIMA!
Unsanctioned access to this file is subject to the highest penalty!
Thought for the day: SI knows all at the Omega Point


To: The Director, Watchmen
From: Kohelethite Council, Sanctum

The Kohelethite Council of the Sanctum accepts the hand of friendship offered by the Watchmen. We feel that independent Martian power such as you and us should work together as a matter of mutual interest, as despite our pursuit of higher callings we realise the importance of cultivating productive material relations with our neighbours.

We do have some questions, regarding your relationship with the Republic of Texas. Judging from the political reaction to our Crusade from HNP-aligned Texan elements, it is possible that the Republic may carry out an attack on us. We know that Texas has no love for the Sanctum and its holy mission, and we suspect that they would prefer us to be mutually annihilated with the Warmachine. We ask where you would stand should Texan aggression against the Sanctum come to pass.

=====

Image


To: Vanguard-0185, Foreign Minister of the People's Republic of the Greater Congo
From: Eniola Udo, Chief Secretary for Convergence's Sequence for Foreign Relations

We are pleased to hear that the Council of the Republic is open to the idea of an African Continental Union. While the Malagasy Nanotopia has not made any announcements to the global press, a delegation we sent there reports that both the Nanotopia itself as well as its inhabitants are also amenable to the proposal.

As for the Cameroon Pact, the global press is correct in reporting the Pact's concerns. However, the Majalisa has since been engaging in top-level communications with the Pact's Oligarchic Council in an attempt to reassure them and smooth over any points of contention that they may have. We believe that we will have a definite answer from them within the year.
User avatar
Le Socialiste
Posts: 209
Joined: Fri Dec 09, 2011 10:19 pm
Location: All Over

Re: Nova Mundi: 2115 (game thread)

Post by Le Socialiste »

Confidential

To: Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Texas, Clarence Royce

From: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Technocratic Union of Marispatria

Mr. Clarence Royce,

Firstly, please accept our apologies, as the lateness of this missive is quite simply inexcusable. We have found ourselves rather behind on all matters of foreign correspondence, unfortunately, Regrettably, we believe the shock of comrade Baldassare’s sudden passing has had some ramifications on how quickly we can respond to matters requiring our attention. Additionally, while Chancellor Min wanted to respond to your inquiries related to this matter herself, she has been unable to do so due to time constraints. Do know you have our fullest attention now.

Secondly, while we recognize comrade Packston’s prior agreement with former President Michael Bauer, we must similarly acknowledge the disparities that exist between that event and today - namely our concerns that the gains and privileges presently enjoyed by many within the administered region will be brushed aside under the joint-tutelage of those polities comprising N. America. This is cause for worry, you see, as we must argue for the right of self-determination for all - regardless of locality. We understand how this may complicate future negotiations, but we wish to stress the right of all peoples to this notion of sovereignty.

To this end, simultaneous negotiations between ourselves and representatives from Maryland, Delaware, and Washington, D.C. have yielded some interesting conclusions that we hope may satisfy at least some of your demands (in part). They are as follows:

The territory of Washington, D.C. may serve as the focal point for all future matters involving the polities comprising N. America, provided it be permitted full sovereignty. All former members of the United States of America and Canada may meet to discuss and decide matters pertaining to the continent. A space can be created where all the nations and peoples of North America can come together to discuss points of interest and mutual concerns, as well as working together to solve those issues which affect them. Thus, the territory will continue to serve in its ‘collective’ capacity while enjoying the right to remain an independent state.

All three states are open to the possibility of introducing mild reforms to the existing economy that will go towards the existence of a small, but limited, private sector. So-called ‘free enterprises’ will be permitted room to grow, but the unanimous decision was to refrain from allowing these sectors entire swathes of the domestic economy.

We believe these concessions to be satisfactory, and hope your administration feels similarly. You must understand, also, that we are rather concerned about the existing state of N. America. Environmental catastrophe threatens entire polities throughout the Pacific Northwest and Midwest, as engineers labor to minimize the threat of Yellowstone’s hotspots. Protests, strikes, and demonstrations have erupted against the Confederate government, as mechanoids continue to call for an end to human supremacism and segregation. Your own country, once admittedly stable, is engulfed in a wave of radicalism previously unseen. The protest movement grows larger by the year, with bigger, more militant demands issuing from the bottom up. We have not seen instability on such a scale since the turn of the century.

We hope to hear from you soon. Of course, we wish to remain fair and reasonable for the duration of these negotiations. Cooperation is of the highest importance at this juncture.

Respectfully,

Haru Takuma
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Post Reply