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by **Khornera** » Thu May 03, 2018 5:30 am

Unification Day
Millions celebrate Ahrenic unification

Today all across Ahrenrok the people joined in celebration of the nation’s unification 76 years ago in (1942). Together with Victory Day, Unification Day remains one of the two most important celebrations in Ahrenrok. In honour of the soldiers who carry onwards the legacy of Vyskari, and for the glorification of king and nation, a large military parade was held in the capital. Similar displays were held in other major cities in Ahrenrok. Large processions of patriotic citizens led by clergy moved through the streets, waving national- and Circle banners, in joyous jubilation over our ascension more than seven decades ago.

Overlooking the grand spectacle from the balcony of the Palace of Benevolences was an assorted delegation including His Majesty, King Tesseran, sitxh of his name (may his reign be long!), High-Commissary Thal, and an assembly of party officials, royals, as well as several foreign dignitaries. Notably these included Khaurnilauas, head of the Transoxthraxian Black Guard, and the Gran Altiplaner Prime Minister. Both were invited to attend, in the hopes of bringing the Setian nations closer together and fostering the spirit of unity.

This year chairman Belshazzar of the Chamber of Deputies was given the honour of being the first to address the assembled crowd in the capital, which numbered in the tens-of-thousands.

“We once again celebrate the downfall of the corrupt and foreign governments of old. We rejoice in the total expulsion of their presence from our sacred lands! We remember the sacrifice made by Ahrenrok’s brave sons and daughters that made our ascension possible!” Belshazzar spoke, invoking the memory of a century of humiliation and oppression at the hands of foreign powers. He continued to emphasise the prosperity that Ahrenrok has enjoyed since the nation overthrew its shackles: “We honour the arrival of our salvation in the form of the Golden Circle which has brought decades of peace and prosperity! And under its wise leadership, the Ahrenic people have achieved the greatness that was due to them.”

His speech was accompanied by loud cheers and waving flags in the crowd, as well as an impressive display by the Royal Aviation Corps, which coloured the blue skies in red, black, and gold.

After his speech, the esteemed and noble prince Thalassar, first cousin of our exalted king (long may he reign!), announced the monarch whom then held his speech. His Majesty reminded the Ahrenic people of their long and proud history as one of the fountains of civilisation: “We stand as the heirs to millennia of civilisation, we shoulder the burden of keeping that greatness alive!”

The king (long may he reign!) also called for the Ahrenic people to honour the spirit and essence of national unity, that we never again kneel and submit. All the while, the national anthem played triumphantly in the background. Afterwards, he led the crowds in a hymn to bless Ahrenrok and our future, which was concluded with ecstatic patriotic cheers by the crowd.

Notably, High-Commissary Thal did not address the crowds this day, although the High Commissariat released a public statement later that day congratulating the Ahrenic people.

The parade and the festivities were also broadcast live on national television, and attracted around 41 million viewers nationwide, slightly more than last year’s ratings.

With so many high-ranking members of the government, as well as foreign dignitaries attending, security was once again strict. In addition to the king’s personal royal guard securing the Palace of Benevolences and the surrounding block, Civil Protection units maintained a heightened presence in the city to ensure celebrations would be going smoothly. No major incidents were reported and according to the authorities the celebrations went smoothly.

With that, this marks another successful celebration of the Exquisite Kingdom inviolable existence.

Just Ahrenrok!

For more on Unification Day and the various celebrations, click here

Comment Section:

Viskaryiist2.0
JUST AHRENROK
61 1

CharonDidNothingWrong
Happy Unification Day to you all!
67 0

by **Toishima** » Mon May 07, 2018 2:36 am

07/05/2018 16:55 | Heian : 19°C | Thundery Showers

屋島語 | 硃語 | 한국어 | ANGLIAN

CELEBRITY CHEF ARRESTED AFTER INJURING CONTINENTAL COUNTERPART WITH SWORD
Acclaimed chef Yukino Hatoyama drew a sword and attacked Shirakawan chef Nobu Michiba after an argument on live television

NIIHAMA, MATSUYAMA - In a shocking turn of events, famous celebrity chef Yukino Hatoyama attacked and wounded Shirakawan chef Nobu Michiba with a sword on live television earlier today. Michiba was immediately rushed to the hospital, where he is currently in a stable condition. Hatoyama surrendered herself and was arrested on the spot.

Both chefs, well-known internationally for traditional Yashiman dishes, had been invited to the Morning Musume morning variety show alongside several other celebrity chefs from West Escar where they were engaged in several games and lighthearted talk segments. Everything was going smoothly until Hatoyama and Michiba suddenly got into an argument about the national origin of maguro; tuna sashimi. The argument turned violent and physical despite the hosts and Yeongseongnin chef Park Dong-geun's attempts to break up the fight.

It was at this point where Hatoyama drew her sword and slashed Michiba across the chest twice before dropping her weapon, the show abruptly cutting to commercials. Security that had arrived once the fight started immediately moved to seize Hatoyama, who provided no resistance. Morning Musume host Yuko Nakazawa and renowned okonimiyaki chef and rapper Sato Okonomiyagi immediately provided medical attention to Michiba. Michiba was only lightly injured, the cuts only reaching skin-deep.

64 year old Hatoyama, like some of the other Yamataian chefs, had brought along a sheathed sword, though it was verified that she was the only one who had an actual sword. Nobody in the studio was aware that Hatoyama's sword was sharp. "We had assumed it was a prop, or one of those non-sharp ancestral heirlooms," the security chief was quoted. All of the swords were immediately confiscated, and AkagiTerebi has released a statement that henceforth, all weapons and prop weapons not approved by AkagiTerebi and the police are to be banned from AkagiTerebi shows.

Investigations are still ongoing, but statements by some of the other guests on the show suggest that Michiba had been the instigator of the argument, and continually teased Hatoyama and the other Yamataian chefs with taunts that could be viewed as offensive. Amongst other things, Michiba criticised Yamataians as unimaginative, and also claimed that Shirakawa rightfully owned several national dishes that are shared between both Yashiman countries. He also called Hatoyama an island pirate just before she drew her sword.

"I do not know what he was trying to do, talking like that on live Yamataian television, especially to a woman carrying a sword," Sato Okonomiyagi said, "though I'm really sad that everything turned out this way."

Hatoyama is still in police custody and has not yet released a statement. Her agent was not reachable. As of the latest report, Hatoyama's gourmet sushi chain Matushima Sushi remains open, though YHK chose not to air Hatoyama's afternoon cooking show.

« Comments (46) »

道場69
Should have brought his own sword and they can have the sword fight wwww
12▲ | 8▼

ゴ_ジ_ラ__
Will this be considered a hate crime across the Strait www prepare for a shitstorm online wwww
16▲ | 23▼

ユキノ97
Hahaha I have the same name I'll miss her show
24▲ | 23▼

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by **Kolintha** » Mon May 07, 2018 11:10 am

OOC note: Following post is no longer considered canonical.

Kokusō's Clean Up: Fourteen Royalist Party Bosses Fired

Today, Eito - Barely three weeks into his tenure as Royalist figurehead, and only a day after his Party's 143rd annual congress, newly elected Leader of the Opposition Kokusō Hyōe appears to be delivering on his electoral promises to shake the foundations of establishment politics: fourteen veteran Royalist bureaucrats were reportedly removed from their posts early today, among them some very notable figures such as the Princess of Tazawa (Mistress of the Opposition in the House of Lords), Lady Tokuda Hifumi (Chancellor of the Party Treasury) and Lord Hashira Inejiro (Chairman of the Domestic Issues Committee) - all individuals recently aligned with the conservative wing of the Party and opposed to Lord Kokusō. The decision has already come under fire, with detractors ranging from the obvious, such as the conservative circle of Lady Tajima Nishi, Lord Kokusō's main leadership election opponent, to the obscure, such as Yoshihide Kagehisa, a centrist backbencher and vocal supporter of party unity.

Lord Kokusō's office has yet to announce who will fill the now vacant positions, and another reason for the broad party criticism is likely anxiety over whether anybody will fill them at all. An anonymous source from the Commons suggested that two of the Representatives approached by the Opposition administration refused to take up the offices out of fear of backlash from peers. Of lesser but still significant concern is the House of Lords, where most prominent Royalist-aligned nobles are heavily sympathetic towards Lady Tajima's faction.

Alas, despite discontent in the hierarchy, the mood among the rank and file appears to be celebratory. Most of the removed officials in question haven't enjoyed broad popular confidence outside their main constituencies since the fall of the Ishihara government, and thus many are happy to see them go. In Lady Tokuda's home constituency of Inae-Rajōmon, police dispersed a small unauthorized demonstration by Kokusō supporters outside the representative's local offices.

It remains to be seen what further action, or reaction, will take place within Shirakawa's primary opposition party.

by **New Spanishland** » Mon May 07, 2018 12:22 pm

Home / Politics / Economics / World / Sports / Entertainment / Culture / Health / More

Government Forces crackdowns on League of Salvation

" Law and Order officers manage to lift the siege over the downtown and metropolitan districts of the city."

Sunday, May 6th. 2018.

St. Lorenzo. Personnel of the National Guard and the National Police of Investigations finally raised the siege on the center of the city of San Lorenzo, which had been attacked by terrorists of the anarchist group "Liga de Salvacion". The leader and other ringleaders were killed by members of the Special Operations Corps (COE).

The siege was maintained for three days in which the terrorists sacked the vaults of the bank of San Lorenzo, extracting approximately twenty million Solars. Agents of the Police and the National Guard managed to shoot down most of the terrorists and arrested the remaining.

The Salvation League was led by the former lieutenant of the Imperial Navy, Santiago Gerona (41) and the lieutenant of the Imperial Army, Eusebio Fonte (40). The group was active since the summer of 2008 in the regions of Tuy and Ciudad Comet carrying out kidnappings and arms sales until 2012 when they went to drug trafficking to the kidnapping of important personalities such as the nephew of the Governor General of the Captaincy of Cacupey, which ended in the young man's rescue after 36 hours of being held.

The mayor of the city, Hernan Osorio announced today at a press conference that daily activities can be resumed without any type of inconvenience on Monday.

Article by Eva Parra

Other Interesting News.

Politics. "Vicente Bastidas is the new director of Internal Affairs of the Imperial Palace"
International. "Yamatian chef gets arrested after discussion with Shirakawan colleague"
National. "Curfews at San Lorenzo finishes this Monday"
Sports. "Training for the upcoming soccer league starts next week"

by **Toishima** » Tue May 08, 2018 7:28 am

08/05/2018 22:30 | Heian : 11°C | Rain

屋島語 | 硃語 | 한국어 | ANGLIAN

YAMAMOTO VS ISHIHARA
A last-minute review on the eve of Yamatai's polling day

Incumbent Prime Minister Hanako Yamamoto (right) of the Yamatai Restoration
Party faces her greatest opponent yet in former Prime Minister Junichiro
Ishihara (left), who now runs for the opposition Democratic Party of Yamatai.

HEIAN, CAPITAL METROPOLITAN AREA - Politicians are scrambling for the people's attention on the night before the nation heads for the polling booths in one of the nation's most saturated elections in history, with no less than 16 candidates running for Prime Minister. At the forefront are Prime Minister Hanako Yamamoto heading the Yashima Restoration Party (YRP) and what must be her greatest electoral challenge in her career thus far, former PM Junichiro Ishihara. Ishihara is the candidate for the opposition Democratic Party of Yamatai (DPY) - not a surprising party-swap for the man who infamously forced a cabinet reshuffle against the YRP leadership's wishes, placing him firmly in his old party's black books.

With mere hours left before the polling booths open, Prime Minister Yamamoto addressed a large crowd on the lawn of the Kantei earlier this evening, promising greater government transparency and budget transparency, as well as lower taxes and defence spending, issues that have proven to be the focus of this election. Already at the end of her second term, Prime Minister Yamamoto and the YRP face numerous challenges this time, ranging from high defence spending and the start of a costly military involvement in Southern Escaric state of Myaar'tway. Notably, the Prime Minister did not address two other major concerns of the public, that of social minority rights and the abnormally large amount of money spent on Empress Kameko's state visit to Shirakawa late last year, which was funded by taxpayer En.

Ishihara also gave an address, though the 84-year-old decided to harness the power of technology and hold a livestream of his address, including real-time questions and answers from the audience. At one point, over 8 million people worldwide were watching the stream, and over 2,000 questions were received. Ishihara stated that he would ensure that the nation returns to a state similar to that which he had left it over 8 years ago, before he handed over to Yamamoto. When asked what he meant by this, the infamous 'Tiger of Yamatai' stated that he would lower taxes, increase the nation's international standing and "return to a position of leadership in the regional economy".

Experts suggest that Ishihara's candidacy under the DPY may lead to a DPY victory, and thus the first time the YRP would not be in power since the end of Nariakira Okabe's military junta in 1963. However, Ishihara's platform has also faced harsh criticism for relying on 'concepts almost akin to ultranationalism' and deliberately avoiding Ishihara's various controversial actions during his four terms as Prime Minister, such as the 2008 intervention in Pulau Todak, the overblown military spending during his leadership, accusations of corruption and cronyism, as well as his infamous trait of uttering racist remarks in public contexts. The DPY itself has also come under fire for using Ishihara as a candidate, with critics arguing that Ishihara's policies are completely incompatible with the DPY's usual ideology, and that Ishihara is merely being used as a means to bring the DPY to its first victory.

At the moment, Yamamoto and Ishihara are almost tied in informal polls and surveys nationwide, though Yamamoto is still ahead by 2%. It remains to be seen if these results accurately depict the nation's sentiments tomorrow. Ishihara's campaign has released a statement that he 'would not be touching social media tonight' in order to 'let the people choose for themselves', in what is most likely a final publicity stunt playing on Yamamoto's well-known use of informal social media to get in touch with the people on the ground.

Meanwhile, other candidates are also facing numerous difficulties, some not entirely related to politics. Tarou Hatoyama, the National Action Party's (NAP) candidate, announced earlier today that he would be dropping out of the election following the arrest of his wife, celebrity chef Yukino Hatoyama, who attacked a Shirakawan chef on live television with a sword yesterday morning. Mitsurugi Meiya, candidate for the New Sakura Party (NSP), found the event hall for her final rally tonight to suddenly have been booked by a Yeongseonin idol group's concert. The NSP has released a statement that this is not a mere coincidence, including a demand for the YRP to 'fight with honour'. The YRP has not responded to this, though Defence Minister and YRP vice-chairman Kaise Ikuo Chirped a single line: "we're not idiots".

Other more fringe and independent candidates have also made attempts to reach to the masses, with varying degrees of success. Tatsuo Hasegawa, the candidate for Gyo, a far-right fringe party with a platform of unifying Yamatai and Shirakawa, has found himself in the centre of an irreverent internet meme, unexpectedly boosting its popularity in the recent weeks. Sato Okonomiyagi, the celebrity chef and rapper, who had announced his candidacy on an independent platform via a new single parodying both Yamamoto and Ishihara in a rap battle, has also achieved a dedicated following, unexpectedly reaching second place in online surveys earlier this week. Finally, Hideki Tojo of the Imperial Restoration Troop, of which he is the only member, is apparently still running for office, though after his controversial stunt in downtown Heian earlier this month he has disappeared from the public eye.

Polling stations across the nation open at 5 AM tomorrow, and will close a minute before midnight. Overseas citizens may cast their ballots at their local Yamataian Embassy, and ballot slips may be printed out from the Embassy websites. Citizens must bring along their identification card, driving licence, passport or other identification documents for registration. Polling Day is a national public holiday.

« Comments (1,632) »

_黃明志_
HERE IT IS. FINALLY. WILL YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE? YES. YOUR VOTES COUNT PEOPLE. EVERY VOTE COUNTS.
143▲ | 79▼

那珂91
Is Ishihara gonna turn off the lights and turn them on again and suddenly get another 400 votes appearing out of thin air? wwww
350▲ | 325▼

怒り_男
@那珂91 ishihara did noting wrong... yamamotos runing this country into the ground!!!! your just too blind to see it. were almost bak at the pre-ishihara time when were noting but a shirakawa provins. not enuf people care abot this contry dammit!!!!!!!!!! were r the real patrits!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
467▲ | 572▼

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by **Kolintha** » Tue May 08, 2018 10:10 am

Drama, Romance, Bloodshed... and Sushi...?

Celebrity chef, and now sword-swirling sensation, Hatoyama Yukino has just made the best point against liberals looking to restrict the Shirakawan people's right to defend their honour.

Ichikawa Ryoko is the proud chairwoman of Yūshinhō's political content committee, and author of the popular column 'Ryoko-chan's Thought Bubble'. Ever since retiring as a popular music idol in 2008, she has built up a wealth of experience covering the most gripping and controversial stories from Eito's many convoluted halls of power since her first appearance on our regular evening radio show, and weighed in on dozens of major debates.

A staunch patriot and lover of liberty, Miss Ishikawa has also been a vocal member and representative of both the National Sword and Rifle Association and the National Fellowship of Sons and Daughters of the Ever Enduring Fight for Global Freedom for many years.

Yamataian celebrity chef Hatoyama Yukino yesterday became an instantly infamous internet icon, after a heated debate about the national origin of tuna sashimi with her Shirakawan colleague, Michiba Nobu, turned unexpectedly violent. As the debate reached it's climax and efforts by the hosts of the Morning Musume show failed to deescalate the situation, the chef unsheathed her personal saber and slashed Mr. Michiba twice across the chest, after which the program abruptly went off air. Ms. Hatoyama reportedly turned herself in, and medical attention was administered to Mr. Michiba thereafter. He is expected to make a full recovery. The incident has sparked a small controversy in Yamatai, leading to Ms. Hatoyama's husband, Hatoyama Tarō, withdrawing from the country's prime ministerial race earlier today.

The reaction of Shirakawan netizens was quite understandably one of bemusement, mixed with a tinge of horror at the sudden injection of violence into their morning television, but some liberal elements seized upon the chance to co-opt this somewhat bizarre, but largely nonpartisan incident for political gain. Pointing to the statement issued by AkagiTerebi on the incident that the broadcaster had not been made aware of Ms. Hatoyama's possession of a real sword, they argued that current Shirakawan law regarding the regulation of duels and public carrying of weaponry should be tightened to prevent similar incidents occurring here.

Yet, in a sense, the very same incident to which they pointed as proof of the need for honorary combat regulation is also the best evidence against their position! In a situation like yesterday's, it is difficult to imagine a situation in which Ms. Hatoyama, up to now known as a well-meaning and morally principled individual among her fans and peers alike, would have resorted to the extreme measures she did were there a legally acceptable means of satisfying her honourable dispute with Mr. Michiba.

A similar thing can be said for the man himself, who according to several witnesses "criticised Yamataians as unimaginative" as well as accused Ms. Hatoyama of being "an Island Pirate". Such gross attacks on both national and personal honour clearly left Ms. Hatoyama with no options but to either take the slander and lose face, or stand up for herself and her country! Would he have made such base comments in Shirakawa, where he could be legally and physically held accountable for them? Clearly not! Yet in a situation where he felt that there was no judiciary means of challenging his assertions, he felt perfectly comfortable raising them.

What this unfortunate situation proves is that contrary to the claims of liberal pundits, the issue of HCR in Shirakawa is very simple: tighter regulation will, at best, force honourable individuals into loss of public face and encourage a culture of abrasive confrontationism. There will be no gentle disagreement, followed by polite requests to choose a site and submit a formal request for judicial sparring, but rather uncouth trading of verbal blows until one side backs down! Is this the moral system and standard of interpersonal relations we wish to impose on our country? And at worst, we will have a incident like yesterday, where an individual decides to stand by their principles and as a result lashes out in an unrefined display of violence, in full view of uninvolved bystanders, endangering the good standing of family and friends.

But the seasoned sword swiper retorts: "Why have swords at all then, if somebody is eventually going to snap?"

Why indeed? Because no swords won't stop anything! Without one's blade, an honorary defendant will simply go for a gun; failing that, a knife; and even if we meddle in the citizenry's affairs to the degree of prohibiting cutlery and kitchenware as some like to agitate for, they will merely use natures natural weapon, the humble fist!

It is best therefore, to promote the use of tools made specifically for the job of guarding one's pride; tools which maintain the perfect balance between credible chance of injury and a degree of precision that enables the non-fatal extraction of satisfaction.

Nobody realistically argues for a society in which all matters should be resolved by the sword; this is why all duels in Shirakawa are currently discussed by a Court of Law prior to taking place, and why most are eventually cancelled after those involved find more civil means of settling their concerns. And surprise, surprise - notice the lack of culinary professionals in continental Yashima getting arrested for suddenly assaulting colleagues over personal grievances as a result?

by **Intermountain States** » Tue May 08, 2018 11:58 pm

Minor Opposition Leaders to Announce Party Merger.

People's Party Leader Ahn Myeong-gu (left) and Liberty Party Leader Yi Seong-min (right) holding a press conference
announcing creation of the Yeongseon Future Party.

Kwon Soobin (@KSooobin)
May 9th, 2018

Cheongi - The leaders of the two minor opposition parties have came together to announce party merger in preparation for the upcoming fall election of 2018. The leaders of the two parties, Ahn Myeong-gu of the populist People’s Party and Yi Seong-min of the ziyoist Liberty Party hosted a press conference to announce their merger to create a new political party called the Yeongseon Future Party (Yeongseon Miraedang, 영선미래당) and are waiting for approval by the nonpartisan Commonwealth Electoral Commision for the new party to be made official.

"The Justice Party stopped caring about supporting workers and small business owners in favor of promoting identity politics and ever since Han Yul was elected, the Grand National Party is more concerned with invading oil-rich countries instead of protecting the very values that made Yeongseon a prosperous and free country," Yi Seong-min said. "We are too small to challenge their party machines by ourselves. Our aim is to create a united reformist party that provides an alternative for the people."

The merger, while approved by the majority of the party leadership, faced internal opposition, leading to some members leaving their respective parties in favor of creating new parties or joining old parties. Opponents of the merger pointed to the ideological differences in policies. Former Liberty Party Chairwoman, Yang Ji-won, formally announced her leave of the party after being publicly against the merger. "It makes no sense for a political party that advocates for free trade and personal freedom to merge with a party that stands for the complete opposite of our values." she said.

People's Party Assemblyman Choi Gu, also expressed disapproval of the merger, calling it "a slap in the face for all the virtuous voters who rejected the libertine positions expressed by the other parties."

"If I wanted a party that compromises on traditional family values and rights of workers, I would've remain as a member of the Grand National Party," he added.

As a form of protest, Gu, along with two other People's Party lawmakers, formed the Democratic Labor Party (Minjoo Nodongdang, 민주노동당). Two of the Liberty Party lawmakers, Jo Jaekyung and Kim Myeonggyeong, left the party also as a response to the merger with Jaekyung defecting to the Grand National Party while Myeonggyeong created the True Liberty Party (Jinjayudang, 진자유당). Some of the provincial lawmakers in both the Liberty and the People's Party also left their respective parties to become independent or join the new organization in protests of the merger.

Despite oppositions, there were support for the merger, Bongnae Governor and current People's Party member Yoon Cheol-soo expressed support for the merger, claiming that the coalition would "grow the party and provide voters with alternatives to the two major parties." Excluding the defected members, the newly formed Yeongseon Future Party would have 39 members in the General Court, 9 members above the minimum for a party in the Assembly to hold negotiating powers in the Assembly. The merger saw support from 3/5 of People's Party and Liberty voters with the majority of the voters agreeing that the formation of the Yeongseon Future Party would be beneficial for the long run. 23% of the opposing voters, however, expressed that they would seek other options once the merger is made official by the REC. 28% of nonaffiliated voters in Yeongseon expressed that they could see themselves voting for the Yeongseon Future Party, a strong growth compared to the 17% of independent voters who expressed potential support for either the People's Party and the Liberty Party in the same poll.

Individuals from major parties looked at the merger with skepticisms.

"This political union, fraught with scars, will not last long," Grand National Party spokeswoman Kim Sungah said.

"There is no political justification for this move," Justice Party spokesman Jeon Sangil commented. "How can the leaders that couldn't even foster unity within their ranks seek a union between their parties?"

For Yi Seung-min and Ahn Myeong-gu, however, the promise of the newly formed party seems bright. "We're providing a platforms to the disenfranchised voters who have their voices for reforms drowned out by the bloated two parties that control our government," Ahn Myeong-gu boasted at the press conference. "We are in the midst of creating an important political change to the system."

by **Greater Allidron** » Thu May 10, 2018 9:39 pm

Ngoi Sao Hang Ngay|The Daily Star

Foreign Office Memo recommends 'drastic action' in response to the HECO refueling base

Lieu Tan Khang, Thursday, May 10th, 2018

Minh Nong-- The Foreign Office released a declassified memo with regards to the Pathein Blue River Multinational Naval Refueling Base, stating that "drastic action" must be taken to "preserve the delicate safety of the region." According to the Foreign Office Communications Director, the memo was intended for domestic, party, and foreign consumption. It is possible this was designed to alert HECO states to Namgiang's increased distrust and distaste towards the naval base. The Premier and central party leadership already expressed their disappointment with what the Premier called "an unabashed act of aggression" towards Namgiang.

The Pathein Blue River Multinational Naval Refueling Base was opened on March 25th, and will be used to provide refueling options for HECO naval forces operating in the Gulf of Quanhco and the Crosswind Sea. It also is the "crown jewel" of recently revived HECO relations with Myaartway, to the dismay of the GAPF. Minh Nong has been at odds with the Myaarmese ever since the Giangi-Myaarmese split in the 1970s, which resulted in a short border war in 1982. Tensions have been high between the two states, with the border being heavily militarized. In 2017 and 2018, the Giangi navy and air force were involved in several incidents in the Gulf and near the border of Namgiang and Myaartway. Reconnaissance operations were conducted by GAPAF planes near the border, and several times Giangi fighters were intercepted and escorted by Myaarmese fighters.

The memo addressed the threat of the increased operational range of HECO vessels in the Gulf and Crosswind Sea, which, according to the memo, directly threaten Giangi shipping and trade in the area. The memo recommended action to deter future military action in the region. It also condemned the hypocritical position of HECO states and implied that the refueling base would be used to hinder Giangi security interests. So far the Premier has not released any information on whether Namgiang will begin dialogue to prevent any escalation. According to sources within the central party leadership, the Foreign Office coordinated a series of meetings and discussions with HECO states in 2017. However it seems that it had no effect.

Minh Nong Times contributed to this report.

by **Kolintha** » Wed Jul 04, 2018 1:43 pm

Cultivating Progress: Chancellor Seikoujo defends Shiro-Myaarmese Cooperation

Today, Eito - The Chancellor of the Realm was placed on the spot during regular parliamentary questions today, as opposition representative Togoshi Keizo - who notably criticized the Empress of Yamatai after her address to the Ten Gikai in September last year - brought up the matter of the Pathein Blue River Multinational Naval Refueling Base in Myaar’tway, southern Escar, operated by HECO and opened on March 25th 2018.

Lord Togoshi asked Lady Seikoujo if Shirakawa would continue its contribution to the growing HECO naval presence in the region in the long term in light of warnings from Namgiang, and questioned the motives behind the choice of Myaar’tway, a ‘totalitarian dictatorship with little regard for human dignity’, as a basing location.

The Giangi Foreign Office released a declassified memo in May with regards to the base, stating that "drastic action" must be taken to "preserve the delicate safety of the region." At the same time, the Premier and Central Party Leadership in Minh Nong criticised what the Premier called "an unabashed act of aggression" towards Namgiang.

The HECO response to the warnings at the time was minimal. The Ministry of the Center issued a statement shortly after, insisting that Shirakawa would ‘remain committed to the collective defence of the free world, including allies and partners across Escar’.

OrCom concerns over the project are no doubt derived from anxiety over the increased range of HECO naval assets, which the communists believe threaten their sphere of influence in southern Escar and shipping routes through the Crosswind Sea. On top of this, Giangi-Myaarmese relations have been tense for many decades, and the recent aggressive military diplomacy of HECO states in both Myaar’tway and neighboring Pulau Todak has brought on fears that Western Escar may be attempting to prop up the State’s more minor enemies.

Lady Seikoujo expanded on the Government’s position in her answer to Lord Togoshi:
“If the communists wish to protest the project, they are free to use the usual channels. If they wish to play bully, we will face them. If there is confrontation we are ready and willing to face it. We won’t back down. We wish only to maintain peace and stability. Yes, I say to the Honourable Gentleman, we are there for as long as our allies are there and our interests - and the interests of the free world - demand. Long-term, certainly.”

When pressed on the issue of Myaar’tway’s government, dominated by President U Phyo Zaw, who despite cultivating a positive and open image of the country abroad and liberalising the economy of the formerly communist nation still rules the country with an iron fist and maintains many repressive policies, Seikoujo expanded upon her original point, stating that Shirakawan involvement in the region will help to ‘cultivate progress’.

“It’s conditional. Greater commitment equals greater incentive to open up. More opening up equals greater prosperity. More prosperity leads to greater freedom, less corruption. The honourable gentleman must understand that we cannot go in armed to the teeth in all cases. There is a place for forcing change, but there is also a place for encouraging it - cultivating progress ... We are there on the ground, cultivating that progress through multilateral cooperation, militarily and economically.”

After the Parliamentary session, Lord Togoshi was not available for comment on the Chancellor’s answer, but other members of the multipartisan Fourth World caucus - an anti-authoritarian group of which he is part - expressed discontent. Lord Torano of the New Ziyuist Party complained that Lady Seikoujo’s response to the Opposition’s concerns was ‘weak, and characteristic of the Present Government’s policy so far.’

“Indecision, indecision. We’re there just to maintain peace and stability, but we’re willing to take on Namgiang for it. We’re gradually ‘cultivating progress’ but right alongside us are Yamataians and no doubt some Ahrenic corporate suits waiting to cash in too. Seikoujo needs to grow a backbone, or come clean about her connections.”

The response from the new leader of the opposition was less damning, but equally lacking in approval. Lord Kokusou quipped briefly after the Chancellor’s response that the Government’s casual outlook towards the threat of a direct struggle with Namgiang was ‘deeply alarming and misguided.’

The Government’s Minister of the Right, Nyunen Jirou, is expected to visit the Myaar’mese base later this month ahead of a joint press conference with her local counterpart and the commanding officers of the HECO base.

by **Kolintha** » Wed Jul 25, 2018 12:13 pm

OOC: This post and the series after it have been backdated to the period of late August 2017 - early October 2017.

白川語 | 華語 | 한국어 | ANGLIAN

SHIRAKAWA: Ahrenic expat murdered, 'Grid Prince' suspected to be responsible say Police

Article by Utuzaka Manami

Image - Takatomi House, the apartment complex where the shooting took place.

Kaigan - Vignassar Kihith, a Shirakawan citizen born in Ahrenrok, was found dead in Kaigan last night. The method of the killing and the victim's suspected participation in underground gambling rings has led the local department head of the District Police to conclude that a 'Grid Prince' - a local magnate among one of Kaigan's many urban gangs - may be responsible.

Mr. Vignassar was killed in his home at the Takatomi House apartment complex in southern Asakubo ward. According to his neighbor, Mrs. Asahina, who discovered the body, the victim was 'tied to an overturned chair, (and) was shot twice; once in the chest, and again in the back of the head.' Her testimony was confirmed by local investigators and the department head, who explained that the method of the murder strongly resembled recent cases, such as that of Tagomi Norimatsu, another Asakubo resident who was murdered in October 2016. The investigation in that case did not secure convictions for any of the subsequently arrested suspects, but did suggest a link to Kaneda "Byakko" Torahama, an owner of a local club chain who has been arrested and tried, but never successfully convicted, for illegal activities including sex trafficking, intimidation, assault and fraud.

In Mr. Norimatsu's case the suspected motive of the murder was the victim, himself an active participant in Kaigan gang culture, threatening to leak information on Torahama's activities that may have endangered his so far technically spotless public record - what this information was exactly is unclear. Similarly unclear is what might have prompted the murder of Mr. Vignassar, who according to those that knew him was on the surface 'a fairly upstanding, civil chap', though evidence at the crime scene points the victim may have had 'substantial debts' and was known to frequent certain disreputable gambling establishments, for which he supposedly received a warning from local authorities in 2013.

Mr. Vignassar was 56 at the time of his death. According to the Ministry of the Center, he had a brief career in the Ahrenic security services before defecting in 1993 and receiving political asylum in Shirakawa, during a period of tense relations between Eito and Kaldea. He was placed under the protection of the Shinsengumi domestic security department until 2003, and thereafter became a member of the National Fellowship of Sons and Daughters of the Ever Enduring Fight for Global Freedom, campaigning for democratic interventions in southern Escar and criticizing the actions and prominent figures of the Golden Circle, Ahrenrok's ruling party. He was a vocal supporter of the Federalist government's policy of no compromise with Transoxthraxia, and was interviewed live on Fusou News.

His colleagues, friends and no doubt those who have been inspired by his outlook mourn his death, regardless of the circumstances that may surround it. Investigations continue, and Police have promised more information as progress is made.

by **Kolintha** » Mon Jul 30, 2018 9:25 am

Kihith Vignassar likely silenced by Ahrenrok

Chancellor Seikōjo accuses Ahrenic security forces of 'political murder' in wake of leaked 'execution order'.

Image: Chancellor Seikōjo makes her initial address during the 2 hour-long press conference early this morning.

Eito - The Chancellor of the Realm held a televised press conference in Kurowashi castle today, addressing for the first time the topic of Vignassar Kihith, an Ahrenic defector and Sons & Daughters activist, who was killed in his Kaigan apartment last Tuesday. Although the death had previously been blamed on organized crime, the Chancellor insisted it was in fact a 'deliberate and vicious political murder' orchestrated by Ahrenic intelligence, citing as proof an execution order leaked to the Shinsengumi by 'reliable sources'.

Initial reports from the Shirakawa National District Police indicated that a strong suspect for the murder had already been found: local gang leader Kaneda "Byakko" Torahama. However alongside the official police investigation a secret secondary investigation into the case was carried out by the National Security Agency and the Foreign Intelligence Department of the Shinsengumi. It turned up 'compelling signs' that the killing was in fact the work of Kaldea and that Mr. Vignassar had been targeted for his vocal and widely publicized criticism of the Ahrenic regime.

This was then seen to be definitively confirmed when the Shinsengumi came into possession of a partially censored execution order produced by the Ahrenic Special Commissariat on State Security which explicitly named the late defector, calling him 'a serious liability to Ahrenic interests abroad' and requesting his termination prior to the upcoming conference of the Fellowship of Sons & Daughters of the Ever Enduring Fight for Global Freedom. The Director of the Shinsengumi Central Committee as well as the Chancellor herself both declined to state the exact source of the document, a digitized copy of which has since been published on the website of the Great Council of State, explaining that it would clearly endanger those responsible for the leak.

The announcement by the Chancellor has provoked outrage among the political establishment. Notably, Mr. Vignassar's compatriots in the Sons & Daughters have taken a predictably hardliner stance, demanding 'immediate diplomatic retaliation' against the foreign provocation, and calling on 'all allies, friends and partners of Shirakawa to condemn the barbaric silencing of an honest campaigner for freedom, transparency and democracy'. But they aren't alone - members of the Federalist party also demanded a stern and uncompromising attitude towards Ahrenrok from their leader. A spokesman for Representative Sinwuan Meguro, former Assistant Secretary to the Chief of the Party Policy Bureau, issued a statement referencing the Chancellor's recent doubling down on her policy towards Namgiang, which some have deemed hawkish, saying that: "It is crucial we take as hard a stance on the Valeyan autocracies as we do on the Central Escaric autocracies - this incident demonstrates that they are one and the same. Both exist in opposition to the democratic order maintained by Shirakawa and it's international partners. We must maintain pressure."

For her part, the Chancellor seems to agree. She promised a 'swift and decisive' response, and stated that several thousand registered defectors from Ahrenrok living in Shirakawa would be placed back under full state protection, and has already postponed a planned meeting between the Minister of the Left and the Ahrenic Ambassador in Shirakawa, which was scheduled to take place next Thursday ahead of a larger series of talks in Kaldea.

Makise Narikata is the former Military Correspondent for the State News Agency 'Truth of the Empire' and the current Political Correspondent for the Daily Motherland (since 2009). She majored in Journalism at the Royal University of Eito, and has covered a range of subjects, from the 2010 and 2014 Campaign Trail to anti-piracy operations in the Sea of Anan. She is a member of the People's Enlightenment Society and the Deputy Director of the Royal Journalists Society.

by **Khornera** » Wed Aug 01, 2018 6:29 am

Shirakawa accuses Ahrenrok
Ahrenic government denies involvement in assassination on Shirakawan soil

At a televised press conference, the Shirakawan Chancellor of the Realm accused Ahrenic security agencies of conducting an assassination on Shirakawan soil. The subject was the recent death of Kihith Vignassar, a former Ahrenic subject who defected in 1993, and who remained politically active as a member of the Shirakawan National Fellowship of Sons and Daughters of the Ever Enduring Fight for Global Freedom, routinely slandering the Exquisite Kingdom and the Golden Circle.

The Ahrenic embassy in Eito.
Today, the Ahrenic ambassador was officially recalled back to Kaldea.

To back up their accusations, the Shirakawan government has procured the supposed execution order bearing the seal of the Special Commissariat on State Security, allegedly leaked by a mole embedded in the Ahrenic intelligence apparatus. However, High-Commissary Klavigan Thal, as well as the Commissar of Intelligence, Adrigal, have officially denied any Ahrenic involvement in Vignassar's demise. According to Commissar Adrigal, the document presented by the Shirakawan government as proof of Ahrenic involvement is an elaborate hoax perpetrated by a disgruntled individual working in the intelligence community, aiming to sour Ahrenic-Shirakawan relations. A preliminary investigation has led to the arrest of one subject suspected to be involved, with a larger inquest into the loyalties of employees of the Special Commissariat currently undergoing.

Chancellor Seikōjo announced 'swift and decisive' actions in response to the death of Vignassar, holding Ahrenrok responsible. Already a meeting between the Shirakawan minister of the Left and the Ahrenic ambassador in Eito has been indefinitely postponed, and as of now it is uncertain whether the talks between the Ahrenic and Shirakawan governments, scheduled for later this year, will go ahead as planned. High-Commissary Thal responded by releasing a short but scathing communique to the Shirakawan government, once again restating that the Ahrenic government has had no hand in the death of Vignassar and that the Shirakawan government, through its actions, is giving credibility to absurd and slanderous conspiracy theories. He added that the incendiary language of the Shirakawan government is playing into the hands of those that seek to create strife between the two nations. Finally, he urged the Chancellor to show restraint and not to resort to drastic actions which will do more harm than good. In the meantime, the Ahrenic ambassador in Eito has been temporarily recalled back to Kaldea to discuss recent developments.

To discuss the current downturn in Ahrenic-Shirakawan relations, the Chamber of Deputies held an emergency session earlier today. Several deputies were militant in their condemnation of what they called Shirakawan slander, reiterating the official position that the document presented by the Shirakawan government is an elaborate hoax, with a few going so far as to question whether Shirakawa was involved in it. Little sympathy was expressed for the deceased traitor Vignassar himself, with Deputy Mashazar poignantly summing up the consensus in the Chamber that "Vignassar endangered Ahrenic lives through his defection. Good riddance." Notably, Deputy Mashazar felt the need to repeat that despite this, the Shirakawan government has no right to accuse Ahrenrok.

This response seems to be a recurring pattern, with several public figures and pundits expressing doubt over the validity of the 'proof' presented by the Shirakawan government.

Comment Section:

AruraIsBestGril
Seems quite obvious to me its the ice-queen Seikōjo who's behind all this.
47 21

CharonDidNothingWrong
Ohboy, lets hope they (Shira's) don't dance to the tune of the 'Sons & Daughters', those guys are nutters
11 0

by **Khornera** » Sat Aug 04, 2018 11:56 am

Joint Ahrenic-Giangi naval exercise announced
Ministry of War announces joint naval exercises in the Gulf of Quanhco

Today the Ministry of War announced that the Ahrenic navy will be participating in a joint exercise with the Giangi navy in the Gulf of Quanhco later this year. The two navies will focus on tactical manoeuvrability as well as airborne surveillance. This announcement came at a short press conference hosted by a spokesman for the Ministry. The Ahrenic and Giangi navy will be exercising in international and Giangi waters, close to Myaarmese naval borders. The exercises will last between one and two weeks, depending on the success of the exercises and varying factors such as the weather and visibility.

As of now, few details have been released as to the exact contribution by Ahrenrok to these excercises. It has been confirmed however that the fleet will consist of the helicopter carrier Aszander, which will be under the command of admiral Urushazzar, who was recently promoted for examplary service during the Transoxthraxian civil war. The Aszander will be carrying a wing of helicopters configured for attacking naval vessels and providing reconnaissance. It has also been hinted that the naval force deployed to the Gulf will also consist of one or several submarines. Apart from that, the Ministry of War has given no further details on its fleet composition, or that of its Giangi counterparts. Likewise, no definitive date has been announced yet.

The Gulf of Quanhco is a vital strategic area to both Myaar'tway and Namgiang. Yet recently it has become a flashpoint for a potential future naval conflict involving both countries.

While relations between Namgiang and its southern neighbour have been chilly for decades, tensions have been running high ever since HECO opened a naval base in Myaar'tway, which the Giangi premier had called "an unabashed act of aggression". Even amongst HECO the decision to establish a naval presence in Myaar'tway has been divisive, with critics calling the act a senseless provocation which will only threaten the delicate peace even further. Some have rightfully pointed out the glaring hypocrisy in HECO's association with Myaar'tway, which remains a poor, underdeveloped, and repressive state to this day. Shirakawan member of the Ten Gikai, Lord Togoshi, named Myaar'tway a "totalitarian dictatorship with little regard for human dignity". Set against this backdrop, the willingness of Namgiang to commit to military cooperation with the Exquisite Kingdom can be construed as a response to increasing aggression by HECO.

Yet, in a public statement released by the government, High-Commissary Thal stressed that these exercises are not in any way intended as a provocation or show of force towards Myaar'tway or HECO. Rather, he affirmed that these exercises are part of a larger outreach programme aimed at strengthening the blossoming relations between the Setic world and OrCom, and with Namgiang in particular, which has become increasingly willing to cooperate with Ahrenrok
despite ideological differences.

So far, no response has been made by HECO leaders.

by **Kolintha** » Sun Aug 05, 2018 7:44 am

Shiro-Ahrenic Tensions Continue

Following Shinsengumi arrests, the Ahrenic embassy has been ordered to sharply reduce it's staff, while the Shirakawan Ambassador in Ahrenrok has also been recalled. Other sanctions likely to be imposed.

Image: The Ahrenic Embassy in the diplomatic ward of the Celestial Palace.

Eito - Following it's fortnightly meeting today, the Great Council of State issued an executive order formally recalling the Shirakawan ambassador to Ahrenrok and ordering 39 Ahrenic diplomatic staff to leave Shirakawa. In addition, the Council announced it's intent to submit a bill to the Ten Gikai that would impose sanctions in the form of travel bans and asset freezes on senior figures in the Special Commissariat on State Security, the Ahrenic intelligence agency suspected to be behind the killing of Mr. Kihith Vignassar.

Also today, the Shinsengumi announced four Friday arrests of Shirakawan citizens, who are suspected to have cooperated with Commissariat Agents, and one of which may have been involved in the Vignassar case as an informant. Their names and identities have not been publicly released. These arrests were likely the spark for the sudden escalation by the Shirakawan side of the ongoing diplomatic row.

The Government has been under intense pressure to take a harsh stance on the crisis from both members of it's own party and the more hawkish factions of the opposition, and ultimately it appears to have chosen to bow to said pressure over a continuation of it's previous Globe 2020 policy, which favored a more open stance towards Ahrenrok.

One original aim of the government, according to the Globe strategy, was the establishment of a trade deal to open up new commerce opportunities in Ahrenrok - a large and lucrative market that has proven difficult for Shirakawan businesses to enter due to protectionism and strong domestic competition. It was also hoped that a deal would lead to more cordial relations with the Valeyan regional power and empower factions in the Golden Circle, Ahrenrok's single ruling party, less sympathetic to Shirakawan enemies like Namgiang. Early negotiations began almost immediately after the rise of the Seikoujo administration, and continued even throughout Ahrenic involvement in the Transoxthraxian Civil War, despite some particularly vicious exchanges between the two governments and push-back from regime critics - including notably Mr. Kihith Vignassar himself.

Major negotiations were to be arranged in Kaldea later this year, following a series of minor meetings between the Minister of the Left and the Ahrenic ambassador. Now said meetings have been indefinitely postponed, and as a result the trade deal itself is most likely dead in the water. At best, analysts say, the crisis will set back negotiations for up to a year or more, depending on Kaldea's reaction to the announced measures. At worst, it could kill the deal for good, and along with it prospects of large-scale Shirakawan involvement in Northern Valeyan trade: a hefty setback for Chancellor Seikoujo, especially in light of ongoing sanctions and nonrecognition of the Transoxthraxian Revisionists, but perhaps a necessary political sacrifice to appease the political blocs she has up to now neglected and achieve a more intellectually consistent position.

Makise Narikata is the former Military Correspondent for the State News Agency 'Truth of the Empire' and the current Political Correspondent for the Daily Motherland (since 2009). She majored in Journalism at the Royal University of Eito, and has covered a range of subjects, from the 2010 and 2014 Campaign Trail to anti-piracy operations in the Sea of Anan. She is a member of the People's Enlightenment Society and the Deputy Director of the Royal Journalists Society.

by **Khornera** » Sun Aug 05, 2018 9:49 am

Protests outside Shirakawan embassy
Ahrenic nationalists in Kaldea condemn the Shirakawan response to the recent diplomatic crisis

In light of the recent souring of Shiro-Ahrenic relations, crowds of angry protesters gathered earlier today at the Shirakawan embassy in Kaldea to protest what they called 'the bellicose response' by Eito. According to the organisers of the protest, who were affiliated with the 'Ahrenic Citizen's Brotherhood', the Shirakawan government is solely responsible for the ongoing diplomatic crisis.

The Shirakawan embassy in Kaldea.

Several nationalist groups assembled before the Shirakawan embassy early in the morning, waving flags and chanting patriotic songs. The crowd numbered several hundred attendees, but grew as the day progressed. Several local low-level officials of the Golden Circle also attended and spoke at the protest, reasserting Ahrenrok's innocence in the Vignassar assassination, and condemning the Shirakawan accusations as nothing but baseless slander. In this, they echoed the official party line, although the rhetoric employed could only be described as hawkish.

Protests were initially peaceful, but as the day progressed the atmosphere grew increasingly tense. A minor kerfuffle came close to escalating in the early afternoon when two embassy workers were harassed by protesters as they tried to get to work. When a brick was thrown from the crowds at one of the employees, the local police retaliated by forcefully pushing back the protesters and assembling a wider perimeter around the compound. At this point, the crowd became increasingly frantic and the police put the embassy on a complete lockdown, as it no longer could assure the safety of embassy personnel. Mobilised by social media, the protest only grew in size after this, and several more riot control units were deployed by the police to help maintain order. Apart from a few minor scrapes the embassy employees were unharmed and the brick struck a wall a few meters away.

At 14:33 the police announced that they would break up the protest at 15:00 and that all still present at that time would be arrested in violation of the laws governing political expression. According to various statements made by police authorities, the order came from High-Commissary Thal himself, although the central government has refused to comment on this. When the protest was still going on at 15:00, the police advanced to break up the crowd. In response, several of the protesters attacked police officers with improvised weapons. During the ensuing melee, one officer got severely wounded after a Molotov cocktail was thrown at the police formation. The perpetrator subsequently got shot, and the police opened fire, after which the remaining crowds dispersed rapidly. The man who threw the Molotov cocktail allegedly died, along with a confirmed four others. An addition 21 people were arrested, including one member of city council. The wounded police officer was hospitalised and is currently being treated for severe burns. His condition is stable.

The police response has sharply divided those in the Chamber of Deputies, with some condemning the bloody outcome and accusing the Thal administration of pandering to Shirakawa by ordering violence against his own people. Yet others have criticised the slow response by local authorities and stated that such an unauthorised protest, as in clear violation of Ahrenic law, should have been broken up from the start. These same Deputies went so far as to imply that the lacklustre initial response was due to High-Commissary Thal being afraid to upset the nationalist wing of his party, and that this has led to the deaths of several citizens. At the same time Thal's own cohorts have proven more supportive. They stressed that the initial permissive attitude displayed by local authorities is part of a greater shift spearheaded by Thal to allow for more public discourse. Nevertheless they regret the violent outcome of the protest but add that it was an unfortunate incident and that the blame does not lie with the policies of the current administration.

Yet this could not come at a worse time for the High-Commissary, with the downturn in Shiro-Ahrenic relations threatening to undo several years' work of the Ahrenic government's foreign policy. Thal's balancing act between the various factions has kept him in power for over a decade, but now it seems to have weakened his position considerably. The threat of sanctions by Shirakawa and the indefinite postponement of trade talks in Kaldea further erode the accomplishments of the Thalist foreign policy, leading to rampant speculation on the future of Thal's position.

Comment Section:

DagonLives
Honest question, since when is The Dawnstar this openly critical towards the Thal administration?
51 18

by **Khornera** » Mon Aug 06, 2018 3:45 am

Prince Kagan returns to Kaldea
Banished dynast is welcomed back at the royal court after decade of exile

Prince Kagan of the royal dynasty, nephew to the King (Long may he reign!), has been welcomed back to the royal court in Kaldea after a decade of exile. Rumours had been circulating for several days now after insiders in the royal dynasty hinted at a possible return of prince Kagan, with speculation running rampant after the prince was seen leaving Ishtar aboard a royal airplane. While the Royal Household initially declined to comment on the rumours, a short declaration has now been released which confirms that prince Kagan has been welcomed back today at the royal court by King Tesseran (Long may he reign!).

No official reason has been given as to why prince Kagan has been invited back to the royal court, with the press statement released by the Royal Household being uncharacteristically short. In absence of a clear reason, many have theorised that Kagan’s sudden return is related to the King’s (Long may he reign!) declining health. Back in May, His Majesty (Long may he reign!) was unable to attend a ball hosted in the royal palace gardens with several foreign delegations attending. In addition, the King (Long may he reign!) has made notably fewer and shorter public appearances the last few months.

Prince Kagan was exiled by His Majesty (Long may he reign!) to the Ishtar isles back in 2007 for ‘political reasons’. Around that same time of the then newly-appointed High-Commissary Klavigan Thal had recently come into office and was consolidating his position in the Chamber of Deputies. Some have attributed the prince’s exile to privately held expansionist and radical views, which clashed with the Thal administration’s goal of normalising relations with HECO.

Throughout his exile prince Kagan has had little correspondence with the royal dynasty in Kaldea, setting up his own paralel court in the Ishtar isles. Several lesser dynasts from the western half of Ahrenrok flocked in the years that followed. In 2012, Kagan took an active interest in the local governance of the Ishtar isles, overseeing several infrastructure and cultural initiatives, as well as the construction of two major temples to Dagon and Kalithsha. This led to him being given the honorary moniker of ‘Radiant Prince of Ishtar’. In recent years prince Kagan has also become an active user of social media, gaining popularity in the mainland as well, where previously only a handful had heard of him.

Despite his decade of exile and the unknown reasons that led to it, prince Kagan is still seen as a favourite candidate to succeed the ailing King (Long may he reign!). Amongst the people he is popular for his work in the Ishtar isles and his online presence. Many of his supporters have thus been overjoyed by the news of his return to the capital. Certainly, prince Kagan enjoys good odds for a shot at the throne. Yet the specifics of the ceremonies which determine the royal succession, popularly known as ‘the Gauntlet’, remain a closely guarded secret. This makes any guess as to the next incumbent of the obsidian throne a shot in the dark at best. Still, it seems that when a grand conclave of the royal dynasty will be called to nominate the next aspirants, Kagan is likely to be amongst the few selected. For one, the prince of Ishtar has cultivated his own retinue of lesser dynasts. While these would individually hold little sway in the grand conclave, their collective voice is a strong one indeed. In addition, this voice is only bolstered by those that over the past ten years have visited Kagan’s paralel court in the Ishtar isles and have been swayed by his vision for the monarchy. It is expected that a large number of western dynasts will side with the ‘Radiant Prince of Ishtar’ when the conclave commences.

The support prince Kagan enjoys with the military should also not be underestimated. Famously, the Ministry of War courted controversy when the 5th Ishtar Guardsman Regiment decided to adopt the name ‘Prince Kagan’s Own’, which raised objections amongst the royal court in Kaldea. The royal court argued that to name a regiment after a prince in exile would be in poor taste, but eventually dropped the matter after a private conversation between King Tesseran (Long may he reign!) and the High-Commissary. While this is but a single incident, it goes to illustrate a larger trend. Prince Kagan has often expressed high praise for the armed forces of Ahrenrok in public and on social media, and it seems they have returned the sentiment. According to several sources, the princely estate in Ishtar is decorated with banners ceremonial armaments gifted by various regiments.

Yet, in the light of the rising tensions between Ahrenrok and Shirakawa, the cause for the prince’s exile has become increasingly important to some. Answers to the questions posed to the Royal Household and prince Kagan have so far been absent. With the former referring back to its declaration about prince Kagan’s return, and the prince being unavailable for comment. The last ten years however, prince Kagan has said very little on the subject of foreign relations, apart from his praises for the military and a single post on social media congratulating Shirakawa on being gifted a Redfeather terror bird by the Thal administration.

The majority of the prince’s court is still currently in Ishtar, including his wife and children. His family and inner circle are expected to be flown in later this week as the prince shall assume residence in a new home in Kaldea. For the time being, stewardship over the prince’s estate in the Ishtar isles has fallen to his wife Lilith, and is expected to be assumed by the dynast prince Neshassar, a close friend of prince Kagan.

In a joint declaration, the Chamber of Deputies extended its warmest welcome to the returning prince. High-Commissary Thal was unavailable for comment.

by **Greater Allidron** » Mon Aug 06, 2018 2:47 pm

मिन्ह णोङ ठोइ गिअन

Minh Nong Times

As oil prices fall, the Central Government seeks to expand Strategic Reserves

Pok Chaya, Monday, August 6th, 2018

Barai--The Central Government announced on Sunday its intentions to expand its Strategic Oil Reserves by at least 15% over the next 6 months, increasing the total stockpile to 230,000,000 barrels of oil. The move has come after the drop in oil prices over the last year which was caused by the renewal of a strategic trade treaty between Namgiang and Transoxthraxia following the end of the Transoxthraxian Civil War in 2016.

The Transoxthraxian-Giangi Agreement of Friendship and Mutual Economic Exchange allowed Namgiang to relax its oil consumption control laws that were instituted at the outbreak of the Transoxthraxian Civil War. The deal also helped to reestablish strong diplomatic relations between the two states, making Namgiang a strong supporter of the Revisionists.

The Strategic Oil Reserve was created in 1968 to deal with possible oil shocks, and was created after the collapse of Hinomoto to provide greater security against the much large naval presence of HECO. The Reserve is located deep in hardened locations in the Nui Lon Range, and has a total capacity of nearly 250 billion barrels of oil.

A planned expansion in 2020 will increase the capacity to nearly 350 billion barrels, as part of the National Energy Future Initiative, which seeks to provide Namgiang a better and more reliable supply of energy, including large scale investment in nuclear and coal power plants to offset Namgiang's dependency on oil imports, as well as Party investments in the Dauntey Oil Fields.

Currently Namgiang imports nearly 25% of its oil consumption, with Meriad and Transoxthraxia making up the massive majority of those imports. Namgiang's consumption has grown to nearly 5,000,000 barrels a day, outpacing the pre-2014 4,800,000 barrels per day consumption. The Strategic Oil Reserve provides Namgiang 40 days of emergency supply at the current consumption rate.

The Trade and Economic Development Office mentioned in its monthly public report that the need for oil in Namgiang was "at a critical stage" as economic growth increased to nearly 4% last quarter, and was projected to level off at nearly 3.4%, much higher than the pre-2014 2.1% average quarterly growth.

by **Khornera** » Thu Aug 09, 2018 6:16 am

Royal Palace goes silent
Courtiers and servants expelled by the Royal Guard for unknown reason

Today at 12:00, the Royal Household released a short proclamation in the name of King Tesseran IV (Long may he reign!) that announced the immediate lockdown of the entire Royal Palace and its surrounding compound. A large amount of courtiers and servants associated with the Royal Household have been expelled without notice, with it being unclear how many remain inside the palace. The Royal Guard has secured the compound and is refusing to let anyone in, including government officials. No further communication has been received.

The High Commissariat has confirmed that the Royal Guard was indeed acting on the orders of His Majesty the King (Long may he reign!), dispelling initial fears that the Royal Guard seized power in the palace and held the King (Long may he reign!) hostage. Yet no further information has been released, and it is unknown what moved His Majesty (Long may he reign!) to order this course of action. While the High Commissariat noted that the proclamation by the King (Long may he reign!) is in accordance with the law and the protocols of the Golden Circle, this is the first time since the Endwar that such an edict had been issued by an Ahrenic monarch. No statement has gone out from High-Commissary Thal either, whom has remained silent while he met with his cabinet in an emergency session. A special committee of the Chamber of Deputies has also been called to discuss the implications of this sudden occurrence and what measures should be taken.

As is to be expected, the mysterious circumstances and lack of elaboration around this edict have set the fires of speculation ablaze. Some pundits have cited the King’s (Long may he reign!) ailing health, fearing that His Majesty’s (Long may he reign!) end may be nearing. Notably, King Tesseran IV (Long may he reign!) has been rarely seen in public the last few months, with his public appearances becoming rarer and shorter. Others point to prince Kagan’s recent return. Two days ago, after a decade of exile in the Ishtar isles, prince Kagan returned to Kaldea and was welcomed back at the royal court. The reason for this was unspecified as well, and many now believe that the King’s (Long may he reign!) decision to welcome back his exiled nephew and his decision to seal the palace may be related. It has been confirmed that prince Kagan is not amongst those now confined in the palace, although he has remained silent on the situation.

No other details are known at this time. It is also unknown how long the lockdown will last. We will continue to provide updates as the situation develops and more details become known.

by **Khornera** » Tue Aug 14, 2018 6:49 am

Insurgents seize townships in Ixthalan
Self-proclaimed ‘Royal and Revolutionary Army’ announces resistance against Thal administration

In one coordinated strike yesterday evening, an armed group of insurgents seized several minor towns in central Ixthalan. Local police officers and government officials have also been taken hostage during this nocturnal coup. Several rail stations and radio towers were also taken by the militants, which they used to broadcast their intentions in the region. The militants also sent a public declaration to several major news outlets, including this one.

In their declaration, the insurgents called themselves the ‘Royal and Revolutionary Army’. They demand the immediate return of King Tesseran IV (Long may he reign!), whom they believe is being held hostage by the Thal administration ever since the Royal Palace placed itself on lockdown. They also demand the immediate resignation of the High-Commissary, whom they accuse of ‘whoring out the Ahrenic nation’ to foreign powers. During their broadcast, the insurgents declared their action to be a ‘rightful expression of the indomitable Ahrenic will’, which was aimed to ‘restore the proper order’. So far it is not yet confirmed how many casualties occured last night, but official estimates place the toll around 7.

According to a spokesman of the Ministry of the Interior, who commented on the ongoing situation in Ixthalan, the insurgents of the Royal and Revolutionary Army have been identified as disgruntled members of the Golden Hand (members of the Golden Circle’s popular militia, -Ed.). Several of these members had been disciplined in the past for expressing views uncharitable to the Thal administration, but had an otherwise clean record. Although the Ministry of Interior has confirmed that it has a rough estimate of the size of the insurgent movement, is has refused to share this information publicly. The Ministry further added that they are currently preparing a swift response to restore order to the province, deploying military force to put down the insurgency. Out of strategic considerations, no further details have been given.

High-Commissary Thal issued a scathing response to the ongoing crisis, condemning the use of force to force political change, and calling the insurgents “barbarians with pretensions of nobility”. The High-Commissary commented shortly on the accusations leveled by the Royal and Revolutionary Army, dismissing them as ‘conspiratorial drivel unworthy of a response’.

All the while, the Royal Household has remained silent.

Little definitive information is available at this moment. We will continue to provide updates as the situation develops.

by **Khornera** » Sat Aug 18, 2018 10:42 am

Terror attack in the heart of Arkadis
Suicide bomber detonates bomb in cafe and kills 13

Around 1220 hours today, an individual carrying an improvised explosive device detonated himself at a local cafe in the capital of Kaldea, killing 13 and wounding several more, some of them critically. Two movements have both claimed responsibility, the ‘New Ahrenic Republican Brotherhood’, a radical pro-democracy and anti-monarchy movement, and the ‘Liberty Storm’, a militant anarchist movement. As of now, it remains unclear which organisation, if any, carries responsibility for the cowardly attack.

The terrorist used an improvised explosive device that according to the police, while improvised, was highly sophisticated and capable of inflicting great damage. According to eyewitness reports, a loud shout, which some described as ‘a warcry’, came from the cafe just a second before the detonation. The explosive device was potent enough to cause part of the building's ceiling to collapse. Panic ensued afterwards, with several more being wounded on the busy streets in the resulting confusion. 11 individuals were killed in the immediate explosion, with two more dying of their wounds later in the hospital. The criminal responsible for this crime is yet to be identified. Likewise, it is unclear if the bomber was acting on his own accord, and whether the ‘New Ahrenic Republican Brotherhood’ or the ‘Liberty Storm’ were involved. But the Ahrenic police now believes the terrorist was acting as part of a larger cell, although they refused to comment further.

High-Commissary Thal has denounced the cowardly attack and has called for ‘swift and brutal retribution against those forces that seek to harm us’. An immediate crackdown on criminal elements has been ordered by the High-Commissary in cooperation with the Magistrate of Kaldea, and several individuals have already been detained awaiting further investigation.

by **Khornera** » Tue Aug 21, 2018 6:05 am

King Tesseran IV has died
The nation mourns as our beloved monarch has passed away

The nation mourns. After twelve days of silence and isolation, the Royal Rousehold finally released a statement confirming that yesterday, King Tesseran IV had passed away. This marks the end of a reign that lasted more than thirty years. The king was 81. Our prayers are with the Royal Dynasty.

Crowds of patriotic citizens gathered around the royal palace in Kaldea today, united in sorrow and grief as they mourned the beloved monarch’s passing. A grateful nation mourns the king’s many years of dutiful service to the Ahrenic people.

King Tesseran IV was acclaimed as monarch in 1982 during an uneventful Grand Conclave. He succeeded the late King Shadiris II, whom passed earlier that year. Upon his ascension, Tesseran IV ended the Golden Circle leadership crisis by appointing High-Commissary Ushaszan. The next decade the two worked closely together, spurring Ahrenrok’s spectacular economic growth and its growing role on the world stage. Tesseran IV became known internationally for his historic visit to Escar, becoming the first Ahrenic monarch to do so.

During the 90s, the king became increasingly uninvolved in matters of state however, instead focusing on his role as the highest priest in the Nazaran faith. He personally oversaw the construction of dozens of temples constructed throughout the nation as part of a wider effort to encourage a return to spiritualist values. He also spearheaded further integration between the Eastern and Western rite, overcoming internal divisions.

King Tesseran IV was married to queen Anthana, and sired five children by her.

Throughout the nation, public figures are expressing their sorrow over the late king’s demise. High-Commissary Thal expressed his deepest admiration for the king, saying; “King Tesseran IV was an exemplary monarch, and a beacon of hope and unity for the Ahrenic people. Whoever his successor will be, he will have a lot to live up to.” Chairman Belshazzar offered his condolences to the whole of the Royal Dynasty; “It is a sad day that such a great man is now taken from the Ahrenic people.” A day of national mourning has officially been declared.

Already a Grand Conclave to choose Tesseran IV’s successor has been called, with the Dynasts from all over Ahrenrok converging upon the great city of Kaldea. Preparations are underway, and the first session is set to begin in a week.

Yours is the glory eternal, almighty avatar of Dagon.

by **Khornera** » Wed Aug 22, 2018 7:20 am

College goes against High-Commissary
Factions in the College of Benevolences now openly defying the Thal administration

For the first time in years, the College of Benevolences voted against a bill proposed by High-Commissary Thal. The bill, which was a minor reduction of the annual budget for religious affairs, was defeated by a slim margin of three votes. The office of High-Commissary traditionally enjoys near-unanimous loyalty from his cohorts.

High-Commissary Thal.

The mood in the College of Benevolences was reportedly incendiary, with many criticisms being leveled at the Thal administration. Thal was accused by his opponents of prostituting the Ahrenic nation, with the proposed reduction in religious funding being ‘un-Ahrenic’. Notably, many criticisms were unrelated to the budgetary issue at hand, instead commenting on Thal’s foreign policy. Both extremes of the College criticised Thal heavily, with the left attributing the souring of Ahrenic-Shirakawan relations to Thal. The right on the other hand, denounced Thal for what they perceived to be a weak foreign policy aimed at accomodation at the expense of the homeland.

The centre, where Thal traditionally enjoyed most of his support, responded harshly and fiercely to the criticisms leveled at the administration. They stressed the difficult geopolitical position Ahrenrok is in, and that unpopular measures may be necessary. Yet their arguments proved to be inadequate, as many centrist members of the College sided with Thal’s critics when the vote eventually came. This puts Thal in a difficult position, with the College openly going against his wishes, it remains uncertain if he can hold his position. Indeed, historically a rebellious College or Chamber has heralded a change in leadership, with only two instances of an incumbent remaining in his office throughout history. With the speed at which the debate devolved into unrelated criticisms of the Thal administration, the vote seems to be less about budgetary issues, but instead a motion of confidence against Thal and his administration.

Thal was not present for the vote himself, attending a meeting of his cabinet instead. Later, the High-Commissariat released a statement that the High-Commissary lamented "how the debate was hijacked and focused instead on unrelated issues which at this point were not the College's concern." There have been no open calls for the High-Commissary's resignation yet, but it seems that his position may be becoming untenable.

Military campaign in Ixthalan continues
’Royal and Revolutionary Army’ pushed back, but retains vital strongholds

The Ahrenic Royal Army has launched a major offensive in the ongoing Ixthalan insurgency, halting their advance and liberating several smaller townships. Yet the ‘Royal and Revolutionary Army’ remains firmly entrenched in the desolate region, having seized several railroads and vital chokepoints.

Ahrenic soldiers in Ixthalan

The Ahrenic army has reported significant advances the last week, having pushed back the insurgent vanguard which attempted to expand into new territory. So far, casualties have been low due to the massive discrepancy between the soldiers and the insurgents in terms of discipline, training, and equipment. Yet for now, it seems the insurgents have retreated to well-established defensive lines. “What we are facing now, is the heartland of the rebellion.” a spokesperson for the Ministry of War said. The insurgents have commandeered the local railways and civilian vehicles to swiftly move manpower and supplies around, establishing functioning if basic supply lines. In addition, the insurgents have obtained a small cache of anti-air weaponry and anti-personnel mines. This makes any further advance by the Ahrenic army increasingly costly. It is unknown how the insurgents have obtained said advanced hardware.

According to a source within the insurgent-controlled territories, the ‘Royal and Revolutionary Army’ have taken on the duties of enforcing order and distributing food, and are now actively recruiting new militants. Allegedly, these efforts have been met with some limited success.

During a military operation yesterday, Ahrenic special forces liberated and extracted government officials that were held captive in an improvised prison camp deep in enemy lines. A total of 32 individuals were rescued. Most are reported to be in good condition.

TzaRHa parade in Kaldea
General Savinszar honoured in military parade in the capital

The TzaRHa, the official guardians of the Golden Circle, staged a grand parade in the capital today in honour of their commander, general Kairon Savinszar, upon his arrival in the city. Savinszar was honoured for being awarded the prestigious 'Hero of Ahrenrok' commendation, and for his recent appointment to the High Command in Kaldea in the capacity of General of the Infantry. Savinszar observed the parade and gave a short address, extolling the virtues of the TzaRHa.

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by **Khornera** » Wed Aug 29, 2018 7:38 am

2017 AD, October III
Ahrenrok's future defined

Constitution suspended
TzaRHa leader Savinszar assumes leadership over the Ahrenic government with royal support

The recently coronated King Kagan II (Long may he reign!), having been chosen as sovereign of the Exquisite Kingdom, has issued a royal edict in which he calls for the arrest of High-Commissary Thal and several other key officials in the Thal administration. The edict was enacted by the TzaRHa under the command of general Kairon Savinszar, with key government institutions in Kaldea being occupied within the hour

Both the College of Benevolences and the Chamber of Deputies have been officially disbanded and a large number of members of both have been confined to their homes or other locations under ‘TzaRHa review’. A large number of arrests of officials associated with the Thal administration were also made. Klavigan Thal himself however, has remained at large, with his current whereabouts unknown. In the royal proclamation the new king (Long may he reign!) hinted vaguely at “the corruption of the Thal administration”, invoking article 18 of the Ahrenic constitution which allows the sovereign (Long may he reign!) to dismiss any officer of state in the event of gross negligence of duties or criminal conduct. General Savinszar elaborated further on the edict before the sidelined College of Benevolences, stating that evidence had come to light implicating Klavigan Thal in gross abuses of power and criminal activities.

With royal support, general Savinszar has assumed leadership over the Ahrenic government. The general has assembled a transitional government consisting of TzaRHa and military officials to oversee “the restoration of the Exquisite Kingdom to its natural state”. The constitution has been temporarily suspended, with general Savinszar himself assuming the competencies of the office of High-Commissary. A curfew has been put in place in several major cities, including Kaldea, where the TzaRHa has assumed command over the local police. The diplomatic district in Kaldea has been temporarily quarantined, with all embassies in the city placed under increased security surveillance. The general promised a swift return to order, and the swift destruction of the final remnants of the Thal administration.

According to various sources, Klavigan Thal was last seen a few hours before the royal edict calling for his arrest. Several ministers of his administration are also currently unaccounted for, with search warrants being issued for all of them. The remainder of Thal’s administration is currently under detention by the TzaRHa awaiting further investigation. However, one of Thal’s staunchest allies, chairman Belshasszar, is now confirmed to have been killed. The chairman of the Chamber of Deputies reportedly died during a firefight that ensued between his personal security detail and TzaRHa soldiers when the chairman resisted arrest while attempting to flee the country. Several other fatalities of lesser officials have also been reported, but none have been confirmed by authorities so far.

The population of Kaldea seems to have mostly accepted the rapid overnight change, with the streets having remained peaceful with a few exceptions. Two minor riots by pro-Thal movements have been reported, with both swiftly being shut down by the TzaRHa in cooperation with the police.

In response to the news, the self-proclaimed ‘Royal and Revolutionary Army’ that has been responsible for the ongoing insurgency in Ixthalan announced a unilateral ceasefire. Their motivations to rebel against the central government had originally been motivated by their opposition to the policies of the Thal administration. With Thal being removed from power, it is unsure what the future of the insurgency will be, although general Savinszar has agreed to reciprocate the ceasefire and promised a ‘swift resolution of the insurgency’.

So far there has been no international response yet.

by **Greater Allidron** » Fri Aug 31, 2018 4:44 pm

Mikhivay Reporter

BREAKING NEWS: Ahrenric Government sees major shift as new transitional government seizes the reigns of power; Foreign Secretary sent to Ahrenrok as emergency envoy

Pham Thi, Monday, October 4th, 2017

Mikhivay--According to offical press releases from the Foreign Office, Foreign Secretary Nigho Thau has cancelled plans to speak at the Barai National Oil Corporation, and is instead heading to Ahrenrok to discuss with the new transitional government issues of vital national importance.

The recent events in Ahrenrok has caused some concern among Ghiaanghi policy makers in the Congress, who have expressed their desire to maintain good relations with the vast Setic nation. Ghiaanghi economic and political involvement with the Exquisite Kingdom have been on the rise since the mid 80s, and began rapidly increasing when then Premier Qayng Dong set out to diversify Ghiaanghi economic relations abroad for his 1995-2000 Five Year Plan.

The Foreign Secretary is set to arrive in Kaldea tomorrow and will spend most of her day at the Ghiaanghi embassy in the capital. Issues such as the ongoing Ixthalan Insurgency, Ghiaanghi-Ahrenric economic agreements and scheduled military exercises will be at the forefront of the high level discussions. The Foreign Office has declined to respond to any questions.

right, Foreign Secretary Nigho Thau addressing the 109th Plenary Congress Session, 2017

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by **Kolintha** » Mon Oct 08, 2018 11:31 pm

OOC: Everything after this point is real-time unless otherwise specified.

"Early elections considered" say Palace sources

A troubled two years for the Seikoujo administration may have pushed the Chancellor to seek a new Federalist mandate.

Image: Chancellor Seikoujo at a Party campaign event for the Sosho by-election.

Eito - To those in tune with the byzantine twists and turns of political goings on in the Shirakawan capital, it may not be particularly shocking to hear that despite recent outward bravado on the world stage, life has been far from rosy for the Seikoujo administration, even two years onward from the embarrassing resignation of the old Federalist leader Makino Shikayu in 2016. Opposition from both within and outside the Party has stalled many of the government's efforts at the serious domestic reforms that formed much of Seikoujo's heavily revised manifesto, and has forced it to focus on foreign policy - a theater where it too appears to be fighting with hands tied behind it's back due to the lack of a strong mandate. Now, as two recent by-elections have further eroded the Fed majority in the Assembly, it seems some in the Celestial Palace are suggesting the Chancellor may be willing to risk her position for the chance of a stronger political foothold.

Clearly, there are both pros and cons to the idea. The most obvious negative being the effect of yet another political contest on national stability in such a dangerous international climate, with tensions mounting in both Valeya and southern Escar. Lady Seikoujo herself, now nearing the end of her third year in office, came into power right at the tail-end of the Transoxthraxian civil war and was consequently forced to deal with the spiral of the northern Setic states back into totalitarian rule even as she struggled to fill her Council with skilled advisors not tainted by association with the Makinoist faction of the party. And it clearly cannot be guaranteed that the election will play in her favour, as the by-elections in Sosho and Yasukawa - both former Federalist safe-seats swept up by Kokusō Hyōe's newly energized Royalists - have clearly illustrated. There is a definitive appetite for change in the Shirakawan population, though less certain is whether most would like such change to take the stern, white-jacketed shape of yet another Federalist Chancellor after a long and not-so-illustrious line of disappointments.

This is the basis on which many party members seem to be reacting to the rumours; one anonymous parliamentarian commented: "It's premature. Absolutely premature. It's like - you know - Absolutely. Really it's not a smart move, and endangers our security really. This is not a good time for this. Really not a good time. Can you imagine what the Left will do?" And to their credit, they may not be wholly wrong. Not long after the first whispers of election plans emerged on social media, the official accounts of the Royalist and Social Front parties were flooded by questions on Kivik and Chirper about their campaign plans, though both have yet to make any official statements. Social Front representative Amamiya Ren chirped: "Might be fake, might be real, but here's hoping it's the former! #RealChoice2018".

On the other-hand, with less than a year left in her first term, what exactly does Seikoujo have to lose in such a wager? She could act now and secure a stronger position, which would allow her to better resist future international and domestic adversity, or she could wait until the clock runs out and she is either forced out or makes minimal gains regardless. One could certainly argue that despite it's reformist short-comings and the failures in the West, the current government has managed to maintain a strong stance on defense, and pushed the Inspectorate towards some major achievements such as the removal of the unpopular head of the State Academy - playing at least somewhat into the favour of the interventionist and egalitarian sectors of the electorate. Depending on how Seikoujo chooses to present her re-election plans in such a theoretical election, she could well be intending to call the election at what she deems to be a high-point in her reign.

Either way, until the rumors receive definitive confirmation everything is ultimately a guessing game.

Makise Narikata is the former Military Correspondent for the State News Agency 'Truth of the Empire' and the current Political Correspondent for the Daily Motherland (since 2009). She majored in Journalism at the Royal University of Eito, and has covered a range of subjects, from the 2010 and 2014 Campaign Trail to anti-piracy operations in the Sea of Anan. She is a member of the People's Enlightenment Society and the Deputy Director of the Royal Journalists Society.

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