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I actually understand why there's a call for physical distance and mouth coverings... However, the mere fact that regular ones don't work, only medical-grade suffices, but medical-grade masks are forbidden for public use, while the useless commercial-grade masks are being mandated, that smells fishy. Hanlon's Razor applies though, since what we really should be doing in investing MASSIVELY in indoors ventilation and that's flat-out being ignored...
We can only keep businesses closed for so long before money straight-up runs out, and then we'll have both an aggressive virus and economic disaster, which torpedoes anyone ability to deal with the virus... Two major issues that feed each other. All I can say about that is four-letter words. :O
Mouth coverings help drastically reduce the droplets that spread from people's mouths when they talk, cough, etc. There is research going back many years showing that mask-wearing at a societal scale is a good thing. It doesn't 100% stop the spread of the virus, but nothing does. If everyone wears masks then that's still going to help make spaces safer.
Definitely do need to be focusing on indoor spaces and the problems with those. Especially indoor restaurants, where people actually physically need to expose their nose and mouth in order to eat, when those are the ways you spread disease.
At this point there's so much conflicting information I don't know what to think. On one hand there's data saying wearing masks reduces the risk of spreading infection by factor 53, on the other I hear a lot about how commercial-grade just doesn't cut it and we need to be making medical-grade masks available to really make a difference. If they're good enough to contain the larger particles the impact is already great, so it's probably the former - but then again I also have to wonder for how long it'll be necessary or expected, since wearing masks regularly would also curb the annual flu epidemic (not technically an epidemic at the regular scale, but for ease of wording) and spare several tens of thousands of lives.. But can it be justified?
I actually saw a headline about the necessity of improving indoor air flows yesterday, so going by the past year we can expect an official statement about this in 2-3 months. I really wish that were sarcastic. On one hand I wish governments would just take professional advice and act on that quickly, on the other the WHO hasn't exactly been consistent. Can't expect them to be, virology is complicated, but their involvement in political BS makes me want some actual independent verification. I won't be taking any vaccination until the long-term effects are known I don't want to risk becoming immune to Covid effects only to suddenly develop thyroid cancer 5 years later... I'm not at high risk, so I can afford to wait. My mother, on the other hand... If there's ever an outbreak where she lives, she WILL be one of the first to get it.
I wish mask-wearing was just culturally accepted like it is in much of East Asia, where a significant portion of the population dons them every flu season. Unfortunately, seems like the opposite is happening here in America.
Also wish that surgical masks and, ideally, N-95 masks were available to everyone, but supply chains make that kinda impossible. Even without that though, I definitely think any face covering, provided that everyone wears them, is still better than nothing. I'm not going to be comfortable being around other people unless they are wearing a mask, because without the mask they can be breathing/coughing directly into the air around me.
Glad to see you back, TN! Been awhile but we definitely understand and I for one am glad to get back into the swing of things. The problem is that I’m doing my annual summer camp work right now and won’t have regular access to the internet until about the 8th of August. Dysonia could still remain defensive HQ or something, but it is likely that the Talos themselves will be engaged in fewer large-scale conflicts and more focused on deep operations, intel, and other background maneuvers during the early war. As the Scrin push further in, however, and I can finally come back they’ll start showing up more directly.
Terra novam, Rationalist Science, and Ostrachia
Regular mask-wearing comes with some security risks, but given that I'm a classical liberal that's a price I at least would happily pay. And we can look to Japan and Korea for how they manage as examples. I have two major issues with it though: firstly is that I feel distinctly uncomfortable if I can't see a person's entire face, makes it virtually impossible to gauge intent and I am the skittish sort. But more importantly, I have bad lungs... I barely get enough air normally, so if a mask restricts my airflow even the slightest bit I can't manage. Lighter masks don't have that problem, but they don't protect nearly as much, so... That's dififcult.
N-95s are ideal (at least until specific filtration becomes available, if ever), but true, they're a lot more difficult to produce than regular masks. Still, it means spending money now so that people will survive to spend their money later, so even to industrialists with more than two brain cells it would be a profitable venture...
Some of the "measures" are total security theater though. Like how supermarkets and stores make you disinfect your hands before letting you enter - the gels and sprays they use are anti-bacterial. Covid is a virus. Meaning that stuff does nothing to protect against it... Although I do appreciate the extra hygiene.
Hey, good to see you're still with us!
Ah, what a timing, right? But I get that - I'll have most of my supreme command holding court on Dysonia (Kondraki stayed at Earth) then. The Sphere should be able to withstand a protracted siege, but for the time being the Scrin aren't that far interior in the galaxy just yet. I'm writing up a situation report to give an overview of where things stand.
Hmm... Behind-the-lines operations, you say? IIRC Dysonian ships are stealthy and fast, so striking Scrin portal gates would cripple their ability to outmaneuver Alliance forces.
I'm planning some major offensives, but they'll take a while to kick off. So you should be back by that time. Have fun at camp! :)
Sorry, what do you mean by this? I usually see alcohol-based hand sanitizer being used, which doesn't specifically target bacteria and generally works against viruses if done at the right ratio.
High concentrations of alcohol were proven effective at killing COVID-19 pretty early on in the pandemic.
In short, things are crazy. I'll be glad when stuff returns to normal. And I'm not talking about the ''new normal'' people are advocating for.
Terra novam and Rationalist Science
Hmm, good point...
I can only hope it's possible at all... The way things are looking this damn virus is the new flu, never going to go away but returning in new waves year after year... Flu shots only work against one type of flu, new permutations keep springing up, and Covid is already mutating... Perfect excuse to increase government power exponentially for the rest of time.
Interestingly, higher concentrations of alcohol can be less effective against bacteria than relatively lower concentrations (~70% is best against bacteria because the alcohol acts too quickly if there isn't enough water). But yep, when it comes to SARS-CoV-2, any high concentration of alcohol should generally work to kill the virus.
Veteran Sergeant Drachne Gundresson
Mining World Göthe (southern Aesir controlled space)
The old Drekrekkr veteran was slowly aroused from his deep slumber. Shifting his head and his two remaining limbs, he was reminded of what had befallen him by the moving of cables attached to his nervous system as he was held suspended in place by a harness. Soon with a flash of great pain he blinked and was no longer looking through his own eyes but the eyes of a Dvergr. Looking over at his left claws, he commanded his fingers to curl and watched the Dvergr's fingers curl instead.
"Systems are booting up," he heard on his right. "Subject's life support is running perfectly." Drachne looked to his right and spotted the Fenrir technician operating a console beside his titanic body. "Neural link is stable. Motor systems are operational. Weapons checks read good. He's cleared to go."
Orders hissed from speakers beside the Fenrir. "Load him with ammunition and get him hooked up to a Berarr!"
"Aye, sir!" The Fenrir began inputting commands into the console, and automated systems fitted ammunition stores to him before the platform began moving with them on it.
"I am ready to receive orders," he said into his comms. Shortly after runes, topographical maps and images were displayed in his vision. By the time the briefing ended, he was already being hooked up to the bottom of the transport. "Understood. Deliver me to our enemy."
As the Berarr fired up its engines, the cables attaching the Sergeant to the platform released their hold on him. The Sergeant and the transport were launched into the Void shortly after, the spectacular view of the planet and the stars replacing the metallic confines of the Aesir ship. The transport veered for atmospheric entry, and the glow of hot metal shone for a couple minutes before it subsided. "Prepare for drop," came over comms, and the glow of plasma shots lit up the sky around them. "Dropping in three...two...one..." The harness holding the Dvergr to the Berarr released the titan from its hold, and Drachne plummeted towards the ground as the pilot took the transport back up to safety.
Rocket thrusters attached to his sides fired off to slow his descent as he broke through the clouds, but he still impacted the ground hard enough to strain the shock absorbers in his legs. This wasn't a concern to him. The Fótdrengr in front of him getting torn apart by Scrin overrunning their position was a concern to him. Standing up to his full height as the rockets detached themselves and fell to the ground, he took aim with his rail guns and opened fire, obliterating many in the wave which broke through the defenses. Letting his rail guns cool off, the Veteran charged in at high speed and began clawing apart the enemy survivors.
Noting the entry of a much larger and much more lethal threat, enemy heavy infantry charged in to swarm the Dvergr as nearby tanks and walkers opened fire on him. "Requesting support," he declared over comms as he took cover behind a nearby damaged bunker from the incoming fire. "All infantry near my position, priority targets are swarming drones. I'll deal with the vehicles."
Peeking out around the crumbling building over the tiberium-marred landscape, he noted the positions of the enemy tanks and walkers, also noting the Scrin infantry dropping to rail rifle and autorail fire. Fafnir and Nidhogg squadrons soared overhead to engage enemy air support, and the Veteran Sergeant jumped out from behind his cover to charge at the Scrin armored support. Firing his guns, he managed to take out the three walkers before being forced to retreat back to cover as fire from enemy tanks impacted his armor. The area was too open for him to utilize his strength against them.
"Requesting fire support, sector Gebo three six Jera. Rain plasma."
"Coordinates received. Ballista squad Fehu five nine raining plasma. Impact ETA eleven seconds." Sure enough, eleven seconds passed before the sounds of explosions and the hissing of plasma eating through armor reached the Titan. Plasma shells from the tank destroyers were rapidly impacting the designated area like artillery fire, demolishing infantry and tanks alike. "Fire mission complete. Ballista squad Fehu five nine out of ammo."
"Much appreciated. Go rearm."
He moved out from behind cover again and much to his liking was taking significantly less fire. The small arms of the Scrin infantry harmlessly impacted his armor as he walked forward and took aim with his rail guns. With a few quick shots, the damaged yet still operational tanks were no longer operational. The few tanks that managed to remain unscathed took aim and fired, battering him but not taking him down. Determined to finish this, he lined up his head and pauldrons to form steep armor angles and began running, building up speed to charge the tanks with. The enemy tanks turned to run, but they weren't fast enough. The Dvergr quickly closed the gap and began tearing them apart, clawing them open, and battering them with pieces of themselves. The battlefield was nearly cleared - at least for now.
"Scrin attack craft coming in!" came over his comms. He looked up and spotted them, far but closing fast. They must have broken through the fighter screens. "They're targeting the Dvergr!" He was out in the open, a perfect target from the air. The Veteran Sergeant turned back to his friendly forces and started running for his life, taking his machine to its maximum speed. As he got closer to cover, so too did the Scrin aircraft get closer to destroying him. Odin, protect me in my time of need! And as if on cue, missiles from Longbow SPAA streaked across the sky to the Scrin aircraft and destroyed all but one who managed to evade the missile tracking it.
Drachne skidded to a halt, rotating his Titan around to face the Scrin attacker. Distance, four kilometers and closing. Wind, 5 kilometers per hour southeast. Ganga Helheim, bikkja! Taking careful aim, he fired his rail guns at the aircraft and watched as its body was blown out and the craft plummeted to the ground.
Cheering filled his ears over the comms. The battle was turned completely, and the Fótdrengr were mopping up the remaining infantry in the area. Drachne turned and started walking his damaged and battered machine back to the base. Another success to add to his record.
Terra novam and Rationalist Science
I am a bit busy with other roleplays, so ping me using [nation][/nation] if you want to do something with me.
Although tbh I don’t see any storyline I can jump start from.
Terra novam and Rationalist Science
Yeah, we kinda dropped your storyline with you asking for star charts, but 7 months have passed in the meantime... Let's see if we can cook something up to get you back into the story!
Strategic Defense Council
Notice of Action
Kathy James-Parker, SDC Chair
The Scrin have developed and deployed a device capable of generating a localized Ion Storm. Reporting name designated as "Storm Column". These are static devices requiring a direct connection to a power plant and thankfully cannot be used by field armies. Storm Columns are in use as base defenses, meaning air power is useless wherever these are active. Its effects scramble our Nav and missile guidance but seem to not affect Scrin aircraft.
In light of recent developments and the overall situation, the National Defense Council has decided to ask the Senate to invoke the Lex Imperialis, Amendment the Second, "Critical Emergency Defense Act". The Senate has voted on and approved this Act taking effect. The Senatorial bill was sent to Congress where it was ratified. As such, CEDA and all its statutes and provisions are now in effect until further notice.
The SDC has approved of several rollouts:
- Chameleon active battle cloaks, before reserved to DSI Kill Teams and Force Recon units, shall be issued to all Light Infantry units. Chameleon cloaks have further been approved for full-scale deployment to protect frontline bases.
- Jump jets shall be issued to all Imperial Army non-power armored infantry troopers.
The BATTLENET interlink shall be integrated with data feed from recon aircraft and orbital telemetry satellites. While this would pose a significant security risk against a conventional enemy, the Scrin's inability to force entry into BATTLENET makes this an acceptable resolution. This should allow our forces to better coordinate and gain greater situational awareness, and process and act upon information quicker with the integration of the BATTLENET, Razvedka, and Field Intelligence databases.
Between work and helping my youngest sister get ready for her wedding, I've been pretty preoccupied. I'll get to posting more soon.
Terra novam, Rationalist Science, and Ostrachia
Ah, your sister is getting married? That's awesome! Best of luck helping out! ^_^
Department of the Interior
Situation Report
Connor Grayson, Minister of State
The Federal Government has completed a successful relocation. Earth, Novi Soyuz, and Nova Terra now contain no administrative, legislative, or executive apparatuses beyond that of System and Sector level, with the exception of the Office of the IDF Chief of Staff that remains with Lord Kondraki in New York City, Earth.
For the sake of maintaining safety and State integrity, we have decided to not move all our branches to the same location but spread out our bases of power between several logical worlds.
The Cabinet and House of Representatives, as well as the the Senate, have been withdrawn to Terra Dysonia, to the Dyson Sphere itself, along with the Strategic Defense Council. Dysonia's isolated location, the fact that the Scrin do not yet know of its coordinates, and its ability to be self-sustaining under a long siege make this a good place to lead a defensive war from.
The Gubernatorial Assembly has relocated to the old UTR Capitol in Navarro, Cor Prime. The Raven Rock mountain bunker complex near Navarro now houses Strategic Weapons Command and the Bureau of Biogenetic Warfare, owing to pre-existing facilities and extensive knowledge of the United Terran Republics pertaining to these branches.
The Supreme Court and Constitutional Court have been moved to Tyros, respectively to the cities of Fort Sperlitz (Capital of Novan Belderous) and Tal-Sour (Planetary/System Capital).
Raukov National Military Industries, Biological Systems Intelligence Corporation, Westinghouse-Republic Power Systems, and General Atomics will be nationalized for the duration of this crisis and put under direct ELF control.
Jäger Trade Company, its subsidiary Halcyon-Eisner Spice Conglomerate, and Volkoff Holding Group and all its subsidiaries shall not be nationalized owing to their voluntary shifting gears towards fully supporting the war effort.
The entirety of the Imperial Defense Forces shall be reorganized to increase strategic mobility while simultaneously increasing tactical endurance and staying power. The old Imperial Terran IDF shall be the basis for the former, and the old Novan FAS for the latter, with the aim being a functional syncretic organization with the strengths of both and weaknesses of neither method.
Centralized control over the military is to be increased to ensure local-level maneuvers cannot compromise our defensive lines at the strategic level, giving the Scrin no chance to exploit temporary weaknesses in our dispositions.
Officers found to be slacking off in troop training, neglecting vehicle and equipment maintenance, filing sloppy reports, or delaying necessary logistics or maneuver movements shall be sacked and replaced by the most competent of their direct subordinates.
Likewise, corrupt bureaucrats and businesspeople shall be sacked, and sent to the battlefront as regular enlisted Privates for the duration of one tour of duty. Corrupt politicians shall likewise be sacked and sent to the Line, albeit as members of Penal Battalions until such time as they are found by the Commissariat and Inquisition to no longer be a threat to State integrity and national security, or until their time of dying.
Factionalism in the House and Senate must be suppressed. We can no longer afford internal division when unity of command is so critical to the future of our survival as a nation, state, and species. The Liberator-UNC Unity Government must be able to operate unchallenged, and among the 4 parties making up this government internal factionalism must also be suppressed. Strategic promotion, demotion, and lateral redeployment will be used to consolidate power in far-flung sectors in the hands of known reliable loyalists and relegate subversives to positions where they can do a minimum of harm to impede our conduct.
The worst agitators are to be eliminated by way of public hanging.
Sveigdir Armory Specification Changes
Given the nature of the battle for survival we currently find ourselves in, changes to our weaponry and armor have been deemed necessary. Starting with armor, all personal armor systems will be equipped with sonic arrays built into the helmet set to the frequency provided by the Terrans to shatter Tiberium. Armored vehicles will also be equipped with sonic arrays to ward off the crystal. Experimental sonic weaponry is being tested for Titans. Environmental systems must be able to withstand the effects of Tiberium for several days at a time. While the Aesir are somehow immune to Tiberium corruption, the other member species of the Empire are tragically not. A new subcaliber round for rail weapons is being designed to drastically increase effectiveness against Scrin armor. The traditional monoblock long rod designed to counter heavily sloped metal armor does not have the same effectiveness against the chitinous armor of the Scrin. Therefore a new design is necessary. Furthermore, development of the Hel Wolf heavy assault tank is complete and will begin production. Void shielding will also be added to Black Wolf heavy tanks and Fenrir Wolf super heavy tanks as well as Dvergr titans to increase the survivability of these machines. Further development of void shield technology is underway to allow installation on smaller vehicles.
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