Terra Magna News Express

[Makonia]

Death of the Queen

Queen Jelena III of Makonia

Abbie Roberts (@AbbieRoberts)
^{February 3, 2081 | Bagata, Makonia}

ON Monday afternoon the third of February 3, 2081 instant at half past six o’clock our late Most Gracious Sovereign Queen Jelena the Third expired at the Royal Palace of Bagata in Bagata in Makonia in the ninety second year of Her age, and the fortieth year of Her reign. This event has caused one universal feeling of regret and sorrow to Her late Majesty’s faithful and loyally attached subjects, to whom She was endeared by the deep interests in their welfare in which She invariably manifested, as well as by the many signal and gracious virtues which marked and adored Her character.

Queen Jelena III served as queen of The Kingdom of Mantara from 2041 , until her death on February 3, 2081. She is fourth-longest reigning British monarch after Queen Jelena the Great, King Kresimir IV and King Kresimir the Great. Jelena’s reign saw great cultural expansion; advances in industry, science and communications; and the building of railways and a permanent stance of neutrality in foreign affairs. The Queen fell ill on January 29 and retired to the Royal Palace of Bagata were she was tended to by her grandson, Prince Kresimir and his wife Princess Charlotte, as well as King Alexandre. As the Queen’s health rapidly deteriorated, she was joined by her husband and three days ago by her daughter and heir, Crown Princess Mateja who arrived from a visit to Gênes. In her final moments the Queen spoke her final words, spoken to Prince Kresimir and King Alexandre who each held her hands:

”I’m so sorry, my reign comes to can end it seems, succeed by one more magnificent, do hold my hands my dears, Alexandre...”

Her Majesty Mateja, Queen of Makonia

Her late Majesty is surivied by four daughters, four grandsons, four granddaughters, four great-grandsons and three great-granddaughters.

Born Zrinka Jelena on May 2, 1989, Queen Jelena’s father was at the time the heir apparent of her grandfather, King Jurica I and had to tend to many duties, and her mother became a domineering influence in her life. As a child, she was said to be warm-hearted and lively. Educated at the Royal Palace by a governess, she had a gift for drawing and painting and developed a passion for journal writing.

In 2008, Queen Victoria married her commoner boyfriend, Karlo Bosak . The couple met when Jelena was just 16; his uncle Stoyen suggested they marry. Since Victoria was a princess, her father, shined by now become King of Makonia as Jurica II made Bosak a nobleman before their marriage, resenting him a knighthood the day before his marriage to Princess Jelena. At first, the grneral public didn’t warm up to the commoner Prince and he was excluded from holding any official political position. At times their marriage was tempestuous, a clash of wills between two extremely strong personalities. However, the couple were intensely devoted to each other. Prince Karlo became Queen Jelena III’s strongest ally, helping her navigate difficult political waters.

At birth, Jelena was fifth in line to the throne, located behind her father and two elder brothers. However upon her father’s death in 2014, Victoria became second in line and known as the eventual heir apparent, since her two surviving uncles — who were ahead of her in succession — had no legitimate heirs who survived childhood. When King Alexander, Jelena’s favorite brother and successor to Jurica III, died in April 2041, Jelena became queen at the age of 51.

Queen Jelena III and her husband Prince Consort Karlo, before she became queen in 2041, had five children together, all of whom were daughters:
• Crown Princess Mateja Vlateka, who has succeeded her mother as Queen Mateja
• Princess Elena, who tragically dead just a few months before her mother.
• Princess Jagoda
• Princess Sofia
• Princess Mia

Upon assuming full responsibility for the kingdom, Jelena III quickly set about reforming Makonia according to her own vision, for the greater good of the nation and the Crown.

Royal Palace of Bagata

Her first goal as absolute monarch was to centralize and rein in control of Makonia. With the help of her loyal finance minister, and support from her husband the Prince Consort, Jelena III established reforms that cut Makonia’s deficit and promoted industrial growth. During her reign, Her late Majesty the Queen managed to improve Makonia’s disorganized system of taxation and limit formerly haphazard borrowing practices. She also conveniently declared members of nobility exempt from paying certain taxes, instead having them making dealings with the Crown, causing them to become even more fiscally dependent on the crown. In implementing administrative reforms toward a more orderly and stable Makonian government, Jelena III forced provincial leaders to relinquish their former political influence. In so doing, she constructed a more centralized administration with the bourgeoisie, or middle class, as its foundation.
Along with her changes to the government, Jelena III created a number of programs and institutes to infuse more of the arts into Makonia culture, modeling part of her approach after the absolutist monarchs of Gênes and Derita. In this vein, the Academy of Altson was founded in 2044, followed by the Royal Academy of Music in 2047. Jelena III also had the Prince Consort oversee the construction of the Paris Observatory from 2048 to 2053.

As for foreign affairs, Her late Majesty the Queen made her greatest mark, most notably by not making a mark. While Makonia had often kept itself out of the foreign interconnecting of various different conflicts over the years, Jelena used her absolute authority and power to move mountains and build up a framework from which policy could easily and quickly be adopted. That policy? One of permeant neutrality, which is one of the main principles of Makonia’s foreign policy which dictates that Makonia is not to be involved in armed conflicts between other states. This policy is self-imposed, permanent, and armed, backed by the small domestic forces and the protection of every major power in the world, along with other smaller nations that have pledged to support and recognize Makonia’s neutrality. This permanent Makonian Neutrality was designed to ensure external security and promote peace. It had caused an economic boom in Makonia, with its banking secure becoming the most important and largest part of the industries of Makonia. Because of the great effort and movements of Her late Majesty the Queen, Makonia pursues an active foreign policy and is frequently involved in peace-building processes around the world.

Of the magnitude of that loss and its irreparable character there can, indeed, be no doubt whatever. The steady good sense of Her late Majesty, which in these last few months and in the future seems to have rose to sagacity; the unprecedented length of her reign, of which only three other monarchs can claim longer, its marvellous good fortune scarcely broken by the catastrophe in Aniaburg or that unique disaster the great betrayal in Neichauesn, or the unexpected strain of the policies in the present world; and the remarkable relation as of a mother with daughter which, held along with the Prince Consort's assistance, grew up between the Her late Majesties and her peoples, had evoked a warmth of loyalty, which acted throughout the Kingdom as a binding force, and immensely increased its prestige among the nations. This lasted all the way to her final moments on this plane of the Living.

Upon the intimation of this distressing event, the Lords of the Sovereign’s advisory Privy Council assembled this day, at the Royal Palace of Bagata, and gave orders for proclaiming Her present Majesty, who made a most Gracious Declaration to them and caused all the Lords and others of the late Queen’s Privy Council, who were then present to be sworn of Her Majesty’s Privy Council.

Prince Consort Karlo

The crown on Her late Majesty’s head had really become "a golden link." That loyalty, moreover, was well justified. The people of Makonia seem to happily and eagerly agree always from those expressions of adulation which have recently been too common,and there can be little doubt that the political influence of the Queen was greater than many contemporary monarchs who hold constitutional positions, and that it was always exercised beneficially. She repeatedly intervened to re-establish harmony among the orders of the State, always with success—as, for example, in the marked case of the Countryside Establishments; she, over and over again, by insisting on moderation, as in the Mantara case and the case of Seidang, made it more easy for opponents to preserve peace, and she did much to protect that continuity and consistence of our public policy which strikes foreigners with amazement, and which our system of party government is apt at intervals seriously to threaten. Her late Majesty’s influence on the social life of the country, though not so great as it might have been had she not preferred seclusion, was altogether good, and it is believed—though the truth upon this point will not be known for years—that it extended far beyond these islands, the opinion of Her late Majesty’s being reverenced and, in a sense, feared by the immense clan of highly-placed personages to whom she seemed in her later years to be the common ancestress. Of her personal virtues it has become tedious to speak, but the historian will declare that they rendered her unique among female sovereigns.

There have been but few good Queens Regnant in modern works, and of these few Katherine II of Atmora is a constitution bonded jingoist, Alara of Russlande is often a tyrant, Queen Mary IIU of Scots the Scottish Revolution was false to her filial duty, Empress Maria Anna is as much the slave of her ill-chosen friends as kings have often been of their mistresses, Anna Charlotte nearly ruined the planet by her vindictiveness. Her late Majesty, Queen Jelena III and her Maian equivalent, Queen Adela stand out alone without a blemish as a Sovereign, without a disqualification for reigning, the only one whom, for the last thirty years of Her late Majesty’s life, her millions of subjects, the natives and the immigrants alike, would have chosen by plebiscite to occupy the throne. Their depth of sorrow at Her late Majesty’s death—a sorrow curiously increased by a sense of surprise, as if they had expected a lady of eighty-two to be some-how exempted from mortality—is amply justified. They will never see such a Sovereign again, and it is not a reign, but an era, which closes with her life.

Prince Kresimir, new Heir Presumptive to the Throne

Nevertheless, it is quite possible to be too apprehensive about the future. Great Monarchies survive great Sovereigns. The very affection which Queen Jelena the Third justly inspired makes the progressive evolution of the Crown more easy in its absolutism. It is the framework, the model of which all future monarchs may now mold themselves after. The vague fears as to the personality of Her present Majesty, the new Queen rest upon no foundation. If in her earlier years Her present Majesty gave occasion for scandal—and it should be observed that nothing in her earlier career, even as reported by malignant rumour, would have scandalised any foreign Court—the Queen is now a woman of mature years, full of experience both of politics and people, and well accustomed to deal with that endless play of jarring forces which is involved in the governing of a great nation such as Makonia.

She has been little known to the general public, though he has been much before them, having screened herself from criticism, as an Heir Apparent should, by a certain conventionality in her speeches; but those who know her best describe Mateja as a sagacious and kindly man of the world, singularly free from rancour, remarkably clear-sighted in her judgment of men and women, and with unusual power of arriving straight at the core of a matter. She gets her knowledge, it is true, from people rather than from books, but so do all diplomatists; and great Ministers have, it is said, now and again availed themselves of the Princess’s diplomatic skill. This judgment is well borne out by her long record as Crown Princess of Makonia. The present Queen has never suffered herself to become the centre of a party, has never allied herself with any group of politicians, has never given reason for the fear or the hope that she would make political favourites outside that of which is best for the Crown and the Kingdom. As a public woman, though living under a sort of microscope, she has gone steadily on her way, performing without impatience or failure her infinitely tedious duties—never giving offence, never making of herself a cause of embarrassment to any policy or group.

Whereas it has pleased Almighty God to call to His Mercy Our late Sovereign Lady Queen Jelena the Third, of Blessed and Glorious memory by whose Deceased the majestic Crown of the Kingdom of Makonia is solely and rightfully come to the High and Mighty Crown Princess Mateja Vlateka; we therefore the Lords Spiritual and Temporary of this Realm, being assisted here with those of Her late Majesty’s Privy Council with numbers of other Principal Gentlemen and Ladies of Quality with the Mayor, Aldermen and Citizens of Bagata, do now, hereby with one Voice and Consent of Tongue and Heart publish and proclaim that the High and Mighty Crown Princess, Mateja Vlateka, is now by the Death of our late Sovereign of Happy Memories, become our only lawful and rightful Liege Lady Mateja, by the Grace of God, Queen of the Kingdom of Makonia; to whom we do acknowledge all Faith and constant Obedience, with all heart and humble affection; beseech God, by whom Kings and Queens do reign, to bless Princess Royal Mateja with long and happy years to reign over us.

[Great New England Confederation]

[align=center]Interstellar Confederation News Network
Events

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Client-King William Narrowly Survives Assasination Attempt

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Today the bustling new Boston climate was interrupted abruptly, as the sounds of explosions and gunfire were heard throughout the city. During a trip to the local garrison, King William of New Boston was ambushed by an unidentified group of insurgents, and the forward vehicle of his convoy was destroyed by a protanle anti-tank weapon[, killing all on the vehicle and bringing the convoy to a hault. Williams and his guards where agile to dismount and return fire on their attackers, the firefight lasted for up to twenty five minutes, during which King William was hit twice by particle beam weapons at long range. The fight lasted up to thirty minutes and saw over twenty four enemy combatants killed,, and also left 14 Royal Guaards dead or wounded. William has since been put into a trauma center and is being treated for multiple particle beam burns, but is expected to recover, however the doctors were forced to remove his left arm due to the severity, which had completely burned out the arteries leading into that *[align]

[Irav]

Limited Democratization and the ‘Chain of Freedom’. Star Systems Secede from the Union as Ponchartrain Loses Control

Anna Ruiter (@ARuiter)
^{February 5th, 2081 | Ponchartrain, Irav}

On January 1st, 2081, the Assembly of Worlds voted on a bill put forward by ambassador Natell Turra of the star system Balin. This bill recommended that the Iravian Union abandon its authoritarian style of government and abandon the monopoly on political power, that ensured that Ponchartrain could appoint ambassadors from its member planets at will, without interference from the member planets themselves.

After a fierce debate had broken loose in the Assembly of Worlds the proposal was put to a vote, where it received an incredible amount of support from all minority factions within the Iravian Union. With the opposition mostly coming from the by Ponchartrain appointed xenophobic ambassadors, though it wasn’t enough to VETO the bill.
The recommendation to abandon the monopoly on political power was passed with a 67-41 majority vote and was put into effect on January 4th, allowing all Iravian worlds to appoint their own ambassadors to the Assembly of Worlds.

Ponchartrain loses 12 systems


In the weeks following the aftermath of this historic vote many of Irav’s member worlds held their first free and competitive elections. During these free elections the multiple ethnic nationalism parties throughout the Union won many seats. And as a subsequent result they declared their independence from the Iravian Union.

- Phannon Star Empire (Qat lopno’), January 16th.
- Balin (Balin Popular Front), January 17th.
- Xeuct (Pan- Zuact Nationalist Front), January 25th.
- Uthiac (Pan-Zuact Nationalist Front), January 25th.
- Heethes (National Movement Heethes), February 2nd.

Without any warning and without consulting with the central government back in Ponchartrain, the parties that declared their independence from Irav began seizing government property. In the span of two weeks military assets, post offices, radar stations, water purifying plants, the electrical grids, etc. were all seized by the independent parties in order to maintain their independence from the Iravian Union.

Primarch Elliott Heijman has issued a statement that Ponchartrain will make no diplomatic or military effort to bring the seceding territories back in line with the Iravian Union. The Primarch has said in a statement that ’’They [seceding parties] have made it clear they no longer wish to remain as a part of the Iravian Union.. Therefor a friendly relationship with them is preferable to brining them back into the Iravian vault.’’

[United States of Conner]

Villius Continues Economic Growth, Applauds Iravian "Chain of Freedom"; USC Joins Material Continuum

Clarence Jones (@CCJones)
^{February 6, 2081 | Conner City, United States of Conner}

As he enters his fourteenth month in office, President James Villius revealed another economic victory for the United States, as it was announced today that the USC would join the Material Continuum trade organization.

Mr. Villius, who campaigned on a platform of aggressive economic growth and increasing prosperity across all Connerian systems, formally signed papers entering the USC into the Continuum at a conference in Hyperion yesterday. Officials from the Continuum and several member nations were also in attendance. However, the move had been heavily anticipated in recent months, following a Congressional resolution that called for the easing of trade relations between the USC and the System Alliance that passed comfortably in both houses in November of 2080.

The move was further precipitated by the Supreme Court's decision in United States v. CEO. In the waning months ofJoshua Swanner's presidency, the High Court dealt him a blow when they found, 7-2, that the embargo his administration had placed upon Irav violated the rights of free expression and the pursuit of prosperity, and thus was unconstitutional, unless the government could present "pressing and immediate national security concerns." With little time left in office, the administration declined to appeal the ruling, and trade with Irav entered a legal gray area.

The Connerian entrance into the Continuum is the latest in a string of economic triumphs for Mr. Villius. Since taking office in 2080, the average Connerian income has risen by almost 10%. Almost every sector of the economy has reported major growth, and the Connerian Average Index [CAI: 10495.34] has risen 34% since Mr. Villius's inauguration. Much of this growth stems from a well-received stimulus package in February of 2080, funded by cuts in military spending, as well as some tax cuts and a renewed state interest in economic growth.

Following the signing, Mr. Villius gave a brief speech to reporters, calling the signing "another step forward for the Connerian economy." Mr. Villius further stated that "in the past year, we have reclaimed our title as the most prosperous nation known to man. We will continue to honor the legacy of our forefathers, and push further into the unknown, enriching ourselves all the while and guarenteeing peace and prosperity for ourselves and our children. I can think of no better future."

About an hour after the signing, both houses of Congress passed a joint agreement to recognize the signing as binding. The agreement, entitled the Continuum Act, left a provision for the government to block specific sales to foreign entities on a specific basis. However, the burden of proof would be on the state to prove that the sale constituted a national security threat.

When asked about the recent events in Irav, which saw several systems secede from the Iravian Union, Mr. Villius stated that he was "very pleased that Primarch Heijman allowed these territories the right to self-determination. It's good to see encouraging signs from Irav, and we hope that with increased trade facilitated by the Continuum, we can improve relations between two of the strongest nations in the galaxy."

Mr. Villius was also asked if the Connerian entrance into the Continuum was a reward for the Union's democratization. In response, Mr. Villius said that the signing "was not planned that way, but it is a sign that openness and transparency lead to better things than a harsh dictatorship. However, though I cannot state enough that the USC applauds the Union's recent actions, our entrance into the Continuum is meant to facilitate further economic growth for Connerians. Regardless of the government's stance on a people, the Connerian public should be able to choose who they do business with."

The Connerian entrance into the Continuum will become binding at midnight on February 7th.

[Sontonga]

Vaikelau Gateway Harbor Underway!

Artist representation of the finished Vaikelau Gateway Harbor

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Iosua Matautia (@realIosuaMatautia)
^{Tuesday 18 February 2081 | Vaikelau, Sontonga}

Vai BlueWater Development Ltd. has announced its master plan for the Melaka (Malacca) Gateway which will comprise of what the company calls Sontonga’s largest cluster of islands – 1 large natural and four man-made main islands – spanning 9225 acres and a large cruise terminal.

According to the announcement, the development initiative is projected to be completed by 2083 with an estimated gross development cost of 605 billion bahts.

The launch of the project also saw the exchange of MOUs with international companies such as Celestial International Holdings Sarl. from the Celestial Empire (1st investor in the Vaikelau Gateway project), Céleste Cruises, CLBD Development of Gênes, the Maurice Group of Grenelefe and Coulbert-Seilui International AeroMarine Sdn. Bhd., a Deritain-Sontongan joint venture.

Officiating the unveiling of the Vaikelau Gateway master plan was King of Sontonga, King Tuku’aho V, who said: “The Vaikelau Gateway is a ground-breaking and innovative tourism product that complements the government’s tourism ambitions. This development is projected to attract an additional 9.2 million tourists over the next 15 years with high-yield consumers expected to contribute substantially to the tourism earnings of Sontonga. Further, its partnerships with world-class international brands will become a funnel for the influx of new international investors.”

The projects earmarked on the master plan such as the Vaikelau International Cruise Terminal, new ferry terminal and Southeastern Maia’s biggest marina with up to 1,500 berths are cornerstones to re-establishing Melaka’s maritime importance. Additionally, the establishment of a world-class maintenance and repair facility for mega yachts is set to attract luxury travelers to the state by sea.

Vaikelau Gateway is poised for long-term growth; contributing to both to the nation and state of Vaikelau. Further, the development will also see the creation of 227,217 job opportunities for the locals.

Chief Minister of Vaikelau, Mariota Asiata said: “The state government remains committed to creating more attractions to interest more visitors into Vaikelau, generate jobs and drive the state’s, city’s and nation’s economy. Following this, we are heartened to note that VBWD has been visionary in the planning of Vaikelau Gateway. The benefits of green building technologies and implementation of the monorail system will contribute to a sustainable future. As such, we applaud the development ofthe Vaikelau Gateway – a project that is very much in-line with our goals for the state.”

Vaikelau Gateway boasts 34 miles of premier waterfront addresses for mainly high-rise luxury condominiums, exclusive marina villas with private jetties, catering the world’s well-heeled. The iconic Gateway Beacon Tower housing 7-star hotel and luxury apartments, and a health and wellness development anchoring on the concept of Lifestyle of Health and Sustainability (LOHAS) will also be incorporated into Vaikelau Gateway.

“The construction of Vaikelau Gateway is an unprecedented move to once again set our nation on the world map. Inspired by the state’s rich historical tapestry, Vaikelau Gateway is set to be a manifestation of how Vaikelau’s glorious past evolves to become a model for the future. We see The Vaikelau Gateway as a much sought-after waterfront investment for world citizens due to its unparalleled location, connectivity and integrated business and leisure offerings,” said Tava'esina Duverger, CEO of Vai BlueWater Development (VBWD) Ltd.

[Great Hyruke]

Duke and Duchess of Connaught Wedding

Prince Albert, Duke of Connaught and his bride, Lady Milana Marchant

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Alicia Anderegg (@AliciaAnderegg)
^{Thursday 20 February 2081 | Londres, Great Hyruke}

Prince Albert, Duke of Connaught was married earlier today to Lady Milana Marchant in a lovely ceremony in Londres. The Duke of Connaught, youngest son of Mother Empress Auguste and her first husband, King George VII of Hanover started dating Lady Milana Marchant, eldest daughter of Prince Grégory and Princess Magdelana Marchant back in 2077, appearing together in public for the first time at Queen Caroline’s Charity Royal Ball in April 2078.

The Wedding Service took place at the Saint Anne’s Cathedral, and was followed by a carriage ride through the streets of Londres, and ended with a Balcony Appearance and Banquet at the palace. In the evening, the bridal couple and their guests viewed the fireworks from the steps of the Palace.

Royal attendees included Queen Caroline (wearing Queen Jenna I’s Diamond Tiara), Prince Philip and Princess Maria (in the Diamond Daisy Bandeau), Prince Philip, Duke of Galway and Princess Genevieve, Duchess of Galway (wearing the Vifte Tiara), Prince Peter and Prince Parthalán and Duchess Georgiana of Worchester (in the Pearl Circle Tiara), Emperor Connor II and Empress Charlotte of Connuriste (in the Dreyfus Palmette Tiara), Princess Alexia (wearing the Fliponic Amethyst Tiara), Prince George, Princess Josephine (in the Juluem Lorraine Tiara ), and Princess Sophia (wearing her Small Tiara), the King and Queen of Beliany (in the Diamond Star Tiara), prince Kresimir of Makonia, Hereditary Grand Duke Maurice of Selesburge, Prince Philippe of Selesburge, and Lady Nikolina Marchant (wearing the Makonian Scroll Tiara), the Duke and Duchess of Montmarlon (in her Wedding Tiara), Prince Henri of Chypree, Archduke Leopold and Princess Marie Charlotte of Surány (in the Surány-Zaskia Tiara), and Princess Frederica, Duchess of Mantova (wearing Queen Christina’s Floral Tiara).

Lady Milana Marchant wore a off-white duchesse Maddison Lee satin gown with Queen Renee’s Pearl Tiara. Prince Albert, Duke of Connaught wore White Tie.

[Sadamar]

Sadamar Economic Discussion Round begins in the city of Gaikona


Discussions held in south wing of Sadamar’s Hoyaita Hausa

Vishwajit Debroy (@VishDebroy)
^{February 22, 2081 | Gaikona, Confederacy of Sadamar}

Representatives some over a half a dozen nations arrived in Sadamar today in order to discuss the economic future of the planet and the extrasolar colonies delonging to the nation’s that call their home Maia. The summit is to be a series of multilateral trade negotiations (MTN) conducted within the framework of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade from earlier this year in January (GATT 2081). The broad mandate of the Round is to extend GATT trade rules to areas previously exempted as too difficult to liberalize such as agriculture, textiles and increasingly important new areas previously not included, such as trade in services, intellectual property, investment policy trade distortions.

The main objectives of the Sadamar Economic Discussion Round are:

1. to reduce agricultural subsidies
2. to lift restrictions on foreign investment
3. to begin the process of opening trade in services like banking and insurance.
4. to include the protection of intellectual property

Some of the representatives attending the massive summit have almost made public that there is also a general want to draft a universal code to deal with copyright violation and other forms of intellectual property rights.

This is the biggest negotiating mandate on trade ever agreed: the talks are hopefully going to extend the trading system into several new areas, notably trade in services and intellectual property, and to reform trade in the sensitive sectors of agriculture and textiles; all the original GATT articles are now up for review. The summit is expected to end in mid to late April in hopes to swiftly expand the economic grace of the nation.

[Vozh]

Vozhsk Separatists Shell Iravian Town of Naamberge

Anna Ruiter (@ARuiter)
February 22nd, 2081 | Vozhsk Archipelago, Irav

Last night at 21:42 residents of Naamberge, a small town on the island of Brecht, were awoken by the sound of artillery. Militants of the Vozhsk terrorist group known as "The Pan-Slavonic Liberation Front" fired upon targets in the town using mortars and light-machine guns. Four people were killed in the attack and fifteen are severely injured. There was heavy damage in parts of the town, with the police station, town hall, power station, and several apartments sustaining catastrophic damages. 13 Vozhsk men have been detained by Iravian Security Forces, though no weapons have been found.

This is the third and deadliest of such attacks since ethnic militias stormed the provincial governor's palace late last week. Since then, Vozhsk forces have come to control almost half of the peninsula, and it appears violence is only escalating. Reports of ethnic Iravians being harassed or disappeared have made their way from militia-controlled territory. This comes amid a wave of mostly non-violent protests among the Vozhsk minority in the northern coastal areas of Irav's western continent.

[Irav]

Naamberge Scarred, the Union Responds!

Berend Oldehoven (@BerendBotje)
^{February 23rd, 2081 | Naamberge, Irav}

The citizens of Naamberge are shocked, traumatized, and scarred for life. They are scared, scared for more attacks conducted by the Pan-Slavonic Liberation Front. And they are furious, furious that they had to endure ‘a literal hell’ as it was described by the local librarian, after the wall of his garage was knocked down during the fifteen minute barrage.

Even during the shelling of the town by the Pan-Slavonic Liberation Front (PSLF) emergency services could be seen racing up and down the narrow streets of Naamberge, doing their duties to their country until the shelling finally stopped. Police officers worked non-stop to keep order and evacuate citizens wherever necessary, while firefighters and paramedics tried their utmost best to safe as many inhabitants of the town as they possibly could.

The damage to the small town is enormous, a catastrophe of the highest order. During the fifteen minute shelling of Naamberge numerous buildings were heavily damaged or even damaged beyond repair. Buildings such as the local police station, the town hall, numerous apartments, the town hall, and a barbershop have sustained heavy damage. The inhabitants who are unable to return home have been offered shelter in the local sports hall.

Government officials in Irav have expressed their support for the families who have been brutally ripped apart from each other during this cowardice terrorist attack and have pledged to send United Forces soldiers to the area. This afternoon the citizens of Naamberge could see the first of many mechanized vehicles drive through their city to the newly constructed barracks seven minutes outside the city.

General David Prinsen has stated during a press conference yesterday that while Irav does not wish to escalate the situation, such a cowardice act of terror can not be allowed. He has urged the Vozhsk government to also take action against the Pan-Slavonic Liberation Front and to make a stand together with the Iravians. The general has not spoken on the allegations that the Vozhsk government is supporting racism and violence against native Iravians in the territories that they control. Though general Prinsen has said that all Iravian citizens currently living within Vozh would do themselves a favour to depart the nation as soon as possible and that a transport ship would await them next Friday.

One thing is certain. Irav can no longer guarantee the safety of its citizens living abroad in Vozh.

[Vozh]

Violence on Brecht Escalates, Spreads to Neighbouring Districts

Berend Oldehoven (@BerendBotje)
^{February 28th, 2081 | Naamberge, Irav}

Last week several nationalist militias announced their merger in Brecht's district capital, Westerveen. Christened as the "Patriotic Republican Defense Unit", the Iravian loyalists have already been implicated in a number of kidnapping and extortion incidents against the local Vozhsk minority. Their "Commandant", Florian Boek, has released a public statement defending their actions and denouncing "foreign contaminants".

These damn natives know nothing. They were fishermen when the Empire settled this land for us! Now we're the greatest power in the solar system!And they have no respect for us still? After we have given them everything? They persist to speak their savage tongue and foul the memory of our great empire. These Slavs refuse to partake in our glorious civilization, and must be driven out from our blood-won land.

Meanwhile, PSLF and other insurgent group activies have been reported on the islands of Artse and Eendrek's Eiland, the latter of which was the site of a dramatic prison break in the early hours of yesterday morning. Over 30 prisoners were released from Labour Colony No. 4 by insurgents, with four guards and fifteen inmates being killed in the breakout. Colonial authorities are expected to order reprisal executions.

In related news, the as-yet internationally unrecognized "Democratic Federative Republic of Vozh" has convened a "provisional soviet", which is intended to function as the state legislature until such time as a constituent assembly can be assembled. The Vozhsk separatist government has announced no schedule in regards to legislative or constituent-assembly elections.

[Irav]

United Forces Execute Coup d’état, Primarch Disposed!

Anna Ruiter (@ARuiter)
^{March 2nd, 2081 | Ponchartrain, Irav}

At dawn today Iravian soldiers have stormed numerous government institutions on Earth, the home of the Iravian Primarch. In the Westerkwartier army soldiers could be seen stepping out of their vehicles in front of the Supreme Court, Palace of Parliament, and the home of the Primarch and mayor of the city. Minutes later armed soldiers came outside again, escorting members of parliament, the supreme court, and even the Primarch himself to their mechanized vehicles.

In Rensselaer (Mangala) much the same story has unfolded. Here too members of parliament, the supreme court, and other government officials were arrested by troops of either the United Forces Army or Space Command. These two services seem to have taken over the wide majority of government buildings and institutions in the Solar System, Polyphemus, and other major centers of political and economic power, such as Donovan’s Star.

When the nation woke up they were greeted by Admiral Jonathan Kroon, who was prominently featured on the national morning news.


’’Citizens of Irav. This morning troops from both the United Forces Army and Space Command have taken over all government buildings throughout what remains of our nation. We have observed the current crisis unfold and have unanimously decided to take action against our Primarch, who we believe has plunged Irav and its people into this disaster.

Over the next six weeks the United Forces of Irav will conduct a first and foremost diplomatic campaign to reunite Irav with its seceding territories. But be warned that we shall not hesitate to make our demands through our military might. Our goal will be to reunite all the Iravic worlds once again and bring back Irav to its glory days.

But do not be worried. We too have seen that the Iravian Union under the leadership of both Primarchs Harrevelts and Heijman has been a disaster. Therefor I have made the executive decision to disband the Iravian Union for good. The days of terror are over and the power that has been taken from the people shall be returned to the people once we have fulfilled our job on the 13th of April of this year.
After this we will ensure that there will be a peaceful transition to a normal and functioning democracy, as it was known during the days of the Iravian Federation.

But for now I have to ask you to serve your country the best you possibly can, by showing up to your job today and work to keep the system of government up and running. I too cannot state enough that I want everybody to obey their local military laws put in place by this temporary military government. Help us by keeping our eyes focussed on reuniting with our brothers and sisters on the other side instead of on ourselves.

That will be it for now. Have a nice day and please follow your local military commanders.’’

The coup d’état has come hand in hand with an increase in military activity in the Outer Core Worlds (OCW) were most of the seceding territories are located. The United Forces seem to be wasting no time in trying to reconcile with the seceding systems to meet their six week deadline.

We’ll follow this situation as it develops.

[Kingdom of Derita]

Lacmontagne Canal Opens


The Orion becomes the first ship to pass through the Lacmontagne Canal

Marie-Françoise Debo (@lFrançoiseDebo)
^{March 5, 2081 | Arles, the Celestial Empire}

ARLES — A 1,984-foot Celestial Empire container ship cleared the new massive locks of the Lacmontagne Canal on Wednesday, becoming the first to officially pass through the massive canal and sparking a new dawn for Derita, Polonge and global shipping.

As it entered the canal earlier Wednesday, brass bands played nonstop as onlookers – from Derita, Polonge, Beliany and a host of other countries – waved flags and danced.

The $37.5 billion effort to create a long and wide canal took nearly 5 years and the sweat from 540,000 workers to complete. The new canal has a set of locks that now allows ships carrying up to 24,500 containers, known as LeMontemax ships, to cut a quicker path between the Aube (Atmoran) and Regific oceans. Celestial Empire ports have been investing billions of dérrals to create their facilities in a race to accommodate the mega ships.

The Celestial Empire marked the long-awaited opening with a weekend party hosted by Deritain Prime Minister Louis-Antoine Hollande that includes at least 7 country leaders, members of the Polonge National Assembly and Princess Maria Amalia , daughter of Empress Maria Anna.

Charlotte Auvray, the Deritain ambassador to Polonge spoke with Princess Maria Amalia, lauded Derita and Polonge for their "wonder of engineering."
"This is a grand accomplishment for the people of Derita and Polonge alike," she said. "This camal will reconfigure, permanently, the map of the global shipping industry."


Around 16 hours after entering the canal from the Aube Ocean, the Orion— the Celestial Empire container ship -- emerged on the Regific-side locks, where tens of thousands of flag-waving guests, dignitaries and news media awaited its arrival. The Duke of Angoulême thanked the workers who worked on the project and urged transparency in the distribution of revenue created by the newly-created canal. “All Deritains and Polongains should feel very proud,” he said. “Today marks an historic day for both of our great empires.”

Then, fireworks exploded in the sky. The gate to the locks slowly opened and the massive container ship plied in, completing its over one hundred-mile trek through the canal. The crowds erupted in cheers.

The Celestial Empireled the construction of the canal in with plans for it being drawn up as early as 2064, agreements being and work in 2076 and construction fully set in 2077. While many of the architects, engineers and projects mangers were from the Celestial Empire, the vast majority of the workers of the canal were from Polonge.

“The nations of the world were witness to the inter-ocean canal designs and projects by the Celestial Empire,” Angoulême said Saturday night at an event hosted by the City Hall in Arles. “Now, you’ll be witness to the canal built by the friendship between Derita and Polonge.”

The canal, the widest in the world, will reshape global trade as it brings the greater world closer and connects two oceans. While there were celebrations, there were also some complaints of cost and long term effects.

This week, however, the focus was on celebrating the canal’s new era. Deritains in Arles moved its annual Founding Day celebration up a week to join the festivities. On Wednesday, Deritain and Polongain officials gave dignitaries tours of the HMS Dechêne, a 640-foot Amperiale Navy warship docked at the Regific entrance to the canal.

Amid the celebration, some Celestial Empire officials cautioned that a big canal and large ships also mean increased chances for drug cartels to sneak drugs and contraband through the Lacmontagne Region from nations were drug usage is high.

“Let us not forget that with the positive elements that come from this creation of the canal, there are also some dangers as well,” said Lord André Calvert, assistant minister for international narcotics and law enforcement affairs.
“The fact that a ship can now carry up to three times as much cargo as other previous routes allowed as it transits the canal means that the professional trafficking organizations — trans-national criminal organizations — have that much more space, that much more possibility, to move product through the canal,” he said.
“We’ve got to make sure as we celebrate … that we remember we still have a challenge in terms of law enforcement and security,” he added “A challenge that together we can crush.”

Gen. Kosta Coanda, Chief of Staff of the Polongain Military , congratulated Deritains leaders on the project’s completion but echoed Calvet’s call for maintaining scrutiny on the waterway.

The new and important canal “underscores the importance of our region’s shared responsibility to secure this vital resource,” he said in a speech Saturday. “For more than 66 years, Polonge and the Celestial Empire have worked together to increase security and counter threats, like transnational criminal networks.”

Around the canal side city, residents watched the festivities on a Jumbotron set up downtown or from home TVs as local networks broadcast round-the-clock coverage.

[Vozh]

Armed Forces Day

Vladimir Sovćić (@VozhskMI&E)
^{March 2nd, 2081 | Karpahrad, DFRV}


President Mihal Mahiević has announced the formation of the National Army of the Democratic Federative Republic of Vozh. This comes as a consolidation of several allied militias, including the Ćersc Brigade, the Red Division, the Black Hundred, and the Hrvet Muslim Division. This decree also establishes the Federal Naval Militia. Patriotic men and women are encouraged to join this infant branch and enable the liberation of the rest of our nation.

The navy's initial armament consists of one missile cruiser, twelve destroyers, twenty frigates, five submarines, and forty P.T. Boats. Shipyards across the country are hard at work building more ships for liberation, and patriotic citizens are encouraged to donate their personal boats and yachts to the State for conversion into military craft.

We also encourage you to enroll in our paramilitary and youth training programs. You can help defend our shores and prepare yours children for a glorious future. Even if you are not fit for frontline service, you can still do your duty. Our rifles must search for the enemy at sea!

Finally, we are pleased to report that our newborn military's first engagement has resulted in victory. Earlier this evening, Victor Hradec of the Naval Air Militia led the first air-raid in Vozhsk history. He and his comrades bombed an Iravian-held barrack building about 8 miles outside of Westerveen. There were four confirmed hits on the building, though we have not yet received any reports of Iravian casualties.

[Polonge]

Bledapestra News
Bledapestra, Polonge
March 8, 2081

Polongain soldiers arrived in the city of Ajka on the entrance of the Lacmontagne Canal on the Atmoran Ocean in a sudden and surprising occupation of the city and the surrounding towns and villages along the side of the canal throughout the valley between the Aube Mountains to the southeast with the border of Beliany. The unprecedented act came with no declaration, announcement or warning. The Crown has neglected to inform the nation of what is happening and Prime Minister Géza has made no comment on the event.

The amount of soldiers in the areas around the canal are currently unknown but estimated to be anywhere from 2,000 to as many as 20,000 soldiers. As of current there has been no report of Polongain and Deritain forces clashing, though this may change in the future. It is not just on land that movements are taking place. Arriving in Ajka and sailing into the canal and moving south were three Dutch warships. This has led to some to speculate a full on attack on the Celestial Empire. With troops moving and government silence, war may very well be ahead.

[Dutch-Empire]

The Citizen Telegram
Amsterdam, Dutch-Empire
March 8, 2081

West Asbury says Empress Anna Charlotte will walk the streets of Port Victoria.

President of the Senate, West Asbury bragged today as news poured in from the Lacmontagne Region of Dutch and Polongain forces in the area around the brand new Lacmontagne Canal that opened just earlier this week. When asked about the nature of the troop movements and naval warships that are moving through the canal currently, he smirked and said:

“It is high time that the Dutch show their true place in the world. While Irav and Derita May like to play mommy and daddy to world, we can see that they are aging powers. Irav is collapsing and soon Derita will be too. And it will be the Dutch who pick up the pieces and make them even greater, in our image. This just the first step. People talk about war with Derita, it’s not a war, it’s a Rectifying of the Celestial Empire. We are fixing a wrong done two centuries ago, we are doing what we should have done in Beliany, in Arranca, in Seidang. Just you wait, come Sunday Empress Anna Charlotte will walk through the streets of Port Victoria.”

The younger Asbury brother, not to be confused his older sibling Prime Minister George Asbury is not only President of the Senate but is also the husband of the Prince of Orange. Asbury seems to firmly believe that the Dutch and their Polongain Allies will reach a swift victory in Lacmontagne and successfully place Anna Charlotte as Empress of Derita, a title taken away from her ancestors in 1899. Will the Dutch Empire more than double in size on earth? Only Victory can tell us.

[Kingdom of Derita]

Magnus Variés Jr. speaks on Crisis


Magnus Variés Jr. speaks to the world on peace and war

Marie-Françoise Debo (@FrançoiseDebo)
^{March 8, 2081 | Arles, the Celestial Empire}

As panic seems to ripple throughout the world in the wake of what some have dubbed the Lacmontagne Crisis, a voice rises up above the chaos to try and bring some peace to minds of the masses of the world. That voice has come in the form of Magnus Variés Jr. son of former Prime Minister Magnus Variés Sr. MVJ arrive in the city of Arles just fifteen minutes after the alerting of forces in Ajka, where he decided to speak to not just the Celestial Empire, but to the world.

“Greetings ladies and gentlemen of the Celestial Empire, of Arles, and if you can here me, the world. I want to say that one of, if not the greatest, challenge that we face is simply that we must find an alternative to war and bloodshed. Anyone who feels, and there are still a lot of people who feel that way, that war can solve the social problems facing mankind is sleeping through a great revolution. We as a species have created the greatest advancements in history today more than any time in the past. And yet we are still pulled down by this primitive desire for needless war. So many have loss the idea of defense and wish only to attack. For those like that, I have a message for you. Mankind must put an end to war or war will put an end to mankind.

The judgment of God is upon us today. And we could go right down the line and see that something must be done—and something must be done quickly. So many people and nations have alienated themselves from other nations so that so many end up morally and politically isolated in the world. Through our scientific and technological genius, we have made of this world a neighborhood and yet we have not had the ethical commitment to make of it a brotherhood. But somehow, and in some way, we have got to do this. We must all learn to live together as brothers or we will all perish together as fools. We are tied together in the single garment of destiny, caught in an inescapable network of mutuality. And whatever affects one directly affects all indirectly. For some strange reason I can never be what I ought to be until you are what you ought to be. And you can never be what you ought to be until I am what I ought to be. This is the way of our universe is made; this is the way it is structured.

I’d like to say a few words to the captive people of Polonge, to whom this speech is being directly carried by the miraculous nature of modern technology. I speak to you as a friend, as a brother, as one who knows of your deep attachment to your fatherland, as one who shares your aspirations for liberty and justice for all. And I have watched and the Celestial Empire’s people have watched with deep sorrow how your nationalist movement was betrayed -- and how your fatherland fell under foreign influences and under the whims if your warring Empress. Now your leaders are no longer Polongain leaders inspired by Polongain ideals. They are the products of foreign involvement corrupted with a non-Polongain taste for war and agents of an international conspiracy which has turned Polonge against your friends and neighbors in the Aesica, and turned it into the first Aesican nation that will look to make a cruel and heartless traitorous war.

These new tactics of fighting, of warring are not in your interest. They contribute nothing to your peace and well-being. They can only undermine it. But this country has no wish to cause you to suffer or to impose any system upon you. We know that your lives and land are being used as pawns by those who deny your freedom. Many times in the past, the Polongain people have risen to throw out tyrants who destroyed their liberty. And I have no doubt that most Polongain today look forward to the time when they will be truly free -- free from foreign domination, free to choose their own leaders, free to select their own system, free to own their own land, free to speak and write and worship without fear or degradation.

Maria Anna has taken the position of a tyrant, a woman with such great ideas and hopes and vision, yet ones that are corrupted by foreign forces that have her turn to the sword instead of the pen. The Great Unifer of Polonge has done much good, but she has brought a blot in Polonge and she has caused more blood than any of her predecessors. Polonge must come back to being our brothers and sisters, our family, our loved ones; as it should be. And then shall Polonge be welcomed back to the society of free nations and to the associations of this hemisphere.

My fellow citizens, let no one doubt that this is a difficult and dangerous effort on which we have set out. No one can foresee precisely what course it will take or what costs or casualties will be incurred. Much time of sacrifice and self-discipline lie ahead -- timd in which both our patience and our will will be tested, precious time in which many threats and denunciations will keep us aware of our dangers. But the greatest danger of all would be to do nothing.

The path we have chosen for the present is full of hazards, as all paths are; but it is the one most consistent with our character and courage as a nation and our commitments around the world. The cost of freedom, of peace, of glory is always high, but Deritains have always paid it. And one path we shall never choose, and that is the path of surrender or submission.

Our goal is not the victory of might, but the vindication of right; not peace at the expense of freedom, but both peace and freedom, here in this hemisphere, and, we hope, around the world. God willing, that goal will be achieved. The warships that make there to us are only sixteen hours away. In the hands of the people of the world in those sixteen hours the fate of the world rest in. For once those ships arrive here, it will have sparked a new era. In those sixteen hours the sun shall rise up over the Celestial Empire and the rest of the world. When this new dawn comes it will one of a world of war, or a world of peace. It is up to us and everyone else on what type of dawn we shall witness.

Thank you and good night.

[The Atmoran Diplomat]

Alexandria comments on the LacMontagne Crisis


Atmoran Third Fleet mobilised in the Karelian Sea

Anne Fredriksen (@AFredericksen)
^{9 March 2081 | Alexandria, Atmora}

Early this morning the Minister of National Defence has given orders to the Third Fleet stationed in Haelen to mobilise henceforth immediately and prevent any foreign warship from passing through the Atmoran Ocean and Karelian Sea. In addition to the Atmoran Second Fleet and Mizuhan Fourth Fleets have been mobilise to patrol the South Atmoran to stop any foreign warship from making it to the LacMontagne Canal.

Jan Liezen, Minister of National Defence has commented that Atmora is simply protecting it's territorial seas and will not allow foreign warships to pass through Atmoran waters.
Additionally Liezen and Prime Minister Lyria has condemned Bledapestra and Amsterdam for it's illegal seizure of the LacMontagne Canal and that their actions are threatening regional stability.

The Prime Minister has further stated that Alexandria will not support the taking of the LacMontagne Canal through military force and demands that Bledapestra and Amsterdam resolve this crisis diplomatically.

[Polonge]

A New Dawn
A New Empress
All Hail Maria Christina


Her Imperial Majesty, Maria Christina, Empress of Polonge

Karas Cabosk (@KarasCabosk)
^{March 9, 2081 | Bledapestra, Polonge}

Empress Maria Anna has renounced the Throne, and has been succeeded by the Crown Princess of Polonge.

To-day the Act of Abdication has gone ahead and been passed by the members of the National Assembly, and this morning Empress Maria Anna gave it the royal assent - her last act as Empress.
The new Empress held the Accession Council at Bleda Palace earlier this morning, and was proclaimed as Empress at 8:30. Her Majesty has, it is understood, taken the title of Maria Christina.

The Empress's message

The announcement of the Empress’s "final and irrevocable decision, after long and anxious consideration," was made in a message to the members of the National Assembly.

"The burden which constantly rests on the shoulders of a Sovereign is so heavy that it can only be borne in circumstances different from those in which I now find myself," said Empress Maria Anna, who declared that she could "no longer discharge this heavy task with efficiency or satisfaction to myself."

Prince Dohány’s speech

Nickolaus von Hopfer, Prince Dohány, in the moving and revealing speech in which he told the National Assembly of his conversations with the Empress, disclosed that he himself first raised the question of Maria Anna’s health and well being since ascending the throne a little than five years before.

On March 8 the Empress told him, "I am unwell, I shall leave with Gyulás, and I am prepared to go"; the same night the Empress told Emperor Francis II, Empress Alanna, Empress Josephine and later informed her sisters and brothers.

The former Prime Minister, who said that the Empress had never wavered in her intention, paid high tribute to him and to his abhorrence of any idea of a "Empress’s party” as all people of Polonge are The Empress’s people. He read a pencilled note from the Empress, written that morning, expressing confidence that her daughter the Crown Princess "will deserve and will receive the support of the whole Empire." Prince Dohány said the Empress felt she could not carry the "almost intolerable burdens of the Imperial mantle with her current and foreseeable future."

The Abdication Bill

The text of the Abdication Bill, formally read a first time in the National Assembly last night, was issued when the House adjourned. It is entitled "A bill to give effect to her imperial Majesty's declaration of abdication and for purposes connected therewith."

The phrase "Defender of the Faith," as well as “Servant of God” which is usually included in the Empress’s many titles, appears neither in the instrument of abdication nor in the bill. The bill officially marks the former Empress of Polonge as formally decease, many that she may not re-inherit the throne unless approved by the National Assembly and a National Referendum.

The Dominions of Ferenica, Eszakisark and the other stellar dominions, colonies and represented holdings of the empire have assented to the new legislation. The Colonial Cabinet of Ferenica yesterday by Order-in-Council authorised Ferenica’s inclusion in the Act; the extrasolar planet’s parliamentary body will ratify it on March 20.

Last night the Parliamentary Javalo Party held a meeting at the House of the National Assembly, at which the great majority of the members supported Mr. Baldwin's attitude.

Former Empress Maria Anna seen briefly before leaving the Bleda Palace

Text of the Empress’s Message to the National Assembly

The text of the Empress's message to the National Assembly, read to the members of the National Assembly yesterday, is as follows:-

After long and anxious consideration I have determined to renounce the Throne, to which I succeeded on the raising of my status by and then later abdication of my mother, and I am now communicating this my final and irrevocable decision.
Realising as I do the gravity of this step, I can only hope that I shall have the understanding of my peoples in the decision I have taken and the reasons which have led me to take it.
I will not enter now into my private feelings, but I would beg that it should be remembered that the burden which constantly rests upon the shoulders of a Sovereign is so heavy that it can only be borne in circumstances different from those in which I now find myself.
I conceive that I am not overlooking the duty that rests on me to place in the forefront the public interest when I declare that I am conscious that I can no longer discharge this heavy task with efficiency or with satisfaction to myself.

I have accordingly this morning executed an instrument of abdication in the terms following:-
I, Maria Anna of Polonge, Ferenica, and the Empire’s Dominions beyond the Stars, Queen and Empress, do hereby declare my irrevocable determination to renounce the throne for myself and place in succession, and my desire that effect should be given to the instrument of abdication immediately.

In token whereof I have hereunto set my hand this ninth day of March, 2081, in the presence of the witnesses whose signatures are subscribed.
(Signed) Maria Anna R.I.
My execution of this instrument has been witnessed by three of my sisters, their Royal Highnesses the Duchess of Malaga, the Duchess of Cadíz, and the Princess of Surány.
I deeply appreciate the spirit which has actuated the appeals which have been made to me to take a different decision, and I have before reaching my final determination most fully pondered over them.

But my mind is made up. Moreover, further delay cannot but be most injurious to the peoples whom I have tried to serve as Prince of Wales and as King, and whose future happiness and prosperity are the constant wish of my heart.
I take my leave of them in the confident hope that the course which I have thought it right to follow is that which is best for the stability of the Throne and Empire and the happiness of my peoples.
I am deeply sensible of the consideration which they have always extended to me both before and after my accession to the Throne and which I know they will extend in full measure to my successor.
I am most anxious that there should be no delay of any kind in giving effect to the instrument which I have executed and that all necessary steps should be taken immediately to secure that my lawful successor, my eldest daughter Her Imperial Highness the Crown Princess of Polonge, should ascend the Throne.

Maria Anna R.I.

Following the signing of the agreement of abdication, Maria Anna and her morganatic husband Sandor Gyulás were escorted quietly out of the Bleda Palace and transported via the Crown’s train to the Palace of Jedlovo. The new Empress of Polonge was handed the crown and took her seat on the Imperial Throne.

The new Empress, just 22 years old, swore an oath to obey God, serve her people, protect her empire, leader truthfully and to honor the constitution.

Nickolaus van Hopfer, Prince Dohány then proclaimed her as their new Empress, declaring: “Long Live the Empress! Long Live the Empress!”

In a speech to the National Assembly and the public assembled before the palace Maria Christina called for unity, “hope and faith”

“As empress, I shall render obedience anyone, man or woman, I shall rule as heavens do, for I shall do as God instructs me to do. I swear with God’s help and your support that I will rule Polonge and her empire justly and widely. I have no intention to start my reign with fragmentation of my states, of the division of my people or in a needless foreign war. I will not be weak. I am the one with the responsibility for everything that happens in Polonge and to Polonge. I am young and I am willing to learn, and I am willing to devote my life to the service of my country and my people. I am my mother, the Great Unifier’s daughter, and I am not afraid of anything. I have a hurricane in me that will strip you bare if you dare to cross me. I shall find my way as a servant of God and my people and when I require advise, I will ask for it. I am the Empress, daughter, sister, Mother and wife of my people and my empire. I shall defend the empire to my last breath. I do however not seek to be a warrior but instead I seek to be the galaxy’s peacemaker. I shall leave Polonge with no foes, for I will have turned them into our friends. My mother was a unifier and my grandmother a teacher. Polonge shall learn something with me. An empress could also be called ‘the Great’. I shall bring peace and prosperity to our empire and everyone will know that in Polonge that there is only one Empress Regnant. I, Maria Christina, I am the Empress of Polonge. And only God can separate me from this throne.”

With the ascension of Empress Maria Christina, Rigmora Géza has been dismissed from her position as Prime Minister, along with most of the appointees made by the former empress. With this Maria Christina has also sent out an official notice stating that:

Polongain and Deritain soldiers shaking hands amidst the Military Exercise

[box]The Crisis in Lacmontagne is one of fictional origin and status. The Media has taken the events there out of context and vying politicians have over reacted. The “military actions” in the Lacmontagne Region were scheduled military excrise previously agreed upon by the government’s of Her Imperial Majesty, the Prince Régent of the Celestial Empire and Her Imperial Majesty of the Dutch Empire. Her Imperial Majesty apologizes for the miscommunication on this issue this will not be repeated. Her Imperial Majesty thanks you for your understanding.

Some people have taken to doubting the legitimacy of this announcement but with Fontainebleau and Amsterdam having agreed that this was merely a military exercise. And not an actual attack, done in preparation for a scheduled meeting in Port Victoria between the three nations over the safety of the Lacmontagne Canal.

[North Timeria]

Development Across Timeria


President Reeves and First Lady Sahsha Reeves on Harmony Island

Jonathan Kolt (@JKolt)
^{31 March 2081 | Infinity, North Timeria}

As we get deeper into the year more developments are coming out of infinity, including the new United Democratic Nations. The new alliance currently between The United States of Conner and United Republic of North Timeria was formally signed March 30th, 2081. The new alliance is open to new members and was formed to promote peace, security, and prosperity among member states.

The new alliance will see member state working together more often and on a wider range of objectives, including economic development. The USC and North Timeria currently have 2 of the world’s leading economies, there are currently plans to help other democratic nations develop a strong and competitive economy.

Major construction also continues across Timerian held territory. The artificial island chain Harmony was also completed early this year and residents have already started to move in. The new island was built as the demand for housing increase across North Timeria. With the population set to pass 700 million by mid 2082 President Reeves and his staff have been confronted with the problem of meeting increasing demands.

Harmony will officially fall under the administration of the Leo Island Region. The island chain will also be connected to the King’s Bridge expansion. Following repairs to King’s Bridge, the bridge will receive an extension that will have it reach Arianna and connect to the I-70, connecting it to Victoria. The expansion will include 2 tunnels and an additional train line connecting some of the outer islands to the network.

The joint project between Derita and North Timeria is also nearing 50% completion. The tunnel, port, and space elevator on Vagouex Saint-Yves being constructed are set to be complete by Q1 2083. The joint project was built to increase economic cooperation between nations along the Regific Sea and smaller nations such as Ain Fakrata, Makonia, and the Ursi Republic. Osea, Mai, and Forever three of North Timeria’s largest cities and financial centers will feed into the new project.

Also after securing approval, North Timeria has started construction of a new MITON station in the Ursi Republic. The station will mostly include ground based radars, satellite uplinks, and a few ground based interceptors to expand North Timeria’s nuclear shield.

In other news, Nina Griffin has officially launched the world most connected social media site. The site launched across the globe on all devices at midnight and already over 20 billion people have active accounts. The app had been available for a few years now but only to those that received a reference from a friend. The new site Zinnia is expected to connect people from across the known universe, no matter where they are.

[Kingdom of Derita]

Hopfer-Hollande Treaty Signed

Conseil d'Etat in Port Victoria

^{SHARE THIS:}

Christopher Martin (@ChrisMartin)
^{1 April 2081 | Port Victoria, Celestial Empire}

Prime Minister Louis-Antoine Hollande and Prime Minister Nickolaus von Hopfer finished up the meetings between them regarding the Lacmontagne Canal. It has produced what is being canallef the Hopfer-Hollande Treaty:

The Celestial Empire of Derita and the Empire of Polonge have agreed upon the following:'

ARTICLE I
The Celestial Empire of Derita declares that the Canal, as an international transit waterway, shall be permanently neutral in accordance with the regime established in this Treaty. The same regime of neutrality shall apply to any other international waterway that may be built either partially or wholly in the territory of the Celestial Empire if decided to be so of major importance by the Crown of the Celestial Empire.

ARTICLE II
The Celestial Empire declares the neutrality of the Canal in order that both in time or peace and in time of war it shall remain secure and open to peaceful transit by the vessels of all nations on terms of entire equality, so that there will be no discrimination against any nation, or its citizens or subjects, concerning the conditions or charges of transit, or for any other reason, and so that the Canal, and therefore the Lacmontagne Region., shall not be the target of reprisals in any armed conflict between other nations of the world. The foregoing- shall be subject to the following- requirements:
(a) Payment of tolls and other charges for transit and ancillary services, provided they have been fixed in conformity with the provisions of Article III(c);
(b) Compliance with applicable rules and regulations, provided such rules and regulations are applied in conformity with the provisions of Article III;
(c) The requirement that transiting- vessels commit no acts of hostility while in the Canal; and
(d) Such other conditions and restrictions as are established by this Treaty.

ARTICLE III
1. For purposes of the security, efficiency and proper maintenance of the Cana1 the following rules sha1l apply:
(a) The Canal shall be operated efficiently in accordance with conditions of transit through the Canal, and rules and regulations that shall be just, equitable and reasonable, and limited to those necessary for safe navigation and efficient, sanitary operation of the Cana1;
(b) Ancillary services necessary for transit through the Canal shall be provided;
(c) Tolls and other charges for transit and ancillary services shall be just, reasonable, equitable and consistent with the principles of international law;
(d) As a pre-condition of transit, vessels may be required to establish clearly the financial responsibility and guarantees for payment of reasonable and adequate indemnification, con- sistent with international practice and standards, for damages resulting from acts or omissions of such vessels when passing through the Canal. In the case of vessels owned or operated by a State or for which it has acknowledged responsibility, a certification by that State that it shall observe. its obligations under international law to pay for damages resulting from the act or omission of such vessels when passing through the Canal shall be deemed sufficient to establish such financial responsibility;
(e) Vessels of war and auxiliary vessels of all nations shall at all time be entitled to transit the Canal, irrespective of their internal operation, means of propulsion, origin, destination or armament, without being subjected, as a condition of transit, to inspection, search or surveillance unless any of these will result in the flow, status, and upkeep of the Canal. However, such vessels may be required to certify that they have complied with an applicable health, sanitation and quarantine regulations. In addition, such vessels shall be entitled to refuse to disclose their internal operation, origin, armament, cargo or destination in exchange for a reasonable fine. However, auxiliary vessels may be required to present written assurances, certified by an official at a. high level of the government of the State requesting the exemption, that they are owned or operated by that government and in this case are being used only on government non-commercial service.
2. For the purposes of this Treaty, the terms "Canal," "vessel of war," "auxiliary vessel," ''internal operation," "armament" and "inspection" shall have the meanings assigned them in Annex A to this Treaty.

ARTICLE IV
The Celestial Empire of Derita and the Empire of Polonge agree to maintain the regime of neutrality established in this Treaty, which shall be maintained in order that the Canal shall remain permanently neutral, notwithstanding the termination of any other treaties entered into by the two Contracting Parties.

ARTICLE V
After the termination of the Lacmontagne Canal Treaty, only the Celestial Empire shall operate the Canal and maintain military forces, defense sites and military installations within its national territory.

ARTICLE VI
1. In contributions of the Celestial Empire of Derita and of the Empire Polonge to the construction, operation, maintenance, and protection and defense of the Canal, vessels of war and auxiliary vessels of those nations shall, notwithstanding any other provisions of this Treaty, be entitled to transit the Canal irrespective of their internal operation, means of propulsion, origin, destination, armament or cargo carried. Such vessels of war and auxiliary vessels will be entitled to transit- the Canal expeditiously. .
2. The Empire of Polonge, so long as it has partial responsibility for the operation of the Canal, may continue to provide the Kingdom of Beliany toll-free transit through the Canal for its troops, vessels and materials of war. Thereafter, the Celestial Empire may provide the Kingdom of Beliany and the Empire of Seidang with the right of toll-free transit.'

ARTICLE VII
1. The Celestial Empire of Derita and the Empire of Polonge shall jointly sponsor a resolution in the Organization of Aesican States opening to accession by all nations of the world the Protocol to this Treaty whereby all the signatories will adhere to the objectives of this Treaty, agreeing to respect the regime of neutrality set forth herein.
2. The Organization of Aesican States shall act as the depositary for this Treaty and related instruments.

ARTICLE VIII
This Treaty shall be subject to ratification in accordance with the constitutional procedures of the two Parties. The instruments of ratification of this Treaty shall be exchanged at Panama at the same time as the instruments of ratification of the Lacmontagne Canal Treaty, signed this date, are exchanged. This Treaty shall enter into force, simultaneously with the Lacmontagne Canal Treaty, six calendar months from the date of the exchange of the instruments of ratification.

DONE at Port Victoria, this 1st day of April, 2081, in the Deritain and Magyar languages, both texts being equally authentic.

The Treaty in short promises the neutrality of the Lacmontage Canal under the complete and total control and cooperation of the Celestial Empire and Polonge. Only should the Canal itself be threaten will severe consequences and necessary discrimination take place. The Lacmontage Canal Treaty mentioned is an agreement to hand the canal over completely to the Celestial Empire by 2100, with the control being 50/50 from 2081 to 2093, 75/25 from 2093 to 2098 and final completion transition from 2098 to the deadline of 1 January 2100.

[Vozh]

Vozhsk Coronation

Aleks Duvtsic(@VCI&E)
13 April 2081 | Hroljehrad, Vozh

Today the Polongain noble, Prince Domonkos of Kősdány was raised to High King, taking the style "Aleksandr I, By the Grace of God, High King of the Vozhski, Prince of Kősdány and of Metrodin, Protector of the Muslimani and the Jews, Sheriff of the Sacred Places, Lord of the Islands, State-in-Person, Highest Diplomat, and Head of the Federation". He was crowned by the Bishop-Primate of the Vozhsk Autocephalous Catholic Church. He has sworn an oath of office and renounced his old Polongain nationality.

After the public's lukewarm reception of the announcement of the monarchy it remains to be seen whether Aleksandr's reign will be a popular one. Already the nation has taken to making light of his influency in the Vozhsk language, with a popular joke framing him ah "Chai King of the Voska" referencing his notable lisping and stuttering whilst reading the oath of office.

[Beliany]

Royals Life — Beliany Edition
Esterháza, Polonge
April 14, 2081

King Leopold meets with Empress Maria Christina

King Leopold and the royal family, Queen Antoinette and the Princes Baudouin, Christopher, Philippe and Régis arrived in the countryside palace of Esterháza in Polonge, called by some as the Polongain Fontainebleau for its beauty and size. There they meet with the Imperial Family of Polonge, Empress Maria Christina, her husband Emperor Matthieu and their son Crown Prince Mikulás alongside her sister, Archduchess Maria Amalia. The meeting start off well with King Leopold embracing his niece Queen Antoinette congratulating her on her ascension. Why the two monarchs left to discuss business, Queen Antoinette and Emperor Matthieu stayed with the children and Archduchess Maria Amalia and spent the day touring the palace, attending a horse tournament and viewing the gardens built by Empress Sara of Maršansa. The visit is planned to last three days.

[Polonge]

Royals Life — Polonge Edition
Esterháza, Polonge
April 15, 2081

Archduchess Amalia congratulates King Aleksandr

Archduchess Maria Amalia of Polonge

As Archduchess Maris Amalia, Emperor Matthieu and Queen Antoinette of Beliany were taking a ride through the town outside of the palace walls of the Esterháza Palace they were questioned by a journalist on their opinion of Prince Domonkos becoming King of the Vozhski as Aleksandr. Emperor Matthieu didn’t respond to the statement with a clear answer, saying that it was up to the future for how he will do as a monarch. The Queen of Beliany is said to have something of a joke about foreign princes name Alexander taking over northern islands. Archduchess Maria Amalia however declared that she was happy for King Aleksandr and hoped that he would do well as High King. She congratulated him on his ascension and hoped that he’d have a long and prosperous reign.

[Kingdom of Derita]

King-Emperor Returns

Christopher II of Derita

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Christopher Martin (@ChrisMartin)
^{17 April 2081 | Port Victoria, Celestial Empire}

After mant years of attending to his Great Expedition in establishing the stellar colonies of the Celestial Empire in the distant reaches of space, the King-Emperor has returned to the home world and arrived in Port Victoria. Crowds of tens of thousands cheered as he arrived in the empire’s capital. Here he was meet with his wife, the Tsarina of Russlande, the Empress of the Dutch, the Empress of Polonge, the Crown Prince and the Queen and King of Northe Scotland. The 88 year old King-Emperor has returned in order to celebrate his Diamond Jubilee in May. The King-Emperor has promised to full disclose all the events of his Great Expedition and more, but his first priority is a meeting between him and the Empresses of the Dutch and Polonge.

[Les Etats Connuriste]

BREAKING - Anniversary celebrations soured by assassination attempt

The Empress Alice Memorial Hospital

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Eleanor Riencourt (@EleanorRiencourt)
^{May 1 2081 | Lausanne, Switzerland}




Celebrations swept across the nation on this fine, sunny spring day as His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Connor II marked the twenty-year anniversary of his rule in Lausanne. In the morning, before official celebrations got underway, Connor II personally opened the Empress Alice Memorial Hospital here in Lausanne. It had been under construction for approximately a year, and is regarded as one of the finest hospitals in Connuriste, with state of the art equipment . It was the Emperor himself who began and funded the project early last year in the aftermath of his mother’s passing. The last monarch to celebrate twenty years outright on the throne was the Emperor’s father, Connor I, who was killed within months of the milestone.

The Imperial Council convened for a short session in the late morning, where the first android elected to the council took their seat. Elizabeth Cole formerly served with the military before now choosing to employ her skillset in a political way, and is viewed with a lot of potential. After that, several motions were proposed by the incumbent Chancellor MacDonald, including proposals for major increases in defense spending, particularly with the Connuriste Space Agency. The Imperial Council came out in comfortable majorities to support her plans before everyone was dismissed early. The Emperor had a short discussion for a few minutes with Miss Cole outside before continuing on with his day.

Local governments and councils in Connuriste issued more street party licenses for today than they had ever done before. Communities all across the nation came together to gather in the streets and take part in the festivities with food and drink. The largest crowds came together in the green spaces and parks of Lausanne, and alongside Lake Geneva itself.

It was shortly after midday when Connor II addressed the nation in a short speech. He thanked the people for their continued support of his rule, and reiterated that today is about more than just celebrating a milestone, but also reflecting on our collective successes and struggles as a nation, being proud of our achievements and appreciating what makes us unique. He also promised that he had big plans for the near future that would soon be revealed.

In the early afternoon, the Emperor attended a private concert with several of his friends and family members. Crown Princess Emily played piano in a performance of Rachmanimoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, originally written here in Switzerland in 1934. After this, the famed composer Archduke Maximilian of Polonge premiered some new work. The lively piece was specially crafted for Connor II's 20th anniversary, a full symphony named Chanson de L'empereur. Emperor Connor II is well known for being a patron of the musical arts and was said to have greatly enjoyed his afternoon.

The Emperor then retreated to his home late in the afternoon where he was to receive guests in the evening for a small party. Several gifts were given to Connor II, notably a new set of jewels courtesy of the Empire of Atmora. The original Crown Jewels of Connuriste were stolen several years ago by the Spanish, but they have now been replaced by a set arguably more beautiful. Known as the Jewels of Astraeus, they come from a planet that holds colonies from both Atmora and Connuriste. The set includes rubies, sapphires and diamonds - in particular the diamond known as the Star of Astraeus which is currently the largest cut diamond in the known universe, believed to weigh between 9,000 and 12,000 carats. It seems a certain sign of friendship between our Empire and theirs.

The Emperor invited several guests to Lausanne Manor to take part in the festivities, such as Empress Anna Charlotte and King Henrique of Espana, as well as the Princes Anton and Rafaël. The King and Queen of Romania, long-time friends of Connor and Charlotte were also seen as expected. King Leopold and Queen Antoinette of Beliany also came along, in addition to Dowager Empress Auguste. There were also guests from Polonge for the first time at a Connuriste anniversary - Connor II invited the new Empress Maria Christina, who came with Maria Amalia and Josephine of Lorraine. Archduke Maximilian was also with them following his performance earlier in the day.

Crown Princess Emily, seen before nightfall

Later, there was a further gathering on the Emperor’s yacht on Lake Geneva. Some of the younger attendees, including Crown Princess Emily and Princess Alexia, dispersed from the manor and went over to their father’s boat to have their own gathering as the sun began to go down.

It had been a wonderful day of celebration for the Emperor, his family and friends, and his fellow countrymen, but the earlier events of the day were to be overshadowed by those of the night as tragedy nearly struck.

The situation is being currently regarded as ‘a possible deliberate attempt on the lives of the royal family’ after Crown Princess Emily fell gravely ill and almost died, after partially consuming a poisoned bottle of alcohol that had been gifted to her father earlier in the day, which has made people suspect the poison was intended for him. The Crown Princess allegedly felt unwell shortly after having some of the bottle in question, and her health quickly deteriorated. She was hastily flown to Empress Alice Memorial Hospital in critical condition, her father by her side. The nation came to a standstill as the TV and phone screens of the nation lit up all at once as the initial news broke out, the mood transformed from one of general joy to nervous anticipation.

It only took half an hour for more news to come through, but it was likely one of the longest 30 minutes in recent national history. Emily had been dead for twelve minutes but ultimately doctors had fought valiantly to save her life. The same day that the hospital had been opened, the Emperor’s investment had already proven more valuable than ever previously thought. The Crown Princess is still in a serious condition but she is expected to make a full recovery in the next few days. She may undergo minor heart surgery in the next few days as well to repair cardiac damage that may have occurred as a result of her near-death experience. An immediate sense of relief fell across everyone keeping up with the news.

In response so far to the event, the Emperor has called for a decision on increased defence spending to be fast-tracked - events tonight have shown that the nation does have active enemies of the state who seek to harm us. In spite of this attack, the Emperor and Empress are said to still be planning to attend the King-Emperor’s Diamond Jubilee later this month.

We’ll report on more developments as we have them.

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By SCHWEIZUBERMENSCH - 8 mins Ago

Connuriste will prevail in the face of hatred. You can insult and attack us but you can never take away our right to be proud of our country on a day of celebration.

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By seriouslyobsessive - 10 mins Ago

Shit is going down this year then huh

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By illuminaticonfirmed - 13 mins Ago

I mean yeah we have more jewels now and they’re nice and all but the originals are still being withheld from us...

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By tehmonarchyman - 15 mins Ago

Hope emily gets well soon
Read more

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By yayfortrains - 16 min Ago

Didn’t expect to see this whilst scoffing a late night snack

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