Ministry of Infrastructure and Domestic Affairs (MIDA), Term X

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Loic, aware that the Commissioner of Justice has arrived, quickly requests status updates on the two pending search warrants (homes near the airport and Beatnik Turtle) on which the COJ had put specific conditions, and then goes out to greet him.
"Per O'Floinn thank-you for coming. Let's go into my office."

 

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"Per Commissioner of Justice, please have a seat. Could I offer you some refreshment? As you are senior in government service, I would first like to ask if you had any matters you wanted to bring up or any advice to offer. Later there are some matters on which I would like to consult your expertise, if your schedule permits."

 

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Loic looks up the address of the neighbor that called about the trespassers.

Having only a telephone number, and no name, a repeat call to the number again goes unanswered.

A quick trace of the call, relatively effortless using the resources available to the MDIA, reveal that rather than coming from any neighbor anywhere near the property of Minister Fourgéres.

Rather, it appears to have originated from a pay phone in downtown Hurteau.


- heagarty as NPC
GM Events

 

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Rather, it appears to have originated from a pay phone in downtown Hurteau.

"It seems someone down there wants to send me on a wild goose chase. I guess that is a price for getting involved in a controversial issue. Hopefully my French heritage will outweigh any local unpopularity of my advocacy, come election time. It is a shame that Mercedes Classico did not take me up on the offer to work this out amicably, but to her the status quo is perfectly fine, so she is probably quite happy just to wait."
Loic makes a note to self to campaign in other cities than Hurteau until headscarf ban case is resolved and 'day citizens' kerfluffle has subsided.

 

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Loic calls the FLEA officer in Western Eutopia he spoke to previously on the matter and thanks him for his work on the cave explosion, and asks him to pass along appropriate thanks to others involved.

 

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"I'm afraid I have to start with a rather grave message, Loic. Lately, you've been dipping into a little section of government that, for lack of a better term...happens to be run by my office. Granted, you haven't crossed the line into unacceptability, but it's been making a number of people rather...concerned, if you know what I mean. Maybe you didn't know, but the Justice Department used to be run the Ministry that would be considered the predecessor to the MIDA. It did not work out well. I didn't mean to be telling you so bluntly to 'stay off my turf,' but I thought you should know.

Anyway, moving along, how are things progressing on the warrants I gave you? Anything of note turned up yet?"

 

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Per Commissioner,

Let me answer the easy question first. I have again requested an update on the two search warrants on which you appropriately placed special conditions. As of yet I nothing to report. There may be something by the time you leave, or then there might not be. If you feel they have been outstanding long enough and wish them to lapse, you have but to say the word and I will pass along the notification that they are no longer valid.

As to the message, I appreciate your frankness. I absolute agree that the portfolio of Justice, not law enforcement handles prosecutions and runs prisons. I was appointed by the President as a part of the agreement that included my party's endorsement of the ESA presidential candidate, but my name wasn't part of the deal, he could have appointed any P4P notable, such as our founder Jonh Kenny. And he could replace me instantly by a simple action. The P4P and the ESA both had anti-death penalty planks, which included at a minimum, a continuation of the moratorium on the use of the death penalty. Therefore, it should be clear that any MIDA appointed by President Locke would be expected to try to make sure that no actions of his ministry would be viewed as requesting or recommending any executions. I expect some legislation will be introduced soon, but as I am not an MGA, I can't state when that will be. Also, other parties have the majority in the General Assembly, so we cannot count on that being successful. Therefore, I was obliged to act in a small way, to try to uphold or strengthen the moratorium. I have suggested that the President speak to you about this, which is the limit of what I can do, because obviously, the portfolio of Justice has a much more direct impact on whether the death penalty is requested than the portfolio of Law Enforcement.

As to my fact finding visit to the prison, I won't claim that I was following a biblical injuction to visit prisoners, but my party leader, John Black has very strong views on the matter. I needed to find out more to help put some flesh on the ideas about how we want to turn those views into progress. We are still not sure whether it will require legislation, or whether it can be worked out between the relevant cabinet posts, which I think would be primarily yours, with involvement from MESA, and only slight participation from MIDA. Thus, while my office let me get a better look than a private citizen would have, the main objective was to help us develop policy proposals, which, to have any chance of traction this term, will have to be cleared through the President. Though I do think it is a good idea to see the prisons first hand, especially if one's department has role in sending people there.

Obviously, I should have consulted with you first. Call it a 'rookie mistake'. Perhaps I was inhibited by the unfinished case load left over from before the elections that we shouldn't discuss, where I am representing one of the parties and you are or will be presiding. I apologize for not doing so.

 

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Public Comment Invited

Loic drafts a press release

[size=+1]Invitation for Public Comment[/size]
The Ministry of Infrastucture and Domestic Affairs hereby invites public coments on the proposed construction of limited access highway of two lanes in direction from Uxbridge, New Lancaster north to connect to the existing A4 limited access highway between New Lancaster City and Douglas after crossing a bridge, to be constructed over the Conder River somewhat downstream of the confluence of a tributary. Uxbridge is not currently served by rail. Copies of a more detailed project description are available for inspection at MIDA offices.

This project is contingent on acquistion of the existing Interprovincial limited access highway system from it current owners. Total projected cost is 300 million ducats. Estimated completion time would be 9 years (three terms) after commencement of work.

Written comments should be submitted to the MIDA public office prior to the election date for term 10-11 Senate elections.

 

[The_Hawk]

A note arrives:

Per Minister,

I understand your office is presently contemplating the construction of a freeway from the A4 to Uxbridge. Let me first point out how ridiculous this proposal seems given that you estimate a cost of 300 million ducats when repurchasing the entire freeway system is only costing you 400 million. Methinks someone in accounting is having fun with you.

Let me also point out that Uxbridge is a single, relatively small city. While it is regrettable that no major road or rail access runs to that town, there are a number of other major cities that lack freeway access, including the heavily industrialized cities of Jacobia, as well as Hurteau, which is now the third largest city in the nation.

Given these factors, one must wonder why you would select a single, relatively isolated city to benefit from a massively expensive construction project. With your own, shall we say, interests along the river Foss, I would assume that public speculation about that question would be highly unwelcome.

Vigilantly yours,
~Hawkton J. Tilly, Esq.

 

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Loic drafts a form letter to go out to all those commenting on the extension of the Interprovincial Highway System to Uxbridge.

Dear Gentleper:

Thank-you for you recent comments regarding the proposed extension of the Interprovincial Highway System to Uxbridge. Let me assure you that the Ministry of Infrastructure and Domestic Affairs will carefully consider your input once the initial public comment period has expired. Due to the volume of comments expected, no individualized response to a particular submission is planned. Instead, after the Senate elections, points that frequently appeared in the comments submitted, or that seem particularly meritorious of publication or a response will be summarized with, if appropriate, an analysis of the point provided to provide additional information if the assumptions of the appear to be divergent from those contained in the planning document or to provide more information if the form of the comment contained an implicit question. If, as a result of the public comments, significant modifications are made in the plan, an additional public comment period will be initiated.

Thanks again for your particpation in helping us map out the future of Interprovincial transportation.

 

[Estonianzulu]

A phone call eventually reaches the desk of the Minister.

"Minister de Fourgéres, I am sorry for the time it has taken me to return your request. My family has suffered greatly of late. What began as a single shiva for the loss of my grandfather, turned into four. I am afraid that this loss affected me greatly, and I remained in my home country for some time in mourning. I have now returned.

I am looking into the specifics of your request, and would be happy to begin work on these vests. I have also recieved word that the design for the BM Drachen has been completed. I hope to deliver a prototype for your trial shortly.

Thank you for your time, and I will get back to you shortly when I have had more time to catch up on recent events both in my factories and in the nation as a whole.

 

[Cecasander]

Send by secured fax.

Onto Loic de Fourgéres,
Due to illness (ooc: network downtime) I had no time or oppertunity to continue with the Königssee investigation. But now that I recovered, i think we should get this over with as soon as possible. See, if the mining operation was really a 'hit and run', then it's not unlikely the responsable people continue their mining on another place. Therefore, it seems first priority to keep a close eye on the northern shore of the lake, monotoring pollution, and patroling the mountains several times. There is a small change they will repeat continuing mining every time when they know they are being watched. Then there is the actual pollution in the lake, that should be disposed of. As the pollution is in the northern half of the lake, and the Orange river streams through the southern half, the river won't take much pollution with it. Yet, I think that disposing the pollution though the Orange river is the best way, as the large ammounts of water will break some pollution, and will mix with the polluted water, making it harmless.
There should be ways in which we can let the river clean the northern part of the lake. We should be able to make a bypass, which could clean the lake within a week, but it will be a fairly heavy operation, and might harm ship traffic.

Alexis

 

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Loic drafts a message to FLEA

As you have no doubt seen, the military, who does not get the opportunity to practice their craft every day as the brave officers of FLEA do, have announced an exercise to try to shed some of the rust that has undoubtedly developed, both literally and figuratively. I understand the focus of this exercise will be in New Lancaster, and some minor, short-term roles will involve us, to help make it a more realistic seeming exercise for them. Undoubtedly, the military will unavoidably be breaking some provincial ordinances, like driving their tanks on the wrong side of the street, turning without signalling, violating noise regulations, tresspassing, camping without a permit, firearms violations, etc. As the purchase of the Interprovincial Highway System has not yet been funded, any military use of those roads would be a matter between the MDIS and owners with regards to tolls and damages, but traffic offenses on the system would be under our jurisdiction. Some reasonable allowances should be made for the duration of the exercise for such activity within New Lancaster province, but normal procedures should be observed in all other provinces. Immediately report and instruct to divert or disperse any large concentrations of troops or equipment bound for or in Eutopia City.

Any other federal law breaking by the military should be handled as usual. If you trouble getting cooperation from the military involved, try to contact one of the numerous referees, which can be contacted on [frequency] or by sending up a [pre-arranged color] flare.

There will be some limited FLEA participation in this exercise, to be initiated by Exercise communications that arrive during the exercise. We are doing this as a favor to the military, but it will impact our budget, so please participate as requested, but do not be lavish on the expenditure of resources while on the exercise. Also, if any FLEA vehicles or other equipment is damaged or destroyed during the exercise, please recover it or at least photograph it, as that we have a chance of getting covered out of the MDIS budget. Any personnel carrying weapon on their part of the exercise is hereby instructed to load the weapons with blanks. You may carry live ammo as well, but please tape in red, so you don't accidentally use it to reload. Anyone who is colorblind should either not participate in the exercise or only carry blanks. Remember, at point blank range even blanks can cause injury or death, so do not aim directly at any people, even with blanks. Fire into the ground or aim high. Likewise to not permit yourself to be shot with blanks at close range.

 

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Loic calls attention to the FLEA watch commanders the new "free donut with beverage purchase" at Moonbucks coffee, mentioning that they decided to offer it after he visited the CEO and suggested it. He also mentions that the Ministry has requested bids for supplying bullet proof vests to all FLEA personnel.

 

[Voshkod]

A message arrives in the FLEA Watch Center, and is quickly delivered to the Minister.

EXERCISE MESSAGE
HIDDEN HERALD​

FLASH FLASH FLASH

FLEA/UXB
--
WC/FLEA/HQ

FLASH FLASH FLASH

At approximately 2200 hours local two provincal police officers went absent while investigating reported disturbance at Rogarth 2 Chemical Processing Facility. FLEA/UXB sent four man team to investigate. Received officer down call at 2315 hours. Communications with reporting officer terminated abuptly. Am preparing to send local FLEA SWAT to investigate.

End Message

/s/Levarge, as Exercise Coordinator

EXERCISE MESSAGE
HIDDEN HERALD​

 

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The MIDA responds to the report.
As I happened to be in the office of the MESA when the report arrived, one she received will be instructive as well. We appear to be dealing with heavily armed terrorists and I am not sure what is downwind of that chemical plant. Given the terrorist threat, sending in a SWAT team would no longer be the obvious response. Other not mutually exclusive courses of action to consider would include:

• Sending an ambulance with a prominently displayed white flag or red cross/red crescent banner.
• Evacuting any homes within 3 KM of the chemical plant and those withing 10 KM on the downwind side. Tell them take wet towels or hankerchiefs to breathe through if they smell chlorine and to avoid low lying areas.
• Instructing those in that area to stay indoors, to close all windows and doors, and shut off all ventilation systems. Advise them that they should prepare take refuge in an interior room, like a bathroom if they smell chlorine, start coughing, or have difficultly breathing, where they should stuff wet towels into the cracks under the doors. Remember chlorine is heavier than air, so an upstairs room, if they have one, would be better than one downstairs.
• Select some agents that are good with woodcraft, i.e. like those who are hunters or who were in or have kinds in the boy scouts, and have them approach the chemical facility covertly, primarily with the objective of gathering intelligence. Issue them gas masks before they proceed.
• Staying put and leaving this to those with heavy artillery, as I will be informing the military next.

I will leave the details of what you might do up to you, as that is the point of this exercise, not to test the ministers, but to assess how the FLEA will respond in a real terrorist situation. (OOC: The mods can write what happens if anything will act on a PC or impact the reputation of a PC. If no PC's are involved or impacted then pre-cleared NPC runner for this exercise may have FLEA operatives act plausible for the sake of the narrative.)

 

[Voshkod]

.

EXERCISE MESSAGE
HIDDEN HERALD​

Minister: I have received your message. Recommend you open negotiations; the military is poorly equipped for such things. I assume you have informed the President. I will also contact him and MDIS.

/s/Levarge

EXERCISE MESSAGE
HIDDEN HERALD​

 

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Loic contacts the FLEA officer responsible for New Lancaster.
"We have received (exercise related) instructions from the President to evacute people from near the chemical plant. There are perhaps 10,000 people in the potentially dangerous area. I don't need to tell you the closest homes should try to be evacuated in a manner that will not communicate the fact of the mass evacuation to the terrorists, if possible. We would like to get this done within perhaps 12 hours, but please coordinate the details and the timing with the military. The evacuees neighborhoods will be guarded, so people should leave with just what they would need for a overnight stay at a hotel, i.e. toothbrush, pajamas, clean underwear, identity papers, and any medications, and it should be not more than what is allowed as carry-on luggage on a small plane. I expect most will be allowed back sooner, but don't quote me on that. Those who can't or don't wish to evacuate should have a sticker affixed to their front door, and should remain indoors until the all clear is signalled, which might be in a week. As people outside are more exposed than people in their homes, try to avoid traffic congestion by doing this a phased manner. Use of private cars is fine, provided there are at least two people per car. Any solo driver with no passengers should be instructed to pull off and await the next solo driver, where a coin toss would determine who had to leave their vehicle parked their and who would drive them both onwards. We also need to coordinate with both the military and provincial law enforcement about putting a ring around the area not to let people back in prematurely, and to patrol the neighborhoods evacuated. Again, all of details, I leave to you, my suggestions are just that. The President has given the evacuation order, so we have a job to do. I hope it goes smoothly. Please let me know if you need anything. I will be responding to the terrorists fax shortly."

 

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Loic prepares a fax to respond to the terrorists.

[FAX Number]
This is from the Ministry of Infrastructure and Domestic Affairs, which has responsibility for, among other areas, the portfolio of federal law enforcement. We have obtained a copy of your fax from the Ministry of Environment and Social Affairs, and made the cabinet aware of the situation. They are currently in meetings, but they did authorize this acknowledgement of your fax, which contained the following text:

WE ARE THE ALBONAN LIBERATION FRONT. WE HAVE TAKEN CONTROL OF THE ROGARTH CHEMCIAL PLANT. WE WILL BLOW UP CHLORINE STORAGE TANKS IF OUR DEMANDS ARE NOT MET.

IF ANY LAW ENFORCEMENT OR MILITARY PERSONNEL ARE SEEN APPROACHING THE PLANT, WE WILL DETONATE OUR DEVICES.

It is lucky that we became aware of your fax, as we had been on the verge of dispatching more Federal Law Enforcement Officials to back-up the officer that was injured or killed late yesterday evening. This would have inadvertently triggered your reaction. Can you provide information as to his medical status? Please respond to this fax number. We would also appreciate learning the status of the FLEA officers who accompanied him, the Provincial officers they were looking for, and the employees at the facility.

 

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Loic calls the director of FLEA to discuss the exercise further.
"Feel free to hang up on me if you are too busy, but I have a feeling that there might be more to this exercise than just the chemical plant. Working with the provincial police, can we surreptitiously check out whether there are unusual things going one elsewhere around Uxbridge or in the Foss River National Park, which is just upstream from there? Thanks!"