The South PacificBoard

Volaworand wrote:

Midand, Techganet: nothing to see here ...

page=dispatch/id=1091989

Midand wrote:

Hondunurs skipped his morning coffee. The barista scrunched up her face and stared at the cup in her hands, but shrugged and went back. He sighed and took out a notepad. Some odd hobby he picked up was doodling his random thoughts on a notepad. He didn't know when or why he got it, but he stuck with it because he found it relaxing.
He doodled a picture of Volaworand's prime minister Lina Hovland, her face angry and slamming a Midandian flag on her desk. Hondunurs stopped drawing when he got to her arms and stared, confused and amused, at the drawing. He knew his exact thought.
"Volaworand..."
He still had half an hour before he actually had to get to his office, and he spent that time crossing out what he was going to say for the press conference on his tablet. Menwen's stunt from a few days ago caused an enormous amount of backlash, and he was not going to cause another storm of virtual screams.
After crossing out an entire page, he saw his MoFA striding into the Capitol Cafe, with a large steaming mug labeled "Stand for Midand". She brushed past his confused bodyguard and sat with him, her eyes peering over at his tablet.
"Really? 'I would like to keep a neutral standpoint?'" she said. "You know what they did. You know something has to be done."
"Well I don't know, we really need to keep our PR as not-wasteland-like as possible these few weeks!" Hondunurs said, motioning for his guard to leave. "What are you thinking that's not gonna cause an absolute crap storm?"
"I say a diplomatic mission", Cherry said, taking a swig out of her mug. "We send that non-profit organization Humans are People along with our foreign affairs team on a surprise visit. We will finally see what Hovland truly has cooking."
Hondunurs cleared his throat. "Really? That's some reputation we're throwing out of the window h-"
Cherry shushed him. "You want those camps gone? This is what we do."
Hondunurs paused.
So conflicting.

Volaworand wrote:

Prime Minister Hovland reviews the marble production reports with dismay. "These are simply not the numbers we need! Those scum need to work harder; I should nationalize the whole industy already … after all I have done for them!"
An aid intrudes. "excuse me, m'um, but there's a matter with requires your attention. Midand is sending a non-profit to inspect the refugee camps"
Lina leans back in her chair... "oh, more freaking tropicals seeking to impose their values on our lands. We took those wretched people in when no one else would, we fed them we clothed them and put them up, and what did we get? terroists! criminals! they sent us the scum of their nation, and now they want to see how they're doing! the G-damn nerve of these people!"
Yes, m'um" the aid stammer, "but they are making their monthly diesel delivery"
"Oh well in that case, I suppose we might as well put on a show for them. Can you call my secretary? I might as well dispatch an official invitation to these interlopers from Midand"

Volaworand wrote:

Primer Minister Hovland finishes dictation of her diplomatic cable and waves her secretary away. "Send in the Minister of the Interior!"

She looks out the window, admiring the construction outside. Alan Duncan, the minister of the Interior arrives.

"Alan, please see to it that these people see what they need to see to shut them up. I can't have this distraction right now." she slides the diplomatic cable across her desk.

The Minister of Interior collects the cable. "Of course, Prime Minister. I will see to it personally. I assure you that Midand will never see the marble mines."

page=dispatch/id=1093871

Volaworand wrote:

While Alan Duncan was never a brave man, he was confident; But, at this moment, he was doubting himself. He knew he had planned all the aspects of Project Theresienstadt, but this meeting with the Prime Minister would be his moment of truth. He knocked weakly on the partially open door.

"M'um, it's Alan. I have the itinerary for Midand's visit for your approval." He pushed the door slightly.

His eye's widened as he noticed the Prime Minister wiping a white powder off the side of her desk into the trash. He notices another person in the office and quickly averts his eye's. "Sorry M'um. I didn't know you were busy."

"Come in Alan. Ms Ustafa was ahh... just leaving. We are done here Margret, yes?"

The junior MP Margret Ustafa, barely looked up at him as she bustled past him out the door.

"why are you bothering me now, Alan?"

"Um, well ahh well yes. The preparations for Project Theresienstadt are complete and I just need your approval on the itinerary for Midand's visit"

Lina reaches for the document and stumbles forward, clutching the side of her desk. She recovers and snaps the document from Alan's hands.

"Yes, yes Alan, it's fine... just send it and stop bothering me with every petty issue. Just see to it that nothing goes wrong and have my speeches in the teleprompter when I need them. I do not deal with incompetence well, as you know."

Alan lowered his head "Yes Prime Minister. I will not fail you."

"And be sure to send that to the media, what's the point of a show if no one is watching, eh?"

"Yes, Prime Minister."

page=dispatch/id=1094423

Midand wrote:

Cherry Menwen was never so excited.
Yes, she was even more excited than when Nova Montron and Imperial Isaac withdrew from the island.
Even more excited than when she had been appointed MOFA for heaven's sake.
Yes, she was excited.
The pilot's announcement broke her thoughts.
"Please fasten your seatbelts and return your seat features to their default settings. We are beginning our descent into Rothera."
Cherry grinned. Finally. It was time to finally visit Volaworand and see with her own eyes of what was truly happening in the closed nation.
It seemed ironic. The nation that Midand had been allied with for so many years they were now inspecting and suspicious of. She couldn't wait for the proof to be public to the world.
Her Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs Dellers Gedon spoke up. "So...are you still sure about this plan?" he asked nervously, sorting out his papers for the fifth time in half an hour.
Cherry grinned. "Yes. Hovland will never see it coming."
She turned back to look at the MMOFA and HAP teams seated behind her, quietly chattering and shivering in the Antarctic cold. She looked outside and saw the plane approaching the cold icy land. They were nearly there. Mendeons would know.
She kept reciting the thought over and over in her head.
Hovland will never see it coming.

Volaworand wrote:

The official welcoming ceremony of Ms. Cherry Menwen, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Midand today was marred by clashes between
demonstrators and riot police and amid dueling protests over Volaworand's refugee policy.

page=dispatch/id=1095298

Media are eagerly awaiting the opening speeches of Foreign Minister Menwen and Prime Minister Hovland at the official dinner tonight

Volaworand wrote:

PM Lina Hovland always hated these dinners... blathering diplomats, pointless speeches... really, what is the point of it all?

"If only these people would just go back to the s**thole they came from," she muttered under her breath, "then I could focus on the really important issues."

"Pardon M'um?" asked the confused attendant.

"nothing, it's nothing... have you seen my purse? I need a nip before I head in to this pit of Midand vipers."

Noticing it next to a few lines of fine white powder on the prime minister's dressing table, the attendant paused and then stammered, "It's here next to this mirror, and your ... umm ... it's here M'um."

Prime Minister Hovland knelt over the mirror and snorted up two full lines of the powder. She glared at the attendant.

"Oh stop with the judging! You know this is legal. I signed the friggin' bill myself: Best thing I ever did. Now get out of my way: I have to get in there and kick off this damn dinner. Is my speech loaded in the teleprompter? Tell them I am coming in now."

"Yes, Prime Minister"

page=dispatch/id=1095827

Midand wrote:

"That's a grimace ma'am."
"Don't push it."
Cherry Menwen couldn't smile. Her Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs Dellers Geldon made a small chuckle. Cherry was due to meet with Hovland soon and she was trying not to make the press turn into rage monsters.
"That's not genuine Cherry."
"Shut up Dellers", Cherry said. "I guess I'll try to make it work."
The dinner was coming soon, and she was not looking forward to meeting that "absolute pig of a Prime Minister" of Lina Hovland. Cherry might've taken assumptions too far, but she knew she was hiding something from the public.
Something she didn't Midand to know...
She wanted to adhere to the itinerary as much as possible for the public but she still had to continue her true mission here in Volaworand. She opened her laptop and sent a quick email to the HAP and MMOFA teams. Quick and short, but dastardly important to their mission.
"Dinner's in an hour. Get ready - especially your smile", Dellers said, holding back a smile.
Cherry grunted in response and threw on her outfit.
She hoped the email sent.

Volaworand wrote:

"Kamla Patelwill ... is basically shooing [Hovland] off the stage because at that point it had gone on so long and had become so uncomfortable, and completely contrary to the tone that these things are supposed to have," he said. "Leaders come out at these dinners and they're supposed to be diplomatic and serious, and they'll butter up the diplomats but it's all kind of in a expected, normal way. She didn't do that. ... It just went off the rails really quickly. Something is definitely not right here. At least she wasn't boring, I guess."

page=dispatch/id=1097080

Midand wrote:

The commendation worked.
The media was flipping tables, Hovland had no idea what the hell was happening, but what was most important was...everyone bought it.
Menwen threw on a coat and took out her phone. A text. Perfect.
"Picking up the milk at the shop. Where should I put it?"
Menwen smiled. That was code for something...something she'd rather Hovland did not know. This was her true mission. Mendeons was mostly clueless about it, but he at least had an idea of what was coming.
Menwen stepped outside into the snow.
Volaworand was going to have it's doors opened wide...

Techganet wrote:

"Mr President, here's what came in the news today."
Alright, let me see.
Hmph, "Facebook finds more evidence Volaworand organization is still attempting to sway public opinion, bans accounts,"
James, what does it have to do with us? I see no mention of Techganet in the headline.
"Mr President, look at the eighth line."
Okay, "Facebook security officer Alex Stamos further detailed in a Facebook newsroom post that majority of accounts removed today were in English,
and aimed at people living in Volaworand or South Pacific countries like
Midand, TECHGANET, and Aumeltopia."?!
TECHGANET?! How could it possibly be?
"I don't know sir, we will have to launch an international investigation."
Get PM Lina on the line, I want to speak to her.
"Right away."
And the National Security Council in a few hours.
"Right."

Volaworand wrote:

*burns all records*

Volaworand completely respects the will of the Hanguk-Nipponnese people as expressed through their free and fair elections.

*waves smoke away*

We are happy to work with the incoming government of Hanguk-Nippon and build on the groundwork laid by the previous administration.

*smashes server with a hammer*

Volaworand wrote:

The Prime Minister's office is in chaos. Ever since the rambling speech delivered by PM Hovland during the Midand visit, and her announcement she was taking a few days leave of absence the executive branch has ground to standstill. No Prime Minister had ever taken anything like a leave of Absence, and no one really knews how to handle things.

Alan Duncan, the Minister of the Interior knew that this was his time to shine on the national stage. He had been stepping in to cover the PM's events during the ongoing visit of Midand. The press loved him: now he just needed the people to, as well.

"Minister Duncan, there's a call from Techganet for the Prime Minister. Shall I take a message?

"Techganet... oh my god, what do they want?"

"I think they are upset about something from that facebook story last week. Who should I direct them to?"

Minister Duncan's face blanched as white as the snow outside. "First the backfire in Hanguk-Nippon, now this?" he thought. "I don't know how much more of this I can take."

"Tell them... um... tell them she's sick, but that they should call Patelwill's office. External Affairs is her job isn't it?"

"Yes Minister I will direct them to Minister Patwill's office"

"Thank you," said Minister Duncan, "Keep telling the media the Prime Minister will be back to work on Tuesday. Everything will be in place by then. I'm just going to step out for a cigarette, hold down the fort here."

"Yes, Minister"

Alan stepped out into the crisp September dawn. "It should be daylight soon, maybe just another month of darkness," he thought. "When the sun rises, so will I."

He took out his phone and typed a message: "Picking up the milk at the shop. Where should I put it?"

He smiled and muttered to himself "Volaworand's going to have it's doors opened wide..."

Midand wrote:

Menwen shooed her assistant off and kept her eyes glued to her phone.
Sure enough, Duncan texted back.
"Got the milk. Should I put it in your car?"
Yes. He got the info.
She motioned for two people on the FA team to meet Duncan at the corner store. They grunted in response and marched out into the cold billowing snow.
The plan seemed to be going smoothly so far. Hovland and Volaworand were going to be wide open to the world, and they couldn't do anything about it. The internment camps. Confidential info that they said "was harmless".
Menwen then opened a new conversation on her phone and texted the officials of Techganet and Hanguk-Nippon.
"I see you have a few cracks in your rooftop. Need some help? I know a few skills."
This was code for "Want to expose Hovland and her government?"
She put her phone down on the table and put a thick wooly coat around her and walked out into the cold from her hotel. The next part of the tour was starting, and Hovland was strangely missing.
How interesting...

Hanguk-Nippon wrote:

Hayashi recieves a message on his phone. “What’s this....? Hmm...... Interesting..... Yes, this would further Hanguk-Nippon as a force to be wreckoned with....”
He then puts down the phone and paces around the room. “What to do.... what to say..... Okay, I’ve made up my mind....”
He reaches for the phone and contacts Moon Sangju, his Minister of Defense. “Hello? Yes. Contact those in Midand and Techganet..... We’re in on a condition..... Yes yes.”
He puts the phone away and resumes his National Rearmament Orders. “This here.... Must succeed.... For the people and state of Hanguk-Nippon.... We shall keep an eye on the situation in Volaworand...”

Volaworand wrote:

Volaworand's Minister of External Affairs, Kamla Patelwill, was exhausted. After shuttling the Prime Minister off after her disastrous speech she had been inundated with media attention. How can the PM take a leave of absence? Who's in charge? What are you wearing? How is the Midand delegation reacting to the Prime Minister leaving the delegation? Why won't you grant us an interview?
"The media are like dogs," she told her assistant. "You don't reward them when they pee in the house - you give them a sharp whack on the nose. Geri, I want you to get a handle on these journalists. They need to keep their distance today. I want you to cut back their access. They can never find out I've admitted the Prime Minister into rehab. If they press you just tell them she's recovering in a spa somewhere. Anyway, no rest for the wicked. What's on my agenda today?"
"Yes minister. There's a luncheon with the Mayor and Police Chief of Faraday at noon, followed by a walking tour of the city with the Midand delegation. You should get a bit of a breather today."
"Fine. I'm going to lie down for a bit before the lunch"
Geri looked at her computer screen "Uh.. ma'am, there's someone from Techganet wanting to speak to someone about that facebook story. Apparently Minister Duncan referred them to you? What should I say?"
Oh that fake news, well I suppose the story was bound to grow legs and bite me in the behind. Reassure them that I will call them after the walking tour. I haven't visited the Midand Victory Shrubbery Gardens in ages. Where are my flats? I can't spend all afternoon walking in these heels. Can you bring them to me, and get me everything we have on this facebook story: I need to make sure I can reassure Techganet that this is fake news."
"Yes, Minister"

Volaworand wrote:

"I've drafted the letter, Minister Duncan. But shouldn't the Minister of External Affairs be sending this?"

"No! I need to be the one seen as the face of Volaworand. That Patelwill is clueless, by the time she figures all this out I'll be the Prime Minister and she'll be scraping penguin guano off my shoes. The whole cabinet isn't worth a hill of beans. Just give me the letter and get it sent before she beats me to the punch."

"Yes, Minister"

page=dispatch/id=1097638

Hanguk-Nippon wrote:

PM Hayashi steps up to a podium in his inaugural speech.
“We thank Volaworand for their wonderfully worded letter. We look forward to greater cooperation between our two nations. This is certainly a great step forwards and J would like to keep up the mutually beneficial relationship we have going. I, Prime Minister of Hanguk-Nippon, am happy to announce that Volaworand is our ally and shall always be.”
Hayashi steps down from the podium as he is applauded.

Midand wrote:

A text buzzes on his phone.
It is from Cherry.
It reads: "Did you bring back the milk yet?"

Volaworand wrote:

Alan read the text and smiled. He knew that secretly turning over the Dossier to Midand's Minister of Foreign Affairs would be the perfect way to keep his fingerprints off the crapstorm that was about hit Volaworand.

"I will leave it outside your door in an hour. There's enough for you and your friends."

Alan smiled, knowing his plan was going to pay off and he would weather the storm.

Midand wrote:

Cherry's phone buzzed and suddenly she got all giddy.
"I will leave it outside your door in an hour. There's enough for you and your friends."
Perfect. She slid on a pair of gloves to make sure no one knew, and made her way back to her hotel in the growing snowstorm.

Volaworand wrote:

Kamla Patelwill collapsed on her bed, dropping the red box of diplomatic papers next to the night table. The day had been a long one, and the weather outside was getting worse. She was glad to be home.

"Oh my feet. I should have worn mukluks instead of these flats. Why didn't you tell me a storm was coming, darling?"

"It's just a freak snow storm, dear. Lie back and I'll bring you a hot chocolate. How was your day your day." said Kamla's wife called from the kitchen.

Kamla rubbed her feet. "Well first off that Menwen woman from Midand sure can walk fast, I could barely keep up to her! And she spent most of the day with her face buried in her phone. I would think she'd be at least a little interested in the city her nation rebuilt. but no, she just kept her face in her phone. I suppose it was better than trying to make small talk. That Mayor Bondersun never shuts up. On the plus side, at least the press was kept away from us today. It's so good to be home, even though I still have work to get through."

Kamla's husband Tom came in the front door. "Honey's! I'm home. Wow it's getting miserable out there. Has Keeping up with the Si-topians started yet? I can't believe they showed that much floof last week!"

"Urgh I don't know how you two can watch that show, it's completely vapid." groaned Kamla. "Geri has got me bringing work home, you two watch the show, I'm gonna get through the contents of this box." Kamla retired to her study, red box in tow, leaving her spouses to watch the insufferable show.

Pulling the files out on to the desk, she read a letter to the Prime Minister of Hanguk-Nippon from her counterpart Alan Duncan. "That son of a beast... Doesn't he know external Affairs is my portfolio. … well ... this letter is fine, same thing I would have sent I guess. What else do I have to get through tonight."

Kamla pulled out the file marked "Intelligence Activities in Techganet" … her eye's widened as she read the pages inside.

She leapt up. "I need to go back to the office, you two don't wait up for me!"

She dialed her assistant on her cell phone while rushing down the steps of her house. "Geri, get you butt into the office, we have work to do. Yes, I know it's late, get to the office now. We have a big problem. Yes, bigger than Hovland. Get down there now."

The wind picked up and swirled around Kamla as the hurried off, pulling her muklucks on as she raced through the snow.

Midand wrote:

Cherry Menwen walked.
Just walked.
Through the empty streets of Volaworand.
The snow billowed in her face as her boots made soft squish sounds on the snow. She walked with her head high in the air, her back straight, and her coat blowing in the wind.
A bodyguard followed close behind.
It was just like the movies.
She wiped the snow again off her phone and turned the brightness up more. The glare here was unbearable. No new texts from the courier. She grunted. As she walked, she texted: "I have made a full walk of the neighborhood already and the milk's not there. Work on your punctuality."
She dropped her phone in the snow in the snow after she hit "Send". She cursed and picked it up. The phone was flickering, but still functional. She wiped the snow and dirt off of it and slipped it into her pocket.
As she crouched down, she thought she saw the faint shadow of a woman in the distance behind her...

Hanguk-Nippon wrote:

Hayashi new he could not sustain this for much longer. His victory in the elections was slim, and support for him was beginning to fluctuate. “Agh, what to do with this country...? The military is fine, the navy is revitalized, the Air Force recieved massive upgrades..... What else...? Is it..... The country itself...? The government has been all set. Everything is according to plan and yet, for some reason, it hasn’t taken off quite as well as I expected it to..... Is it me? Am I the reason...? I demand an answer!” He paced around the room for some time. “He country is politically stable! Why?! Why?! This country must be led to greatness!” He then looks over to a map of Valthesia. “I think I know where to start.....”

Volaworand wrote:

Alan looked at his phone and he slammed his fist down on the bar. "That damn nationalist cow! You'd think she could do the simplest of tasks without screwing up my plan!"

He pulled out his phone and furiuous began tapping away.

---

Margret Ustafa knew she had to deliver the goods, but this snow storm had her all turned around. She knew the hotel was on this street and she thought she had everything planned out, but in the dark and the swirling snow these marble building all started to look the same.

her phone beeped. A new text from Alan "The baby's getting thirsty Deliver the milk or I will find a new milkmaid."

"I should have never gotten involved with any of this. What has that blasted Duncan gotten me into? " she thought "How am I supposed to find Menwen in this storm."

Ahead she saw a woman picking up something from the snow. A burly hulk of a man stood near her. Could this be her target? Margret moved in closer.

It certainly looked like her. Margret pulled her hood close on her face and approached the woman "Are you Menwen?"

The woman stood up and nodded. The body guard stepped closer.

"It is you. Tell your dog to back off, I have what you are looking for."

The woman and the guard exchanged looks, and the guard stepped out of earshot.

Margret reached into her bag, pulling out a large file. "Sorry your milk was late, but I'm sure you will find it's still good." Margret said as she handed over the files.

Margret turned and briskly walked away, continuing to keep her face hidden.

She got a few blocks away, pulled out her phone and typed a message. "its done"

She took the phone and hit against the wall of a building until it cracked open. She snapped it in two, throwing each piece in opposite directions.

Margret smiled, "Hovland will never recover from this."

Volaworand wrote:

"I just don't understand it, she should be getting better not worse. And these blood test result can't be right."

"We have sent samples to a lab in Nova Montron and they came up with the results: it's definitely compound 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin"

"But how could she possibly have that much dioxin in her bloodstream? It looks like a case of long term exposure, but the Prime Minister's food is always checked for poison. How could she have ingested this much? These concentrations of dioxin up to 1000 greater than the threshold level for acute toxicity."

"Did you look at her nasal passages... I think she's been snorting something"

"Are you suggesting the Prime Minister has been snorting poison? That's preposterous!"

An alarm starts to beep. "CODE BLUE - CODE BLUE"

The team scrambled out of the conference room.

"If the Prime Minister dies you are all fired!"

Roswaesians are noticing that a Volaworand and Midand tension is once again forming, The Roswaesian Government has declined to comment on the situation until further information is to be released.

Hanguk-Nippon wrote:

On other news, there has been some rumors circulating about a possible agreement between Hanguk-Nippon and Techganet, speculators are still unsure, but the government refuses to release any information. Such agreement is still left in its new stages, so the terms are quite vague. However, none of this has been confirmed by either government. The Prime Minister refuses to give a word at the press conference.

Volaworand wrote:

she had been up in her office for two days sorting and cross referencing the through the information with her assistant Geri. It was explosive.

"Why is the War Measures Act still active: this is just crazy! A massive domestic surveillance program, political opponents and suspected terrorists sent to work Marble mines deep in the Queen Elizabeth Land National Nature Preserve, without even a trail. Look at this: apparently we have an archive of every internal government email message sent in Midand for the past year and a half! That lab explosion... I can't believe that was us! We have an off switch for their Alert Broadcast System, why the heck would we even do that: that is to protect civillians? And look at the Techganet piles here: double agents embedded in their military! for years! an all that election meddling, how would we ever explain that??? it's not just the corporate espionage, it's manipulating their people! so many files I still can't phantom it all! Look at this one: The Martigues agents that killed Forb trained with in our special forces, Nova Montron's rocket designs, a campaign to whip up anti-Techolandia sentiment in Deumontiverland, propping up the government support on social media in Hanguk-Nippon. Why didn't I tell Lina I wanted the Education Portfolio... my job is going to be a nightmare! I think I'm going to throw up, Geri. Bring me something quick"

"Yes, Minister" Geri rushes over with a waste basket while the Minister of External Affairs vomits again.

Kamla sat up, wiping the vomit off her lips with the Hanguk-Nippon Emperor's phone records. "If any of this gets out to the media or our allies, well I can't see the government surviving, everything is going to fall apart Geri!"

"I had to pull information from so many departments, I don't think anyone had ever pulled it all together like this. But no one knows about it Minister, just you and I, we don't need to... "

"Oh my goodness Geri! You can't be saying what I think you are saying?? We have to tell the people and let the chips fall where they may. That will be the least of our problems: Our allies are going to lose their minds!. I can't believe it! I just can't believe it! What a time for Lina to be sick. Can you check on her while I am in Marambio and Esperanza this week? I admitted her in Faraday, but they moved her to the military hospital at Orcadas. They keep telling me she's in recovery, but they won't let me talk to her. Will you go there while I'm out of town?"

"Of course Minister, I know how to dazzle those military types with bureaucratic mumbo jumbo. I'll get in the room with her privately and ask her about this."

"No Geri, her signatures on everything! She had to have known what was going on... just let me know how she is, something this sensitive has to come from me."

"Yes, Minister"

"And I need to bring this up with cabinet as soon as we are back in Rothera on Friday. I can only hope that this tomorrow's meetings with Menwen make this trip worth it. I think I should tell her before this leaks, she has to know that this was definitely not government policy - although I still have no idea something of this scale could be going on without anyone outside the Prime Minister's Office finding out. I will have to catch Alan after this morning wreath laying and see if he can start digging into this so we can come up with a plan on how we're going to deal with this. He is the Minister of the Interior, how Hovland could have pulled this off right under his nose... I know he'll be as mortified as I am. Can you arrange for him and I to have some time to talk before I have to catch the flight to Marambio?"

"Yes, Minister"

Volaworand wrote:

Margret Ustafa, Leader of the Opposion, put her hand on his shoulder "Calm down Alan, there is no way she is going to survive. There's no way she can survive that concentration of Midand nerve agent. I'm surprise she has lived this long. You've had me giving it to her for months now."

Alan pushed her aside. "Shut your mouth! I'll confirm something to the media at the wreath laying. We will need to prepare the nation for her death and whip up some frenzy to blame the culpruit, that Menwen woman from Midand, or some 'Humans Are People' do gooder will fit the bill just fine. You need to leave. We can't be seen together right now. Go out the back way."

"Yes, Minister."

page=dispatch/id=1098645

Hanguk-Nippon wrote:

"Hello citizens of Valthesia. We are very happy to announce that our two countries are now united under one banner, one common cause, and one empire. You are not being invaded, you are joining us in the fight. A provincial government has been reestablished, and all shall return to normal in a few days. Our governments have signed the Sendai Covenant and the Shimonoseki Agreement, these documents shall secure your sovereignty, peace, and most importantly of all lives. The empire wishes to continue the mutually beneficial relationship between Hanguk-Nippon and Valthesia. In this, we have also settled some disputes and we have pledged to guarantee your independence as a state in the world..... People of Valthesia! I come among you to look you firmly in the eyes! Rise up! Our great nations shall work together until the end of time! March forward my allies! You cry out for help in this cold world, we answer your calls for freedom and justice! No longer shall we be disrespected and unrecognized! Towards the future! YOUR FUTURE!! OUR FUTURE!!! FOR HANGUK-NIPPON!!!"

The crowd erupts in massive cheers and everybody waves Hanguk-Nipponese flags. Hayashi waves to the people several times and steps down.

"Everything is going perfectly.... We must succeed....."

Midand wrote:

Hondunurs Mendeons impatiently waited on the dial tone to finish. He was to call Hanguk-Nippon first.
Beeeeeeep.
He drummed his fingers on his desk impatiently and was doodling an outline of his office in the process.
While he hated Menwen's guts for sneaking off and disobeying orders, she did bring some valuable intel from Volaworand. He was going to excuse her for now.

Hanguk-Nippon wrote:

While Hayashi is flying back on his private jet from Valthesia, he receives Hondunurs' call.

"Hello?"

Below holds King Conner Morris's speech in the Central Vrillaßsungburgen International Financial Building.

Hanguk-Nippon wrote:

Hayashi looks on to the city of Furdan from his private jet. “Ah, The empire has surely come a long way...... This..... We must continue this. We cannot stop now.”

The jet touches down at Wonsan International Airport in the large, thriving port city of Wonsan. Hundreds of soldiers stand guard at the runway, flanking a large, luxurious, grand, red carpet. The plane maneuvers along the runway and finally stops. A set of stairs is brought over and Hayashi walks down, waving with sternness to his men. He says nothing. Iemōto Imagawa, The Head of the National Imperial Court, awaits him silently by his jet black car. He greets him with fervor and energy, nodding at every word Hayashi speaks. His government badge on his suit glitters in the night, and they both walk into the car.

“So” Iemōto says, “I believe that things are running smoothly, yes?”

“Of course. The rearmament is on the way. Hanguk-Nippon must advance.”

“Yes, yes! I’m doing some.... Interesting things in court. Of course, I don’t actually do much.”

“I thought so. These days are honestly rough. But I times like these, the state must be put ahead.”

“Indeed your excellency! But I’m concerned about the Emperor...”

“Bah! He hasn’t been doing any work these days! He only sits in his palace doing calligraphy and playing Hwato with elderly people. Besides, we have all the power now. The new provisions say so.”

“What provisions?!”

“Shh..... The Emperor is okay. We have much greater things to worry about.”

“.... Fine. But.... I’m concern-”

“No.”

“But-“

“NO. We shall discuss this at a later time. Am I making myself clear?”

“..... Fine.”

“Now, shall we discuss those foreign nations...? Midand, Volaworand, and Techganet...? They seem..... Trustworthy.”

“..... Yeah....”

They continue to talk like this until they reach Pyongyang.

Due to recent aggressive actions made from the Volaworandian Government, we will be restricting communicative abilities to Volaworand unless an emergency is happening, if an emergency is happening, and a citizen needs contact, please communicate your biological information and information of the person that you are calling and we will allow your call to go through, all Kentucky Fried Penguin locations in Roswaesia are ordered to be closed until further notice from The Roswaesian Government, The Roswaesian Government can still hold communication with Volaworand.

(Shows you the attempted shutdown code dispatched from Rothera, Volaworand)

Volaworand wrote:

With Prime Minister Hovland incapacitated and clinging to life on a ventilator, the cabinet is meeting today to select an Acting Prime Minister. Sources suggest the leading candidates are Minister of the Interior, Alan Duncan; Minister of External Affairs, Kamla Patwill; and Minister of Defence & Security, Alastair Dickson. Whoever assumes the mantle of power will find themselves immediately dealing with an outraged public at home and a diplomatic 'nuclear meltdown' abroad.

The Volaworand Newswire is following this story and will bring you the news as we access the files.

Volaworand wrote:

"Call my stylist, I want him available as soon as the cabiniet meeting is over, I plan on coming out on top. With Hovland dying and this starting to hit the press, I need to make my move now."

"Yes, Minister"

page=dispatch/id=1100218

*At other Volaworandian intelligence-affiliated sites across Techolandia, similar raids took place simultaneously. Even if iwakesheep.org had not published about most of Volaworand's sites in Techolandia yet, it would soon.*

Hanguk-Nippon wrote:

Hayashi, dressed in a black overcoat and a hat, swiftly walks into a café to meet up with Iemōto.

“Volaworand.... Yes, that’s the nation. I heard they were doing some cybernetic things recently.”

“You’ve heard Iemōto... I guess news travels fast.”

“It really does...”

“Now, here are those documents you asked me for.”

He briskly hands Iemōto a blue folder that has no labels. He looks inside and nods.

“Yes, this is what I was looking for. Thank you. He won’t be able to stop us now.”

“I hope so... I really do...”

Hayashi then stands up and walks out of the café slowly, not to be seen for the rest of the day.

Volaworand wrote:

Alan Duncan, the Minister of the Interior, stood and implored the "We must get our affairs in order, without effective leadership we can't hope to ever reassure the international community's that Hovland was acting with some rouge "deep state" element in the government. We must select a leader, and we must do it now. I say we vote now."

"For violet's sake, Alan, she's dying: I don't know if she knew what was going on or not, but we all owe our careers to her. We all know Lina, she would never authorize these kinds of actions against our allies! Why are you so eager to just take her place so quickly?" Kamla implored. "I think we need to appoint a Royal Commission to investigate these actions and -"

Alan leaned toward Kamla, "No! Royal Commissions! are you joking? Those can drag on for years and never resolve anything. We need to show the people and the world that we have stability and strength first, and then we can investigate Hovland's crimes."

"Crimes! Alan, how can you convict her so quickly, we don't even know if these reports are true," chimed in Alastair Dickson, Minister of Defence and Security. "I agree that we need strong leadership, which is why I am the right choice. The military loves me, and unlike you two, I haven't been making us the laughing stock of the South Pacific."

Now that isn't fair," Kamla interjected "I've been keeping our relations with Midand alive during this visit. Alan's the one who keeps jumping in front of every camera keeping the story going. If you just would say no comment like the rest of us this would have never blown up like this. Besides, Alan, if anyone should have known what was happening it would be the Minister of the Interior and I think should have known -"

"Look folks we need to vote, there's 8 of us, so 5 votes gets you the spot at the head of the table. Hey you! Get all the staff out of the room and bring us some blank sheets of paper - we are voting now!"

Staff and bureaucrats scurried out of the room, Alan's staff dropping some ballots with each of the 8 cabinet ministers on them. His chief of staff lingered.

Alan turned and yelled "I said get OUT!"

"Yes Minister"

Techganet wrote:

Looking for me, James?

“Sorry.”

Update me.

“Volaworand launched a few cyberattacks, and amount of nations affected is unprecedented.”

Hmm. Still no contact with the Government?

“No. I believe Hovland is incapacitated and is depending on life support.”

Wow. I pray for her.
For now, disable all web traffic from Volaworand. Total shutdown of communications and interaction.

“Are you sure you want to do that?”

I’m always sure.

“Yes, Mr President.”

Hanguk-Nippon wrote:

"Ahh.... Hanguk-Nippon truly does make world-class tea. Hands down."

He puts down his cup on the table gently. Across from him sits Iemōto, who is casually sipping tea while looking outside.

"What's the matter?" Hayashi asks. "Nothing, I'm just.... Thinking about the empire's accomplishments and future."

"Ah, don't think about those type of things for now. Enjoy your life while it lasts."

Iemōto sweats for a second but then forgets about it. "Anyway, I received note that Techganet just cut all incoming web traffic from Volaworand."

"Really...? I'm not surprised. I wonder when Midand and the other countries will follow suit?"

"Who knows, sir. Certainly, this is something we can hop in on somehow."

"I hope so." Hayashi quietly says. "You've been saying that a lot recently.... A lot about hope, and the ultimate goal." Iemōto says with a slightly puzzled face.

"Who knows when I need to stop.... Maybe I can't." He takes one last sip of tea. "I think it's just you worrying too much!" Iemōto sighs happily.

"You think so...? I sure don't. Rather, I'm concerned with many things. I recently received word of Lee Yong-Jung's Insurance Corporation skyrocket.... Another questionable figure in domestic politics. Oh, and the economy! Everything is booming, but we need to establish the largest foothold in our foreign bases. We can't let others take it away from us."

Hayashi says sternly and with vigor. "Well good sir, I may have the key." Iemōto pulls out some documents and some business cards. "These here, are the contracting agreements with the Imperial Diet, and these cards are of major Hanguk-Nipponese corporations with huge presences in foreign countries."

"Let me see....." He stares at them closely, reading each line and memorizing each name, address, and number. "Yes. This will make things better.... In the economy at least."

Iemōto smiles. "I knew these would cheer you up!"

Hayashi nods. "Yes.... Shall we go back in?"

Iemōto nods and they both clean up and walk back to the Blue House.

Volaworand wrote:

As the Minister of Education, the elderly Rosie DeBosse, slowly unfolded ballots and stacked them on the table, it became clear that cabinet was still divided.

"Well that's it: Three votes for Alan Duncan, three votes for Kamla Patelwill, and two votes for Alistair Dickson. We still don't have a winner."

The Minister of the Interior, Alan Duncan stretched back in his chair. "We've I suggest we take a short break, say 15 minutes? Alistair, care to come out with me for a cigarette?"

The two headed outside, chatting like the two college chums they were.

Kamla cornered a couple of the remaining ministers "Look, we can't simply accept these leaks as genuine. The Volaworand I know would never stab our allies in the back like this. I know it and you know it: I can make sure Midand Techganet Hanguk-Nippon and even this sham world court will know it, too. I know I can. I've been doing a lot of digging and while I admit it doesn't look good there's just something that isn't right here. I need your support so Alan can't keep stonewalling me from digging further. We need be as transparent as possible."

A secretary breezes into the room, carrying tea service on a tray "We have a real treat today. A new tea blend imported from Hanguk-Nippon."

Breaking away from Kamla, Rosie made a bee-line for the tea. "Oh I can't get enough of this. I'll take a cup, dear."

"Yes Minister."

Hanguk-Nippon wrote:

Ever since the dawn of humanity, tea has been a staple in world beverage. To celebrate this drink, the Hanguk-Nipponese Imperial Diet has decided to open up the 1st International Tea Convention in Kyoto.

The Hanguk-Nipponese Government hopes that this will show the greatness of Hanguk-Nipponese tea culture to the world.

Volaworand wrote:

"But that's crazy, Hovland's the one who signed off on everything! She never involved my department at all. I've already got Justice digging into how the ISU got off their leash. I'm not taking the fall for this!" protested Alistair.

"I know, but you know how Kamla is, once she gets into something she won't give this up. Now if you were to support me for Prime Minister, we could control the investigation, and I'm sure you'd come out clean."

"But is that even legal? You know the Department of Justice reports to me, but it's an arms length department," Alistair looks off into the dawn. "I can't direct the investigation, could I?"

Alan knew he had found his opponents weak spot. "Well, if you had a friendly face in the Prime Minister's chair, I'm sure a few administrative orders could make Justice more 'responsive' to your wishes. All you have to is drop out and throw your support to me."

"I don't know Alan, we really need to game this out. Kamla's gonna bring it all out, whoever helped Hovland do this is gonna wish they were never born."

"My sources say Midand behind all this. And don't worry about Kamla. Once I'm Prime Minister I can send her off to this Roswaesian diplomacy's 'World Court' as our representative. Not much information she can get while in Gaqglingbruck, besides what we decide to send her." Alan took a drag from his cigarete, sizing up his rival.

"Oh that is brilliant, Alan. We just might make it through this. And I get to keep my post in cabinet?"

"Of course Alistair, I'm on your side. I'm doing this so I can protect you. So can I count on you to do the right thing when we get back in there?"

"Yes, Acting Prime Minister."

Volaworand wrote:

"I think he's just trying to shut me out Geri. Yes this Hovland thing stinks, but I know there's something more. Did we get the mining data?"

"No not yet, I'm having trouble." said Geri, while trying to squeeze a change of clothing into the Minister's swelling bags "I guess the Interior Ministry is focused on anything Hovland signed, I can't seem to get anything else out of them. Heels or Flats?"

"Flats, no... heels. Can't you get both packed? Have the team stay on it Geri, but don't let them know this is related, just tell them I need background data for a potential trade deal or something. Meanwhile I have a special job for you."

"What's that Minister?" asked Geri as she managed to get bag zipped shut.

"You need to pack a bag of your own Geri."

"Am I accompanying you to Gaqglingbruck, Minister?" Geri looked confused.

Kamla shook her head. "No Geri, you need to go to the Tea Convention in Kyoto. I need you to back channel with Techganet and Hanguk-Nippon. I think we are going to need help and with the Internet getting blocked I need outside eyes and ears. Can you do it Geri?"

"Yes Minister"

page=dispatch/id=1100950

Techganet wrote:

“Yes.”

Alright.
Back to work. Bring in the in-tray.

Oh lord.
I thought you’d said it would be done by the 763 ‘secretaries and assistant secretaries’?

“Oh, um, yeah, about that.
They all lost their jobs.”

What?! When I said the civil service needed slimming, I never said cut it off entirely! How did that happen?

“It’s a complicated story.
Hey, at least you have me.”

But you can’t do all the work can you?

“I guess not.”

Do you know the situation in Hovland’s government?

“They’re having a vote among the ministers who will be the next PM.”

And Hovland?

“To put it frankly she’s dying.”

Lord. Her situation can’t get any worse can it?

“At least the government is still intact.”

I guess so.

“By the way, Volaworand is being put up on the World Court.”

For?

“Well, it’s about that thing I said a day ago.
I didn’t elaborate so please let me.
A website by the name of iwakesheep.org leaked several confidential documents from Volaworand’s ISU, and they’re pretty disconcerting.”

“Ohm, somebody’s comi-

(The Secretary of the Interior Security barges in...)
“Ahilm, we have just received information that hackers from Volaworand’s Intelligence Service Unit were targeting Swift devices HERE IN TECHGANET.”

WHAT?!

“It’s severe. Their hackers are using the devices for surveillance. SURVEILLANCE! Take a look at our report.”

The revelations in the documents include:
ISU hackers targeted smartphones and computers produced by Swift Devices, based in Techganet.

The ISU, based at the Orcadas Military Base, also has a covert office in the Techolandia which covers the eastern portion of the South Pacific.

A programme called Weeping Angel describes how to attack a Swift F8000 TV set so that it appears to be off but can still be used for monitoring.

Those damn bastards. Are they asking for a war?
Bring in Swift’s security chief tomorrow, will you.

“Alright.”

(Personal Secretary)
“Are there others involved?”

I think so. Techolandia, and....
Nova Montron.....

As always, deny, deflect, and avoid questions until everyone forgets what happened.
Not for me.

Send a delegation to the World Court to put another case on Volaworand. I’ll discuss the details later with them.

“Should I contact other countries?”

Right now? I don’t know.
We can’t really trust anybody.
Volaworand is out of the question, Techolandia is just too far away, our communications with Roswaesia is being repaired, and Midand is being too suspicious for us to trust them.
I guess we can contact Hanguk-Nippon. Get them on the line. I want to see if they have any deeper information on this situation and if they can help us. I want to Volaworand to see my wrath.

“Uhh, yes, Mr President.”

Hanguk-Nippon wrote:

“Hello?”

Techganet wrote:

I’m calling to see if you have any more crucial information on the Volaworand leak. We’re putting up a case against Volaworand on the World Court.

If you don’t have any information on them, we could still work together to look deeper into their ISU. Who knows, they might be hiding something else.

Let’s just say, if you decide to go ahead with our ‘co-operation’, that this joint secret operation in Volaworand that we could embark on would never happen.

Techganet wrote:

I think we'd be a great team.

Hanguk-Nippon wrote:

The first ITCB has begun in Kyōto, where tea makers, companies, or just anybody who likes tea comes to learn more and taste the world's drink.

Everybody here has come to buy, sell, and show off their own specialized tea. Branded or not, the popularity contest will be a battleground for all exhibitors.

The government has also come to sponsor this. People suspect that there will be some visitors Volaworand, but with all the recent tensions and scandals, some people may have developed a suspicion about them.

Volaworand wrote:

Again, the phone just rang and rang. "Damn! I have to go before this World Court session and I need to know what she has been able to find out from our allies during the Tea conference… I don't know the information from home is giving me the whole picture. Why won't she pick up the phone!"

A bureaucrat interrupts. "The assembly is waiting on you Minister Patelwill."

Kamla sighed, "I suppose there's no more way delaying this any longer. You can let them know I'm coming in now."

"Yes, Minister"

page=dispatch/id=1101253

Volaworand wrote:

Vil Mirzayanov, 83, said he had no doubt that Midandian President Hondunurs Mendeons was responsible, given that Midand maintains tight control over its Midand Tranquilizer Dart Production Co.'s dioxin stockpile and that the agent is too complicated for a non-state actor to have weaponized.

“Mendeons, like all criminals, all the time is denying - it doesn’t mean anything,” Mirzayanov said in an interview in his home in Faraday, Volaworand, where he has lived in exile for more than a year.

Prime Minister Hovland, the driving force behind the Midand Terms of Surrender after the South Pacific Cold War, is fighting for her life since she collapsed after delivering a slurred and bizarre rambling speech, having been poisoned with Dioxin, according to Volaworand authorities.

Acting Prime Minister Alan Duncan said that it was “highly likely” that Midand was behind the attack. "We have concrete evidence that the Midand state was involved, has refused to share technical information about the poisoning with our scientists, and is bent on discrediting Volaworand before the World Court with baseless and trumped up charges."

Duncan gave Midand a midnight deadline to explain how their toxin showed up in Prime Minister Hovland's system right after Midand's delegation arrived in Volaworand. Cherry Menwen, Midand's foreign minister recently ended her official visit to Volaworand and refused to participate in the closing Joint Media Availability before departing abruptly late Saturday.

page=dispatch/id=1101299

Midand wrote:

Only Midand could be behind PM Hovland poisoning: toxin's co-developer

His face went absolutely red, and he could tell the entire cafe got the news too. The Ministers and Parliament members were silent, and then the debates started.
Hondunurs quickly made his way out the chaos and stormed into his office early. His secretary was an absolute mess, as her phone was ringing non-stop and she was typing furiously on her computer.
The media was having a feeding frenzy.
He motioned for her to actually take a break and she quickly scurried out of the office without even turning everything off.
He slammed his bum in his chair and immediately called his Public Relations officer.
"What is the goddamn meaning of this?!" he yelled into the phone. He quickly caught himself and regained his composure. "Sorry...I'm just stressed. What happened?"
"Erm...it's Duncan, sir", his PR officer said timidly. "He accused us of attempting to kill Hovland and of us simply being pricks to them."
Hondunurs silently sighed. "Get me an interview. I want to give him a piece of my mind. Inform Menwen that we might be - "
"Yeah...about that. She's been cooped up in her office all day and is not taking any calls."
"What?! What is she doing in there?!"
"We don't know but...there's talk amongst the Parliament that she wants to sever ties with Volaworand. She's been chatting up representatives all day yesterday."
Hondunurs paused and looked outside. Protests were going to brew soon and he knew as soon as he walked out of the building he was going to get hit with a media-tsunami.
What was this chaos?

Midand wrote:

page=dispatch/id=1101339

Volaworand wrote:

She stopped by one of the 1500 booths, trying out the Yōjōki Brand Tea. A camera crew bustled by, filming the crowds. "Hmmm... not bad, kinda sweet even. I miss the bitter Volaworandian Moss Tea from home. I hope I find the right people here so I can get back home." She smiled as she thought of the dawn breaking back home and really wanted to get back in time for the sunrise.

She noticed the black stars and red flag over the booth from Techganet and knew she had found the right place. She took a seat and sipped her tea, watching for any official who might be from the Techganet Department of the Economy.

"I just hope they will listen: Volawoand's future might just depend on it."

Hanguk-Nippon wrote:

He pauses for a second, thinks, sips some Shōki Tea, and walks over.

He taps her shoulder. "Erm, hello. I couldn't help noticing you there. Just standing there looking back and forth and side to side."

Hanguk-Nippon wrote:

He turns around and flings his arms out to the convention.

Volaworand wrote:

A camera crew breezed through the crowd again.

Geri set down her tea. "This is certainly a successful convention, and I assume you must be busy. I have some information about the recent fake news you might have heard concerning Volaworand. Is there any time you might be free to meet privately, perhaps at the restaurant at the Mitsui Garden Hotel around 9pm?"

Hanguk-Nippon wrote:

He looks at his watch. "Yes, 9pm can do. But anyway, what about the fake news.... Wait, fake news.... What."

Volaworand wrote:

"I apologize for monopolizing your time Minister. I really want to pick up some Gyokuro to take home with me. I will see you later tonight. Thank-you so much."

Hanguk-Nippon wrote:

"See you!"

He then looks at the card. "Oh you didn't take that long...." he says to himself.

"Hmm.... Yes, Minami Brand......"

He purchases a tea box and walks around the convention.

Techganet wrote:

He was smiling broadly, from cheek to cheek, as he got to taste the varieties of teas at the International Tea Convention in Hanguk-Nippon. He had always adored drinking tea, as he started drinking it from a young age.

Don’t you think this booth is a bit..... umm.....
extravagant?

“Of course not! Just look at the other booths.
We all look the same! The difference is just the flags.” the Techanerean representative for the convention said as the Economy Secretary took a look at the range of teas available.

Ah - Lymnfreeiaie Kscherukf tea. One of the marvellous wonders of Lymnfrees.

Wait, is that Geri?

“I don’t know who she is, but I’m guessing she’s bad news.”

I never said that......
She’s approaching me.
I think she wants to backchannel with me.

I better call the President and see if I should talk to her.

“Do you have his number? I need it for uhh, personal reasons.”

The Secretary rolled his eyes and made the call.

Hello Ahilm!

“Hello. What’s this all about?”

I see Geri from Volaworand over there. I think she’s approaching me. Should I talk to her to discuss all of the crap that’s been going?

“I guess so. There’s no other way of communication between us and them since we cut off the web traffic than to meet them in person. Go ahead. Talk to her.”

Alright, thanks.

The Secretary starts approaching Geri....

Techganet wrote:

Ma’am, wait! Wait!
Huh. Strange.
National security? Whose security?
In one hour? I have to be back by then!
I’ll just have to call back home.

Hello again!

“What is it now, Jeri?”

I’ll be back late. It’s a matter of “national security.”

“National security? What?”

I’ll explain it when I get back. Goodbye!

The Secretary continues to approach Geri, with a confused look on her face.....

Volaworand wrote:

She smiled broadly and extended her hand. "Oh hello Mr Secretary. It's so nice to run into you. This convention is certainly busy. I was just on my way out but I was wondering if you would have some time to meet with myself and Minister of Education of Hanguk-Nippon.. I have a reservation at the restaurant at the Mitsui Garden Hotel at 9pm. I think your government will want to hear the information I have to share."

Volaworand wrote:

"A small bottle was recovered during searches of Cherry Menwen's hotel in Faraday," counter-terrorism police said in a statement. "Scientists have now confirmed to us that the substance contained within the bottle is Dioxin."

More tests were being carried out to try to establish whether it was from the same batch that infected PM Hovland and inquiries were under way to establish where the bottle came from, the statement added. Police say they would like to question Ms Menwen to try to determine why she had the bottle in her hotel.

page=dispatch/id=1101767

Volaworand wrote:

"Yes it's Geri. Yes, I have a meeting with Techganet's Economy Secretary and Hanguk-Nippon's Minister of Education tonight."

Kamla was pleased. "Do you think they will investigate our suspicions about Techolandia?"

"I can't say, Minister. We only spoke briefly, but a meeting is a good first step. How is it going at the World Court?"

"Honestly Geri, the only information I'm getting from home is about Midand being behind the poisoning of PM Hovland. I don't know if Duncan is serious about investigating the ISU leaks at all."

"And how is the Prime Minister doing, any news?"

"The latest cable says they placed her in a medically induced coma: I don't think it will be long. She's the only one who could explain all this, I just don't understand all this. She was never a type to get her hands dirty, I just don't see how she could have done all this alone. Something doesn't smell right."

"Well Minister, it sure worked out well for Minister Duncan, I mean, Acting Prime Minister Duncan, don't you think?"

"Geri, what are you suggesting?"

"Well think about it, who's benifiting most from all this mess?"

"Besides Techolandia? Oh my goodness, Geri you don't think ... no he couldn't. Do you really suspect he could he be behind all this?"

"Yes, Minister"

Lake Grabernegg, Frajigsburg District, Roswaesia, has noticed a Volaworandian military chopper flying in Roswaesian air force illegally, we have recently just removed it, and revealed the military personnel flying the chopper, we are investigating right as of now, a couple more were found deploying to Techolandia.

page=dispatch/id=1101938

page=dispatch/id=1101958

Techganet wrote:

You know what, I think you have something important to share.
Besides, I have an hour anyway.
Where's Hanguk-Nippon's Minister?

Hanguk-Nippon wrote:

He looks over to Geri and smiles.

“Nice to see you again Geri. Anyway, how was the Tea Convention?”

Techganet wrote:

So, what are we going to talk about?

Volaworand wrote:

"We do indeed apologise, and admit there was a rouge element within the ISU operating without proper oversight, but we have taken immediate steps to shut thatdown and will bring the wrong doers to justice. But, all this supposed 'evidence' that Technolandia is providing is faked: We know that these operations were shut down months ago, and with so many nations erecting firewalls to cut off Volaworand, do they really expect the world to believe that these attacks are still coming from Volaworand. It's completely preposterious! After the news broke about our supposed office in their nation, they claim to have been keeping tabs on it and other sites for years... we assure you there were no other sites: Their exaggerated claims are clearly a false flag operation to exploit these leaks for their own ends."

Geri took a deep breath. "The problem we are having is that we need outside nations to investigate, since our ability to investigate is now severely hampered. And with the assassination attempt by Midand's foreign affairs minister on our Prime Minister, well I hope you can understand that our nation is focusing on this terrorist attacks."

As a show of good faith we will privately provide each of your nations a complete collection of the ISU activities in your nations: we don't know exactly what this iwakesheep site has, and we are concerned they may have diplomatic cables and notes. We regret how this has impacted your nations and our new Acting Prime Minister Duncan is already putting new oversight in place to prevent our spy agency from ever doing anything like this again. But we need your governments to understand, Technolandia is exploting and exaggerating this situation for their own benefit. I implore you, please take these files and our hopes that your great nations will dig into this matter further."

"We urge you be wary of the information from Technolandia, and conduct your own investigations. I am certain that some of this will come out at the ongoing World Court meeting, We are opening our doors wide to the world and we only want the complete truth to come out. I will be here for the entire duration of the Tea convention, and ask that if you wish to communicate privately with our Minister of External Afaairs, I will be happy to be a conduit for you to speak frankly outside of the usual diplomatic channels."

Techganet wrote:

I hear what you say.
I'll bring this matter up to the President and see if we can bring down the case against your country and reinstate the web traffic that we blocked.
He's the type of fellow to be easily persuaded, but that's on certain circumstances.
Mind if the three of us go up to the private lounge for some personal talk?
It would be easier since I have to meet a Midand delegation of some sort in the lounge.

Volaworand wrote:

page=dispatch/id=1102130

Techganet wrote:

So, the report that you published a year ago, was it mean-

His Secretary barges in once again.......
Ah, James, good to see you almost an hour late. Run into any crazy old ladies again?

"Apologies, Mr President. I had to do some errands for my wife."

Good to know you care for your family.
Anyway, I hear that Jeri wanted to talk to me about something?

"Ah yes, you know when he called you about Geri? Yeah, he talked about bringing down the case on the World Court and reinstating the web traffic to Volaworand."

Why?

"Well, Geri told him that this is all a false flag created by Techolandia, and that they wanted to shift the blame for the deteriorating relations with the Roswaesian State."

The President reaches for his coffee.....

He takes a sniff, only to find something very interesting......

Ugh, this coffee smells weird.

He looks down into his cup, and to his horror......

What in the heavens? There is green goop stirring around in my coffee!

(Head of the NSC)

"Let me take a look at that," he says as he assesses the color and smell of the unknown substance.

"Poison."

Good heavens.

"I think you've just avoided an assassination attempt."

Silence. That was all there was in the room.

President Ahilm Abchoy was rightfully shocked to know that he could've had a similar fate as his predecessor.
A million things were rushing through his mind, and all other important work was thrown out of his thinking space.
The three of them just stood there, waiting for a change in the environment in His Excellency's office.

G-g-get-get our tea ladies in......

"Yes, Mr President."

Techganet wrote:

Oh uhm,

He stutters as he takes too long of eye contact with the woman.

Of course, and the meeting with Midand, uh, it's just a meeting about our trade. Nothing, uh haha, too special.

It was clear and obvious that something suspicious was going on.
Jeri decided that the only way to avoid this awkward interaction was to leave all together, leaving Ichiro and Geri utterly confused, and having Ichiro no chance to respond.

Volaworand wrote:

He further contends that that Roswaesian diplomacy has shown itself to be biased against Volaworand and must immediately either recuse itself from presiding over the World Court investigation or dismiss the charges and rescind the internet access sanctions it has encourages nations impose on Volaworand without benefit of due process.

His fiery speech in Parliament today has been picked up by the Volaworandian press, who are now questioning the very legitimacy of the World Court itself.

page=dispatch/id=1102195

Volaworand wrote:

page=dispatch/id=1102217

We have opened the World Court to a more fair environment, nations can now submit requests to enter in as a chair on the world court to decide on trials, and they can review/testify, this court is ran by Hanguk-Nippon, Techolandia, Nova Montron, Roswaesia, Techganet, and other nations that intend on submitting chair requests, the court is very fair at the moment and is wholely officially democratic. (Volaworand)

We thank you for clearing everything up Volaworand, issuing this message shall clear up tensions that are stirring up but some of our Parliamentarians are going to blast Dickson via the media, this could result in him being brought up for questioning on the current day situation at The World Court.

Volaworand wrote:

IWakeSheep published 676 source code files today from the Vault 10 files. IWakeSheep claims the Vault 10 files come from the Intelligence Services Unit (ISU), Volaworand's external spy agency.

It says the ISU detected its own hacking attempts were being cloned by a third party to make additional attacks appear as though those responsible were Volaworandian.

IWakeSheep has published files which it claims show the ISU went to great lengths to investigate the hacking of its own systems and internal discussion suggested Techolandia or Midand's cyber defence agencies as the likely counter hackers.

The 676 files released today are part of IWakeSheep's Vault 10 tranche of files and they claim to give an insight into the ISU's response to an attack by so-called Marble software, which can forensically disguise viruses, trojans and hacking attacks.

page=dispatch/id=1102372

Volaworand wrote:

Volaworand would be happy to develop a bilateral diplomatic recognition of our respective territories if you so wish: it could be the first step to developing an Antarctic Council ensuring the peaceful stewardship of our shared continent. We have no imperialist intentions to expand outside our territory.

Hanguk-Nippon wrote:

The merchant ship Sanggang was recently spotted docked at a Volaworand-controlled port. Hanguk-Nipponese officials spotted the ship when performing daily scouting and coastal mapping missions. It appeared to be in mediocre conditions, and Hanguk-Nippon officially organized a meeting of Praiano Concordat member states. Discussions are ongoing, and the political opinions in Hanguk-Nippon have intensified.

Several governors of the Provincial Council have petitioned for a demand of an answer, however, the Prime Minister has other opinions.

"I'm obviously not cutting off ties with them.... That wouldn't be in the empire's interests. We would like an answer from Volaworand, we don't just let Hanguk-Nipponese ships make unscheduled docks at foreign ports, and let them disappear from the radar entirely. It's a fact really. We just hope we won't have to press this issue."

Diplomats have recently been ordered to issue a message of inquiry to the Government of Volaworand.

A Roswaesian citizen by the name of Jake Gartenberg was restricted a flight from Rothera to Hanauma, currently, ongoing debate about what to do is zooming through parliamentary at a rapid pace, King Conner Morris personally pardoned the citizen through security to return to Hanauma to visit his family in an emergency, Volaworand TSA has declined to comment on the issue of Roswaesian citizens to travel from Rothera to Hanauma, Parliamentary has not made a decision whether to take legal action on this.

King Conner Morris stated on Wednesday that he would be visiting The Hanguk-Nippon tea festival that is currently being featured, Today at 3 PM King Conner stated that he would be canceling his special visit to Hanguk-Nippon due to lack of communication and lack of executive protection King Conner Morris will either be rescheduling his appointment at the tea fest or he will be bypassing the tea fest for the rest of the time being.

Volaworand wrote:

The TRC’s mandate is to inform all Volaworandians about what happened in Internet Services Unit (ISU) scandal. The Commission will document the truth of victims, families, communities and nations affected by the ISU activities. The aim of the TRC is to guide and inspire Volaworandians and all South Pacific Citizens in a process of reconciliation and renewed relationships that are based on mutual understanding and respect. The Commission will travel to all 4 provinces in Volaworand, shall be granted diplomatic status to travel abroad to hear testimony in Midand, Techganet, Hanguk-Nippon, Nova Montron, Techolandia, Aumeltopia, Deumontiverland, Lymnfrees, South Pacifica Isles and Valthesia.

Over its mandate the Commission will investigate the over-reach of the ISU's anti-terrorism mandate, create an accurate and public historical record regarding the abuses of the War Measures Act both at home and abroad, and is empowered to refer cases for criminal and military prosecutions.

page=dispatch/id=1103666

Volaworand wrote:

"Minister, the Sanggang from Hanguk-Nippon has been towed safely to the port in Faraday. They were discovered adrift at sea after suffering a complete loss of power. Shall we proceed with repairing their power system and speed them on their way?"

"Well of course we help them," said Alastair, obviously annoyed, "It's a good thing we found them! This damned Internet firewall is throwing off all the shipping navigation in the region. Have we heard how long until our satellite network can be in position to pick up the slack?"

"The Bi-Spectral Infrared Detection System satellite is in position now to relay signals domestically, but the sea routes are still waiting for the VLC-B to be moved into position. The eggheads at the VSA tell us it will be another week. It was providing free internet services and phone relays for the South Pacific region, so they had some hesitation altering its orbit. Many impoverished nations relied on the free phone and internet services we provided, minister. Don't you think we should ask for other nations to help cover the GPS network over the sea lanes before we just cut off -""

"No! Tell VSA I want it done! I'm not going to be the minister that let foreigners stream episodes of "Keeping Up with the Si-Topians" for free while there are ships getting lost at sea here at home! We will not have a repeat of the cruise ship disaster!"

"Yes Minister"

Alistair shuffled through reports stacked across his desk, signing papers and throwing them into his outbox.

An intern came rushing in, almost out of breath, "Minister, there's a new protest from Deumontiverland. External Affairs asked us to comment on this news story about a unruly passenger. Apparently he was restrained during the flight."

page=dispatch/id=1103713

Alastair threw the article at the intern, hitting him in the chest. "Why are you wasting my time with some drunk guy on a plane? I know you are new here, but this isn't something requiring the attention of a minister. Tell them to get stuffed for all I care."

Alistair's chief of staff interjected, and addressed the young intern, "Tell STC to follow the usual script not to comment on the internal matters of another state. Rowesia can deal with their own drunks."

The intern withdrew, red-faced "yes, sir, err.. sorry sir." The chief of staff pointed at the Minister. The intern turned to Alistair, "Sorry Minister Dickson, I understand. I mean, yes, Minister. Right away."

Alistair turned to his chief of staff. "Why do we have children like that in here wasting my time? Trivial matters do not need my attention!"

"He is 22, Minister, and a promising university student. With the tensions so high right now we thought it best to handle these situations gently, and their King Conner Morris seemed quite upset, so we thought you would want input." stammered the chief of staff.

"Look, I don't know how bored King whats-his-face is to bother with petty trivialities, but we address real issues in this office. I don't want to see that kid in my office again! Do you understand?"

"Yes Minister. There is some news from Techganet. Apparently an attempt was made on their President's life. We don't have any details yet."

"Probably the same Midand pigs who poisioned Prime Minister Hovland. I want a full briefing on everything we know as soon as possible."

"Yes Minister."

page=dispatch/id=1103768

Volaworand wrote:

"Esteemed delegates, friends and neighbours,

Our government has appeared before this body voluntarily as a courtesy to the international community, while our Prime Minister, my personal friend and mentor I might add, is dying: a direct result of the poisoning by agent of Midand. Our Government is still investigating the allegations of "deep state" actions within our ISU spy agency, and shall transparently share our findings as soon as the investigations are complete. Our Truth and Reconciliation Commission has also begun public hearings within the nation and will be travelling to the 10 affected nations as soon as the those nations have cleared our travel.

International communication is taking place by mail with a number of nations since the imposition of numerous illegal and premature communication blockages, blockages which preceded any investigation of the facts. This has slowed down our ability to even collect the allegations being made in order to investigate them. We again object to appearing before the World Court to respond to charges we only hear about when we arrive, with no opportunity to investigate beforehand, and call on the proceedings to be suspended until Volaworand can conduct the internal investigation and discuss directly and separately with each of the 10 nations claims in a bilateral fashion. Our judicial system is independent and our investigations will take however long is needed to develop a clear and truthful picture of what has happened. Unlike this body, we seek the truth in a fair and impartial manner. These investigations will not be rushed or subjected to intrusion by foreign bodies. Our justice system, like every nation, is the beating heart of our Dominion's national sovereignty and we will not be stabbed in the heart by this court.

We again point out this court's unfair process and lack of priorities. Were this this body serious about the rule of law, would it really pursue minor charges, equivalent to spray painting graffiti, all while ignoring the serious charges of attempted murder and the fraud of faked military exercises as an excuse to push the region towards war? Given that this has ignored the poisioning of our Prime Minister by Midand's foreign minister, and the fraud of the military crash faked by Deumontiverland in order to illegally push this minor diplomatic issue into the realm of a military confrontation, we charge that this body is, at its core, without justice. This Court must be dissolved and replaced by a truly democratic forum for peaceful dispute resolution, and not this bureaucratic monstrosity it has become.

Until such time as this body is dissolved, my government has instructed me to remain, to relay the allegations being made and point out the lack of due process. While we are committed to peaceful dialogue, we are also here to witness the mistakes being made, so when this body collapses under the weight of all this hypocrisy, we can help a replacement forum not repeat the sins of this body.

This is our statement: Volaworand is investigating these claims, will admit our mistakes and will punish the wrongdoers, in the courts and under the legal system of Volaworand. Our motto, Research and Discovery shall continue to be our guide.

Thank-you."

Kamla sat down, her hands cleanched and her jaw quivering. She worried other nations would think her anger was at the court - she was angry at herself, angry and disgusted that she agreed to read the new government's position. She calmed herself, hoping the camera's didn't misinterpret her anger.

"I hope Geri is having better luck at the Tea Convention," she thought, "I need the truth and I can't get it here. We need a real dialogue with Midand before this gets worse."

Volaworand wrote:

page=dispatch/id=1103816

Volaworand wrote:

She lingered near the booth from Midand for the third time today, hoping to catch a glimpse of the mysterious woman. She purchased some Midand Jasmine blended tea, even though she hated it.

She turned to leave, when she thought she saw the woman out of the corner of her eye: when she looked again the woman wasn't there.

"Perhaps today isn't my lucky day," she thought, "I should just head back to the hotel and relax at the Spa. I should really check in with Minister Patelwill, I can't believe they made her give that speech today. She must be feeling awful."

Geri headed outside and waited for her ride back to the hotel.

Roswaesia has taken no action against Volaworand nor have we threatened to, the airplane that was in the air seemed to be a minor passenger flight, which all passengers lived and were checked through medical, and scheduled to return home Sunday, Volaworand and Midand tend to be using The World Court in manners being disrespectful, saying that the court is undiplomatic and does not serve correct justice, we are here to say that is wrong, we suggested The World Court back in June of this year to make this world more peaceful, back then, the one chair was for Roswaesia only, now, there are several chairs, 8 actually, for the nations of Midand, Hanguk-Nippon, Techolandia, Nova Montron, Techganet, Roswaesia, Deutschess reich, and Auphelia, your nations are obviously set behind and are oblivious of our recent actions to prevent corruption in the international court, your slander and propaganda of our nation will no longer be accepted, Volaworand, we have began to help your nation out regarding the recent conflict, and your media continues bashing us for making you feel more welcomed to solve the conflict, we are now going to be delaying the take down of The Great Volaworandian Internet Firewall as your actions against our nation have caused us to rethink our currently thought out plan for the future of this conflict, we are clearing the TRC’s travel to Hanauma for talks and international reconciliation to solve the conflict at a quicker pace, however, we are not afraid to cancel this trip, if you would like to rethink how you have things said, feel free to change your thoughts around, The Parliamentary Of Roswaesia’s final vote will be Saturday Afternoon, thank you.

Prime Minister Brigid Markle emails Cherry Menwen

Hello, Minister Menwen

We request that you visit Roswaesia to begin holding peace talks, Hanauma is open for your visit and we expect to see you here Saturday Morning! We would like to discuss Volaworand's recent actions and their aggression towards our recent foreign policy, you will be under high protection issued by The Parliamentary and shall peace and prosperity be shared throughout, thank you.

Mrs. Markle awaits a respond back.

page=dispatch/id=1103990

Hanguk-Nippon wrote:

So a meeting was called, and several hours of heated debate went on. Finally, they decided that Hanguk-Nippon should make people aware of these acts. Albeit very slowly.

"I wonder what will happen now....? Volaworand...."

Volaworand wrote:

The bill

• reaffirms the ban on membership in the terrorist group "Le Front de Liberation du Midand";

• disolves the secret courts established under the War Measures Act (2017);

• directs that prosecustions be transferred to military or provincial superior courts and, in the case of international actions, the federal Court of Volaworand;

• ensures anti-terroism cases must respect the Volaworand Charter of Rights;

• explicitly sunsets the authorities granted to cabinet under the the War Measures Act.

nation=volaworand/detail=factbook/id=1104527

Volaworand wrote:

"Sigh, it seems the whole region is turning against us, and we are going to be blamed for everyone's petty problems. Oh wait what's this? Finally, some good news!"

page=dispatch/id=1104754

Hanguk-Nippon wrote:

He quickly ran from his office in the Blue House, and got into his car. 20 minutes later he arrived at the Imperial Diet Building. He then saw Hayashi walking out of the building. "SIR! HAYASHI!! I have great news!"

He looked over. "Iemōto? What are you-"

He grabbed Hayashi's suit. "Hayashi! The Dossier has been leaked!" He quickly shows him the contents of the dossier on his phone. Sweating dramatically, and shaking a bit.

Hayashi grabbed the phone and began to scroll. As he saw more and more of the details, things became clearer. Until finally, he hands it back shakily. "T-Th-th-you...." He sighs. "We need to address this to the Imperial Diet. NOW."

"I suspect that Midand, Techganet, and Roswaesian diplomacy have received it."

The two run inside to release the news that will change Hanguk-Nippon's view of Volaworand's government forever.

Volaworand wrote:

"Pardon Prime Minister?" asked his confused tea lady.

"Oh, Sorry. It's nothing, Mary, I was just scanning the newspaper. I need my Press Secretary, could you be a doll and ask her to come in."

"Yes Prime Minister"

page=dispatch/id=1104807

Volaworand wrote:

She forwarded the contents to her boss, Volaworand's Minister of External Affairs, with the text: "See attached. This is going to blow Volaworand's doors open wide."

I think I better get out of Hanguk-Nippon before thier media gets ahold of this.

The Roswaesian Government is declaring a International Cyber Emergency to all affected nations as future attacks are possible, we have just received several malignant software attempts throughout Roswaesian Intelligence, anything coming in and or out of Volaworand is blocked, the nations of Hanguk-Nippon and Midand are encouraged to begin cutting trading relations with Volaworand as you could see possible hacked military devices which includes foreign chips for hacking and several other malignant actions, all diplomatic relations and or meetings are canceled between Roswaesia and Volaworand, we will be pressing sanctions on Volaworand for committing war crimes to several nations including, Hanguk-Nippon, Techganet, Techolandia, Midand, Nova Montron, and Aumeltopia.

Volaworand wrote:

"Oh I hope Geri has some good news. Today's sessions at the World Court were exhausting."

Her eye's widened. She immediately began packing, and called down to the front desk of her hotel.

"Yes, I need a car to the airport right away. Yes, I am returning to Volaworand tonight. The World Court will just have to continue without me."

Volaworand wrote:

Kamla pressed on through to the private gate of the airport. Seeing the airport staff, she pointed at the brutes outside the door "Those two are NOT with me."

We apologize for attempting to hold you for questioning as we should have given you a chance to speak at the trial so you can address all nations accordingly.

All parliamentarians have been scolded by King Conner Morris for their wrong doings, we hope things could go accordingly after this happening.

Everyone’s set trial date is tomorrow at 12 P.M. Central Roswaesian Time, and can be earlier if needed.

You will not be detained any further by any Roswaesian Official after King Conner Morris enforced that any foreign minister is allowed to travel freely amongst their homeland nation without being forced for questioning unless a threat to the nation is made in that current time.

We hope to see you back at questioning at The World Court in Hanauma.

Volaworand wrote:

"We have Aumeltopian SPIT, Volaworandian SPIT and this Midandian blend."

Kamla looked at the flight attendant. "Seriously? Are you daft? Volaworandian SPIT, on the rocks. How long is the flight?"

"Our flight time will be 11 hours, Minister. I'll be right back with your drink? Will there be anything else Minister?"

"No, just let me know when we are airborne and I can use my devices," holding up her phone.

"Yes, Minister"

Volaworand wrote:

"Why isn't she picking up? She always picks up my calls."

The line up was nearing the security gate. Geri shut off her phone and dropped it in the tray, with her shoes and purse.

"Well, an economy class red-eye to Volaworand, connecting through Midand. Well, This is just … great." Geri sighed, "Hopefully nothing will go wrong. Why did I drink all that tea before getting in line?"

“I am scheduling a flight to Vrillaßsungburgen to discuss future Volaworandian trading deals.” Said Minister Brigid sipping her French Vanilla Latté

“Trading with Volaworand has already decreased tremendously with several nations after our threat of sanctions, what if that decreases relations” - Michael Rossborough on the other line.

“If relations end it gives no reason for Volaworand actions, we must do something to stop this tragedy immediately, start fixing up a plan” Minister Brigid slams the phone.

“Hopefully this will just all die down.” Minister Brigid says with a concerning tone.

Roswaesia has officially finalized their World Court speech on The Volaworandian Conflict, please read below!

Techolandia, Hanguk-Nippon, Nova Montron, Techganet, Midand

page=dispatch/id=1104861

Hanguk-Nippon wrote:

Hanguk-Nippon has recently decided to call a conference between Volaworand, Midand, Techganet, Nova Montron, and Roswaesian diplomacy in Naseon to discuss cooperative measures to ensure that Volaworand’s Cyberspying comes to a stop. The Protocols will be considered an extension of the extensive 4th Praiano Convention, and soon, the 5th. The Hanguk-Nipponese Government currently awaits for the invitees to respond.

Volaworand wrote:

page=dispatch/id=1105223

Midand wrote:

page=dispatch/id=1104789

page=dispatch/id=1105259

Volaworand wrote:

It's the first time the Volaworand leader has conceded that any election-related hacking attacks may have emanated from his country.

page=dispatch/id=1105332

Volaworand wrote:

page=dispatch/id=1105397

Official Volaworandian Report

Midand, Nova Montron, Techolandia, Hanguk-Nippon, Techganet, Volaworand

page=dispatch/id=1105440

(Volaworand)

Your reference to The World Court as The World Court of Roswaesia is not accurate as several nations have chairs on The World Court, including 8 International Superpowers, meaning that it is not undemocratic, it serves justice via majority for 4/8 of the ambassadors from the nations with seats at The World Court, and cooperation with The World Court isn't really an option, if you don't, you could strain relations with several nations around the world, however, it is up to your government to keep these relations continuing, choose your words wisely.

Volaworand wrote:

page=dispatch/id=1105482

Volaworand wrote:

"It's not as easy as someone standing up and saying let's change our supply chain today."

About 60 per cent of the goods Volaworand produces are unfinished and so needs to be part of a greater manufacturing process, which are often tied up in long-term contracts and require longer-term time horizons to integrate.

"It took us years to get so integrated with Midand, so it's going to take us some time. I think there's going to be some rough patches in the next couple of years, especially if we can't resolve our differences with Midand," said Monroe.

"We remain committed to building on the strong relations we enjoy with Midand, and at the same time are always open to helping our exporters reach markets throughout the South Pacific," she said.

page=dispatch/id=1106558

page=dispatch/id=1106645

Volaworand wrote:

"If Midand really does sever ties with Volaworand it would cripple both our nation's economies. We are just too interconnected to just shutter everything. They would never do it." a nervous economist said while pointing at downward red lines on his power point presentation. "Their Economic Minister Jerry Cordan seems reasonable and level headed."

"Its Menwen and Mendeons, the 'poison M's' we have to worry about: I think they are calling the shot's there." Another economist disagreed. "Yes Midand is important, but what about our other trading partners, and expanding our exports to other nations in the South Pacific. We haven't really focused on opening up new markets, and we shouldn't have all our eggs in one basket, so to speak. Just this week I was chatting with my counterpart in Auphelia, and they are also looking to increase trade. Perhaps if the Minister could meet with them, a deal could be reached? At least we never hacked them, right?"

"Exactly! We need to look at the nations that we still have good relations with... and probably not the one's the Truth and Reconciliation Commission will be visiting. And Auphelia is a perfect place to start. Our citizens love thier unicorns at the Rothera Zoo: I imagine you at a signing ceremony, right there at the zoo. The media would love it."

Minister Monroe imagined the glowing press reports "Yes... Yes, I will meet them without delay. It never hurts to have options. But, I'm not ready to throw in the towel with Midand, make sure we reach out to their economic ministry: send their Minister Cordan a plushy penguin, and a friendly note. If the government survives this current situation, perhaps we can eventually join their new Trade Corridor Program. I'll ask Kamla to bring that up when she attends the the Naseon Protocols in Hanguk-Nippon."

"Let the Prime Minister's Office know we might have some good news."

"Yes, Minister."

page=dispatch/id=1106673

Hanguk-Nippon wrote:

The Hanguk-Nipponese Government has recently announced that it will be beginning its elections for the members of the Provincial Council, the government body that manages all of the autonomous republics within Hanguk-Nippon. The government is on the watch for any suspicious internet activity at the moment, thus voting shall not be electronically to reduce the risk of cybernetic interference.

Connections to the recent scandals involving Volaworand, Midand, and Techganet have roused suspicion with the elections.

Volaworand wrote:

Greetings from The Dominion of Volaworand. I was reviewing the Special Edition Penguin plush toys we are offering at Port Lockroy this year, and thought you would get a kick out of them. I am sending you Number One of the 5000 we have commissioned for this season. I know that relations have been strained between our diplomat's but I wanted to personally reassure you that I and all of my team in the Department of Commerce and Industry remain firmly committed to the special relationship between Midand and Volaworand.

The friendship between our nations runs deep and can weather many storms. If you ever want to talk off the record, enclosed is my personal number. You are welcome to call anytime.

In peace and profit,

Deanna

Volaworand wrote:

"I need the room. Everyone out!"

After the last of her staff filed out of the room she swiped on her phone to pick up.

"Jerry! So good to hear from you! Did you get the plushie?"

Volaworand wrote:

Thanks again Jerry, you have an excellent evening!"

Hanguk-Nippon wrote:

All members of the Imperial Diet are expected to show up.

Volaworand wrote:

Deanna Monroe, Volaworand's Minister of Commerce and Industry, was not used to being praised at cabinet meetings. "Thank-you Acting Prime Minister, I've made arrangements with Auphelia to attend a signing ceremony at the Rothera Zoo: the Auphelian Unicorn mare on loan there is pregnant, and the zoo just completed expanding their exhibit. The Free Trade Agreement signing will also serve to open the expanded exhibit."

"The whole nation seems to be glued to the zoo's Unicorn webcam. Any idea when the calf will be born? It's such a welcome distraction from this business with Midand."

Alastair Dickson, the Minister of Defence and Security, spoke up "My team has been monitoring chatter from Midand. I think they are up to something."

"Well keep an eye on them." said Duncan "I don't want Midand interfering with the signing ceremony tomorrow. Deanna, let's take a look at the agreement, shall we?"

"Yes, Acting Prime Minister"

page=dispatch/id=1107392

page=dispatch/id=1107506

Volaworand wrote:

With Midand, Deumontiverland, Nova Montron, Techganet, and Techolandia currently blocking internet traffic with Volaworand, their devices will not be able to download the tool and will likely remain vulnerable.

page=dispatch/id=1107616

page=dispatch/id=1107674

Midand wrote:

page=dispatch/id=1107828

page=dispatch/id=1108116

Volaworand wrote:

He took off his glasses and rubbed his eyes. "I need a cigarette break. Back in a few minutes John. Can you hold down the fort here?"

"Of course, minister. It seems we might have been worried for nothing, everything seems quiet."

"Well keep an eye on it, we can't let anything slip by. I'll be right back."

"Yes, Minister"

Alan reached for his coat and left the room.

John looked back, making sure the minister had left. He opened his browesr and opened his video streaming service. The familiar theme song of Keeping Up with the Si-topians filled the room. "Damn, speakers!" cursed John as he popped in his earbuds, muting the speakers. "The Minister is worried about nothing. At least can get caught up on my show." John enlarged the screen, and settled back in his chair.

On Minister Dickson's screen, a small light of text started to flash "ALERT! ALERT!"

Oblivious to the other screen, John laughed, "OMG, they killed TSSS again! I love this show!"

page=dispatch/id=1108192

"Hello" - Says Mrs. Markle's voice confused as it is 4 AM in Hanauma.

"Minister we have an emergency about parliamentary" - Says Michael Rossborough in a shaky voice.

"What is the emergency that could possibly be so bad that you have to wake me up at 4 AM in the morning?" - Minister Markle puts her slippers on and goes to grab some sweet tea before stopping in her tracks in amazement.

"Parliamentary finalized a vote on removing the firewall without your permission or your vote being included" - Says Minister Michael in a scared voice.

"THEY DID WHAT?!?!?!" - Minister Brigid begins getting ready to storm to Parliamentary for an immediate recall.

"They would never do that without my permission, some pressure must have been applied from Volaworand or they must have scared a minister to do this" - Minister Brigid says fuming.

"Please don't make a scene Minister I-." - Michael Rossborough begins before being cut off.

"I will stop this Volaworand mess before they can continue pressuring us any further." - Minister Markle hangs up the phone and calls Executive Authority Transportation Services

"Get me a limo to Parliamentary and call a flight for Vrillaßsungburgen, we are going to finish this temptation now!' -Minister Brigid silences and hangs up the phone.

Volaworand wrote:

"This is crazy. Whatever happened to global warming, eh?" he mused to himself.

Pulling his cigarette close to his chest he tried again to light it, knocking his phone loose from his pocket. It went sliding across the sidewalk.

"Damit!" Alastair struggled with the wind and made his way across the icy sidewalk to retrieve his phone. A small light was flashing on the screen.

Alastair flung his cigarette away and rushed back into the building. "Frack! Not today!"

Volaworand wrote:

"John! what the hell man!" pulling John's ear buds out.

John looked up at the screen. "I'm sorry sir, I'm on it. Tracing the attack now."

Alastair was incensed. "When this is over you and I are going to have a talk about this."

"Yes, Minister"

"Go tell intelligence that I need The Roswaesian Space Station to open up its satellite portals too begin investigating inside details, and call Midand and tell them to call me we need to have a talk." - Minister Markle tells the Maids.

"Yes, Madam" - Says the Maids.

"I demand Intelligence to begin investigating thoroughly as to the best plan to begin closing all government servers that could stream Volaworand activities." - Minister Markle arrives in The International Conference Room and closes the doors to begin a private conversation but she begins to hear a familiar voice.

"MINISTER, what is this mess?" - King Conner Morris bursts in aggravated and confused as of the conflict.

"Hello your Majesty, I apologize to the super early bundle of conflicts we are working as fast as we can to shut down all Roswaesian Communication Servers with Volaworand" - Says Minister Markle beginning to shake violently.

"This is to be over and done with immediately no pity or no feeling bad for the consequences, this continuing disaster of a mess is only getting worse and nothing is getting better no matter how much leniency we give Volaworand." - King Conner Morris says slamming his hand on the desk.

"This will be figured out by dawn, I assure you, your Majesty." - Minister Markle says stuttering at her words.

"It better be." - King Conner Morris leaves the room very angrily.

"We have got to figure this out immediately!" - Minister Markle calls all Ministers into the Conference Meeting Room to discuss a vote on completely ending all Volaworand-Roswaesian Servers.

Volaworand wrote:

Alastair was on his phone. "And put the whole base on lockdown, and start searching the server rooms one by one... Did I stutter??? Yes all of them! We think the attacks are coming from inside. Find them!"

"Ah-HA!" John exclaimed "I think I have them, west side... server room B-37"

Alastair barked into his phone, "Get your butts to B-37, now! the attack is coming from the server room: they must be directly connected to our network!"

"If this Dickson guy doesn't pick up he must be busy doing something not important." - Minister Brigid waits impatiently.

Volaworand wrote:

"The body cams feeds are coming online now, Minister."

"Well get them up on the big screen!"

"Yes Minister"

Hanguk-Nippon wrote:

"SIR! SIR! We've just found out that the elections in the Buyeo Republic have been tampered with!"

Hayashi drops all other thoughts and stares at Iemōto. "Tell me more."

"Well, the system has been bugged. Hanguk-Nipponese internet security is now at risk!"

"Wasn't it always a risk from Volaworand?"

"But not like this.... Not at this level of severity."

".... Restrict communication to government-sponsored web channels. Call up the Hall of Worthies."

"But sir, they're all affiliated with the IDP-"

"Nevermind that, we have an issue at hand! Call them, now! We won't tolerate a false election."

Volaworand wrote:

He held up his open hand and began curling back each finger counting down a go to enter the room.

5...

4...

3...

2...

1...

GO GO GO! we are a go!

"We are doing the same thing to fire back at the attacks, we have blocked all internet traffic and we have restricted and rejected the entrance of anything that involves Volaworand, would you like to visit Roswaesia and speak with King Conner Morris on solving this issue quickly before it gets any worse?"

Hanguk-Nippon wrote:

"But I have to host the Naseon Convention. We can talk about it there."

Volaworand wrote:

"Not today! I'm on my way to the Rothera Zoo for the Free Trade Agreement signing, what kind of irritants does Alistair have for me now."

He reads his phone. "Stop the motorcade! We need to get to the Secure Issues Room now! Three Midand agents were just captured."

The driver made a sharp U-turn, and one of the Volaworand flags blew off the front of the car, carried high on the wind as it flapped out of sight.

Volaworand wrote:

"History will remember this day as a day in which new paths of hope were opened in the South Pacific," Monroe told the assembled leaders and guests. "Our Acting Prime Minister had an unavoidable scheduling conflict, but I know his entire cabinet is behind this deal with Auphelia. Today marks a renewal of our government's focus on trade and prosperity. We are looking outward to the future, not inward at the past."

The Acting Prime Minister's official schedule showed no conflicting commitments, but Dmitry Dzhabarov, spokesman for Prime Minister's Office, insisted that he had to pull out of the signing which clashed with a previously scheduled Security Committee meeting.

Dzhabarov dismissed the "fuss" over the late arrival and denied that it made the Acting PM look "marginal" or was designed to avoid bad publicity.

page=dispatch/id=1108271