Once upon a time in Esquarium 2.0 [Closed, Esquarium only]

[Namor]

OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT-GENERAL OF THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF NAMOR
Namo, Capital District

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For immediate release
Statement by the President-General on the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Txotai

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ON THIS day, the 25th of December, our brave fighters of the Namorese Liberation Army launched the Christmas Day offensive against the city of Kusef, liberating the city from separatist control. The 25th of December is important, as it not only marked the recovery of Txotai, but the Namorese people's major triumph over Luziycan imperialism. The 25th of December demonstrated the Namorese people's unwavering will to defend their sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The following year, the Central Council passed a resolution declaring the 25th of December to be a public holiday: Anti-Imperialism Day.

This Anti-Imperialism Day, let us remember the Namorese who safeguarded the People's Republic with their sweat and blood - not just in Txotai, but throughout our history. Their sacrifices created a basis for our current prosperity and strength; because of them, we have a flag that all Namorese are proud to march under and no external force can tamper with.

This Anti-Imperialism Day, let us also be vigilant. While changing times have brought changing conditions, the vestiges of imperialism remain. It is important that we stand up for our interests, safeguard the principles of democracy, peace and sovereignty and discourage aggression.

This Anti-Imperialism Day, let us celebrate the accomplishments that made us a better nation. And as we enter the new year, let us wish for the best for our People's Republic.

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[Namor]

Annual Policy Address - January 1
Delivered by the President-General to the 19th Namorese Central Council
Full transcript

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President Txo, Vice President Ke, Commissioner Yao, Vice Commissioner Vang, members of the Central Council, my fellow countrymen, including our compatriots in Nantai and overseas - thank you for giving me the opportunity to address the nation at the opening of the new year.

January marks the beginning of a new year. As always, it marks another new beginning for the Namorese people. As President-General, I look forward to working with everybody - both in government and in the opposition - to pave a new way forward for the People’s Republic.

In the past year, our administration worked really hard to safeguard the interests of the Namorese citizen. I’m not referring to anyone of a particular class, creed or ethnic background, but the mother who drives her children to daycare as she commutes to her workplace. The business owner whose survival depends on the number of units he is able to sell to his customers.

Safeguarding the interests of the Namorese citizen means improving the people’s livelihoods, for the livelihood of our people is the basis of prosperity and stability. Together, we expanded the Common Medical Care System so that those living in the cities and don’t have a lot can receive quality healthcare. We tamed the market by introducing regulatory measures that can prevent another devastating crash. We cut taxes on the middle class. We were able to introduce the first national minimum wage in our history.

Today, an additional 50 million people can pay for their healthcare thanks to the CMCS expansion plan. Millions of working-class people nationwide report an increase in wages. Less people are living in poverty than ever before in our country’s history - a great achievement for a country of nearly a billion people. Our unemployment rate is returning to normal levels.

But deputies, fellow countrymen - this is only a quarter of the marathon that we started as a nation on the 20th of April. There are still many kilometers ahead, and in order to finish this race we need to do a lot more.

According to the latest census, our population is aging. This is not just a trend that we must get used to, but it’s a trend the rest of Esquarium needs to get used to as well. It’s about time we readjusted our economy so that it can accommodate everyone regardless of what the demographics show.

As such, I will make the push for innovation one of the top priorities of the administration. As creativity is the mother of innovation, we will encourage creativity in our schools. For those who come up with something that may change the way we live, we will grant them stronger patent protections. We will guarantee that they can keep most of the money they earn from their innovation, lest we discourage them from innovating further.

I understand that ideas cannot just pop out of nowhere. Sometimes, when you think you discovered something new or invented something that can alter the course of history, something unexpected happens and, before you know it, you’re back in square one. So, it is necessary that we provide more incentives to innovation research. These people must have our backs even when they don’t come up with something, because if we don’t have their backs at all, we as a country lose out.


Our rural population is declining as a result of urbanization. This isn’t something new - it’s an update in a process that has lasted for decades. While the CMCS is meant to guarantee affordable health care for our rural countrymen - who generally have it harder than everyone else - sooner or later this system will not benefit as many people as it should because it neglects the new reality, which is that we have people living in the cities and suburbs who go bankrupt once they pay their medical expenses. As urbanization continues, we can expect this number to grow.

The expansion of CMCS is, in retrospect, just step one to addressing this trend. What we need now is a bold measure that will ensure affordable quality health care for all Namorese who can’t pay for it all, no matter where they live.

Deputies, countrymen, I am proposing a new system - the Popular Care System. Under this system, the central government, along with regional-level and local governments as well as voluntary elements of the private sector, will cover the medical costs of all low-income individuals. To put it in simpler terms, if you cannot pay to treat your broken leg or your disease without threatening your own financial situation in the process, you will not pay as much as the price tag tells you to.

Under this system, if you’re under 18, no matter what class you belong to or where you live, you can get treatment and prevention services free of cost, because it’s only right.

To those in this room who are skeptical of this program, let me assure you that it’s not a radical idea. All we’re doing is reforming an old program to suit present conditions. In implementing the Popular Care System, we’re not going to drive up the deficit or deprive other people of their money. We are a people of common sense nation, proposing common sense solutions and implementing them in common sense ways. I hope everyone in the Central Council - government, opposition or somewhere in between - will join our campaign to guarantee basic human services for all those who need it.

Deputies, fellow countrymen - last year, our country presented itself on the world stage by hosting the Third Esquarian Summit - which was widely hailed as a grand success. During the summit, the major leaders of the world reached an understanding on climate change. We all agreed that as an international community, we need to act to reduce the role of carbon emissions in our global economy.

Already, we’re seeing some taking comprehensive action to address climate change. But none of that matters if we in Namor doesn’t take the initiative to address the effects of climate change within our own borders. Because nobody in Esquarium emits more gas than we do. It’s about time someone in this office said it.

Unless we change how we light our rooms at night, how we get warm air in the winter, how we travel - we are never going to make substantial progress in realizing our goal - which is to create a low-carbon economy.

Namor relies too much on non-renewable sources of energy, especially coal - even as there are many alternatives available. In the coming months, I will introduce legislation that will encourage the construction of more hydroelectric dams, solar panels, and wind farms. As a nation, we will encourage the production of products that do not rely on nonrenewable energy, and we’re going to sell these products to the rest of the world at a satisfactory price. Not only will this create more jobs, but it will also put our country on the path towards a coal-free economy by the beginning of the new millennium in NMR 2400. Call it our “NMR 2400 Plan.”

Of course, this is going to be a gradual process. Which is why I would like to assure our friends at the coal industry that there will be no mass layoffs or factory shutdowns. We will work to make sure that the NMR 2400 Plan benefits as many people as possible. But one thing is certain - this plan can only be a disaster if we do not work together to make it possible. So, deputies of the Central Council, I am asking for your support. Because it is your support and cooperation that makes a better future - not just for all Namorese but all humankind - possible.

Deputies, fellow countrymen - safeguarding the interests of the Namorese citizen also means promoting our interests in the international stage.

A “Namor without Chemicals” is definitely within the interests of the Namorese people. Taxpayers shouldn’t be paying additional costs to maintain weapons that serve no real purpose in the modern era. Our country is stronger not because we possess these weapons. Now that we’ve invested billions into realizing a powerful and professional military apparatus, it is about time we parted ways with technology that contributes little to nothing towards our security and well-being.

Unfortunately, the international community was unable to reach a consensus on disarmament in Xiangmen. But that doesn’t mean we can’t act at a time of our choosing. Not when we have public opinion on our side. Not when the Luziycan regime has expressed interest in disarming their biological and chemical arsenal with us, because even they understand that these weapons do more harm than good.

Herein lies an appropriate opportunity for us to cooperate with the Luziycan regime. Indeed, there are some issues where we and the Luziycan regime don’t see eye to eye. And there’s going to be times when disagreements get out of hand, since the other side still hasn’t abandoned its dream of violating our territorial integrity under the misplaced pretext of self-determination. It is important that we stand up for ourselves in these instances. We did that when we withdrew our ambassador from Bethlehem to show our commitment to defending our sovereignty. Under no circumstance will the People’s Republic of Namor bear the burden that is detente. What we want is a relationship that is based on mutual benefit, mutual respect and mutual trust.

But that doesn’t mean there is no room for cooperation. Peace and stability on both sides of the border is in the best interests of all. While we reserve the right to defend our sovereignty and territorial integrity by force, we are not going to set houses on fire because we feel like it. We value diplomacy, and we’re going to resort to it if we can. When it is appropriate to cooperate with the Luziycan regime, we will pursue cooperation.

In August, the Namorese people decided that our country will not become a member of the Esquarian Community. While I still believe EC membership is in the best interests of our people, the people have spoken and it is necessary that we respect the people’s will.

While a majority of Namorese are not in favor of joining the EC, they are not opposed to cooperation with the EC. This is a sentiment that most of us here sympathize with, as both Namor and the EC member states share a common affinity for the ideals of peace, democracy and human rights. These are the ideals that bind us together, no matter if we’re in the EC or not. Close relations between Namor and the Esquarian Community are crucial to good governance and prosperity worldwide.

This is why I want an association agreement with the Esquarian Community signed by the end of this year. Such an agreement will establish permanent mechanisms for Namo-EC cooperation, including but not limited to a forum for Namorese and Esquarian officials, legislators and local leaders to discuss how to create a better future - not just for the peoples of Namor and the EC, but for all humankind. The agreement will also expand trade between Namor and the EC. We are talking about a win-win situation where Namorese gain expanded access to a Common Market consisting of over a billion people while citizens of Esquarian Community member states gain access to the world’s largest national market.

Deputies of the Central Council, this is an unprecedented deal between two major bastions of democracy in Esquarium. We cannot afford to let it pass, so I call on everyone of all parties in this room to work with me to make this agreement possible.

Deputies, fellow countrymen, the Namorese nation is striding confidently into the new decade. By working together to safeguard the interests of the Namorese citizen - both at home and at the international stage - I am certain that the time of the centenary of our People’s Republic, we will finally realize the vision of our founding leaders when they announced the Republic’s inception on the 28th of March - to establish a truly strong and prosperous nation built on the ideals of freedom, peace, democracy, progress and unity.

Thank you, Happy New Year and long live the People’s Republic!

NOTE: The President-General is constitutionally required to deliver an Annual Policy Address to the Central Council at the beginning of the year.

[Namor]

New Democratic response to President-General Antelope's Annual Policy Address
Delivered by Tsao Haojing, chairman of the NDP
Full transcript

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Good evening!

At the start of the new year, the Namorese people tuned in to watch President-General Antelope deliver his Annual Policy Address. As obligated, the President-General reviewed the performance of his administration before giving his thoughts on the state of our People’s Republic. Tonight, on behalf of the New Democrats, I would like to respond to the President-General’s address and give our thoughts on the future of this nation under his administration.

As much as we would like to share President-General Antelope’s confidence that our country is on the right track, we remain vigilant of the risks that have come along with the his policies. Unfortunately, the President-General did not acknowledge these risks. He did not mention that it is exactly his policies that are making millions face the future with uncertainty. His efforts to “reform” the Common Medical Care System have cost us billions of ramon. And for what? The people whom the President-General claim to be assisting aren’t doing any better. All they’re getting are subsidies for medical care that isn’t efficient enough to meet their health needs. As a party that has stood for efficiency, we have called on all parties - including the President-General’s - to support true health reform that puts the people first, that focuses primarily on improving the quality of healthcare, which will naturally lead to expanded access. But our President-General isn’t concerned about that. He is just concerned about expanding a bloated and inefficient system to more people. Government expenditures that can either be saved or spent elsewhere are being wasted on an inefficient program that can be changed for the better.

Which brings me to debt. Since President-General Antelope took office, he has introduced new names, new programs - driving up our budget and our debt. Our debt pile is increasing at a rate unseen in decades. What’s worse, some of that debt we owe to foreign countries. While we find it ironic that this situation would emerge from an administration that’s keen on preserving our sovereignty, there is little time left to note the irony. Either our government stops spending recklessly and return to a balanced budget, or we as a nation enter uncharted territory full of uncertainties - far from the bright and confident future our President-General has promised will come.

On foreign policy, the President-General continues to show that he does not have the interests of the Namorese people - much less the international community - in mind. This is not something to celebrate over - this is dangerous. Being diplomatic doesn’t require agreeing with everything a foreign government says, but President-General Antelope is not acting diplomatically at all. Twice, he has proclaimed detente with Luziyca over. During the Coupe d’Esquarium, rumors spread that the Antelope administration considered calling back our ambassador from Luziyca a second time if our team did not win a football match. As silly as this sounds, and as much as we wish these rumors aren’t true, the President-General clearly did the wrong thing by refusing to dispel the rumors. These and other actions have scared everyone - from regular citizens to investors. Moreover, they have deprecated the international community’s confidence in our ability to maintain peace and stability across Velkia.

Then there’s President-General Antelope’s proposal for an association agreement with the Esquarian Community. Yes, the President-General is right in saying that the Namorese people are in favor of improving ties with the EC, and yes, we should get an association agreement signed. But on what terms? The President-General did not consult with those outside his coalition - people who disagree with him but are concerned, patriotic Namorese citizens nonetheless - prior to announcing his intention to get this agreement across. For that reason, we know little about the specifics of the agreement he wants to sign with the EC. Of all the places where government can sacrifice a bit of transparency, our government chooses to do so at this moment. But the Namorese people should not be afraid, for you have a force in the Central Council - us - who will make sure any condition proposed by the President-General get past you first.

This a promise we will uphold throughout this year - we will be your voice under an administration that constantly disregards you. That is what democracy is about - having two forces checking each other for the benefit of the masses.

As we enter the new year, we look forward to working with the President-General on a number of issues. Thank you, and have a good night.

[Qianrong]

January 14, 2017

Official Residence of the Prime Minister ("the Kantei")
Keishi, Keishi Prefecture, Senria

Prime Minister Hayato Nishimura walked onto the stage and moved behind the podium of the Kantei's press room.

"Firstly, I'd like to thank all of you in the press for showing up today," Nishimura said to the group of reporters gathered in front of him. "I know it's been a while since I was present at one of these myself, and I'm sure you've all got lots of questions, so let's begin."

A reporter towards the front of the room quickly stood up. "Ichirō Nakamura, with TV Keishi. Prime Minister, Greater Keishi is facing its seventh continuous day of smog so heavy it was labelled 'potentially hazardous' by the government of Keishi prefecture. What is the cause of this thick smog, and what is your government doing to address this issue." Nishimura nodded and smiled. And we begin with a question from the one major opposition TV channel, he thought to himself. This is off to a fantastic start.

"Well, I believe that the reaction from the government of Keishi prefecture was well-meaning, if perhaps overzealous. Rest assured, this government is looking into the potential relation of both climactic and human-created causes for the smog situation in Keishi and other Senrian cities," he said. "I know a lot of people want to blame the manufacturing sector, but we have to avoid the temptation of blaming Senrian industry for an issue that is far too complex for a such a simple answer. The majority of Senrians make their living in industry. It's the backbone of our country's economy. We cannot afford to take brash action that might imperil the livelihoods of millions of Senrians."

Another reporter stood up. "Akane Shinseki, of Mainichi Shinbun," she said. Nishimura grinned a little wider; this question was coming from a pro-government source; hopefully it would be a little friendlier. "Is there preparation within the People's Party for the upcoming elections in 2018? If so, what do you think the party should- or will- capitalize on in its campaign?" Nishimura laughed. "I think it's a little early for election questions," he jested, eliciting a laugh from the gathered reporters. "After all, the election will be late next year."

"If there's any discussion of that sort going on within the party," he continued, "it's at the lower or middle levels and in the rudimentary phases. I would guess that the situation would be similar within the opposition. But if I had to make a guess as to what we would capitalize on, it would be the continuing growth in our GDP and the continuing rise of average wages within Senria."

"Speaking of elections," came the voice of another reporter. "Yasumasa Yamaguchi, Keishi Shinbun. Earlier today, Xiaodong held its own elections, and the Xiaodong Regeneration Society appears to have won a narrow majority. The chairman of that party, Yuan Xiannan, is a known denier of the Senrian Genocide and accused the Senrian government of attempting to rig the elections in Xiaodong. What is the official response of the Senrian government to the apparent decision by the Xiaodongese people to keep such a man and his allies in power?"

Nishimura nodded. "I, first, would like to note that almost all of the opinion polls within Xiaodong in the days and weeks leading up to the eleciton showed the opposition winning, which makes me suspicious of the veracity of the official results. I would not put it past a regime like Xiaodong's to rig an election, and it wouldn't surprise me if their baseless accusations of Senrian rigging were made to distract the world from their own attempts to rig the vote. Nevertheless, the government of Senria will continue to work tirelessly to force the Xiaodongese government to recognize the Treaty of Keishi and pay the reparations that it is bound to under international law. While the election of a history-denier will make this process more difficult, it will not dissuade us from working to get justice for the 7,500,000 million Senrians slaughtered by Xiaodongese troops during the Senrian-Xiaodongese War."

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January 15, 2017

Ruins of Hirasawa Extermination Zone
Near Hirasawa, Sekiguchi Prefecture, Senria

Again, Nishimura mounted a stage and stood behind a podium. This time, however, his expression was serious. While he was publicly known for his affability, this occasion demanded nothing but solemnity.

Behind him were the ruins of a death camp, constructed by Xiaodongese troops during the Senrian-Xiaodongese War for the mass murder of Senrian civilians. Senrian troops had liberated the camp in late 1929, but destroyed it in 1930 as Xiaodongese troops made a push to regain control over the nearby city of Sekiguchi. The crowd in front of him contained reporters, and a few aged survivors of the camp, but consisted mostly of People's Party supporters and locals brought in for the event.

Nishimura straightened his posture and cleared his throat before beginning.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I am honored to be before you all today on this solemn occasion. We are gathered here to remember a dark period in the history of our nation, to answer the calls of our ancestors who demand that we not forget the crimes that were inflicted upon them."

"This location used to be home to the Hirasawa Extermination Zone, a death camp set up by invading Xiaodongese troops in which thousands upon thousands of Senrian civilians were mercilessly slaughtered by the Xiaodongese imperial regime," Nishimura stated. "The inmates here were men, women, and children who had broken no laws, committed no crime, done no wrong. They were viewed as subhuman by the Xiaodongese invaders, as no more than rats. They were beaten. They were starved. They were tortured. They were used for hard labor they were used for medical experimentation, they were used for the testing of biological and chemical weapons, and when they were deemed to be of no more use, they were killed."

"This was not the only such facility," he continued. "Similar death camps were constructed all over Kitashū during the Xiaodongese occupation. 61 camps, in total, were built by Xiaodong for the systematic and industrialized murder of the Senrian people. Many of their names are known to us. Schichigahama, the first to be liberated; Hiraizumi, liberated by the brave men and women of the Senrian resistance; Ichinoseki, which at its peak held 175,000 inmates; Shinjōku, the center of Xiaodong's chemical and biological weapons programs. The extermination zones were not the only way in which Xiaodongese forces inflicted gravely criminal acts upon Senria. The massacres after the Ukyō Uprising, the Abashiri Massacre and hundreds of other death marches, the individual tortures and murders of hundreds and thousands of others."

"In total, these atrocities killed 7.5 million people. They left entire villages empty and forgotten. The suffering and death that they inflicted is of a quantity so vast it is almost unimaginable."

"87 years ago today, Senrian troops destroyed this facility of evil to prevent Xiaodongese forces from ever using it again. Today, we remember the evil that was done here, we memorialize the innocents who were slaughtered here, and we commemorate the brave men who risked and gave their lives to save the lives of their countrymen. Today, we reaffirm that the memory of this unforgivable sin is still etched in our minds, that we shall never allow those who died to have died in vain, that we will continue fighting for justice, now and forever." A smattering of applause, muted out of respect for the dead, came from the crowd.

"But there are some in this world who would have us try to forget what happened here, and there are some parts of the world where children are taught that there was no Senrian genocide at all. In fact, in one of Senria's neighbors, a man who denies the existence of the Senrian genocide was elected to a position of power. Yuan Xiannan, of the Xiaodong Regeneration Society-" the mention of Yuan's name drew boos from the crowd- "has just become the State Chairman of the country that inflicted so much misery and suffering and death onto the Senrian people."

"Chairman Yuan does not believe that any genocide occurred here, in spite of all evidence and reason. He believes that the Heavenly Xiaodongese Empire surely did not inflict any such crimes against any group- not against the Tinzi, not against the Kuochew, and not against the Senrians. He believes that a regime heavily inspired by the teachings of Zhang Qiemei, a man who believed in the 'absolute superiority of the Xiaodongese nation', would surely have never engaged in ethnic discrimination or persecution. He believes a regime inspired by the writings of Lin Yongsheng, who called the 'wiping-out of the Senrian race' the 'inevitable but necessary burden' of the Xiaodongese nation, would never have engaged in a campaign to destroy the Senrian people."

"The Xiaodongese regime is made up of men like Yuan Xiannan, who believe that surely Xiaodong did no such thing, or that it was nowhere near severe. Surely, they say, all the evidence is fabricated- the physical camps, the accounts of survivors, the recollections of Senrian and Xiaodongese troops, the government documents not only from Senria but also from Xiaodong and from the collaborationist regime it established. Surely, they say, a regime that launched a blatant war of aggression against its neighbors and had dreams of subjugating the entire Monic world would never do such a thing!"

"Today, I would like to speak directly to Chairman Yuan," Nishimura declared. "Chairman Yuan, you believe that your nation has committed no sins in Senria, that the reparations we demanded after the end of the war were unjust. You believe that there was no Senrian genocide at all. So I would like to invite you here."

"I would like to invite you here, to Senria, to the Hirasawa Extermination Zone, so that you can see for yourself all the evidence that you are denying. I would like to invite you here, to meet the men who liberated this camp, and to meet the people who were trapped inside, and I would like you to look them in the eyes and hear their stories, and see if you could bring yourself to deny the Senrian genocide after that," he challenged.

The crowd began to cheer at Nishimura's challenge to Yuan, but Nishimura continued speaking anyways. "I would like to invite you not only to Hirasawa, but to all of the extermination zones and concentration camps your country built here. I invite you to tour them, all 61 of them. We can start in the south with Shichigahama, the first to be liberated by Senrian troops, and move northward in the order in which they were liberated, one by one until you have seen them all."

The crowd's cheering grew steadily louder, becoming a roar, as the challenge continued; Nishimura continued to speak, raising his voice to make himself heard. "I invite you to see the factories on the camps where inmates were worked to death, the medical experimentation facilities, the firing ranges where Senrian civilians were shot. I invite you to see the documents we have, written by the Xiaodongese government and the collaborationist regime it established. I invite you to visit Sakata, or Ukyō, or any of the other cities nearly destroyed by your troops during the war, to see the ruined buildings left as testaments to Xiaodongese brutality."

"We will pay for this," Nishimura declared. "We will pay for you to travel here, we will pay for your room and your board, we will cover the costs. We will pay any cost you incur, so long as you accept this invitation, so long as you come and see why we demand reparations, so long as you see the extermination zones and hear the testimonies of survivors, so long as you learn why we call the atrocities your nation committed 'the Unforgivable Crime'."

"So once again, I invite you here to my homeland, Chairman! I invite you to come to see Hirasawa, and Rokkasho, and Shichigahama, and Ichinoseki, and Shinjōku, and all the rest! Come to Senria, Chairman Yuan! Come see the mass graves that your forefathers left scattered over my country!"

The crowd's roaring cheer echoed through the ruined walls of the death camp, passing over the unmarked graves of the memorialized dead.

[FreYhill]

OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER
~ Borcho House, Hwanggum ~

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Attack on the Commonwealth Government

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I AM SICKENED at the horrid terror committed within our grand and serene Commonwealth. The Commonwealth Government refused to pander to the threat of terror state sponsored or not and will seek vengeance for the actions caused in the past hours in Central Hwanggum. The Commonwealth Government will militarize against the perpetrators of the bombings at the Toksanese Senate, and we will get revenge for the loss of life committed this morning.

Second Minister & Minister for Foreign Affairs Won Chi Hun has been confirmed deceased moments ago, and I give condolences to the Won's and North Borneung. Second Minister Won was a close friend of mine and will be missed at Borcho House. Her successor will have big shoes to fill and we will not forget her. Long Live Toksan! Long Live Hwanggum.

###

[Saint Hadrian]

And so no longer yet, David...

Department of External Affairs Office of the Secretary of External Affairs Your Excellency, The situation in Xiaodong has become unpredictable and uncertain for us to continue to trust the Xiaodongese Government. We can no longer wait for the determination of the Prime Consul. Monsieur President, I ask you to evacuate Francilian citizens of Hadriennois residency, Hadriennois citizens, and expatriates from Xiaodong. Remember that the Secretary of the Economy, the Secretary for the Minister of the Armed Forces, the Secretary of District and Local Government, the Secretary-Governor of ASIA, and the Secretary of Internal Affairs, have shared and pressed this for the past week. A narrow but clear majority of the State Council supports such action. I would also like to share, for the last time on this dilemma with all due respect to you Monsieur President, that there are growing calls from the general public to bring home our people. I am certain you have read the hashtags of #XiaodongMassacre #XiaodongeseDictator #Xiaodong. I will not advise you on how this will be done as any measure for this will surely be appreciated. Yes, we will acknowledge the consequences of our actions as it is unconstitutional to determine foreign policy without the least consent of the Government of Francilie. There is no longer time for further consideration. The Secretary for the Minister of the Armed Forces, the Secretary-Governor of ASIA, and me will eagerly wait for your reply. Signed, Anton Suwanmethanon Jr.

[Pavonistade]

OOC: This debate takes place on Friday January 27 despite being posted early (in where I am).

1st Pavonistadian presidential debate
Hilledge College (Pavonistadeck, Capital Province)
6:00 PM (1800 hours) ST-9

MODERATOR: Good evening and welcome to the first of two presidential debates organized by the Federal Electoral Commission. I am Frederik Allain of the Pavonistade Agency of News and I will serve as the moderator of this debate, which is hosted in Hilledge College of Pavonistadeck and is broadcasted by the Pavonistade Television Network. Before the presidential candidates are introduced, I would like to briefly go over the standards expected for this debate.

This debate is divided into four segments that cover a separate subject. All participating candidates must be deemed constitutionally eligible and their political parties must have official party status. The question format is closed, meaning all questions must be produced by the moderator and cannot be directly derived from outside sources such as social media. No presidential candidates have prior knowledge of any questions. Each candidate has 60 seconds to make an opening statement for each subject and the last candidate will lead us into open debate. The candidates will make their opening statements in ascending alphabetical order (Almor, Levant, Oppenheim, and lastly Simpsen), and the candidates that will lead the debate to the open floor will rotate for each segment.

The audience that is present with us are requested to keep any noise to the minimum so that the debate can proceed without disruption. Now let us welcome the four presidential candidates taking part in this debate:

• Calvin Almor, the candidate representing the Liberal Party;
• Alexander Levant, the candidate representing the Conservative Party;
• Eric Oppenheim, our incumbent president and the candidate representing the Democratic Party;
• and Kal Simpsen, the candidate representing the Republican Party.

[The audience applauds. The candidates enter and shake hands with each other and the moderator, before heading to their respective podiums.]

Opening Statements

MODERATOR: With the candidates of all major parties present, let us hear from them their opening statements. Mr. Almor, let's start with you, shall we?

ALMOR: Change: it's one of the most important process that has ought to occur. For over ten years, the Democrats have not been doing enough to protect Pavonistade and its people. They have been doing the Pavonistadians more good in recent years, such as strict environmental measures, but right now the ruling party is doing the impossible by balancing everything with a moderate and centrist stance. We must realize that if we want to achieve real progress, we must stop letting change come in so slowly and stop focusing on mitigating the consequences, because we'll end up not making any significant impacts at all. With a progressive approach to our issues, we can act more quickly and help more people in a greater way, and I will be the one to lead real progress.

LEVANT: Ever since the Democrats took over from the Conservatives in 2005, Pavonistade has been going downhill. We've seen a skyrocketing national debt, a weakening economy and a weakening culture. The Democrats attempted to model Pavonistade as a nation of immigrants and of justice for all, but this only ended up in disaster. Not only is our economy just coming back from a recession, our society is increasingly based around immigrants and values that do not reflect our own. Some of these values go from liberal ideas that promote moral decay, to extremist ideas that contradict fundamental Pavonistadian values. We cannot have any of this if we are to stop Pavonistade from falling down any further, and of all the leaders in Pavonistade, I know what our country needs the most and I know how to save it.

OPPENHEIM: As one of the Democratic presidents, I am proud to continue upholding the various policies that my predecessors established for Pavonistade. From a universal health care system to a universal daycare system, these have been milestones for Pavonistadians that now constantly rely on our achievements, Contrary to criticism, Pavonistade is doing much better with a higher standard of living and a stronger economy thanks to the progress that was made by the Democrats, And ever since I replaced Mattheu Azurite following his untimely death, I have successfully led the country through turbulent times, including the recession that very recently ended, and represented Pavonistadians in important international summits such as the recent 2016 Esquarian Summit in Xiangmen, Namor. I have more than the experience and credentials required for the most important office in Pavonistade, and I hope to made even greater change to benefit Pavonistadians further.

SIMPSEN: We all have to consider how Pavonistade has been for the past 4 years. It doesn't take much to agree that our current government is embarrassing our country and our people. We've allowed political correctness to run unchecked, we've passed nasty policies that go against true Pavonistadian values and we've let other countries push us over so many times. Essentially we are a laughingstock, whether people like it or not, with the Centrist Revolution and over a decade of Democratic rule. It's a shame that all of this is allowed to happen, and it's long overdue for someone to step up and properly lead Pavonistade. I am that person who has the capability to renew Pavonistade and to ensure that only one principle matters: Pavonistade first.

Debate

MODERATOR: We now move to the first segment of the debate, which relates to the economy. Pavonistade was in a recession that began October 2015, during a period of uncertainty and anxiety after declines in stock markets across Esquarium were reported. The recession ended technically this January but it is not known how Pavonistade's recovery will progress. As president how will you ensure that the economy will improve instead of falling back into a recession?

ALMOR: You may or may not know that Pavonistade was in a recession similar to the one we are having now. That was back in 2008, under the Democratic government of Benjamin Howler. He allowed over a million jobs to be lost in a year and later he allowed the national debt to increase by hundreds of billions of pavoids in several years. We just had another recession and one that happened under the nose of the same ruling party, and we were very close to losing over a million jobs again. Indeed, there's something wrong with the leadership we have now, and believe me, we can't stick with the moderate path for much further. I will re-prioritize the federal budget so that we can better invest in our economy and help those who really need help. I will also invest in the middle class, which the Democrats consistently promise but rarely ever deliver. With real action, we can really improve the economy and improve the livelihoods of Pavonistadians.

LEVANT: The Democrats are to blame for the economic mess we were in - or are in. They embarked on a reckless spending campaign since 2005 and our economy is being choked by the ridiculous expenditures that the Democrats are responsible for, and that is only one of the many problems. The Democrats resorted to new taxes and tax hikes to pay off their various programs and projects, which chokes our hardworking taxpayers in an illicit way. The Democrats had at some time looked to raise taxes on corporations and businesses, which also chokes the businesses helping to drive our economy forward. If we want to really take a step in turning the economy around, we should start off by slashing the bloated social programs and rewarding Pavonistadians much-needed tax cuts. How can we expect recovery if we fail to do these basic steps?

OPPENHEIM: The Democratic progress is consistently doing more and more work for the economy, and ensuring that what's being done is in the best interests of Pavonistadians by creating more jobs, minimizing negative economic outcomes and giving future generations a chance to contribute to the country. To continue this, it's important to start by not only continuing the achievements that we made but also taking new initiatives. One of the many instances include supporting our working and middle classes further, and facilitating access to reasonable government loans so that new businesses can be created. And to also ensure that no Pavonistadians are left behind, we must expand the social safety net to cover promising Pavonistadians that are in need or at risk. We ought to push forward with the Democratic progress so that Pavonistade can continue to prosper.

SIMPSEN: The economy depends on modest regulations and a strong infrastructure in order to function to its full potential and provide Pavonistadians with the jobs they need. The Democrats for almost a decade focused on tax hikes and environmental protection while turning a blind eye on our infrastructure and what Pavonistadians really need. It seems that the Democrats have failed to recognize the full consequences that their actions will bring, and this mistake can no longer be repeated. As president, I will abolish senseless regulations that are hindering our economy; the tax rates and the restrictions on energy production, particularly the use of fossil fuels, are ridiculous and will definitely be cut back. I will also lead a large-scale infrastructure plan ensure that much-needed projects are financed and made possible, so that our economy can truly recover.

MODERATOR: Excellent. Mr. Almor, lead us into open debate.

ALMOR: Thank you. I find it ridiculous that President Oppenheim still supports a moderate approach to the economy. One recession in 2008 and another recession that ended just this year showed that the Democratic progress is no longer suitable for our country and we need a Liberal-guided change to our economy if we want more jobs, more growth and, most importantly, if we want to not fall into another recession in a few years. And I find it disappointing that Mr. Levant intends on making the needy suffer and letting the rich get richer through slashing social programs and specialized tax cuts.

LEVANT: May I ask how you have assumed what I intended? I intend for tax cuts to reward every Pavonistadian and they will relieve burden on our workers no matter how much they earn. It's absurd to think this will go the stereotypical way of making the poor poorer and the rich richer. And I intend on slashing the bloated social programs that are absolutely unncessary and are draining our economy. For instance, the Democrats promised that the single-payer system would pay only for "medically-necessary" services, yet in six years has bloated to cover every single little check-up and non-essential operation in our country. Our economy and our people need less of this burden.

[crosstalk between Levant, Oppenheim and Almor]

OPPENHEIM: Mr. Levant, you believe that the various social services provided by a single-payer system are a burden to our country, but that is not true. With support of various forms such as free coverage of essential medical services and employment insurance to all Pavonistadian workers, we can ensure that they are not disadvantaged in any way and therefore we can ensure that our economy remains an active, growing economy. Your desire to reverse the Democratic progress will put the livelihoods of millions of Pavonistadians into jeopardy, whether you intend to do so or not.

SIMPSEN: And whether you know it or not, Pavonistade cannot stick with the Democratic progress. Your establishment is maintaining high tax rates for all Pavonistadians and maintaining bloated social programs that are unnecessary and a burden to taxpayers. You also happen to throw out promises that end up either being abandoned or not making a dent in Pavonistadian lives, which is why my infrastructure plan will improve the economy much more substantially than a series of tax cuts and budget cuts. With a committed nationwide effort to upgrading our infrastructure, alongside numerous measures such as cancelling ridiculous fossil fuel restrictions, Pavonistade's economy will be on a much better track than what the three other leaders are pushing forward with.

ALMOR: Mr. Simpsen, is your infrastructure plan really going to benefit the Pavonistadians, or is it going to benefit the private investors and corporations that want some shares in the construction sector? Your plan involves tax cuts to the construction sector, real estate sector, and so on, so it seems you're catering to the private sector instead of the people. Your plan will end up creating more drawbacks than benefits, just like the Democratic progress under President Oppenheim's oversight.

SIMPSEN: The infrastructure plan is not based solely on tax cuts or on the interests of the private sector, which appears to be what you are implying about the plan. It also involves directly and properly financing important projects such as upgrading municipal water supply networks and outdated railway tracks. This is not a plan to bolster the private sector because it would be ridiculous. This is a plan to bolster Pavonistade and allow its economy to be back on track.

OPPENHEIM: And have you recognized how reckless it would be to abolish the regulations on polluting sources of energy? Now is the time to make the shift to green energy, because the supply of fossil fuels is dwindling and will run out at some point in the future. Our economy cannot depend on fossil fuels in the next few decades and, more importantly, we will not have a future if we continue shrugging off climate change.

[crosstalk between all four leaders]

LEVANT: These regulations that you and your predecessors put in are the same regulations that are pulling down the economy. Our country and economy depends on fossil fuels, and you along with the Liberals are trying to squeeze out one of the most important resources out there in order to save some trees. The left-wing is doing this without understanding whether or not Pavonistade is ready to transition to green energy. The economy would be put in extreme risk by an unplanned environmental transition, which apparently is already occurring.

ALMOR: Mr. Levant, let me remind you that Pavonistade has more than enough resources to successfully complete the transition to green energy. It is possible for our country to produce a record number of jobs in a matter of decades while detaching itself from fossil fuels completely and helping slow climate change, yet you are not particularly interested in protecting our environment and our economy -

[crosstalk between Almor and Levant]

MODERATOR: I'm sorry, leaders, we will have to move on to the next segment of the debate. The following topic concerns national defence and security. While many Pavonistadians agree that the current time period is much more peaceful than the past century, there remains numerous risks to Pavonistadian territory and citizens, in particular terrorism. To what extent would you, as president, be supporting national defence and the security of Pavonistade?

ALMOR: Every single person in Pavonistade wants their country to be safe and secure, and there shouldn't be any objections to that. We live in a time period that may be marred by terrorism and other crises, yet we must understand that we rarely have a peaceful era like now. Pavonistade must not put its security on overdrive due to the perceived dramatic increase in terrorism and other risks, because not only will such progress impede on Pavonistadian lives more than it helps them, it also poses a nuisance to the whole world. Our country should set an example for others that we can take rational precautions. We can maintain our law enforcement forces as they are, but we must cut back on excessive police powers and unnecessary surveillance, and instead focus on humane ways of combatting risks such as developing anti-radicalization programs for at-risk youth. If we drive security in the right way, we can make Pavonistade safe without making it a police state.

LEVANT: There's no ignoring the constant threat to our national security, and terrorism is part of that threat. We ought to take a strong stance against all risks to our country like what Mr. Simpsen implied. But we have to go as far as we need to go to maximize our safety and security. As president, I will significantly increase funding to law enforcement forces and our military to keep them ahead of threats. I will protect essential systems such as the DEFENCE surveillance program and the UNITY program, and I will introduce tougher penalties in the aim for greater crime deterrence. Not everyone will be pleased with what is needed to be done, but if we do any less in the utmost effort to uphold national security, then we might just as well open the floodgates and let the enemy in.

OPPENHEIM: We live in an uncertain time period where terrorist attacks have already struck multiple countries, and there are increases in fear and hatred in many more countries. But we must be reminded that our era is much more peaceful than the Volatile Century, and perhaps more peaceful than any other era in human history. Pavonistadians are protected constantly thanks to the work of law enforcement forces, our defence forces, and our security agencies, and by continuing my work as President, Pavonistadians will live in a safe country without persistent fear and paranoia. Our security will as always be given generous support, and the police force and the armed forces will be fully prepared to prevent or deal with incidents. I want to make it clear to each and every Pavonistadian that in this era of certain instability, we will bear the full responsibility of making every person safe.

SIMPSEN: This era is perhaps more peaceful than the Volatile Century, but that is no excuse to ignore the security of our country and citizens. There was the attack in Aspatria, Arkiasis which was committed by Caliphate goons, and soon, revenge shootings in Luziyca and Pisdara followed. All of this nonsense would not exist in Pavonistade, because unlike the Democratic progress, I won't slack off on protecting our citizens. Aside from bolstering our national defence budget, which is suffering at the pleasure of the left-wing, I will reintroduce police powers that were stripped from law enforcement agencies around Pavonistade and I will defend any necessary surveillance programs from being dismantled. In addition, I'll bring in a rigorous vetting process to root out anyone with a terrorist background or with anti-Pavonistadian values, and by making these steps, every Pavonistadian will be safe from hooliganism.

MODERATOR: Thank you for your statements. Mr. Levant, it is your turn to start the open debate.

LEVANT: Thank you. I find it rather funny that Mr. Almor wants a humane approach to dealing with all sorts of risks to Pavonistade. Do you realize how dangerous it would be if you withdraw support from our various law enforcement forces, agencies and armed forces? Attacks like the Aspatria attack and the Toksanese senate bombing will occur right in our country. At some point you will have to face the truth: you can't always deal with threats the humane way. By being amply prepared, Pavonistade can strike at the enemy before the enemy can strike at Pavonistade. Your rosy perception of the world will have you open the floodgates to the terrorists.

ALMOR: And may I ask you why it would be any better to turn Pavonistade into a police state? There are many examples of countries that did not have to deal with any crises or incidents, such as Aucuria, and they all show a safe society is possible without resorting to the extremes. It is absolutely unnecessary to pursue security through fearmongering, heightened surveillance and extended police powers, and we certainly do not have to promote racism and xenophobia along the way. [distant jeering from the audience] It's funnier to think that Mr. Simpsen and you think that doing all three will help curb terrorism in our country, when in fact you will terrorize Pavonistadians more than the actual terrorists themselves.

SIMPSEN: The presumption that either I or Mr. Levant would terrorize Pavonistadians more than the actual terrorists is a complete joke. Our steps and precautions to protect Pavonistadian citizens are done for just that: protect Pavonistadian citizens. Increasing police powers, protecting important security programs in existence and controlling who gets in are some of the many steps that should normally be done in a time period of additional instability. Your steps, Mr. Almor, will make you the worst of all terrorists because you're willing to strip the safety of our citizens for every tiny drop of civil rights that are not severely impeded, and you're downplaying the real threat that real terrorists pose to our country. And by the way, Aucuria is a safe society only because -

[crosstalk between Simpsen, Oppenheim and Almor]

OPPENHEIM: As much as I disagree with Mr. Almor's perspective, he has indeed raised a valid point. It is very possible to balance national defence and security with a free society that lacks xenophobia and perpetual fear. What is utmost to maintaining such a balance is that important expansions to national security, such as funding and supporting law enforcement forces, are made to be as compatible as possible with human and civil rights. And this is one of the reasons why government watchdog groups and independent groups exist to monitor all security programs, including the DEFENCE and UNITY programs. Pavonistadians do not have to be subject to extremes as other leaders have been promoting.

SIMPSEN: Again, President Oppenheim, you are promoting a moderate approach to issues of dire important. It is essential for Pavonistade to take a strong stance against domestic and foreign risks to its citizens, and balanced policies are far from effective in deterring incidents that have happened in our country. You are the only person in our country who has the power to up the protection that our citizens deserve. Why have you allowed incidents such as the May 2015 bombing to happen? It's primarily because you stuck to the belief that everything can be balanced, including security, when clearly nothing can be balanced. Pavonistadians don't need any more of this mess.

ALMOR: Pavonistadians also don't need to be spoon-fed the exaggerated dangers to our country. As I stressed before, by expanding national security in radical methods as you and Mr. Levant suggested, more harm than good will be done to Pavonistadians. Our country needs a humane approach to security because it is very doable and it will not cause us to harbour fear, racism and xenophobia, and in the process radicalize even more people and create an even bigger risk to our country. It's disappointing that some people do believe tougher penalties, and a hard and often racist stance on terrorism will really be effective. I'm glad, and perhaps a lot of Pavonistadians are feeling the same way too, that no one will have to deal with security that's controlled by someone with the deposition of Mr. Levant's or Mr. Simpsen's until April.

SIMPSEN: You would've been dead by then.

[A brouhaha in the audience ensues.]

MODERATOR: Audience members, please settle down, settle down and allow the debate to proceed. Thanks.

LEVANT: You bring up the concept of having a humane approach to security without really understanding that we do need a tougher stance on all risks to our countries. If terrorists like Caliphate goons show no pity at our country or anyone that they attack, why must any of us show pity for them? Fighting them the hard way is much better than not fighting them at all, which is what you want to promote with your "humane approach."

OPPENHEIM: There is a reason why the Democratic progress has not put excessive pressure on national security. It's because we recognize that not all terrorists are born to hate, destroy, kill and wreck havoc on whoever they perceive to be enemies. We recognize that a majority of them are misguided people that are lured to their paths by terrorist groups, and we ought to have the balanced way of addressing that. Some of the education programs that the federal government sponsored helped curb radicalization and promote good citizenship among at-risk people, which in turn will benefit our security because it will break down the radicalization cycle and pre-empt the rise of new threats to Pavonistade. Numerous social programs implemented starting from the last decade have been shown to overwhelmingly benefit people in need, and there's no reason why a humane approach as Mr. Almor suggested cannot positively impact our national security.

[crosstalk between Oppenheim, Levant and Simpsen]

MODERATOR: Thank you for your passionate ideas, but this concludes the second segment of the debate. Our next topic is foreign policy and relations. It is known that the outlooks of the world are changing, new leaders are governing a variety of countries and crises are emerging in other countries. A new president will certainly lead Pavonistade for the next four years, safeguarding itself, its interests and diplomatic relations in a changing world. What would you do as president to ensure Pavonistade has a place among Esquarian countries?

ALMOR: As conflicts rage and turmoil continues in other parts of Esquarium, it is now vital that Pavonistade seeks improved diplomatic relations with every other country. Pavonistade needs to connect further with neighbouring countries such as the Ocelot Isles, so as to build upon trade and warm bilateral relationships, both of which will prove to be of great importance in the very near future. Pavonistade must also consider expanding relations with developing countries, especially as general instability stays pervasive and as a desirable role model is needed for their people. And ultimately, under a Liberal government, our country will be modelled to be more of a benevolent country that resorts to diplomacy and foreign aid. This will benefit our international image and relations more than if we fail to alter our reputation as an aggressive country with over two decades of suppression and violence abroad.

LEVANT: There is no denying that our country needs a new government that can properly safeguard our interests and our values. But there is also no denying that a great deal of issues do not end up affecting our country. Of course the Caliphate goons and attacks on Pavonistadian citizens abroad need to be dealt with, but a majority of crises abroad are internal affairs that may or may not be worsened by intervention. For example, in the case of Xiaodong's crackdown and Ankoren's fever, both may be worrying but there are rarely any suitable sides to support in any incidents. Pavonistade would do best by either pulling out completely or not getting involved in the first place, and under the Conservatives, our foreign policy will be readjusted so that we will not play world police so often and in an unnecessary way. Surely this will relieve Pavonistadians and other nationals of their headaches.

OPPENHEIM: The Democratic progress created a well-established semi-interventionist policy for Pavonistade and it is crucial to continue this for the next four years. Pavonistade has been a country that values diplomacy over aggressive means, but there will always be circumstances where we must play a role in deploying various forms of essential aid and restoring national stability. It all matters to what urgency needs to be attended to and what urgency is left up to its respective country to handle, so that we help less well-off countries when they need help the most while we avoid interfering with other affairs. The general principles are that we intervene only when we need to intervene and we advocate for our values when appropriate, and these should be the most reasonable principles for diplomatic relations and our foreign policy for the years to come.

SIMPSEN: As I said several times before, Pavonistade has two options this March: either continue making itself a laughingstock by voting Democrat again, or renew itself by voting for the people that will act more and say less. Our country needs new leadership so that it can stand as a country among many, a country that will not be so easily swayed. In 2014, Pavonistade made the largest mistake in the 21st century, by surrendering the Ocelot Isles to its insurgent government. Meanwhile this year, the Democrats are allowing the terrorist Xiaodongese government to run unchecked and the Caliphate is still very capable of wrecking havoc. Why must Pavonistade sit down and be a weak laughingstock, when it can emerge and show its true potential? Perhaps the first step we can do is by reshuffling our ambassadors and revoking recognition of the Ocelot Isles as an independent sovereign state. I will show the world that for us, it is always Pavonistade first.

MODERATOR: Great to learn more about all of your ideas. President Oppenheim, please lead us into the open debate.

OPPENHEIM: I hope that Pavonistadians know that Mr. Simpsen has absolutely no idea what he was talking about when he addressed his stance on the Ocelot Isles, and it is very possible that he will have no idea what impacts he will have on the national and world stages if he manages to be elected president.

LEVANT: I have no qualms with President Oppenheim's statement.

SIMPSEN: I will stress again and again that there will only be one thing, which is Pavonistade first. Too many times, our country did not act in its own interests and Pavonistadians suffered for what its representatives could have done right. By rescinding control of the Ocelot Isles, we have admitted defeat to the insurgent government and we put Pavonistade second. It is time that we no longer play around in the name of so-called justice and we begin a new bold move for the insurgent Ocelotian administration and the rest of Esquarium.

[crosstalk between all four leaders]

LEVANT: By effectively restarting the Ocelotian Sovereignty Dispute? As much as I agree that our country made a mistake with the Ocelot Isles, your proposal to sever diplomatic ties and revoke recognition of the Ocelot Isles really not what any one of us needs at this time.

SIMPSEN: Mr. Levant, I hate to say that you have a naive outlook of what needs to be going on. When Autian insurgents attacked in Francilie in November 2016, did Francilie bend over backwards and submit to their demands. No, and we should have said no to the Ocelotian insurgents as well. March 1, 2014 will be a day of infamy for our image on the international stage. Pavonistadians are sick of being thrown around and they want a foreign policy that reflects their strength and the determination of the whole of Pavonistade.

ALMOR: It doesn't surprise me that this response is coming from a leader who believes it's valuable to trash relations with Namor by trying to answer the Nantai Question, by recognizing sole Luziycan dominance of Nantai. In fact, Mr. Simpsen is not limited to trashing relations with Namor, he will be on a path to trashing relations with every single country in Esquarium. Pavonistade will be made an even larger laughingstock that it allegedly is at the moment.

OPPENHEIM: Mr. Simpsen, it seems that Mr. Almor, Mr. Levant and I, and perhaps most of Pavonistadians, feel your rather-unique ideas are not compatible with our values. How close have you come to consciously considering how your proposals will impact our country?

SIMPSEN: And how close have you come to realizing how much you have betrayed the Pavonistadian people with your promises and false hopes? I act my principles out for the greater benefit of Pavonistade, and to represent its significance and value on the international stage. The three of you may also believe that many Pavonistadians are against what I am proposing here, yet there are also many Pavonistadians, perhaps the silent majority, that have felt embarassed by giving up control of the Ocelot Isles. I am doing the silent majority a favour by opposing the Ocelotian insurgents again as a first step for foreign policy. [distant jeering from the audience]

ALMOR: The silent majority felt embarassed not by giving up control of the Ocelot Isles, it's by suppressing the Ocelotians in an unnecessary way and denying them independence for over two decades.

LEVANT: Mr. Simpsen, an interventionist approach is what you seem to be promoting. It won't do much good to Pavonistadians, but what certainly won't do any good to Pavonistadians is your ridiculous vision for foreign policy and affairs. You claim to be putting Pavonistade first, but from the looks of it, you're actually -

MODERATOR: Thank you, leaders, for this discussion.

LEVANT: - putting Pavonistade second yourself.

SIMPSEN: Nope.

MODERATOR: We will move into the fourth and final segment of the debate, which relates to culture and society. Pavonistadian society is heavily intertwined with multiculturalism, which is a commonly-debated theme in much of our country and relates closely to our culture. However, other themes have been raised in recent years, one of the most significant being the integration of immigrants and refugees. What does the future hold for Pavonistadian culture and society, and how will the two thrive under your presidency?

ALMOR: Pavonistade has always been a country of immigrants. Ever since the Lombardians made first contact with the Jopj Combine in 1588 CE, people from all walks of life sought for a better life in Pavonistade, and through centuries and generations, our country was built by both native and immigrant populations. We have been very successful in nurturing a diverse society, which is consistently a work-in-progress and it only makes sense to continue that work. As president, I will not cease to affirm multiculturalism as an important part of our social fabric. As part of the platform to support justice in our culture and society, I will also ascertain equal status for transgender and non-heterosexual people, and I will increase the amount of refugees we take in by the end of this year to 100,000. Because as Pavonistadians, we have the capability to demonstrate our humaneness to the rest of Esquarium and we must demonstrate that.

LEVANT: I don't have any easy feelings when people describe Pavonistade as a multicultural country, and I'm certain other people are with me. Our greatest strength is purported to be multiculturalism yet it is clearly one of our greatest weaknesses as well. From ultra-liberal ideas to radical Islamic ideas, Pavonistade is made to soak everything up in the name of tolerance without any action being taken. If I am elected, all of this will stop and I will overhaul our society for the better by completely replacing multiculturalism, which is long overdue. But I won't stop here, because political correctness and the growing gay movement are also becoming increasingly dangerous to our society. If we give too much way to the politically-correct, transgender and non-heterosexual nonsense, Pavonistade will be irreversibly and destructively altered. As president I will keep them at bay, and in the process, protect our culture and our people.

OPPENHEIM: Our country has the privilege of hosting a rich and diverse society to which all Pavonistadians can contribute. Multiculturalism is a great gift to Pavonistade and brings people from all origins together in a lively society. As much as multiculturalism is vital for our country, it is important to recognize the need to sufficiently integrate newcomers into our society, so that the best of both worlds - a rich combination of the newcomers' cultures and Pavonistadian culture - can be guaranteed. I will expand upon the opened integration program that former president Benjamin Howler established in order to meet the needs of the newcomers and our society, and in order to confront negative self-segregation. If we allow the newcomers to give to our country and vice versa, Pavonistade will always remain thriving and healthy with people both here and there.

SIMPSEN: Pavonistade is full of people that come from many other places, and these people include me. It is definitely important to foster understanding between the various groups of people that live together, but it is definitely important to challenge numerous issues in our society. As president, I will recognize the threat that uncontrolled "social justice" poses to Pavonistade, because it risks dividing Pavonistadians apart and does not properly combat problems in our society. It is overdue for effective programs that will help Pavonistadians make an actual stand for what they feel is right, and on the subject of programs, it is also overdue for a transition from multiculturalism to interculturalism to take place. Multiculturalism has led to a great deal of complications, mainly self-segregation, that can be resolved with focusing primarily on undivided dialogue and cultural effort. If I am given the chance to do all this, I can guarantee that Pavonistadian society will be transformed for the benefit of all.

MODERATOR: Very well. Mr. Simpsen, you have the open floor.

SIMPSEN: Mr. Almor, I'm not entirely sure why it is a responsibility of ours to accept, resettle and integrate a significantly-increased amount of refugees. Of course I am concerned with the troubles and raging conflicts that are going on in unfortunate regions, but Pavonistadian citizens deserve more of our attention. It is unfair to concentrate so much on the needs of foreign citizens when we have our own people that we ought to cater to.

ALMOR: Is it hypocritical of you that as an immigrant, you feel suspending the acceptance of refugees is a good idea? There are countless people that are prosecuted or in torn countries, and they have great potential for Pavonistade if they are given the help they need. I also find it rather interesting that you want to cater to Pavonistadian citizens, and that is something I fully respect. There is no way you can do this if you're going to suppress social justice, as you seem to be framing it as a negative aspect when it's not. It is comparable to multiculturalism because realizing equality of all forms for everyone is essential to maintaining a thriving society in Pavonistade. If you throw that away, you're end up shooting yourself in the foot.

LEVANT: No, Mr. Almor, one does not have to be a native-born Pavonistadian to realize that we can't take in everyone. It's a matter of truly satisfying our citizens and putting them first. And no, Pavonistade will not shoot itself in the foot by distancing itself from social justice. It is an impractical and obnoxious promotion of equality for all Pavonistadians, and it will ultimately lead to nowhere with its impossible dreams. It is as terrible as multiculturalism and false promises from the Democratic progress.

OPPENHEIM: There are many accusations of false promises from the Democrats, and I invite you, Mr. Levant, and other critics to give one promise that has been broken by the Democrats. You likely won't because we promise what is possible for Pavonistadians, and often we take into account the impacts on culture and society whenever we know they will be affected. The opened integration program, for example, will be expanded as I mentioned earlier which will better address the requirements of both immigrants and refugees so that they can become members of the Pavonistadian society and so that our society remains healthy. None of this will be false promises.

[crosstalk between Oppenheim and Almor]

ALMOR: Actually, President Oppenheim, your predecessor did mention on multiple occasions that he'll expand upon the opened integration program. President Azurite tried to act on his promise, yet to this day there are numerous problems that haven't been addressed. By being unable to effectively integrate newcomers and providing them with the means to progress in our country, we have failed them, and you didn't take the necessary steps to reform opened integration. I will not make the same mistakes that you did if I am elected president.

SIMPSEN: Except you won't be elected. [brief cheering from the audience] And the reason why this is so is because you are endlessly embracing multiculturalism, political correctness, and far-reaching social justice. Your uncontrolled behaviour will cause society to be bent towards unfavourable liberal values so severely that our culture and society will be torn apart. Many Pavonistadians are not having their voices heard because much of what they say appears to go against tolerance or diversity or Pavonistadian values. Pavonistadians are getting tired of the problems with their country and they want someone that can fix it. That someone is me, not you.

ALMOR: Well I expected this sort of reply from a leader that said back in 2010 that Shudri people should "stop acting like vicious savages." I don't mean to offend but what more can we really get from you, Mr. Simpsen?

OPPENHEIM: What sort of behaviour can we get from you, Mr. Almor? EsquariLeaks exposed a series of your comments in December 2016. You told some of your party affiliates that Mr. Simpsen should "go back to the Luziycan hellhole he came from" and you referred to him with a slur. You encouraged Liberals to "take a stand against these mentally-ill vermin," referring to all religious believers. You made racist comments, sexist comments, xenophobic comments and a whole sway of comments as well, yet you go on attacking others for their comments without acknowledging your own faults. You certainly aren't qualified to be the president of Pavonistadians.

LEVANT: All I can say at the moment is that Mr. Almor, with all due respect, should not even have been allowed to run for the Presidential Palace in the first place. His principles and his attitudes do not associate at all with what I am or what anyone here is.

MODERATOR: Apologies for interrupting all of you, this will be it for the last segment of the debate. We will proceed to hear the closing statements from the four leaders. Mr. Almor, please start with your remarks.

Closing Statements

ALMOR: I hope that the Pavonistadian people understand the importance of change, and the need for the Liberals to lead this change. Through many recent years, the Democratic progress has shown itself to be no longer effective in safeguarding our people. A recession was allowed to happen and other troubles such as increased xenophobia or calls for unnecessary tightened security were allowed to run rampant in Pavonistade. The people must know that if fear becomes a perpetuating element in our country, and if leadership does not shift for the better, it will eventually lead to negative consequences that will penalize the future generations to come. The Liberals are the only one that can empower Pavonistade, give hope to Pavonistadians and prevent any downfall spiral from happening because the progressive approach is the one approach that will bring real change in a timely manner. I implore you to think about who you choose to be your next president.

LEVANT: Now is the time to recognize how much suffering our country has endured, particularly under the current Democratic government. Since 2005, the Democrats have left behind a trail of destruction, from a ridiculous number of taxes to worsening political correctness, all in the attempt to pursue the perfect balance of policies that will benefit no one. The Liberals are no better as they are far greater advocates of obnoxious social justice and liberalization, while there is absolutely no guarantee that the Republicans are capable of dealing with the trail of destruction for which the Democrats are responsible. Clearly, the only group left is the Conservatives, and I will be the one leader that will clear up all the mess within our country and our society. March 17 looks to be closer than it appears, so make your decision wisely.

OPPENHEIM: The Democratic presidents that have come before me have done a spectacular job guiding our country, and I won't hesitate to reiterate how proud I would be to serve Pavonistadians the way that the predecessors did. Despite numerous setbacks over a decade, the Democratic progress and I have taken far more action and have made much greater impacts on the lives of Pavonistadians. It is in my hopes that through the years, the people understood how important it was for them to be represented abroad and for Pavonistade to be led by a moderated government that understands the concerns of all of its citizens. And with Election Day coming soon, it will be the most important day in our history as you will choose whether or not you will be led by a president of Pavonistadians. Thank you.

SIMPSEN: It is foolish not to think that Pavonistade is put into the shameful position it is in now. There are too many problems caused by the Democratic progress and our country needs a new leader who knows how to fix its problems. I am that leader, because I am the only one that can renew Pavonistade and make it the strong, undeterred country it once used to be. It will not be a Pavonistade without a voice and it will not be a Pavonistade where political correctness suppresses the people and the hardworking Pavonistadians will not be lost to time. Don't make any mistakes when you all come out to vote on March 17, because the power is very well in your hands to either begin a new promising era or continue a pessimistic era for all of Pavonistade.

MODERATOR: This concludes the debate, the first of two debates organized by the Federal Electoral Commission. Thank you to all four leaders for taking part in the debate, and thank you to everyone that have watched or listened to the debate. The second debate will be hosted by the University of Forstazika on the 3rd of March, so be sure to pay attention to it next month, and be sure to head to the polling stations this 17th of March. Have a great evening, Pavonistade!

[The audience applauds as the four leaders shake hands with each other and the moderator.]

[The Ocelot Isles]

Houvard Miten January 29, 2017 · I am fully aware of the uncertainty around the future of the relations between the Ocelot Isles and Pavonistade. I wish to assuage this uncertainty. I feel it is important for all of us to understand that, regardless of the outcomes of the upcoming Pavonistadian elections, the warm bilateral connections we have will ultimately remain unchanged and that I, as Governor-President, will remain strongly committed to communication with our counterparts in Pavonistade. I hope that everyone will recognize that continued dialogue between our two countries is important to maintaining local stability and furthering our diplomatic and economic relations. Like Comment Share 10KTop comments 21,283 shares3K Comments Julia Haggard 10:09 am · Like · 89 It's sad that the Pavonistadian elections don't have any good candidates. President Oppenheim and Calvin Almor will do just fine with us, but the former is far from remarkable from Azurite while Almor is scandalous. Alexander Levant is a bigot and we probably won't fare well with him. But the worst is Kal Simpsen, who thinks restarting the Ocelotian Sovereignty Dispute is a good way to prove his point. I hope we as a country survive the next Pavonistadian president for the next four years, whoever it may be. Liam Burgundie 10:14 am · Like · 67 Julia Haggard Life is crap already and it looks like it'll be even crappier. Simpsen's support may be slowing down but he is still quite strong. Damian Morren 10:17 am · Like · 20 Julia Haggard Liam Burgundie Oh, the Pavonistadian is our worst enemy? The Sinhakese safe zone we've allowed to exist has stained the Ocelot Isles more than Kal Simpsen will. Liam Burgundie 10:21 am · Like · 71 Damian Morren Are you kidding me? Simpsen is hellbent on ripping up the Ocelotian Treaty of Independence. The Sinhakese are the absolute least of our worries when a maniac like Simpsen is running for president. View more comments (4 of 3,758)

[Saint Hadrian]

And so no longer yet, David...

Department of External Affairs HADRIENNOIS-KAONESE DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR MAKHAM AGREEMENT H.K.D.P.M. As neighbors with grounded historical and cultural ties, the Republic of Saint-Hadrien has offered reaffirmation and honoring of national ties with the Kaonese People's Union by helping the KPU in developing the Province of Makham, the only administrative division of Kaona bordering Saint-Hadrien. ARTICLE I. PHASES There shall be seven phases of development: Distribution of Humanitarian Relief, Stabilization of the Social Infrastructure, Restoration of Transportation Infrastructure, Electrification of Makham roads and utilities, Modernization of the Provincial Economy, Port Philip-Makham Railway Connection, and Endorsement for Foreign Investment. The phases may progress on its own and all at the same time but the first phase shall always be first in receiving attention from the HKDPM administration until it is finished. This shall continue to the next phase, progressing through ascending by numerical order. ARTICLE II. ADMINISTRATION OF DEVELOPMENT The Government of Saint-Hadrien and the KPU government shall appoint representatives to coordinate and oversee HKDPM. There shall be absolute consensus in nominating and choosing appointments between Saint-Hadrien and the KPU. The appointed representatives shall be organized into a committee led by a chairman-officer and comprised of eight other members: The Administrative Officer for Humanitarian Services, responsible for Phase 1, The Administrative Officer for Social Infrastructure Stabilization, responsible for Phase 2, The Administrative Officer for Public Works Development and Restoration, responsible for Phase 3 and 4, The Administrative Officer for Agricultural Modernization, jointly responsible for Phase 5, The Administrative Officer for Economic Development, jointly responsible for Phase 5, The Administrative Officer for External Affairs, responsible for Phase 7, The Liaison Officer for Saint-Hadrien, responsible for correspondence between Hadriennois government and committee, and The Liaison Officer for Kaona, responsible for correspondence between KPU government and committee. The organized committee shall be known as the HKDPM Binational Committee. Salaries shall be determined jointly by the KPU and Hadriennois governments. ARTICLE III. DISTRIBUTION OF HUMANITARIAN RELIEF Camps and points of interests shall be set up by Humanitarian Organizations Involved (simply defined as "OHIs") as determined by the HKDPM Binational Committee (simply defined as the "HKDPM Administration"). These places shall distribute food, clothes, medicine, and provide medical and sanitation services for free as appropriated by the HKDPM Administration. It may consider to introduce new services if deemed necessary. Thirty million dollars shall be transacted to the Hadriennois government's humanitarian organization "Presidential Lifeguard" to assist in fulfilling its participation in this particular phase as an OHI. A campaign for donations of relief goods shall be planned and organized by the HKDPM Administration. OHIs: Hadriennois Extraordinary Givers To Extraordinary Lives Peace And Love On Our Common Home Paixbleue Sauveteur Groupe Îhmôl-Hugo Services Humanitaires La Charité De La Famille Pulkmith Ligne De Vie Du Groupe Zedong TFG (Trotsky Finansovaya Gruppa) - Coup de Main Presidential Lifeguard The Lanosian Red Crystal Other groups involved: The Lanosian Catholic Church The Trinitate Church The Lutheran Catholic Church, Saint-Hadrien In cooperation with: TokAid, the Toksanese Commonwealth. ARTICLE IV. STABILIZATION OF THE SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE Hospitals, schools (as granted and at the instructions of the KPU government), and housing shall be repaired, improved, and built in areas as determined by the HKDPM Administration. The HKPDM Administration shall utilize the services of private sector construction firms. These firms shall be contracted at the expense of the Hadriennois government and/or the HKDPM's funds if there shall be. Meanwhile, temporary camps shall be set up by OHIs in areas designated by the Committee to accommodate homeless Kaonese citizens and those who shall be moved out of areas deemed uninhabitable depending on the existing circumstances. Sixty million dollars shall be transacted to the Hadriennois government's humanitarian organization "Presidential Lifeguard" to help fulfilling its participation in this particular phase as an OHI. Hadriennois Extraordinary Givers To Extraordinary Lives Sauveteur Groupe Îhmôl-Hugo Services Humanitaires La Charité De La Famille Pulkmith Ligne De Vie Du Groupe Zedong TFG (Trotsky Finansovaya Gruppa) - Coup de Main Presidential Lifeguard Other groups involved: The Lanosian Catholic Chuch The Trinitate Church ARTICLE V. RESTORATION OF TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE Roads shall be built by private sector constructions firms and coordinated by the HKDPM Administration. Existing roads and railways needing maintenance or restoration shall be attended to by said construction firms. These firms shall be contracted at the will of the Committee and expense of the Hadriennois government. ARTICLE VI. ELECTRIFICATION OF MAKHAM ROADS AND UTILITIES Electrical lamp standards shall be installed in roads, other pathways, and compounds/and/or immediate vicinities of government utility in need of illumination and coordinated by the HKDPM Administration. Supplier(s) of said lamp standards shall be contracted by the HKDPM Administration. ARTICLE VII. MODERNIZATION OF PROVINCIAL ECONOMY To maintain and develop rural areas, Jurangkool Automotive of the Toksanese Commonwealth shall provide agricultural machinery and points of interests for barter and trade shall be designated. Procurement shall be determined by the HKDPM Administration and paid for by the Hadriennois government and/or the HKDMP's fund if there shall be. The Royal and Trinitate University of Saint-Hadrien (simply known as RTUSH), College of Biology, Department of Studies on Rice; and the Institute of Rice Research shall inform the KPU government about existing and theoretical methods to increase agricultural efficiency. The College of Commerce in RTUSH, Department of Economics, shall also inform the KPU government on arranging effective supply chains and dividing produce for domestic distribution and external trade. ARTICLE VIII. PORT PHILIP-MAKHAM RAILWAY CONNECTION The HKDPM Administration, in accordance with relative Hadriennois authorities and KPU authorities, shall determine whether this railway shall be an extension or a new branch line between the District of Port Philip and the Province of Makham. MCDF (Myéngkhi Chemins De Fer) shall be contracted in this phase. Forty million dollars will be transacted to MCDF to help fulfilling its participation in this particular phase as an OHI. ARTICLE IX. ENDORSEMENT FOR FOREIGN INVESTMENT The Hadriennois government shall actively endorse Kaona for investment from home and overseas and petition for foreign aid on its behalf. This may be redetermined by the KPU government. ARTICLE X. FINANCIAL RESOURCES The HKDPM Administration shall organize fundraising and other measures to increase funds. The Hadriennois and/or KPU governments shall determine if there shall be a regular financial grant. Signed, Jean-Louis Baptiste Delegate-General of Saint-Hadrien on behalf of the Prime Consul of Francilie Signed, Louis de Roisville President of Saint-Hadrien Signed, Anton Suwanmethanon Jr. Secretary of External Affairs Signed, Yuttapong Rakkiatgym President of the Kaonese People's Union Signed, Samak Chanweerakul Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kaonese People's Union Signed, Mahasaena Wichitsongkhram Governor of Makham Agreed on March 28, 2012

[Saint Hadrian]

And so no longer yet, David...

[Saint Hadrian]

And so no longer yet, David...

[Qianrong]

District Court for the District of Ukyou Prefecture
Official Court Documentation/Transcript
Government of the Republic of Senria v. Shen Jinping (DCUP 1965 no. 1,012)
Prosecution: Tutomu Saitou, Minister of Justice, on behalf of the Republic of Senria
Defendant: Brigadier General Shen Jinping, Second Minister of Xiaodong
Judicial panel: Hon. Itirou Kasusada, Hon. Hirosi Miyazaki, Hon. Yositomo Yokoyama
Presiding judge: Hon. Itirou Kasusada
Trial began: April 6, 1965
Case decided: December 17, 1965

CLERK: Will all present please rise for the Honorable Judges Kasusada, Miyazaki, and Yokoyama.

(All rise. Judges enter room.)

KASUSADA: This court will come to order. Clerk, do we have translators for the defendant?

CLERK: Yes.

KASUSADA: And are we going to allow the press to stay?

BAILIFF: The municipal police received a notification from the Senrian Republican Army and the government that it is their goal to record this for posterity, and that the press will be allowed to stay during the trial.

KASUSADA: Alright. Prosecution, who will be serving as your legal counsel?

SAITOU: Tutomu Saitou, in my capacity as the Minister of Justice duly appointed by Prime Minister Takesi Takahata.

KASUSADA: Defense, who will be serving as your legal counsel?

SHEN: I will serve as my own legal counsel.

KASUSADA: Your name and any position, for the record?

SHEN: Shen Jinping, Second Minister of the Auspicious Republic of Xiaodong and Deputy Chairman of the Xiaodong Regeneration Society.

KASUSADA: Are both the prosecution and defense ready to begin?

(Saitou nods assent. After brief delay, Shen does as well.)

KASUSADA: Very well. Prosecution, please commence with your opening statement.

(Saitou rises.)

SAITOU: Your honors, members of the press, my fellow Senrians, and those watching across Esquarium:

When I stand before you, the world, to lead the prosecution of Shen Jinping, I do not stand alone. With me are seven and a half million accusers. But they cannot stand with me today in this courtroom, for they are now nothing more than dust- a dust that lays thick across much of Senria today. It coats the beaches and the slopes of Kitasuu; in some places it is but a fine powder, in others it lays feet deep. The graves of my fellow accusers are scattered across Senria. They do not speak, and yet nevertheless we hear them. They tell us that their deaths are not theirs, but ours, that it is our duty as the living to give their souls rest and their deaths meaning. They still cry out for justice, even though their voices are stilled. Therefore, I will be their spokesman. It is in their name that I will unfold this terrible indictment.

Never before in the history of Senria, or the history of Esquarium, has arisen a regime so dedicated to the explicit extermination of its fellow man. History knows few others who have proposed and initiated crimes of this scope. The crimes of the classic figures of barbarism pale in comparison to the crimes committed by the Xiaodongese regime during its invasion and occupation of Senria, the abominations and horrors that will be presented to you in this trial. The plan that the Heavenly Xiaodongese State sought to carry out when it initiated its unprovoked assault on Senria, as you no doubt well know, was the total or near-total extermination of the Senrian nation and the usurpation of its homeland. Only in our generation has an organized and recognized state so horrifically and systematically assaulted a defenseless and peaceful population, men, women, and children, infants and elders, incarcerated them behind barbed wire, imprisoned them in extermination zones, and resolved to destroy them and all their compatriots utterly and in their entirety.

Much has been made of the men of the Xiaodongese army and the so-called "Peace Preservation Brigades", and the role that they played in this great massacre, this unforgivable crime. Much has been made of the men who loaded their rifles and affixed their bayonets, who brutalized the innocent with their batons and clubs, who filled their syringes with sarin and cyanide. But in this trial, we shall encounter a new kind of killer, the kind that exercises his craft more often than not from behind a desk, and only occasionally does the deed with his own hands. It is true that this kind of killer does not personally dip his hands in the blood of his millions of victims. But that does not mean he is not guilty in their murders. He lifted the telephone, and the railway cars left for the extermination zones; he ordered a message sent by telegraph, and the slave laborers went off to construct new factories of death; he gave his signature, and sealed the doom of entire cities and towns. All he had to do was give the order, and Xiaodongese soldiers took off to beat and torture Senrian civilians, to murder husbands and rape wives, to drive them from their homes, to steal and destroy their property, and after all this brutality and pillage, after everything had been robbed from his victims, including the clothes on their backs and the hair on their heads, to transport them by the thousands and millions to the slaughter. Even the bodies of the dead were not immune- jewelry was torn from necks and wrists, gold teeth pulled out of their mouths, wedding rings ripped off of their fingers.

There were only three men above Shen Jinping in this hierarchy of genocide, only three men above him in planning this glut of violence and obscenity. These three men are the Emperor Zhanxun, who oversaw the entirety of the Xiaodongese war effort, and endorsed the calls for genocide; Ren Xilian, whose obsession with Xiaodongese supremacism and expansionist militarism became the inspiration for each atrocity committed; and Qiu Hanjie, who commanded the forces of occupation and extermination within occupied regions of Senria. That is not to say that only these three men were responsible- every Xiaodongese who participated in the invasion and the occupation, from Lu Keqian and Qing Qishuo to the lowest-ranking guards at the extermination zones, is in some degree responsible. But it must be noted, by this court and by the world, the immense role that Shen Jinping- as the constant accomplice of Qiu Hanjie, and the servant of Zhanxun and Ren Xilian, held in this campaign of extermination. Shen was among those who planned, organized, and initiated the Senrian Genocide, who instructed others to spill oceans of innocent blood, who enabled those under him to use all manners of theft, torture, and murder. He is therefore just as guilty as if he had personally tied the hangman's noose, lashed the enslaved laborers until they died of blood loss, shot and thrust into the open pits the victims of the death marches. Such is his responsibility in the eyes of the law, and such is his responsibility by every standard of morality and justice.

His accomplices in this crime were the leaders and population of an entire nation- its professors and scholars, priests and ministers, dignitaries and politicians, laborers and soldiers. We shall encounter them- the doctors, lawyers, farmers, bureaucrats, bankers, factory workers, commanders, and economists- among the government that resolved in 1927 to exterminate the Senrian people, and among the officers and soldiers who directed this work of massacre in all of its terrible phases.

It is hard to express, much less comprehend, the scope of the atrocities committed by the invasion force. Words exist to express what man's head can reason and his heart can contain, and yet here we are dealing with actions so vast and so horrific that they transcend our human grasp. But we will nonetheless attempt to convey what the Xiaodongese regime, and what Shen Jinping, did in this country. This is what happened: millions of civilians were condemned to persecution and to death, not for any crime, not for any sin, not for anything they had done, but only because they belonged to the Senrian people. We must never forget that the mission of the accused and his accomplices, which they saw as their calling and their destiny, and to which the defendant devoted himself with infinite enthusiasm and zeal, was the total and wholesale destruction of Senria and her people.

Shen will tell you that he only ever carried out the orders of his superiors. But the conscience of the world has declared for many years now that orders contrary to basic human morality, orders that violate the essential human imperatives upon which civilized human society is based, orders that negate the basic rules without which men cannot live together- such orders do not constitute a defense morally, nor do they constitute one legally. As a result, under international law and the laws of the Senrian Republic, the accused has no legal right to submit such a defense. But we shall nonetheless seek to prove to the court that he went far beyond his original orders- which were themselves horrific and brutal- and that he undertook extermination operations of his own initiative, out of his own cultish fanatical devotion to the task he viewed as his life mission.

The principal and preferred means of repression used by the Xiaodongese occupying forces, under the command of Qiu and Lu and Shen, was the extermination zone- an appellation used by the Senrians and not the Xiaodongese, who referred to these death camps as "rodent removal zones". Within these camps, the Xiaodongese military tested and perfected systems of terror employing all of the technology available to modern man. Within these facilities of high-tension razor wire hundreds upon hundreds of innocents, of all ages, sexes, and conditions, were slaughtered daily. The Peace Preservation Brigades, who perpetrated a majority of the crimes committed by Xiaodong in Senria, running the extermination zones and triggering the death marches, knew how to exploit every human frailty of their victims. They knew that starvation and torture, over time, can break even the strongest of men; that through brutality and humiliation it is possible to leave a man an inert and obedient slave who will do whatever he is told, even when he is ordered to dig his own grave.

Every means of humiliation and brutalization was deliberately employed to degrade and destroy the Senrians interred within these extermination zones. When a man is whipped across the face, and left unable to react; when he is deprived of food until he aches of hunger; when husbands and wives are torn apart, never to see each other again; when women are made to run naked in front of the guards; when children are made to engage in slave labor for as many as sixteen hours daily; when mothers are forced to watch as their sons and daughters are tortured and maimed in front of them; when executions by shooting, by bayoneting, by hanging, by burning, by drowning, by burying, and by all other means imaginable are conducted unceasingly, day and night, to prove that the life of a Senrian is utterly worthless; when senseless butchery takes place before your eyes for the bemusement of capricious and sadistic guards; when at every point it is made clear that you are abandoned and defenseless, and your survival is dependent on the mood of a Xiaodongese soldier on any given day- under such circumstances it is not difficult to create a condition in which those damned to such a cruel fate were stripped of all faith and feeling, left bereft of any desire to go on living, their only remaining desire being a swift and painless death. This was one of the most despicable aspects of their entire program: to deaden man's senses, deprive him of all emotional and intellectual vigor, to leave him a terrified and miserable robot, deprived of life and forced into a wretched existence, so that it was possible to use the prisoners in the camps themselves to feed the murder machine directed at their own people.

Over the coming days, and weeks, and months, you will hear evidence that you will not want to believe. You will hear of horrors so vast that the minds of men struggle to comprehend them. It is a case that the Senrian government has been building for years, decades even, in the hopes that one day we would be able to present it, and bring those responsible for the Unforgivable Crime to justice. We will present to you orders sent out by Shen, as Brigadier General, regarding the transport of children to the extermination zones. We will present to you the memoranda he sent out establishing the age at which Senrians would be deemed too old for use as forced labor and summarily executed. We will present you the eyewitness testimony of those who watched as the entire populations of villages and towns were lined up and shot without provocation. We will tell you the stories of those who watched as Xiaodongese discussed who to kill first- the father, or the son. We will present you with stories of infant children pressed by their mothers into their bodies to protect them from poison gas, until the executioners came and threw them still living into furnaces and mass graves. We shall present the pictures of children swollen with hunger, frightened and crushed, their eyes frozen with terror. We shall show you the emaciated and brutalized bodies of internees on the thresholds of shooting ranges, and the corpses of the dead piled into manure carts and mass graves.

Upon entering these camps, prisoners were divided into three categories: those to be used for labor, those to be used for medical experimentation, and those who would simply be killed.

Those to be used for labor were assigned to menial jobs, frequently producing equipment or infrastructure that was to be used to further the Xiaodongese quest for the extermination of the Senrian people. Most of those used for labor were interred civilians, but many were prisoners of war protected by the laws of conflict from such mistreatment. Shifts ranged from twelve hours to sixteen hours, depending on the nature of the job assigned and the camp in which a prisoner was interred. Laborers were not allowed to rest, or to eat, or to use the restroom while they were laboring. After their shifts were over, they were crammed by the hundreds into overcrowded, unsanitary barracks. They were allowed no personal affects, forced to sleep on slabs of concrete or on the floor, denied toilets and showers, intermittently deprived of food and water, and consistently denied medicine. Those who did not die of disease or starvation or dehydration died of exposure and overwork. Some assigned to this group escaped hard labor of the nature suffered by their compatriots, and instead were forced into sex slavery, to satisfy the deprived lusts of the invaders; once these perversions had been satisfied, and the occupying force had its fill of rape, these sex slaves were reassigned to the third group.

Individuals sorted into the second group were often women and children, deemed too weak for the first group but too strong for the third. Medical experiments were conducted upon these human beings as though they were guinea pigs or rats. Parts of female sex organs were cut out of the body. Limbs were subjected to radiation to determine how long it would take for a tumor to develop. Children were thrust into pools of frigid water to measure the time it would take for them to develop hypothermia. Men were castrated. Experiments were made regarding the effects of paraffin, petroleum oil, and white phosphorous on the skin, and of ricin, hydrochloric acid, and sulfuric acid when injected into the blood. They were subjected to lobotomies and vivisection while awake, without any sort of anesthesia. Some were herded into chambers so that they could be used for the testing of mustard gas, cyanide, sarin, phosgene, and a litany of other potential chemical weapons.

With regards to the fate of the third group, all methods of execution were carried out within the sixty-one extermination zones operated by Xiaodongese forces during their occupation. Shooting, hanging, bayoneting, beating, drowning, burning, starving- all these methods were used, as were a thousand more. The diaries of Xiaodongese soldiers, abandoned during their retreats, reveal contests to see who could come up with the most sadistic means of murder- beheading, live burial, immurement, slow exsanguination, suffocation.

The methods of punishment inflicted upon prisoners, regardless of their classification, would have shamed the most cruel barbarians of history with their brutality. Beating on the naked body with clubs or whips was a comparatively light punishment. Acid was poured into people's eyes and ears, nails ripped from their fingers and toes, prisoners kept in total isolation until they lost all semblance of sanity. At the liberation of the Itinoseki Extermination Zone, in the bunkers used to imprison those sentenced to punishment by starvation, a dead prisoner was found, bent over the body of another dead prisoner, the first tearing at the liver of the second. He had died while tearing the liver out of the body of a fellow human being. This was one of the many contributions of the "Greater Xiaodongese Order" to the glorious tapestry of Monic culture- nothing less than the reintroduction of cannibalism.

We will prove that the deeds already mentioned, and the many more deeds we have still yet to mention, were conducted with the explicit and inescapable intent of destroying the Senrian nation, in part or in whole. We shall prove that Shen Jinping was not only passively involved in these these actions, but a consistent proponent of them, and that he was actively involved in the implementation of this plan of mass murder.

And in the process, we will give Shen Jinping a courtesy that he did not give to a single one of his seven and a half million victims. He will be able to defend himself in court. His fate will be decided based upon the law and upon the evidence provided, with the burden of proof resting upon the prosecution. And I have no doubt the judges of this court will pronounce true and righteous judgment.

(Saitou returns to his seat.)

KASUSADA: Does this conclude the prosecution's opening statement?

SAITOU: Yes, your honor.

---

Shen Jinping maintained that he was not guilty of any of the charges levied against him. He insisted that he had simply been following orders handed down to him by Emperor Zhanxun, Prime Minister Ren, and Marshal Qiu; he also maintained that the entire trial was illegitimate, as he was only in Senria after being kidnapped by the Tokkeitai- Senria's foreign and domestic intelligence agency- in order to face charges for his role in the Senrian Genocide.

The trial continued for several months as the prosecution laid out its evidence. While Shen served as his own legal counsel, he did seek support from a group of Senrian public defenders in procuring evidence and witnesses. All the while, the Xiaodongese government- using Tuthina as an intermediary- angrily demanded the return of Shen to Xiaodong. The Senrian government responded by saying that Shen would be returned if he was found to be innocent.

On December 17, 1965, the panel of judges handed down its decision; perhaps unsurprisingly, it found Shen guilty on all charges and sentenced him to death. He was executed by firing squadron on January 22, 1966.

[Lecistan]

Bureau of Domestic and Foreign Intelligence
Intelligence Briefing (CONFIDENTIAL)
February 15, 2017 - Szimóngôcz, Lecistan

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POLITICAL PARAMILITARIES IN POST-CIVIL WAR LECISTAN
Major political paramilitaries, their ideologies, and their leadership
Prepared for internal distribution among select individuals. Do not disseminate outside the Ministry of Defense, or with individuals who have not been cleared to receive this material.

---

Army of God and Lecistan (Wojska Bòg ë Lekkëbë)
LEADERSHIP: Led by three individuals, using pseudonyms "Krësztof Wróblewski", "Jón-Mikòłôj Zajac", and "Pioter Krajnôski". The Bureau of Domestic and Foreign Intelligence has confirmed that "Krajnôski" is actually Frãcëszk Adómkówski, a physical education teacher and former soldier living in Ùchòj; the identities of other two remain unknown. The Royal Lecistani Army has decided to not act to capture Adómkówski for fear this would drive "Wróblewski" and "Zajac" into deeper hiding.
MEMBERSHIP: Primarily former members of the Royal Lecistani Army and pro-monarchist sympathizers in southern and south-central Lecistan. Members were formerly parts of separate local paramilitaries that have since unified into one body.
IDEOLOGY: Member of the "monarchist faction".
ORGANIZATION: "Wróblewski", "Zajac", and "Krajnôski" are assigned control of operations within the earldoms of Szimóngôcz, Jelénik, and Lower Rzëszù respectively. Below these is a relatively tight military hierarchy.
ARMAMENTS: Mostly Nevan-made or Filimon-made arms. Some arms stolen from the Lecistani military. Believed to have capacity to manufacture explosives.
LOCATIONS: Active in the earldoms of Szimóngôcz, Jelénik, Lower Rzëszù, and Upper Rzëszù.
INSIGNIA: Members utilize military fatigues; uniform is modeled off of the uniforms of the Royal Lecistani Army, but insignia are different. Members wear patches depicting a map of Lecistan and the former flag of Lecistan ("Rigë" striped flag with canton, not current "Dwafarwa" bicolor).
INCIDENTS: Two bombings of Solidarity offices in Szimóngôcz (12/12/16; 2/3/17) and an attempted attack on a Revolutionary Socialist political rally in Ricérzów (1/13/17).

Army of the Crown (Wojska dlô Korona)
LEADERSHIP: Led by group of four individuals, operating under pseudonyms "Jaroszcłôw", "Mieczysłôw", "Wiecesłôw", and "Władësłôw". Known to be based in Jelénik, but exact locations and identities are unknown.
MEMBERSHIP: Some ex-members of the Royal Lecistani Army, but mostly composed of newer recruits.
IDEOLOGY: Member of the "monarchist faction".
ORGANIZATION: Mostly decentralized. Local cells are given large amounts of autonomy from central command.
ARMAMENTS: Mixture of armaments. Might have some explosive-making capacity.
LOCATIONS: Active mostly in the earldoms of Szimóngôcz, Jelénik, and Lower Rzëszù. Believed to have limited operational capability in some southern regions of the earldom Upper Rzëszù.
INSIGNIA: Membership wear patches on the left side of the chest depicting the Crown of Saint Lucia, the Lecistani flag, and the Nevan flag.
INCIDENTS: At least one bank robbery in Ùchòj (12/13/16). Several members captured in January were plotting attempt to assassinate Solidarity Alliance leaders.

Army of the Rzëszù (Wojska Rzëszy)
LEADERSHIP: Led by a "Commanding Council" consisting of five members, using pseudonyms "Oktawian Czlëchòwsczi", "Henrik Laska", "Jùlian Lùtórowski", "Paweł Szulist", and "Zenón Władek". "Laska" and "Władek" are believed to be in Rzëszùwies, but "Czlëchòwsczi" is believed to be in Ricérzów, and the locations of "Lùtórowski" and "Szulist" are unknown.
MEMBERSHIP: Some ex-members of the Lecistani Republican Armed Forces, but mostly composed of newer recruits. Many members were involved in pro-Solidarity protests and riots during the leadup to the Second Lecistani Civil War.
IDEOLOGY: Member of the "republican faction".
ORGANIZATION: Earldoms of Szimóngôcz, Lower Rzëszù, and Upper Rzëszù are subdivided into five "districts"- Ùchòj, Gòdnika, Szimóngôcz, Górno Dzlasziô, and Ricérzów. Local groups are organized within these "districts", following a military structure in most situations.
ARMAMENTS: Some inherited from Lecistani Republican Armed Forces, some stolen from Lecistani Royal Army.
LOCATIONS: Active in the earldoms of Szimóngôcz, Lower Rzëszù, and Upper Rzëszù- perhaps fittingly, the three earldoms that the River Rzëszù runs through.
INSIGNIA: Typically wear thick clothing, jackets, and ski masks or balaclavas when operating.
INCIDENTS: Violent three-way clash in Ricérzów between the Army of the Rzëszù, Workers' Army of Lecistan, and New Shock Troops (2/15/17).

Free Republican Army (Wolny Wojska Repùbliczi)
LEADERSHIP: Led by Jerzy Ksiãszka, a former commander in the Lecistani Republican Armed Forces. Ksiãszka's location is unknown
MEMBERSHIP: Overwhelmingly members of the Lecistani Republican Armed Forces who refused disarmament after the Treaty of Szimóngôcz, but there has been some recruitment of new members. Some white-collar members, some blue-collar.
IDEOLOGY: Member of the "republican faction".
ORGANIZATION: Primarily utilizes a strict military command structure, with Ksiãszka serving as chief commander. Some cells and guerrilla divisions operate more autonomously, however.
ARMAMENTS: Uses armaments provided by foreign groups to the Lecistani Republican Armed Forces; many are Cedarbrookese-made or Francilian-made, though some are from other Nordanian, Artisian, and Conitian nations. Believed to have capacity to manufacture explosives.
LOCATIONS: Has operational capacity in Brzny-Lùtórowo, Szimóngôcz, Lower Rzëszù, and the northern regions of Upper Rzëszù. Believed to have attempted a failed expansion into Jelénik.
INSIGNIA: Uses military fatigues handed down from the Lecistani Republican Armed Forces, with some insignia changes. Units variously use "Trzëfarwa" tricolor, map of Lecistan, cornflowers, and Phrygian cap as insignia.
INCIDENTS: Violent shootout between members of the New Shock Troops and of the Free Republican Army and Homeland Defense Troops in Lùtórowo (1/22/17). Attempted bombing of Szimóngôcz Police Department headquarters (2/2/17).

Homeland Defense Troops (Wòjskò Obrona Tatczëzna)
LEADERSHIP: No centralized command; group is a collection of local cells with little clear central control.
MEMBERSHIP: Primarily members of the Lecistani Republican Armed Forces who refused disarmament after the Treaty of Szimóngôcz.
IDEOLOGY: Member of the "republican faction".
ORGANIZATION: No central organization. Composed of a collection of allied gangs and cells.
ARMAMENTS: Mostly arms stolen from Lecistani military. Some arms taken from former Lecistani Republican Armed Forces.
LOCATIONS: Active mostly in Brzny-Lùtórowo and Szimóngôcz. Has limited operational capacity in northern regions of Upper Rzëszù.
INSIGNIA: Insignia varies, but a simplified map of Lecistan is sometimes used as a common insignia. Some groups use fatigues, some use camouflage gear, some use civilian clothing.
INCIDENTS: Violent shootout between members of the New Shock Troops and of the Free Republican Army and Homeland Defense Troops in Lùtórowo (1/22/17).

Lecistani People's Resistance (Odpornosc Lëdowô Lekkëbsczi)
LEADERSHIP: Led by group of five individuals using pseudonyms "Léón", "Mikòłéta", 'Sztefan", "Szimóna", and "Teodór". Locations and indentities are unknown.
MEMBERSHIP: Frequently young, lower-class. Often of industrial background.
IDEOLOGY: Member of the "revolutionary faction".
ORGANIZATION: Unclear, but believed to be divided into several mostly autonomous sectors overseen by "Léón", "Mikòłéta", 'Sztefan", "Szimóna", and "Teodór", who operate mostly independent of each other except when it is necessary to work together.
ARMAMENTS: Mostly scavenged. Wide range of makes in use.
LOCATIONS: Active in the earldoms of Brzny-Lùtórowo and Upper Rzëszù. May or may not have limited operational capacity in the earldom of Szimóngôcz.
INSIGNIA: A small patch, depicting a map of Lecistan defaced with hammer and sickle, worn on the left shoulder or over the heart. Some members have worn patches depicting the map defaced with a clenched fist, or with a hammer and torch.
INCIDENTS: Scattered fights with criminal gangs, and an attempted attack on a hotel in Brzny, believed to have been an attempt to take foreign hostages (12/21?17).

National Army of the Lecistani People (Wojska Nôródowi dlô Lëdza Lekkëbsczi)
LEADERSHIP: Led by group of three individuals using pseudonyms "Jigór", "Kazimierz", and "Władëmar". "Kazimierz" is believed to be Wincénty Rózek, a former soldier and factory worker in Jelénik. Three individuals with known ties to Rózek are suspected of being "Jigór". No present leads on identity of "Władëmar".
MEMBERSHIP: Generally young. Some are former members of the Shock Troops, or in some cases the Lecistani Royal Army, but most are new recruits.
IDEOLOGY: Member of the "nationalist faction".
ORGANIZATION: "Jigór" is tasked with handling logistics and inter-cell communication, "Kazimierz" handles public relations and morale, and "Władëmar" oversees all actual terrorist action.
ARMAMENTS: Mostly Lecistani or Nevan in make and stolen from the Lecistani army; group does, however, posses some Teutonian equipment.
LOCATIONS: Has operational capacity in Jelénik and Lower Rzëszù, and a limited operational capacity in Szimóngôcz.
INSIGNIA: Members wear patches depicting Lecistani sun, generally though not always defaced with a swastika. Commonly wear brown clothing when engaging in operations.
INCIDENTS: An attack on a Lecistani army base near Nowi Szimóngôcz (1/23/17), and on a military convoy near Jelénik (11/30/16).

New Shock Troops (Nowi Wòjskò Uderzëc)
LEADERSHIP: Individual going by pseudonym "Gùstaw Tuszkowski" is the current leader of the New Shock Troops, styled by the group as "Senior Group Leader". Location is unknown. Several individuals styled as "Group Leaders" report, in military fashion, to "Tuzskowski".
MEMBERSHIP: Primarily members of the original Shock Troops who refused demands to disarm after the end of the Second Lecistani Civil War.
IDEOLOGY: Member of the "nationalist faction".
ORGANIZATION: Imitation of the organization of the Shock Troops; most ranks and insignia are carried over. Local units are organized into "groups", with each "group" assigned to one of several "districts". Heavy influence of Teutonian military techniques and organization.
ARMAMENTS: Arms inherited from the old Shock Troops. Mostly of Teutonian or other Iron Pact make. Group also has extensive explosive manufacturing capability. May or may not have chemical weapons capability.
LOCATIONS: Active in the earldoms of Szimóngôcz, Lower Rzëszù, Upper Rzëszù, and Jelénik. Attempted an expansion into Brzny-Lùtórowo; this attempt was ultimately unsuccessful.
INSIGNIA: Members typically sport uniforms modeled off of/inherited from the old Shock Troops, black in color, with some slight and superficial changes to insignia.
INCIDENTS: Violent shootout between members of the New Shock Troops and of the Free Republican Army and Homeland Defense Troops in Lùtórowo (1/22/17). Violent three-way clash in Ricérzów between the Army of the Rzëszù, Workers' Army of Lecistan, and New Shock Troops (2/15/17).

Workers' Army of Lecistan (Wojska Robòti Lekkëbsczi)
LEADERSHIP: Led by a council of six individuals, believed to be based in Brzny, Ricérzów, or Lùtórowo. All individuals go by pseudonyms, using the surnames of famous Esquarian leftist radicals. Current members use pseudonyms "Kùmiéga", "Welz", "Haclav", "Eloranta", "Antelope", and "Chen". "Eloranta" is a woman; all others are men.
MEMBERSHIP: Some ex-members of the Lecistani Republican Armed Forces, but most members are believed to be lower-class industrial or agricultural workers.
IDEOLOGY: Member of the "revolutionary faction".
ORGANIZATION: Group subdivided into two groups, "Brygada Kãszobùski" and "Brygada Błaskowski", named after Lecistani revolutionaries Szimón Kãszobùski and Włodòmierz Błaskowski. "Brygada Kãszobùski" is tasked with active terrorist operations and recruitment, while "Brygada Błaskowski" handles procuring supplies, logistics, and inter-cell cooperation. "Kùmiéga", "Eloranta", and "Antelope" are believed to oversee "Brygada Kãszobùski", while "Welz", "Haclav", and "Chen" oversee "Brygada Błaskowski".
ARMAMENTS: Mostly taken from the Lecistani Republican Armed Forces or stolen from the Lecistani Royal Army. Wide range of makes in usage. Believed to have extensive capability to manufacture explosives. Rumored to have purchased weaponry from a Senrian keiretu on the black market, but this cannot be independently confirmed.
LOCATIONS: Active in the earldoms of Brzny-Lùtórowo, Upper Rzëszù, and Szimóngôcz. Believed to have some operational capability in some regions of Lower Rzëszù.
INSIGNIA: Leadership, in recorded videos, have worn balaclavas and military fatigues with a "red flag" insignia on the right shoulder. While members during some incidents have worn similar clothing, in others membership has been designated solely by a rectangular patch of red fabric worn on the right shoulder.
INCIDENTS: Violent three-way clash in Ricérzów between the Army of the Rzëszù, Workers' Army of Lecistan, and New Shock Troops (2/15/17). Attempted assassination of one or more National Union for the Resurgence of Lecistan politicians in Szimóngôcz (12/29/16).

[Nevamaa]

OFFICIAL STATEMENT
by Her Royal Highness the Grand Duchess

I feel tremendous sadness for the events that have taken place across the border in Cislecia and my heart goes out for all innocent men, women and children who have been affected by these cowardly attacks. These attacks have in no way contributed to peace and concord in Lecistania, on the contrary: This attack has been a despicable attempt to rip open old, healed wounds, and it is something that we must all condemn with harshest means possible.

It is clear that the perpetrators responsible for this crime must be caught and brought to justice. I assure that Lecistani government is willing to provide the Francilian government with all the necessary assistance to fulfill this goal.

- Katariina MD

[Saint Hadrian]

And so no longer yet, David...

Restore death penalty and torture? [DISCUSSION]

---

By NeoLatinEmpire948

You know guys, it bothers me to see this:

===IMG DOWN HERE===

===IMG UP HERE===

BUT HEY, we all know that the President has spoken about this: he "Led the mourning" according to La Ville, "Let there be peace in this world still" according to fake news LDJ, and that the acting Delegate-General with leaders of faith (Christian, Muslim, etc.) are in solidarity according to La Ville (Again).

So here's my question:

SHOULD WE LEGALIZE THE DEATH PENALTY AGAIN AND BRING BACK TORTURE?

EDITED for ClickingMachine

By SpawnOfJesus

No, go die.

By pissbucket

yes #REPAniaBorucki

By ThatGirl

Thumbs #REPAniaBorucki

By Diamond4and2mor

Pope Stephan V did good to say that he will attend the Patriarch's funeral.

By PavonHaravni

wrong place, Diamond4and2mor

By PavonHaravni

anyways, Lecisten's behind the attack. We should condemn them.

By Frank

Good point PavonHaravni

By ClickingMachine

@Frank: I agree, if only he had a point to begin with.

EDIT: Same goes for the OP.

EDIT2: Also, image looks odd. It blends in with the forum post's background color.

By MohammedUmayyad

By NeoLatinEmpire948

Snip

Please remove the [DISCUSSION] on the OP title, it is redundant - especially in THIS forum.

[Saint Hadrian]

And so no longer yet, David...

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[Xiaodong]

EsquariLeaks
"Keeping Esquarium Open"
Extracts from "Report - 5.5.11 Xiaodongese Capital Detention Centre 01.03.17"

Forward
The following report, 5.5.11, was obtained by EsquariLeaks on the 09/03/2017 by an officer within the Xiaodongese Public Security Secretariat. The report details the widespread use of torture used in the Xiaodongese Capital Detention Centre between the 01/02/2017-01/03/2017 in the aftermath of the start of the Normalisation process, a policy administrated by the Xiaodongese government since widespread political instability in the wake of an election held earlier this year. The parts of 5.5.11 that have been obtained by us detail the treatment of several political prisoners over the period who are listed as being accused of sedition. Below is an extract from the report detailing those held in Cell Block 15 in the Xiaodongese Capital Detention Centre. Several names have been redacted by those who have leaked us the documents. The full leaked documents can be found here.

Terms used
-Rectal rehydration - The act of force feeding through the anus.
-24 hour days - Euphemism for sleep deprivation.
-Genital Treatment - It is unconfirmed what is meant by the term genital treatment. 40 years ago a similar phase was used by Xiaodongese authorities to describe the insertion of broken glass or pouring boiling water in the genital area.
-Ironing - The act of tying weights to the testicles.

---

XIAODONGESE CAPITAL DETENTION CENTRE
01.03.2017
REPORT ON THE CONDITION OF PRISONERS 5.5.11
Commanding Officer - ████████
Deputy Officer - ████████

PRISONERS IN CELL BLOCK 15 ARE TO BE ADMINISTRATED 24 HOUR DAYS AS STANDARD PROCEDURE IF NON-COOPERATIVE
PRISONER 344
NAME - ████████
DATE ADMITTED - 20.01.2017
AGE - 28
SEX - Male
CRIMES(S) - Sedition, assault
NOTES - Suspect taken for interrogation on the 13.02.2017. Suspect refused to answer questions regarding cooperation with anti-Xiaodongese groups. Rectal rehydration and genital treatment was administrated but no satisfactory information was given by suspect. Recommended suspect is administrated treatment again if refuses to cooperate further. Set to stand trial 17.03.2017.

PRISONER 349
Name - ████████
DATE ADMITTED - 22.01.2017
AGE - 19
SEX - Male
CRIMES - Sedition
NOTES - Suspect resisted arrest - was administrated physical punishment. Was administrated ironing but continued to agitate. Has begun hunger strike - recommended to be transferred to Cell Block 27 and administrated feeding. Set to stand trial 14.05.2017.

PRISONER 352
Name - ████████
DATE ADMITTED - 19.01.2017
AGE - 29
SEX - Female
CRIMES - Sedition, resisting arrest
NOTES - Suspect member of banned political organisation - possible links to Senria. Interrogated on the 16.02.2017, administrated genital treatment. Began hunger strike 18.02.2017. Transferred to Cell Block 27 on the 20.02.2017. Set to stand trial 17.03.2017.

PRISONER 355
Name - ████████
DATE ADMITTED - 20.01.2017
AGE - 30
SEX - Male
CRIMES - Sedition, attempted murder
NOTES - Suspect attempted murder of security officer. Possible links to ███████. Interrogated 07.02.2017, administrated ironing. Transferred to Cell Block 3 to undergo solidarity confinement. Set to stand trial 23.05.2017.

PRISONER 357
Name - ████████
DATE ADMITTED - 19.01.2017
AGE - 22
SEX - Female
CRIMES - Sedition
NOTES - Suspect interrogated 03.02.2017. Deemed on the 07.02.2017 to be mentally insane and transferred to the Medical Centre to be later transferred to a mental health institution.

PRISONER 362
Name - ████████
DATE ADMITTED - 19.01.2017
AGE - 25
SEX - Male
CRIMES - Sedition
NOTES - Suspect attempted to resist arrest. Suspect interrogated 04.02.2017. Administrated ironing and rectal rehydration. Has volunteered to undergo re-education. Transferred to Cell Block 2 on 13.02.2017. Trial suspended pending re-education.

PRISONER 366
Name - ████████
DATE ADMITTED - 20.01.2017
AGE - 28
SEX - Female
CRIMES - Sedition
NOTES - Suspect has links to anti-Xiaodongese groups. Suspect interrogated 24.02.2017. Administrated genital treatment. Suspect has threatened to undergo hunger strike - recommended to undergo interrogation in the near future. Set to stand trial 23.05.2017.

[The Greater Bohemian Union]

The Fall of an Empire: The Dawn Address
A National Broadcast From Her Majesty Empress Klara

---

[A Bohemian Family was sitting on the couch watching television and their favorite Saturday late morning shows. Two loving husbands (Joseph and Ezra) and their daughter (Renia), one spouse came from Klingenthal and the other was a Jewish exile from Ionland, their daughter was adopted from Ainin. As they go about their diverse and free normal life the Television show turns black for a split second and then the logo of the Royal Seal and the capitalized words "A NATIONAL MESSAGE FROM HER MAJESTY THE EMPRESS" illuminated the screen, following a minute of the screen displaying a live broadcast of the Empress]

"Good Morning. My apologies for interrupting your broadcasts, but I found such an announcement would only be appropriate in such manner.

Recent elections and turnout have shown where the populace identify their stances with regards to our governmental structure, and indeed the monarchy. Lest we forget our founders dedicated the monarchy to be a staunch advocate of the people, social progress, and the ability to be a voice for the voiceless not just here but internationally. Our monarchy is one I am proud of, one that has fought for universal health care, expansion of education, human and labor rights not just at home but abroad as well. I hope and pray that the Bohemian people always remember that we are a unique nation, a nation of hope, a nation where you can be gay, straight, and everything in between and outwards, a refugee running from war, an injured person not thrown in an oblivion of hospital debt, and that whatever nationality or place you come from does not matter here - because once you step on our soil you are Bohemian and you are judged by the actions you take now because we cannot change the past and we can only forge and work for a better future.

Many have strived to figure out the meaning of human life, and what our grand purpose is. I believe that our purpose is to do the most good, help the most people, and contribute to the prosperity and growth of all humans. Be it helping with a housing project or donating to aid relief organizations you are impacting entire lives and nothing on this planet shall ever be more gratifying and awarding than such. The spirit of Bohemia, the social progress, and freedoms it inspires and reforms, does not rest with the crown, for this crown has only served as the microphone of the Bohemian people. You are the spirit of this nation, and you are future, past, and present.

[She pauses.]

With that being said I believe it is the time we moved to the position of head of state be occupied by an elected Bohemian, one who embodies the spirit and the brightest of us.

I am hereby abdicating and relinquishing the throne and all members of the Royal Houses of Mazal & Mejstrík shall do the same leaving no claimants or prospective claimants to the throne. I shall serve in an interim position of the throne until the constitution can be updated. I have sent this letter and the letter of our royal houses to Parliament and the Prime Minister.

I am confident and joyous for the future that awaits Bohemia. While this may be the end of a chapter, there are much more to write. It has been the highest honor to serve as your Empress for the past 47 years, and if I may speak of my father and grandfather it too was for them. From the oh so many faces I've been able to see across this nation and around the world it has given me a vigorous and unyielding hope and resolve for what lays ahead.

[Empress Klara smiles and wipes a tear rolling down her face but remains face forward and a powerful look of determination at the camera which all eyes are on, she takes a pause and shifts herself in her chair.]

Never forget what makes us Bohemian, not our skin color, our sexual or gender preferences, or where we are from but how we contribute to making a better society for all. Our history is all of us, our present is all of us, and our future will be all of us. We are humans before all else, and when we come together we are an unstoppable force. Isolationism, Nationalism, and Supremacism are primitive traits that stem all from a center of close-minded bigotry that plagues the ability for us to move forward globally towards a better and brighter future for all. As long we hold our principles and ideals to our hearts and remember the battles that brought them we will never fail.

I cannot express my gratitude enough, but thank you. Thank you all, and let us continue to the next chapter of Bohemia.

[The Bohemian Family remains relatively silent, Ezra has a dried tear on his cheek from when the Empress praised the equality for people in such an elegant manner, Joseph looked over and saw the pride, joy, and sadness all wrapped together in Ezra's eyes as he pulled him in a warm embrace. The Empress fades from the screen smiling into the camera, holding back tears but not in sadness and uncertainty but exactly opposite, knowing that her country has come to such a level of acceptance and readiness for the future, something her father the late Emperor sought for her to strive for. Her job was complete, and the Monarchy has served its purpose as it was intended.]

[Namor]

Txo Hengzang March 21, NMR 2381 · Since the Defense of Namorese Dignity Act (DNDA) passed its first reading, we've received a lot of questions pertaining to the act and its possible effects on our relations with the Luziycan regime and its allies. As one of the sponsors of the DNDA, I would like to use this opportunity to address some of these questions. Many in the opposition have claimed that the DNDA will require the government to publish an "enemies' list." This is untrue - the DNDA requires the Foreign Ministry to publish a report on foreign governments and organizations with close ties to the Luziycan regime. The Central Council will use this report for reference purposes only. Any government or organization identified in the report will not automatically be presumed to be an "enemy of Namor." If we have to assess our relations with anyone listed, it will be done on a case-by-case basis. Some have asked me whether we have had potential "enemies of Namor" or "allies of Luziyca" in mind as we were drafting DNDA. As you may know, the Central Council is one of Esquarium's largest legislatures, and opinions are diverse here. Therefore, I cannot speak on behalf of the CenCo on this question. Once the DNDA passes, we will leave the ball in the Foreign Ministry's court. I am confident that the DNDA will not only secure the interests of the Namorese people, but also help realize the equitable relationship with the Luziycan regime that we've cooperated with the administration to create. If you have any questions about what we do here in the Central Council Hall, feel free to ask! I'll see if I can answer! #AskCenCo Like · Comment · Share Antelope Shohai and 1,242 others like this. View 873 more comments Tzang Hoi 8:20 am · Like · 127 Thanks for standing up to the Svensson regime, Mr. President. It's people like you who make us feel proud to call Namor our motherland! Vang Gukjen 8:47 am · Like · 102 What's wrong with identifying Luziyca's allies? Don't all governments keep a list of sponsors of terrorism? Don't all governments keep a list of terrorists? Tao Jung 9:00 am · Like · 131 Better late than ever. Otherwise we would have a Kal Simpsen on our border. *looks west* Oh wait...

[Percy Island]

Saint Anthony, PERCY ISLAND
Number 11, Carl Docker Drive

A 13 year-old boy types in his laptop...

Dear Mister Universe,

I just go home from school with a story to tell you!

Me and my classmates were having Science and King, a fr-enemy- (autocorrected, it's supposed to be spelled like this: frenemy) I don't like him because he says weird things about my butt but I don't mind since he doesn't do anything bad besides that. He's the oldest student we have in school because he kept repeating elementary twice by now so I pity him too.

-Anyways, so he went to the bathroom like he usually does to skip classes after snack time. We didn't bother if it would take forever usually, unless if the teacher only allows one student at a time to go outside.

After Mrs. Pencestile left and as we prepared ourselves to go out of the lab for our next class, King came running back to inside. He looked really sweaty and filthy. Vincent and Lance asked him what was going on. I was really close to them so I can tell you exactly what King said:

I went to the top floor, the abandoned floor, where the old lab, old computer room, old home economics supposed to be.

I was planning to spend the next two classes we're gonna have up there, in one of the rooms.

I used the girl's bathroom and when I went out to go back in one of the rooms I felt a presence. I turned around and saw a man.

The man was nothing but a black figure, you know, like just blank of anything but the color black.

His eyes, it's just eyes, human eyes but it kept looking at me.

I thought it was a robber so I turned around to run but as I did the man, whatever it was smiled.

It wasn't human, it smiled as if his mouth wasn't supposed to be there.

It was just his eyes until his smiled.

That's when I ran and came back here with you guys.

Okay, I recorded it because I brought a phone with me. Pretty cool though. Took me an hour to write the entire recording down. It was worth it because it is pretty cool now that I read it.

I don't believe him even if he sounded convincing. But it's exciting to know that our school has a ghost.

Gotta go, mom and dad are telling me to prepare going to the Meeting House. Do some spiritual meditation and other spiritual stuff like talking with friends, their friends, and some of my friends since most of my friends are in other drives. Probably in a drive named after Carl Docker too. I dont know but it's time to g o so .

Bye!
Carl James Ronaldson

Number 13, Carl Docker Drive

A 44 year-old father plays with magnetic words on his wife's metallic cabinet...

A poem

The spring for my skin

Hot is my butt

Gorgeous smell I have

Meanwhile...A 17 year-old boy writes a story for his upcoming summer workshop in creative non-fiction...

Going to school is very difficult and very boring. I would wake up very early in the morning, sing school hymns under the very hot morning sun, listen to the Assistant Principal’s very long speech while standing up, learn about very long lessons, and answer very hard pop quizzes.

Going home was the only important time of school day for me.

When dismissal came, I would stand by the guardhouse in the school parking lot to wait for the school bus to take me home. Waiting for the school bus with me was a giant funny girl with a big round face called Kathleen, a happy boy who could not hear called Jerome, a sad girl who talked about her heart called Sarah, and a tall boy who is older than us and loved to frown called Arnell.

The school bus always traveled into town center in streets that went back and forth and on roads that went high and low through the base of the mountains outside town.

In the school bus on our way home, I would look down and enjoy the sight of busy people in town center and the beautiful trees of the mountains.

But sometimes on our way home, other students in the school bus would like me to do other things.

After we left school on our way home, Kathleen would kiss the cheeks of Jerome, Sarah, Arnell, and me.

“Yuck, what’s with you, disgusting fat-face?” Arnell shouted.

“Eww, ugh my face is dripping with your saliva Kathleen.” Sarah said.

“Meh meh, meh meh Kethlan.” Jerome said.

“Yes, yes, yes.” I said.

After Kathleen left on our way home, Jerome would play a game with Sarah, Arnell, and me.

“One, wo...” Jerome told us.

“Third cloud.” I told them.

“Four, five, six clouds!” Sarah exclaimed.

“Seven…Eight.” Arnell told us.

“Three, four-“

“It’s already eight, EIGHT.” Arnell shouted.

“Leave him alone, he can’t hear remember?”

“Gah, why am I even doing this?! This is just crap anyway.”

After Jerome left on our way home, Sarah would show me and Arnell the picture of her boyfriend.

“You know this guy is just horrible. Well, all men are. When was the last time they were angelic? Probably back then, right? Anyways we always met at my home to interact since I couldn’t visit him since he’s too far. But if that is so then why is he visiting me if I’m also too far from his home? God he’s confusing, I wonder if he just doesn’t want me at his place. What’s wrong with me? Probably he knows about the school program I’m in…Isn’t it embarrassing?”

“Yes.” I said.

After Sarah left on our way home, Arnell would tell me stories.

“You believe that babies come from storks, right?” Arnell asked.

“Yes.” I told him.

“Well, it’s not true.”

“Oh?”

“Wanna know how?”

“Yes.”

“Then let me tell you some stories.”

I do not like his stories.

Finally after Arnell left on my way home, the school bus driver called “Sir” animals in government.

“God have mercy on us, do you know what sorts of animals are there in government kid?” Sir asked.

“No.” I told him.

“GOD, there are ALLIGATORS in community council, DUCKS at borough halls, and PIGS who work as parliamentarians. And they come in dozens to eat taxpayer money at the National Assembly and downtown.” Sir told me with a loud, funny voice.

“Why?”

“To maintain their lives in rich subdivisions like Regency Hills, that’s why.”

“That’s silly.”

“Why?”

“Animals don’t live in rich subdivisions like Regency Hills, they’re also not rich or in any home. They belong to the wild or the zoo since it’s nearby. They shouldn’t be in government, they’re animals after all. All they do is eat and sleep, think what will happen to the country.”

One day, the day after yesterday when I went home with my parents instead of riding in the school bus, I heard from my teachers and other classmates that Arnell suddenly shouted at Kathleen because she always kissed our cheeks. Jerome and Sarah were quiet. Arnell did not stop shouting like he would usually do so I talked to him.

“You shouldn’t treat Kathleen like that. She is just doing what she likes to do. And it’s not bad.” I told Arnell.

“Shut up, you’re better that way anyway.” Arnell told me with a strong, not so nice voice.

“In what way?” I asked him.

“Being quiet, you’ve always been like that.”

“I don’t understand.”

“Just SHUT UP.” He suddenly shouted.

I was afraid. The others and I never liked Arnell again because of this.

The next day, Sir told the Assistant Principal about what happened. He invited Arnell to his office for a talk during our afternoon period.

The Assistant Principal visited our school bus when it was time to go home. Arnell was not there, he was in a bathroom in the Elementary School Building.

“Respect your differences and understand each other, these are all you need to know. Please tell Arnell that “he shouldn’t wait for me to call his mother about this. He knows very well of himself and why he’s here.”

I did not understand what the Assistant Principal wanted us to say to Arnell. The Assistant Principal then left.

After we left school on our way home, Sarah and I told Arnell what the Assistant Principal told us.

Arnell said “As if normal people would understand and respect us.” I did not understand what he was trying to say but Sarah told me she did. “We are different from normal people like the Assistant Principal and Sir.” Sarah said.

I did not understand that. So I told her “Everybody is different. We have different looks, different likes, different not likes, and different other stuff.”

“Why?” Sarah asked.

“Kathleen is a giant funny girl with a big round face, Jerome is a happy boy who could not hear, you are a sad girl who talked about her heart, and Arnell is a tall boy who is older than us and loved to frown.” I explained.

“So?” Sarah asked again.

“The Assistant Principal and Sir are normal people.”

“So?”

“If were are not normal people and the Assistant Principal and Sir are normal people, then the Assistant Principal, Sir, and other normal people are not different to each other at all. It is not normal that everybody is the same.”

[Pavonistade]

PAN INTERVIEW
The following is the first interview given by Kallum "Kal" Simpsen since he was elected President on March 17. He is in a Pavonistade Agency of News interview room and is prepared to discuss with interviewing journalist Kwesi Mreshwa.

KWESI MRESHWA: Mr. Simpsen, it is a pleasure to have you here today.

KAL SIMPSEN: Thank you very much.

MRESHWA: So it's only over a week since you were elected president. You were the first foreign-born person to not only become a presidential candidate of a major political party, you were also the first such person to be elected to the Presidential Palace.

SIMPSEN: Correct.

MRESHWA: What does this mean for Pavonistade and other countries?

SIMPSEN: I think that the most important part about the election has nothing to do with my birthplace in Luziyca and not in Pavonistade, but it's to do with the fact that on March 17, the people chose real change and decided to distance themselves from betrayal. Pavonistadians of all backgrounds have realized that the flaws starting from 2001 with the Conservatives and 2005 with the Democrats have gotten too severe to be ignored.

March 17 will prove to be important to other countries as well because it's certainly not just us that is reeling under the establishment rule. The election was a final step in bringing down the Democratic progress, a campaign that supposedly aimed to uplift our livelihoods but ultimately failed in its purposes. The establishment had many chances to improve and they ignored their chances, so the people spoke out. It definitely gives hope to people of other countries that are sick of bastardized social justice and other forms of crypto-fascist elitism.

MRESHWA: But there's a lot of people, in and beyond Pavonistade, questioning your future plans and your vision.

SIMPSEN: Of course, many people are skeptical and afraid about what I plan to do for Pavonistade. One thing that must be recognized, however, is that this isn't just my plan. This is a plan chosen by the people and is suited for the people. It is determined to be the best possible option for rebuilding our country after over a decade of unreal policies that cave to ultra-liberalism and political correctness. What is being envisioned may not be likeable from the view of some, but there's no doubt that the new way forward will be done in the best interests of the people.

MRESHWA: With all that said how are you faring recently with government reshuffling?

SIMPSEN: It's messy. For one, there's a lot of appointments left to make, over 1,200 I believe, which includes appointing federal ministers, ambassadors, consuls-general, directors of independent agencies, and so on. I'm clearly busy in the last few days, but that's not my only job. There are ongoing negotiations and discussions for the transfer of power from President Eric Oppenheim's administration to the incoming administration, as well as reorganization of the federal government to reflect my upcoming presidency. To give you honesty, it is somewhat exhilarating to be a leader of all of this government reshuffling for over a month.

MRESHWA: Many demonstrators are actively opposing your electoral success. How are you dealing with that?

SIMPSEN: Oh yeah, in the past few days, it's not only transition work that I had to handle. Aside from heckling demonstrators, many cities were forced to put down rioting that lasted several days. There was a surge of death threats and threats of violence against me, but there's just laughable jokes from illogical dingbats. I'm not overly stressed but there's an obvious liberal bias running for the past decade, which is why there's so much trouble after election day. The rioters and demonstrators also make my disappointed in what people can come to. When the Namorese President-General was elected, did the New Democrats riot? When Cedric Liet was elected, did his opponents violently flip out? Even if they do flip out, they would not have rioted to the extent that rioters here did. But I'm faring well nevertheless. I'm clearly not letting any inconvenience bother me.

MRESHWA: I want to have a sense of how you are preparing for some of the things happening at home. There's a drug crisis in our country, where several provinces are already reporting at least one death per day owing to substances such as fentanyl. How far will you go to deal with the situation?

SIMPSEN: As far as I can go. This drug mess wouldn't have happened if the Democratic progress had not relaxed drug laws recklessly and without foresight of all serious consequences. Our people are dying every day because the drug producers and traffickers are allowed to manifest in our country from the relaxed laws. Some time ago I made a tweet saying that I'll have their plan go up in smoke.

MRESHWA: Indeed.

SIMPSEN: That's what I aim to do. I will make it clear that I will punish drug producers and traffickers much more liberally and I will take every precaution to stop the drug menace. I may increase incarceration periods, I may bar people with drug-related addiction issues or criminal records from entering Pavonistade, I may go as far as to extending the death penalty. Those that encourage the drug crisis to persist will know for sure that it won't be them that will bring the war to us. We will bring the war to them.

MRESHWA: These must be bold promises.

SIMPSEN: No, not really. You see, I am a man of my words and my previous careers prove this. I wouldn't make a promise if I know I can't keep it.

MRESHWA: You also believe that there is such a network as the gang of fentanyl. What makes you think of this even if there's no concrete proof to back your beliefs?

SIMPSEN: Well I mentioned earlier that there was a liberal bias that was driving the riotous demonstrations. There were non-sympathetic forces outside of Pavonistade that were also biased against my efforts. Not just my efforts, but also the people's efforts. They were disgruntled with our plan to a point that they would resort to all available options to harm the people and undermine our campaign, including options to terrorize and drug innocent Pavonistadians.

There needs to be no concrete proof to show that this is happening, because it's clear only a few foreign forces would be interested in our country enough to commit drug terrorism against us. You may recall that these foreign forces may include the Sinhakese, Namorese, Ocelotians and Luziycan Liberals. Maybe the Xiaodongese are in the gang of fentanyl as well, because they consistently call out other countries for "fascism" when they themselves are swine from an uncultured country.

MRESHWA: Wouldn't this cause some concern?

SIMPSEN: In what context?

MRESHWA: There might be concern with other countries and supranational organizations such as the Esquarian Community about a hard-line approach to drugs and crime.

SIMPSEN: Then that's the other countries' problems. My future job is to govern Pavonistade to the best of my capabilities, and even though I criticize other countries like Xiaodong, I'm not supposed to be governing others in the end. The ultimate choice to either continue being an uncultured country or snap out of their crypto-fascist period lies with them. So while anyone can criticize how other countries do with themselves, no one should be dictating what Pavonistade does with itself. As for the Esquarian Community, it has a tendency to meddle with the internal affairs of member states, and Pavonistade is no exception. Our membership inhibits us from dealing with our own problems, say the gang of fentanyl crisis, in the most appropriate way possible. It's terribly unacceptable.

MRESHWA: I was under the impression that the Esquarian Community can move to censure Pavonistade if its moves go against EC policies.

SIMPSEN: That's a problem indeed. The elitist beasts in the EC can choose to condemn Pavonistade, particularly after inauguration day on April 28, and I will make sure that Pavonistade will not be embarrassed by the EC. If the Esquarian Community doesn't like what Pavonistade is doing with itself, I'll be happy to invoke Article 2 and pull out of the EC. With the people's consent, of course.

MRESHWA: Alright, moving on to another topic. Luziyca's President Svensson unveiled a doctrine in regards to détente between Luziyca and Namor. There has been some speculation as to what doctrine you will work with to address Pavonistadian and foreign issues. What would such a doctrine be after you are inaugurated president?

SIMPSEN: Oh, this is easy to answer. I plan to work on a doctrine that not a whole lot of leaders work on. It's called common sense. Good enough to make business work in and for Pavonistade.

MRESHWA: Common sense?

SIMPSEN: Yes, common sense. It's as simple as that.

MRESHWA: There's time for one more question. How successful will your presidency be in your perspective?

SIMPSEN: I'll be cleaning up the mess that the Conservative and the Democratic governments left behind. My goal is to not only rebuild Pavonistade, it's also to help the country and the people regain their former glory and to show Esquarium that we are a distinct country that has the right to govern itself without garbage from non-sympathetic forces. My incoming presidency will start off rough because none of the rebuilding will be easy, but it will lead to long-term benefits for the people. I will succeed in removing all the destruction caused by the past governments, you just have to watch me do it.

MRESHWA: Alright, Mr. Simpsen, that is it for interview. Thank you very much for taking your time to be with us.

SIMPSEN: It's been a pleasure.

[Percy Island]

Saint Anthony, PERCY ISLAND
Number 11, Carl Docker Drive

An 18 year-old girl reads one of her old projects in creative fiction on her laptop...

I and my family live in a hot and desolate place, where water is scarce and hope is nowhere to be found – depends really on how you look at it. The land is eternal sand as it would seem to anybody here. For as long as I can remember there have been few visitors but they were constant. Well that is because a town is situated nearby.

Once we had humans harvesting fruit from my brother, Annoying Pear. Jumping Chola liked to scare them by breaking off one or two of his thorny branches. Though for the past five decades, things have changed about these humans. When they first came, they rode on camels. Now they rode on moving boxes, some are big and some are small. They all seemed the same now.

Then, around another two decades, we started seeing unusual birds. Birds that flew but did not flap their wings, we never knew what they were until they came. One day, Big Brother Saguaro saw the unusual birds again. This time, they did not come alone. Humans came with their moving boxes, these were enormous. We thought they were only going to pass.

Suddenly, an explosion came in the opposite direction where the humans and the birds came from. More humans and birds were coming, this time they looked darker than those we saw first. The humans and the birds began to come in all directions and they were pointing weird sticks to each other – which spouted smoke. Some humans began falling to the ground. And when they came close, we clearly saw blood being shed.

They surged and stabbed each other, one human to another. More humans were falling down. The unusual birds began dropping something, one of them dropped between Little Pincushion and Old Man. We thought it was nothing until it exploded. I could see anybody after that because of a green smoke that engulfed us.

Explosions and the killing lasted until the sun went out and when the moon came up. I was greeted by the red glare from where the nearby town is supposed to be. The smoke cleared and it was then I saw that my family was gone.

All that was left of them were their spines and thick fleshy stems, covered in black dust and sand. From then on, I lived alone. I wished we could have had legs like the humans. If only we did, we could have all been together still.

[Percy Island]

Saint Anthony, PERCY ISLAND
Number 11, Carl Docker Drive

March 28, 2017
9:34 PM

A man lurks in the darkness...

He walks into the lawn of a two-storey house, excited still from his previous interaction with two poor souls. From this excitement, he used the energy to go up a tree in order to see what he wants to see.

Touch

The man who lurks in the dark sat still as he positioned himself to view, to see what he wants to see.

Behold, an 18 year-old woman is reading a certain creation of academic, scholarly attempt in literature on her laptop from her bed.

Touch. Touch. Why? What? Why?

A room of blue, sky blue. Traced with white on the edges and corners. Bedroom door, white. Organized. She seems to have an interest on Aininian history as a colonial empire, particularly on Nautarya based on the line of banners hanging in her room that features the flags of West and East Nautarya with the Aininian flag in between.

Touch. Touch. Touch. Touch. Touch. Touch. There. There.

The man who lurks in the dark, excitement growing, thinks of how he could enter the room, to know what he wants to see.

Why resist? Don't resist? Accept. Accept. Accept. It is easy. Easy. Easy. Easy. Easy. Easy. Easy. Easy.

The girl, ready to go to bed, went under covers as she turned of her laptop and closed it shut. She proceeded to pray. Sign of the cross. Reciting the "Angel of God."

Why resist? Don't resist. Accept. Accept. Accept. Accept. Accept. Easy. Easy. Easy. Easy. Easy. Reach out. Enter. Reach out. It is easy. Touch. Touch. Touch. Touch. Touch. There. There. There.

"Gah." He moaned.

Why? What? Why?

[Greater Ziegenian Reich]

[Ulrich steps out to the Reichstag podium to all attendees giving the Party salute. Ulrich returns the Salute and begins.]

Party comrades, generals and admirals, and my fellow Volk.

I stand before you today to speak of several unsettling developments in the world. These developments should concern us all, as they threaten the safety and integrity of our Reich.

In the east, we again see the rise of the destructive ideology of Communism. In Bohemia it has returned through force and threats of violence and asserted itself against the will of the Bohemia people. The new so-called “directorial government” has begun its campaign of crushing opposition to the regime of forced egalitarianism and threatening those who do not submit themselves to the slavery of Judeo-Communism. The previous government, headed by Empress Klara, was seen giving a tearful “resignation” on television. We can rightfully assume that the Royal Family was forced to abdicate at gunpoint, with some even having been executed for simply being in the family.

We all recognize the threat that Communism brings to the world. They seek to engage in worldwide revolution to topple all legitimate governments with their own Communist puppet regimes.

[Applause]

But Bohemia is not the only threat that faces us. To our northern borders lies the decaying state of Austrosia, a symbol of the failure of Welzian Socialism. It has devolved from a once great nation into a disorganized mess of liberal-modernist degeneracy and filth.

Across the sea lies the other decaying Communard state; the People’s Republic of Namor. Its Liberationist ideology, which simply Communism under a different name, has relaunched its gross offensives against other states who do not conform to its Communist dictations.

And closer to home is one of the many heartlands of these Jewish bankers who finance and back these degenerate movements. The Aucurian nation, a country fill with deplorable and disgusting vermin, has constantly defended their Jewish backers who run rampant across the world. They think themselves safe from us simply because they have bought out the Luziycans to do their bidding in defending their immoral nation from righteous retaliation. To this, we say no more.

In response to the threat posed by these states, I am announcing a new defensive pact with Razaria. This pact will help to stem the tide and protect all sovereign nationstates from the threat of Communist and Jewish expansionism. We will counter the Judeo-Communists at every corner, beating them back, and if necessary, we will make the rivers run red with their blood. We have defied the evils of Judeo-Communism once before, and we will continue to do so.

Teutonia, sieg heil!

[Standing ovation and cheering]

---

U-570 cruised slowly beneath the waves of the Central Ocean in route to its mission destination. The location was 1 kilometer outside of the Aucurian Republic’s territorial waters. A tense atmosphere could be felt throughout the vessel with the crew having a stoic posture as opposed to their usual relaxed one. The submarine Captain, Kaptäin-zur-see Arthur Hoffmann, fingered the papers inside a black binder for the nth time. Said binder contained U-570’s mission orders, which came directly from the Office of the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, meaning that the orders came down from the Führer himself.

The orders detailed the set of instructions the submarine was to take in order to accomplish this mission. First it would sail out from port at Bückenwald and into the Northern Sea. From the Northern Sea the vessel would traverse to sit outside of Aucuria’s EEZ. Then it would evaluate its position, ensuring that there were no enemy vessels nearby to cause issue. Finally, the crew would initiate the main objective of the mission: the launching of a submarine-based ballistic missile into the waters of Aucuria and then executing a speedy evacuation of the area before any enemy vessels can engage.

“Sir, we’re in position and are awaiting your command.”

Hoffmann stared blankly ahead of him, thinking over and over of the orders in his hands. For a brief moment, the thought of insubordination crossed his mind. He knew that these orders were insane and make no logical sense. There was no purpose behind them except blind jingoism. However, as quickly as the thought came it was violently cast aside. He was a Teutonic sailor, a high-ranking officer at that, and it was his and every seaman's duty under him to faithfully and diligently execute all orders given to them, especially those given personally by the Führer.

“Leutnant, prepare for missile launch on these coordinates and then make for hasty evacuation following launch.”

The lieutenant briefly stared in shock at his superior’s orders. Was he really just ordered to launch a ballistic missile at a neutral nation? A stern stare from his Captain made him reconsider his hesitation.

“Aye, sir.”

And in the quiet of the night, disrupted only by the roar of a missile.

[Percy Island]

Saint Anthony, PERCY ISLAND
Number 11, Carl Docker Drive

March 30, 2017
3:00 AM

A man lurks in the darkness...

He watched carefully, moved carefully, for he is in somebody else's room. Somebody who is unaware, the same person he has violated with his eyes the night before.

Touch

She sleeps, not a word can be heard, not a noise made. She dreams though but she does not express herself in her sleep as she dwells in her fabricated reality. A reality that last in mere hours or so if she remembers it on the next night, positively the next time she sleeps.

Touch. Why? What? Touch. Why?

The room has not changed. It remained the same. The moon shines. A light not so strong as it were for the past week. Its edges in both right and left seen but it is barely. 364,839 kilometers away and an angle of 0.55, does it matter at this time? Of course it does not.

Why did I say that? Distance has a part in the growing possibilities in the room of this 18 year-old girl, it is distance between her and the man lurking in the darkness.

There. Touch. There. Touch. There. Touch. There. Touch. Touch. Touch. There. There.

The man who lurks in the dark, excitement growing, thinks of how he could enter...To know what he wants to see...

...Four meters away...A sight no more.

Why resist? Don't resist? Accept. Accept. Easy. Easy. Easy. It is easy. Accept. Accept. Accept. Accept. It is easy.

Does it matter, will the "Angel of God" save her? A prayer she has recited for the past 15 years of her insignificant life as a child in a world like this. Perhaps Allah, a Serpent God, the Führer, Konohanasakuya, the Emperor of Mankind, the Virgin Mary, and some overgrown piece of green life? No, none of which will be much use to this matter.

Three meters...Two meters.

Don't resist. Don't resist. Don't resist. Don't resist. Don't resist. Easy. Easy. Easy. Accept. Accept. Accept. Easy. Reach out. Enter. Reach out. Enter. Reach out. Enter. Touch. Touch. Touch. Touch. Touch. There. There. There.

A meter away. So sad. An eighteen year-old girl. Not a valedictorian, not necessarily a genius, to be precise now. Yet she is set for life. A university in Lanos is waiting, a girlfriend to wed, friends from around the world. Things that most people in this world do not enjoy.

Seems helpless. Though is it not all a construct? Not nature? What makes his need a sin? What makes a man and what makes a monster?

"Gah." He mumbled.

"What the? RICHARD!" A woman, presumably, the mother of the blessed girl who just woke up.

"Mom? What is it?" She is confused, why would her mother scream at this time? What made her scream? Rather, it is a who. Something she is yet to realize.

She sees the man, the man who lurked in the darkness. Now lit upon by some light coming from the hallway.

Heavy footsteps marched down the hallway, presumably from the husband, the father of the blessed child. The mother continued, "RICHARD! RICHARD!!" The man, no longer able to continue what he began, ran into the nearest window and jumped despite the fact that he is in the second floor of this two-story house. Around 20 feet or less. Lucky if he manages to disappear into the dark and into the forest nearby.

The mother approaches her child, who is still confused. "Richard" comes in and says, "What is it Nicole?"

Meanwhile, the man who lurked in the darkness. He is lying next to the school bus stop sign of the Community Grammar School. Trying to control the pain on his broken leg.

Why? Why? Why? Why?

A scream, a painful scream, a scream that woke most of the people who were sleeping in Carl Docker Drive. Those awake looked out their windows, out of their doors if possible, and into their hallways. Wondering where and who.

Meanwhile, for the last time in this curious mourning in this part of the Community of Saint Anthony. "One one two, what's your emergency?"