Lemuriania is Dead. Lemurika is Born.

[Lemuriania]

It's roughly 3am at the Main Assembly Hall for the Furry Federation. National Leaders (or people sent by the those leaders) have all gathered in this hall, watching as one only Lemurian fiddle with the connection on a large flat screen TV. After a few moments of static, it sparks to life and almost immediately, a young lemur dressed in a business suit with a bow-tie, speaks up.

"Greetings esteemed members of the Federation. I'm Senet Skeeps. As you may or may not know, the Democratic States of Lemuriania has recently experienced a civil war. Our old, imperialist empire was bent on expanding it's territory, either through land purchases or outright conquest, as experienced in the Genus Liberalis war. After being oppressed by an overwhelmingly Libertarian majority and the CEOs that control our politicians like puppets, us on the left said enough was enough and seized control of our government, first tackling communications to separate the DSL from the rest of the Federation and working through various military branches. The war was short and might have been bloodless had we not been so careless. Most everyone outside of the Fortune 500 and the government was appalled by the outright shocking tactics are governments has used... all in the name of a few coins."

"That's why the new government, the United Socialist States of Lemurika has emerged in the name of freedom and to fight the zealous capitalists that live on our doorsteps and abroad. As of this message, all capitalistic nations will be subjected to blockades from our nation. Any attempts to restore capitalism in our nation will witness the heavy paw of the people's might."

"Any other Left nations are more than welcome to sit down and talk with the USSL. We can make trade agreements, as well as re-verify most of the old Lemuriania's agreements... including but not limited to arms."

"It's also worth to note that the territory conquered by the DSL will be kept by the USSL, though this is only to keep it out of the paw's of the CEOs. This area (like the lizard's desert to the north and the new human region to the northeast) will occupy a special status inside the USSL, not exactly a nation of its own but not exactly a providence either. A 'sub-nation'. It will have cabinet level members inside of our executive government and it's own committees that will be appointed to the special needs of these culture regions."

"To wrap up this conversation: we're a new nation. We're Trotsky-esque communists. We've rid ourselves of all the capitalists. Anyone wanting to change us back to normal won't. All capitalists won't be allowed to do business with the DSSL. Left wing nations--like Tinis---is OK and diplomatic relations will be maintained. We're keeping Genus Liberalis, but they'll be treated as if they was here all along."

"I thank you folks tonight for your time and your patronage. If you have any questions, comments or declarations of war, you can mail them directly to me, Senet Skeeps. Goodnight and Deed T'nee Der!"

End Transmission.

[The Union of Tinis]

"Thank you First Speaker for being able to connect today. I understand your recovery is still on going but is well." In the dark conference room, all eyes watch the monitor at the end of the room showing a bright hospital room with none other than Izixs sitting in the bed, bandaged, but awake and apparantly in a good mood.

"Thank you Joel," he says. "Now about current events down in Lemurian... Lemurika."

Supreme Commander Epshrin nods. "We've had no choice but to acknowledge the Lemurs claim to three fourths of Genus Liberalis. Waldo has already done the paper work as such as well and all we need is a Chamber vote to make the recognition of Lemur control of those areas official. As for the areas under our control, we've ignored the subject of giving up control there. And who knows, they might not want all of it either since their sections are still chaotic enough after both the invasions and the Lemur revolution. Add to our section the Ciatan refugees and they might have enough on their hands already."

Izixs nods then says, "Usil, how's the repore between their troops and ours then?"

"Still quite good. L-T Kad recently mentioned the party they had after their last joint mission," says the black bear. "Probably the best we could ask for under the circumstances. You could even say our troops kept them company while their government was over thrown back in Nexes."

Izixs smiles slightly. "Any concerns about their recent address at the hall?"

Vinlia speaks up. "I'm a little warry about their militant anti-capitalism. Might lead to an imperialistic push in the future. But we'll just have to see. Commander spooky [fyi, she means Commander Yerzok] is keeping tabs on their international actions and spies when she can find them to try to gauge their motives and weather or not they'll be faithful to the new government."

Epshrin says, "But First Speaker, you know I don't have to tell you that the Lemur situation is not sitting well with me." The wolf's eyes tell those present that there are likely other things not sitting well with him. "I suggest you tread carefully in your diplomatics for a time. I know politically this is a god send for you lefties, but don't let it get to your heads."

"Thank you Supreme Commander," replies Izixs. "I'll do my best to be careful. I'm due to meet with the new Lemur president later today if I can get the doctor to let me leave my room."

"And security," comments Epshrin.

"Or security for that matter. But I'll tread carefully as always. Besides, Senet was an ambassdor from the old government, and damn good one too, and now runs the new. Which means his loyalty is to his homeland, not necissarily the government that controls it. Wish me luck, Izixs out."

-----

Shortly after the confrence, Yerzok, who wasn't at the meeting, tracks down Commander Lenord in his office.

"Ah, Yerzok, good to see you. You missed the meeting with Izixs," he says as she comes in.

"I saw it. But that's not important. What is important is the next election."

The fox who had just lifted a coffee mug to his lips, puts it down and says, "Excuse me?"

The horse grins, showing her teeth which have been filed to points. "We both know we're going to be running for the old dragons spot. The trouble is, we're on the wrong end of the political spectrum in this country. Before the politics gets to hot, we need to take down the left. And I have the information we need to do so. But in order to get it to the open air, I can't do it alone. I don't want to be politized by it in the negative way you see. And the means upon which I gain the information is less than reputable if you know what I mean."

"Go on," says Lenord.

"All I can tell you is that there is more than meets the eye to their meeting tonight. But other than that, I can't risk saying more until you agree to sign on."

"I'm afraid Yerzok, that I can't take you up on the offer at the moment. I have to consult my own... resorces to make sure you're being frank with me. But an alliance at this stage might be prudent. Give me a week or two and I'll let you know my answer."

"Fair enough. But I'll make sure to record their meeting tonight in case you decide to partake in this venture."

[Lemuriania]

Senet Skeeps, president of this new nation, sat at a long table with various aids sitting down the sides and the vice president at the end. He nods to them to sit down before explaining, "Alright, we have an interesting situation on our paws... and claws.. and hands." he says slightly awkwardly, noting both the lizards and the human that was sitting at the table, "With the exception of Tinis---I have a private meeting with the First Speaker soon---no positive or negative interest ... or even statements of neutrality has been made by other nation in regards to Lemurika." he explains, "This is worrisome. With no solid declarations, the other nations in the Federation could be poising to give Lemurika back to the capitalists... or worse. Sneg Gnedleh, how's our military situation?"

Sneg Gnedleh, an elder lemur in a general uniform, explained, "As from what I could see, shitty. While the revolutionary army and the former Lemurian army are forming together quite nicely, our forces are spread out too thin. In Genus Liberalis region alone, we have nearly 2/3 of our military forces spread way too thin. The other 1/3 is sprawled through-out Lemurika trying to suppress the small uprisings of various capitalists and religious fantastics. I fear even a small army could seize the capital with ease. Our only ace-in-the-hole is our nuclear weapons. However, with our arsenal the same as everyone els--"

"Stop right there," says Senet, "I know what you're going to say and I don't want to here it. I made up my mind. We're not breaking the treating and creating more nukes. We have more than enough to wipe out the third of the map and I won't be responsible for starting another arms race!"

"But sir---"

"No, Sneg. You can increase the level of conventional missiles all you want, but I'm not going to raise the level of nuclear or biological weapons. Eber Edel, how's the robots doing?"

"Not so good," said a rather attractive, albeit nerdy female lemur, "As I told you before, turning a nation from a proletarian-ran society to a machine-ran society is going to take billions... even trillions of Trotskys. We simply don't have the funds to pay these other nations for the parts that we don't have here in Lemurika."

Sneg then quipped, "If we had the forces, we could just expand farther into the desert for the oil and silicon we need."

"CAN IT!" yelled Senet, "Just... can it. We knew there was going to be problems and we knew that we was going to suffer before we could experience glory. Sneg, Eber and other members of this board... While we have no true silver bullet for all these problems, a lot of this can be solved if we appeal for some international help. Once I get that meeting in with First Speaker Ixiz, I'm sure we can get the money and an ally in this brave new world. This meeting will recess for lunch. Be back by 3 or so."

-------------

A lone human stood in a forcefully abandoned Walt-Mart in the business sector of Nexes. He stares at his watch and peers out into the dim room before a large bull accompanied by an over-weight lemur walked into the room.

"Ahh... I see you've arrived. How's the former president doing?" inquires the human

"I'm doing fine." the fat lemur states, "My fur is a little ruffled ever since the revolution. The death of my twin disheartens me so, but whatever it takes to stay in power, I guess. I'm sure you recognize my companion?"

"Yeah... He's Walt Toltolk! You was one of the biggest success stories to rise out of 1991 retail collapse."

"That's right," spoke the large bull, "Combing cheap sweatshop labor with poorly made products and one-side deals with other companies, I was able to pull through and buy out most of my serious competion by 1997. Luckily for me, I had been planning to expand into the Great Big Wet Thing and was looking around at prospective locations when the attack happened."

The human smiled, "It would have been off with your head and onto the grill if you stayed."

Walt frowned, "Cute. Let's get to the heart of the matter. I've been hiring various mercenaries from abroad to come into the nation." he pauses then asks, "Do you have the military information we need?"

The human smiled. "Of course. We're weak as hell. From what I gathered, Sneg has been using a 'shadow' tactic that makes the military present seem larger that it is. I bet with even the small forces you've acquired, the could fall within a matter of days. The army is stretched to the limits and since no nation is involved, they have no where to drop their missiles."

The former president and Walt Toltolk grinned. "We'll conduct operations right away. We should have a force capable of installing a fascist government by end of the week."

The human frowned, "What about that nation of humans you promised?"

"They'll get the eastern jungle regions and the northern desert regions after all this is said and done." explained Walt.

"Good."

"Oh.. and uh... Killian? As Chief of Human Relations in the current cabinet, try not to get yourself kicked out. "

"I won't," said Killian as he walked off toward the back door and the other two moved toward the front door.

[gbwt]

From: President Rutherford B. Jacklin of The Furry Nation of the Great Big Wet Thing.
To: Senet Skeeps

First I need to apologize for not replying to you sooner. As you may know, my nation is currently involved in the Ciata situation. But this is no excuse, so please accept my most sincere apologies.
Second, we are aware that you are in need of relief within your borders due to the recent civil war. We are able to provide some food, water, medical, and personnel to aid your people, but please understand that our reserves are low due to our responses in T3h Furry and Ciata. With your permission, we shall send Aid workers and supplies to your country to assist in stabilizing you and your people. After your country has become stable, we are willing to discuss trade negotiations and peace treaties.

[The Union of Tinis]

"First Speaker," states Undersecretary of State Johndas.

Izixs enters the large meeting room a few minutes before President Skeeps' arrival, taking it slow and making sure to use his simple cane for support. He nods to the undersecretary and takes his seat.

The room was once a council hall for the Outlandish government. Since the governments collapse it had been abandoned, but with the help of the Furry Federation's governance of the area, the building was kept well in hopes that the citizenry could eventually reform their government and begging again. But the process was taking time and negotiations between factions were few and far between.

Tinisian security, four furs dressed in the best dress jackets and pants give the elegant meeting hall the feel that a ball was to be had.

"Johndas?" asks the anthro dragon.

The otter responds, "First Speaker, they'll be arriving shortly. We informed them that your movement was limited so they were kind to oblige and give us some extra time to get you seated."

"Thank you," says Izixs as the door at the opposite end of the rooms opens up. "Have a seat yourself and we'll get this started."

Enters two lemurs and a human, both of great stature and musculature. Immediately behind them appears another lemur, the president's aid. Finally, flank in back by a lizard and another lemur, themselves similarly built like the first three guards, arrives President Senet Skeeps. As the Lemurikan president and his aid find their seat and their security take up positions, Izixs smiles.

"Its good to see you again Senet. I must congratulate you on your moving up since we last met. A lot has happened since then, some good and some bad obviously. But one good thing, is this," says Izixs as Johndas hands a binder over across the table. "This is Undersecretary of State Johndas by the way. In the binder is the optimal wording for an alliance between our two nations, that was just approved by my nation's chamber with enough votes to avoid referendum. With your blessing, I'd like to finalize the alliance we talked about. How about?" The smile upon the dragon's visage speaks of great joy.

[The Union of Tinis]

[Conversation posted with permission of Lemurika]

Senet smirks as he listens to the dragon across the table from him, "Getting straight to the business, aren't we scalie buns?" He laughs a little before opening the binder and looking inside, studying it for ten minutes before passing it over to his aid to review in detail. "From what I skimmed---and I am a good skimmer---I found this alliance to be even more open than the orginally alliance formed between Lemuriania and Tins after the cold war. Of course, I can easily assume it may be because we're Socialists now. However, I can also assume that you want to keep us close so you can have an eye on us. I'm willing to bet my dark-furred butt on the former." he nods slowly.

Through the corner of his eye, Izixs notices his Undersecretary's sudden uneasiness at the lemur's corse choice of words.

"Well to be honest there is some politics involved with the wording," says the First Speaker. "Personally I subscribe to the former. Makes it easier to cooperate and do what's right if we're able to work very close together. However, others in my government, namely that Nationalists that I got to support the alliance, do see the openness as a way to keep tabs on you. But they're not the ones in charge."

Senet nodded to Izixs, "Ahh, bi..particsan bickering. I can't wait until my government gets stable enough to start disagreeing without pulling out guns. You may think of it as an annoyance, but you really take it for granted. Just seeing two adults, discussing, then getting mad and just walking away... It's really something. As for me and my seemingly mute aid, we're happy to accept this alliance, to the dismay of your nation's right wing." He leans back a little in his seat.

Izixs nods. "Ah you forget that I was there when the guns were pulled easily and often in Tinis. Lemurika will stabalize. It'll take some work but I have faith in you." The dragon pauses for a moment, watching the Lemurikan president. "But shall we sign?" he says finally.

Senet looks over to his aid quietly as he continues to read through the agreement, roughly on his second and a half pass. Senet leans over and taps his shoulder before asking in his native language, "Yeh, eey! Dnef gnehtene dde?" The smaller aid lemur shook his head before passing the binder back to the president. Senet quietly grabbed it up and opened to the last page, grabbing a pen off the table and signing his name on the dotted line. He inquires as he passed the document onto the First Speaker, "How did you keep the media's nose out of this, Izixs?"

"Its all about speed," he says as he takes the document and proceeds to sign. "My country's media has been aware of a rework of the alliance but won't find out about it being passed and signed until tomorrow morning when the chamber makes its daily report. Sometimes you got to catch them with their pants down, as it were. It all happened about an hour after the last reporter went home for the night. The chamber was debating water districting, something the press has no interest in at the moment, when one of my allies did the proper motions to get the alliance to a vote." With the final stroke of the pen, the alliance is made between Lemurika and Tinis. "So, how does it feel to be an official ally of the Union of Tinis?"

Senet chuckles and says with a subjective subtext, "If feels like I'm happily married." After which, he then turns the question on Izix, "How does it feel to be an offical ally of the USSL?"

Izixs, still smiling, answers, "You took the words right out of my maw. I definitely hope our alliance can be as close as a marriage, and perhaps just as loving." The Tinisian aid, can't help but twitch his whiskers. It is easy to find even Unionist supporters who are a little antsy about the deal. "But before we confuse poor Johndas any more, is there any business you think we should discuss in particular while we're here?"

Senet quietly nods, "We need some military relief and fast. I feel like I'm sitting on a time bomb.... We have the large revolutionary army and the former Lemurian army integrated nicely. The problem lies in the amount of territory we have to cover. It's just too large for us."

"So the rumors are true then." The smile finally disappears from the First Speaker's face. "Currently we are stretched every-which way militarily. If it was anyone else I'd have to tell them to look somewhere else. However, I can work this. Shimandu is quickly stabilizing. They might be years from reestablishing their government but all but the warlords holding the old capital have been killed or converted to the side of the federation. If done carefully, Tinis can start moving forces to Lemurika while maintaining the appearance of strength in Shimandu."

Senet nods, his paw-hands move to the table. "Thanks, hun. I'm trying to get as much support in this cold and lonely world without restorting to coersion or increasing our nuclear arsenal." He nods slowly, "Of course, I have no idea how else to pull it off without resorting to extreme needs or appealing for international help. I hope to bring others into this as well, but I'm sure our strong anti-capitalists policies scare most of them off."

"Well we are allies and all, its what allies do." Izixs hands the alliance to Johndas. "Your statements to the federation are a sign of the times in Lemurika. As for reactions to it... Some are afraid, others are confused, but with time they'll learn to see the enlightenment we seek to bring to the world."

Senet smiles at Izixs "Indeed. Brillant words from such a bold and hansome man."

Izixs' eyes gain a slight tinge of red as he grins and suddenly looks a little nervous. His aid has all but given up on the situation at hand and its lack of standard protocol. "Thank you," says the First Speaker. "But I must give caution. Though a majority of the federation is left of center, there are those that might be watching and aiming to use Lemurika as an example in their campaign against our ideas. Be careful."

Senet nods, "We're careful as we can be without squashing freedom. It's a hard task indeed," he answers as he looks to him, still feeling a tad big awkward at his Freudian slip. He continues, "Anyway... That's it for me. You got anything you'd like to talk about?"

The tinge fades from the dragon's eyes. "Well I'm guessing you've been updated about the events at the monastery. Tinisian intelligence has reported that the bastard the knocked me around a couple months back might be in the area, but I guess we'll find out soon. Other than that, I do have one question. How is your nation's food production fairing these days?"

Senet says, "We're having just a tad bit of trouble, though not much. As long as terrorists don't ruin the soil and the citizen-based subcommittee doesn't faulter with pointless politics, our food production might actually surpass the 'needs' level soon," he answers before stating, "If you need us to ship out some food, just tell us where. They might get tired of mangos and bananas, but they'll eat."

Izixs nods. "Well there's no rush, but my cabinet is clamoring to find food imports for the long term. It might be a while before the recent farming initiatives produce any thing worth while so they're a tad worried about shortages starting in a couple years."

"Couple of years? Heh. We should be able to handle it by then." Senet then looks around the room at everyone else before turning his attention back to First Speaker. "Do you think there is a chance we could speak in private for awhile?"

"Our official business is concluded so I think it will be possible," the First Speaker turns to his guards. The leader gives a slight nod. "Yes, I believe there is a private lounge down the hall if you'd like to retire there for a time."

Senet turns to his guard and aid before nodding as well. "You lead me, and I'll follow."

-------

<Eight days later deep, within Tinis Intelligence HQ>

"Kind of an odd choice of words, don't you think?" says Lenord with his foxy grin. "You'd never believe what went on next." The two commanders finished watching the low quality video deep within the lower levels of Yerzok's personal fortress, the headquarters of Tinisian intelligence. Both could almost smell the taste of victory.

[Lemuriania]

Senet smirks as he walks into the conference room with a bounce in his step, seeming a little more happier than usual. He sits down in his chair, being a little more easier than usual before turning to face his cabinet quietly. "Good news. We're getting some help from both the GBWT and the UoT. Of course, the help has been defined in this personal binders, as well as the official alliance of Tinis and Lemurika, as Xeroxed by my aid," he then nods to his seemingly mute aid as he passes it around to all the cabinet members.

Sneg Gnedleh inquired as he looked over the papers, "Does this mean we actually get some military relief?"

"It's limited," answers Senet, "But it's better than nothing.
"

Every one nodded and mumbled back and forth to each other before the chairman of the Assembly spoke up. He was a tall lizard and rather lanky with sand-brown scales, "Well, I can honestly state that you're doing a fine job as our leader in these dark times. I am worried, however, about our budget. With all are time and effort going into social order, I fear that fulfilling the basic needs of every citizen---one of the primary goals of Lemurika---could be unmet by shear supply and demand, which could lead to yet more civil disobediant. I have a mix committee of politicans and civilians already on it.. but I still think a little more needs to be done."

Senet sighs and thinks, "I'll see what I can do in order to keep things.. in order across the board. Things are going to be stretched pretty tight, though. I may have to put Lemurikan civilians at ease with a speech . Ugh." he grumbles as he rubs the side of his head. "Meeting adjourned, for now."