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9/05/2025
Laboratoire on the Rise
Since February 2024, Laboratoire has been a name associated with secretive success.
The research network became a centre of attention after the inauguration of the Preveza High Institute of Technology (PHIT), the first “polytechnic” school in the country, as more than four laboratories have been funded and staffed generously by it. Many lecturers were handpicked by the network, and even the PHIT became an official member of the network shortly after its inauguration. Considered a very successful move by many commentators, this was only the beginning for the research network.
Over the rest of the 2024, Laboratoire has achieved both financial and scientific successes in many fields, making the Fregantese in general very proud, but leaving the High Athenian elite in utter frustration.
On August 2024, Laboratoire researchers and engineers have published a paper, detailing how stem cell treatments can be expanded in the FE. The paper included structural overhauls in hospitals and underlined the importance of up-to-date equipment and better coordination with the medical-pharma sector.
On November 2024, Laboratoire has purchased a local tech company in Boeotia, and expanded its facilities. The network announced, a week later, its intentions to produce new smartphones and computer devices to be introduced into the market in the upcoming months.
On February 2025, during the anniversary of the PHIT, Laboratoire has announced its intentions for developing a supercomputer. While many in the University of Athens found these ambitions to be unrealistic, the network has many supporters and a dedicated core of researchers. Should they accomplish this goal, they will have without a doubt eclipsed the University of Athens.
With the rise of Laboratoire remaining unchallenged, many are hopeful that one day the network will become the R&D giant it aims to be. On the other hand, sceptics are also raising concerns about the secretiveness of the network, as the board members of the research network are still unknown to the public.
Elections!
The long awaited Fregantese general elections are finally here! Planned to be held in late May, the new elections are one of great expectations and eager ambition, as the subjects revolving around the elections are both concerning and engaging, with the FE being divided on all of them.
As the elections drew closer each day, the leaders of the three most prominent political parties readied themselves for the traditional pre-election debate. With an ever curious population before them, their words carried more weight than ever before. Here is the Pre-election Debate;
Mediator: “Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to yet another Pre-election debate, where the leaders of the Academic Party, the Secular Pacifist Party and the Fregantese Centre-Left Coalition will give their respective views on many diverse topics. So, without further ado, let us begin with the so called “The Second Fantastic War”. The URT has initially declared neutrality, but then become a belligerent on the side of the Portuguese. We will start with you, Chancellor.”
Fleuchaim: “Thank you. The URT declared neutrality on the assumption that the conflict would be limited to the Iberian Peninsula, not to mention the distrust and the enmity held in the Roman Senate towards the Palveiro Administration. However, when the Spanish threatened to outflank the Portuguese through the entirety of their shared border, and after the involvement of Puertollano and the FSR, the URT found itself obliged to join the continental effort in defending the European interests in the Iberian Peninsula and the Atlantic. The results of the URT involvement is substantial, as the destruction of the South American fleet will keep them from projecting power over the Atlantic for a considerable amount of time. The URT involvement is justified for the sake of European unity and security.”
Mediator: “Mr. Kowalczyk?”
Kowalczyk: “The FCLC agrees with the AP that the URT involvement is justified, and that the success we have is substantial, however, we have to criticise the URT and the current government of their naïveté. The South Americans were bound to intervene, and an earlier URT entry might have served as a deterrent. The South American naval capability is damaged, but not unbroken. The aim of this conflict shall not only be the destruction of the last shameful South American colony in Europe and the liberation of its people, but also a clear supremacy over South America in the Atlantic theatre.”
Mediator: “Thank you Chancellor, Mr. Kowalczyk. Mr. Damadou?”
Damadou: “The SPP fervently believes this ‘fantastic’ war is an indisputable waste of resources, lives, time and focus. Europe in general already eclipses South America in technology, economy and soft power projection. Galicia is already a virtually useless region: mountainous and underdeveloped thanks to the incompetent South American model. The Palveiro Administration didn’t declare war over terrorism, it declared war over expansion. This war has been utterly unnecessary and wasteful in its entirety, and a huge burden on the Fregantese taxpayers.”
Mediator: “Thank you Mr. Damadou. We shall now move onto the next subject: the PHIT and the Laboratoire. The research network and the high institute have been attracting numerous investments, contributors and most of all, publicity. It has achieved numerous scientific breakthroughs, and has received praises from the wider scientific community. Now it is poised to shake up the Fregantese higher education system. Chancellor?”
Fleuchaim: “ The achievements of the research network are unmistakably remarkable, however the assumptions that the new high institute will surpass THE University are outrageous. University of Athens is rooted, well accomplished and a widely acknowledged institution. A newcomer to overtake it is simply a foolish arrogance. Nevertheless, we are confident that the research network and the high institute are important components of the Fregantese intellectual framework.”
Mediator: “Mr. Damadou?”
Damadou: “The success of Laboratoire and the PHIT is a valuable lesson for all Fregantese higher education institutions and the Fregantese intelligentsia in general. Dare to think, dare to dream, dare to act. Laboratoire emerged from humble beginnings, remained and remains secretive for strategic purposes and has been contributing to the global scientific community more than any other Fregantese institution during 2024. The PHIT is the new face of the scientific perception in the FE as well. It is well connected, well structured and highly effective. Students are given a rigorous education by expert researchers, and the high institute itself is becoming a beacon of research and development. It won’t be long before the name of PHIT echoes throughout the planet”.
Mediator: “Thank you Mr. Damadou. Mr. Kowalczyk?”
Kowalczyk: “The importance of the PHIT cannot be overlooked, and it is indeed a pioneering institute. Laboratoire has been attaining praiseworthy successes as well. These entities must be protected and nurtured, period. The only problem is their secrecy. Laboratoire is basically a gargantuan shadow, with each passing day the public understands that they have underestimated the network again. We are heavily sceptical of the ways the network is financing itself, and would push for a government oversight if possible. Such successful and promising entities cannot be left in the hands of shady individuals. The PHIT and Laboratoire need more transparency.”
Mediator: “Thank you gentlemen. We shall now discuss the last topic. Asia. There is a naval standoff between Bengal and Japan, while China remains the sleeping giant it has been for decades. Until now at least. We shall start with Mr. Kowalczyk.”
Kowalczyk: “We believe that Bengal should be supported by any means possible. They are one of Europe’s primary partners in the region, and share many of our ideals. In addition, a possible Chinese re-involvement in global affairs is a wild card, one that Europe, South America and North America needs to be prepared. The balance of power lasts only for so long.”
Mediator: “Thank you. Mr. Damadou?”
Damadou: “The confrontations between Bengal and Japan are mere child’s games. China, on the hand, is the real deal. They have given ships to the South Americans. A bad investment, sure, but an investment carries expectations. What happens when the expectations of a giant are unsatisfied? It develops further expectations. Where shall our position be in a world where the giant across the Atlantic is falling asleep while the giant across the Steppe and the Himalayas is waking up? Our position must be one of successful compromise and strict neutrality. Aside from these, we consider Zackaroth as an ignored but vital power. An IT jaggernaught, Zackaroth has the potential to shape the Middle East to its will, and we must partner up with this
potential.”
Mediator: “Chancellor?”
Fleuchaim: “The Japanese are a key player in Asia. However, the Bengalis are a key ally. Bengal must be supported, but Japan needs to be met with as well. Japan can never be off the negotiating table. After all, it is the Japanese that are able to send their vessels for intimidation, not the Bengalis. They are an important partner, both for Europe and North America. If they decide to rival Europe, however, they shall be met with equal measure. On the other side, our cordial relations with Persia must be maintained. The Persians are our long-time allies, and their support during the Balkan Crisis shall never be forgotten. Lastly, it is my administration’s belief that the FE has been overlooking a potential giant this whole time. India. The British dominion is region of vast opportunity for investment. We are looking forward to working with the Number 10 on possible approaches for our projects.”
Mediator: “Thank you all. Ladies and gentlemen, this was the pre-election debate. We thank our audience sincerely for their calm and civilised composure throughout the debate. Don’t forget to vote and good night!”
