Empire of Andrew

OOC: Will respond to the ongoing Kokarin Shooting momentarily

The Orson Empire wrote:

I've adopted a new flag, made by the lovely folks at the Flag Request thread. I decided it was finally time to retire the old Kangaroo Banner, now infamously associated with Turner's regime in-universe, and choose a new symbol more appropriate for the Orsonian State. It is based off a RL Aboriginal Australian marker meaning "meeting place". I imagine in-universe, this symbolizes the Orsonian community or Orsonian civilization as a whole.

Great to hear, Orson! I had wondered for some time whether the infamous kangaroo banner would be replaced, given its connection with the outgoing regime. I will, however, miss the blue animal silhouette on the classic black background — personally I feel rigid geometric lines fail to evoke that same sense of 'personality' unique to each nation. One thing I do really like is the incorporation of aboriginal Australian iconography, which I know has always been a fertile source of inspiration for the Orsonian civilization and especially its folklore and customs. I tried my hand at creating my own flag proposal, in case it was something you would be interested in adopting with this new spirit of change.

Emu Flag: https://i.imgur.com/FwJYvVd.png
Icon Version: https://i.imgur.com/YP2rhVb.png
Light Version: https://i.imgur.com/LeY9qtj.png

Adopted following the consolidation of Federalist power in the wake of the Aturoist reign of terror, the emu flag is meant to symbolize first and foremost the rebirth of Orsonian civilzation under the Pax Orsonica. Perhaps most prominently, it replaces the central figure of the kangaroo (heavily associated with Turner's regime) with the emu, its pro-democracy counterpart which had become a symbol for resistance and reform in the years of the hard dictatorship. Its head held high, the emu foregrounds a white emblem which comes from the Australian aboriginal sign for human tracks. Richly symbolic, the tracks represent the continuous improvement and solidarity of the Orsonian culture, evoking the first footprints of Orsonian settlers upon the Australian continent, the deep spiritual connection between Orsonians and the land, and the steps left to take as the nation eyes reconstruction and expansion into the heavens. The emblem can also be viewed as a rising sun, again calling the Orsonian people forward as they dispel the darkness which characterized the Aturoist tyranny. Its somewhat rough, hand-drawn appearance emphasizes its ancestral and humanistic quality, a distinctive design feature also found in the Orsonian coat of arms.

Temporary Field Command Site, Near UCP Headquarters, Santa Catalina

Before the sun had reached its midday high over South Lameira, a legion of DGSI investigators and forensic techs had practically disassembled the parking structure into its component parts, carting off anything of slight interest for laboratory testing. While strict precautions were being taken to scan for radioactive emissions, the targeted nature of the neutron gun meant that there was only trace atmospheric radioactivity outside of the highly concentrated ionizing particle beam. As they arrived, Agents Bartos, Volkov, and Starkov would be given full access to the site and its contents, as was Dr. Roth, whose arrival in the capital was the topic of considerable public intrigue and speculation, especially among the Cybusian community. While detail on the assailant themselves was scant, no doubt frustrating attempts to create a composite profile, their decision to cover the face with a light brown Kāhu-Tarāu was an important clue for the investigative team. The voluminous, instantly recognizable Orsonian folk costume, still quite unusual in Wagondia, could be easily identified on camera, and soon the Polícia Metropolitana had stiched together enough CCTV footage to trace the suspect's movements through the city, from a subway station near the scene of the crime into the bowels of East Santa Catalina, where the final sighting had been near an Orsonian diner in Borborema. Soon a Horus surveillance drone would be circling the skies thousands of feet above the cityscape, scanning for any abnormal background radiation as per Dr. Roth's helpful suggestion. Presumably the neutron gun had to be assembled, armed, maybe even tested somewhere in the area, where it may have left scars discernible only to Horus's sharply acute senses. An urgent bulletin was also sent to the research wing of Gao Heavy Industries on behalf of the Polícia Metropolitana, in the hopes that the Malian armaments powerhouse might have someone on staff who could help to familiarize investigators with the highly experimental weapon.

Meanwhile, the refusal of the Orsonian government to support the multinational investigation has been met with outrage, consternation, and alarm, as many question how such a transparently egregious attack on civilians can be justified by those who call themselves reformers. Prime Minister Barrachina has already announced that all measures will be taken to bring justice to the attackers, calling them little more than terroristic thugs bent on racial supremacy. Several other politicians chimed in on Libra:

Senator Etelson Lemercier: "The radical ideological crusade perpetrated by Tōgotu extremists has cost Wagondia dearly today. All the countries of the free world, including our brave Malian allies, have joined in decrying this extraordinary bout of violence in the cradle of diplomacy, and yet the one-party Orsonian State has been shamefully silent, debasing the good name of Federalism by getting into bed with hooligans and militants. I call urgently on the Prime Minister to admonish the Tōgotu for what they are — terrorists and cowards!"

Senator Annie Riqueti: "I am appalled at the brutal violence unleashed today in Lameira, where good men and women of all nations have committed themselves to peace for a generation. I have tirelessly fought against reactionary right-wing Aturoist ideology in my career. I have known Aturoist hatred firsthand, and I am sickened to find its divisive embers alive and well in the Tōgotu Movement, continuing to cannibalize Orsonian society from within. To see those who Wagondia trusted, sheltered, and supported turn around and inflict such pointless racial violence is more than a betrayal of the ideals of the socialist movement — it is an ugly scar on the visage of the entire Orsonian state. I have waited my whole life to see my homeland become the fertile seat of a proud, democratic people, but today's attack has shaken my confidence. I am beyond words."

Novo Wagondia wrote:

Temporary Field Command Site, Near UCP Headquarters, Santa Catalina

Before the sun had reached its midday high over South Lameira, a legion of DGSI investigators and forensic techs had practically disassembled the parking structure into its component parts, carting off anything of slight interest for laboratory testing. While strict precautions were being taken to scan for radioactive emissions, the targeted nature of the neutron gun meant that there was only trace atmospheric radioactivity outside of the highly concentrated ionizing particle beam. As they arrived, Agents Bartos, Volkov, and Starkov would be given full access to the site and its contents, as was Dr. Roth, whose arrival in the capital was the topic of considerable public intrigue and speculation, especially among the Cybusian community. While detail on the assailant themselves was scant, no doubt frustrating attempts to create a composite profile, their decision to cover the face with a light brown Kāhu-Tarāu was an important clue for the investigative team. The voluminous, instantly recognizable Orsonian folk costume, still quite unusual in Wagondia, could be easily identified on camera, and soon the Polícia Metropolitana had stiched together enough CCTV footage to trace the suspect's movements through the city, from a subway station near the scene of the crime into the bowels of East Santa Catalina, where the final sighting had been near an Orsonian diner in Borborema. Soon a Horus surveillance drone would be circling the skies thousands of feet above the cityscape, scanning for any abnormal background radiation as per Dr. Roth's helpful suggestion. Presumably the neutron gun had to be assembled, armed, maybe even tested somewhere in the area, where it may have left scars discernible only to Horus's sharply acute senses. An urgent bulletin was also sent to the research wing of Gao Heavy Industries on behalf of the Polícia Metropolitana, in the hopes that the Malian armaments powerhouse might have someone on staff who could help to familiarize investigators with the highly experimental weapon.

Gao Heavy Industries has offered the expertise of the Chief Engineer of their Directed Energy Weapons Prototyping Program, which is responsible for figuring out the practical details on how to weaponize certain physics phenomena discovered by scientists elsewhere.

The Chief Engineer has made the assessment that the tech driving the apparent neutron-based particle accelerator weapon is most likely Null-G, then next most likely being Casimir Effects, and then lastly would be Electromagnetic Fields. Furthermore he's provided insight that Null-G is based upon exotic matter, and assuming that containment is imperfect in any apparent infantry weapon there should be trace amounts that Torchwood might be able to pick up near where the shooter was standing. Furthermore, torchwood might be able to locate the weapon's current location by bringing a starship grade sensor for mapping the curvature of spacetime and filtering for the specific distortions produced from the anomaly of Negative Mass which could only be produced by Null-G or Casimir Effects so once filtering out any formosan hovercars on the streets which there is probably not that many should leave only that weapon's signature.

If using Casimir Effects, it's also possible that the device is structured to flood itself with gas when it's turned off disabling the vacuum environments that produce the effect and thus preventing it from being tracked.

Novo Wagondia wrote:

OOC: Will respond to the ongoing Kokarin Shooting momentarily

Great to hear, Orson! I had wondered for some time whether the infamous kangaroo banner would be replaced, given its connection with the outgoing regime...

Excellent work on this Novo! The inclusion of the Aboriginal Australian sign is a really nice touch, making it more distinguishable (as otherwise both flags would look too similar in-universe).

I've decided to adopt this instead as Orson's flag, as I honestly do like the design better. I think the previous flag could serve well as a symbol for the Federal Military, so it will still be used in an official capacity.

The Orson Empire wrote:

Excellent work on this Novo! The inclusion of the Aboriginal Australian sign is a really nice touch, making it more distinguishable (as otherwise both flags would look too similar in-universe).

I've decided to adopt this instead as Orson's flag, as I honestly do like the design better. I think the previous flag could serve well as a symbol for the Federal Military, so it will still be used in an official capacity.

I'm thrilled to hear that! I thought the image file was still a bit rough around the edges, so I uploaded a new link with better-quality overlays and less pixelation, as well as an icon-sized version for use in sidebars and factbooks. I also added a white-background version of the flag, which I found oddly compelling. Though its lack of a black background would preclude it from government use, I could see it being popular in Wagondia, maybe as the flag of the Orsonian-Wagain community. The emblem on the top left of the flag is the southern cross constellation, a feature in many Australasian national flags and a very important symbol of Wagondia, representing south-south solidarity. And I absolutely agree that the previous flag should be kept in-canon; as I said earlier I find the imagery of the aboriginal meeting-place to be a great touch.

Agent Bartos frowned, and wiped the sweat from his brow. He had planned ahead and was wearing a much lighter suit than usual, and his trenchcoat had been modified with a set of breathable areas, but, being a human instead of an Evolved, he was still incredibly hot. He took a long sip of a bottled water. The tall, imperious Dr. Roth strode over, Agents Vostrov and Starkov following in his wake.
Bartos spoke first.
“There’s frustratingly little to go on. It’s unlikely we’ll find direct forensic evidence like we did in the Well’s case. We know the intended victim was likely Henry Whaite. He’s been a champion of human rights and peace, always trying to be fair and rational in the UCP. He’s also been a major supporter of the Federalist movement, but he’s caught some flack for our support for the Tsar. In general, I’d say we are looking for someone from the far left or far right.
Starkov spoke now, perfectly at ease in the heat.
“We concur. We’ve been working with Dr. Roth to try to narrow down the profile. The suspect is clearly an Orsonian. He could be far right - an ex-Imperial agent striking out against Whaite in revenge, but this seems unlikely-, or far left, striking out against someone he perceives as supporting the spread of Objectivism and “tyranny”. Given the massive outpouring of support by the Togatu movement, we suspect it’s more likely someone on the far left.”
Volkov spoke now.
“It is possible that the would-be assassin is a government operative. As evidenced by the FSB refusing to cooperate, the Orsonian government is clearly compromised by - or at least they are sympathetic enough that it’s impacting operations- the far left.”
Roth spoke now, his voice clear and calm.
“Agreed. Henry Whaite is hardly a threatening figure unless one is a true radical. Our partners in the DGSI have deployed a drone to scan for radiation, but as of yet, no abnormal readings. As per the recommendation of the men and women at Gao Heavy Industries, backed up by Section Three scientists, three Crow dropships are being modified with advanced sensors. By the end of the day, they’ll be ready to be deployed in the skies over Borborema, working to triangulate the energy signature of the gun. We don’t want to go house to house; better to try to pin down the energy signature and then move in.”
He paused, and continued.
“This assassin is likely an educated or well trained individual - generally one does entrust radioactive weapons to idiots - and they knew what they were doing; they specifically sought to kill, not just to attack or make a statement. They know most handheld weapons are of little use against Evolved and came prepared with a specialized weapon. If we had Orsonian cooperation, we would identify the exact weapon and who might have access to the weapons of that type, but help is not forthcoming from that avenue. If we haven’t already, we need to reach out to DGSI, see if they have any files on radical left-wing groups.”

—
Francisco D’Anconia has, of course, made a statement.
“This attack on a UCP representative by a member of the far left is appalling. The far left stands in opposition to free markets. That much is known already. Now they declare themselves opposed to free men. The Cybusian UCP contingent has devoted itself to peace, compromise and rationality, and has steadfastly promoted democratic reform across the globe, standing firm in the face of tyranny. The entire D’Anconia Holdings family stands behind Representative Kokarin and we will help in whatever way we can.”
The attempted assassination has triggered a huge outpouring of support from the Cybusian community in Santa Catalina. Local business owners such as Jakub Dovrak (owner of Dovrak and Son Booksellers) and Sarlota Horakova (owner of the popular Cafe Horakova) have collectively announced that 75% of profits made in the next week will be donated to UCP charitable causes such as the Council Office on the Victims of War and Conflict. Individual business owners have expressed their outrage; the Cafe Horakova has been covered in black bunting to represent mourning, as have most of the businesses in the Mercado Hochburg. Dozens of flower arrangements have been sent to Kokarin’s hospital room, as well as several bone charms crafted by local Mercerists.
Though Kokarin is still sedated, the Kyriarkh of Brazil, Albrecht Voight-Cardoso, has been permitted into her hospital room to pray over her and he has announced a special service at the Kidron of Sankt Abel of Manaus where he shall lead the congregation in prayers for both Representative Kokarin and the UCP as a whole. Voight-Cardoso is a very prominent voice in the local Cybusian community, and he has also offered prayers for the Cybusian and Wagain investigators, that they might quickly find the culprit and be safe while doing so.

Novo Wagondia wrote:

OOC: Will respond to the ongoing Kokarin Shooting momentarily

Great to hear, Orson! I had wondered for some time whether the infamous kangaroo banner would be replaced, given its connection with the outgoing regime. I will, however, miss the blue animal silhouette on the classic black background — personally I feel rigid geometric lines fail to evoke that same sense of 'personality' unique to each nation. One thing I do really like is the incorporation of aboriginal Australian iconography, which I know has always been a fertile source of inspiration for the Orsonian civilization and especially its folklore and customs. I tried my hand at creating my own flag proposal, in case it was something you would be interested in adopting with this new spirit of change.

Emu Flag: https://i.imgur.com/FwJYvVd.png
Icon Version: https://i.imgur.com/YP2rhVb.png
Light Version: https://i.imgur.com/LeY9qtj.png

Adopted following the consolidation of Federalist power in the wake of the Aturoist reign of terror, the emu flag is meant to symbolize first and foremost the rebirth of Orsonian civilzation under the Pax Orsonica. Perhaps most prominently, it replaces the central figure of the kangaroo (heavily associated with Turner's regime) with the emu, its pro-democracy counterpart which had become a symbol for resistance and reform in the years of the hard dictatorship. Its head held high, the emu foregrounds a white emblem which comes from the Australian aboriginal sign for human tracks. Richly symbolic, the tracks represent the continuous improvement and solidarity of the Orsonian culture, evoking the first footprints of Orsonian settlers upon the Australian continent, the deep spiritual connection between Orsonians and the land, and the steps left to take as the nation eyes reconstruction and expansion into the heavens. The emblem can also be viewed as a rising sun, again calling the Orsonian people forward as they dispel the darkness which characterized the Aturoist tyranny. Its somewhat rough, hand-drawn appearance emphasizes its ancestral and humanistic quality, a distinctive design feature also found in the Orsonian coat of arms.

Fantastic work Novo! That’s excellent! They’re all great and very well made!

Cybus1 wrote:

Francisco D’Anconia has, of course, made a statement.
“This attack on a UCP representative by a member of the far left is appealing. The far left stands in opposition to free markets. That much is known already. Now they declare themselves opposed to free men. The Cybusian UCP contingent has devoted itself to peace, compromise and rationality, and has steadfastly promoted democratic reform across the globe, standing firm in the face of tyranny. The entire D’Anconia Holdings family stands behind Representative Kokarin and we will help in whatever way we can.”
The attempted assassination has triggered a huge outpouring of support from the Cybusian community in Santa Catalina. Local business owners such as Jakub Dovrak (owner of Dovrak and Son Booksellers) and Sarlota Horakova (owner of the popular Cafe Horakova) have collectively announced that 75% of profits made in the next week will be donated to UCP charitable causes such as the Council Office on the Victims of War and Conflict. Individual business owners have expressed their outrage; the Cafe Horakova has been covered in black bunting to represent mourning, as have most of the businesses in the Mercado Hochburg. Dozens of flower arrangements have been sent to Kokarin’s hospital room, as well as several bone charms crafted by local Mercerists.
Though Kokarin is still sedated, the Kyriarkh of Brazil, Albrecht Voight-Cardoso, has been permitted into her hospital room to pray over her and he has announced a special service at the Kidron of Sankt Abel of Manaus where he shall lead the congregation in prayers for both Representative Kokarin and the UCP as a whole. Voight-Cardoso is a very prominent voice in the local Cybusian community, and he has also offered prayers for the Cybusian and Wagain investigators, that they might quickly find the culprit and be safe while doing so.

High ranking officials from every single political party in West Africa have collectively denounced Francisco D'Anconia's rhetoric as "Foul Opportunistic Demagogy" exploiting the tragedy that befell the international community to associate his political opponents with terrorists regardless of the easily foreseeable consequences of riling up far right militants and further perpetuating cyclical violence globally. One particular statement from a member of the Prosperity Party would stand out: "Today I, a member of the Prosperity Party, stand proudly next to a member of the Segou Soviet Party working to draft up a bill allocating funding to double our country's contributions to the UCP. A capitalist and a communist working together to build a better world despite wholly different visions of an ideal future. One's commitments to economic and political policy cannot come before their commitments to negotiate in good faith and to be honest and open with one's community. Democracy and international diplomacy are fundamentally built upon foundations of honesty, mutual respect, and trust. Paranoia and Political Fearmongering only serve the interests of authoritarianism and warfare. That is why I, a fellow rich business owner, denounce the dangerous opportunism in the rhetoric put forth by Francisco D'Anconia on this day. I implore for D'Anconia to take greater care to consider the ramifications of his rhetoric in future and how it effects the militancy of extremists."

Echoing the sentiments of their Malian colleagues, every leftist political party in Wagondia has come together to issue a joint statement, in which they unilaterally condemned the Tōgotu as a reactionary and anti-progressive supremacist group, and clarify that they do not stand for the principles of socialism in any regard. While the text does not specifically mention D'Anconia by name, it does mention that "indiscriminate violence against civilians has no home in the global left" and that "we as progressives cannot allow the murderous actions of an extreme minority to stand in for meaningful strides towards peace, equality, and social cohesion, the bedrock of our shared ideology."

The Wagain Ministry of Justice has furthermore officially registered the Tōgotu as a supremacist hate group, effectively sanctioning its leadership and freezing any of the organization's assets in Wagondia while a financial audit can be conducted. Should a definitive money trail be established between the assassin and the Tōgotu, further crackdowns will severely restrict any kind of association with the group.

OOC: Whoops. Typo. Didn’t mean to say appealing!