Markion Lore RP Thread[MARKION ONLY-IC]

[Sevevill]

From: The Great Empire of Sevevill
To: KP Representitives
Encryption: Max

The Grand Empire of Sevevill would like to respectfully return the September Islands to you as reperations for damaged caused to your organization during the invasion of said September Islands. It will be handed over whenever wished by the KP.

The Imperial Congress has also voted to give you 120,000,000 Seves and two Sunshine Class Frigates Imperial Navy Vessel 33 and Imperial Navy Vessel 34.

Imperial Troops will be withdrawn within the week. This letter is offical notice of the Imperial Sevevillan Departure. Reparations will be left on the island.

September Islands.

Imperial troops have begun to pack up the equipment brought and leave the island. Two imperial frigates were anchored off the shore of the island and all imperial equipment was removed from the ships. Cargo ships were brought in and Imperial equipment was put onto the ships while food and other supplies for the islanders were distributed. The Imperial soldiers would be out of the island by the end of the work week and back to the mainland.

-snip-

[Arcadian States and Commonwealths]

From: The Great Empire of Sevevill
To: KP Representitives
Encryption: Max

The Grand Empire of Sevevill would like to respectfully return the September Islands to you as reperations for damaged caused to your organization during the invasion of said September Islands. It will be handed over whenever wished by the KP.

The Imperial Congress has also voted to give you 120,000,000 Seves and two Sunshine Class Frigates Imperial Navy Vessel 33 and Imperial Navy Vessel 34.

Imperial Troops will be withdrawn within the week. This letter is offical notice of the Imperial Sevevillan Departure. Reparations will be left on the island.

September Islands.

Imperial troops have begun to pack up the equipment brought and leave the island. Two imperial frigates were anchored off the shore of the island and all imperial equipment was removed from the ships. Cargo ships were brought in and Imperial equipment was put onto the ships while food and other supplies for the islanders were distributed. The Imperial soldiers would be out of the island by the end of the work week and back to the mainland.

-snip-

[align=center]September Island Crisis is Over

Today the Empire of Sevevill announced its withdrawal from the September Island to the Kamooko Pact, fulfilling the Arcadian ultimatum just mere hours before its expiration. The Arcadian Armed Forces are beginning demobilization of forces in the UCSO, who will return home once the island is under the KP banner. The Freiherr and the Chancellor has thanked the Empire of Sevevill for making the right move regarding the SI along with wishing the Kamooko Pact the best of luck in administering the island.

[Republic of Altos and Stratis]

Industry leaders and politicians within the Kamooko Pact nations have reacted with disgust at Urilas' blatant act of aggression and partisanship. This move comes at a sensitive time for geopolitics in Markion and is likely to further inflame tensions and lead to economic downturn. The Urilas Straits are the single most travelled waterway in Markion and serves as the economic lifeline between west and east, and will lead to the economic isolation of Durradon, the eastern Arcadian colonies member states, and many others.

ABG News Bulletin

International

---

Ameria condemns Southwest Bloc, pledges support for Kamooko Pact.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has condemned the Urilisian-Sevevillian alliance'ss actions as illegal and designed to incite an armed confrontation. The Ministry has also submitted a request to the Markion Union for adjudication on this sensitive matter. Meanwhile, the MOD has pledged to send forces to support the position of the KP.

---

Ameria plans to reinforce the KP fleet, sparking outrage from Ameria First.

Rumors that a plan to dispatch two carrier groups to reinforce KP naval forces in the Urlias Strait has predictably sparked outrage among Ameria First Party members. The MOD has denied these reports but has scheduled a press conference to address Urlias strait situation.

---

American MOD outlines a plan to reinforce KP and Cruising Task Force Markion.

In a highly anticipated press conference, the MOD confirmed rumors that a plan to deploy forces to back the KP in their dispute against the Southwest Bloc exists and is being implemented but would not disclose any specific details.

[Sevevill]

-Snip-

Imperial News Network

---

Commotion Over Urilas Throughway Intesifies

Today the Great Empire of Sevevill has stated to the government of Ameria that they have nothing to do with the Urilas Enviromental Tax. Urilas is a seprate entity from the Imperial Government of Sevevill and have right to do what ever they want with their waterways.

"The Great Empire of Sevevill has nothing to do with what Urilas wants to do with their waterway. It is not our asset to control although we will continue to support their goals of keeping their delicate underwater ecosystem. Sevevill will continue to support their ally through this but refuse to let a stubborn un-researched nation drag them into anything they have nothing to do with. " a Quote from Imperial Public Relations Director Mark Stewson.

---

SG Aerospace Announce Their Next Fighter Jet

SG Aerospace has announced their next new fighter get, A potential replacement for their mainstay the SG-80. This new plane, now only known of as "Next Generation Multi-Role Fighter" will be entering its proving grounds infront of the Grand Imperial AIrforce Representatives, other potential clientele from corporation and country alike and any citizens who would like to view this spectacular jet from grandstands located outside of East Dunn City Airforce Base located just outside of city limits.

[The Green Union]

As for any KP Naval ships will be treated as violators of Urilas sovereignty and be dealt with by the Urilasian Coast Gaurd.

Capt. James Steelhead, Aboard Light Cruiser Sentinel, Northern Urilas Straits:

“You’re right, there she is . . .” the captain smiled, pulling away from the deck binoculars. He reached down onto his console, holding the receiver to his ear.

“We see you, Gold Star.” He said, addressing the misshapen blob of an Albatanian cargo ship just ahead. “Maintain current course, and we’ll make the run for international waters.” The sailors went to action stations as Sentinel closed, finally, entering within eyeball distance of the Gold Star . . . and the smaller ship that was shadowing her.

Capt. Steelhead grinned to himself. Gold Star was one of only a handful of KP-registered ships in the Straits that were willing to spurn the tax that had gone into effect hours before, and already the Urilisian Coast Guard had a patrol boat circling in an attempt to stop them. The cargo ship was slow, but still massive and threw out a fearsome wake. They lacked the weaponry required to disable or sink her, any boarding attempt would be risky.

But not impossible.

And the longer they waited, the more opportunity there was for additional coast guard to arrive. Capt. Steelhead was almost bouncing in excitement at how this routine deployment had turned around; after missing the last Urilas crisis, this was his chance to get some serious action under his belt. So without hesitation he ordered the Sentinel to move up alongside, cutting the patrol boat off from her quarry. Hopefully that would either force them to back off, or do something stupid.

At that thought, the Captain stared out over his ship’s main gun. Considering their size disparity, something stupid would give him justification to have a lot of fun.

The Sentinel is a Haikou-Class light cruiser of the Placeodermsian Coast Guard, currently working on behalf of the Kamooko Defence Council Maritime Command

The cruiser is one of the largest warships in the Placeodermsian arsenal, and only one of a few capable of long range patrol. At just over 150 metres long, she sports:
50 cell vertical launch system
3 x 8 cell box launch system
2 x close in weapons systems
2 x triple torpedo tubes
2 x 25mm and missile close in weapons system
2 x laser shield projector
1 x 57mm gun

1 x S-92 helicopter

[Sevevill]

-snip-

Urilas

UNCG Frence, Capitan Sean Mcgillus

They turned onto a course to circle the Container Ship Their cutter started to broadcast on the main straight frequency.

“You have failed to properly file your travel documents with the Urilas Travel Authority. Either turn back or risk you ships and their cargo being seized under Urilas Travel Authority guidelines.” The message played on repeat. While the cutter entered within range of the Gold Star.

[The Green Union]

Urilas

UNCG Frence, Capitan Sean Mcgillus

They turned onto a course to circle the Container Ship Their cutter started to broadcast on the main straight frequency.

“You have failed to properly file your travel documents with the Urilas Travel Authority. Either turn back or risk you ships and their cargo being seized under Urilas Travel Authority guidelines.” The message played on repeat. While the cutter entered within range of the Gold Star.

Capt. James Steelhead, Aboard Light Cruiser Sentinel, Northern Urilas Straits:

The Sentinel was maneuvering furiously to try and keep herself between Gold Star and her harasser, but the small Urilisian cutter was just too nimble. She was literally sailing circles around the larger KP vessels, all the while blaring her obnoxious demands.

"We just need to keep them off." Capt. Steelhead called, dashing to the port window just as the cutter once again swung out of view. "They can't board if we keep the pressure up!" To that end, James ordered small handheld drones to be launched and the ship's helicopter prepped for takeoff. At the very least they would be able to get a closer look at what it was they were dealing with.

A mere couple hundred metres away onboard Gold Star the small merchant crew were visible rapidly running hoses to the gangrailes, starting their anti-piracy operations. High pressure water would not stop a determined boarding, but it might just buy them enough time to break for international waters.

As their pre-recorded message continued to play on repeat, the Placeodermsian captain finally made his way to the console to respond on an open frequency. He had to compose himself for a moment first, not wanting to sound like he was grinning from ear to ear.

"Urilisian Coast Guard vessel," he began in Markish, "this is the PLS Sentinel sailing under flag of the Kamooko Defence Council. Please confirm that you are not intending to violate international law by impairing the free and legal movement of this commercial vessel, the Gold Star."

He breathed once before going on, staring out at his ship's forward weapons arrays. "Continuing your present actions will result in us taking necessary steps to protect our free and legal commerce."

[Sevevill]

-snip-

UNCG Frence, Capitan Sean Mcgillus

The cutter circled. It was watching and waiting for a response from the Gold Star but this Cruiser was proving to be... well un-informed at that. He returned to the radio to respond to the Sentinel. He started in to talk in his rough Markish.

"PLS Sentinel, This is UNCG Frence. You are in Urilas waters, This ship has failed to file proper paperwork is being investigated by the Urilas National Coast Gard." He paused his Markish was not very good but it would have to do dealing with this unruly Cruiser. "We are well within our legal right to stop any ship that enters these waters." He finished before turning to his college on the bridge. "See if we have a frigate in range. We will probably need a helicopter by the looks of things."

UNCG Wake. Repurposed Sunshine Class Frigate.

"UNCG Frence. Requesting Support." Came over the radio. Capitan Luke Vermon looked over his shoulder to see a officer about to respond. Before the man could say anything.

"Change course. We will turn to help them." He said to the man as the frigate turned course back towards the straight while her two helicopters were prepared.

[The Green Union]

UNCG Frence, Capitan Sean Mcgillus

The cutter circled. It was watching and waiting for a response from the Gold Star but this Cruiser was proving to be... well un-informed at that. He returned to the radio to respond to the Sentinel. He started in to talk in his rough Markish.

"PLS Sentinel, This is UNCG Frence. You are in Urilas waters, This ship has failed to file proper paperwork is being investigated by the Urilas National Coast Gard." He paused his Markish was not very good but it would have to do dealing with this unruly Cruiser. "We are well within our legal right to stop any ship that enters these waters." He finished before turning to his college on the bridge. "See if we have a frigate in range. We will probably need a helicopter by the looks of things."

Capt. James Steelhead, Aboard Light Cruiser Sentinel, Northern Urilas Straits:

"UNCG Frence," the Placeodermsian protested, "any continued disruption will be treated as a violation of international law, and the Kamooko Pact will use for to stop any illegal actions."

Captain Steelhead paces the bridge. Although he had wanted to position his ship between the cargo vessel and her attacker, the aggressive circling maneuvers of the adversary were making it impossible. Knowing that their diplomatic argument would continue for the foreseeable future, the Sentinel settled herself into a loose formation several hundred metres behind Gold Star. The Placeodermsian drones and helicopter took to the skies, beginning to circle the action happening up ahead. If the Urilisians attempted to board, or worse, then Sentinel would have to move in.

A S-92 helicopter may itself be unarmed, but her crew was determined to get maximum utility out of it. They started making low passes over the Frence, circling her to take photos, and even at times hovering less than a hundred metres above her mast. One crew member braced himself in the open doorway, clearly displaying a SCAR rifle for those below to see.

[Arcadian States and Commonwealths]

Arcadian Consulate to the KP
Ambassador Falco Schottel

He had just hung up the phone from Casatolo, he was just authorized to begin secret negotiations with the Kamooko Pact over Altaguay. While the territory was seized as a launchpad for an invasion of the Empire of Sevevill it wouldn't be easily defendable against a Sevevillian first strike. He picked up his phone again to an old friend in the KP foreign affairs department and began to inform him of the situation. This would hopefully be a major turning point in the Arcadian-Seve cold war and a hopeful return to normal relations to the Kamokoo Pact.

[Sevevill]

-snip-

Sevevill
Imperial News Network

---

Imperial Government putting pressure on Urilas to lift tax.

Today a press release from the Imperial Government of Sevevill has put pressure on Urilas to lift their upcoming environmental tax. In a statement from Imperial Environmental Coordinator Dr. Eric May said this.

"The Imperial Government while admiring the great Island Empire of Urilas and their attempts to protect their natural wildlife have condemned these actions taken to do so. From our standpoint we see there being better ways to achieve the same goal. With this Sevevill will be withdrawing naval support from the region until a proper ultimatum can be brought to the attention of the Imperial Environmental Board."

-snip-

Urilas

UNCG Frence. Capitan Sean Mcgillus

The crew of the Frence continued to circle. Capitan Sean knew that he had nothing more that he could say to the light cruiser that continued to berate them. But the support from the nearby frigate would hopefully help them change their course of actions.

Outside on the boat the crew of the Frence worked their harderst to ignore the pesky S-92 helicopter that was hovering around them as there was not much that could be done to stop it. They were busy hooking up water cannons and preparing smaller vessels for what they assumed would be a entirely problematic outcome.

UNCG Wake. Capitan Luke Vermon.

As they approached the nearby skirmish the Wake readied her own helicopter. Preparing it to make the journey over before the ship would be in range. At the time being it would more be a fight of who was willing to sit around in the straight longer. The helicopter dusted off and headed for the small group of ships.

[The Green Union]

Arcadian Consulate to the KP
Ambassador Falco Schottel

He had just hung up the phone from Casatolo, he was just authorized to begin secret negotiations with the Kamooko Pact over Altaguay. While the territory was seized as a launchpad for an invasion of the Empire of Sevevill it wouldn't be easily defendable against a Sevevillian first strike. He picked up his phone again to an old friend in the KP foreign affairs department and began to inform him of the situation. This would hopefully be a major turning point in the Arcadian-Seve cold war and a hopeful return to normal relations to the Kamokoo Pact.

Rep. Kiera Armi, People's Palace of Placeoderms, Kamooko, Placeoderms:

Representative Armi let the phone's cord wrap around her finger, listening as her old associate gave his proposal. She resisted the urge to let out an exasperated sigh, instead channeling that frustration into eye rolls and mock strangulation gestures at various items in her small office. It really was typical of Schottel and the people he worked with to come crawling back after all these months, after dozens or hundreds had died and years of nation building in Altaguay were destroyed for their narrowminded imperialist policies.

"Thank you, Falco." She finally quipped, trying to disguise her annoyance. "You know I'm no longer involved with the ministry of foreign affairs, but I do know some old colleagues who transfered to work with the Kamooko Pact when it was founded. I can pass what you sent me on to them and make sure it doesn't get trapped in bureaucratic hell."

Sevevill
Imperial News Network

---

Imperial Government putting pressure on Urilas to lift tax.

Today a press release from the Imperial Government of Sevevill has put pressure on Urilas to lift their upcoming environmental tax. In a statement from Imperial Environmental Coordinator Dr. Eric May said this.

"The Imperial Government while admiring the great Island Empire of Urilas and their attempts to protect their natural wildlife have condemned these actions taken to do so. From our standpoint we see there being better ways to achieve the same goal. With this Sevevill will be withdrawing naval support from the region until a proper ultimatum can be brought to the attention of the Imperial Environmental Board."

In response to the Sevevillian statements, an impromptu press conference has been held the Kamooko Pact's southern naval headquarters in Grande, Isae. There Rear Admiral Septarian, commander of the Kamooko Defence Command's Maritime Forces South (KDCMFS), praised the Sevevillian decision and appealed to the region for calm.

"This announcement out of the Sevevillian Empire shows that we are not alone." He reminded the cameras, "The actions of this government in Urilas are illegal, just as they were illegal last year when eight KP-flagged ships were sunk. The difference this time is that the international community understands how dangerous and damaging it will be to put this power in the hands of one nation. They don't want to be next."

Septarian went on to appeal to all the governments of Markion, urging them to also declare this action illegal and back the right of shipping companies to refuse paying the tax. He also revealed that, as they spoke, the Kamooko Pact was preparing an appeal to the Markion Union and Greater Markion Alliance of Nations to strike down the tax and declare the Urilas Straits as international waters. This bill, if passed, would curtail much of the power Urilas has held in the area for over two centuries, including the right to bar access.

Urilas

UNCG Frence. Capitan Sean Mcgillus

The crew of the Frence continued to circle. Capitan Sean knew that he had nothing more that he could say to the light cruiser that continued to berate them. But the support from the nearby frigate would hopefully help them change their course of actions.

Outside on the boat the crew of the Frence worked their harderst to ignore the pesky S-92 helicopter that was hovering around them as there was not much that could be done to stop it. They were busy hooking up water cannons and preparing smaller vessels for what they assumed would be a entirely problematic outcome.

UNCG Wake. Capitan Luke Vermon.

As they approached the nearby skirmish the Wake readied her own helicopter. Preparing it to make the journey over before the ship would be in range. At the time being it would more be a fight of who was willing to sit around in the straight longer. The helicopter dusted off and headed for the small group of ships.

Capt. James Steelhead, Aboard Light Cruiser Sentinel, Northern Urilas Straits:

The moment they detected the incoming helicopter, Sentinel's bridge crew leapt into action. A small cutter was one thing that could in all seriousness probably be kept away by some basic maneuvers and firehose use on the part of Gold Star, and it seemed extremely unlikely that they would actually open fire on an unarmed merchant ship. But this helicoper would bypass all of that. Anybody could be on board the helo, and they could easily rappel down onto the big, slow ship's deck. Immediately the cruiser's helicopter was moved into a more defensive position above the cargo ship, and Captain Steelhead ordered the ship's weapons brought to bear.

"Lock on." The Captain warned, "If they get too close I want them shot down."

[Arcadian States and Commonwealths]

Arcadian Consulate to the KP
Ambassador Falco Schottel

He had just hung up the phone from Casatolo, he was just authorized to begin secret negotiations with the Kamooko Pact over Altaguay. While the territory was seized as a launchpad for an invasion of the Empire of Sevevill it wouldn't be easily defendable against a Sevevillian first strike. He picked up his phone again to an old friend in the KP foreign affairs department and began to inform him of the situation. This would hopefully be a major turning point in the Arcadian-Seve cold war and a hopeful return to normal relations to the Kamokoo Pact.

Rep. Kiera Armi, People's Palace of Placeoderms, Kamooko, Placeoderms:

Representative Armi let the phone's cord wrap around her finger, listening as her old associate gave his proposal. She resisted the urge to let out an exasperated sigh, instead of channeling that frustration into eye rolls and mock strangulation gestures at various items in her small office. It really was typical of Schottel and the people he worked with to come crawling back after all these months after dozens or hundreds had died and years of nation-building in Altaguay were destroyed for their narrowminded imperialist policies.

"Thank you, Falco." She finally quipped, trying to disguise her annoyance. "You know I'm no longer involved with the ministry of foreign affairs, but I do know some old colleagues who transferred to work with the Kamooko Pact when it was founded. I can pass what you sent me on to them and make sure it doesn't get trapped in bureaucratic hell."

Arcadian Consulate to the KP
Ambassador Falco Schottel

After the phone call, he was now waiting on being contacted by some foreign affairs officials from the pact to begin negotiations. About a day passed, and he was in his residence outside in a small Kamooko suburb with his wife, who was making his morning coffee. The winter was winding down and it was the first day of spring where he'd be able to wear a thin jacket instead of his wool overcoat. Some of the birds were beginning to return as he went upstairs to his home office, and as he opened his email, and saw a reply from the KP foreign affairs office. The meeting was two days away to take place in Altaguay, with a KP garrison in the country. He began to offer a deal for the KP soldiers in Altara.

My nation cannot agree to a garrison in Altara airport before a deal is struck by our nations however what we can offer is a delegate security force of a company-sized element at the airport for the duration of the negotiations. They will be left alone by the local garrison and confined to the airport with Kamooko security teams authorized to accompany your delegates. If a deal is struck for Altaguay to be returned to the Kamooko Pact a permanent garrison will be the first thing in the transition of power.

[Phoenxia]

Ekkesburg

"You're going to have a lot of fun today with your Auntie Etsch and Uncle Ulrik, okay?" Ingrid nudged the boys over to Ulrik's car as she handed Inge to Etschelena. "I don't know how to thank you for taking the kids off my hands today."

"Well, it's hard for all of us, and everyone needs a day to themselves now and again. Enjoy it while it lasts," she made her way to the passenger seat door. She sat down and closed the door, "Män Godt, Inge! You're getting so big! And you two boys, turning into strong, handsome young men!"

"What are you planning on doing with Inge and Charles today while me and Karl are at practice with Henrik?" Ulrik started the car as his glasses glinted in the bright midwinter sun in the bare sky.

"Me and Retta are going to take them to the mall for lunch, then going back to your house so I can give them some late Christmas presents."

"Has anyone ever told you how nice you are?"

"Well, I'm kind of their aunt. I signed up for this the moment Ingrid had them. What kind of aunt doesn't get presents for her nieces and nephews?"

"Eh, I've had some pretty mean aunts."

"So I'm a good aunt?" She giggled.

"Etsch, you're a great aunt."

Henrik spoke up, "Ulrik, do you—do you know Nikolaj?"

"Yeah, why do you ask?"

"Nikolaj's really good. Can you beat him?" He wormed around in the back seat of the car.

"Nikolaj is a lot better than me," Ulrik chuckled.

Retta and Karl were waiting at the house to go separate ways. Erika lazily walked down the stairs in her pajamas.

"Another late night?" Etsch gathered some things to get ready to go back out.

"Uhm... Yeah. Where are you going?" she rubbed her eyes and sat down at the dining table.

"To the mall if you want to come. Get to know my niece and nephew," Etschelena looked at Inge in her arms and smiled.

Erika's expression lightened a few bits, "Alright, let me get dressed."

Karl and Ulrik got going first so they could be on time to practice. All the wrestlers were warming up when they came through the doors, Henrik was piggyback riding on Ulrik.

Coach Jakobssen walked up to them, "Karl, you can start getting warmed up. Now, Ulrik! It's been a while since you've been in here," he moved to shake his hand with an ear to ear grin. "Also, who's the little guy?"

"Well," he looked back at Henrik and smiled, "this is my nephew, Henrik. Can you say hi?" Henrik waved, and Ulrik let him down. "Is it alright if I just teach him some basic technique?"

"Yeah, that would be great. You can also get him in on a little bit of the practice, none of the hard stuff, just get him in the groove."

"Yeah, totally," he set down his bag and began slipping on his wrestling shoes.

"Why are you putting on another pair of shoes?"

"They're wrestling shoes. They help me move better, and they keep the mats clean."

"Can you get me some, Ulrik?"

"Don't worry, buddy. Me and your Auntie Etsch have you hooked up. You can use your socks today."

"Alright!"

At the mall, the three girls, one energetic little boy, and a gleeful infant walked through the parking lot to the front door.

"You know, I'm still really excited to go to Phoenixia! What city are we going to again?" Erika moved along enthusiastically.

"We're going to Vietschen. You're gonna have a lot of fun. It's a little cold to go to the beach in March, though."

"It doesn't matter. I'll get to see Män Éte Draj in concert!"

Retta walked along and looked over, "What's—erm," she stumbled her words trying to pronounce it.

"It's a Phoenixian indie band," Etschelena said.

"Phoenixian's such a weird language," Retta laughed.

"You know why we're going here for real, right?" both of Etsch's companions looked at her in inquiry, "You're both bridesmaids for the wedding, I'm getting your dresses."

Erika's face lit up once more, "Really? That's amazing! Although, won't it be a little weird being part of the bridal party at my brother's wedding?"

"Well, you're one of the few close friends I won't have to pay to come from Phoenixia. It means a lot to me and Ulrik that you would play this part. And Retta, you have no idea how much you mean to me as a friend. You were one of the few people who even talked to me in my first week here."

"Aw you're gonna make me blush."

Etsch checked her phone, there was a text from Ulrik, "Did those shoes for Henrik get here?"

"Yeah, of course. They're wrapped up at the house with the rest of the kids' presents."

While trying on dresses, they all took turns watching Charles to make sure he wasn't bouncing off the walls of the store.

Everyone arrived home at the same time—around two. The gifts lay in the living room under no tree, because the Mikaelssens had spent Christmas at Rudolf's parents. Etsch carried Inge in whilst Erika guided in Charles. As Karl and Ulrik came in, the girls waved them over.

Karl exhaustedly shook his head with a tired smile, "I've gotta shower, sorry. I'm not taking any chances with ringworm. I'll be right out though." He shuffled into the bathroom and closed the door after grabbing some clean clothes.

"What's up there?" Etsch giggled.

"Coach worked the boys really hard. They're preparing for prep nationals." Ulrik set down Henrik in the living room and sat down.

"How'd Henrik do?" Erika asked.

"Kid's a natural. Aren't you, buddy?" He looked over and smiled as Henrik nodded. "I have videos I'll show you later."

"Sounds great. Alright kids, are you ready to see what we got you?" Etsch turned her attention to the three boxes laying on the floor. "I know both of you boys want to open first, you're gonna have to play a game of rock paper scissors."

Henrik won and ran up to find the neatly wrapped box with his name on it. He vigorously tore into the wrapping paper to find an asics box, inside was a bright brand new pair of blue and silver mat controls. "Oh my gosh! Thank you Auntie Etsch!"

"Don't thank me, your Uncle Ulrik picked them out."

"Thank you Uncle Ulrik!" Henrik looked over and smiled ear to ear.

"No problem, buddy. I wanna see you win in those though." Ulrik pointed at the shoes.

"Alright, Charles. Let's see what you got," Etsch waved over at another neatly wrapped box.

He similarly ripped into the wrapping paper, making a tattered mess of the handiwork. His face lit up when he saw a large box set of injection molded plastic army men. "Woah, how'd you know it's exactly what I wanted?"

"Santa told me," Etsch answered with a completely straight face.

Karl came out of the bathroom with wet hair and a fresh change of clothes on. "Wow, I wish my first pair of shoes was that nice. Also, I'll play army men with you," he smiled.

Etsch and Erika then huddled around Inge as they helped her open her gift. It was a large stuffed duck. Inge cooed and giggled when she saw it, looking up and smiling at the two girls around her.

When all the gifts were opened, everyone began talking around the living room, Ulrik and Karl were conversing about the upcoming prep nationals and MACAs until Karl was called over to play army men when it had all been set up, Henrik was trying his best to take it all in.

[Durradon]

Rep. Kiera Armi, People's Palace of Placeoderms, Kamooko, Placeoderms:

Representative Armi let the phone's cord wrap around her finger, listening as her old associate gave his proposal. She resisted the urge to let out an exasperated sigh, instead of channeling that frustration into eye rolls and mock strangulation gestures at various items in her small office. It really was typical of Schottel and the people he worked with to come crawling back after all these months after dozens or hundreds had died and years of nation-building in Altaguay were destroyed for their narrowminded imperialist policies.

"Thank you, Falco." She finally quipped, trying to disguise her annoyance. "You know I'm no longer involved with the ministry of foreign affairs, but I do know some old colleagues who transferred to work with the Kamooko Pact when it was founded. I can pass what you sent me on to them and make sure it doesn't get trapped in bureaucratic hell."

Arcadian Consulate to the KP
Ambassador Falco Schottel

After the phone call, he was now waiting on being contacted by some foreign affairs officials from the pact to begin negotiations. About a day passed, and he was in his residence outside in a small Kamooko suburb with his wife, who was making his morning coffee. The winter was winding down and it was the first day of spring where he'd be able to wear a thin jacket instead of his wool overcoat. Some of the birds were beginning to return as he went upstairs to his home office, and as he opened his email, and saw a reply from the KP foreign affairs office. The meeting was two days away to take place in Altaguay, with a KP garrison in the country. He began to offer a deal for the KP soldiers in Altara.

My nation cannot agree to a garrison in Altara airport before a deal is struck by our nations however what we can offer is a delegate security force of a company-sized element at the airport for the duration of the negotiations. They will be left alone by the local garrison and confined to the airport with Kamooko security teams authorized to accompany your delegates. If a deal is struck for Altaguay to be returned to the Kamooko Pact a permanent garrison will be the first thing in the transition of power.

The Kamooko Pact responded promptly and bluntly.

The Kamooko Pact reiterates to the Federation of Arcadian States & Commonwealths that in order for negotiations for the end of the Arcadian occupation of Altaguay to begin Casatolo must allow for the Kamooko Defence Council to ensure the safety of all Altaguayans by standing down all Arcadian Armed Forces in the country and therefore permitting the Kamooko Defence Council personnel entry. This is the bedrock upon further negotiations will be built as the offer will continue to stand. The blatant disregard for the seriousness of the situation has been fully illustrated at this moment as the Federal Senate continues to ignore clearly outlined prerequisites for negotiations to begin.

To aid in potential future negotiations, the Governance Council has given leave for the Kamooko Diplomatic Department to reach out to the Imperial government of Sevevill in order to reach a settlement on Altaguay pertaining to the ongoing military tensions between the Federation of Arcadian States & Commonwealths and the Sevevillian Empire. Specifically, the Kamooko Diplomatic Department will be requesting Imperial officials to come into the negotiations to ensure that the Imperial Armed Forces will no longer be a threat to Altaguay and the Federation's interests there. This will end the need for Arcadian military presence and readiness in the country.

Once the prerequisites for negotiation, further outlined below, have been met, the Kamooko Pact will begin preparations for the negotiations that will take place in Altaguay.

Prerequisites For Negotiation

The Federation of Arcadian States & Commonwealths is to, before the beginning of negotiations for the end of the Arcadian occupation of Altaguay:

- Allow Kamooko Defence Council personnel to land in the nation and set up bases in stead of Arcadian Armed Forces bases.

- Cease and desist all current Arcadian Armed Forces military operations in Altaguay.

- Allow Ambassadors from the Sevevillian Empire to enter negotiations as a third party to ensure the safety of the citizens of Altaguay.

Proposal For Negotiation

The Federation of Arcadian States & Commonwealths is to, after the conclusion of negotiations for the end of the Arcadian occupation of Altaguay:

- Recognise that they are relinquishing control of Altaguay by ending the Arcadian occupation and returning it to the citizens of the nation, not to the Kamooko Pact.

- Begin the demilitarisation of the Altaguay-Sevevill border.

- Stand down and withdrawal all Arcadian Armed Forces from Altaguay and allow the peaceful integration of Kamooko Defence Council personnel into the relinquished bases.

[Phoenxia]

It was Ulrik's last night of break, the two lay in bed facing eachother, talking quietly. "When's the soonest you wanna start a family?" Etsch asked, propping up her head with her arm.

"As soon as possible," a smile formed through the darkness of the winter night. A hint of a chuckle in his voice.

"Have you thought of names of kids yet? I have," her smile formed up too.

"I've thought of one, for a first born boy. Lars Frederik."

"Who says the first is gonna be a boy?" She giggled. "I'll make a deal with you right now. If we end up having a boy, we use an Emerstarian name, a girl, we use a Phoenixian name."

"You're on," he reached out and stroked back her hair slowly. "What name were you thinking?"

"Zinaita Juliana. I've always liked the name Zinaita."

"That sounds beautiful. It's hard to believe I won't see you again till the wedding," he continued gently stroking the side of her head.

"I know, but I can't wait," she put her arm on his shoulder.

"I love you, Etschelena. Good night."

"I love you too," she hugged him close as they both drifted to sleep.

She woke up to his bright and early alarm, and began to help him do his final packing. She felt a certain amount of sadness knowing she wasn't going to see him for almost a month, but it was overcome by bright and optimistic visions of the future. Everyone came out to the driveway to send him off.

"Come here, baby," he said softly, reaching out his arms as he leaned on the car. They both wrapped each other in a tight hug as he kissed Etsch'e forehead. "Love you, see you soon."

Then, everyone went down the line until he stepped into his car and backed out.

[Phoenxia]

City of Ekkesburg

Bride's/Groom's feasts


One would almost expect that with so many wrestlers in one place, the groom's feast would be more unruly, yet at the same time, they were going easier on the alcohol. The boys were at Thomes' house whilst the girls were at the Mikaelssens house. The men were having more trivial fun with impromptu wrestling scrambles on cleared swaths of carpet or games of euchre or holdem.


Meanwhile, Etsch had reverted to speaking Phoenixian—a drunk habit of hers. Whilst the men were on the other side of town playing holdem and euchre with their cards, Etsch taught the young Emerstarian ladies the semi-traditional Phoenixian drinking game, Schöneboið.


Nikolaj came up to Ulrik at the groom's feast as they watched Grenlof and Arjelov wrestle a scrambling match; a rivalry that would surely see through to the MACA's, but for today they were celebrating a dear friend. "I heard you hit a wicked lat drop at nationals. Didn't that kid beat your little brother at prep natties last year?" 


"I guess that's the great thing about wrestling in Emerstari," Ulrik laughed, "you know everything about everybody."


"Well, I wrestled at such a level in Phoenixia that I've known my competition since I started high school up until now. I mean, Rossijov, who I'm challenging for the national team spot wrestled me for the cadet spot, then the junior spot, and then several times in the regular season up until I started my junior year and he fucked off to UIDN," Nik chuckled.


"You think I can beat Kiežki?" Ulrik sipped on his drink.


"Dude, don't worry about the MACA championships right now. You're marrying the girl of your dreams tomorrow."


"I suppose you're right, how's married life going for you by the way? I know it's been quite a few months, but I just haven't had a chance to talk with you," Ulrik leaned in and asked his question to the best of his ability with the commotion of the room.


"It's going absolutely great. You know she's pregnant with a boy? I can't wait to be a father."


"Shit, congratulations, man!" Ulrik raised a high five. "You know, we've discussed baby names already," he laughed and crossed his arms.


"Yeah? What'd you choose?"


"I said Lars Frederik, banking on having a boy first. She said Zinaita Juliana."


"Sweet," Nikolaj raised his drink, "here's to your last day as an unmarried man."


Etsch had invited only a few of her friends from Ilanov, but all her friends from St. Ingolf's, and all her favorite cousins from childhood were there. Not much meaningful conversation went on, but she had the time of her life.


Eventually, Etsch and Ulrik swapped places; she stayed the night at Thomes' estate, driven there by Heda because she herself was in no condition to drive. Karl ended up driving Ulrik back to the Mikaelssen house; as was custom that a couple not see eachother for 24 hours before they are wedded.


Ekkesburg Cathedral

February 4th, 2036


Besides the bride and groom and their immediate entourages, including family and friends, many of the Emerstarian nobility were in attendance, such as Erik XII Georg and the Queen, the Crown Prince and Princess, and the Duke and Duchess of Ekkesburg. The Duke and Duchess of Koborg, as well as several other Koborgians, had also come to attend; the Duke of Öste, Artur Deitrik, likewise flocked with the other Eirikrians to the event.


Most of these royals and nobles sat in a section of their own within the Cathedral, leaving other sections open for the Mikaelssen family and friends of the bride and groom. Some of these friends were wrestling colleagues of Ulrik, like Nikolaj Sirinški, and others were friends of Etschelena from high school, though notable was the lack of Greta. A local newspaper or two would eventually pick up on this in their reporting on the wedding. Still, for an Emerstarian wedding, this was a rather large crowd.


At the head of the Cathedral, the dean stood alone. After everyone and everything was settled, he would read from the Song of Solomon, but, as it was, he was preparing to do that. The dean would then give a sermon on marriage and covenant before the bride and groom took their places on either side of him. When that time came, the two would read their vows.


Ulrik began with his, "Etschelena Heliana Mausen, I don't know where to begin when I say I'm going to express my love for you. So, I'll start from the beginning. When I first laid eyes on you, I'm gonna be honest; I didn't know who this girl struggling to run out onto the mat in high heels was. I quickly found out the next night who you were, at that party surrounded by your family and friends: a kind, humorous, and beautiful spirit. This past year has been a magical experience of myself as a person, and an amazing exploration of a culture I knew nothing more about than they were godless communists at one point. For that, thank you. I can't wait for the adventures that await us in the future."


Her expression remained still, but her eyes twinkled with tears of joy as she began reading from her vows, "Ulrik, when I say you mean the world to me, I mean I would travel across the world to be with you, which I did if that says anything. At first I fell in love with you for your looks and athleticism, but as I dug myself deeper, I found something more. I found a positive role model of a brother, I found a kind and honest friend, and I found you, Ulrik Feliks Mikaelssen."


The crowd smiled as whole in silence, savoring the perfection of the moment; true love forming a holy covenant between man and woman. And the dean handed to each a ring, which they put on the hand of the other. He began to pray, saying, “O Father, may Your name be kept holy. Bless these two whom You have brought together into holy matrimony, and let the glory be to You for their coming together, for this is Your doing just as it was Your doing to bring Eve to Adam, the Shulammite to Solomon, and the Church to Christ. All these things are from You, through You, and for You. Number their days many, and achieve Your purposes through them. Let not one day stray from Your plan, and let their marriage mirror that of Your Son and the Church for Your glory.


"As Christ loves the Church, empower Ulrik Feliks to love Etschelena Heliana the same. And as the Church is in submission to Christ, who is the Head of that body, let Etschelena Heliana be in the same. Put love into their hearts, and let this love not be confused for passion nor for lust. Bring Ulrik to cherish Etschelena, Lord, and Etschelena to cherish Ulrik. You have brought them together as You have brought complementary things together since the first — the heavens and the earth, the waters above and the waters blow, the sea and the dry land, the sun and the moon, the birds of the sky and the fish of the sea, and man and woman — so shall You bring these things to the last.


"You brought together man and God in the reconciliation Christ brought us through His atoning sacrifice, and He was Himself both man and God. Blessed be you, Lord, who has done all these things. May Your kingdom come in Ulrik and Etschelena, and Your will be done in them. Provide them their daily bread for as long as they shall live as You also provide for the birds and the trees. Forgive them for that which they have done against You and for that which they will come to do against You. Lead them into conformity with Your Word, Father. In Jesus's name, for His sake, we pray these things. Amen."


The dean looked up and began to speak to the people rather than God, saying, "Let us not forget what Luther wrote on the day of his wedding, that he felt neither ‘passionate love nor burning’ for his spouse, but he cherished her as a gift from God nonetheless. He said, 'There is no more lovely, friendly, and charming relationship, communion, or company than a good marriage.' Upon that, he said, 'The Christian is supposed to love his neighbor, and since his wife is his nearest neighbor she should be his deepest love.'


"I call everyone here to remember this and to make Luther a frequent example from day to day. Throughout his life, he suffered from numerous health complications, he and his wife had plentiful financial struggles, and the two lost several children whether in infancy or by miscarriage, yet they loved each other as God commanded them and remained as one; their love for each other was an action from the beginning, not a feeling until the action brought that forth. Luther advised the wife to make her husband glad to come home, and the husband to make her sorry to see him leave.


"Ulrik and Etschelena, remember this and persevere. Persevere not in your own strength, but in your preservation by the Holy Spirit. God bless you, and good tidings." The dean bowed his head towards the two and walked off. The ceremony was ending, and Thomes immediately stood up to congratulate the young couple, followed by Erik and then the rest en masse.


All of the wrestlers slowly began chanting, "kiss the bride, kiss the bride," in short and syncopated syllables. Ulrik smirked at them, grabbed Etschelena, and dipped her down for a passionate kiss; not making out, no tongue, but enough to where it satisfied the mob of athletes, who whooped and cheered.


Mikaelssen House

February 5th, 2036


Karlotte had made a brilliant and heartwarming display of pictures for the marriage feast. On a table, there were pictures of Etsch on the left and Ulrik on the right starting with baby pictures and going up in age as it moved to the center, and in the center were pictures of the wedding. Etschelena nearly cried when she saw the thought and care that had gone into the arrangement.


The feast was evidently a smaller affair, around twenty or so people. Most of the guests here were family, and they had planned a larger party to be had with friends later. Artur Deitrik had left back for Öste, but Erik, Elsa, Frederik, Thomes, Annette, and Ingrid were there. Ingrid had brought the kids.


Rudolf didn't know what to say when he invited in none other than the King into his household, the duke was more often than not enough of a surprise. "Your Majesty, I'm honored to just be in your presence."


"No, the honor is mine, Mann Mikaelssen. Thank you for welcoming me into your fine home."


"It's no problem at all, enjoy the celebration, Your Majesty."


"I will, thank you again, Mann Mikaelssen."


Ulrik's paternal cousins who were wrestlers sat in the living room with Karl, they were all talking about the Ducal Championships coming in the following week. Henrik sat listening in as enthusiastic about the sport as ever, and followed along with the jargon and technical speaking to the best of his ability. 


Jos was two years younger than Ulrik, and he was set to wrestle in Erk for college, he was currently nationally ranked, but that almost doesn't mean a thing at the Ekkesburg Ducal Championship, which has the highest percentage of prep national qualifying Gymnasjoms. "I'm so lucky my county was easy. I walked out with two techs and a pin."


"Naw, the duchy is gonna be pretty easy for you. 145 isn't very stacked this year. Meanwhile, at 138, whew," Karl wiped his forehead and chuckled.


Henrik interjected and asked, "What's going on at 55 pounds?"


They all broke into lighthearted laughter at the young boy's comment when Jos said, "I don't know if there is a 55 pound weight in Gymnasjom, buddy. But knowing Koborg as a duchy, you'll destroy 55 pounds I bet."


Meanwhile, Etsch had struck up her first true conversation with Erik since she had come to Emerstari. "I honestly didn't know if you were going to come. I never thought that my wedding would be that big of a deal to the family, me being a distant cousin who's not marrying into nobility."


Erik smiled at what she said and spoke, “Well, I’m honored that you would hold me up so loftily. I’m happy to have come, and I hope you and Ulrik have many happy years together. How has your time in Emerstari been thus far?”


"It's definitely different. Gymnasjom is certainly structured differently than a Phoenixian High School," she slightly snickered mid sentence.


“Indeed, it is. What are you studying in gymnasjom?”


"I'm doing college prep so I can go and study at Bergland with Ulrik. I still have yet to figure out what I'm going to major in."


“Then I suppose I shouldn’t dare to ask you what plans you and Ulrik have for after college?”


"He's talked about getting a house outside the city of Ekkesburg or building a house in that area. I don't know much about how housing works here, but I'm excited nonetheless."


“I’m sure Thomes will be happy to have you two around his parts out there, though you’ll not be too far away from Hrenshållar either.”


"Thomes is always a pleasure to have in company, and being in such close vicinity to Hrenshållar is an added bonus. I'm honestly happy to be where I am now, seeing the current state of my home country."


“It is a shame. Some months ago, I was out there and visited and talked with Greta for a time. I would hope that all things work out, but I don’t think it will end up going that smoothly.”


"Do you think she still holds a grudge upon me? I do hope I'll be able to see her in person sometime soon."


“I believe that, to some extent, she still does. I urged her and still urge her to forgive you, not that you are completely innocent in the matter if we’re talking candidly, so forgive my saying that, but it is futility to hold such a grudge and not edifying either. I hope to make another trip sometime soon. If you would like, you could come along with me.”


"That would be quite nice. We're supposed to go off to Phoenixia next month for a multitude of different activities."


“Wrestling activities, by any chance?”


"Indeed, well not for me and Erika, but I got Rudolf, Karl, and Ulrik tickets to the national championships in Vietschen as a Christmas present."


“I’m sure they’ll enjoy that.”


"Oh yes, they were ecstatic when they opened the envelope," she giggled.


“That sounds like Thomes when he gets a new golf club. Do they have good golfing in Phoenixia?”


"There are a few good courses that I know of, the Vietschen National Golf Club is supposed to be the premier one from what I've heard."


“Perhaps he can join us, then, if he’s able.”


"I don't remember a time when he has ever been to Phoenixia," Etschelena put her finger on her chin and pondered.


“Nor do I. I don’t believe he’s ever been much farther than Køphafven.”


"That's nonetheless quite a distance from Ekkesburg, but I'd be happy to accompany the both of you if you ever chose such a holiday to go on. Öste is picturesque in the spring with its emerald green pastures."


“That sounds like quite the place. That’s where Artur Deitrik is, no?”


"Indeed it is. It's also home to Ønstad County, which I'm sure you've heard tales of."


“I have heard some tales, but I’ve never been. I might have to visit during our trip if they’ll receive me.”


"Speaking of trips though, we've been talking about what we're going to do for Easter. Ulrik's family is pretty split this year, so we've been thinking of going to yours in Hrenshållar, but I just said that for politeness sake I should ask if it would be alright if I come."


“It would certainly be alright for you two to come. You’re more than welcome to join my family in Hrenshållar for Easter.”


"That sounds great! You know, it would be my first Lutheran Easter?"


“Then perhaps you’ll enjoy the gift that Elsa and I got you and Ulrik, that Georg Konungens Translation, if you’ve dealt with the gifts yet.”


"Aw, now you've spoiled the surprise," she giggled, "It's all a strange new territory after growing up with the Merkavić translation, and reading the Bible in Vietian."


“In Vietian? That’s interesting, and period Vietian, no less? Is it that similar to Phoenixian?”


"Fairly similar, but also very different due to the Arcadian grammatical conventions introduced in the 18th century," Etsch looked back at Erika calling for her in the living room, "Oh, I guess I'm wanted elsewhere. It's been a pleasure talking, Erik."


The rest of the night was a hoot, Ingrid had to leave earlier than the rest to get the kids to bed, then Erik left because he was feeling rather tired, then all the aunts, uncles, and cousins slowly trickled out over the course of an hour, then Thomes and Annette were the last to leave. Etschelena was truly in bloom to be surrounded by so many great people.

[Emerstari]

Murky Matters of Matrimony

Filip H. Nygård, 20 May 2035, Hrenshållar Chronicle

On Saturday, the sixteenth of June, in Ekljund Hall of the University of Sælle, a debate on the following thesis is scheduled between Drs. Frederik Emmanuel Holt and Johannes Þéodor Simeon Hrolfsson, that a marriage begins at the moment of its consummation.

Dr. Holt intends to argue to the affirmative of the thesis, that marriage indeed begins at the moment of its consummation, and he is an ordained minister in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Emerstari, having served a pastor of St. Paul's Cathedral in Huså, Hvenland, since 2003. Holt is an associate professor of systematic theology at Concordia Seminary in Huså, where he also serves as the dean of students, and has written and contributed to twenty-six books on a variety of topics.

Dr. Hrolfsson intends to argue to the negative of the thesis, that marriage does not begin at the moment of its consummation, but rather at the exchanging of vows, and he is an ordained minister in the Evangelical Reformed Church of Emerstari, having served as an elder of Grace Reformed Church in Skæ, Floþeland, since 2006 and as the head elder since 2023. Hrolfsson is an associate professor of New Testament theology and of biblical Greek at Reformed Theological Seminary in Miþenborg. He has written and contributed to thirty-two books on a variety of topics.

Ekljund Hall was originally built in 1672 and refurbished in 1830, and is able to seat 550 attendees. His Majesty the King plans to be in attendance with the HM the Queen, HRHs the Crown Prince and Princess, and TRGs the Dukes of Koborg and Ekkesburg with the Duchesses thereof. The debate is scheduled to be three-and-a-half hours and will also air on several television and radio stations.

Dr. Hrolfsson said of his position to the Hrenshållar Chronicle, "My opponent, though a friend and a dear brother in the Lord, has consistently argued by the same logic as the Papists in support of his position, and I should hope to make that clearly evident during our debate, and show that holy Scripture does not indicate that consummation is the beginning of a marriage. We all ought to possess the same attitude as our forefathers in the faith — Luther, Calvin, and Zwingli — and proudly proclaim, 'Semper reformanda,' in the face of unbiblical doctrines and practices."

Dr. Holt said of his position to the Hrenshållar Chronicle, "For centuries it has been understood that consummation is the beginning of a marriage in the eyes of God. Just as baptism is the outward sign of the inward rebirth, so is consummation the outward sign of a couple's inward transformation into one flesh. We do not recognize the unbaptized as part of the visible Church, so why, I ask Dr. Hrolfsson, would we recognize the unconsummated to be visibly married? I fear that his maintained position would devalue the institution of marriage, which was first gifted to mankind on the very day we were created."

[Sevevill]

- snip -

Lt. Mark Roberson. UCG-2662, SGH-580 Blackbird. Cruising towards the Light Cruiser.

He looked around in awe. He did not condone the closing off of the Urias Straight or adding the tax but he had to follow orders and could not really do anything about it. Hopefully the cruiser would not do anything to brash.

"The cruiser is in sight" his copilot Kasheed said slowly looking around down below them. The crew was small but it would be enough for observation. Urilas did not have many large naval ships capable of defeating the cruiser but they did have the capability to stop them from entering the straight unless the cruiser decided to use force. A much more complicated scenario.

Roger, Move in a little closer and start to circle. He ordered as the helicopter started to bank.

Urialas. Capital City of the Island Empire of Urilas

A convoy of black SUV's screeched around the corner towards the cities capital building. A large elegant building constructed in the early 1800's. While old on the outisde it had been modernized in early 2033 to bring the building back in the modern day. The Five SUV's Pulled into the front rotunda of the building stopping directly in front of the doors. As Urilas Senate guards looked on in awe a Swarm of Imperial Royal Gaurdsmen hopped out of the first four trucks. Some standing in a protective circle of the convoy another walking to the door of the middle SUV and opening the rear door.

Sedgewick Broadman. Seveillian Representative to Urilas.

He stepped out of the vehicle. He wore a fine Tailored suit, Polished black dress shoes and a fine watch from one of Sevevills best watch makers. He strode through the doors of the building with gaurds in tow. Only stopping for the security checkpoint where the gaurds there not dare pat him or his gaurds down choosing only to check their identification. He walked through the building to a large corner office on the second floor. Bursting through the double oak doors walking in on a very bewildered Charles Blane.

"You know there is a person you can call to make a appointment dont you?" He said as he looked up from the papers he was looking at.

I have no need for such silly things. Why would I waste my time with silly things like scheduling a appointment to talk with someone who can not even bring himself to follow some simple fucking instructions. Someone who is about to make some very powerful enemies!" Sedgewick exclaimed.

"What are you going to do? Kill me over a silly tax? They will give in and start paying it. And I am not worried about the KP they are nothing but some wanabe peacekeepers who cant even keep the peace."

"I was not talking about them. And who said anything about someone getting killed. Because my boss was thinking more along the lines of removing you and your government from power over the 'silly' tax. In fact you will loose nothing more than your pride if you dont end this silly shit with the KP. Get rid of the tax or we will be forced to do something about it. This will not be good for the Empires image if you keep this up."

Alright, Alright. I will see what I can do. I will talk with some of the representatives."

Sedgewick smirked. "alright you do that." he said as he turned on his heel and walked out of the room just as proudly as he walked in. He looked at his encrypted cellphone and typed in a message to a unknown contact.

[Phoenxia]

~snip~

St. Ingolf’s Secondary School/Gymnasjom, Ekkesburg

February 11, 2036

All the different teams were huddled around the gym, many were miserably doing last minute cutting before weigh in. The horror of being exactly on weight is that round about half of the athletes there had skipped an initial breakfast. Karl was absolutely starving, he had apple sauce and orange juice ready in a lunchbox that Ulrik had been keeping from him all morning. The whole family was here, all the way from Grandpa Lars to his brother's nephews.

Weigh in finally got called, and he rocked back and forth waiting for 138 to be called to the scales. He was two tenths under the two pound allowance, and as soon as he got off he ran to get the coveted lunchbox.

"Alright, what's the damage? How close to weight were you?" Ulrik smiled as he looked like he was about to laugh.

"Two tenths, now give me the food before I pass out,"  Karl play-grabbed for it.

"I had that score beat at nationals, I was only a tenth under," he said as he handed his brother the lunchbox.

"What have you got in your snack pack there?" Etschelena giggled.

"Oh, hehe, you know. We've got the uh," he started pulling out the objects one by one and listing them, "The apple sauce—uhm—blackberries—and we can't forget the pedialyte."

"I can't tell whether you're wrestling in a championship or it's your first day of primary school," Erika chimed in and laughed.

"Hey, hey; I'm pissed and I'm hungry and that's all that matters right now," he opened his bottle while simultaneously digging into his apple sauce.

Karl was seeded #1, along with many of the St. Ingolf's wrestlers, but none of the other brackets were near as stacked as his. At 138 was three of the top ten in the country, including himself. Compared to Phoenixia though, this was just like their county championship.

Those present weren't the last of the guests though, a peculiar sight was Nik and Madi working their way up the stairs. Half the eyes in the entire gym turned their gaze to a living legend in their world. "Karl, it's a pleasure to formally meet you. I'm excited to watch some Emerstarian matches, good luck."

"I hope you two have been enjoying your vacation," Rudolf said, reaching to shake his hand.

"It's been absolutely amazing, sir."

From a temporary podium stationed on the center mat, Thomes began a lighthearted speech to signal that competition would be starting soon, "Now, if I'm speaking entirely candidly, I didn't know hardly anything of wrestling until I became acquainted with the Mikaelssens," there came a small collective chuckle from the crowd, "In the past months, as my dear cousin Etschelena has courted with her dearest Ulrik, I have learned of the sacrifice and tribulation which goes into this fine sport, and for that I applaud you all. I am truly grateful that you all can call yourselves Ekkesburgers, because a strong duchy is built on strong willed and disciplined men. Good luck and happy sporting to all of you!"

A round of applause followed, and the madness of the tournament resumed as the first bouts of the day were called to their mats. Karl had a bye first round, so he stayed to eat a little bit more.

As Karl made his way down, Thomes made his way up, telling Karl good luck and shaking his hand as they passed each other. Sitting down, he turned for conversation with the newlywed couple and all the other Mikaelssens. "So, what have you been doing with married life?" Thomes smiled, genuinely inclined to hear what they had to say.

"Well, we've mostly been packing to make the move to Bergland once summer comes, other than that it's been pure bliss," Etschelena grabbed onto Ulrik's hand and smiled, briefly distracting him from the matches he, Rudolf, Nik, and Lars were communally tuned into.

"Yeah, babe. Totally," Ulrik warmly smiled and pecked her on the cheek.

Lars out of nowhere chimed in an observation on the matches, obviously deep in thought on the matter, "What's with all these sweep singles and duck unders or whatever they're called? Back in my day, coach taught us two takedowns that we won prep nationals with; blast doubles and outside singles."

Ulrik matter-of-factly retorted, "It's an ever evolving sport, Grandpa. The attention on the Phoenixians and their technique has added so much here it's insane."

"Phoenixian technique is sloppy and barbaric. My father won the Pan Markion championship with nothing but glima sweeps and clinches," Lars scoffed and turned his attention back to the matches

"You know, grandpa was saying the same thing back in 2004 when I was wrestling at the Ducal Championships?" Rudolf chuckled.

8 hours later, Championship Matches

With two inter-regionally ranked wrestlers in his corner, Karl was able to advance to the final round against Per Emerssen from Skogshagen; ranked 5th in Emerstari at 138.

Nikolaj and Ulrik took their seats in the corner as they finished prepping Karl, with intense looks on both of their faces.

The first period was razor close. Karl had made several shot attempts at different angles, all were fended off. With fifteen seconds on the clock, as Nik and Ulrik screamed at him to shoot deep, he took his leap of faith into a high crotch from a duck-under fake. With the nearside leg, and then the far hip secured, he finished with an inside sweep, praying to God he didn't get chin whipped.

With the coin flip, the decision went to Emerssen, who chose down. While the ref processed this call, Ulrik was able to give his younger brother a brief technical gameplan, "I want you to run a spiral into a cross body. If you can run him over for the fall with the headlock, that would be great. If his hips don't go down, I want you to absolutely yank that near arm into a ball and chain. Now get out there."

The spiral worked well enough to spend a whole thirty seconds, but a series of sit outs and rolls by Emerssen made it impossible for Karl to get a leg in, and he lost control, giving Emerssen the escape point. Playing defense now would leave him in control, but also leave him vulnerable to stall calls, so he went on the attack to get another two as soon as humanly possible, still though, score remained stagnant through the second period. Eventually, though, the referee became discomplacent with Karl's defensive movements, and awarded a stalling motion, and 15 seconds later another stalling motion, awarding Emerssen a point, tying the match.

With the third period decision, Karl went neutral at the direction of Nik and Ulrik, being told to do nothing but shoot off the whistle.

So, when the whistle blew, he shot into an easy and tight outside single, but not before Emerssen threw a nasty crossface, giving Karl a bloody nose and lip. He walked to the corner maniacally smiling, "This kid's dead. He signed his death certificate."

Ulrik, who was cleaning his face off gave his advice, "Don't do anything you'll regret, bro."

"Watch me," he walked back onto the mat, looking back and smiling with his bloodied teeth. The whistle blew, but Karl didn't shoot this time, his stance spazzed out a little bit, but it soon became apparent to what he was doing. Out of nowhere came a cartwheel hand spring and a flying squirrel—in which Karl evidently got caught—and pinned in a matter of seconds.

"WHAT IS THE MATTER WITH YOU?" Ulrik screamed at his younger brother. "I TOLD YOU DON'T DO ANYTHING YOU'LL REGRET, AND YOU DID SOMETHING YOU REGRETTED!"

After Karl limply shook hands, he threw his headgear on the ground off the side of the mat and stormed out of the gym, Ulrik and Rudolf chasing after him, and Nik going to make his way up the bleachers.

Etschelena covered her mouth in shock, "What happened?"

Nik explained candidly and briefly, "He lost control of his emotions and fucked up."

"It's that dammed Phoenixian wrestling influx," Lars scoffed.

"You know, I couldn't agree with you more. Goon culture is our name for it in Phoenixia, and it's a plague to our young talent as much as it is yours, sir," Nik courteously agreed.

[Emerstari]

Special Report: Four Freed, Two Dead, Seven Arrested in Connection with Phoenixian Mob

Lorens M. Frederiksson, 2 June 2035, Riborg Register

Even in the rural reaches of Hventien, wherein the sons of Huga reside, the tree of the Phoenixian Mob has run its roots, twisting and turning through the truehearted culture of one Rogaland County. No longer is it a meek babe washed up on the edges of our shores due to some misfortune at sea, whom we took in as one of our own, but a grown beast, and a devil, at that, seeking a new host for its degeneracy and depravity in the heart of our land. It is an alien sickness passed on to us from the accuser abroad, and its home is nowhere else than the Dragon's right wing, but one sheriff, Folke Holmkvist, has taken to the fight.

On Wednesday, the Rogaland Sheriff's Department received a report of a missing person in the southeastern parts of its county, to which Elías Larsson, one of the department's four deputies, responded immediately. As it was, a seventeen-year-old girl, Ms. Blom, had gone missing a day prior without a trace and was last seen at her part-time job as a cashier for the local grocer, one Mr. Hrolf Nilsson. Nilsson said, "Ms. Blom seemed unreasonably nervous to leave work that afternoon, so I asked her what the matter might be, but she talked it away and left in her car regardless." Deputy Larsson eventually located her car, a deep blue sedan, abandoned on the side of one of Rogaland's many desolate and forested roads.

Sheriff Holmkvist then came onto the case with another of his deputies, Simeon Tunstrøm, and a local man of the community, a hunter and a tracker by the name of Jokim Hus, who often guides tourists through the county's forests. Hus noticed unusually broken foliage that started a trail which ended on the banks of the Eskå River, from which Holmkvist and Tunstrøm pulled a knife, later identified as a hunting knife of Ms. Blom's father, and a ring, at first thought to belong to Ms. Blom. However, the parents and close friends of Ms. Blom denied the ring as hers, so Sheriff Holmkvist interviewed local jewellers and was able to obtain security footage depicting the man who bought it — two months prior.

The man was one Finéas Persson, a native of Erk City who had moved from thence to Hventien around the time of his purchasing the ring, and who was then renting a house in the town of Kelbo. The Sheriff's Department acquired a warrant and searched his house nigh to midnight on Thursday, detaining Persson on charges of public indecency, resistance to arrest, attempted assault of an officer, possession of illegal substances, possession of illegal firearms, abduction of a minor, suspicion of assault, suspicion of human trafficking, suspicion of prostitution, suspicion of rape, and suspicion of murder. "I wanted to get him on every charge I could," said Holmkvist, "for what such a bastard as he could do to a young and innocent lady like Ms. Blom."

While in custody, Persson confessed to several of his charges and informed the Rogaland County Sheriff's Department as to where Ms. Blom might be found — in an abandoned farmhouse outside the town of Sålu. The department obtained an additional warrant and raided the property at noon on Friday. Arresting officers Sheriff Holmkvist, Deputy Larsson, Deputy Tunstrøm, and Deputy Strand were met with a flurry of guns shots from the upper levels of the house and remained behind their vehicles for the next half hour. Deputy Larsson said, "At some point after both sides, us and them, stopped shooting at each other, Sheriff Holmkvist told us deputies to give him a few minutes to get around the house and then start shooting and creating distractions."

"He snuck through the bushes and broke through the cellar door into the basement while the shooters were focused on us in front of the house," Deputy Strand recounted. In the basement, Holmkvist discovered three girls, including Ms. Blom, of which the other two had gone missing from neighboring counties. A fourth girl, also from a neighboring county, was later found on the main floor of the house. Deputies Larsson, Tunstrøm, and Strand broke through the door and entered the house around one in the afternoon, and in the fullness of time, six men were found at the house: two killed during the shooting and four arrested afterward, all of whom are in custody awaiting trial, and one of whom is a native of Phoenixia. Three more men who came throughout the rest of the day as clients also were arrested.

His Majesty the King intends to make a visit to the Rogaland County Sheriff's Department to present its officers with several honors. "That the Hanssens would dare carry an Emerstarian name is not only a repugnant slur to the whole nation, but also a very personal insult to their forefathers and -mothers who bore the same name. Am I not the King of all Emerstarians in the stead of our father Emer? I am ashamed to call myself the King of the Hanssens, what with their sick heart and perverted mind. May the Lord bring at least a few of them to repentance, to mourn their debauched works," His Majesty stated in an open letter, which can be read in full on the Crown's website under the "From the Desk of His Majesty" section.

The King also intends to visit the house of Ms. Blom and her family and then head southward to Erk City to speak on Hanssen-related crime alongside the His Grace the Duke of Erk.

[The Green Union]

Lt. Mark Roberson. UCG-2662, SGH-580 Blackbird. Cruising towards the Light Cruiser.

He looked around in awe. He did not condone the closing off of the Urias Straight or adding the tax but he had to follow orders and could not really do anything about it. Hopefully the cruiser would not do anything to brash.

"The cruiser is in sight" his copilot Kasheed said slowly looking around down below them. The crew was small but it would be enough for observation. Urilas did not have many large naval ships capable of defeating the cruiser but they did have the capability to stop them from entering the straight unless the cruiser decided to use force. A much more complicated scenario.

Roger, Move in a little closer and start to circle. He ordered as the helicopter started to bank.

Capt. James Steelhead, Aboard Light Cruiser Sentinel, Northern Urilas Straits:

This helicopter was completely unfazed by the ship’s weapons locking on, unfazed by the KP helicopter moving to block it off, and had moved well within the range Capt. Steelhead had demanded it be downed at. James felt all eyes on him, the bridge crew waiting with bated breath to see what he would order. They may be used to his quite bellicose pronouncements by this point, but were they really about to do it? Would they kill a helicopter full of people and risk starting a war over this?

The Captain’s fingers tightened on the rail, trying not to show how uncertain he was. “Fire a warning shot, and transmit that anyone who doesn’t back off right now is getting sunk.”

[The Green Union]

From: The Great Empire of Sevevill
To: KP Representitives
Encryption: Max

The Grand Empire of Sevevill would like to respectfully return the September Islands to you as reperations for damaged caused to your organization during the invasion of said September Islands. It will be handed over whenever wished by the KP.

The Imperial Congress has also voted to give you 120,000,000 Seves and two Sunshine Class Frigates Imperial Navy Vessel 33 and Imperial Navy Vessel 34.

Imperial Troops will be withdrawn within the week. This letter is offical notice of the Imperial Sevevillan Departure. Reparations will be left on the island.

September Islands.

Imperial troops have begun to pack up the equipment brought and leave the island. Two imperial frigates were anchored off the shore of the island and all imperial equipment was removed from the ships. Cargo ships were brought in and Imperial equipment was put onto the ships while food and other supplies for the islanders were distributed. The Imperial soldiers would be out of the island by the end of the work week and back to the mainland.

Anonymous sources within the Kamooko Pact and Sevevillian government have begun to leak disturbing news with regards to the ongoing September Island dispute. These sources claim that Sevevill and the KP have negotiated a new treaty which will see Sevevill return September Island to Kamooko's protection and pay reparations, but talks have since begun to break down over unforeseen objections to one clause in particular. Reportedly, the Amerian KP delegation has staunchly refused to take partial responsibility for provoking the Sevevillian invasion and resisted efforts by both the Sevevillians and their KP coworkers to have them pay a part of the reparations. News sources and their political commentators have immediately begun speculating that such a public admission would be seen as untenable for the sitting Amerian government, consisting of a moderate party at the head of a shaky left wing coalition. With the growing power of the far right Ameria First Party putting foreign commitments into scrutiny and the 2037 elections coming up, there are mounting fears that Ameria's status as primary KP military contributor will become a hot button topic. With Amerian voters increasingly seeing the Kamooko Pact as a bureaucratic, pacifist mess and questioning the value of membership, it seems entirely possible that an anti-Kamooko government could come to power and pull Ameria out of the Pact.

Even more disturbing, some sources have suggested that Sevevill is growing restless with this gridlock and hoping to offload September Island in other ways . . . or maybe this negotiation with the KP was a ploy from the start. While nobody is sure of the specifics, it does seem clear that Sevevill is in secret negotiations with one or maybe multiple bidders willing to purchase the island for themselves.

As far as news from September Island itself, the Sevevillian drawdown has apparently been quickly noticed by the locals. Although violence against the Imperials was sporadic even at the height of the occupation, the weakened presence has encouraged a new string of attacks both targeting the military occupation forces and their humanitarian aid sites. At least one Sevevillian base has been seized by insurgents as several others come under fire, and there are unconfirmed reports of small boats boarding some abandoned Sevevillian frigates anchored off the coast.

The reduced Sevevillian presence on September Island has allowed many insurgents to spring up

OOC: Post informed by Ameria and Sevevill.

[Sevevill]

Kassau International Airport
March 9th, 2036

A decorated looking airplane touched down at the airport. The plane was covered in blue and black striping turned and taxied towards the Seveillian controlled ramp and hanger. Identical black SUV’s pulled up around the plane as soldiers who were still wearing their fatigues looked on in awe. Operations on the ramp ground to a halt as airforce and marines alike looked up at the shimmering jet. A staircase was pulled up to the door as it swung open out of the doorway walked by a seemingly regular looking teenager. The soldiers, knowing that it was Prince Danial Henry walking down the stairs of the aircraft looked away and pretended to be busy as he boarded the car.

Greta was enjoying her off day, which was a Saturday when she saw an estate car rolling up the drive, "God damn it. They know not to come to me with this shit on a Saturday," she cussed several more times as she walked over to the head butler, who was playing around with chess openings in the kitchen. "Mr. Dracarić, can you please allow the current visitors in?"

He nodded and started off towards the entrance hall, never one to object to the Queen.

As the cars stopped on gravel out stepped the prince and one of his advisors. They walked to the approaching servants. Danial spoke to the man in Phoenixian.

“Gütejora, sorry for intruding. I was slightly delayed in getting here, would the Queen be available to speak quickly?”

"Might I ask your name, sir?"

“Yes of course. Prince Danial Henry of Sevevill,” he responded

"Why, I'm sure the Queen wouldn't be too bothered by your company, follow me inside, but I must implore you to mind your boundaries, she is somewhat irritated by this visit on her day off," Dracarić started back to the door and waved his hand to follow.

The young prince somewhat looked around in awe as his culturephilic fascination with the other nations of Markion showed through. He recognized every painting on the wall, all the portraits of Vietian kings of past, but a grim thought passed through his mind when he saw a "current" family portrait of the Phoenixians, "bloody half of them are dead or exiled." This certainly sent a chill down his already weak spine. However, this old palace showed a certain quaint and archaic beauty, unlike his own home, which was borderline brutalist and terribly modern. After walking down several twisted halls, they finally reached the grand living room, where Greta was sat on a couch scrolling through her phone.

She looked up with a physically formed expression of annoyance, "What brings you here, Danial?"

“I promise nothing political… I am just here to visit as Phoenixia was the next destination of my travels across Markion. More or less out of convenience due to current circumstances. I just wanted to say hello while I was here,” He said in response to her rather grouchy response.

"Why though? I barely know you other than the fact that you're my friend's brother," she scoffed in a comedic manner.

“When I come to a country like yours, I always make sure to make a visit to the royal family of that country. It is a customary thing that my family has always done,” He lied through his teeth as butterflies shot throughout his stomach.

"Alright, you said 'hi.' If you want a place for a preppy country club boy like yourself to shop, I would recommend the Reova Mall, it was a favorite of my sister's."

“Haha I guess. I try not to sound that country club but sometimes it's kind of hard when your supposed to be one of the faces of a large empire or something like that…" He said chuckling.

"You know how I always pulled it off when I went to Emerstari? It's called modesty, Danial."

“I try my best but that is kind of hard when you have to arrive by convoy… Its a shame they make us do that when we use the jet,” He said sarcastically.

"I know the real reason you're here, Emma told me last week that you were falling for me. I'll tell you this, make some changes, and I'll consider a date," Greta went back to looking at her phone and waved the defeated prince away.

He waved farewell and walked out of the room mumbling to himself that this might be a little harder than he thought it would be. “I might need to ditch the convoy next time I take my shot”

Post Made With Phoenixia

[Sevevill]

Seve City Sevevill. 185 Octagon Building. deep in the business district

Deep inside the depths of the creatively named office building in relation to the ministry of defence building which was actually shaped like an octagon this one was a functioning office building in the city center with a large underground office system devoted to the Seveillian Ministry of Defence. The highly secretive office was no secret but incredibly hard to penetrate. The office room they were in was rather decedent like the building above. Even including fake windows provided by cameras on the top floor of the building.

Three Star General Mark Robinsion

He stood as his Tyrian counterparts entered the room. He sat in a room filled with his closest colleagues. Some men wore suits and ties with Imperial flags pinned to their lapel, others decorated officers.

“Welcome Gentlemen. Would you like anything to drink before we get started?”


“Coffee would be fine” said the Minister of Local Administration.

“Tea is good enough” said General Shan Azaran

The rest of the Tyrian representatives chose their drink of choice or no drinks at all before the meeting began.

As majors swept the room delivering each person their drink of choice.

“I hope you found it well, but let's get down to business. We dont want this puny island and the Amerians have too much '' gesturing with fingers ``’pride’ to admit fault. We will have to teach the Kp a lesson about keeping their boy in check when negotiating so we are willing to sell it to you. We would really be looking for around two hundred fifty million marks but we are willing to negotiate with you. Of course we can answer any of your questions about what is happening on September Island before we come to a final agreement.”

“We can give you sixty million Dena’s which when converted to marks should be around two hundred million marks, we can also offer you any weapons of your choice. Your nation has been one of our top customers so far so we would like to honor your nation to pick 5 weapon systems of your choice.” Said Tripoint General Azod Maz’nakt, the representative of Tyria’s Ministry of Military Affairs.

“Alright I think that is something that could be agreed to… I will discuss with my higher ups while my command staff offers you a picture of what is going on in the september islands. This is General George Lukas. The main commander of the USCO conflict.” With that he stepped from his seat with one of the other army men and two of the suited officials while the rest sat in place. A different General stood and walked to a white board. “So gentlemen, what questions do you have over the current status of the September Islands?”

The Tyrian representatives looked at each other before one of them spoke up. “With the current situation as of now, how well armed are the insurgents? And how many are there? How much damage is done on September Island’s infrastructure?” Said the Minister of Local Administration.


“Well to be frank. Not very… We caught some trying to steal some abandoned frigates in one of the main ports as they only had sidearms and cobbled together weapons using left over parts at former Seveillian FOB’s that had yet to be leveled. Other than that base its really just people throwing bottles and shooting small arms at IAF soldiers when they patrol. There are only scattered instances other than the takeover of the a empty abandoned IAF base.

“I see,” said the Minister of Local Administration. The Tyrian officials discussed what to do with September Island once they purchased it. The Tyrian representatives agree to the current terms that have been placed on the table. The Tyrian representatives requested that the remaining Sevevillian forces stay in September Island till they bring their forces of 4 divisions strong to September Island.

“That can be arranged… We will continue to help secure the island until you are fully set up... Do you have any other questions regarding the state of September Islands?” He asked politely looking up as the General walked back into the room.

The Tyrian representatives discussed for a moment. “We have no more questions on the current state of September Island” said General Shan Arzan.

“So… We have decided to accept your offer. We expect that this transition will go over smoothly. The KP might get involved with you but that would be little threat to a nation like yours. I am glad we could get this deal done with you gentleman.” General Robinson said pushing a paper across the table with the agreements for the deal.

The Tyrian representatives took out their pens and proceeded to sign the treaty. Signifying that they have agreed to purchase September Island.

Post made with Tyria