Situation Report: Cleaning-Up

[Avaerilon]

(OOC: Read this first!)

Greetings, and welcome to the Council of Leaders.

Situation Report
Quick facts on the issue

Title: Cleaning-Up
-Details-
Description: Nation of Bigtopia cleaning-up former Scalewind nuclear site amid terror threats
Currently: Bigtopian authorities preparing to being clean-up action
Why: Some time ago, a reactor designed to make fissile material for bombs caught fire and was put-out by a combined SLUan effort. Country not especially stable

First Conference Briefing
Detailed Facts on the Issue

Greetings, and welcome to this Council of Leaders.

As we know, 2 years ago the nation of Bigtopia embarked on a nuclear programme, designed to make fissile material for nuclear weapons, under the auspices of research and medical use. At that point in timme, Bigtopia had very poor relations with our region. The two reactors built at their Scalewind site, on the north coast of the nation, were built using what was though to be a safe and advanced system. As we know, one of the reactors caught fire, and threatened to plunge Bigtopia into atomic misery, and to spew highly-radioactive material into the greater part of the SLU. Thankfully, after coordinating with friendly Bigtopian scientists and workers on-site, a group of various SLUan nations braved the inferno of one of the nuclear piles, quenched the flames, filtered the water and used advanced nanobot technology to prevent the spread of fissile dust. After the averted catastrophe, Bigtopia underwent a number of major changes.

Today, Bigtopia is an emerging democracy, under the leadership of the forward thinking President Achmed al-Kennedy, who has stated that he "hopes to improve the relationship between Bigtopia and the Social Liberal Union, and advance the nation into a true, free and fair democracy." Many young people, professionals and democratic idealists, along with the people who saw the Scalewind fire for themselves, threw their weight behind this moderate, who successfully challenged the (broken) authority of the ultra-nationalist and conservative Ismael Eisenhower. He has since, working with top nuclear scientists and technicians from around the world, drawn-up a plan to deal with the contaminated site and remove any nuclear material to be either stored safely or destroyed. The Bigtopian Authorities are nearing the end of the planning stage, and have produced this for the benefit of the SLU.

• Enter site-cordon and bio-shield to remove low- and medium-level (of radioactivity) waste
• Use on-site resources to render the material gathered harmless, and safely dispose of this non-nuclear material
• Remove remaining fuel cartridges over a period of three days
• Place fuel cartridges into secure transport
• Confirm whether this highly-radioactive material will be stored (elsewhere) or sent to a SLUan nations with the resources to destroy the material safely
• Proceed with the above
• Dismantle the graphite core and other parts of the reactor
• Seal reactor in concrete for 120-year period, to be demolished at the end of this time, thus removing any trace of non-background radiation from site

The most dangerous part of the operation- removing the potentially porphyritic nuclear cartridges from the striken reactor

We in Avaerilon applaud Bigtopia's reasoned plan, and though we do not have the facilities to destroy the fissile material, we are ready to help with decommissioning the site and assisting with the security of this operation. We ourselves favour finding a way of safely destroying the high-level waste, but if the nations of the SLU deem it best to find a safe place to store it, we are happy to accept that judgement.

Security has been mentioned because, of course, it is a genuine concern. The military supported the previous leader of Bigtopia, Ismael Eisenhower, and have seen their numbers cut in-half by al-Kennedy. It is feared that some radical elements still supporting the former president may try and attack the site, or steal the nuclear material for some purpose. There is, of course, also the worry of international terrorist groups trying to get their hands on this bounty of fissile product.

LEADERS, what do you suggest we do?
Post your response to this issue to effect the outcome of the next update!

The situation will be updated randomly sometime. Do not delay your move!

[United Democracy of Scientists]

The UDS would like to offer safe disposal of the high level radioactive material for the Bigtopian government. A convoy of shielded cargo ships and destroyers stands at ready to collect the material with Bigtopia's permission. Once the material arrives on UDS soil, it will be loaded onto a series of Prometheus-class heavy lift rockets to be launched into heliocentric orbit, far from any major body. We urge that Bigtopia posts an armed and background-checked regiment to help protect the reactor site and our convoy from potential insurrectionists.

[Free Newdepolderian States]

We in New de Polder approve highly of the al-Kennedy administration's plan, and although we would not be able to dispose of the radioactive material, we can help in the decommissioning of the site and are willing to give significant financial support to whatever plan is deemed by this council to be the proper way to proceed, given we are all in agreement. We can also offer some security, although not much, as tensions are high with the neighbouring nation of Zuiden Oranjebos, whose navy has been harassing our fishermen in international waters, due to disputes on the fishing rights in said waters. If and when this issue is resolved, we can offer more protection.

[Avaerilon]

Greetings, and welcome to the Council of Leaders.

Situation Report
Quick facts on the issue

Title: Cleaning-Up
-Details-
Description: Nation of Bigtopia cleaning-up former Scalewind nuclear site amid terror threats
Currently: Bigtopian authorities preparing to being clean-up action
Why: Some time ago, a reactor designed to make fissile material for bombs caught fire and was put-out by a combined SLUan effort. Country not especially stable, vague security threat made

Second Conference Briefing
Detailed Facts on the Issue

Greetings, and welcome to this Council of Leaders.

The Bigtopian government of al-Kennedy has been "moved" by the willingness of our region to assist them. Mr al-Kennedy himself has said "we honour the SLU's commitment to helping our nation move-on from this catastrophe, and we will be forever grateful for their help. Indeed, I sense that our nation is about to turn the corner."

Bigtopian and Avaerilonian technicians overseeing some preliminary work done to remove medium-level material from supplementary cooling-ponds. Work on the more dangerous areas will begin shortly[/align]

Already, 3 of us have given our support to the Bigtopian government's plan to move and dispose of dangerous fissile material, as well as to decommissioning the site. The United Democracy of Scientists has kindly offered to use its advanced technology to blast the dangerous material into space, and the Bigtopian government has accepted the offer. We suggest that a multi-SLUan task force, along with Bigtopian soldiers, be part of a convoy carrying the material, which will be unloaded onto SLUan vessels and then taken to UDS for disposal.

Avaerilon already has a team of 50 technicians at the Scalewind site, working alongside Bigtopian experts to decommission the reactors and other associated buildings. Although only preliminary work has started, this is not a process to be rushed, as I am sure you can understand.

It is at this time that I must inform you of a security threat that Avaerilonian agents have detected. Given the potentially unstable nature of the country, we must explore the possibility of radical-nationalists attacking the convoy and stealing the material to use in a bomb. After some covert surveillance and operations, we managed to discover that an band of these people is planning to attack the SLUan land convoy, with an eye to take the fissile material. Thus, we propose this:

We have two convoys- a dummy one, and a real one, the latter carrying the fissile material. The dummy convoy will use the most obvious land route, which goes west and northwest of the site along the path most visible from Scalewind. There is little doubt that any attack would occur here, if the information is correct. The real convoy travels south, away from the site, and then goes towards and across a fairly flat area of land with small dunes on either side. It then proceeds to head north to the coast, where the ships will be stationed.


The route proposed by the Intelligence Corps of the Avaerilonian Army

Avaerilon has a task-force en-route to Bigtopia, used to desert terrain and skilled at this kind of operation. We would welcome having additional SLUan soldiers working alongside our men. Some of our special forces will also be joining the convoys, and some will be shadowing them, likely unseen by anyone.

Avaerilonian armoured vehicles such as the Torwg armoured vehicle are on their way to Bigtopia. These state-of-the-art machines can withstand an explosion from mines, RPGs and other powerful explosions

UDS: You proposed to use your rockets to send the material deep into space, a move which was welcomed by the international community. Your scientists are underway preparing the rockets, though this unfortunately coincides with a strike by engineers, demanding additional pay and benefits for working on something so important. They refuse to work on the rockets unless their demands are met. Meanwhile, your naval force has joined-up with Avaerilon's, and the combined force is making good progress towards Bigtopia. The government of the country has welcomed your ships being present to carry the dangerous material.

FNS: You offered to help fund the clean-up operation, which has been gratefully accepted by Bigtopia. They are asking for around NS$30 million to be able to complete all work. Sadly, some in your country have expressed alarm at the amount of money requested, and have launched a campaign, gathering some considerable number of signatures, aiming for the money to go to the fishermen of your nation instead. Speaking of which, a Newdepolderian vessel was sunk by a Zuiden Oranjebos ship when it rammed into it. No-one was killed or seriously injured, but tensions have flared-up between your nations.

Avaerilon: We sent a task-force of troops to Bigtopia, along with a number of naval vessels, including an aircraft carrier. This move raised some questions in our parliament, with both the Social Democrats and the Conservatives questioning the need for so many unites in Bigtopia. The government defended its decision due to the fact that nuclear material is involved; a subject Avaerilonians are deeply uncomfortable about. Meanwhile, one of our engineers on the site has gone missing. Efforts are underway to find him, but so far he has not turned-up anywhere. Though no chatter on his kidnapping has been detected, it is possible he was indeed kidnapped, though we are not sure why.

LEADERS, what do you suggest we do?
Post your response to this issue to effect the outcome of the next update!

The situation will be updated randomly sometime. Do not delay your move!

[United Democracy of Scientists]

The workers are being dealt with right now. Normally, such strikes would be more delicately handled, so as to satisfy both sides. Given the gravity of this situation, though, we have decided to grant the strikers all of their demands immediately. Still, we have given out a message that this will not be tolerated again, especially when such spacecraft are regularly manufactured anyway.

We approve of Avaerilon's proposal for the transport of high level radioactive material to the shore, but have concerns about the possible kidnapping of their engineer. How much has your government told your workforce? If this information falls into enemy hands, the plans will need to be altered for the sake of security.

[Chameliya]

Hello fellow leaders, Chief Minister Alec Rai signing in!

We apologise for being unable to attend the first briefing. Delays in the independence process made it impossible to attend as a sovereign state.

Concerning the situation with the convoy, the Legislative Council has authorised me to offer 500 men from the Jasminian Defence Force to offer security assistance. I must of course stress though that the JDF is purely a defence and peace-keeping force and any participation in overseas conflict is beyond its remit.

I have also been contacted by the University of St Ann's, Jasminia's leading educational establishment, saying that a group of renowned scientists have offered to join SLUan efforts. Some are experts in all things nuclear while others played a crucial role in the environmental rehabilitation of Jasminia after the 'Spill of '97'.

I hope these small offerings are of assistance to you.

[Newhalla]

Fellow world leaders. 

Newhalla approves the plan set up by Avaerilonian and UDS governments. Furthermore we offer the services of 22nd Härjhalla special forces battalion to be deployed at the nuclear reactor site. If the Bigtopian government consents, the forces will be deployed in 48 hours at the reactor site. Further security assistance is also on the table, if needed. 

We request data on Bigtopias energy production. Newhalla is ready if needed to share technological data on renewable energy production, and willing to provide economical assistance to potentially switch to a renewable energy production.  

[Avaerilon]

Greetings, and welcome to the Council of Leaders.

Situation Report
Quick facts on the issue

Title: Cleaning-Up
-Details-
Description: Nation of Bigtopia cleaning-up former Scalewind nuclear site amid terror threats
Currently: SLUan nations assisting decommissioning of reactors, convoy attacked by unknown assailants, some plutonium stolen
Why: Some time ago, a reactor designed to make fissile material for bombs caught fire and was put-out by a combined SLUan effort. Country not especially stable, foul play and terrorism suspected

Third Conference Briefing
Detailed Facts on the Issue

Greetings, and welcome to this Council of Leaders.

I am sorry to report things have taken a darker turn.

As our intelligence reported, we expected the false convoy, designed to draw-out any hostiles, to be attacked, and indeed it was. The team of soldiers and armoured vehicles came-under what appeared to be heavy fire, and fired-back, driving some of the attackers off and killing a great many of them; the SLU lost no man in this firefight, thankfully, due to the diligence and skill of our servicemen from around the region. However, the suspicions of a number of senior officers were aroused when they inspected the bodies of the deceased enemy combatants, discovering that the attackers only carried basic automatic weapons, of the AK-47 breed, and limited ammunition. Further-up along the path, from a point of higher ground, no artillery or RPG-type weapons could be found, sparking suspicion that the explosions that occurred just seconds before the convoy arrived in the location were deliberately set-up to appear like those used in a genuine attack. It was the opinion of the Royal Avaerilonian Army, and likely of the other forces joining us, that this attack was a blind, and intended as a distraction.

Indeed, this proved to the be the case. The genuine convoy set-off sometime after the false one, carrying a considerable amount of fissile material; some of this was plutonium, and could be made-into a nuclear device. At around the 2/3 waypoint of this journey, not far from a lake, the convoy was attacked by a well-equipped force armed with powerful weapons. These attackers proved to be a genuine challenge, and tragically 12 men were killed in the line of duty, and a further 8 injured. The attackers, dressed in the manner of the usual Bigtopian nationalist fighters, concentrated their fire on the one vehicle containing the materiel, and one man equipped with a powerful laser-cutting device was able to cut-into the thick armour of the Torwg vehicle and enter it. Though many of the insurgents were killed in the encounter, a small group managed to flee in the smoke and chaos that resulted from the successful blowing-up of three of the Avaerilonian vehicles. They had one cinster with them, containing enough plutonium to make a crude but unpleasant nuclear device with.

One of the three destroyed Torwg vehicles. The force was the explosives was incredibly powerful in dealing so much damage.

The death toll stands as thus:

Avaerilonian troops: 8
Jasminian troops: 3
Others: 1

The injured men were successfully flown to hospital by Hallan forces and are recovering well at the SLUan base camp not far from the reactor site.

Avaerilonian special forces tailed the fleeing insurgents and captured 3 of them, with 2 managing to evade capture in the rocky crevices and canyons. These men were found to be carrying highly-advanced weapons and ammunition, along with the experimental PYR4-31 nitroglycerine-enhanced plastic explosive; this substance exists in no more than 3 weapons labs worldwide, though some was reported stolen by Maxtopian authorities three months ago. This material has enough explosive force to blow a medium tank in-half, and so it was well-placed to destroy the usually impenetrable Torwg vehicles. One of the men had no tongue, having swallowed it prior to capture, and has not been of any use so far. The other two have said very little, other than taunting us that "we do not understand the forces at play." As our law prohibits torture, we have used humane but muscular efforts to interrogate them, and believe the little we have gained has been sufficient to, along with the evidence gathered, give us an idea of who might be behind this attack.

Avaerilon's GTA, our foreign intelligence agency, has produced the following report for high-level eyes only.

GWEDARNELIN TRARNMORNELĪON ASLINON

Report Date: 31/05/14

Report Body:

Having monitored international criminal chatter closely for some time, we know an individual, acting through an intermediary, managed to acquire substantial quantities of the top-secret experimental explosive PYR4-31 via criminal means. We understand this transaction occurred 3 months ago, and cost this shadowy individual no less than NS$15 million; an astronomical amount of money.

Given that the attackers were equipped with highly-advanced weapons and ammunition, alongside laser-cutters capable of penetrating the sophisticated armour of the Torwg, we have concluded that these men were mercenaries hired by likely the same individual who obtained the explosive. One of the men appears to have worked in Blackacre before, and was linked to a massacre there. Our advice would be to investigate this claim further and prosecute him for war crimes as well as those applicable to this current situation.

We also have concluded that this person controlling these events was informed previously of the planned dual-convoy system designed to trick insurgents. They also knew exactly where the fissile material was held. Thus, we have been observed and monitored by a skilled individual, probably of a former intelligence agency. We further believe the missing engineer was a mole feeding this individual additional information, and will likely find him with this shadowy puppeteer.  

Given the timing, the money involved, the manner in which this espionage was carried-out and the location, GTA has concluded that the fugitive former head of the old Grolschian NACIOG agency, one Jack Märr, currently sought by the SLUan authorities for a number of grave offences. His motive is clearly revenge for having forced him into hiding; what he plans to do with the fissile material is uncertain. We believe he either wishes to extort the nations of the SLU out of a great deal of money, or plans to attack a SLUan state; which one is unknown, though his former home of the Kingdom of Grolsch is a possibility, as is Avaerilon for our part in his removal and fall from grace. However, we must keep all options open and imagine an attack on Bigtopia or a SLUan state other than the tw already mentioned is equally as possible.

GTA advises caution, but also swiftness of action to apprehend and disarm this madman bent on domination and dark deeds.


Märr, a long-time fugitive, has shown his hand. It is now time for us to act. In the meantime, we will continue with the decommissioning, and with sending the fissile material that remains to UDS for safe disposal. However, recovering the stolen plutonium is an urgent priority, as is finding and arresting Märr and his cronies.

SLUan troops pursue insurgents in the wilderness around Scalewind

Excerpt on NACIOG:

"Avaerilon's International Committee for the Prevention of Corruption (ICPC) was handed nearly 23,000 pages of documents from a protected source working in the Grolsch Foreign Ministry. These documents show that NACIOG was not strictly controlled by the government itself, and had an unlimited budget. They also tell us that Jack Märr, once tipped to become the Grolschian Foreign Minister and the current head of Covert Operations at NACIOG, had been directing more and more money into NACIOG."
"An excerpt states:"
'"He's been increasing NACICOG's international presence over the past few years and he's used the recent hacking scandal and the increase in NACICOG funding to recruit scientists, politicians and intelligence personnel."'
"Furthermore, Märr appeared to have great interests in Bigtopia. He had billions to his name in oil and gas contracts, construction, media, telecom, leisure and in civil engineering. There were also copies of documents from Bigtopian ministers talking about how Märr had helped President Ismael Eisenhower of Bigtopia take the election victory over the more moderate Achmed al-Kennedy."
"Avaerilon's own security services have come to the conclusion that NACIOG was effectively controlling Bigtopia 5 years before the Scalewind Reactors were built. This was done without the knowledge or permission of the Grolschian government, and was masterminded by Märr and his key allies in NACIOG. It is possible that Märr was intending to weaken the SLU with the possible war and nuclear fallout to thus take control of the region."
"We have issued arrest warrants to ISpol for Märr, Ven Dun, Van Dyke, Tharmaes and Haagen; the principal directors of NACIOG."


UDS: Having resolved the strike, work is once more underway to prepare the rockets to remove the fissile material. However, your astronomers have noted an odd body appears to be moving into-position above the planned launch site; an old satellite is the likely culprit, and your leading scientists advice it is removed from any position that could compromise the launch.

Jasminia Islands: Your offer of troops was gratefully accepted by Bigtopia, and many of them have joined Avaerilon's in providing security and peacekeeping. You sadly lost 3 brave men in the convoy attack, and the news of their deaths has caused grief in your nation; this has however steeled the resolve of your soldiers to work on finding Märr and his henchmen.

Newhalla: Bigtopia leapt at the oppurtunity to secure your troops at the Scalewind site, though your media has questioned why Hallan troops should be sent so far away. Meanwhile, the government is keen to work with yours on improving the amount of renewable energy facilities, and has provided up-to-date data on current sources of electrical energy.

Avaerilon: The loss of 12 brave soldiers sparked a feeling of resolve in our country, and the nation's police forces have released details of Märr and his associates to the public in the hope of someone noticing something. Meanwhile, the Avaerilonian workers on the Scalewind sitehave made great progress in removing old fuel rods from a cooling pond, despite the shocking revelation that one of their own was a mole. GTA has cleared the remainder of them of any suspicion.

LEADERS, what do you suggest we do?
Post your response to this issue to effect the outcome of the next update!

The situation will be updated randomly sometime. Do not delay your move!

[/div]

[Chameliya]

We are sending another 500 men to aid the servicemen already deployed. We need to get on top of this quickly. We had hoped that we could have covered these movements up by claiming it was a mere training exercise but news of these deaths has got out and there are nationwide protests.

We are also altering our military satellite's orbit so that it will be orbitting directly above Bigtopia. We hope to produce high resolution images of the area where the mercenaries are hiding to see if these reveal anything. However, this is a lengthy process and it could be a couple of days before we have any clear enough to work with.

We also suspect that Jack Märr was moving vast sums of money in and out of a Jasminian bank account. We have delivered a court order to National Bank to hand over the transaction history of the account in question.

[Kingdom of Grolsch]

MINISTRY OF DEFENSE  OF THE KINGDOM OF GROLSCH
AGENCU VU INTELLI MILITAR
UNIT 918

REPORT: INTORG/SLU/MARR/BIGINFO
CLASSIFICATION: INTORG SECRET/Heads of State/Ministers/ Sr Advisors Only

INTRODUCTION
The Kingdom of Grolsch would like to relay information to other SLU Member States about NACICOG/NACIOG (depending on language used), the Kingdom's former intelligence apparatus. NACIOG has been dissolved and multiple, smaller agencies have taken its place.  Currently, Grolsch has four intelligence agencies:

CURRENT INTELLIGENCE STRUCTURE OF GROLSCH

1. Agency for Military Intelligence: Agencu vu Intelli Militär (AVIM)
Part of: Ministry of Defense
Areas of Expertise: Military intelligence; armed-and-dangerous wanted persons investigations
Staff: 650
Of which operatives: 480
Of which clandestine operations specialists: 39
Director: Ms Nathali N. Nokém

2. Foreign Intelligence Directorate: Directü Intelli Entrulaü (DIE)
Part of: Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Areas of Expertise: Foreign intelligence - general; geopolitical intelligence
Staff: 4,900
Of which operatives: 2,700
Of which clandestine operations specialists: Classified
Director: Mr Mathis Wöpegeklutter

3. National Police Intelligence Division: Düvi Intelli Polis Nationol (DIPN)
Part of: Ministry of Public Safety & Security
Areas of Expertise: Internal intelligence
Staff: 7,400
Of which operatives: 4,400
Of which clandestine: None
Director: Ms Pison Märru-Krulyvovavych

4. Organisation for Eyes in the Sky: Organu vu Aeg pä Sulkt (OVAPS)
Part of: National Science Agency (part of Ministry of Education & Science)
Areas of Expertise: Geospatial intelligence; satellite communication networks;  space warfare
Staff: 940
Of which operatives: 0
Of which clandestine: 0

INFORMATION ON MR. MÄRR

Jücki "Jack" Vlodivastokto Jonsky-Märr, aged 59, was the former Director of NACI(C)OG, the giant all-encompassing Grolschian intelligence agency. Märr orchestrated the creation of a variety of secret arms laboratories and special forces-like intelligence units. He's a wanted person for a variety of crimes against the nation of Grolsch, crimes against humanity, the crime of aggression and making preparations to use violence against other nations. Jack Märr has amassed a vast personal fortune through his many illegal activities and semi-legit businesses. Märr, according to Vörbis Magüzi magazine, is the 14th-wealthiest citizen of Grolsch with a wealth of D2.3 billion (approximately 1.6 bn NS dollars). The Economic Crime Unit of the National Tax Service estimates that about 30% of his wealth can be considered liquid, i.e. would be available for Märr to spend without selling any assets.

Märr is rumored to have converted a small airport in rural Bigtopia into a highly secure compound for developing a "super missile", mostly using stolen technology developed during his time at NACI(C)OG. Given the extreme security methods employed by Märr, which nowadays include being shot at first sight of insubordination and torturing visitors, the Cabinet of Grolsch has voted against sending Grolschian intelligencr agents to said location.

WARNING TO AVAERILON

It is highly likely the captured insurgents have profited from Märr's highly-successful psychological torture programs, which all Grolschian intelligence agents had to complete successfully before being hired - and this is still a requirement. Individuals who have received this training can endure nearly-unlimited mental stress. If subjected to psychological warfare methods, like you have most likely done, they will try to convert their adversaries into puppets. Research has shown their success rate is well over 80%.

END OF REPORT. FOR NOW.

[Chameliya]

Statements for 'Yuki Mer' - courtesy of National Bank

Rāstriya Baink

Account holder: Yuki Mer
Account number: 006293528

January 2014

+ J$ 7,657,978,984
- J$ 7,657,978,984

February 2014

+ J$ 3,835,174,847
- J$ 3,835,174,847

March 2014

+ J$ 6,293,836,893
- J$ 6,293,836,893

April 2014

+ J$ 3,283,858,282
- J$ 3,283,858,282

Satellite Image of Bigtopia - courtesy of JAMSAT: Jasminian Military Satellite

[Newhalla]

Fellow council leaders

First on the military matters. The transportation of the 650 personnel of the 22nd Härjhalla battalion and its equipment to Bigtopia is now 100% complete. Our forces has launched several unmanned Aerial drones to scout for any potential insurgent bases. Although the Överkommando Försvarsmakten (Supreme command) is worried of the allegiance of the Bigtopian armed forces. As such we have dispatched a nearby carrier battle group consisting of the refitted super carrier NNS Riksäpelle, amphibious assault ship/Hover carrier NNS Fram till Gryning, 2 cruisers, 5 destroyers,
 2 frigates, 3 submarines and 6 auxiliary vessels. The battle group carries the 56th Kustjäager brigade on the NNS Fram and 205th Kustjäager battalion on the NNS Riksäpelle. A total of 1400 Kustjäagers. The battle group is currently making its way towards Bigtopia. And will arrive in about a week. 

The Newhallan parliament has authorized the government to form a partnership whit the Bigtopian state in the matters of energy production. Bigtopian officials has been invited to Newhalla to examine Hallan energy production.
Hallan energy production utilize high end fusion technology for most of the nations energy production. However such methods are to expensive for Bigtopia for now. We however offer to share latest solar panel technology. And are willing to offer subsidies for solar panels. The Bigtopian regime will have to decide if they want to import cheap high end solar panels from Newhalla and/or expand the domestic production of solar panels whit our help. The details of the partnership will be decided once the Bigtopian delegations has arrived in the Hallan capital. 

As for the Märr situation, our intelligence service N-SIC has no further information that has already been revealed in these communications. N-SIC has little presence in Bigtopia and will not be of any use. 

[United Democracy of Scientists]

From The United Democracy of Scientists Committee of Security,

Further investigation has been carried out on the object found in low Earth orbit by the UDS Department of Space Exploration. By pointing radio telescopes located at the Isaac Newton Space Center at the object, encrypted signals were detected. Given the present risk, along with strong recommendations from members of the Department of Space Exploration's  top ranking Astronomers, it was concluded that a recovery mission would be done on this object for the sake of national and regional security. The mission report is as follows:

---

Mission Report - Recovery of Unknown Signal-Emitting Object
Published by: The United Democracy of Scientists Department of Space Exploration

Background/Purpose: Unknown object found in low Earth orbit by radio telescopes. Additional observation revealed object to be sending and receiving encrypted information to unknown location. Security issues involving the Märr-Scalewind crisis implore for the seizure of the potentially dangerous object.

Method: A Bohr-Class Reconnaissance and Recovery Vessel(BRRV) manned by three UDS astronauts will be outfitted onto an Euler-Class Launch System(ELS.) Vessel. It will be launched from Isaac Newton Space Center on the morning of 2/6/14. ELS will put BRRV on a suborbital trajectory such that BRRV will approach the object at apogee, just in time for orbital insertion burn.

Once in parking orbit, a Hohmann transfer to the object shall be done. Once at closest approach, a burn shall be performed to cancel relative velocity. Reaction Control System Thrusters(RCS) will then be used for final approach to object. Object will be captured by a mechanical claw mounted on front end of command capsule. Deorbit burn shall be done at this point and service module on BRRC will be jettisoned. The command capsule's bottom-mounted heat shield will absorb reentry heat, parachutes will be activated, and the command capsule plus object shall splash down off the coast of Grolsch. The ship will be controlled by its onboard computer, but controls can be switched to manual in the case of a malfunction.

BRRV, prior to fitting to ELS. 


ELS sitting on the launch pad, the afternoon before launch. BRRV is located inside fairing at the top.


Mission Results:

T+0:00 - Launch.

Image taken from ground at T+0:10.


Image taken from ground at T+1:00.


T+1:05 - Gravity turn begins. Solid rocket booster jettison.

T+3:00 - Nominal apogee achieved. ELS jettison. Fairings encasing BRRV jettison. Solar panel deployment.

T+6:12 - Orbital insertion burn begins.

T+6:49 - Orbital insertion burn complete. Parking orbit achieved.

Image taken from inside of command pod at T+25:27. Shows the ocean below, near the coast of the DSA.


T+26:12 - Hohmann transfer burn to object begins.

T+26:20 - Hohmann transfer burn complete.

T+30:58 - Velocity match burn begins.

T+31:16 - Velocity match complete. The location of rendezvous is, by coincidence, over the nation of Bigtopia

This picture of the object was taken approximately 50 meters from the object from the inside of the command pod at T+33:40.
 
When magnified. The body of water is the bay in which the Bigtopian SLU Headquarters is located.


T+34:00 - RCS engaged. Final approach toward object for capture begins.

T+34:11 - Autopilot begins to malfunction. Crew attempts manual override, but onboard computer does not comply. Main engines engage, and BRRV begins retrograde burn at full thrust. 

T+34:23 - Suborbital trajectory achieved.

T+36:02 - Engines stop firing. BRRV remains uncontrollable.

T+36:47 - BRRV enters atmosphere. Due to the service module not decoupling from the command capsule, the command capsule's heat shield is unable to position itself, and is as such defunct.

T+38:00 - Contact with BRRV lost. BRRV is unprotected from reentry heating, and is destroyed. Crew is killed. Catastrophic mission failure.

End Report

---

Observations of the image taken of the object show that the object is a satellite of some sort. Present on the satellite is an antenna which is believed to be its primary means of communication.  The controllers of the satellite are now known to have the ability to hack our space program's software when in close range. Given the circumstances of this incident, it is believed that the satellite is owned by Märr and his associates. It is unknown if the fact that the  incident took place over Bigtopia has any significance.

This information is highly troubling. If Märr is able to hack into and take control of the Prometheus-Class Heavy Lift Rocket that the radioactive material is to be launched with, he could redirect the spacecraft upon launch so that it could be captured instead of put on an earth escape trajectory. 

Furthermore, if Märr is able to capture the material, the fact that he is able to launch objects into orbit would mean that he could then convert the material into an orbiting nuclear ballistic missile. When in orbit, such a missile would have the ability to target any location in the world, and would approach its target at hypersonic speeds. This would make it impossible to stop the missile once it has targeted a location. We theorize that this is in fact the "Super Missile" that the combined Grolschian intelligence agencies have become aware of.

Recognizing this threat, the UDS has declared a state of national emergency. A ballistic missile is being primed so as to destroy the hostile satellite. It will jettison its fuel tanks and engines once on a collision trajectory with the satellite in order to prevent its weaponization by the enemy. Additional missiles are being prepared for a scenario where more space-borne tools of Märr's show up. The radioactive material and the rocket it is loaded onto are being patrolled by armed  guards at a classified location, and the rocket is being checked for tampering every two days.

The launch will be postponed until further notice. 

[Avaerilon]

Greetings, and welcome to the Council of Leaders.

Situation Report
Quick facts on the issue

Title: Cleaning-Up
-Details-
Description: Nation of Bigtopia cleaning-up former Scalewind nuclear site amid terror threats
Currently: SLUan nations assisting decommissioning of reactors, fugitive former spymaster in-possession of stolen fissile material disrupting SLUan efforts
Why: Some time ago, a reactor designed to make fissile material for bombs caught fire and was put-out by a combined SLUan effort. Country not especially stable, wealthy and megalomanic former spymaster desiring revenge
Fourth Conference Briefing
Detailed Facts on the Issue

Greetings, and welcome to this Council of Leaders.

It has been a hard and difficult time for us; first my own nation and Jasminia, along with another, lost brave servicemen in the line of duty, and then we learnt of the tragic deaths of the astronauts sent by the United Democracy of Scientists to determine what this mysterious object was. My government would like to offer our most sincere and heartfelt condolences to the United Democracy for the deaths, especially from our own space agency, Aslinon Īthelsor Regnerol Avaerilon. A minute's silence was held in the command centre in south-west Morrowind for the dead.

The apparent skills and resources of Märr are indeed far-reaching, as are the consequences of failing to stop this villain. Thus, work is underway at top-speed on the Scalewind site to make everything safe. Already we have isolated the two chimney filters of the reactor chimneys, and most of any discarded waste has been pulled from the cooling ponds. The SLUan troops on-patrol have been efficient and effective in stabilising the area, with no insurgents spotted within 10 miles of the site. That being said, the Bigtopian government reports fearful news from their eastern borders, where checkpoints have been seized by radical nationalists and supporters of former-president Eisenhower. They have asked for a contingent of SLUan troops to deploy as soon as possible.

Onto the matters directly concerning this conspiracy against our region. The evidence provided by the Jasminia Islands is very suggestive, and it might be worthwhile all of us ensuring all large private transactions are in fact above-board and not linked to Märr; it seems clear the man is a spider, with his webs stretching far and wide indeed.

With the investigative prowess of the various agencies and police forces of the region in full-throttle, we have managed to make sincere headway on the Märr situation; however, the fugitive spymaster remains at-large and possess enough plutonium to make a powerful nuclear device. We support the idea of UDS to destroy this satellite, and would also suggest an attempt be made to recover as much of it as possible. To this end, we can volunteer one of our space shuttle craft to arrive post-destruction should it be needed.

Avaerilon's GTA has, in-cooperation with our allies in fellow SLUan states, concluded that Märr has very-likely used some of his eye-watering levels of money to construct an underground facility to conduct his operations from. This facility is located in Bigtopia, probably in the generally uninhabited central-west of the country, disguised as a small commercial air field no doubt. There are over 62 air fields either in private ownership or abandoned in this area, but we have been able to narrow the list down to 5 where Mäar could be operating from.


GWEDARNELIN TRARNMORNELĪON ASLINON

Report Date: 06/06/14

Report Body:

GTA has employed a strict criteria based on practicality, geology and security, in-terms of what we believe Mr. Mäar to have been using to judge where to locate himself in Bigtopia, to ascertain a series of viable locations for his base of operations in the country.

We firstly examined this list of 62 sites for locations at least 15 miles from any major inhabitation. The list decreased to 40, and we then applied the criterion that the site be accessible by motor vehicle with relative ease. This list decreased to 32, with a number of sites lying out-of-reach my road as of the present day. We next employed a geological survey of the area, and determined a further 9 sites were unsuitable for any significant underground facility, due to a lack of hard, stable rock and proximity to areas of tectonic activity. That brought our list down to 23. Then, our analysts reasoned 5 of these to be undesirable, given the fact military jets from Bigtopia would be able to fly over their proximity on routine operations. Of the 18 remaining, 8 were found to be owned and operated by persons of good character with nothing suspicious in their records or manner, and have been operating small-scale commercial flights for at least 10 years. Thus, we were left with 10, Of these, 3 were abandoned and unserviceable for aircraft and landing. Then, 2 more were eliminated because they were still up for sale, and were regularly visited by prospective buyers. Thus, we came to conclude any of the remaining 5 could be the base employed by Märr for his criminal activities in Bigtopia and elsewhere.

These 5 sites are:

I: Mugrad-Bu Air Field (A)-former military airfield used by medium-sized transport planes, equipped with fuelling equipment and maintenance hangars. Owned by reclusive foreign billionaire Vlad Rostovicz, who made his money in refrigeration goods. Large black Hercules are seen landing and taking-off at odd hours by vary locals, who have been warned-off the site by private security.

II: BPAF Mugafthaq (B)- another old military airfield, currently owned by retired air force colonel Muhammad al-Kissinger, who was implicated in the Scalewind Fire as having supplied certain funding and clearance to build the centrifuges, but never convicted due to a lack of proof. Living a reclusive life elsewhere, though travels to his air field once a fortnight to fly elsewhere; location unknown.

III: Ali's Helicopters (C)- a heli-port operated by Ali na Harourah, a wealthy businessman and close personal friend of Ishmael Eisenhower, the anti-SLUan former premier of the state. Constantly busy with traffic, including helicopters more suited to transporting goods than people.

IV: Stringah and Barksdale Enterprises Air Field (D)- a commercial air field owned and run by two alledged drug lords, Soloon Stringah-Bel and Aden Barksdale. Possibly used as money-laundering site, known to have caverns beneath it. Considerable increase in traffic over the last two weeks. Notably paid for with money that originated from an offshore account registered to an unknown person.

V: BPAF Gadas (E)- former missile-base for the air force, now owned by lead mining magnate Charles Crook as a personal way station between his luxury villas around the world. Known to be equipped with new satellite dishes and complex antenna.


END OF REPORT

Thus, we have 5 potential hideouts- one of these is certainly Märr's base. We already have an operative on-scene and ready to infiltrate one of the bases. Our man will begin by attempting to enter the social circles of those connected to or known to own the base, gain valuable information and then attempt to infiltrate the base and scout for any proof of Märr.


Agent 007, one of our best, is currently in the area investigating

Sadly, we only have one shot at this- given his ability to intercept our communications, Mäar would surely hear of a break-in operation and flee the scene. We must get it right the first time round. Therefore, we must ask the nations of the SLU to agree on one of the 5 bases to choose. 007 is ready to work with one further competent agent to join him on the mission, and with a multi-SLUan team of intelligence officers and experts to monitor the mission and provide intel on the spot. Once we have decided on the target, we can proceed with mission plannning and then the mission itself.

Perhaps then we can end this awful affair and prevent some terrible catastrophe.

The Jasminia Islands: There have been calls from the Opposition for the minister in-charge of defence matters to resign following the news of the tragic deaths, and criticisms levelled at your government from the media over the handling of the affair. However, that has not dampened the will of your forces in Bigtopia, who are coordinating with other SLUan troops in planning to attack and capture the single mercenary base near to Scalewind. In other news, it seems clear to many that one 'Yuki Mer' is in fact J. Märr, and calls have been made to seize the money and begin an investigation of the bank involved.

Grolsch: Your government's helpfulness in providing relevant and up-to-date information on Märr has earned it praise from around the region, but its apparent lack of will to become directly involved has irked a number of journalists and prominent politicians, who call it "a Grolschian responsibility" to go into Bigtopia and locate the fugitive spymaster.

Newhalla: There is no shortage of Hallan firepower in the region after your recent deployments, but whether the men will all arrive intact or not is up to debate after two of the shiploads reported cases of diphtheria and severe food-poisoning. No-one has died so far, but a great number of men are ill. Some have suggested this was a deliberate act by Märr; others blame a slack standard of cleanliness. Meanwhile, your government's generosity towards Bigtopia is apparent, with the newly-arrived Bigtopian officials singing your praises and taking a great interest in your solar power collectors. A number of private firms are currently undergoing a bidding war in trying to offer the Bigtopians the best deal; it will be up to your government to get involved.

UDS: The loss of your manned craft and the fear of an impending attack by enemies of the region, along with the state of emergency, has created a degree of panic in some urban areas, with shops reporting a shortage of store-cupboard essentials and medicines. The police have expressed their concern that civil disorder may occur if the situation is not handled correctly. Meanwhile, your rocket scientists report all is well at your launch site and the anti-satellite missile is ready to be used.

Avaerilon: TV viewers have complained of static, odd noises and more annoying occurrences recently, with the strange satellite being blamed. Meanwhile, a number of suspects linked to Märr were detained in Avaerilon attempting to leave; one was revealed to be a Mr. Haagen, wanted by SLUan authorities in-connection with his actions while working high-up in NACIOG. The border police were criticised fort failing to accurately ID him earlier, and a shake-up of the force has been proposed. Mr. Haagen appears fearful, and is currently co-operating with Avaerilonian police in the investigation. Meanwhile, interrogation of the mercenaries has ceased after one of them hypnotised an interrogator; the member of staff is now recovering, and specialists trained in mind-shielding techniques and mentalism have been brought-in.

LEADERS, what do you suggest we do?
Post your response to this issue to effect the outcome of the next update!

The situation will be updated randomly sometime. Do not delay your move!

[Chameliya]

Fellow leaders,

Our options to help militarily are running out. There have been protests all week since news of the deaths and the movement for withdrawing from Bigtopia is growing rapidly. We won't be able to ignore the desires of our people for much longer.
  We have ordered the closure of the account belonging to 'Yuki Mer' and seized the remaining 12 Jasminian Shillings. The Port Louis Constabulary have searched the address linked to his account and found some worrying items (details disclosed below). We have also sent orders to the JDF currently stationed in Bigtopia to undertake an armed raid of the known mercenary base.
  Taking into account our findings, we believe that SITE E as found by Avaerilon's GTA to be the base of Märr.

  Extract of Port Louis Constabulary 'Incidents Log' - 04/06/2071

PORT LOUIS CONSTABULARY INCIDENTS LOG

DATE: 04/06/2071
LOGGED BY: CI J D BARTLETT

A team of 5 constables, 2 inspectors, and 1 chief inspectors of the HLS Unit and arrived at 17 Harley Avenue, the address linked to 'Yuki Mer''s account with Rāstriya Baink.  Open arrival, it was discovered that Nº 17 was a flat in a converted villa.
  After 1 mins of knocking at Nº 17 we were forced to knock down the door using safety-hatchets.  Once inside, we found the property to have been deserted and mostly emptied.  The premise was thoroughly inspected.  Three significant pieces of evidence were found.

1. The remains of a burnt passport was found in the fireplace.  The origin of passport could not be identified.  However, the biometric identification chip was found intact in the ashes.  Further investigation found that the passport originated from Grolsch.
2. Two shirts were found left behind in a large cupboard in the bedroom.  Sand particles found in the buttons were analysed by the University of St Ann's geology department who concluded that the sand was from Bigtopia.
3. A folded paper map of Avaerilon was found wedged behind the kitchen fridge.  The map had several markings scrawled onto it including dates and symbols believed to be a satellite and radio towers.

Fingerprints were also collected and have been sent to Grolschian authorities to confirm they belong to Jack Märr.


END OF REPORT.

  Orders sent to JDF stationed in Bigtopia

JASMINIA DEFENCE FORCE

SECURITY LEVEL: RED
ENCRYPTION LEVEL: HIGH

LT T I JENKINS

Take 50 of the JSF to the mercenary HQ at 2am local time.  Undertake an armed raid using the CODE BETA strategy.  Search the WHOLE property.  Find ANYTHING that may help find Jack Märr.  DO NOT TAKE ANY CHANCES - we cannot afford any more fatalities.

May God be gracious,

GEN M W BROWN

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

[Newhalla]

Fellow council leaders. 

The food poisoning in the Riksäpelle battle group is disconcerting but will not prevent the battle group from arriving to Bigtopian, which it will in less than 48 hours. An investigations has been launched and any Hallan servicemen that require urgent medical attention will be airlifted to Bigtopia for medical treatment. 

In the light of recent destabilization in the eastern parts of Bigtopia, a third of the 22nd Härjhalla battalion will be re-deployed to Al-Fatima international airport in the Bigtopian capital. Where Hallan air force transports, jets and army aviation are stationed. We have requested that the Bigtopian army reinforces the garrison at the airport, but the Bigtopian command responded with that there was no spare reliable units for such tasks. And that fears potential defections of army units.

The Hallan-Bigtopian partnership in energy production fully ratified. Newhalla will subsides the export of solar panels to Bigtopia, bringing the price generally down with 20% to 40% per panel. Bigtopia will still have to decide from what company they want to buy from. Newhalla will also facilitate a technology transfer in solar power collectors, hydropower and fission technology to Bigtopia. 

However with recent event in mind the Newhallan government is unsure about the longevity of the current Bigtopian government. As such we have temporarily postponed the implementation of the Hallan-Bigtopian energy cooperation until the security situation is improved. 

[Kingdom of Grolsch]

MINISTRÄR VU EDUWIS AN SCIAP
Directü pa Sciap Nacionol
Agencü Forensitechnicü
Ofidu vu Humanalis
Linu Paratres 17
VM-27120 Vökuli

Excellencies,

We have analyzed the objects provided by The Jasminia Island Constabulary's HLS Unit. The objects have been handled with great care by Jasminian authorities and as such, AGFOR was able to find a great variety of usable particles for further analysis.

The Agency officially confirms that both pieces of clothing sent to us by Jasminia have been in contact with the body of Mr Märr. However, given the presence of other materials, we cannot make any guarantees whether or not Märr himself used them.

Furthermore, both the Grolschian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Domestic Identification Documents Division,and AGFOR have independently confirmed that the passport found belonged to Mr Märr. In fact, the passport is a service passport used by senior Grolschian government officials.


With highest considerations,


Dr. Michelle Van Tuychen Ton Chau
Team Leader, Intelligence Analysis Group
Human Materials Analysis Unit
Forensic Technologies Agency


The military of Grolsch is willing to deploy 50 specialized Partunkilo 2-SNORK tanks along with the 580 associated staff and facilities. These specialized main battle tanks are equipped with a snorkel and can nearly invisibly infiltrate enemy territory by using ithe unique ability to travel below water surface at up to 4 meters' depth.


Sergeant Loku Pituroinen guides his Paerunkilo 2-SNORK MBT crew during an exercise

The Army's 4th Mechanized Infantry Group, comprising a total of 4,000 staff (2,900 combatants and 1,100 support staff) and 310 vehicles, is ready to move to Bigtopia and will move into the country immediately after permission from the Bigtopian government to do so. Air Force officials have already started loading vehicles and supplies into C-5 Galystu aircraft.


A PUMA Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) and a C-5 Galystu heavy transport plane used by the Grolschian Armed Forces

Location A must be it.

[United Democracy of Scientists]

From the United Democracy of Scientists Committee of Security:

Domestically, the panic induced by the state of emergency carries on all across the streets of Scientia, and rural UDS. The government is doing its best to keep the public calm and informed in the face of this great danger. In all government owned media, we have been broadcasting the locations of nearby bomb shelters, giving out advice on what to do in the case of an attack, and keeping the public constantly updated on any and all developments involving the Märr-Scalewind Crisis. We have also begun to put a ration on several different high-demand products which have all but disappeared in the chaos.

Even the government itself has proven to not be immune to this fear. The Combined Assemblies are currently facing the most violent period of debate seen since the founding of the UDS. The pacifists are in constant verbal combat with the more war-minded individuals residing within The Halls. These anti-pacifists are even going as far as to propose declaring war, though they can't seem to agree on who exactly the party to declare war on is. 

Culturally, the Märr-Scalewind Crisis has propelled the zeitgeist of the nation into a state of paranoia mixed with hyper-patriotism to both itself, its region, and the idea of democracy that has not been seen in any nation since the Cold War. The three deceased astronauts have been idolized as martyrs, and within one week of its release, a song depicting the disaster became the number one most selling piece of music of all time in the UDS. 

Through all of this chaos, it seems that only one organization in the country is able to keep a cool enough head to directly address the issue while the rest of the county quakes in its boots and bickers. This brings us to the report of the national space program's recent activities:

---

Mission report - Disabling and Capture of Hostile Enemy Satellite
Published by: The United Democracy of Scientists Department of Space Exploration

Background/Purpose: Hostile satellite directly linked to Märr-Scalewind Crisis found in low earth orbit. During initial recovery, (see "Mission Report - Recovery of Unknown Signal-Emitting Object") hostile satellite demonstrated ability to hack into the Scientian spacecraft, and killed all three crew members via forced unshielded reentry. It is a concern that the satellite may be able to capture the high level radioactive material in a similar fashion. Additional evidence found by Jasminian Intelligence depicts satellite targeting Avaerilon, indicating that eventual weaponization of space is planned. Extreme care must be taken when recovering this satellite.

Method: The satellite is known to be able to control Scientian spacecraft, and as such, direct recovery is unsafe. Instead, an Atë-class EMP charge will be mounted onto a Talaria-class Light Transfer Module (TLTM) and will be launched by a Krebs-class Light Launch System (KLLS). Once in orbit, TLTM will perform a standard hohmann transfer maneuver to rendezvous with the satellite, and the EMP charge will decouple from TLTM. Once decoupled, the EMP charge will set itself on a countdown to activation so that it will activate at the exact moment of closest approach to the satellite. The charge has no means of communication once TLTM is jettisoned, and therefore the programming can not be averted once the charge is within effective range of the satellite for hacking. The charge has an effective range of two kilometers, and should be strong enough to completely disable the satellite upon activation.

Atë-class EMP charge mounted on TLTM.


KLLS sitting on the launchpad. TLTM and Atë-class EMP charge are housed within fairing.

Once the satellite is disabled, an unmanned Bohr-Class Reconnaissance and Recovery Vessel (BRRV) mounted onto an Euler-class Launch System (ELS) will be launched into orbit to recover the vessel. BRRV will follow the exact same procedure it would have during the previous recovery attempt, had it been successful. BRRV will be unmanned so that in the case of the satellite retaining its ability to function, no fatalities will occur. The empty capsule will also serve the symbolic purpose of honoring the three deceased astronauts. The capsule and satellite will land off the western coast of Avaerilon, and will be transported to Lyndainium for further cooperative examination.

ELS on launchpad. BRRV is housed inside fairing.


Mission Results:

Stage 1: Satellite Disabling

T+0:00 -  Launch.

Picture taken from ground at T+0:10.

T+0:42 - Gravity turn begins.

T+0:48 - Solid Rocket Booster jettison.

T+2:17 - Fairing separation.

T+3:14 - Nominal apogee achieved. KLLS jettison. Solar panels deploy.

T+7:07 - Orbital insertion burn begins.

T+7:27 - Orbital insertion burn complete. Parking orbit achieved. 

T+3:05:21 - Hohmann transfer burn begins.

T+3:05:33 - Hohmann transfer burn complete. TLLM jettison. Atë-class EMP charge primed for closest approach of 500m in 18:06. 

T+3:23:39 - Closest approach to target. Atë-class EMP charge activates at 500m from target. Target disabled. Activation verified from ground.

Stage 2: Satellite Capture

T+0:00 - Launch.

Picture taken from ground at T+0:10.  
Picture taken from ground at T+1:00.

T+1:04 - Gravity turn begins.

T+1:09 - Solid Rocket Booster jettison.

T+2:38 - Fairing jettison.

T+3:02 - Nominal apogee achieved. ELS jettison. Solar panels deploy.

T+6:12 - Orbital insertion burn begins.

T+6:52 - Orbital insertion burn complete. Parking orbit achieved.

Picture taken from inside of command capsule at T+2:35:16. Shows moonrise.

T+3:01:07 - Hohmann transfer burn to target begins.

T+3:01:23 - Hohmann transfer burn complete.

T+3:19:27 - Velocity match burn begins.

T+3:19:40 - Velocity match burn complete. RCS engaged. Final approach begins.

T+3:25:58 - Enemy satellite successfully captured by front mounted mechanical claw.

T+4:12:02 - Deorbit burn begins.

T+4:14:32 - Deorbit burn complete. Service module jettison. Heat shield on command capsule moves into position.

T+4:18:47 - BRRV enters atmosphere.

Picture taken from inside of command capsule at T+4:19:50.

T+4:20:13 - Heat shield successfully protects BRRV and satellite from reentry heating. Satellite's solar panels are destroyed by atmospheric drag, but chassis and electronics remain undamaged.

T+4:22:07 - Parachutes deploy.

Picture taken from inside of command capsule at T+4:22:30.

T+4:23:04 - Splashdown off the western coast of Avaerilon.

Picture of the capsule and satellite taken by SLUan forces. Avaerilonian coast visible in background. 
End Report

---

These have been trying times for all of us. We must all have the tenacity to work past this situation towards the common goal of catching Märr, bringing stability to Bigtopia, and disposing of the radioactive material. We of the UDS are eager to work with our brethren in the SLU to take down Märr and avenge our astronauts, and we will begin by working with the government of Avaerilon to crack open the secrets of Märr's satellite.

Any data stored on the satellite may help us figure out the location of the base, though based on the provided intelligence given by Avaerilon, we must agree with The Jasminia Islands that the most likely candidate would be Site E; its dishes and antennae would make it the most capable candidate for being able to control the satellite. 

[Avaerilon]

Greetings, and welcome to the Council of Leaders.

Situation Report
Quick facts on the issue

Title: Cleaning-Up
-Details-
Description: Nation of Bigtopia cleaning-up former Scalewind nuclear site amid terror threats
Currently: SLUan nations assisting decommissioning of reactors, fugitive former spymaster in-possession of stolen fissile material disrupting SLUan efforts, international operation underway to stop him
Why: Some time ago, a reactor designed to make fissile material for bombs caught fire and was put-out by a combined SLUan effort. Country not especially stable, wealthy and megalomanic former spymaster desiring revenge
Fifth Conference Briefing
Detailed Facts on the Issue

Greetings, and welcome to this Council of Leaders.

In stark contrast to the setbacks, tragedies and other misfortunes of the last few weeks, this one has proved most fruitful and fortuitous; not only have the combined militaries of the region made great progress in mitigating the threat from any unstable elements of Bigtopia, but we have removed the immediate threat of Märr's satellite, which appeared to be readying for an attack on Avaerilon.

Of course, we have yet to recover the stolen plutonium and have not yet apprehended Märr himself, but any immediate danger, at lease to our populations, is absent for the time being. However, that does not mean we can afford to relax too much.

Our first matter of business is the satellite disabled by the skill of the UDS Department of Space Exploration, which has been recovered by SLUan forces. As it landed some miles from the coast of our western kingdom of Arnalor, the object was taken to be studied by experts in the remote and rural region known as Cernhastil. A group of analysts, technicians, engineers and other experts from Avaerilon and UDS have conducted an exhaustive study of the object under top security and have come to the following conclusions:



+++ FINAL CONCLUDING REPORT BY THE ASSIGNED REPRESENTATIVES OF THE MAGNIFICENT KINGDOM OF AVAERILON AND THE UNITED DEMOCRACY OF SCIENTISTS +++

The satellite is a modern design that bears little relation to anything available to commercial satellite providers, and is more akin to a number of advanced military designs that are still very much concepts within the Social Liberal Union. Power derives from advanced solar panels systems, which are up to 15% more efficient than the current norm. The materials used are a mixture of high-quality materials such as gold and various high-tech alloys, alongside composite materials that are not available to most militaries. The most notable one used is ACMC-BE43, a kevlar-carbon composite that is currently being tested by foreign militaries for stealth aircraft. The material is impervious to temperature within reasonable limits, and is resistant to most forms of tracking, including RADAR. It is thus ideal for aircraft, and also satellites.

In terms of weaponry, the satellite is equipped with jammers, sonic devices designed to skew aircraft and spacecraft, various radio and microwave devices, a basic single-capacity missile launcher and a large, ultra-powerful laser. The last is notable above the others as no other example of its kind exists. Not even experimental ones in secure laboratories have the same level of power. Indeed, it is more than three times as powerful than any laser currently operated or in-development by any SLUan state.

Though it appears some considerable damage to the on-board computer and microchips was sustained, we have analysed the software and hardware employed. The hardware, though high-end and expensive, is not alien to ourselves and is relatively common with regards to high-power satellites. The software is another issue; the code is written in a language we at first could not come to grips with, and a specialist was sent for. The specialist identified it as a form of language created by one Crook Tech Ltd, a software company operate by one Charles Crook, who happens to own a small air field in Bigtopia.

We have concluded this satellite was built by Crook Tech Ltd. on the strict orders of one J. Märr, using components obtained by Märr or made by his associates for the specific purposes of:

* Hijacking enemy craft via a sophisticated microwave-radio launched  trojan virus
* Jamming a variety of signals
* Being equipped to receive and launch missiles at specified targets
* Carry-out surveillance upon SLUan operations

The recovery of this satellite is surely a loss for Märr, though one has to winder whether he has considered an alternative use for the plutonium.

END OF REPORT




So, it was no doubt this satellite that allowed Märr to know of our activities in Bigtopia and steal the plutonium. It is also clear that air field E (BPAF Gadas - former missile-base for the air force, now owned by lead mining magnate Charles Crook as a personal way station between his luxury villas around the world. Known to be equipped with new satellite dishes and complex antenna), owned by one Charles Crook, is the likely base of operations for Märr in Bigtopia. We now have a target, and for once the advantage.


An expert tests part of the high-powered laser system employed by the satellite. The laser was found to be more than three times as powerful as anything currently in-possession or development by any SLUan state

Avaerilon's GTA agent, 007, has orders to infiltrate the social circles of Mr. Crook in order to gain access to the base. We know that any military attack would likely end with Märr escaping with the plutonium, so we must rule-out an all-out attack for now. 007 believes he can gain access to Crook by posing as the mysterious arms dealer Largo Goldfinger. Goldfinger was involved in arms smuggling of high-tech weapons from Maxtopia, especially laser-guided missile systems, and was wanted by our government for funding terrorists operations against Avaerilonian targets. He was apprehended last week as part of a GTA operation, and is currently held in a secure facility awaiting trial. his capture was going to be divulged this week, but when we realised the opportunity, we decided to hold this information back for the present. 007 and Goldfinger are of a similar build, and our man should have no difficulty in impersonating this secretive man. His plan is to engage Crook's interest with the sale of a number of personal surface-to-air missile launchers and then become part of his employ for the time being. He will use this position to eventually gain access to the base in Bigtopia, and thus access to Märr. We are confident Märr does not know 007 by sight, so any meeting would not jeopordise the mission.

In the meantime, the Jasminian raid of the mercenary base proved fruitful in determining the threat of the militants forces in Bigtopia. Following its success, the JSF engaged in combing the base to look for clues and useful information. They found that the number of actual mercenaries is now less than 350, though they have gained the support of radical nationalists, likely funded by anti-SLUan feeling in certain radical social circles, whose numbers are between 5 and 10 thousand. On Märr himself, we know little other than that he will be in Bigtopia in the coming days- his current location being unknown- hence the importance of 007 meeting with other security personnel. However, evidence that Märr may have acquired a former Maxtopian military missile has come to light. This is worrying, as Märr may decide to launch a missile strike against a SLUan target instead.


The decorated and much-admired 1st Air Cavalry and their HD-4 gunships have flown to the SLUan airbase outside the city of Tehrash, ready to fly-into action to apprehend attackers

We do know however that an attack on the capital city of Tehrash is imminent; whether this is a plan of Märr to divert attention or whether he has nothing directly to do with it is unlcear. What is clear is that the Bigtopian forces in the city might not be able to cope. al-Kennedy has asked for SLUan troops to be present in and around the city to defend it, and while we must also focus on Märr and the plutonium, we cannot abandon this fledgling democracy to war and carnage.

The Jasminia Islands: The JSF's victory in taking the mercenary HQ has prevented the tide of anti-war feeling from growing stronger, though strong it remains. Nevertheless, your men managed to engage the enemy with no losses on your side, though 10 were injured. The business with Yuki Mer appears to have come to an end, though your government has been called-on to strengthen banking regulations in light of this matter, despite opposition from the financial sector. Meanwhile, the question of whether your government will commit to keeping troops in Bigtopia to assist with its defence has been greatly interesting your media.

Newhalla: Your troops have arrived safely in Bigtopia, with no further cases of food poisoning. Their presence at al-Fatima airport has ruffled the feathers of commercial airliners, who complained of having their equipment and facilities confiscated by your forces. Meanwhile, the Bigtopian government has decided it would like to proceed with a deal offered by one of your largest solar power firms, once the situation improves.

Grolsch: The Bigtopian government has welcomed Grolschian troops with open arms, and your forces are currently deploying in the country and meeting-up with other SLUan troops already stationed. Meanwhile, there have been calls to totally overhaul and reform the way official passports are issued after the discoveries made in Bigtopia.

UDS: Rationing appears to have had a more calming effect than anticipated, and the population does not appear to be worried about food or medical shortages. However, the population remains paranoid about attack, and the government has been urged to allay peoples' fears. Meanwhile, the success of your incapacitation of the satellite and crucial role in studying it have earned your academic community much praise, and calls for a proper SLUan education exchange have been made once again in light of this.

Avaerilon: Information gathered from the former associate of Märr's seems to suggest some sort of international conspiracy, though investigations are continuing. Meanwhile, the head of border control has resigned following a shake-up of the whole force, with over Ā20 million being invested into making it more secure. The conservative Telegrāth newspaper has prompted concern that illegal immigrants may be present in large numbers in Avaerilon, though these claims have been dismissed by the government.

LEADERS, what do you suggest we do?
Post your response to this issue to effect the outcome of the next update!

The situation will be updated randomly sometime. Do not delay your move!

[Chameliya]

Fellow leaders,

There was a huge sigh of relief in the Saṉsada (Parliament) when we found that the JSF operation were successful.  We have decided to keep all Jasminian Defence Force troops in Bigtopia for the moment, however they will be moved to an undisclosed location 75 miles out of Tehrash.  Our men have been told to relax and unwind while they can.
  We are sending 10,000 blankets, 2.5 tons of canned food, 7,500 first aid kits and 15,000 water purification kits to our embassy in Tehrash in the case of an attack.  These will be distributed at local centres such as schools and post offices.  It has been suggested that all SLU nations' diplomatic missions in Tehrash be moved to a single, ultra-secure compound during this time of heightened tension and security.  This would allow local SLUan decisions to be made quickly and efficiently.
  We are also seeking the Bigtopian Aviation Authority's permission to fly over Tehrash to aerially deliver information pamphlets instructing Tehrashis what to do in the case of attack.
  Lastly, we will be implementing tight transactions regulations to hopefully prevent dirty money passing through the Jasminia Islands.

[Avaerilon]

Greetings, and welcome to the Council of Leaders.

Special Situation Report
Quick facts on the issue

Title: Cleaning-Up
-Details-
Description: Nation of Bigtopia cleaning-up former Scalewind nuclear site amid terror threats
Currently: SLUan nations assisting decommissioning of reactors, fugitive former spymaster in-possession of stolen fissile material disrupting SLUan efforts, international operation underway to stop him, capital tehrash preparing for attack
Why: Some time ago, a reactor designed to make fissile material for bombs caught fire and was put-out by a combined SLUan effort. Country not especially stable, wealthy and megalomanic former spymaster desiring revenge
Sixth Conference Briefing
Detailed Facts on the Issue

Greetings, and welcome to this Council of Leaders.

In the past few days, the combined forces of the SLu have been fortifying the defences of the city of Tehrash, and co-ordinating with Bigtopia on its defence. Most of our forces have secured the main international airport of the nation, though we retain a significant presence within the city itself. We will not be caught-off guard by any attack by mercenaries, insurgents or anyone else.

We also have good news to report on the progress of our agent 007. Posing as the notorious arms dealer Largo Goldfinger, our man made the acquaintance of Charles Crook, the mining magnate whose air field in Bigtopia we have identified as Märr's base of operations in the country. Crook has warmed to 007, and has come to regard him as both a trusted confidant and a friend (or as much as one can with an arms dealer). So it was no surprise that the question of Märr came up in conversation, but it was a surprise to learn that 007 would actually be meeting the man himself.

Crook and 007 flew via a private jet to a border town where, in addition to picking-up some items, Märr appeared. 007 has met Märr and discussed business with him. Märr did not talk about his plan on the aeroplane as it returned to the air base, but did mention work was underway to prepare for it. Already, his uniformed and well-armed mercenaries are fortifying the base, so that it now resembles a military compound, though the man does not realise we have guessed at his location and guessed correctly.

The first known photograph since his flight from Grolsch of one Jack Märr, taken aboard a private jet en route to his airbase in Bigtopia via a hidden micro-camera. Märr is the most wanted man in the entire SLU.

Once 007 arrived back at the base with Märr and Crook, Märr was willing to talk to his two confidants about his plan. His genius is clear, and the implications are worrying. Essentially, Märr plans to use the attack on Tehrash as a diversion to launch sophisticated missiles at the various satellites linked to GPS-programmes and various RADAR installations to black-out SLUan detection of anything air-launched. In the ensuing confusion, all eyes would be looking at the chance of a missile strike and plan for that. However, Märr instead plans to load the weaponised fissile material onto a large aeroplane, and combine it with several tonnes of the unspeakably powerful experimental explosive PYR4-31, having acquired considerable quantities of it illegally. This dangerous aircraft would then fly undetected to the target area, and crash into it, creating a massive dirty-bomb explosion that would potentially kill hundreds of thousands, and expose many more to radioactive dust clouds.

Charles Crook, one of the world's wealthiest mining magnates, and the bosom-friend of Märr. Crook's airbase is being used by Märr for his villainous plots.

This sobering revelation means we must plan accordingly, but we must take care. If we are seen to be fortifying our RADAR and other communication stations and various satellites, we risk warning Märr; he is certain to have a treacherous back-up plan for this eventuality. Avaerilon has been in-contact with a number of SLUan military partners and the Bigtopian government and concluded that a plan such as the one below might be our best shot of foiling Märr and his attempts to terrorise the region.


+++ TOP SECRET+++

1. The SLU military forces must continue in their plans to secure and defend Tehrash from any and all attacks

2. By ensuring a robust defence, Märr will be certain to think our attention is fixed-upon the battle in-question

3. This ensures 007 will be able to successfully continue his mission on the air base, whereby he will assist in loading the aeroplane with explosives, given his cover's skill in this matter

4. Once the aeroplane has been loaded with the explosive material AND the plutonium, a diversion will be created whereby the base is suddenly attacked, forcing Märr's mercenaries to defend and distracting Märr

5. The recommended people to attack the base are a light troop of scouts able to stealthily cross the desert undetected, and launch a quick but fierce attack on the base, such as the Al-Grubha Desert Scouts

6. In the midst of the confusion, 007 will take control of the aircraft and pilot it to a safe area, where he will land and the fissile material be recovered

7. Märr will be arrested along with Crook and other co-conspirators and taken to prison awaiting trial



007 has approved of the plan, and we in Avaerilon are keen one at least similar to be above be used. As for the soldiery to conduct the surprise attack, we would recommend a unit of the Bigtopian Army, the Al-Grubha Desert Scouts.

The Al-Grubha Desert Scouts have an unrivalled and much-admired history, and have conducted themselves with honour on the battlefield. Trained in the art of desert travel by stealth, they are expert at using light weapons to surprise-attack and overwhelm more heavily-armed opponents.

This regiment has a fine history, and has notably worked well alongside SLUan forces. Indeed, we have these brave men to thank for taking care of insurgents and other militants so easily. They are particularly skilled at guerilla raids on heavily-fortified enemy targets, and would be ideal for attacking the air base. Loyal to the democratic government of the country, they are beyond any doubt of trustworthiness.

Bigtopia's government has approved the above plan, and also given the SLU carte blanche for defending the city of Tehrash by any means, and have welcomed such moves as providing information leaflets. For now, we would second the Jasminia Islands' suggestion for putting all SLUan embassy personnel in one place, and would recommend the main international airport just outside the city. Already staffed by Hallan and Avaerilonian forces, it is a veritable fortress that should make our staff comfortable and safe.

For now, then, we must quickly decide whether to approve the plan or not, and prepare for battle. Let it be a victorious one.

[Chameliya]

Fellow leaders,

The Jasminian Mission in Bigtopia has moved to the international airport to join Avaerilon and Newhalla. We have also moved the JDF to a new undisclosed location within a 50 mile radius of the airport. They are on Rāto Alert and are ready to move at the signal.
  Back in the Jasminia Islands, Port Louis is on Rāto Alert, with the other provincial capitals on Suntalā Alert.  JAMSAT have been ordered to survey the airspace for any suspicious airborne object as Avaerilonian intelligence indicates that our radars will not work.  All anti-aircraft gun-stations are being manned with the JDF at home and JAMSAT linking communications.
  Tonight, we must pray that it does not come to the worst.

[Deleted]

While we cannot do much, we can provide clean up crews and we can dispatch the Defense and Air Forces as backup.

[United Democracy of Scientists]

From the United Democracy of Scientists Committee of Security:

We support Avaerilon's proposed plan, and would like to assist:

We would like to offer the SLUan forces and Al-Grubha Desert Scouts an outfitting of our experimental Adaptive Warfare Suits. These combat suits don the ability to blend into the environment by refracting light around them, thus reducing the wearer's visual footprint to a slight shimmer in the air. They are also laced with carbon nanotubes which render them bulletproof. 


Computer generated representation of soldiers wearing UDS Adaptive Warfare Suits on a mission.

These suits would greatly help the SLUan and Bigtopian forces in their attempts at gaining the advantage of surprise as they prepare to strike Märr's base.

We also request that Agent 007 pilots the plane to the Isaac Newton Space Center in the UDS, where a squad of Curie-Class HAZMAT Operatives will be waiting. Once there, the fissile material will be secured and loaded onto the Prometheus-Class Heavy Lift Rocket on which the originally recovered fissile material is stored. The HAZMAT squad will then chemically neutralize the PYR4-31 explosives on site, and decontaminate the plane before SLUan law enforcement takes it in as evidence. 

Thanks to dedicated research of the captured satellite in cooperation with Avaerilon, the rocket containing the fissile material has been rendered immune to the trojan Märr used to hijack previous Scientian spacecraft. It will be launched and put directly onto an Earth escape trajectory, thus removing the threat of the fissile material being weaponized once and for all. 

[Avaerilon]

Greetings, and welcome to the Council of Leaders.

Situation Report
Quick facts on the issue

Title: Cleaning-Up
-Details-
Description: Nation of Bigtopia cleaning-up former Scalewind nuclear site amid terror threats
Currently: SLUan nations assisting decommissioning of reactors, plutonium recovered in daring battle, spymaster currently on-the-run, capital Tehrash preparing for attack
Why: Some time ago, a reactor designed to make fissile material for bombs caught fire and was put-out by a combined SLUan effort. Country not especially stable, wealthy and megalomaniac former spymaster desiring revenge
Seventh Conference Briefing
Detailed Facts on the Issue

Greetings, and welcome to this Council of Leaders.

We can at last breathe a sigh of relief; the fissile material stolen by Jack Märr has been successfully recovered, following the attack by the elite Al-Grubha Desert Scouts alongside Avaerilonian agent 007. Our region is, for the time being, safe from the overhanging fear and danger that was presented by Märr's possession of the weapons-grade plutonium.

At 1430 hours local time, Märr's crew finished loading the fissile material onto the aeroplane, at which point 007 took-control of the aircraft by securing a nearby assault rifle, taking the surrounding mercenaries, staff and Märr himself by surprise. Not wanting to damage the plane, Märr's men were delayed in their response, at which point the Al-Grubha scouts used a small bulldozer to destroy the electrified outer fence, and arrived on horseback. They engaged the mercenary force, destroying numerous vehicles, buildings and killing over 53 of the enemy.

Using the scouts' attack on the air base as a distraction, 007 boarded the aircraft with the plutonium loaded on-board, and successfully flew it to the UDS, where the material has been secured

Suitably distracted, the mercenaries did nothing to stop 007 manoeuvre the plane onto the runway of the air base. Our man was joined by the former girlfriend of Märr, one Kara Milovy, a well-regarded cellist (previously unaware of Märr's criminal activities, having been kept away from the SLUan media), who had provided him with essential information and assisted in piloting the aircraft. 007 did, however, face opposition from Märr, who drove an armoured vehicle alongside the craft and managed to get his personal assassin, known only as 'Necros,' onto the craft. Once airborne, 007 was attacked by Necros, who very nearly killed him, but our agent's training proved superior to that of the assassin, who fell to his death from the open rear cargo-door of the plane. He will not be missed by any means, having spoken of killing at least 17 men and women on the orders of the disgraced former spymaster.

An assassin in Märr's pay managed to board the plane, but was dealt with accordingly as the foot fits the shoe, or, in this case, boot

Sadly, the most wanted man in the SLU disappeared. It seems his armoured vehicle collided with a parked aircraft, throwing him clear of the resulting explosion, and of the fighting. Märr is believed to have set-out on foot northwest of the base, but any further developments are, at this time, unknown. GTA believes him to have now escaped the country via contacts in regional governments, and his whereabouts are, for the time being, unknown.

Märr, despite suffering injuries sustained in a vehicle collision, managed to escape during the assault.

However, the scouts did manage to capture Mr. Crook, the man who legally owned the air base and collaborated with Märr on a number of his plots. Crook surrendered after becoming trapped in an outdoor toilet, and was found halfway down the waste pipe, having gotten stuck trying to hide in the waste storage area. He was taken to the Avaerilonian force's commander at Tehrash airport, where he was formally arrested and detained. Crook will be transported to SLUan territory later to face criminal charges and legal proceedings. The location of these will be decided later by ourselves.

Charles Crook, the famed mining tycoon and personal friend and accomplice of one Jack Märr, has been arrested and detained by the Avaerilonian military, after being handed over by the scouts. He will be tried on a number of criminal offences.

With their leader vanished, their firepower overwhelmed and facing certain defeat, Märr's hired guns eventually surrendered, and have been detained by the Bigtopian authorities. Their nationalities are many, but many are professionals in their line of work and will likely run afoul of international law. Over 50 of their number perished in the assault, which also saw the regrettable loss of 12 Scouts.

The Al-Grubha Desert Scouts in-jubilation after their successful attack and capture of the air base, despite losing 12 men in the process

The air base has now been secured by Bigtopian authorities, who have invited the SLU to investigate the site to the fullest of our intent. We recommend SLUan investigators arrive as soon as possible to assess any evidence left by the fled spymaster.

So, we have secured the deadly fissile material, which awaits safe disposal in the United Democracy of Scientists, and arrested a key player in Märr's criminal network, as well as removed a cancerous sore in the side of the fledgling democracy of Bigtopia. However, there is still much to do. Firstly, we must agree on the proceedings surrounding Charles Crook and where he will be tried, along with formalising the number of charges laid against him. Avaerilon is now in the process of engaging the international arms dealer and confidant of Märr's Largo Goldfinger in court, and we are well-equipped to house the trial of Crook. We are also perfectly happy to allow another SLUan state to do this instead. Secondly, we will need to thoroughly comb the air base to find any evidence of Märr's possible whereabouts and plans for the future.

But most pressing of all is Tehrash; rebel forces are approaching in incredible numbers, and we will need to hold fast if we are to save the city from these violent nationalists.

LEADERS, what do you suggest we do?
Post your response to this issue to effect the outcome of the next update!

The situation will be updated randomly sometime. Do not delay your move!

[Avaerilon]

Could this thread please be locked, as it's no longer active? I'll post a follow-on CoL in the coming weeks.