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Post by miokalia on Apr 25, 2006 11:20:45 GMT -5
Andertol says, "PED sounds like the kind of organization that Einterbaum would try to support, if not exploit. Although he is organized, and his entire militia is organized now. He's supported by wealthy fascists. Although his regime in NCR resembled more of a fiefdom than a police state. All he wants is money, so he'll go where he can find it. PED might be just like-minded enough to be the wealthy plutocrats he's looking for. Fortunately, he doesn't like being 'invisible'. Whenever he starts something, he makes it a big deal. We know he uses fairly 'unsecured' transmissions for communication sometimes. When he's talking to his 'sponsors'. Which is usually enough intelligence that we can triangulate his location. But he stays on the move, and often transmitts from aircraft or boats to keep from being found." He pulls out a rough schematic from his folio, and hands it to waldo. "This is a... reduced schematic of the weapon he is in possesion of. As you can see, it is a cannon. More detailed versions have been sent to your intelligence people. We had to censor out part of it, by request of Malychis since it showed part of their technology which they are very secretive of. It's nothing to tremendously important, as you can see the main power here comes from a nuclear PBMR reactor, which is very stable. I apologize for most of it being in Raptoric, it was done very quickly. Still, it gives you an idea of what it is (somewhat)." He stares at the clockwork-cat, and continues, "We don't really have anything that can be used against this. This is a very powerful weapon. Fortunately, I don't think Tinis or the northern Federation is really his main target. He doesn't like furs, but his main focus is us and the Malych. I have a feeling he might even work with some unscrupulous furs, such as PED, to get what he wants. Whatever that is."
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Post by The Union of Tinis on Apr 28, 2006 15:46:48 GMT -5
"Motives are hard to come by these days. Too many players keeping their true intentions hidden."
Waldo tries to keep himself from having too much of a confused look as he inspects the diagram. We a slight laugh he says, "I hope we got someone who can make better sense of these details than I can. I see a fan, what appears to be some cooling devices, and of course a beam. But since I'm obviously no expert on reading diagrams, perhaps I should just ask. Does this device have any obvious weaknesses? Is it vulnerable to EMP or radiation or even something unusual like a pollen. If Einterbaum knows what he's doing, he'd probably try to make sure the weapon away form these things. Thus we could narrow down his possible hiding spots."
The mechanical cat meows on the hour. It is now eleven o'clock.
"As for defense against something like this, if its indeed as powerful as you're describing there's very little conventional protection against it. As you're likely aware, our own pattern defense system has been tested against conventional weapons short of large class bombs or nuclear weapons. It might be able to take a blow from this, but I'm afraid I don't have as much faith in the techs who built that thing to want to chance it. Plus our PDS couldn't protect Miokalia."
Waldo pauses for a moment before continuing one. "Here's a thought. Would Einterbaum be willing to trade this device or its technology for a devastating strike against your country or the Malych?"
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Post by miokalia on Apr 29, 2006 17:51:42 GMT -5
They continue into the next room. Andertol says,
"As far as he's concerned, the fact that he even has this is a devastating blow to us. The Malych really don't like destroying their own technology, but if threatened enough (and I must say, they take a lot of flak before they retalliate) they will go into their 'war mode'... ... and because of a treaty with Dincota, we have to freeze all our military operations and close up our borders for a while. And while the Malych basically doing the whole protectorate thing and we have to get out of the way and not interfere with them. The "swarming" that they tend to do takes a huge amount of effort and can result in a lot of accidents. The last time this happened was almost 110 years ago, when there was nothing but a few isolated rural communities, a probe and maybe some dinosaurs here and there. It was safer. I don't think they're going to do this over just one guy, and just one weapon, even a powerful one. But a cripling blow to the Malych... from what we can tell, this guy would just love to capture the Malych Premier, Kyagga and keep him 'alive' just to torture him as an example."
he paused for a bit and continued, "But with the cannon: There is something... we can do... to stop it... Although it is not something we're really supposed to let anyone do... The Malych don't want us using linear electromagnetic devices on it, since they'd like it back (not destroyed). But frankly, we are our own country, and we have to watch out for the security of our continent here, and if that means we have to 'accidently suggest' the use of electromagnetic devices and 'subtly' give your intelligence people a censored schematic of the device where the electromagnetic weakpoint is the specific part that is censored, then I guess that's just how it has to happen."
Quietly, he continued, "This cannon can take about 4 hits from any kind of linear electromagnetic device, like a pinch, microwave gun or pulse device. We find that concentrated pulse devices will shut down the type of computer system in there faster than anything else. I think this is a situation in which it is necessary for our safety that we 'indicate' this so you don't end up loosing any soldiers because of diplomatic inflexibility. We value life far too much to do that to our own, or anyone else's military forces."
Speaking normally again, he said, "If Cen Kyagga wants to growl and snort at me for breaking his precious 'creations' then that's his problem. I'm sure the rest of their system would understand the circumstances. It's their fault the weapon got into Einterbaum's hands to begin with. They're the ones that decided to hide it in the Northern province and lost it in the first place"
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Post by The Union of Tinis on Apr 30, 2006 22:26:52 GMT -5
"Yes, I'm rather confused by why they would do something so risky. But everything you've told me... us, will hopefully be put to good use."
The group walks into a hall filled with masks of various types and sizes. Zern rambles on about the origions and purposes of each, ignoring the diplomat's conservsation.
"Actually, I have an idea to help cover you. I distinctly see some radiation signs here. During the defense of Suey Baw Monastery in Ciata, we managed to coble togeather an electro-magnetic pattern pulser that we hoped could deactivate an atomic device from a distance. It was never tested and over half of it was dissasembled on the site after the threat had passed. But its core systems were taken back to Tinis and its under going a refurbishing of sorts. We still don't have any idea if it would work, but it is still an e-m device. If we were to use it in an attempt to disable the cannon, we can claim that we were doing so in order to attempt to stabalize any nuclear fissionable material in the device. So if your instructions do indeed work, then we can claim serendipity instead of having uncomfortable questions coming back to Miokalia."
Waldo sighs. "I knew for the moment I took this job that I'd have to bend and break my personal code when it came to lies. I'm a little scarred that I'm the one suggesting them now."
A short pause and a thought enters the raccoon's mind.
"Wait, how in the world would he be able to nab the Malych Premir? I hope no low security visits are on the horizon."
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Post by miokalia on May 1, 2006 23:11:47 GMT -5
Andertol shrugged:
"You know how dragons are. They are very confident in their resilience. Well, the Malych are absolutely confident in their indestructibility. And they also don't give much notice on things like this. He just informed us not so long ago that he's going to visit. We usually have to back-up his security because historically, they haven't been so good with it."
He continued:
"The problem with a high-power EM pulse is that just a few medium ones will kill the computer system, which is enough to make it inoperable. A very high-powered one would actually effect the reactor by actually electrolyzing the heavy-water inside it. Seperating it into hydrogen and oxygen, which is very dangerous... It's a PBMR reactor so it's normally very stable, they can't produce enough radiation at once to have a regular "meltdown", but if oxygen is somehow introduced into the core.... There won't be a whole lot of radiation leaking, since it will be instantly absorbed...
by the subsequent cloud of what basically amounts to 7000-degree carbon 'plasma'...
Everything in 150 feet would be incinerated, the cannon itself: vaporized.
I guess that not a single millirem of radiation will escape the cloud. Also nothing outside of that 150 foot sphere would be damaged too much. Just singed a bit.
This of course is very dangerous. If too much power is used, it can pose a serious threat to personell. Plus then that chalks up what is technically another "nuclear disaster" for PBMR devices. We have pressure from our largest manufacturer of those devices, Dorrington Modular Energy, to 'not let this happen', because it could 'make people scared of the technology again'.
I'm going to suggest using a low-power EM pulse."
Andertol pauses for a bit,
"You know, we ought-to have an energy conference or something where we can set up safety standards for nuclear reactors and such... Just thinking... Maybe we can do that when you come down?"
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Post by miokalia on May 4, 2006 20:26:12 GMT -5
Andertol pauses a moment, and asks, "Is there somewhere else you wanted me to see? It seems that we're at the end of this museum tour. I'd love to see anything else you've planned."
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Post by The Union of Tinis on May 4, 2006 23:32:29 GMT -5
There's a couple more unusual art pieces but the tour ends. They thank Zern for her enlightening tour and soon return to the rail platform where a car is already waiting for them. While the board an aid handles the schematic and places it in a folio. Waldo mentions the next stop, and last scheduled oned, is a visit to the capitol building, the Arx Spire. They are soon zooming away. Waldo points to a flattish golden building. "I used to work there about ten years ago as a file clerk. I was going to the cities academy then and as part of the learning process in my program, you had to work in an enviroment where international studies was important. So I ended up in working as a clerk in the office for international radio management. Wasn't glamourus but it was interesting." The train slides on through the mid level buildings that surround the dense downtown. Some tea is offered as well as some biscuits. The train turns and heads back into the dense 'forest' of towering buildings. "Its truely amazing that almost all of this was built in only fourty years, or less. Even five years ago they were putting the finishing touches on some of the newer buildings." Waldo laughs. "From what I hear, the First Speaker and anyone who can fly on their own just loves the dynamics of the air flow. Almost unpredictable between the buildings unless you know the area. And if you do, apparantly they can get a pretty wild ride." The cars climb the hill that sits in the center of the city and pull up to a stop almost right infront of the tallest building in the city, and in fact, all of Tinis. Waldo intentionally puts his face to the window to try to see the top, which is basically impossible inside the train. Andertol passes doing the same until the group leaves the car. The outside, despite the arrival of a VIP, is still, very busy. Security is tight, and almost all the people walking about, and certainly all the people on the platform or within a hundred feet, have some form of identification on display. Waldo once again cranes to see the top, and basically has to look straight up to do so. "This is it, the center of Tinis. Practically physically, politically certainly, but also economically technically. The national economic council has their offices here along with almost anything or anyone who sits on the national side of things." The crowds keep away from the group as they make their way to the main entrance. "The chamber is in session at the moment, so there's also plenty of activity as you can see. Each of the five hundred plus a few speakers have their offices here. The upper chamber members even have residences here on the upper floors. The building has recently under gone a major security upgrade after the unfrotunate business with the attack last year. But even before that it was equiped with state of the art security observation and detection equipment, escape systems, fire doors, the works." They're almost done crossing the plaza when Waldo asks. "Would you be willing to pay the chamber itself a visit?"
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Post by miokalia on May 5, 2006 22:50:41 GMT -5
"I would love to see it." , responded the allosaur.
Still looking up at the tower he said, "This must be the tallest tower in the whole Federation. It wouldn't surprize me."
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Post by The Union of Tinis on May 7, 2006 18:32:15 GMT -5
"It might very well be."
The large foyer still has some scaffolding in a corner where presently some workers are replacing some tiles in a mosaic. The group travels through a series of arches, none of them giving any alerts as they pass. On the far side at the security check point everyone that doesn't already have an id badge is handed one and they are allowed proceed.
The room continues and they pass intersecting hallways, elevator banks, and murals depicting the ideals of liberty and justice. Finally the hall ends at two very large doors. Before opening them, Waldo mentions, "I believe the chamber is in session, so if everyone would mind keeping all chit chat to a quiet level, that would be very appreciated. We can spend a few minutes here and take a sit in the guest section in back just beyond the doors."
Waldo opens the doors and all enter.
The Chamber of Speakers stands before them. The architecture seems almost gothic in shape, yet vibrant in color as it forms the room into a massive dome. Seats ring the center for four fifths of the circular chamber with a large gap on the far end where a large walk way exists, flanked by a line of computers and audio equipment. The chamber looks to be about half full at the moment, and only about ten percent of those present seem interested in the business being discussed at the raised podium in the center. Immediately behind the podium is another raised section with a large desk where sits a very bored Speaker Tiberiu, a middle aged husky.
"And in my talks with Colonial Gran," drones Speaker Amkin at the podium. "He informed me that indeed the fifty seven mark twelves were having engine trouble. He asked me then if there was something I could do. That is why I offered the amendment to that bill, nine nine five one. So that we can mandate that the army have at least someone who can go back to the engine manufactures, or in this case, Shik-ey plan down aways south, and say, hey, your motors defective. Fix it. Now I'm horribly confused why Speakers Yinsick and Imogo, Speaker Imogo, and Speaker Sanders seem upset by this move. Its common sense. I yield the rest of my time to the floor."
Speaker Tiberiu, acting as first chamber speaker pro tempo, has by now noticed the guests. He says, "I'd like to invoke rule fifteen at this time to welcome our friends, the dignitaries from the Protectorate of Miokalia. I believe it would be in order at this time if all who felt it well to do so were to give them a welcome."
The group is greeted by applause from a good portion of those present. A few don't applaud, but look quite surprised when the clapping starts, and a small minority others are quite aware of what is going on, but respectfully hold their paws. After about fifteen seconds the clapping dies down.
Speaker Tiberiu acknowledges the speaker from Roska.
"I move that the chamber moves to the business of the impeachment of First Speaker Izixs."
Tiberiu's face sours slightly. "Though I would like to remind the anti-union leader that we've already visited that question three times today, the move is in order provided no other leader objects. Is there any objections?" No other party leadership is on the floor presently. "No objections, the movement is put into effect. All time shall until next subject change shall only be in order if it is on the question of Speaker Dainsburough's bill calling for the impeachment of First Speaker Izixs."
Waldo doesn't look happy, but is patient. As no one seems interested in speaking on the question, it is only a few moments before Tiberiu again recognizes the Anti-Union leader begins to berate against the first speaker for his immorality and calls into question his behavior with regards to the recent sex scandal.
Waldo shakes his head, "Well, not all parts of democracy are pleasant. But if Speaker Hopkod here had his way they'd be burning half the country at the stake."
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Post by miokalia on May 7, 2006 23:29:49 GMT -5
Andertol stares in mild surprize,
"They're impeaching a representative on the grounds of what?... immorality? ... What did Izixs do? eat babies?"
His turns to an aide and begins conversing in an out of English and Kohtohkhan.
"Dosi, ytiych e nryoa. cati do Izixs vroya?", he said quitely to the aide. "nargen It couldn't mean much even if it did.", he replied. "Katahido a... sex scandal dorioya danache kaso nutch...", he said back a bit sharply "tavo. nori-danwa. I doubt it", said the aide. "yiich desu" he said back.
Waldo just waited for them, a bit confused trying to follow the conversation. The allosaur turned and explained.
"I'm trying to figure out if your anti-union party here is trying to make... some kind of statement because we happen to be here. Bringing up something that I could only presume they might assume we would react to..."
Waldo continued to stare out at the assembly.
"Well, I certainly didn't expect to see this today", he finally said.
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Post by The Union of Tinis on May 8, 2006 0:03:07 GMT -5
"Though the question has come up from time to time, usually pushed by the anti-union party, in the last month they have gotten a bit more subdued. Probably because their having a big convention of some sort this summer. Some of them might of caught wind of your visit and decided to push it back on their agenda."
Waldo rubs his nose, a habit he does on occasion when he's thinking.
"Well the short of the story is that the First Speaker had been fooling around with the now former head of Lemurika, in private. Then in response to the UN mandatory prostitution law, the chamber passed an annoyingly complex law to try to side step the UN resolution. We might prize our liberties, but do instil some restrictions when it comes to activities that could hurt the liberties of others and our democracy in the long run.
"So anyway, the law had a section that in certain stretches of the imagination could be thought of as applying to Izixs' activities, and criminalizing them if certain conditions were met. Through shaddy means that created a whole other scandal involving the National Auditor, the info about Izixs' lover got out and suddenly its witch hunt time."
Waldo tries to calm his nervous touching of his snout. "I must say this is a little embaracing. We had thought they were near dropping the issue. It wasn't quite the political killer they might of thought it was. It hurt the Union party, but we're still going to win the next election easily. This theater is very annoying. There's some investigations going on, but I doubt they'll amount to much."
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Post by miokalia on May 8, 2006 14:04:56 GMT -5
"Sleeping around is hardly an appropriate reason to impeach a competent individual from leadership.", Andertol said, "Well, we've had our own laws designed to remove power from certain interest groups... Just never on the grounds of this kind of thing"
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Post by The Union of Tinis on May 8, 2006 21:36:26 GMT -5
Waldo lets out a half laugh. "This isn't actually the first time the Anti-Union party has tried to oust the First Speaker. It must be in the dozens by now. At least a couple times a decade they think they have 'it', the thing that will get the tide to turn against him, but they rarely get any votes outside their own party when it comes time to hold the vote. They haven't had much luck in the popular elections either. Even with a four way race Izixs is the favorite.
"But it is a little confusing this round because Izixs has announced he won't be running any more. In a couple years he'll be retired."
The raccoon shrugs. "The exact interpretation of the law that they're trying to use is that Izixs relationship with the head of state in question merited an action that resulted in political gain. The Lemurikan alliance was fairly popular. And sex for political gain was recently strongly codified as being a felony last October I think it was. But there's no evidence that their relationship continued after that election as shortly after Senet Skeeps disapeared in Lemurika as their government was overthrown. Ex post facto and all that, their case has no grounds legally. But I suspect they don't care about the legal side of it, just the political."
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Post by miokalia on May 8, 2006 22:49:50 GMT -5
"I guess they can't filibuster it. You guys must have filibuster limits...", says the Allosaur.
He then smiled a bit, "We need filibuster limits... maybe our houses should take a hint from yours."
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Post by The Union of Tinis on May 14, 2006 23:54:07 GMT -5
"Well the rules for the most part are fairly simple. There are motions that any speaker may make and there are motions that only party leaders can make. The ones that are party leaders only are the motions that tend to control the flow of debate and legsilation such as bringing bills to a vote, quorum calls, changing the subject of debate, as we just witnessed, and adjurning. A couple floor controling motions can be made by any speaker provided that there are is a second and a third from at least one other party. Fillibusters are possible but require the help of a party leader, even if it isn't your own, to call into question the various motions that could end a fillibuster. There have been instances when moderate members of the Anti-Union party has relied on the help of the Union whip, whom can be deputized as leader in the event a party leader is not present, to keep discussions of forestry regulations in play.
"But I suspect I'm starting to bore you. There's something else I think you might like to see. This way please."
Waldo gets up and leads the group out of the Chamber. They are soon in a spacious express elevator accelerating towards to towering heights of the spire.
"We thought it might be wonderful to grant you an alternative view of the city."
One of the well dressed Tinisian body guards reveals a key card and inserts it into the elevator's control pannel. The guard pushes in a security code and suddenly the read out on the panel reads '256'.
Waldo smiles and nods to the guard. "We'll be there in a few moments. Just a warning, your ears might pop. The upper levels are partially pressurized but not entirely."
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