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

by **Saint-Hadrien** » Fri Mar 31, 2017 8:55 pm

Commune d'Ville-du-Égalitaire, the Région of QUARTIER RÉSIDENTIEL

Unity Street, Building 12
Constituency Office of Quartier Résidentiel Northeast

March 31, 2017
3:39 PM

"The National Assembly, which comprises the Legislative Branch, elects the Senate of Saint-Hadrien by First-past-the-post voting (FPP) and appoints two Senators for every district. While the House of Representatives is elected by Mixed member proportional representation." It is the melting pot of "old liberals, wishy-washy socialists, nigger-lovers, red left-wingers, homosexual commies, and other human beings," and a spot for tourists to take a reminding piece of the pinnacle of Hadriennois colonial architecture imported by Francilie from their architectural genius and so and otherwise, not knowing which is under the aforementioned.

Our story here will only involve the House of Representative so expect not much prating from the upper house, they will be a story nonetheless but one that will be remembered in the footnotes of Hadriennois history because they are prats and nothing more.

One particular human being, not really in particular and rather is to me, is "begging" to differ. Now one should not take the quoted literally, if one has yet to understand.

"Wait, wait, wait, my wallet fell to the floor-"

And so, a camera clicks and flashes, producing this image:

"I told you to wait." An assemblyman, appointed by 330,837 votes against 135,728 in a legislative district of 424,150 people. The opponent was no wiser than every boy band in the world rolled into one. You would understand, especially that this is Quartier Résidentiel. This region is a liberal stronghold. The opponent's an utter idiot who thought that his principles to return to the so-called days of "Glorious Kings and Strong Emperors," not a monarchist but a man who simply wants to turn Saint-Hadrien into a Constituent Republic and to stop immigration. A supporter of Cedric the Prime Consul, no less you see.

"Can we do this again?" Asked the Assemblyman.

We have deviated from the point.

The cameraman answered, "Yes, sir. Sorry, sir."

"No need to apologize, it is my fault." The Assemblyman is no statesman but he is educated as a seminarian and an accomplished scholar of Library Science. Surprisingly, not much law in that mind of his. He does understand the law as it is seen by the public and those who are enthused, if there are any.

The Cameraman, preparing the cue that he has done before utilizing his fingers. Counting to three.

The Assemblyman is a father but no longer married since his wife has divorced him for a Horosatian Football player residing in Little Toksan, neighboring legislative district to the southwest, upscale neighborhood. He lives with a partner, a woman, whom his children did not mind. He has a son and a daughter, son is a homosexual, daughter is asexual.

And the camera clicks and flashes, once again. Is the picture taken?

"Finally, thank you sir." The Assemblyman said and smiled to the camera. He went over to him and shook his hand.

"Welcome sir, Assemblyman...Sorry?" Not an impudent act, certainly.

The Assemblyman, now smiling with his teeth,"Faubert, just call me Mister Faubert."

And there, a picture fit for the Assembly Archives. Something one could simply imagine with the help of technological wizardry, particularly "graphic" in nature.

There he stands, straight, a slight smile, a humble but powerful look. An elected legislator, elected by the people, not anointed, not crowned, not selected. Nothing more or less.

"Ah, well then Mister Faubert. Not much laws made lately?" To this, the Assemblyman slightly frowned.

He said, in defense, "Well, no. I am not a statesman." Honest, another one.

"Oh, why is that sir?" Here we go.

"Sir, I am certain that if each of our assemblyman, me included, would make more than 40 to 50 legislation every day. I assure you, the Republic will drown in the countless copies of every law made, passed or rejected."

"Ah, I see. Well, what does Mister Faubert say about 'Vertical Farms?'" Odd question.

I wonder.

"A good idea, another way to save space but that is all I know about this vertical idea of farming. Why ask, if you would mind answering sir?"

"It is for my son's homework." What a resourceful parent.

What homework, none of our concern. I did say that this is the story of Assemblyman Beynard Faubert, Representative of Quartier Résidentiel Northeast, in great length even.

Please note that this is yet to be the story since his life is still going on. It is only at the end of his life will the story end. And so it is inappropriate to say that "this is the story."

Then so, then yet.

Indeed.

by **North Daecon** » Fri Mar 31, 2017 10:24 pm

by **Irvadistan** » Tue Apr 04, 2017 1:09 pm

IRVADISTAN PREVAILS
A MESSAGE TO THE PEOPLE OF IRVADISTAN
FROM THE IRVADI FREEDOM DEFENCE FRONT

People of Irvadistan, we are the Freedom Defence Front, we are the Black Hand.

Before now we did not exist, before now we were loyal just like you, but like many of you that loyalty has waned and waned. Until now were loyal to our "president" Amin Kamel. But no more.

For years we have struggled against the evils of extremism, terrorism and takfirism. It has cost our nation untold lives and untold treasure, we have lost entire cities to the hordes of black clad evil, we have lost ruins and cultural treasures that marks our nation as unique among many across the world. We have sent our fathers, brothers, husbands and sons to fight the evil that plagues our nation, but for who? Did our leaders really rally us to fight for people and nation or themselves? We would say that we are fighting for our nation's very survival, but we fight for the very survival of Amin Kamel and this rotten regime that consumes our nation's soul every day that it exists.

Have you ever asked yourselves why? Why does the so-called Caliphate come from Irvadistan, why us? Why Irvadistan? We asked ourselves that and we found the answer.

We were condemned all those years ago to suffer the horrors of the evil of the so-called Caliphate because our so called leaders allowed it to happen, their sectarianism, their greed, their corruption, their criminal attitudes towards the people and their incompetence bred the beast that has killed so many of our people. They created it, they are to blame for the evil that has raped and pillage our nation without mercy, they, the Party and him, the comrade president. When you look at the women who mourn their husbands and sons, remember that their blood soaks the skin of the government, not the terrorist butchers, because we could have been spared the pain, we could have been spared the hardship and gut wrenching loss if the foul regime had led us with a fair and just hand.

When you next look upon the ruins of our cities and towns, know that the hammer that crushed them was held by the regime not the terrorist beasts. When you next look upon the graves of our great martyrs know that they could be living good, just and pious lives if the regime had not abused us and failed us.

Yes we all fight and fought for our families, our towns and cities and our nation, but they saw it different. They saw it as a sacrifice of people in their defence, the fat and lazy party members who fled Qufeira swift enough when the doom appeared ready to consume every inch of our land. They fled, with their mistresses and wealth and jewels. They would have left you behind and us, if it were not for a miracle of defence. They indeed fled with their wealth, the wealth stolen from you. The wealth ripped from your child's hands, the wealth ripped from the cripple and frail in hospitals, the wealth they have craved for decades.

They have stolen and steal from us even today as we send our best to die for them and their bastard children. Ask yourself who has done more damage to our motherland? The terrorist who is now on his knees before the mighty Ankoreni Army or the president and his sycophants in their gilded palaces? You know it to be the regime.

But these are not even its greatest crimes.

The greatest crime is all around us, you can see it, you can smell it, you can hear it. It is the yellow-skinned soldier who stands on your street corner, it is the oriental officer in your store, your bathhouse, it is the oriental who leads your squad into battle, it is the oriental officer you tells you that your plans for fighting the terrorist are wrong or dangerous and then leads even more of your men to death than you could have imagined. It is the oriental who stands pulling the strings of the regime.

Kamel's greatest crime was surrendering our nation to the Koy for his own survival. He chose to serve a foreign master thousands of miles away rather than his people, he chose to hide behind the skirts of non-Muslim, non-Nautasian thieves whilst stealing from his own people. Make no mistake the Koy are no friends of the noble Irvadi people, they are here for one thing and one thing only - our oil. They are more than happy to send thousands of our sons to death in order to have our oil. OUR oil.

Kamel and his lackeys are happy to surrender our country to an alien race, he is happy to see our nation's fruits stolen and our sons sent to die in droves as long as his sickening regime survives. That is his greatest crime, he gave our nation away to an alien race just to save his own skin, a crime that can NEVER be forgotten or FORGIVEN.

That is why the Freedom Defence Front lives. We live to defend our freedom, defend our nation's freedom, to defend your freedom. We are the Defence Front, the last line of defence against the yellow domination and we will fight until the last drop of blood that runs through our veins.

We are the Defence Front, we are the Black Hand. The Black Hand of death that will strangle every regime official, every Koy soldier and every Koy officer until both the oriental oppressor and its puppet Kamel is driven from our nation, either back across the sea or deep within our soil as corpses.

We will not stop, we will not cease, we will not surrender until our nation is free of this foul infestation of oppressors and thieves. As the our liberators and brothers in Ankoren purge the terrorist from our lands in our name, we will fight the second war, the war against foreign domination, foreign exploitation and foreign violation. We will do so in the hope that victory will deliver us a Islamic Collectivist Irvadistan, a united Irvadistan, a just Irvadistan and a free Irvadistan.

We will fight for you, protect you and honor you fellow Irvadis. Stand with us, fight with us, raise your hands like ours to create one fist, one black hand that shatter the puppet and his masters.

For a free Irvadistan we fight.

God be with us.

by **Victoriala II** » Wed Apr 05, 2017 5:07 am

Cover of the latest .Nora Cajan Magazine (Issue 4, vol. 17) International Edition

.Nora Cajan is a creative periodical devoted to art, music, fiction and modern culture. Since 2000, the magazine has been a springboard for young creators in Min.

by **Irvadistan** » Thu Apr 06, 2017 6:18 am

IRVADISTAN PREVAILS
A MESSAGE TO THE PEOPLE OF IRVADISTAN
FROM THE IRVADI FREEDOM DEFENCE FRONT

People of Irvadistan, we are the Freedom Defence Front, we are the Black Hand.

Yesterday at 10.21am, a brave soldier of the cause for freedom, Captain Masoud Ibrahim Al-Badri, a former soldier of our Irvadi People's Defence Force offered his life to the people in name of a nation free from the cancer of Kamel and his clan and the Koy oppressor. He offered it by striking at the Mount Qaboun Paradise Hotel in a D164 Atavi Water Tanker, with the plate number 974112.

His vehicle carried within the hollow tank, 1,131lbs of explosives comprised of semtex and thermite mixtures.

Already the takfiris have claimed responsibility, eager to deter the realisation that their destruction is upon them. The foul regime knows this to be our work, our act, our attack. And while we truly regret the loss of innocent Irvadi life, the pain and loss inflict can never be redeemed by us whatever the outcome of our struggle, we cannot be blinded by mercy. We do this for all Irvadis and there can be no mercy towards a puppet regime, there cannot be mercy shown to a regime that has showed us no mercy or remorse. We are fighting the cabal that surrendered our lands and people to the oriental, we are fighting collaborators.

The attack on the hotel was a warning, a warning that unless the Koy oppressors leave Irvadistan we will do whatever needs be done. Let the tears of the victims awaken the soul of the regime, let their screams deafen the Koy oppressor.

For a free Irvadistan we fight.

God be with us.

by **Saint-Hadrien** » Fri Apr 07, 2017 6:27 am

Commune d'Ville-du-Égalitaire, Région de QUARTIER RÉSIDENTIEL

Unity Street, Building 11
Doors 1, 3, 4

April 6, 2017
10:34 PM

At the hallway outside Door 1:

Maria Rounen discusses world events via Twitter with her friend, Pêche "Abby" Abidal-Bâtisseur, sitting on the floor,going back as far as last week.

Scrolling, touching, scrolling, touching, touching.

"I would love to know more about this rivalry between Luziyca and Namor," said Maria. A stranger to Velkia geopolitics, especially affairs between the two Velkian giants - one of which is a world power to her eyes.

Touching, scrolling, touching, scrolling, touching, touching.

Abby said, "Well, we should not be concerned about. Be concerned with Ankoren." As an Ankoreni herself, she is more concerned of her ancestral land than her own home now. She does not know much about Ankoren however. The matter is that she is just bothered out of the news, rumors, speculations, predictions, and everything else that is being sensationalized by the Free World on Ankoren.

Scrolling, scrolling, touching, scrolling.

"Ankoren is not something I would know, sadly...Liberation Day...Happy Liberation Day...Pavon...That Lanosian comedian. Heh." Maria suddenly giggled.

"What is it you got there Maria?" asked Abby, curious to what Maria giggled at.

Maria answered, "Listen to this: 'Why are so many twats being elected to high office these days?'" Right on.

Abby stretched her hands, "O. M. G! The answer lies in the people themselves. The elected politician reflects who the people are." ah, then Maria's chin crumples as she slightly frowns to say, "Hold on, the election politician reflects those who voted for him, not the entire electorate."

"Okay, okay. 'Garbage in, garbage out.' Somebody replied to it." Abby informed Maria, who scrolled to see who.

Whose name was read by Maria, "Zorion Saggara, odd name."

Abby discovers, "Ugh, more on Luziyca and Namor. This time on Nantai," a poor man's treasure.

Maria discovers, "Then Bohemia sucks up to Namor. Something perhaps that is expected after that performance of theirs with the referendums and the Esquarium Community," a poor man's used condom. Not probably just one man involved.

Scroll, scroll, scroll, touch.

"And there goes a Tweet from Eric's friend at David Becerra, out of town." Weird, he heard a scream? Wait, is this what Eric told us, about that college girl who was intruded by some crazy guy lurking in the dark? recalled Abby.

Scroll, touch, scroll.

"And there we go, two politicians being childish. From what country? Well. Let us see." Maria searched using these keywords: "Robert Dov and Donal Menzies." No need to discuss what and why, yet, "Ah, both are from Crethia."

Scroll, scroll, scroll.

"Okay, okay! Let's skip these. Oui Maman!" Keyword: "OuiMaman," something Abby would keep in mind before sleeping tonight.

Scroll, scroll, scroll, scroll, scroll, touch.

"Ugh, more of these Crethian nonsense. You know, I see grammatical error. Must. Respond. Immediately." Maria tweeted,

Maria Rounen
@MASRounen

@RobertDovNats "In tact" is spelled "intact."

RETWEETSFAVORITE
00

Maria went on to scroll and eventually touch to stop and look but another Tweet caught her attention, "Oh look, Bohemia again. How come did they just turned into a directorial republic perverted by communist tenets so fast? Saint-Hadrien was not built in a day but Bohemia, wow. Just wow. From 'Empire' to 'People's Republic.'"

Abby continued Maria's rant, "They even replaced government emblems already with those that are designed to reflect the ruling party. Is that how democracy works nowadays?"

Maria unexpectedly answered, "I suppose."

"I thought it was always a matter of government policy but never did I imagine that an entire nation should be changed depending on the ruling party, from the national flag to the names of every government position."

Abby then wondered, Bohemia must be below the global poverty line, desperate times call for desperate measures

Maria snorted in reply and said, "The sky must be orange in Bohemia."

To which Abby acknowledged with a smile. They went on, "And there goes Jaden Morrison, totally did not get the joke," said Maria.

To which she herself replied, "Lanca Tayi? Do not know you. Now that is a 'hashtag-fact.'"

"Here is something on Pisdara, Ainin responded to their referendum. They got their increase on minimum wage, except their vengeful resolution on Loup," said Abby.

Maria, interested, said, "I am glad. Pisdara should get its advancing change on minimum wage but to nationalize private assets is out of the question. Sounds like it would be a shady opportunity for politicians to exploit. It is just as bad as opening a jar of cookies next to your diabetic husband, knowing the fact that he is diabetic. But you need to since the children could not open the jar on their own."

"Odd analogy but I will take it." Abby reassures Maria her acknowledgement with an excited nod, despite the lack of excitement on her face.

Abby makes another discovery, "Here comes somebody complaining about 'Nautasian refugees.'" Maria wondered, Ugh. It is Liet's brother from another mother down under.

"Nah, let us move on. The same argument can be said on the Prime Consul, well rather Consul, and it will be heard here if we would discuss this," replied Maria.

"You know what, let us just scroll down and stop when we see something interest," proposed Abby who wants to sleep badly and does not want to leave her friend without finishing what they were doing.

"Yeah, it will be the last too." Apparently, the feeling is mutual between them tonight.

Scroll. Scroll. Scroll. Scroll. Ah. Interesting.

Maria has another discovery, "Look, it is the mean bitch of Katranjiev. And she is on a Twitter war with some old dude. Disrespectful." Interesting indeed.

"For a monarch, she is not just a mean bitch. She is a mega bitch." Abby smiled, feeling bad for Katranjiev and so she feels good to be a Hadriennois, no, a Francilian citizen.

"For an old man, he uses Twitter quite well. Reason why lies on his name, 'Viscount,'" added Maria.

Abby continued, "Well, old people might feel a bit outpaced by the current and next generations. Not much of a surprise for a retiree to use social media games to pass the time."

Both of them giggled and looked at each other. Waiting, as if waiting.

Then Abby smiled and waved as she stood up. Maria waved back as soon as she patted herself below the waist after standing up. Both of them then parted ways to finally go to sleep.

At the hallway outside Door 2:

Abby paused outside Door 2, intending to do something.

She takes out from her pocket a large envelope which concealed something interesting, something naughty. Something I have to refuse from sharing for the sake of one to continue feeling comfortable.

After eleven and a half seconds of pausing, Abby straitened it up and down, pulling it from left to right, and so. She wanted it to be neat when Eric Faubert comes back from his visit at Territoires Extérieurs.

She pushes it down into the mailbox next to the door and continued her walk home, taking another flight of stairs.

At the hallway outside Door 3:

Abby groaned as she stretched her hands and her back, approaching her home, knowing that her bed awaits her. A luxury her temples are anticipating to enjoy.

She spins around playfully before knocking five times on the door which was followed by another after opening the door, a habit her family wants everybody of familiar relevance to apply on a regular basis.

It is a way of knowing who is a stranger and who is family. Sometimes friend, which are few. Not referring to the number of friends as it is but the number of such who are aware of the family habit of knocking. Custom should be the proper word, not habit in my opinion.

She enters and does another playful spin before closing door, locking it completely as she is the last person expected.

The night is good at Building 11 but not over, yet.

At Door 4:

"'Fuck me man, I want to suck your dick.'" Ebbon Saint-Catherine said to his colleague, Vincent Valeran.

This is Vincent's home. Ebbon came to stay here while his boyfriend was away on a business trip. No cheating, as promised, but temptation to pleasure has been done in other ways possible. Though, rest assured, that will not be the story shared.

They were sitting on a couch, watching a program on C25, trying to soak up some English, thinking it might help them learn it in case they are told to do their jobs speaking English, an additional fetish for those in the audience who appreciate the language as a fetish for it being "exotic." No questions asked, it is Quartier Rouge. When you go in, you have to make sure that you go out clean.

To which Vincent replied, "Damn, that script is getting into our heads. I even remember one night sleeping with my wife who told me that I screamed, 'thighs spread widely apart! I am ready to make love with you bitch.'"

"I am not surprised, scriptwriters repeat the best dirty talk phrases for the audience according to surveys taken online. As we memorize and say those lines over and over again, it slowly becomes a part of our daily routine. I hate it. I do not want to say that to my asexual, uptight boyfriend who loves me enough to continue my work as a porn actor," countered Ebbon. Not necessarily against what Vincent said as I have stated.

Vincent choked a laugh as he carefully gulped a drink from his glass of water, siting on the coffee table before them, "I would be surprised more if we at HBF begin speaking English, as in each and every one of us." He glanced back at the glass of water, concerned about the small amount of lube on it. Lube has been an issue as it sticks literally everywhere you touch whenever used. And he just did earlier today, for approximately eight hours and has applied generously on his relevant body parts and areas as required by the director.

Kssh. The sound of an object falling on the floor echoed in Vincent's mind, followed by a brief crunch of what sounded like glass. Wonder what happened?

Ebbon sighed, "Damn, I think the lube on my hand did it."

Again, despite what just happened, the night is good and at last it is also over at Building 11.

by **Victoriala II** » Sun Apr 09, 2017 1:40 am

Keisi, Senria
Today

Two women from the continent stand behind the yellow line. One of them twitched her left nostril. The other has her full attention towards her phone. The twitching one had long hair. The one on the phone had short. Among the nondescript dress of everyone else, their colors were very apparent. Hard colors was their visual motif, along with shorts, long socks, sneakers and baggy sweaters. They work along a palette that works thematically. The twitching one wore a black-yellow palette. The one on the phone wore pink-white. Their faces were obscured by surgical masks that match their scheme. It was also peculiar seeing them with long, slender bags. These bulky things brought looks of confusion on passers-by. Are those swords?

The twitching one looked at the sign over her. Simple layout. A strip of green on white. An icon of a train. A sans-serif Jimo (or Pongpathic, if you're a tool) typeface that says "Keisi Metro — Kyouko Station". Alongside it was an analog clock. It was atop their heads and it took a while for her to notice. The sign flickered for a very slight amount of time. The clock continued to move. From left to down to up to right to left. It ticks and tocks in near-silence. The slight commotion from the number of people present make the sound near-inaudible. 5:23 PM. Train comes at 5:30.

Tick, tock, tick, tock. Up and left and down and right and back up again.

Together they are lost in the sea of people, a (literal) foul air follows them wherever they go. The black-yellow one's stomach grumbles. She only had a small breakfast the whole day.

The world around her took a queerer look. The twilight gave the sky behind her a purplish-pink color. The dull music becomes slower, and slower, and slower. Tick, tock, tick, tock. Time flies and time trips. The people stay still, their faces obscured by masks. Up and left and down and right and back up again. The clock took a cross-like form. It divided itself into quadrant sections. 1-2-3-4. From it, a lotus flower bloomed, pink foliage grew from the walls and the roof. The people's forms twisted into unique shapes. A boy became a golden fish, a salaryman became a clarinet-playing toy frog. A woman and her child became a pastel plastic theotokos with a halo of bubbles encircling their heads. A fat man turned into a giant blueberry. Static, unmoving.

The song on the speakers took a louder tone. The slight voice heard among the radio raises its pitch, as if to sound young. Synthetic melodies become apparent, with high arpeggios at the front and very deep ones (almost bass-esque) carried it. The beat became synchronized with it, sometimes in rapid succession. Lyrics become comprehensive gibberish. The song became empty, hollow. All while her eyes explode in unison, revealing a flurry of color and and and and and and and andddddddd --

"You think Orange has good coverage here?" Her companion's words dragged her back from her near-catatonic droning state. Her eyes opened back and saw the world as it is once again.
"W... Wha...?" Her mind reels in back together.
"Holy fuck, dude. You fell asleep again?" She puts her phone in her pocket.
She rubs her eyes. "Is the train here?"
"No."
"What time is it?"
"5:27."
"Just three minutes in? Mother Mary, this place is messing with our heads."
"No, just yours."
"I can see that."

Silence. Pink-white went back to her phone.

"Where are we going again?" She quipped.
"Something something underground. Not far from here."
"Something or someone?"
"Not valid. It's a meeting."
"So we get to meet the ones from the other ~~sects~~, now?"
Black-yellow nods.
"Sweet."

Black-yellow gestures to Pink-white to put her phone down. From a distance, there was the sound of slightly tinkling rails, whooshing air. A metal worm drags along with his glowing yellow eyes as it comes closer. He passes through them, and stops at the other end of the station. It took moments before his doors slide open. People proceed to enter him, eager to leave.

"Alright, then." Black-yellow taps Pink-white's shoulder. "After you."

Káhawan, Min
Yesterday

8:30 AM. Friday.

Two lighly armed (if a sword and a pistol is considered 'lightly armed' outside the country) men in black knock the door and ring its bell. A 3rd floor flat in Sunudang Ward. 305. The door he place exudes a "less is more" atmosphere. The house is mostly a strong glass, tinted opaque save for some that's supposed to be windows (which can be opened and closed in a sliding manner, of course). The place is supported by a black metal frame, the whole structure subtly arranged to look somewhat both Lahudic and Monic. Foliage crawls along the frame, accompanied by rustling leaves and the chirping of birds. As artificial shade, some white banners hang along the edge of the terrace. Outside were similar houses along with lines of of kasu kujans and grey street lights, the canopies softly filtering the light of the cloudless sky.

They were replied with silence. The windows were obscured by blinds. No sign of movement. The two look to each other, and back to the door again, the only things wooden among the queer façade.

A door from a neighboring flat on 305's right opened. A chubby woman. Shorthaired, wearing a pastel orange "Kwa Top" [襦] tucked in a pair of blue trousers. A white shirt can be seen under her top. Her slippers are of a dull color. She looks half-tired, awakened from sleep. She steps forward the terrace and yawns, stretching her arms. Before she could return at the house, the two men called for her attention.

"Ma'am?" One of them quipped, displaying their identification and badge. The woman was startled to full consciousness. She faces the two unfazed men, speechless. "Apaka Zayami, Office of Investigation. This is Asu Turul."
"Oh." The woman regains her composure and sparsely laughs in embarrassment. "Is there anything wrong, officers?"
"Well, there has been an incident last night. Assigned City Watch found a naked bleeding woman laying down in an alleyway at Koya ward. She's currently in the hospital, unconscious. Your neighbor was her most recent contact, from what we found. Is he at home?" Asu pointed at the flat to the left.
The woman's expression took a that's horrible one as Asu speaks. "Oh, you mean Tadasi? I don't know much, but the last time I saw him leave the house was in Monday, for work."
"Have you noticed him returning the same day?"
"Yes. The house is locked, though. He either snuck out or didn't leave..."

_________

White-haired, cut short. Gray coat and black pants. Violet-tinted shades. A brown recyclable bag laden with groceries. A black Pie hat. Black flats. She checks her phone. 10:25 AM. She puts it back on her pocket. 10:26. Her eyes' attention come towards a black sedan with a red rotating beacon over its left side. A white Sumpusin over two crossed arrows adorn the visor and the front doors. City Watch.

She stops for a moment as she sees two men in black garb just left her building. Sword and gun. Their words could be heard, albeit inaudible save for some phrases and words.

"Well,...lead."
"Should...warrant?"
"Not yet...clues first."
"Alright."

They entered the car and left.

Lorraine was dumbfounded.

_________

Lorraine opens the door to her flat. Room 205. The place was organized neatly, kept simple. There's a low table in front of the TV bench. In it was a shelf of DVDs and CDs she had since she moved out here. On its right was her workstation (misnomer, she doesn't work there) where her laptop sits sleeping, A couple of books — predominantly references and textbooks — hang over the wall-mounted wooden shelf. Facing it is the door to the bathroom, beside it the kitchen bench and the oven and the fridge. A potted cactus lie behind the blinds of the window.

She collectedly takes her shoes off and opens the window blinds. She puts her groceries at the kitchen bench and remotely turns the television on. Channel 7. News. The show's had a concise and clean feel to it. "...yet another victim of this mysterious 'maninilung'¹ was found in Koya Ward just last night. Local law enforcement found the woman naked and bleeding while in a catatonic state. The woman has been..."

The sound of the shower blocks the sound around her while it runs down her body. Steam covers the glass walls surrounding her. Her eyes close and feels it come down her spine. Water.

She remembers.

_________

The calm clouds ripple softly as she steps above the blue mirror.

She was a journeyer that walked over the sea of the event horizon. She stands on the watered sea, overhead her the firmament, the hollow sea. Both upon these lands lie clouds uncertain on their path, ever futile to finish and too transient to stay the same.

She walks and walks, feeling the wet firmament underneath her making slight waves and overlapping circles. The unending plane encompasses the ground which she walks on.

A bird overhead flies above her. A red-feathered falcon. Squawking for rest. It tires. Its cries are the only sounds present in this world that she hears. She looks up to it, and listens.

She listens to the bird's desperate song, flying forward and blocking the static sun above them.

She looks down and sees herself looking up herself. There should be a way to lessen its pains. Her whole body leans downward, and her two selves come closer. Moving in parallel, she halts herself as her nose touches the water. She closes her eyes, and continues herself, covering her whole being with water.

Nothing but water.

_________

She opens her eyes and finds herself in the shower. The phone is ringing loudly. It's been a minute. She closes the shower, taking her towel, her bathrobe and her leave from the bathroom. The TV's just commercials now. She lowers the volume. She finds the phone in the kitchen bench, still ringing. She comes to it. She looks at who's calling. Someone signed -oVo-. She picks it up.

"Gray."
"It's me, Black-yellow."
"Oh, shit. What's up?"
"You heard about that serial killer, right?"
"The shadow guy? It's in the news. What about it?"
"Green-yellow sent me some pics near the scene. There's some weird stuff around the alley. Want to--"
"Wait, no, no. What the fuck do you think you're doing."
"Uhhhh... innnnnvestigatinggg...?"
"Oh Sweet Mother of God, agh-- Bee, you're dealing with the cops right there. Jesus, Bee, you're getting us all in trouble! Let them deal with it, this isn't
"So you mean... This isn't up my alley...?"
"Sweet Smelling Motherfucking Mary, Bee, I want to just fucking stab you..." She mutters, rubbing her temple.
"What?"
"Nothing. Don't get involved in this. You've just landed in Keisi right now, right? You'll get us there in trouble too. Keep watch of Pink AND don't. Embarrass. Us."
Bee sighs. "Alright."

Keisi, Senria
Tonight

"Welcome to Ryuubyou Station. Next up, Hasegawa."

The train doors slide open, the people leave and the space finally expanded. Finally, they can breathe. This station doesn't have much people. Bee took a large sigh and took a seat. Pink-white followed. One station left. Finally.

"So uh, Bee..."
"Yeah?"
"I've been thinking."
"Hit it."
"Why are we the ones sent here?"
"Fuck if I know. I just rode with it because there's something I want to eat here."
"What's that?"
"Meat bowls. I've had one when I was 12 and it was fucking DELICIOUS. This is the only place I can get it."
"Oh."

¹ shadow creature in Min mythology

by **Pavonistade** » Sun Apr 09, 2017 4:43 pm

Priorities to be Considered Within 100 Days After Inauguration Of President Kallum Simpsen
Inauguration Day: April 28, 2017
(this list is non-exhaustive and also subject to irregular updates)

General

A regulated, sensical "eye-for-an-eye" policy should be considered.

Culture

A constitutional amendment to abolish the Luziycan language as an official language of Pavonistade should be considered.
The ban on conversion therapy for non-heterosexual and/or non-cisgender persons will be repealed. Any attempts to force or coerce a person into conversion therapy will remain outlawed.
All federal civil servants will be barred from wearing any religious clothings or attachments.
A nationwide ban on construction of new buildings devoted to all questionable religions and cults should be considered.

Diplomacy

Dangerous state status shall be granted to Xiaodong, and certain Nautasian or undesirable countries defined by the President-elect.
The positions of Ambassadors and Consulates-General in any dangerous states are not to be refilled.
All diplomatic relations with dangerous states will be suspended. Pavonistadian embassies in any dangerous states are to be closed and all Pavonistadian diplomatic staff recalled, while the embassies of dangerous states in Pavonistade are forced to be closed and their diplomatic staff expelled.
Diplomatic communications with other undesirable states that are not otherwise dangerous states should be barred or at least limited.
Any travel bans should not be imposed immediately but will remain an option for the President-elect.
The national policy of semi-interventionism will be amended to allow and facilitate Pavonistadian intervention in a greater scope of international situations, even when the situation does not directly involve Pavonistade or affect Pavonistadian interests.

Economy

The highest allowable value-added tax will be lowered to 17.5%. Other taxes are planned to be lowered but the specific taxes are not yet identified and the exact magnitudes of change are yet to be finalized.
Tariffs on non-EC member states is planned to be increased, but the exact magnitude of change is yet to be finalized.
A decrease of the national minimum wage should be considered. The optimal plan, from the perspective of the President-elect, would be to decrease said wage by 10% over 5 years.
Certain regulations on the financial and energy sector will be repealed.
A total of $500 billion NSD will be reserved for infrastructure, energy and transportation across Pavonistade.
New right-to-work laws will be introduced and regulations on post-entry closed shops will be tightened.
The ban on the construction of new fossil fuel power stations will be repealed.
The national carbon tax will be repealed. It is important to note that the carbon tax imposed by the Esquarian Community will still apply, unless Pavonistade successfully withdraws from the organization.
Most tax incentives purposed for promoting use of renewable energy sources will be repealed.

Esquarian Community

Pavonistadian membership in the Esquarian Community shall be retained for the time being.
The new administration will introduce a referendum to withdraw Pavonistade from the Esquarian Community, should the activities or attitudes of the Esquarian Community severely impede upon Pavonistadian sovereignty. Any withdrawal referenda ~~will seek approval from Parliament before being voted upon by the public~~ will bypass legislative approval and will be voted upon by the public.
A plan to withdraw from both optional protocols of the Esquarian Charter of Human Rights should be considered.

Illegal Substances

The Order on the Combat of Increasing Illegal Substances Overdose Cases, an executive order signed by President Eric Oppenheim on March 25, 2017, shall remain in place.
The Criminal Code should be amended to automatically impose life sentences, with no chance of parole for 15 years, for any persons convicted of producing and/or trafficking Schedule I and Schedule II drugs.
Any foreign persons with a record of drug abuse should be denied entry into Pavonistade.
The federal government will take further precautions within its authority to curb drug abuse incidents and penalize all persons, organizations and countries suspected to be part of the "gang of fentanyl".

Immigration

The Citizenship Act will be amended to introduce the following new provisions:
- The concept of attaining citizenship by birth will not apply to any child born to two non-citizen parents. Any such child will have to undergo the naturalization process similarly to other immigrants.
- The concept of attaining citizenship by descent and adoption will be repealed.
- Pavonistadian citizenship can be stripped from persons with dual or multiple citizenships if they commit egregious crimes, in particular terrorism, against the Pavonistadian nation.
A quota for the acceptance of refugees shall be lowered from 50,000 per year to 25,000 per year.
A test will be introduced to identify the ideologies of all immigrants or immigrant candidates. An immigrant or immigrant candidate who holds values contrary to the Pavonistadian ideals of truth, charity, courtesy, liberty and democracy may be rejected. But I guess Kal Simpsen himself would fail this test... (:

Military

The budget for the Pavonistadian Armed Forces shall not be lower than 2% of the nominal gross domestic product.

Security

Current powers and authorities allocated to law enforcement agencies will be maintained.
Additional funding to law enforcement agencies may be granted to update equipment and training.
The criteria for identifying persons that potentially post a risk to the Pavonistadian nation shall be relaxed. A person that is considered likely to commit an egregious crime will be identified and put under police surveillance much earlier than before.
Enhanced interrogation and emotional manipulation methods will be protected by the new administration.
A few gun control policies and executive orders enacted during Democratic rule (2005-2017) will be repealed. The repeal is the one that allows the Federal Firearms Agency to deny one a firearms license even when he/she fulfills all requirements for obtaining said license.
The acceptable blood alcohol content (BAC) will be lowered from 0.08 to 0.05.
Whistleblower Kobi Aschan will be pardoned and allowed to return to Pavonistade. The diplomatic feud with Aucuria over Aschan's status shall cease. Whistleblower protection will be extended to a significant level, but the President-elect has yet to specify what protection will be implemented for future whistleblowers.

Society

All policies preventing or hindering the establishment or use of private health care will be repealed.
A two-tier health care system will be properly implemented nationwide. Medically-necessary operations will cotninue to be provided free-of-charge, but no person will be denied the right to access private health care and related facilities.
Euthanasia (physician administers lethal medication) will be outlawed. Assisted suicide (patient administers lethal medication with physician's help) will be restricted to persons who have terminal illnesses or have certain severe irreversible health conditions.
Abortion on request will be criminalized. Any persons receiving an abortion on request, and any physicians performing the abortion, will face a maximum sentence of incarceration for 15 years.
Existing anti-radicalization programs should be expanded so that more at-risk persons can be reached and effective support can be easily provided.
All redundant and excessive anti-discrimination laws intended to protect transgender people, non-cisgender people, or people with criminal records will be removed.

by **The Greater Bohemian Union** » Tue Apr 11, 2017 6:39 pm

Parliament Building
Vyšehrad, Central Bohemia

"I wish I was so blindly optimistic like you to think we could achieve a true Communistic state peacefully."

11 April 2017 9:25am

The sound of at least a few heels and boots striding along the glossed-over floor was heard down the hallway leading to the High Commissioner's Chambers before you could even make out who it was. The clacks of heels echoed down the long and wide hallways, pristine and oddly quiet for any hallway in parliament.

A few moments later an entourage of people walking closely together was made out. At the lead was Commissioner Kateřina Moravcová, the infamous leader of the Radical Communist Sect accompanied by Commissioner Liu Yandong to her left and to her right was a prominent MP, Janoušek. They continued down the hallway until they arrived at the door to enter into the front desk to which the Secretary of the High Commissioner peaked her head over. The Secretary spoke as they approached the desk,

"Commissioner Moravcová you can go on in."

She nodded at the secretary as they walked down another more narrow path until they reached the High Commissioner's Office to which the door was open and HC Růžičková was arched over her desk with her glasses on examining various reports as the sun glistened into her office emanating from the entire left side of the room which was made of glass and provided a breathtaking view of the City, the glass of course was extremely thick and bullet proof. As she stood for a moment between the door frame prior to entering she greeted the High Commissioner to get her attention. "High Commissioner, good morning."

Růžičková looked up and took her glasses off, after making out who it was she stood up and motioned for them to take a seat. "Hello Kateřina, I wasn't expecting Liu or Janoušek nonetheless you're welcome here of course."

They took seats and Kateřina spoke, "I feel it would be better to convey the message with them present." She paused and then continued with a more authoritative tone, "Alexandra I have stood by you for 6 years as you led this party. The 6 years we have grown, and grown and are finally in government. I have trusted you and supported you despite our ideological differences. You led this party well in opposition and in elections but the thing is, we are now in government. This is what we all have built up for, what we all have dreamed one day would happen and where we can do the most change for the people. Remember the passionate campaign speeches of bringing down the billionaire-led corporations, expanding public services and giving the industry back to the worker? Every day we have been in government it has seemed more like a continuation of a social democrat administration. We are the government Alexandra, and that government is doing nothing with you at the head. We need the real party back, and it's starting to get late for using the ideology that is in our party name. Commissioner Liu isn't even affiliated with one of the sects as you know and she agrees with me, including Janoušek and many others. You and Ling and the so-called leftists in our coalition seem to be the only one blocking this."

Růžičková sighed, she expected this but also didn't expect this at the same time. At least not so soon. But it was a problem she had to face nonetheless. She placed the glasses in her hand back on her desk, visible mildly angry or even disappointed. She spoke after letting the room sit in silence for a few seconds.

"Before I even address what allegations and insults you said against me, Kateřina, I am going to ask you one question - Have you thought this over? Let's say we play it out your way. First, we would have to expel all the other parties in the coalition that aren't on board with all of our plans - and that would be all of them because there is a reason they aren't communists - it is because while they may agree with us on a lot, they don't on everything. That might be enough to push them into some sort of rainbow coalition with the conservatives and centrists so then we would have to remove the ability for parliament to form a government and reassign that to the Central Commission. Then, we still don't have the votes in Parliament so we would either have to abolish and replace it with something or try and hold an election and after expelling every other leftist party I highly doubt that will fair well. The Central Commission would have to be the sole body of power. Assuming we all do this, which would be multiple constitutional violations - the only way to get around would be by dismantling the court system as well - we would be facing protests from the other 48% of the country that are Social Democrats, Centrists, and Conservatives. I highly doubt these protests with half the country losing their pawns would be peaceful, and thus it would be a nearly-militarized state to maintain order. Kateřina, how I so wish I could have such a narrow and simplistic view like you and the radicals, but it is not realistic and that is why I am sitting here and you are not. Do you want to put this country in an armed conflict to bring about our ideology or do you want to just be patient and spare the thousands of lives that would be lost if we had it your way?"

Commissioner Liu looked a bit more sympathetic to the High Commissioner but Commissioner Kateřina and MP Janoušek remained rather unmoved.

Kateřina remained looking at the High Commissioner straight on, she got up from her chair and shortly after the other two followed suit. Kateřina with a much softer voice merely rolled out the next sentence,

"A means can be justified only by its end, High Commissioner, rest assured I am highly confident in the end."

She turns and proceeds to walk out, Commissioner Liu is struggling and mouths a "I'm sorry." towards the High Commissioner.

Alexandra Růžičková was now battling with anger and sadness, unknown of what this means. "God damn it Kateřina. Do not put the people of this country through that. There is no end, and you cannot remain so hung up on the future you forget what you are inflicting in the present!"

She jammed the button on her phone and her secretary's voice filled the room, "Yes Ma'am?"

"I need security to... detain Commissioner Moravcová"

"Yes ma'am." A few moments pass, and she returns through the intercom "I can't seem to reach security. I'll run next door to the Sergent-At-Arms."

Just as the direct line to her secretary clicked off a huge explosion feels as if it rocks the building, Alexandra turns around quickly to look out her glass wall overviewing the city to see a black cloud off in the distance and fire roaring up in the air which looks as if it came from the 1st Avenue Shopping Centre. Another blast hits, this time leaving Alexandra's ears ringing not necessarily from just the noise but the sense of complete despair and utter shock. Her hand goes over her mouth as she realizes this blast came from the Communist Party Headquarters not to far away from the Parliament Building. Smoke and pieces of buildings collapsing filled the atmosphere. People began running, some screaming, some remaining still as she looked outside with utter blankness. The overload of emotions and sensory input made her completely paralyzed.

She felt masculine hands pulling on her shoulder and arms but her eyes remained glossed over and her hearing the sounds of a hundred bells ending in their chime but still vibrating giving that lasting ringing noise. She was getting pulled away nearly limp, but after one powerful yank she closed her eyes and opened them and entered reality again.

"MADAME HIGH COMMISSIONER YOU NEED TO COME NOW." A buff middle aged guy in a black suit, who she finally identified as her personal Commissioner's Guard was yelling.

After another moment she took aware of her surroundings "Oh...Okay. Yes." She stumbled along.

As her guard remained holding on to her they made their way down emergency stairs to the Central Command Room underground where the Commission is to go in the means of any issue or emergency. As they approached the blast doors two Commission Security Officers approached. One of them spoke, "You don't have the authorization to enter."

Růžičková's Personel Guard responded, "She's the god damn High Commissioner, what do you mean, step aside."

The same guard blocked as Růžičková's guard tried to circumvent him, and addressed his attempt, "Kateřina Moravcová is High Commissioner."

The guard immediately swung with one hard hit of his rifle and knocked out Růžičková's unexpecting guard. Růžičková's eyes widen, she was still left voiceless from everything going on. A moment passes and the blast doors open and Kateřina walks out and saw Alexandra stunned and leaning against the wall.

Katerina shook her head. "And I wish I was so blindly optimistic like you to think we could achieve a true Communist state peacefully."

She paused and then motioned the guards to step aside as she began to walk back in, "Come Alexandra."

Alexandra remained blank, Katerina repeated herself. She eventually gave in after a few moments because her curiosity of how such act was pulled off powered her rage.

As they walked into a room filled with screens, and a pristine table surrounded by generals and commissioners she noticed none of the coalition partners.

"What did you do Kateřina."

"Well, bombings just happened in a populated mall and our headquarters. Many more innocent lives have perished along with the direct attack on us. These attacks seem to be coordinated as attacks on innocent people and communists, looking as the perpetrators associate the communists with the people or at least that we care about the people. Remember that other attack at Cafe Milani just yesterday that claimed innocent lives? Communists and the People have been the only victims, so the general populace knows who is standing with them and we are the warriors fighting for the people as special interests try to keep the old ways of corporate democrat leadership."

Alexandra shook her head in disbelief barely audible she spoke, "This...this was you?"

"This is being able to finally unite the people, at least some, so we can build a better society. A society where everyone is equal and one we can have the mandate to make a prosperous communal society."

Her face remained blank but a tear or two fell down Alexandra's face.

Katerina spoke again, "Alexandra your not a bad person, none of us are. Your flaw is that your optimism was misplaced and you failed to look at the more riskier options. I know you are still a communist and I know you care about the country like we do. I need to know where you stand, people like you and you can still be useful."

Alexandra kept shaking her head "I can't right now. I just can't. This is vile."

Katerina nodded, "Just take a break, it's a lot to take in. I'll have someone take you to an area to calm down." She motions at a few of the guards to take her to a nearby room.

(OOC: The only public knowledge is the bombings.)

by **Kao na** » Wed Apr 12, 2017 6:03 pm

Phikamese electoral debate
PTV Studio, Songchin

MODERATOR: Good evening Phikam, and welcome to the electoral debate for the 2017 Phikamese election. I am Adranuch Pongpipat and will be your post for tonight.

Before we introduce you to the party leaders who will be participating in this debate, I would like to go over the rules of this debate. Questions be be asked by members of the audience and each candidate will have a minute to answer the question before the floor will be opened for other candidates to interject.

The participants of the debate tonight are representing the four parties with the highest average ratings in the polls. As such I would like to introduce you to

Prime Minister Sanoh Pakchotanon of the People’s Justice Party
Leader of the Opposition Thitinart Kongkran of the Phak Ratsadon Phikam
Member of Parliament Kamsing Korbjitti of the Democrat Party
Member of Parliament Banyat Sudham of the Alliance of Kaonese Farmers'

Ladies and gentlemen, please make your opening statements.

PAKCHOTANON: We are living in times of unprecedented change. The People's Justice Party has long been committed to ensuring the lives of the Kaonese people are as safe and as happy as possible, and so during these difficult months where we will be reunited with our people in Kaona, I urge you the people of Phikam to give us your trust. We want this change to impact the lives of ordinary people as much as possible, and so we will continue with sensible governance and will continue to fight for your rights whenever the situation arises.

KONGKRAN: I would like to take this opportunity to say you, the people of Phikam, have been lied to. You have been disrespected and abused by a government in Luziyca which wants to sell you out, by a government in Kaona who is relishing the though of suppressing your human rights and of a government here in Phikam who has sat by and let this happen. You have been told that no matter what you are being annexed by a single party state committed to dismantling your liberties. I say this doesn't have to be the case. If you elect the Phak Ratsadon Phikam, we will stand up to Phikam and on day one rip up this deal between Luziyca and Kaona and champion your rights and your rights alone in an independent, free and democratic Phikam.

KORBJITTI: The Democrats are as our name suggests a party committed to democratic principles. And the decision to hand over our islands to Kaona without any warning from Luziyca, without approval from the Phikamese people, reeks of anything but democracy. A vote for the Democrats is a vote for freedom from communist Kaonese rule or that of the freedom-hating Svensson government in Luziyca. We have fought so hard for our freedoms, and we want to defend those freedoms to the last breath.

SUDHAM: You are going to hear a lot of talk tonight about how unification is going to be no change at all, or that we can just say we are not unifying and the problem will be over. The Alliance isn't bothered with that kind of talk - we only talk the truth. The fact is unification is going to happen in one form or another - but we can still influence the terms. The Alliance pledge that to protect you, the people, we will fight tooth and nail for your rights and negotiate a new agreement with Kaona that benefits Phikam above all else.

MODERATOR: Our first question will be on the process of reunification with the mainland, from this young lady over here [passes microphone]

WORANUT: Hello, I'm Woranut and I am training to be a human rights lawyer. My future is completely uncertain due to this announcement of unification with Kaona - not only due to my job, but if I and everyone else here will be able to enjoy our constitutionally guaranteed freedoms. I have only known democracy in Phikam, being born just after Sarathoon Patalung died. Can the candidates confirm if they will do this unification and what it means for Phikam.

MODERATOR: I pose this question first to you, Prime Minister Pakchotanon.

PAKCHOTANON: Woranut, we have made it clear that this unification with Kaona will not result in the dismantlement of your basic human rights. The agreement that stands as it does now contains clauses and provisions to protect freedom of speech, of opinion, of assembly, freedom from unlawful imprisonment and torture. Phikamese law will remain separate from Kaoanese law, and we will have a democratically elected Assembly like we have now with the House of Commons. In some ways, we will under Kaonese law be more free than Otekians are in Namor, and certainly more than Duljunese in Xiaodong - we would be as free as Saint Hadrian is from Francilie, which is in all realms bar defence and foreign policy like we are now. As I have said, unification will not impact on citizens lives the way some of the governments critics have contended. Furthermore...

MODERATOR: The floor is now open to debate.

KONGKRAN: If I may interject the Right Honourable Prime Minister Woranut is attempting to bloviate and dodge the question because he knows he can't tell you the truth. Just last November Yuttapong Rakkiatgym promised to purge so-called anti-patriotic elements from Kaona - you may dismiss it, but former Prime Minister Asnee Hoghannarong who has dealt with these people has said that trusting them is akin to deluding yourself. Is the Communist Party rounding up and purging Phikamese citizens "no impact" on Phikamese lives?

PAKCHOTANON: The speech Mr Rakkiatgym made last November was intended for domestic audiences, it was the equivalent of rhetorical hyperbole-

KORBJITTI: Why should we believe that only now the Communist Party is engaging in rhetorical hyperbole? When the Communists murdered thousands of Kaonese citizens in the "war to liberate Kaona" was that hyperbole? When they killed innocent farmers' in "land reform" was that hyperbole? When millions starved in the "great hardship" as a result of collectivisation was that hyperbole?

PAKCHOTANON: If I may speak-

KORBJITTI: When the communists destroyed Kaonese culture and murdered hundreds as part of the "Anti-Reactionary Campaign was that hyperbole? The communist regime has a history of death, why should that-

PAKCHOTANON: Yet if you notice, none of those crimes were committed in the last two decades. Kaona has changed, the world has changed since then. The Kaonese Communist Party can no longer be called communist in the strictest sense of the word, and has been cooperative in accommodating Phikamese rights-

KONGKRAN: Those rights should not be "accommodated" but be a fundamental-

SUDHAM: Kongkran, I agree that we should treat the Communist party with the utmost caution, but surely by simply rejecting reunification that we are inviting war from Kaona? Jut today First Secretary Rakkiatgym said he'll use military force to occupy Phikam if it is not given over to the Communists. I would loath to see Phikam under communist control, but a war with Kaona would be undoubtedly worse for Phikam in every regard. No, we must speak with the communists and try to get a better deal that serves both Phikam and Kaona.

KONGKRAN: Every deal the communists have ever proposed to the Phikamese people in one way or another has been a lie. Svennson and Pakchotanon both claim the deal as it stands protects the rights of Phikamese - and yet Rakkiatgym's comments say otherwise. Why would a Sudham-Rakkiatgym deal do otherwise that the Svensson-Rakkiatgym deal does not do?

SUDHAM: We would ensure that if the communist government started to abuse the rights of Phikamese, Luziyca would be able to respond to such actions with appropriate force.

KONGKRAN: And you think the communists would agree to such a proposal? Or the Luziycans for that matter? Are you naive?

PAKCHOTANON: There is more of a chance that the communists will agree with that then allow an independent Phikam to existed freely as you propose.

KORBJITTI: We can strike deals with other powers in that scenario. There are countries in the area, such as Toksan, who are no friends to the communist. If can get a deal-

SUDHAM: This kind of talk is what I mean when I said you were going to hear a lot of tough talk but not much truths. Why would Toksan protect us, especially considering the communists would likely take these islands in a manner of days if they got the chance. As I've stressed, we have to be practical-

KONGKRAN: Your version of "practicality" is selling us out to communists. To address the original question, Woranut, unification will be the equivalent to living in mainland Kaona. That is your future if you let Sanoh Pakchotanon and Sera Svensson get their way. Svensson has committed Luziyca to a policy of appeasement - take the Svensson doctrine for example - and Pakchotnon is using this crisis to further his party's goal to unify Kaona no matter what, even if it means it is under a communist regime.

PAKCHOTANON: And you are not using this as an opportunity to pursue a separatist agenda your party has always favoured?

KONGKRAN: Separatism is not our goal. It is to protect democracy. If Luziyca can no longer do that and an independent Phikam can, than that is our goal.

SUDHAM: Your independent Phikam would last for a very short time before being annexed as a full part of Kaona, or at the least would be subject to massive disruption by Kaona similar to what Pavonistade put the Ocelot Isles through for decades. From my understanding, the deal that was offered by Rakkiatgym was to make Phikam a full part of the People's Union and that it had to agreed that we would become an autonomous region instead.

KONGKRAN: One in which we have no free speech - like in Oteki in Namor, or Duljun in Xiaodong where talk of separatism is either banned or met with brute force. Did the people of Phikam fight so hard to end the Patalung dictatorship only to be forced to submit to another?

PAKCHOTANON: We will be essentially free; it wouldn't be a dictatorship, as I have previously-

KONGKRAN: And as I have said we cannot trust the communists.

MODERATOR: Gentlemen and lady, I have to stop you there as we have overrun in regards to this topic. Now for the next question, from that gentleman over there.

THAWAN: Hi, I'm Thawan and I work in the financial district in Songchin. With unification seemingly imminent, what is the government doing to protect free enterprise from the People's Union?

MODERATOR: I'll give the question to you again, Prime Minister Pakchotanon.

PAKCHOTANON: An excellent question Thawan. The government has reached an agreement with communist authorities that communist economic legalisation will be barred from being applied to Phikam for a period of 15 years, and every five years after that it will be reviewed whether Phikam will be absorbed fully into the Kaonese economy, which would be unlikely for another 20 years due to the underdevelopment of Kaona. As such, in terms of economics we will be able to maintain our current liberalised, hands off and low tax economy alongside a tradition of entrepreneurship. In any case, the current trends of Kaona show it is liberalising and that the command economy is being slowly dismantled, so whatever the case the fear that Phikam would become a state run centralised planned economy is ludicrous.

MODERATOR: The floor is now open to debate.

KORBJITTI: Don't mince words Right Honourable Prime Minister - once those 15 years are up the communists will nationalise all property, impose high taxes and get the government into industry. We have prospered under our low intervention and free market economy, a fact that contradicts the entire thrust of communist ideology. They will want to dismantle our system as quickly as possible so their people won't find out that their command economy has only brought the misery, and that a free-market economy is more preferable in-

SUDHAM: I think both of you are missing a big problem here, and that is whilst the Kaonese government will not intervene in our economy, at least for another 15 years, there will be a disastrous effect in terms of employment here. Undoubtedly lots of mainlanders who work for sweatshop wages will come hear to enjoy our prosperity and take Phikamese jobs, which will depress wages. As such we propose a quota system for the amount of Kaonese who can enter Phikam post-unification.

KORBJITTI: The market will adjust in that situation -

PAKCHOTANON: I agree with Banyat that we need to limit Kaonese immigrants post-unification but a quota system would be unworkable in practice-

KONGKRAN: Of course this can all be avoided if we did not unify with the mainland, so neither the restrictions on businesses nor massive immigration to Phikam from Kaona would occur.

SUDHAM: Yet if we did not unify Kaona would likely take military force which would result in political instability or possibly war which would leave most businesses to leave Phikam.

KONGKRAN: You say we are to have a war, yet we have plenty opportunity to avoid that by striking a deal with other military powers in the region. Besides, isn't this war threat based on "rhetorical hyperbole"?

PAKCHOTANON: As I was saying, we would seek to have differing wage brackets for native Phikamese and Kaonese immigrant workers' to avoid a wage depression alongside a controlled level of migration. But fundamentally we would maintain our essentially free-market-

KONGKRAN: As Kamsing as pointed out Right Honourable Prime Minister the likelihood of a free market economy surviving under a communist government is extremely remote.

MODERATOR: Gentlemen and lady I'm afraid that is all the time we have, closing statements please.

PAKCHOTANON: My opponents would like to paint me and my party as a traitor. I am not. I am doing what is best for Phikam, what is best for you, the Phikamese people. When you go to the voting booth on Friday you are choosing between separatism - which could lead to war and chaos, or you could choose us who wll defend to the death your freedom and liberties. Believe me when I say Phikam will not become a dictatorship again.

KONGKRAN: People of Phikam, there is no easy to say this, but you have a choice now of siding with dictatorship - with Rakkiatgym, with Pakchotanon, with Svennson. Or we can become a normal, democratic country which will not be a socialist autonomous zone under a one party dictatorship but an independent Phikamese republic. That is what the Phak Ratsadon Phikam is offering, and that is what we hope Phikam can become - a bastion of freedom, not tyranny.

KORBJITTI: If you want to see your future under the current government, go to Phuko. You will see a crumbling dictatorship. That is not what Phikam is or should be. I love Phikam as do the Democrat Party, and we want to see Phikam reach its potential as a liberal, free country in a continent that is on the whole fairly dictatorial. If you love Phika, you will vote Democrat on Friday.

SUDHAM: As expected, this debate has been little more than a lot of false promises and outright lies to the electorate. The Alliance wants to see Phikam as a free country, yes - but we don't want to see such a country crushed in war. If you vote for the Alliance, we will stand all fours behind the idea of a democratic Phikam in Kaona that will both recognise the situation at hand but also make the best out of it.

MODERATOR: That concludes the debate for the 2017 Phikamese election. I thank all candidates for participating and for all those watching. Have a good evening Phikam, and remember to vote on Friday 14.

by **Katranjiev** » Tue Apr 18, 2017 8:52 pm

From May 2nd, 2014

Opinion: The death of multiculturalism in Katranjiev

Viscount Nikola of Rysinov

KRASIMIR, KRASIMIR - Just days ago, the people of most of the eastern duchies have sealed their fate when they cast their votes to break apart from a motherland of which they have been part of for many generations. And little did they know that when they cast the votes that led their duchies into the darkness of independence, they would single-handedly kill the notion that we are a multicultural society.

For generations, Katranjiev has been seen as an oasis of multiculturalism. Even in the nineteenth century, our nationalism was not based on ethnic lines, or ethnic divides, but on what we had in common. We had a common monarch, a common history, a common flag, and peace and harmony among the inhabitants of Katranjiev.

There is a reason why Katranjiev has three national heroes: Saint George, Rishen, and Vaclav I: they represent the three major ethnicities in our country -- Luziycans, Namorese, and Katranjians. Even at the height of romantic nationalism, they sought to include every Katranjian under our national banner.

We started to see the cracks in the idea of a multicultural nation-state when Huankun Chen seized power in 1951, and over the next four decades ruled with the backing of the dominant minority. During the Liberationist era, Kannei culture was preferred and encouraged, with some Liberationist flavors (to make it more palatable to Namo), while Slavic culture was suppressed.

In 1989, when Liberationism ended (in a peaceful fashion), and the monarchy was restored, we could have insisted on assimilation into the Katranjian way of life. Unfortunately, we chose to tolerate the Namorese and allowed them to continue dividing our society. Thus, over the next quarter of a century, we witnessed the growing pillarization of Katranjian society as we saw the divergence of national institutions.

For nearly two decades, I have been fighting to try and get Katranjians to realize that multiculturalism was a failed policy, and would only foster division. For those two decades, many of my compatriots, especially in the younger generations have saw me as a fringe leader, as a racist trying to inspire division and hatred. They believed that Katranjiev is proof that multiculturalism can work.

Now as we witness four duchies (Iztokov, Katran, Maritsa, and Valeriev) blowing their way past the exits, the decision made by countless individuals living in these duchies to form an independent Riroese state, combined with the decision made by inhabitants of Trifonov to be given increased autonomy over every other duchy, show that multiculturalism, in my country, is dead.

If we want to prevent further pillarization of our society, the only course at this point is to mandate integration of our remaining Namorese and our Luziycan minorities into the Katranjian nation: they need to speak our language, adopt our customs, and leave their cultural customs that harm the well-being and unity of our country at the door. If we do this, we can save our country from the cracks of sectarianism and separatism.

DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official views and opinions of Slevdovatel.

About me · by **Luziyca** » Fri Apr 21, 2017 2:53 pm

April 22nd, 2017
A press conference at the official residence of the Chief Executive
Kenyen, Nantai
3:30 pm

"Ladies and gentlemen, the Chief Executive of Nantai," a male voice said in Namorese. A female voice then said the same thing in Luziycan.

River Tam walked onto the podium, and greeted the press.

"Good afternoon," she said in Namorese, and repeated it in Luziycan.

Choosing to speak Luziycan instead of Namorese, she continued: "The reason why I have called this press conference was because of the decision made by the Namorese government to not extend suffrage to Nantainese until a satisfying agreement was made between the governments of Bethlehem and Namo."

After a brief pause, she switched to Namorese: "The decision made by Long Jiao-che, Tzang Ainan, and socialist leader Chen Kunju to suspend support for the amendment is troubling, because it shows that Namor is only willing to negotiate with the government of Bethlehem concerning the Nantai question. The decisions made by the governments of both Namo and Bethlehem are concerning, for Bethlehem is only willing to appease Namo, even if it means steamrolling over the rights of the people living in Nantai."

"Likewise, Namo is insistent that Nantai is part of Namor, and wants it to be returned as soon as humanly possible, without consultation and consent by the people living in Nantai. While we support friendly relations between Namor and Luziyca, they should not come at the expense of our rights to self-determination."

"After consultation with my colleagues in the Legislature," she said in Luziycan, "we, the people of Nantai, must have a say in the future of Nantai, and only those living in Nantai. We do not want bureaucrats in Namo and Bethlehem deciding our future without our permission."

"On that note, any questions?" she said in Namorese, and then repeated in Luziycan.

by **Pavonistade** » Thu Apr 27, 2017 7:19 pm

Kal Simpsen's Inauguration Speech
(+ presidential oath)
April 28, 2017

KAL SIMPSEN: Pavonistadian citizens, I would like to thank each and every one of you for being present in this remarkable ceremony, but before we proceed further, I would like to thank Mr. Eric Oppenheim for his service for our country. He tirelessly ascertained the well-being of all of us to the best of his capabilities, and it is severely difficult to show how much we owe for his work. Thank you, Mr. Oppenheim.

[Audience applause]

As you know, this day holds utmost importance to our history and heritage. Our country is approaching the hour at which the new leaders will assume their roles and the old leaders will retire from their services for the whole nation. The new leaders will start from where the old leaders have been unable to succeed, and by giving our nation a real vision for the future, a new era unlike other periods of time will be ushered. In this next chapter, you are not dust or animals, nor will you be given to promises that sooner or later become lies. You are Pavonistadians, and you will no longer be ignored or thrown into the dustbin of history.

[Audience applause]

This new era for our country is made possible because on the 17th of March, we have allowed light to prevail over darkness. We have chosen to no longer be held hostage by unreal policies and unreal rule. We have chosen hope instead of hopelessness to pave a new way for ourselves. Together, as a collective of anxious citizens who are uncertain about what the future has prepared for us, we have chosen to shatter a cycle of depression and emerge from it with new optimism. The decision that was made on 17th of March is why, even though we may remain uncertain about what is to come, we have ensured that the future will allow the greatest vision of our time to be soon achieved. Pavonistade shall be returned, and it shall be returned to you.

[Audience applause]

It is essential to recognize that we all face danger in our daily lives, and dangerous elements come from those that dare confront our country. They may use all their power to try dividing us apart and destroying Pavonistade for what it stands, and they unfortunately stood a chance for the past decade. But on this day forth, when Pavonistade is in your hands, no one within or beyond our country will destroy your dignity or push you to full reticence. You will hold the hatchet that you have been missing for a decade, and all other countries and people that consider scattering us will never again attempt to do so with leisure, for your hatchet will scatter them all before they scatter us.

[Audience applause]

You are indeed the powerful and you are not to be challenged. I want every one of you to know that today, April 28, is not the day for me or for any of the new leaders, but it is the day for you. [slight audience applause] Without further hindrance, I shall bear the full responsibility of opening the next chapter for you and Paonistade, and I am incredibly honoured to take the oath that will allow all of us to begin the prestigious, hopeful journey onwards.

[Audience applause. Chief Justice PATRICIA AVOLESON approaches the President-elect with a Bible and prepares to administer the oath of office of President.]

PATRICIA AVOLESON: I, Kallum Simpsen...
SIMPSEN: I, Kallum Simpsen...

AVOLESON: ...solemnly swear to uphold...
SIMPSEN: ...solemnly swear to uphold...

AVOLESON: ...the Constitution of the Pavonistadian Provinces...
SIMPSEN: ...the Constitution of the Pavonistadian Provinces...

AVOLESON: ...execute all responsibilities as President...
SIMPSEN: ...execute all responsibilities as President...

AVOLESON: ...and ascertain the dignity and integrity...
SIMPSEN: ...and ascertain the dignity and integrity...

AVOLESON: ...of the Pavonistadian people...
SIMPSEN: ...of the Pavonistadian people...

AVOLESON: ...to the absolute best of my capabilities.
SIMPSEN: ...to the absolute best of my capabilities.

AVOLESON: So help me God.
SIMPSEN: So help me God.

[Audience applause. The newly-inaugurated President SIMPSEN shakes hands with Chief Justice AVOLESON before departing and allowing Vice President-elect AURELIA ROBBENS to prepare for inauguration.]

by **Greater Petrea** » Sun Apr 30, 2017 1:50 pm

April 30th, 2017
al-'Anshari Desertic Plains
Just outside of Bajirut,Petrea
1km from Irvadi-Petrean border
1:48 PM

An armored column of missile launchers, flanked by half a dozen self-propelled artillery and protected by at least two dozen APCs - with a company's worth of soldiers in tow, sat silently as the arid desert sands coated everything in a thin layer of grit. The grouping, an artillery fireteam of sorts, was simultaneously active and inactive at the same time. Checklists of items - bullets, missiles, MREs, rifles, etc. - were checked and rechecked with such regularity and fluidity that few noticed that they were taking part in any such preparative action at all. They weren't the only one, of course, at least two dozen more such emplacements lined the Caliphate-held portions of the Irvadi-Petrean border. All eyes were, as expected, turned eastward. Across the twenty-foot tall, barbed wire topped, double layered fence that demarcated the border between Petrea and Irvadistan lay what many of the soldiers felt to be the source of all the region's ills; the Caliphate - or so it called itself.

In the very center of the ad-hoc military camp was a series of tents, sand-colored and fluttering in the breeze. It could be considered the central nervous system of the camp, considering that most of the communications equipment is within. However, such an assumption would be incorrect. Inside there is but a handful of comms officers, kept to a skeleton crew so as to be able to assist the soldiers outside, and the fighting group's commanding officer - one Captain Mus'ab Jawaad al-Khawaja. Captain Mus'ab stood, one hand resting upon his sidearm whilst the other held a satellite radio. He'd been standing there for the past half an hour, listening as the communications chatter reached a fever pitch. It had been steadily increasing ever since Petrea had first begun launching airstrikes into Irvadistan, but this was different. It had more urgency behind it. The real war was about to begin. Mus'ab's eyes widened, ever so slightly, once he heard the order.

"All units, this is Command. Operation Aegis is moving forward immediately. You have your orders. Command out."

Blunt. As if

Mus'ab looked over to the lead communication's officer, who was already looking at him expectantly. He merely nodded his head, a barely audible "Sir, yes sir." escaped the officer's lips before he turned around and spoke a few words into his mic. The target had already been locked in. Hardly a second passed before the first artillery and rocket fire began.

Within the hour, more than 5,000 shells would be fired over the border with Irvadistan. Within two, the Petrean army would be pushing both armor and infantry through the border.

Yes, the real war had begun.

by **Ainin** » Mon May 01, 2017 2:40 am

AININIAN ARMED FORCES SUPREME COMMAND
OPERATIONS BULLETIN
TOP SECRET - DO NOT DISCLOSE
To Counter-Admiral Desmarais, La Grève Action Squadron:

You are to maintain a position between eighteen and thirty nautical miles off the coast of continental Bohemia (avoid maintaining a stationary position in known shipping routes). Positioning is otherwise at your operational discretion, based on the situation. Maintain two destroyers & frigate as part of carrier group at all times.

No less than twenty-four combat aircraft should be maintained on highest readiness. At least eight must be armed with standard anti-radiation payload. Maintain standard combat air patrol footing at all times.

You are authorised to search:
(a) any warship or armed merchantman bearing a flag other than that of Bohemia (this is taken to mean both factions) or a CENBA state,
(b) any watercraft bearing the flag of Austrosia, Alemannia, Kaona or West Cortoguay, or suspected of being in collusion with these states,
(c) any watercraft that fails to satisfactorily respond to radio communications.
Any search must first be announced twice on all normal civil and military radio channels. The target ship should be given between three and five minutes to respond, unless they take affirmative action that denotes non-compliance. Non-cooperation should be met with helicopter-based forcible insertion, as per Section 51.5 of the rules of engagement. Care should be taken to preserve the safety of crew and the integrity of potential evidence. You are authorised to terminate armed resistance to any legal search by any lawful means.

You are authorised to employ combat air patrols to intercept any aircraft that fails to satisfactorily respond to IFF or transponder communications, or that is suspected to be military origin. Make visual contact. You are not authorised to engage without explicit authorisation from Supreme Command.

You are authorised to destroy any group of watercraft or aircraft that initiates hostile contact or adopts attack posturing.

No person attached to the squadron is authorised to brief media without approval of Minister of Defence.

All procedures and rules of engagement laid out in standard operating plan are valid unless denoted otherwise above.

Grégoire de Maisonneuve
Commander, Aininian Navy

About me · by **Luziyca** » Mon May 01, 2017 4:50 pm

The Presidential Palace
May 1, 2017
8:30 pm, EST/WDT (9:30 pm NDT)

"Ladies and gentlemen, the President of the Christian Republic," a male voice said in Luziycan. A female voice then repeated it in Lombardian, and then Swedish.

The Presidential salute was performed, and the President made her way for her first public appearance since the impeachment motions were officially announced. She still had a slight limp, but compared to how she was at the opening ceremony for the Chaska i Esquarium, she seemed to be getting better day by day.

Once the final note of the Presidential Salute died out, President Sera Svensson began her speech.

"Good evening. Today, I have been informed that the House of Representatives has impeached me for violating the constitution, and for abuses of power," she said in Swedish.

After pausing for a few moments to allow translators to translate it into Luziycan and Lombardian, she continued, but switching to Luziycan.

"Over the past few years, I have attempted to recover from what had happened at Frontiersburg, while continuing my quest for peace for our time. I have tried to govern with the best of my ability, but in recent weeks, it has become apparent that what my capabilities are, and what are in the best interests of my country, are no longer in sync with one another."

After a few moments to let the translators catch up, and catch her breath, she continued.

"After this bill passed the House and got sent to Committee, I have held meetings with the Cabinet, trying to determine whether it was in the national interest for me to continue the presidency or not. They agreed at the time that I should wait until the motion passes the House, and then make a decision."

"Just a few hours ago, after the impeachment got through, the Vice-President stated that it was in the best interests of the Christian Republic for me to tender my resignation. And after a brief deliberation, I decided that it is better for me to depart the office with a shred of dignity, than leave the office in the back of a police car."

Some of the press gallery laughed.

"As much as I wish that things have turned out differently; as much as I hoped that I will persevere and live long enough to complete the term and ensure a peaceful Velkia, where the interests of the Christian Republic and the People's Republic can be met, the fact of the matter is that I no longer have a substantial base of support within both the House and the Senate."

After a longer pause, about 15 seconds or so, she resumed.

"Thus, I hereby tender my resignation from the Presidency, and transfer all of its duties and responsibilities to Colin Hardage. As the acting president during my recovery from my assassination attempt in Frontiersburg, I have a strong confidence that Mr. Hardage will be able to persevere in the process of ensuring not only the best interests of the Christian Republic, but also that of its role in the world."

After a brief pause, she continued.

"Despite my failures in recent months, because of the Svensson Doctrine, I am confident that history will remember me in a kind way; that when my great-grandchildren look back on my Presidency, that they remember the end of the barbaric practice of the death penalty; the efforts I have made to improve the treatment of the Shudri in the country; and most importantly, ensure that the Christian Republic uses her powers and influence for the benefit of all mankind."

"I have helped oversee the integration of the Christian Republic into the Esquarian Community, and ending the usage of the Esquarian Union as an arm for Luziycan foreign policy. I have signed an agreement recognizing Kaona as an independent state, and in a few months terminate our colonial rule over the Phikamese islands. As well, we have ensured that no further terrorist organizations in the Christian Republic can attack other nations, such as the Otekian Government-in-Exile."

"I recognize that more must be done," she said in Swedish, "but given the current circumstances, I have done what I have believed to be in the best interests of the Christian Republic, and her people."

She then switched back to Luziycan.

"On that note, I would like to thank all of you for having covered the Presidency, whether I have done good, or if I have done bad. I would like to thank each and every one of you for holding our government accountable, and for helping ensure that the seeds of world peace can sprout, so our children may witness it flourish."

"In conclusion," she stated, "I am resigning, because I do not want to burden myself, my family, and Congress with the coming trial that will result in my conviction if I stayed on to the bitter end and continued that fight."

"That said, I have hopes that what I have started will continue to flourish under the coming administration of President Hardage, and under subsequent administrations that we cannot possibly imagine."

"That is all," she concluded. "Thank you!"

The reporters all rose in a standing ovation, some out of respect for Sera Svensson and her accomplishments, but others because they were grateful that she had stepped down from the Presidency.

by **Union of Akoren** » Wed May 03, 2017 6:11 pm

SECURED MESSAGE 38-K
OLYMPUS-to-POSEIDON
TOP SECRET - DO NOT DISCLOSE
To Vice Marshal Jamal Fakhri Tawfeek:

The call has been issued by the State President, all assets and information is in place on our end.

Asset-88A is enroute to target, E.T.A 6 hours. Will contact Special Group-11 upon arrival in target area.

Recommending that preparations be made by your task group as soon as possible.

Requesting immediate status report of group and affiliated task groups.

Timeline is still in place, will advise should timeline need altering on our end. Please advise as soon as possible should timeline need altering on your end, will comply.

Be advised will update hourly through Special Group-19 on any indications of suspicion or discovery by target.

Ali Akbar Mozatadeh
Lieutenant Colonel, Special Attache to Marshal Burak Güven, Islamic Revolutionary Army

by **Union of Akoren** » Mon May 08, 2017 5:59 am

"Before the military can become the state, it must destroy it. A coup d'etat is not a crime, it is a baptism of fire, greater than any war and greater in the rewards"
- Javad Shadani, 7th State President of the Union of Ankoren.

Qufeira, Democratic Republic of Irvadistan
Lt. Erkan Atalar, 3rd Tactical Squad, 2nd Saberin Brigade
5th May 2017, 21.20pm

Atalar sat in the wicker chair observing the street, hundreds of Irvadis going about their evenings, some venturing back from restaurants, others visiting family and friends, and no doubt others walking about enjoying the warm crisp night. The street was awash with the sound of life, vehicles, laughter, chatting, the telling of jokes, all the sounds of obliviousness, the sounds of innocence.

As he returned his sight to his comrade opposite, Mahmud Rasfanjani, the waitress arrived to deliver their teas mixed with hints of rosewater. Receiving the glass, he smiled as a means of expressing his thanks, receiving a smile back in return. He stirred the tea with his spoon, contemplating what was to be unleashed in the next forty-five minutes, an operation 360 days in the waiting and indeed, the making. He had chased Caliphate leaders through the desert, through mountains and valleys, but now he would be assisting Nautasian kin in storming a presidential palace.

As he thought about the operation he looked up the street, the hill where Amin Kamel resided, at top was a mighty monument to dictatorship, an ultra-modern yet imposing palace, overlooking the entirety of Qufeira. Much like the fortresses of Nordania of old. The issue haunting his thoughts was that it was indeed a fortress, built atop a hill for the very reason of protection against the action to be taken, not that it mattered really, especially with the clouds considered.

“Ten minutes and we’re picked up” Rasfanjani spoke up, duding out his cigarette on the tin ashtray.

“Yeah, I know” Atalar sighed. As he spoke, his digital watched beeped to life, it was the alarm of the operation’s start.

“You ready?” Atalar asked his comrade, who was lighting his fifth straight cigarette.

“Yes, always am” Rasfanjani smiled through his cigarette.

The two were a part of a squad of ten, the other eight were preparing the van that would collect them two and take them to the staging area. The ten were a part of a 50 strong Saberin task group sent to assist the Irvadi People’s Defence Force in the forced removal of President Amin Kamel, the military wanted the Union’s best to storm the palace, to ensure the “ratdog” as they called him, would be apprehended – little did even the Saberin know.

As Atalar shut off his watch’s alarm. On the outskirts of the capital, the IPDF’s troops were deploying along the major roads leading to and from the city, blocking them off…

Qufeira, Democratic Republic of Irvadistan
Lt. Erkan Atalar, 3rd Tactical Squad, 2nd Saberin Brigade
5th May 2017, 21.30pm

As soon as the first tank rolled past the restaurant, the duo threw themselves up from the table and walked straight for the alley behind it. Waiting was a white van, inside were eight fully armed and kitted out Saberin soldiers; the best the Union had to offer. Jumping into the back, both Atalar and Rasfanjani began to put on their Kevlar vests and load their assault rifles.

Placing on their Irvadi insignia and helmets they all shared a swift look and smile. Many returning to looking down to their feet in prayer or deep thought.

“We’re a go” Atalar spoke softly, followed by the ignition of the engine, they were off. Zooming through the alley they took a left turn, coming in behind several BMP-1s, with soldiers on the tops and inside with the doors open. Waving a blue card, the driver of the van soon received thumbs up from the soldiers on the closest BMP. Above them, suddenly shot over a fighter jet, barely 20 meters above the roof tops, this was a Coup indeed.

The streets however were slowly swelling with people, civilians piquing their interest at the goings on, even if the night air was punctuated by the snaps of gunfire off away towards the Interior Ministry. Suddenly the convoy came to a halt, civilians rushed up to the BMPs, shouting out questions. Rasfanjani tapped Pvt. Balcı on the shoulder, prompting him to winddown his window.

“What are you doing?” a civilian asked out.

“Are there terrorists?” another screamed.

“We’re getting rid of Kamel” one soldier bold, or stupid enough to reply, said. There was silence from the massed crowd, Atalar suddenly had a nauseous feeling consume him, were these people about to swarm them and lynch them, or cheer them on. Second after second past and still no reply…

“God be with you” a civilian shouted out.

“God be with you brothers” the civilians began to shout out, many rushing to their mobiles to spread the news, but with the phone network shut down by the Army, it was no use, but the support was well received.

“Irvadistan prevails” a soldier on the BMP ahead roared out.

“Irvadistan prevails!” the crowd roared back, a fine farewell as the convoy began move again.

Rolling down Independence Avenue, the warm air was circulating through the van.

“What’s the expectant resistance sir?” Pvt. Devrim Erden asked, loading up his Daeconese made Chippler Bullwasp.

“Between 100 and 250 Republican Guard, armed with assault rifles and SMGs, many staff and some dignitaries, 4th, 5th and 10th squad have the lists of people the IPDF wants arrested. We’re to go in with the other Tac Squads to clear the route straight to the residence. No quarter, Rules of Engagement are that all individuals without blue armbands are to be engaged, armed or not, take no risks” Atalar reeled off, checking his pouches and ammunition count.

As the convoy took the left up to the Mount Kamel Palace road, a sudden boom vibrated the van, looking out to the left, a orange ball of flame rose up from the palace itself, courtesy of an Irvadi Air Force jet. Rising up the slope, the convoy zoomed past the burnt out remains of the checkpoint, around it lay the bodies of six Republican Guardsmen, little chance against a Type-82 main battle tank.

Eventually, the convoy rolled up to the main gate of the vast palace complex, exiting the van as quick as a flash the squad formed up, the guilty tank sitting directly in front of the gate. Peeking through the rails, hundreds of figures could be seen rushing from several side buildings into the gardens, behind them, a large chunk of the primary structure was in ruins and engulfed in flames, the ornate gardens torn and dirtied and strewn with debris.

“Lieutenant Atalar” a Persian speaking soldier gruffly bellowed.

“Yes sir” Atalar shouted back, turning off the safety on his weapon.
“Good in you’re in position. We’ve counted at least 800 people inside with the drone above, we’re not sure how many are armed, but intercepted communications from the RG puts the number around 230. They’re tough bastards, but not the toughest, they’re out on the front, they’re currently being detained by the Army.

“You know your orders, enter the palace clear the way to the residence, anyone who shoots at you is an enemy of the Union and an enemy of the Irvadi people, leave nothing to chance and do not take risks” Captain Peydan spoke swiftly and without emotion, patting Atalar on the shoulder, he rotated his arm in the air, giving the signal.

The Type 82 tank roared to life, spewing black smoke out of its rear, its revs giving way to a crash as the tank rolled over the iron gate. As soon as the gate crashed to the gravel ground, the Republican Guard opened fire with their assault rifles, SMGs and pistols. The tank however was swiftly followed by three BMP-1s, who offered direct cover for Atalar’s squad and three others tasked with clearing the way. As the Republican Guard attempted their best to dent the war machines, they simply returned fire. The Type 82 fired its main gun off towards the columned front of the palace, the shell bursting away, sending out dust and shards of marble.

Pressing ahead behind the BMP-1, tracers zipped past on both sides, their sharp vicious sounds reminding the squad of their ops out in the deserts of Irvadistan, where they hunted Caliphate leaders like prey, but that was the most the Republican Guard could offer.

Eventually the squad past the replica of some half naked goddess, though granted it was in a thousand pieces after the Type 82 drove it down.

“Break!” Atalar screamed, his squad splitting in two and rapidly advancing from either side of the BMP-1, their weapons firing away in bursts, each putting down a Republican Guardsman. As the 25 Saberin troops advanced in straight line, gunning down all that could be seen, the Irvadi People’s Army soldiers soon followed charging up the rear.

As soon as Atalar took down a Republican Guardsman seeking cover behind a potted plant, an RPG darted past him, striking one of the BMPs, turning it into a blazing twisted hulk and sending three IPA soldiers flying to the ground. In turn, the Type 82 fired a shell into the spot of the deadly rocket, blasting away a balcony on the third floor and shattering the windows around it.

Stepping over the bodies before them, Atalar’s squad took the left, entering the garage. His men checking their corners, their weapons zipping from one point to another. Before them however was a sight, at least 20 of the most luxurious cars, classics by international standards, collectively they would surely cost millions, collectively they represented the extravagance of the Kamel family no doubt.

Passing the dictator’s collection and assortment, they entered a service hallway. The lights flickering with every explosion outside, yet they pressed on, checking each room. As Atalar and Rasfanjani checked a room packed with washing machines and clean bedsheets, two Guardsmen rushed down the small flight of stairs towards them, one firing off two shots, narrowly missing Rasfanjani and striking the concrete wall beside the door to the garage. Private Halefoğlu soon put both down with his Yavuz 9S1, both bodies tumbling down the steps.

“Thank you Halefoğlu” Rasfanjani bellowed as he stepped over the bodies in khaki coloured battledress.

Eventually the squad came up to the door leading to the colossal atrium of the palace, though granted it was covered in dust and strewn with chunks of marble, concrete and glass from the first shot from the Type 82. Atop the debris and dust were the shattered bodies of eight guardsmen, turned to lumps of flesh and bone by the shell, their blood and fluids mixing with the dust to form a rug of gloopy maroon.

Checking their vectors, the squad was soon joined by the other three; two entering through the gaping hole where the door once stood and the other entering from the other garage. They continued on, the two through the door pressed on entering the ground floor hallway, Atalar and the other squad each took the opposing staircases rising up from the atrium. Soon, the sound of the chaos outside faded away, allowing through the sounds of screaming and pandemonium as the palace’s staff and defenders sought safety from the fury that was now marching on them.

Taking a left before the six-foot-tall portrait of Kamel atop of the adjoining stairs, the Atalar squad pressed. The entire Saberin group had remembered the floorplan of the palace repeatedly since March. The coup was in the planning since May 10th 2016, however its eventuality was clear with the offensive to take Luqya; the so-called capital of the equally so-called Caliphate. The Ankoreni military and their comrades in the disenfranchised, disenchanted and side-lined Irvadi regular military, knew the coup could only happen with the fall of Luqya and significant gains in territory reclaimed from the terrorists. With the Caliphate reduced to a rump in the far north of the country, the Irvadi military was free, the country’s heartland safe, to remove Kamel and his family from power.

“Straight ahead 100 meters” Atalar shouted. At the far end of this main hallway stood the double doors to the President’s Residence. A multi-roomed palace within a palace, within it would be the man and his sordid family.

Heading forward down the hallway, gunfire and blood curdling screams echoed from the ground floor and ground above as IPA soldiers took to the higher floors containing the residences of staff and dignitaries close to the President. This was a coup afterall, this was the bloody removal of a man who has ruled the country since 1998 and brought nothing but poverty, civil war and the bloodthirst of the so-called Caliphate.

Yet with each step, they felt greater anticipation, with each step they came closer to the man who for them at least, and Ankoren, stood in the way of unification. Although their orders were to apprehend him for Irvadi justice, there was no insistence.

As they passed a colossal bedroom, full of artefacts and gaudy ornaments, a Guardsman burst out of a room ahead, firing his AK randomly, spraying rounds all across the hallway. The squad dropped to the floor, or smashed doors through to take cover, yet it would be Atalar that put a round straight through the desperate man’s head, his lifeless corpse slumping down. His blood staining the $800,000 white carpet. As the squad took to its feet, Erden didn’t.

“Erden, get up” Rasfanjani barked. When he didn’t even flinch, Halefoğlu checked his pules, fiddling around with Erden’s neck, he lifted him over onto his back to reveal two gunshots to his chest and one to his neck.

“He’s gone sir” Halefoğlu lamented.

“Fucking animal!” private Yağcılar fired at least ten rounds into the body of the Guardsman.

“Enough” Atalar pulled Yağcılar away, pulling him ahead towards the residence.

“Take it out on him in there!” Atalar shouted as the squad picked up the pace, yet as they did, the sounds of people crying out their last breaths echoed even louder, as in their pace picked up, so did the ferocity of revenge all around them.

Eventually they reached the double carved doors to the residence. Atalar and his entire squad minus Erden, took a deep breath as Atalar and Rasfanjani kicked the doors open. Seconds later, the other squad did the same on their side of the waiting room.

There was silence… no Guardsmen, no screaming, nothing. The western bay window was smashed open, the silk drapes fluttering in the warm spring wind, the sounds of helicopters, aircraft and gunfire filtering through with it. The waiting room was chrome in colour, the ceiling and floors marble white, but it was the silence that gripped the men, not the ornateness of the welcome.

Pressing ahead, they checked the bedrooms of Kamel and his immediate family; his children’s, his grandchildren’s. The playroom, the personal kitchen, everything was empty. The “ratdog” was not there, none of his brood were… he had escaped. They knew the safe room wasn’t an option, since pro-Coup officers in his secret police had altered the entry codes that morning through a “routine inspection”.

Clutching his radio, he looked at Lieutenant Karadoğlü, the commander of the other squad on his floor, raising his hand as if to say “where the fuck is he?”. Karadoğlü had the face of fury itself, his head twitching in every direction as if Kamel was hiding behind a cabinet or curtain.

“This is Janissary-3 come in” Atalar shouted down his radio.

“This Challenger, go ahead” a monotone voice replied.

“Target is missing, I repeat target is not at site, over” Atalar shouted again.

“Janissary-3 copy that. Target is missing” the voice replied, surprise completely absent from his voice.

“Challenger, Janissary-3 orders?” Atalar, desperate for answers punched picture frame of Kamel and his wife, shattering the glass.

“Janissary-3, site is secured, you are to stand down, how copy?” the voice said. Atalar, his squad and Karadoğlü looked on in horror, surely that was not it…
“Repeat that Challenger?” Atalar enquired.

“Janissary-3 you are to stand down, target will be pursued, you’ve completed your mission lieutenant, the Union and all of Nautasia congratulates you. You and your men have made history tonight, remember that” the voice replied, this time with pity.

“Copy that Challenger, be advised I have one KIA” Atalar sighed.

“I am sorry to hear that lieutenant. Your man will be remembered as a true martyr of the revolution, his name will never be forgotten. Stand down and prepare for de-brief. Challenger out” the voice faded into static.

Atalar turned to his men, nodding to them. They turned and began to leave, as they exited the residence, a group of Irvadi soldiers walked past with tankards of gasoline, pouring the liquid over the furniture and kitchen tops, Kamel’s legacy would be burnt away.

Da’qurr, Democratic Republic of Irvadistan
Lt. Enver Öcalan, 9th Tactical Squad, 2nd Saberin Brigade
5th May 2017, 13.30pm

The journey to Da’qurr was pleasant enough, the scenery was to be expected for a desert nation – deserts, the odd scrub, the odd village, the many billboards of Kamel’s likeness, the odd checkpoint and the odd Koy fighter jet above flying west to bomb the Jihadis. But Öcalan’s passengers weren’t to be enjoyed, the five hour car journey with the dictator of Irvadistan was difficult, especially with all the Ankoreni propaganda circling around his head as he looked at him, his pampered spoilt kids and his wench of wife, but these were his orders.

Eventually they reached Da’qurr and its naval base gifted to the Koy. Exiting the vehicle with Kamel and his family, they were greeted by the Koy soldiers and political attaches who were charged with Kamel and his family’s transport to Koyro for safe haven. Kamel didn’t utter a word to any his Ankoreni handlers, let alone the one who drove him all the way from the capital to Da’qurr, he ignored them and they ignored him.

As Kamel embraced the Koy ambassador tightly, Öcalan and his six fellow comrades in full formal dress looked on in disgust. How easy it would be to shoot him in the back, but its patriotism and violence instilled discipline held him back. After exchanging pleasantries with the Koy, the Kamel clan walked on, his brother Rasim, the head of the Popular Defence Brigades checked his rolex, and took his near 100% botoxed wife by the hand towards the Koy destroyer.

Kamel himself spoke to his wife who was in tears briefly, before taking himself off in the same direction… none of them, turned around to take one last look at their country, why would they? All of their money is going with them, to their new palace in Koyro.

After all, the Union and the Irvadi Army had to make sure the Koy didn’t intervene on his behalf. If that meant letting them take Kamel and co. to safety, then fine. Freedom requires some sacrifices.

by **Ainin** » Mon May 08, 2017 6:37 am

PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF AININ
8 May 2017: Extraordinary Joint Session of the National Assembly

CHAIR: Order. The combined houses of the National Assembly shall come to order. This joint session has been called by the President of the Republic in accordance to Section 23 of the Constitution, on the topic of JR-14, a Joint Resolution to authorise the use of force in Kraq. The chair sets six hours for the resolution's second reading. The chair recognises the Prime Minister.

Prime Minister MARIANNE DE LOTBINIÈRE (SD, DOVAL-1ST): Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Since that fateful evening in 1795, when the people of Talon thrust the nation down the path of revolution, Ainin's path in the world has been inexorably tied to that of the swelling tide of liberty, democracy and sovereignty for all states. In the centuries since, we have seen this freedom challenged at home as well as abroad, and we have been confronted with debates over the extent of the protection that our liberties provide. However, in all these years, this nation's commitment to its revolutionary founding ideas has never died. Indeed, it is stronger than ever.

Madam Speaker, colleagues, what this government seeks today is the actualisation of this noble mandate for the world. The times are changing, and we must change with them. Civil war is no longer an exclusive internal affair, and as we have witnessed in the streets of Talon two years ago and in Pisdara two days ago, modern terror knows no borders. Today, as we speak, it continues to endanger the people of Kraq and deny them the opportunity to live free, fulfilling lives absent from fear. Hampered by a lack of commitment from global allies and foreign machinations that threaten its sovereignty, the Kraqi government has struggled to deliver peace and prosperity to its citizens, by no fault of its own. We as a global community, through our neglect and inattention, have failed the Kraqi people and all those peoples afflicted by the blight of terrorism and other destabilising forces.

Aininians, as the heirlooms to a legacy of freedom for all peoples, cannot and will not allow this to continue. After consulting with President Hardage of Luziyca, Kraqi leaders and our allies across the world, it has become clear to this government that the only way to end the war on terror is to win the war on terror.

As such, I ask this House to grant the government permission to firmly and completely prosecute a military operation to remove the last stains of the Caliphate and of the Irvadi Front organisation from Kraq's sovereign borders. In doing so, we protect not only the lives and self-determination of the Kraqi people, but also the right to exist of East Nautarya, the liberty of conscience of religious, sectarian and ethnic minorities, and the conditions necessary for a rebirth of democracy and popular sovereignty in Nautasia.

To those who question our motivations: we come as friends, not as oppressors. We have no motive in the defence of Kraq other than a desire to see the eradication of hatred and oppression from the face of our world. Fanaticism and militarism are the enemy of all freedom-loving peoples in the world, and we must come together and unite against the invisible but pervasive influence of those who would seek to spread hatred and division amongst our communities. This is the higher purpose for which we will fight, and for which we have laid down life and limb since that cold autumn evening of 1795.

We will be unyielding in our commitment towards this higher purpose, and we will overcome the challenges ahead with unflinching hope in the goodness and unity of mankind. Thank you.

Sustained applause

CHAIR: Thank you. The chair recognises the Leader of the Opposition.

Leader of the Opposition YVES CARPENTIER (DEM., BEAUREPAIRE-6TH): Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Ladies and gentlemen, I rise today on behalf of the Democrats to offer our wholehearted support for this resolution.

Ainin and Nautasia have had a special relationship forged in decades of cohabitation and mutual understanding. We have fought together against mutual enemies, we have learned much from each other's cultures, and we have a longer shared history than any other peoples in the history of this hemisphere. We know of no higher end, as Ms. Lotbinière has said, than the actualisation of liberty and prosperity for the Kraqi people. As part of this commitment, we must accept that when our fellow man is threatened by enemies, we must take action to defend them. We have full confidence in the capability of our armed forces to work in cohesion with our Kraqi and Luziycan allies to defend the citizens of Kraq from terrorists, and our only objection to this proposal is the time it took to arrive on the floor of this House.

Indeed, Madam Speaker, we believe that this government owes the Aininian and Kraqi peoples explanations for why it took so long to undertake such a straightforward and righteous task. Every minute of inaction from Huimont has been taken as carte blanche by terrorists, foreign agents and other elements hostile to democracy in Kraq to continue their destabilisation of the nation. Instead of taking leadership of the global war against terror during its opening stages, we are left to pick up the pieces of the humanitarian catastrophe in Nautasia.

Nonetheless, these criticisms would ring hollow if we did not offer our support to the prospect of immediate action. As such, we are in strong support of the resolution at hand and I urge all my colleagues in this House to vote in favour. Thank you.

Applause

CHAIR: Thank you. The chair recognises the leader of the Green Party.

CHRISTOPHE MARCHANT (GREEN, HUIMONT-6TH): Thank you, Madam Speaker. I accuse the government of misleading this House.

Many jeers

CHAIR: Order.

Some jeers continue

CHAIR: Order! The House shall return to order! Thank you, Mr. Marchant. You may continue.

CHRISTOPHE MARCHANT (GREEN, HUIMONT-6TH): As I was saying, I believe that this House is being misled onto a path of war and destruction for the benefit of the few at the expense of the many. What the people of Kraq need is not armed force, but development assistance; not guns but essential medicines; not assistance to a military dictator but commitment to true democracy in Kraq. This government's plans offers none of these things, instead preferring to sacrifice the Kraqi people on the altar of ill-intentioned intervention.

Many jeers

CHAIR: Order. Order!

Fifty-five minutes later

CHAIR: Thank you. The chair recognises the member for Auxpuis.

Government House Leader MARC-HENRI BARTHÉLÉMY (SD, LANAUX): Madam Speaker, I rise on a privileged matter.

CHAIR: Please state your business.

Government House Leader MARC-HENRI BARTHÉLÉMY (SD, LANAUX): I move to call the previous question, to dispense with the third reading, and to proceed to a final vote on enactment.

Audible protests

CHAIR: Order. Order!

Some continued protests

CHAIR: The House shall return to order! The question is to call the previous question, to dispense with the third reading, and to proceed to a final vote on enactment. All those in favour, say yea.

Many yeas from government benches

CHAIR: All those against, say nay.

Many nays from opposition benches, along with some isolated voices from the government benches

CHAIR: The yeas have it. This motion passes. Cloture is achieved on Joint Resolution 14. Will the House Clerk activate the voting devices and secure the floor?

QUESTION: To enact Joint Resolution 14.

HOUSE OF DEPUTIES
____________________YEA   NAY   N.V.
SOCIAL DEMOCRATIC   132    14    22
CITIZENS ALLIANCE   124           6
DEMOCRATIC           61 
NATIONAL ALLIANCE    27           1
COMMUNIST                  17
MOUV. RISAGNOIS            17
BLOC FOR RURAL DEV   11           1
GREEN                      10
WEST AIN IND. MVT.                7
RADICAL RALLY         1

TOTAL               357    58    37
____________________ 86%   14%
____________________RESOLUTION AGREED TO

HOUSE OF CENSURE
____________________YEA   NAY   N.V.
____________________177          19
____________________100%
____________________RESOLUTION AGREED TO

Minister of Agriculture DAVID PROULX (BDR, AMIS-OUEST): I move to adjourn.

CHAIR: Any objections?

None voiced

CHAIR: So ordered. The meeting is adjourned.

by **Union of Akoren** » Mon May 08, 2017 9:11 am

Assembly of the Union
Minutes of the Special Convention 8th May 2017
On Matters of Importance to the Revolution and the Direction of the Union

SPEAKER: Members please rise for the Commander of the Union, State President Volkan. This session will come to order, this special convention was requested by the office of the State President, on matters of importance to the revolution and direction of the Union. The registrar has not recorded any absences. You have the floor comrade State President.

Assembly rises and sustained applause.

State President EVREN VOLKAN: Thank you comrade speaker, dear colleagues and friends, I have called for this special convention in wake of the growing situation to the north; not only does Luziyca now seek to deploy forces to Kraq, but the Aininians intend to do the same. Not since the crisis in Petrea in the 1980s have we faced Aininians upon our doorstep, but now we face a Luziycan and Aininian joint effort to intimidate the Union.

Jeers

The great victory of the Irvadi people three days ago now stands as the point of departure from peaceful coexistence from the imperialist powers. The removal of Kamel and the now inevitable march of free Nautasians into the lands of the corrupt and criminal Ahmed Hussein has provoked this vicious and malign response. The fear of freedom and self-determination spread to Kraq has the imperialists cowering, but now in their fear they have committed to well-practiced acts of hiding their imperialist deployments behind the veneer of friendship and solidarity against terrorism.

Yet, we all know this to be a lie. The so-called Caliphate is on its knees, gasping its last breaths and they claim the time has come to assist the Kraqi regime. They do this now? They do this now not for the sake of the Kraqi people, but for their sake and the sake of the weak and corrupted Hussein, never do these people act in the interest of the vulnerable and the dispossessed. We see this great truth at last, we see the imperialists traditions in play, we see our enemies clear as day and we must confront them.

Sustained applause

If we are to succeed in our revolutionary aim of unification of this continent, we must not be cautious and we must never succumb to fear. The enemy may now be on the field of play, but that does not mean we should turn and run. Rather, the enemy now clearly before us, we should confront him with greater vigour and scorn than we have done so in the past. I ask you, let us have a dagger in our mouth, a bomb in our hand and infinite scorn in our hearts, shall we?

Sustained applause and cheers of “Yes.”

Then I propose to you this; first the Union shall proceed with withdrawing all diplomatic ties to the Hussein regime, as well as no longer recognising the regime as the legitimate representative of the Kraqi people. All assets and property belonging to individuals connected to the regime, in the Union, shall be frozen. Second, the Union shall offer itself as a safe haven for all those who would oppose him, naturally with the exceptions of terrorists or any individual who would extremist views of Islam.

Third, I ask you to support the government’s effort to not only seek official membership of the Iron Pact, but to seek a formalisation of the Zahedan-Protocol with Petrea. By doing so, not only do we again the added status and protection of the Iron Pact, but we establish with Petrea a collective defence agreement.

And lastly, I ask you to support the government in its proposal to the provisional government of Irvadistan, the creation of a union between Ankoren and Irvadistan. A federal union, upon which we venture into the world as a single nation, equal in worth and influence. If Nautasia and the especially the Union is to survive the looming imperialist threat, we must unite now. We must band together as one, for when we are one, we are unbreakable.

I formally table these four measures to the Assembly.

Sustained applause

SPEAKER: Thank you Mr. State President, I now open the floor. The chair invites Colonel Vahid Namdar.

Loud cheers and applause.

Colonel VAHID NAMDAR (Dasht-e-Mazar): Thank you comrade Speaker.

My dear State President, you stand before us a man of great leadership, honour and patriotism. You have guided our Union through crises and war, now you stand as the most powerful man on the continent, your proposals are just and sound and I do not, under any circumstances see grounds for rejection. The enemy are the gates of Free Nautasia, they are circling Irvadistan, reeling from the end of forty-two years of godless madness and they do so with the mask of smiling friend.

Dare we vote no and risk the whirlwind of imperialist vengeance at our success and rise. Dare we vote no, abandoning the Kraqi people to decades more of servitude to the Hussein regime and his colonial masters, dare we vote and ignore the screams of Nautasia, as she is raped. We do not dare vote no.

Sustained applause.

Speaker: Thank you Colonel Namdar, the chair invites Halit Altan.

Applause

HALIT ALTAN (Dürektepe Central): Thank you comrade speaker.

I stand with our honourable colleague Colonel Namdar, I ask, what would the Eternal Father do? What would he say to this blatant deployment of forces of exploitation and violation? He would say the same as our State President, he too would rage at their malignant ploy and he too would demand that the Union stand firm. We are not the Union of his time, we are the Union today, wealthy and strong. And this Union is not for surrendering the Kraqi people to decades of exploitation and abuse at the hands of a puppet dictator and his kafir masters.

Loud applause.

Speaker: Thank you Mr. Altan. The chair invites Raham Esfahani.

[b]RAHAM ESFAHANI (Qaleh-ye Akbar Bek): Thank you comrade speaker.

I view the developments in Kraq to be a blessing, truly a blessing. Now we see our task ever more clearly. Not only do terrorists and criminal gangs stand in the way of Nautasian freedom and progress, but so to, now do the imperialists. Let them deploy their soldiers, let them tell their lies to the world and to the Kraqi people, because we know the truth. And knowing the truth makes us powerful. And I make this vow as a member of this Assembly, as a patriot and as a proud member of the party, I would give my life is so demanded in name of this continent and the revolution. I would give my life and take a hundred imperialists with me because now is our time, now is our time and now is Nautasia's time.

You have my support my State President and you have my life to be spent in the pursuit of a Free Nautasia.

Sustained applause

Speaker: Thank you Mr. Altan. The chair invites Nesrin Çolak.

NESRIN ÇOLAK (Altınpaşa South): Thank you comrade Speaker.

As a mother as I feel only sadness for the children of Kraq. Not only are they denied the opportunities are children have, through war, through corruption and through exploitation, but now they are denied true peace because the terrorists will simply be replaced with the imperialists.

I cannot as a mother vote against these proposals, they are our continent’s future and so the continent’s present must come to save them.

Applause.

Speaker: Thank you madam, I will open the floor to vote.

Forty minutes later

Speaker: Wardens, you have the vote?

MUSTAFA EMIN (Warden of the Count): Yes comrade speaker.

Speaker: What is the count?

Emin: On tabled motion one, ayes 580

ÖSMAN KEMAL (Warden of the Count): On tabled motion one, nays 0

Speaker: Tabled Motion One is passed, the ayes have it.

Emin: On Tabled motion two, ayes 580

Kemal: On tabled motion two, nays 0

Speaker: Tabled Motion Two is passed, the ayes have it.

Emin: On Tabled motion three, ayes 580

Kemal: On tabled motion three, nays 0

Speaker: Tabled Motion Three is passed, the ayes have it. All three proposals have passed, comrade State President you have the Assembly.

by **Qianrong** » Tue May 09, 2017 6:46 am

OoC: This has been vetted and approved by Xiaodong as needed.

September 9, 1927

Keisi City Hall
Keisi, Senria

“It looks like the Xiaodongese took Takahagi late last night, and they’ll likely begin advancing on Koizumi and Sakamoto soon, if they haven’t already,” Nobusuke Takeo sighed, talking while reading a book entitled “An Analysis of Geopolitical Dynamics Between Koyro and Tuthina”. “If they take Sakamoto, they can take Aisi, and if that happens we’ll have lost control of Kitasuu entirely soon.”

Isao Isiyama shook his head in frustration. All of the work of the Senrian Revolution, a decade of struggling to free Senria from absolutism, and we might lose it all to an overly ambitious neighbor, he thought grimly to himself. The situation was dark; in only four months Senria had lost control of almost all of Kitasuu, and there were growing fears among the Senrian public that the government established by the Senrian Revolution would not be able to save the nation from the Xiaodongese Empire.

The ambitious dreams of Ryuunosuke Miyamoto- of a free, democratic Senria- seemed far away as Isiyama sat in the room that housed the Council of the Senrian State. What had been intended as a democratic means of governing the country- modelled on the ruling council of Montecara- had become a dysfunctional body, divided between the Republicans, led by him since Miyamoto’s retirement and death, and by the nationalist faction led by General Katurou Imahara, which had erreneously dubbed itself the “People’s Party”.

The thought of Imahara shook Isiyama out of his rambling train of thought. “Nobusuke,” he began quietly, “do you know where General Imahara is?” “Hm?” Takeo muttered, not looking up from his book.

“Only yourself, myself, Yatarou, Sigenori, and Admiral Nomura are here,” Isiyama said. “General Imahara isn’t here. Neither are General Miyu and Admiral Nakagawa. They’re usually more punctual.” Takeo shrugged disinterestedly. “I suppose something must be keeping them.”

“Takeo, when was the last time General Imahara was late?” Isiyama replied insistently. “Imahara is many things, but tardy is not one of-” the sound of the door opening behind him caught Isiyama’s attention. Turning around, he saw Imahara, Miyu, and Nakagawa striding into the room.

Isiyama and the others already in the room quickly rose, bowing slightly as a sign of respect. Imahara stopped and bowed, the other two following his lead. “Gentlemen, I am sure you all have heard the news regarding the front in Kitasuu?” Imahara began, speaking quickly. Isiyama nodded. “We have, General. Our remaining footholds in Kitasuu are under threat, and the public is losing faith in our ability to prosecute the war effort. If the situation gets much worse, we’ll wind up back under Emperor Katuhito, under Sigeru Hasegawa’s syndicalists, or under the Xiaodongese throne. I am sure we would all prefer to prevent any of those possibilities.”

“Indeed, and that is why I would like to propose what I believe to be the drastic but necessary solution to this situation,” Imahara responded.

Imahara paused before continuing. “Gentlemen, I am sure you are aware that the great realms of ancient Conitia had many curious traditions,” he began. “Among these was an early form of republican government in which a pair of citizens would be elected consuls, and serve a term of-” “General, with all due respect, the situation is urgent,” Isiyama interrupted. “We have no time for rhetoric anymore. What is your proposal?”

“During times of great crisis,” Imahara continued, “these ancient republics would appoint an individual to serve as dictator so long as the crisis lasted. These persons would be granted all powers necessary to solve the crisis and maintain the state- but after the crisis had ended, these powers would be returned to the elected government.”

“We can all agree that the preservation of the Senrian Republic, and the values of the Revolution, is paramount,” he declared. “But this is a time of national crisis, and we may have to take inspiration from the methods of the ancient republics. I propose the creation of a temporary government of national preservation, headed by one person tasked with overseeing the war effort, which will last so long as a state of war exists between Senria and Xiaodong. Once the war is over, power will be returned to this council and the formation of a permanent government for the republic can resume.”

A silence fell over the room as the republicans- Isiyama, Takeo, Yatarou Kuroda, and Sigenori Hirabayasi- looked at each other uneasily. It was entirely possible this was a blatant power-grab by Imahara and his faction. But they could not deny that the Council of the Senrian State was struggling, and that the public was losing their faith. “General, how do you propose that we hold the head of this… government of national preservation accountable, and make sure that they do concede power when the time arrives?” Isiyama asked. “I believe the Senrian people have shown they will not tolerate tyranny,” Imahara replied.

Isiyama sighed. “General, you make a convincing argument, I cannot deny that, but I still have concerns. We have seen the deaths of democracy at the hands of men who claimed to seek governments of national salvation. Aucuria, for example, and the regime established by Ramanauskas-” “Isao, if we do not act, there might not be a Senrian republic left,” Kuroda noted. “I share your concerns, but… as you noted, this is a time for action, not rhetoric.”

“The public’s faith in this government is shaken, and our independence is under threat,” Nakagawa said. “Mr. Isiyama, action must be taken. The Senrian people need a unified government to preserve their rights.” Isiyama nodded sadly. “I suppose you are right,” he muttered. “And who will lead this government of national preservation?”

“Clearly it should be one of the generals,” Hirabayasi replied. “This is a time of war. They would be the most qualified to handle the military effort.” Isiyama nodded. “Fair, fair. Lawyers and diplomats and politicians are not educated in war the way generals and admirals are. But which general would lead this effort? Who is the one man that will be tasked with defending Senria?”

“General Imahara,” came the voice of Admiral Nomura. “He has proved himself against the Republicans, against the Senrian Empire, and he proved himself against Xiaodong during the liberation of Sakata,” he listed. “He has great experience in land combat. If any of us is qualified to drive the invaders off of Senrian soil, it is him.”

Another silence ensued. After several seconds, Isiyama asked, “Do we have any other… nominations?” The question was followed by another pause.

“Alright, then I suppose we will vote on naming General Imahara to head a government of national preservation, that will last so long as the Xiaodongese threat persists. He will be granted all authority needed to win the war and preserve the republic, and after it he will return power to this council. All in favor?”

All eight members of the council raised their hand.

“Then I suppose it is agreed,” Isiyama declared. Turning to Imahara, he offered his hand; Imahara shook it. “May Heaven grant you success, General,” Isiyama said. “The fate of the Senrian Republic is in your hands.” “Thank you,” Imahara replied, smiling slightly. “I will not fail.” Turning to the remainder of the Council, Imahara called out “kyouwakoku banzai!”- “may the republic live for ten thousand years”. “Kyouwakoku banzai,” they replied, before beginning to disperse for a break.

April 14, 1928

Sakata Forum Hall
Bantian (Sakata), Xiaodongese-occupied Senria

Yosito Otuzi shuffled nervously in his seat, looking around the convention room and sipping periodically from a glass of rice wine. Even as the nominal head of the government of the New Territories of Xiaodong, he felt uneasy in the room being used by the Xiaodongese to celebrate their success in the war against Senria.

All the leaders of the Xiaodongese offensive were present. Looking around, Otuzi could easily identify a small litany of prominent commanders. Lu Keqian, the general in charge of the land forces; Qing Qishuo, the admiral commanding the Xiaodongese fleets involved; Qiu Hanjie, head of the occupation forces; and Shen Jinping, Qiu’s right-hand man. There were also several individuals Otuzi could not recognized, all dressed in the uniforms of Xiaodongese officers.

The Xiaodongese in the room- all of aristocratic birth, he was sure- were donning a variety of thick golden epaulets, bright silk sashes, oversized hats with exotic feathers in them, and a litany of medals and awards. Otuzi, meanwhile, sat in a simple suit and necktie, feeling utterly out of place. Shaking his head slightly, he reached for his glass again and drank another sip.

The Xiaodongese were insufferable, he had to admit, but the alternative was to bend over and swear fealty to his rival Isiyama. The Xiaodongese had promised him power, and protection for his family, and thus far they had kept their word. I would rather deal with the Xiaodongese than beg like a dog at the feet of that piece of shit Isiyama, Otuzi thought bitterly.

Otuzi looked up at the sound of someone tapping on a glass. Lu Keqian was standing on the stage at the front of the room, wearing a tall shako hat and a uniform covered in medals and honors from the Emperor. “If I might have your attention,” he began demurely as the attendees moved to their seats.

He could not help but notice that the Xiaodongese made sure to keep a careful distance from him as they chose locations to sit, avoiding him as though he were diseased.

“I would like to begin, as is proper, with an update on the state of our war effort,” Lu continued. “As of today, forces under my command have continued their advances into the regions designated as Sueoka, Aisi, and Hisakawa prefectures by the enemy. It is my sure beliefs that we will soon control Kitasuu in its entirety. We are also preparing for assaults on the islands of Sadaisuu and Okasuu, and are expecting similar success there.” The announcement was met with a smattering of applause and cheers, which Lu lapped up eagerly.

“We are here tonight to celebrate the accomplishments of the Anti-Banditry Campaign, as you all know-” Lu began to speak, but was met with another round of applause, which was met with another smile from Lu- “and I am here to introduce one of the finest men I have had the privilege of meeting. He is a talented commander, a visionary, and a man who will prove instrumental in bringing about Xiaodong’s future. He is here tonight to discuss Xiaodong’s role in the region and its glorious future. Honored guests, may I present to you, General Qiu Hanjie.”

Otuzi joined the rest of the room in applauding General Qiu, who stood up and smiled slightly at Lu as Lu stepped away from the lectern. Qiu wore a deep blue uniform with a spotless white sash and a pair of gaudy golden epaulets. “Thank you, General Lu,” Qiu said, his voice gruff, before pausing to collect his thoughts.

“In my analysis,” Qiu began, “there are only four great Monic states in the world: Tuthina, Koyro, Namor, and Xiaodong. All the others- Min, Tinzhan, Senria, Duljun, Kaona- are barbarian nations wearing, defiling, the mask of Monic culture. Of the great states, Namor is the weakest, having already succumbed to the plagues of republicanism and radicalism. Koyro is stronger than Namor, but it too will succumb to the same plagues in time. Its monarchy has been gripped by decadence; its fate is already sealed. Tuthina's monarchy is stronger yet, but it is nevertheless a scion of an ancient time, unsuited for the modern age.”

“Only Xiaodong,” he declared, “has resisted the tide of decadence, barbarism, and savagery sweeping the Monic world. Only we have remained unsullied and pure. Xiaodong is the only country strong enough to lead the civilized world into this glorious new age.”

“Our strength consists in our effectiveness and in our brutality,” he said, jabbing his finger into the air for emphasis. “We care little what the scholars of the impure and decadent nations of the world will say about us. This world is not theirs, but ours. I am confident that we will have our victory, no matter how much the rest of Esquarium may howl. The superior will triumph over the inferior; their feeble cries will do nothing to stop this.”

“As the superior, it is our duty to purify this world of the inferior. And we are all aware, of course, that the most barbarous, inferior nation in Xiaodong's vicinity is Senria. It has been long known that the Senrians are the dogs of the Monic world, intent on destroying all that is civilized and noble within it,” he continued, drawing nods of approval from the crowd and a distinct feeling of unease from Otuzi, who shuffled uneasily in his seat. “They are a mongrel race, born from the interbreeding of race-defilers and savages, intent on spreading their filth wherever they can. Their rulers are incompetent and decadent, their traditions barbarous and impure. They are like an infestation of rats upon the Monic world- and it has become clear that it must be Xiaodong's duty to exterminate them.”

“The decision to cleanse Senria of its infestation was in discussion for decades, but has thankfully been provoked by the actions of the gang of rats led by General Imahara,” he said, eliciting a laugh from the crowd. “Their attack on the city of Bantian allowed us to no longer worry about the risk of being seen as acting unprovoked in the eyes of the world. We could cleanse their land of its barbarity while still claiming to act in self-defense.”

“I have issued the command- and I'll have anybody who utters one word of criticism executed by a firing squad- that our war aim does not consist in reaching certain lines, but in the utter physical destruction of the enemy nation. Accordingly,” Qiu declared triumphantly, “I have placed the Peace Preservation Brigades in readiness with orders to them to eliminate, systematically and without mercy, all men, women, and children of Senrian derivation.”

“Only thus,” he concluded, “shall we claim the position in the world to which Xiaodong is entitled, and only thus shall we begin the cleansing of the world from barbarianism. Who, after all, speaks today of the Nevan annihilation of the Tuleenans?”

Qiu bowed at the crowd to signify that he had finished speaking, triggering a sudden standing ovation from the crowd. Unlike Lu- who had savored every moment of applause- Qiu returned to his seat quickly, allowing the crowd to continue applauding him. Otuzi shuffled nervously once more, stunned by what he had heard. He had assumed the Xiaodongese would merely turn Senria into a vassal state, but it was clear that their plans were far different from what he had assumed. Have I made a mistake? he thought to himself. Have I- have I-

No, he thought. My family is safe. So long as they’re safe, I’ve done the right thing.

by **Victoriala II** » Mon Jun 05, 2017 3:41 am

Sakar
1710

"By Allah, Bilal! Would you come here and help me with the house!"

Mother's words didn't feel as stingy as before. He felt none of the worry that accompanies the angry sound of scoldings and pesterings he had to take for years. It was engulfed in the ocean of sensations taken from the song of the sea. The cool wind, the salty air, the splashing of waves. The sun did not matter. There was always the two oceans to sustain his being. He smiles in body and soul, a jovial sense of tranquil.

A filled and hollow sea. God's firmament touching the queer wall of soup, his light giving way to the blue colors that encompass the world at its most pure.

Blessed God, he is, for he brought His heaven into earth.

The mortal Jannah.

There were no sails in the filled sea to disturb the horizon. The hollow one had clouds to bless him. As he engorges his soul in what he sees, he becomes engulfed in the experience. The universe engulfs water around him, filling his surroundings with itself, his eyes become entranced upwards to breathe. The ocean's embrace is strong.

As he is enveloped by the feeling, his being starts to fragment, to fade. Not the porcelain cracks of desperate witches but the decay of fallen iron into sand.

Slowly, slowly.

He gasps for his own sanity.

Bilal, ~~blessed child~~, the ocean drowns you! Wake from this dream and live!

And live!

Live!

Live!

Live!

live!

_______

"Ya Allah, thank you for saving him! How can I ever repay you?"

"Ah, no, no, it's fine. As long as the boy has learned his lesson. He will be well in a few days, Inshallah.

Sounds barely audible and the world blurred by darkness. Unglared at the light overhead, the world dissipates in the darkness again. There was a feeling of fabric and strips of wood underneath him. A breeze blows to his side. His head aches. But he is at peace.

His mind scatters everywhere, his being whole, yet drifting around thoughts at great speeds. Abstract theory and the multitude of imagined shapes. Memories of the baobabs, the sea, the ships and the old castles of the Walih. Emotions, fears, visions of the future. Misery. Pain. Explosion. Implosion. Fire. War. Death. Change. And lastly, Fear.

Fear?

Fear to repeat.

He looks overhead, and views his dreams. Floating in the vast viscuous expanse of his void.

There shall be a throne towards the east. It speaks to us in strangest verse. It is both alien and mundane. It speaks of death from the exact date of creation to the exact date of its total end. An inescapable feeling. An inescapable thought. The pains of this earth are nothing to the pains of the gods. There shall be suffering (as always be, yet this one is special). The throne shall make remember of that very suffering. Yet it is not yet time, the pieces are not set. And so, it dissipates from his dreams, and manifests anew.

Banners. They are colored with night and blood. They speak of change, of unity. The destruction of chains that bound them to suffering. Streams of red burn across the earth. Like ashes, it grew anew, one where man chooses for himself, according to his ability and his necessity. Other colors would come, but they might probably prevail on other paths. And so it shall be, as heaven allows their time. And so it dissipates from the dream, and another one manifests anew.

Overhead, tyrants. Southward, more tyrants. Eastward, war. Westward, unease. A heretic calls himself the true Caliph. He lies. The throne shall die in the south. Many more will claim continuity, without true succession. As it should. Ya Ali, the Occultation shall come.

The Occultation shall come.

His eyes move towards a sphere. A white, featureless sphere. Hollow and thin, it can pass through itself, moldable, shapeable into the form and size of oblivion and its antithesis. He attempts to turn it inside out. Yet, once it creased halfway, it dissipates. He twists it. Dissipates in creasing. Over and over and over, every possible permutation of movement and form he tried. It felt like forever. Yet...
F_t: S² → R³ so that f₀ = f and f₁ = -f
He did.

Jovial he is, thanking God for the marvel that he bestowed upon him. Along with it, he heard a voice.

It spoke weakly, yet filled with power. Its words have power, speaking from the very deepest chasms of the past, rumbling, incomprehensible.

Yet today, it speaks, and understood.

"Bilal, child of the water, you have known truths that you've meant to know. Let me be your father, as shall be the will of I."

Bilal looked around and saw nothing. A vast expanse of soft space, a viscous sensation of everything, yet in everything, there is void. An abyss without fear, and a light shining over him. It might be the voice.

And he looked up, and there is none.

A ray of light without source?

"Live and exist here without fear and worry, my child. I surround you and I give you peace."

Bilal cowered and tried to bow whilst above the ground.

"Please, submit to me not! Not now, at your dearest of thoughts. You have suffered, and you have succeeded. Your thoughts shall change you as you sleep. Now go, and

Stay

silent

and

fall

asleep."

And he closed his eyes, and slept.

.
.
.

And the universe opened his eyes, and his life came flashing before it.

Keisi [intermission//blues (2)]
Today

It was a somber night among the streets of the city. Friday. Better yet, it's payday. Salarymen come and go with their surgeon masks at the opportune hour and become invested towards leisure. Or go towards their families, that would depend on their choices. The air is still despicable, however. The streets are littered with cars, the trees stand still and get sat on by rowdy teenagers, and the drunken foodstalls are prosperous.

Upon one of these, stands peculiar. Everyone was silent. And looking at a person. And everyone was looking at her queer. Probably some in utter disgust.

Pink-White looks at her direction as well, her face screams utterly confused and anxious towards everyone else.

Bee gluttonously scarfs down on his bowl like a wild and rabid animal. Her anticipation was worth it. For-fucking-finally, she thought, not thinking of the logical sense the statement made off-context (not that she would, anyway, all she cared since she stepped foot in this island was that). She creates audibles. The sounds her food makes was vivid, every grain of rice, sauce and crunch of breading. The deepness of the bowl did not help. Some crumbs and sauce came to Pink-White's face.

Like a marvel of purity.

"...wow, Bee... you... you really wanted that thing, did you?"

Bee halts suddenly. Her head creeps slowly to Pink-White's direction. She looks at her suspicious. She moves her bowl away from her, and continues.

And everyone else's dinner turned cold that night.

Sakar
1710

It was loud. He felt every color. Every whisper. Every pain. Every laughter. Every sensation. Everything. He grew senses he never had. He saw colors he never realized nor seen before. He tasted every flavor and texture, best and worst. At every one short moment in this greater collection of moments, he looked like someone. He felt every emotion, succession of emotions, and the stories that justify these emotions.

He saw outward and inward. Push and pull. From the cluster of everything and the innermost foundation of everything. Creator, Preserved, Destroyer. Eternity eats its own tail, and in extension, his self when thirsty. Eternity is forever thirsty. Thirsty for a conclusion. For an end.

Yet he does not.

As moments pass, he had taken the appearance of almost every being that ever lived. After that, he, at each short moment, taken the appearance of one who might live tommorow.

And in every passing moment, it continued. Intruding his mind and forced into his thought, his memories compressed like the world pressed into a seed. He cannot hold all this. He screams in pain and terror, a sudden awakening. He is electrified and petrified. He is made into a paradox and into a logical conclusion. He is torn and repaired and torn and repaired again. He will remember, and he will forget.

And he has forgotten.

He has forgotten everything.

What is my name? he might think, but not now. He cannot. Everything and everywhere and everyone beckons. And he is pulled most great to answer it.

_______

Wind breeze blows from the ocean. A salty air was a fragrant one. A greenish sky appeared this afternoon, and the shadows of the baobabs loomed towards its grounds. The boats are docked for tomorrow. Some have begun preparations for supper. There will be prayer later.

Mother stays within the stones of their home. Worried for her son, she stands beside an occupied bed beside her window.

He shall wake again, Inshallah.

He shall wake again.

In tears, she beckons to God informally, for she never prostrated.

Please, bring him back.

And the wind continued to blow. And the world stayed mundane for a few more long moments.
The scent of coffee from afar has calmed her. The sweet scent, it spoke great expanses.

Like oceans.

The sea reminded her of his son's state.

She returns to her fear, now augmented by pain.

She weeps for his son, praying that the pieces he lays on shall never become a deathbed.

And the afternoon became evening, and the evening became night.

There was no noise but the wind and the splashing of waves.

In the dead of night, she thought the sound of his son screaming.

She shudders.

_______

The torment suddenly came to a halt. The world around him is static. Information enters as soon as it compressed into smaller forms. There's everything except himself.

him?

That's what he only remembers of his own being. That he's he. At one moment he thought he was a young girl in Nordania, a prince ruling over his Tvrdjava, maybe a lowly whore in the Most Serene Empire. Maybe a fire dancer in Min? Maybe a prized horse?

The only certainty only returned at his halt.

Why, yes, I am a man.

It felt foggy, like a dream.

Like a dream.

He awakes.

_______

His watch beeped 5:02 AM.

His name was Karasu Cahayung. He's set for home after a long journey. He had struggles his own to keep. Nothing mattered now as he saw the Kadangan bound towards the Glorious Monument. It was the dawn's warm glow that made it shine. He entered the vehicle, sat on the very back, and found solace.

The people who entered were awoken or sullen. As the driver started to move, he leans to his back, and looks outside.

Much have changed since then.

The Kadangan stopped at the monument to Her Glorious Majesty, Sirati. The sky enters a light blue color. She looks overhead and wonders.

He looks up and remembers.

He felt a hand touch his shoulder.

He turns back and sees a woman. Stout, curly head and glasses. She smiled.

"Kasu! Remember me?"

It's been a while since he called himself that. He nods, while trying to remember who she is.

"It's Tara! From high school, remember?"

He nods and remembers.

They walk together.

"So what're you been up to now? We never heard from you since you went abroad."

He tells her that he'd been fine. He mentioned of his work. Something about torches.

"Quite a bad one with you going home from that one."

He replies it's not the case at all, rather, it was an ok experience. He only had a lot to take care of.

"A family?"

He's silent.

They stop at another Kadangan stop.

This shuttle looked white and sleek, and it sports a transparent glass roof this time.

They board, and feel the sky overhead them.

The engine had a silent hum. The sky was bluest and clearest as ever. The sun smiles above them. He felt the warmth inside.

He noticed that they reached the Burung highway. An elevated monorail bisects the two sides of the road. He remembers this side before. There were on green hill, and beyond it, the big city.

He taps Tara's hand and notes the temporary sights on the window. She smiles and nods.

They were silent. They reached the monorail's station. It felt like a tunnel, covering the sky above and surrounded at both sides by buildings, acting as walls. There were orange lights above them, yet its gkow fades as the light outside became larger, and larger,

And larger.

As the light overcame them, his eyes slightly shift.

He looks up, and sees the old marvels.

The bright blue sky is shaded by the great fire trees of his youth. It was a flurry of colors, from red to green to blue. It felt like he was underwater. Light shines down from the crevices of the lush foliage. It felt soft. It felt fuzzy. It felt nice.

He smiles, and closes his eyes.

He is home.

_______

He pulls out of the dream.

It wasn't him. It was someone else. Yet it felt so familiar. It felt of memories of days gone past. Was it the blue expanse? The green foliage that shaded it? The ordeal of everything to him took every time. It didn't mean occurrence, it meant duration. That duration was roughly equal to every single second since the first explosion in the universe.

In it he forgot himself.

He looked up. There is a sudden pull towards it. He swam his way into the space in order to pull himself even further.

Every single length he ascends, he felt wetter.

Soon, he felt like water going through his nose and mouth. It tasted salty.

Later, he felt his ears invaded by water.

Much later, he struggles to move upward.

Even much later, he drowns.

At last, he touched the surface.

He saw the light above and felt his body free touching the air.

_______

Bilal jumped out of his bed screaming with a cold sweat. He breathes heavily. Shock.

Someone opened the door. His mother heard his voice. She was speechless for a few moments,
then broke into tears. She was rapturous and excited. She hugged her son for the first time in a month. She thought he was going to die. She thanked God and sung every phrase and song of praise she knew.

Bilal was hesistant at first to embrace her back. It felt like he had been in a long dream. What happened? He felt like he dreamt something important. The world he lays on felt peculiar. He never seen mother this joyous to see him.

For the first time, he felt her warmth.

And so, he embraced her deeply.

Mother's words didn't feel as stingy as before.

by **Jathana** » Mon Jun 05, 2017 4:27 am

Excerpt from The Black Wolf, published 1982

The rooftops were my only escape from the grime I resided in. They gave me a sense of freedom and exposed me to the cleansed air that wafted in from the outside world. For a short moment, I could close my eyes and smile, taking in the world as if it had all been presented to me in that moment. The sky was stained with shades of purple, pink, and red as the light from the setting sun bled onto the horizon. I stepped forward further, feeling the chill of the solid rooftop with each step. I stood on the edge and looked out to the horizon, beyond all of the distant buildings, toward the sun as it crawled slowly beyond my sight, the last of the crimson red light fading out and kissing the curve of the Earth. As the final spark of daylight faded, the night wrapped it's cold hands around the sky and engulfed the landscape, exposing the glimmering lights of far off cities that lit up the plain like distant diamonds on the bracelet of the world. The moon began to slip through fading clouds, letting it's silver light drip onto the land. The view set me free for a while, but I couldn't stay long, I knew. I turned, knowing my mother would scold me for staying on the roofs after dark. Hopping down from the ledge, I bounced my way down the trash-ridden stars back the way I had originally came.

I bound past Mr. Basu as I made my way home. As usual, he was working late in his shop with the door wide open to let in cool air. "Good evening, Sri Basu!" I shouted as I passed his doorway. He gave me a gentle smile and a nod before getting back to work. I finally arrived at home and calmly opened the door, catching my breath as if I had just sprinted a mile. My mother was chopping chicken breasts in preparation for dinner. "You're home earlier than I expected," she said, still focusing on the chicken "usually you stay on the roof for much longer." I let out a half-breathless chuckle "I know mama, but I was getting hungry." A sly excuse for rushing home to avoid punishment. "Well, you're just in time." She gave me a polite grin "Dinner is almost ready. Can you go tell your brother, please?" I nodded "Of course, mama."

by **West Cedarbrook** » Wed Jun 07, 2017 5:55 pm

With The Help of Heaven

On This Day, Sivan 7, 5437, be it known to Nations as June 7, 1677
I, Fishel I Fredrick, Emperor Yerushalaimi Pronounce

That as sovereign of all Yerushalaimi lands, lord of cities thereof, overlord of all Nominal and Ordinal Baronates of the Empire, King of Steinhouse, Soverign of the Grand Duke of Charleroi, commander of armies, benefactor to the people, defender of the faith, protector of the poor and weak, and arbiter of justice under the guidance and commands of God, I have heard the pleas of the good people of the western lands of Izrael in Nautasia, and rendered judgement thusly.

I will protect those petitioners abroad on the Nautasian coast, and their fields and cities inland and coastwise, and I will provide ships and soldiers and cannon to enforce this protection against all marauders, barbarians, and corsairs that have plagued and would ever plague my fair subjects on that distant shore.

And I will send a Viceroy to govern fairly and justly those subjects under my protection. This will be done to preserve the good people of that coast, of our common faith. And I will protect and defend also those of the religion of the cross that abide in peace with the petitioners. And I will administer justice under my Viceroy as guided by God, and the precepts of our faith.

And I will provide funds for a place of residence for my Viceroy. And I will provide funds for harboring of ships bearing the flag of my realm, to protect the inhabitants and commercial vessels upon the high seas. And be it known and recognized by all nations that these people and their livestock and their crops and their ships and their cargo are under the protection of the Holy Empire of Yerushalaim.

Let all who come upon those shores in peace commence commerce peaceably and equitably. And let nations be aware that raiding their vessels upon the high seas, or marauding my subjects of that distant land will be dealt with harshly. And those forcing pagan gods on the good subjects of that territory will be slain. And those attempting heresies in that land that plague or persecute my subjects shall be driven from the land. And let no establishment of the Moon God of the Mahomet-ans be found in that land, lest those responsible be driven from the land.

This I have done upon the urging of the good white people of Izrael, on the western coast of Nautasia, so that they may live long and prosper.

And I have commissioned a fleet bearing the Viceroy, and his guards and troop to depart from Ironton this day. And I have appointed Jacques, Baron Enflement to be the rightful and just Viceroy of the Empire in Izrael.

So it is written, so it is done
Yea Verily!

Fishel I Fredrick, Emperor Yerushalaimi

by **Namor** » Sun Jun 11, 2017 11:42 am

Antelope Shohai
June 11, NMR 2382 ·

Two dates will always be etched in the minds of the Namorese people - June 10 and June 11.

On June 10, our country witnessed what is perhaps the worst natural disaster of our time. A magnitude 9.4 earthquake in the East Namor Sea set off a tidal wave that decimated hundreds of communities. As the waves made their way closer to shore, as evacuation orders were blared through every possible medium of communication, children stayed at home while their mothers and fathers were rushing home from work, not knowing whether their families would make it out alive. Less than an hour after the sirens came on, the waves arrived, taking everything that remained in their way. On social media and on TV, millions of our compatriots - and millions more around the world - saw horrific images of the destruction that took place - from the washed away planes at Ngam International Airport to the disintegration of hotels near the beach in Thu Quay. We will never know how many lives were exactly taken from us on that fateful day; even so, we have an obligation to search for those who may still be there. And this search will continue so long as hope is there.

The next day, June 11, our country witnessed a great unity. Out of heartfelt concern for their constituents, the deputies of the Central Council set aside their political differences and declared a state of emergency to facilitate central government efforts to rescue and rebuild. Liberationist deputies from Shanpei called New Democratic deputies in Tuhao to ask if they're okay. Txoists and Christians kept their brethren and those outside of their faith in their prayers. The young reached out to the old and strangers embraced each other. The tidal wave has destroyed a lot, but they wiped away something else - divisions amongst our people. In doing that, it has revealed an ages-old truth: that although we call ourselves Kannei, Tuhaoese, Khao, Tojavese, Minjianese, Txoists, non-Txoists, leftists and rightists, we all belong to a great nation. And in times of adversity, we - the members of the nation - are able to look beyond the qualities that make us different from each other for the betterment of what we share.

On June 10, the tidal wave struck. On June 11, the Namorese nation struck back. Let us continue to show the world that so long as we have each other, the people, united, will never be defeated.

#NamorPrevails #StrongerThanTheWave

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Chen Minhang
1:02 pm · Like · 11,237
I'm changing my profile picture to the Namorese flag. Although I live overseas, my heart is with my fellow Namorese in the eastern coast who lost their loved ones in this tragic tidal wave. Resilience!

Txo An
1:15 pm · Like · 9,995
I usually don't comment on political stuff, but when I read the Pavonistadian president's tweets on the tidal wave, I was infuriated. Human lives and property were lost - not just in Namor, but in other countries that border the East Sea/Central Ocean. This is an INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN DISASTER and yet there are still some Pavons and Luzzies who think the people who died deserved it. Absolutely disgusting.

Kang Gukjung
1:49 pm · Like · 5,723
I know a friend who stuck with me throughout college. We graduated two years ago - I moved to Namo while he moved to Ngam. Unfortunately, that's where the tidal wave hit really hard. My friend was at an auto dealership when the waves came in. They never found him. This is the saddest day of my life.

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

칭온blues (1)

Scenes from the Senrian-Xiaodongese War (1 & 2)

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