Royal News of TECT [Closed|News Service]

by **Common Territories** » Sat Jul 13, 2013 1:47 pm

About Royal News

Royal News was first founded as a newspaper organization shortly after printing became common place in the late 15th century. Printing presses practically spat nation wide information and spread the news all over the Empire. During the last conflicts to unite the entire continent under the TECT banner, Royal News covered war stories straight from soldiers and commanders -- a first in the country's history. News from government, economy, military, and the Royal Family were all covered by the new newspaper. Royal News continued being a leading news organization with paper presses and radio dominating until the 1930's when television became a new world for exploring, which news organizations also took interest in. Royal News was the first news organization in TECT to use television to tell the news; making its debut in 1931 in December, it aired a brief welcoming segment and followed with popular news stories -- lasting about twenty minutes. Royal News would expand to local and regional news and became the largest news organization on air even after other news organizations followed in their footsteps.

Since 1931, Royal News evolved with the times, changing with new trends and trying new ideas. Today, Royal News is described as more of a conservative organization that stays in a centrist view while holding decent favor to conservatives and not favoring anything to far left of the political spectrum; far leftists, anarchists, communists, are especially the target of some news talk show hosts, who target the down comings of these radicals. They also target radical right wingers and anyone going against the Royal Family in too negative fashion; though, some opinion talk shows do discuss everyone in fair light, even the Emperor. Though, Royal News doesn't as much target in bad light specific people or groups who share a similar viewpoint on topics -- that is, outside the general news reporting; talk show hosts favoring conservative values such as small government and the free market system do report and make opinions on topics. Royal News however does employ left ideological people, such as liberal guests, commentators/contributors, and even one talk show host; Royal News does this in order to get a fair report on both right and left viewpoints. Since 2011 though, Libertarians have also grown in staff of the organization including in newspapers, websites, and a talk show on the national channel Royal News has. Most liberals in the TECT government and in other news organizations discourage Royal News because of it's majority conservative foundation and base and has made claims of conservative biases -- though no proof of such has come to lite as solid evidence. Foreign countries have also criticized the news organization as state media and protecting the government; governments such as New Edom, Deadora, and the Shrailleeni Empire have openly condemned the news organization.

Royal News now holds a national newspaper with many operations having regional and local sections to their locations along with national news; a website and splintered off websites by news hosts; Royal News also has channels on local and regional levels; Royal News' main stream of information comes from it's national channel on every provider called Royal News Channel (RNC) that has talk shows, live news, and documentary time slots. The majority of staff and talk show hosts are conservative but there are some libertarians and a few liberals who host or appear often on programs. The most popular of host talk shows is the "Royal Factor" which is hosted by a mostly centrist conservative, Rick Smurden, fifty-eight, who breaks down national events fairly and rationally with a varying amount of guests; Smurden's program is ranked in the top three programs and was ranked first over a dozen times in the past twenty years -- he's hosted interviews with former presidents, government figured, and has had several interviews with the past two Emperors in recent years. Royal News today commonly report on national and international news while having lower operations on regional & local news formats.

News Stories

1. The First March of The Commoner Foreign Legion
2. A Threat From Tobey's Great Britian
3. Accused Terrorist Plotters, Instigators, Stand Trial
4. The Recent Rise of Insurgency In Zwischen Ozean.
5. Senator In Scandal Probe Charged with Corruption, Other Charges.
6. New Othman, TECT, Sign Official Alliance Treaties.
7. Imperial Navy Dispatches Additional Carriers To Cornellia.
8. Cookish Hypocrisy and Irony Buzzes TECT and Cornellian States.
9. Incoming Presidential Election To Be A Close Race.
10. Senator David L. Vallery (C) Convicted By Imperial Court.
11. New 'International Whaling Commission' Protects Sea Life Through Piracy.
12. TECT Came, Saw, And Conquered Kamchatka Krai.
13. Mark Hoover (C) Defeats Kevin Egger (L) By Wide Margin.
14. Roadway Of The Future: New Solar Roadway Project Finalized.
15. TECT Enters SACTO Alliance - AAE On Offensive.
16. Teen Arrested in Capital - Plotted Mass Shooting.
17. Shooter, A Furry, Dead After Confronting Military Guard In Attempted Mass Shooting.
18. New Armed Forces Budget Takes Affect.
19. Steel Demand Creates Market Boom.
20. New Golden Age of Prosperity Between Solisian Federated Empire and TECT Marked By Large Arms Deal.

Disclaimer/OOC Information

OCC: Firstly, this is a private news organization thread for news posts by myself TECT. Only those who gain my verbal permission may post here if ever. Posts by unauthorized people will be asked to be removed by moderation/administration. These news stories are works of fiction that may or may not relate to real life stories happening now or in the past; these real life stories are strictly inspirations and that's it -- do not take language, references, characters, organizations, or other actions done in this thread personally or disrespectful. All stories are writings of fiction that have no grasp to real life morals or events; these stories are written news articles concerning the nation "The Empire of Common Territories" (TECT) and nations relating to TECT. Stories from here shouldn't be taken negatively or personally in OOC as they are not meant for that. Warning, some articles may contain quotes or article pieces that feature mild language and violence (war violence and other forms of violence). Once again: These are Role Play news releases.

Another thing. A special thanks to Nordkrusen for helping to design the logo image to be used by myself for news posts. Thank you very much -- your skills and talent are very much appreciated along with our friendship. Another thanks to hard-working NSers who created codes for use of the public; such as "comments" codes.

by **Common Territories** » Thu Aug 08, 2013 1:42 pm

Commoner Foreign Legion Makes Debut March in Empire City.
July 24, 2013

Later into the morning at 10am sharp. The 1st Brigade of the newly formed Commoner Foreign Legion preformed their first honor march in the capital, Empire City. The first wave of recruits from nations around the world marched down Commons Avenue early Wednesday in dress uniform as part of their graduation as the first class of recruits into the new program; the Emperor, Emperor JC, greeting them along the path with salutes and waves. People from numerous nations have already volunteered to join the new military unit that is part of the Imperial Army, including the largest turnouts from Gavinium Magnus and Matuphumi.

(Company after company of Commoner Foreign Legionnaires march down Commons Avenue.)

Leading the unit's first march down Commons Avenue was the unit's TECT commander, General Thorsten Weissmuller. Company's marched in their decorated uniforms in a traditional march down the avenue. Other named commanders are Brigadier General Marko Trommler of Gavinium Magnus and Imperial Sargent Evan Staves of Adiron. The Foreign Legion will serve as a branch in the Imperial Army as a light and heavy infantry unit. The program was created to allow foreigners to serve in the TECT military and in exchange they would receive citizenship and military benefits for serving their full tour. Among other benefits, many other assistance programs are guided to assist recruits on and off the field of battle.

The Commoner Foreign Legion was established to allow recruitment of people world wide. Allowing for boost in service numbers and allowing experience from other nations to benefit the TECT Armed Forces. Bolstering the number of elite units is just one advantage but the new unit is also a way to become earn boundless benefits for a recruit's service. The Armed Forces planned to have the unit in service within weeks ready to be used on call once they were stationed. Each recruit has a duty to serve for a period of time and military units must serve a different period of deployment; all before earning much of their benefits. It is expected that the Legion will grow to at least 10,000 by years end.

by **Common Territories** » Sat Sep 21, 2013 8:36 pm

Backlash Against Tobys Great Britain.
September 21, 2013

Backlash in The Empire of Common Territories in response to actions by Tobys Great Britain have sky rocketed in recent days. Since days ago, when TGB and puppet governments made diplomatic communiques that were outwardly public, rude, offensive, and threatening -- people ranging from government officials and normal citizens have voiced outrage at these events. Even the Emperor has taken public voice in a recent press release to the actions.

(Foreign Affairs Minister Lucas Nacht delivering a statement on the matter)

Days ago, the nation of Alderann ( a puppet government) applied to open an embassy in the TECT capital, Empire City. The first application had illegal items filled in and had to be altered to fit with TECT regulations for embassies/consulates. Upon the third time the application was filled out, it still had a incorrectly applied section concerning weapons on the property -- which the government stated that, "Alderann had repeatedly (from start to finish) broken the regulation concerning weapons for security. Regulation four. They primarily had broken what types of weapons were allowed and had not revealed how many they were to bring." Upon receiving guidance on what was the remaining issue with the embassy application, the government of Alderann responded in an open communication (visible by all) with the following message. "You know what you don't have to be rude, sorry I missed the weapons part ok you can take this this program of yours and keep it". The message prompted an immediate cancellation of the application process before the remaining process had began. In response to it's puppet government quitting the process of embassy establishment, the nation of Tobys Great Britain responded by stating TECT was "rude" and called the entire nation "Nazis". All of which was displayed openly -- media channels, websites, private citizens, and of course us here at Royal News, picked up the message clearly. Among other details, Tobys Great Britain threatened TECT with full scale war -- claiming the justification of such military conflict of being, "Because you were rude to Alderann"

Exploring the nation of Tobys Great Britain, we find troubling information along with confusing statistics they provided. As claimed by the TGB government, they specifically made claims to statistics including controlling over "20" different "colonies", have easily more troops then the TECT population (1,563,787,125 - 2012 census conducted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs), and that TGB is clearly stronger militarily then TECT. Looking at public records, government/diplomatic information received online and from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; the term "colony" Tobys Great Britain uses is very lose -- along with its presumed image of imperialism they have. As stated in a public message: Tobys Great Britain is looking for nations to "become colonies" and that TGB is forming a "democratic empire". If readers do not know what the definition of an empire is, it is "An empire is a state with politico-military dominion of populations who are culturally and ethnically distinct from the imperial (ruling) ethnic group and its culture — unlike a federation, an extensive state voluntarily composed of autonomous states and peoples." Which puts a dent in their image of "democratic imperialism" because their expressed form of government organization is the correctly the definition of Confederation. It is mentioned that "10 points" are also meant by "colonies" to abide by, but these points have since been classified information. The next inconsistency is the mentioned "20 colonies" the country possessed. According to the Tobys Great Britain's own records, only two "colonies" exist. Of these two confederate nations, one is attempting to make itself look stronger by attacking international shipping lanes and threatening to invade random countries for no reason other than to show they want to be feared; or as we here at Royal News call it, acting out so you are noticed because you are five years old.

Among the listed above claims, the threats are also being looked at. Tobys Great Britain openly threatened TECT, threatening to go to war with the only sense of justification was claiming The Empire of Common Territories was "rude". This justification has not only brought much understandable outrage, but has brought many experts on foreign affairs out scratching their heads on how this is called a justification. Tobys Great Britain's claims to being larger, having enormous military personnel, and that it can easily defeat a nation "smaller then them like TECT" was not only laughed at, but experts can't even discover much information on military statistics, personnel, or military technology. According to TGB records, TGB's technology is not only outdated -- the records claim the entire nation is at least seventy years (77 to be specific) behind in terms of technology. These records also claim that their military personnel count is small. Another fact that is claimed in these documents is that they are "highly respected across the globe and a WA member nation", this information is not only false but it should be common knowledge that TECT has no respect for the WA and has many times publicly defaced the WA. Along with these and other media, government, and investigative information -- there is little to nothing known about Tobys Great Britain armed forces. The following statement was given on the matter by his majesty himself the Emperor.

Nazis. We as a people -- a nation -- and culture were compared to Nazism. Were described by Tobys Great Britain as being Nazis. Not only is that incorrect on a massive scale, but it is prejudicial and discriminatory of an entire nation of people. To correct the TGB government, Nazism is a form fascism that incorporates biological racism and antisemitism; it subscribes to theories of racial hierarchy and social Darwinism, asserted the superiority of an Aryan master race and criticized both capitalism and communism for being associated with Jewish materialism. Let me tell you now that TECT is nothing like the Nazis of the past or present. We are not and have never been a nation of racism, we have never oppressed our Jewish population or any other group of people in our nation, and we certainly are not authoritarian. Capitalism as an economic policy has worked excellent for us in our nation's history and we are equal in mind with other nations that most communism is deplorable and we have distaste for communist nations. With that stated, I hereby condemn the actions of threatening my nation with war for such a petty and childish reason as rudeness. Hypocrites I say. If you come onto a peaceful, diplomatic channel simply to threaten a baseless war, are you not being rude yourself? Whether they can back their threats or not, this action cannot and will not be forgiven and understandable retaliation shall follow. I believe and know that they are of no threat whatsoever to us as a nation or as a people. With our vast and powerful armed forces, our nation is more than safe. They will not get away with this smear, and will one day be taught that openly threatening a much more powerful nation is a stupid mistake that will get your people killed, your cities demolished, and leaders executed. The wrath of the Common shows no mercy to those who threaten our ways of life, our peace, and our families. -Emperor JC of TECT

by **Common Territories** » Fri Feb 07, 2014 10:23 pm

Accused Terrorist Plotters, Instigators, Stand Trial.
Feb 7, 2014

It was a year ago in June that a suspected terrorist safe house was raided by Imperial Federal Agents, capturing some of the most wanted domestic terrorists in the Empire. The raid took place in a township south of the state capital in Franklin City, Franklin Colonial State with the region of Cornellia; a condo building in Henderson Township. The accused thirty-five suspects made their first appearances in federal court today for the first day of their trial; two suspects however will never get the chance to defend themselves in court -- the two being the suspects who were gunned down by officers after they brandished weapons towards the officers. The opening day of trial was met with a crowded room of media, witnesses, officials, and others. Two suspects -- Nazeeh Hafiz Harb and Abdul-Ghaffar Yazan Mifsud -- have earned higher charges for their leadership roles and involvement in numerous murders and various other suspected crimes. The group, "Anarchist Against the Empire", is the splinter group of a much larger anarchist movement within the Empire; AAE, however, are a pro Islamic cell that desires Sharia Law to be the main form of law, not government. The surviving terrorist cell group are expected to be sentenced within a week; they face a jury of Franklin City residents and a judge notorious for harsh sentencing.

(Starting from left: Nazeeh Hafiz Harb, Abdul-Ghaffar Yazan Mifsud, and Hamal Nuhaid Antar; leaders of the AAE cell.)

The group made their appearances in front of court today, mocking both the judge and the system. They were reportedly snickering and joking in arabic; a translator made notes of what the accused said, some of which included: "Fucking white clay dolls!" and "Allah punishes those who falsely punishes his holy warriors". It was unclear from the beginning how the Islamist group became part of the national anarchist movement, though, officials believe they used the mutual hate of the TECT Imperial Government to join the much larger body. Nazeeh was said to especially be prone to disturbing the courtroom; at random times, he'd yell an Islamic extremist phrase or yell profanity in both english and arabic -- at one point, he was almost removed for chanting an Islamic hymn. The rowdy bunch were described as "undisciplined, ignorant, and hooligan brats who never grew up" by one court attendant.

The first day of the trial conducted standard operating procedures; including opening statements, testimonies, and introducing some evidence. The Commoner born natives participated little other than their court appointed lawyers defending them; many refused to participate as it was and spoke little the first day. Hamal has promised to take the stand himself in order to "save the infidel minds that Allah attempts to save" -- his lawyer later clarified he intends to take the stand. The first day of the trial ended with the shouts of the suspects yelling the infamous "Allahu Akbar" chant, meaning "God is Great(er)!" in arabic. Nazeeh Hafiz Harb, Abdul-Ghaffar Yazan Mifsud, and Hamal Nuhaid Antar face death penalties if convicted of a majority of their crimes; the remaining suspects face either imprisonment for life or long terms that equate to life sentences. The group also faces charges for helping to instigate the Franklin City June 2013 Riots that was lead by allied extreme left organizations.

by **Common Territories** » Sun Feb 09, 2014 5:30 pm

The Recent Rise of Insurgency In Zwischen Ozean.
Feb 9, 2014
Tod Tillman
Opinion Page

In a mostly isolated part of the Empire, insurgency has been worry of many Commoners and government leaders over the past century. I am talking about Zwischen Ozean. This moderately sized island has remained at colony status for decades now with little hope in the near future of becoming a full state in the Empire -- the insurgency is to blame for this. Zwischen Ozean is a moderately sized, lightly populated, colony a distance away from the Mainland; it was settled in the 1800's and has since been apart of the Empire. Until the 1900's, Zwischen Ozean had little interest to it -- the population was small and the growth mediocre. It turned around when the island boomed with agricultural jobs at the half of the century; bringing a flock of residents and industry. Commoners did not live alone here either; Jatzi, as they're known by culturally, are natives to this land mass colony. Although we were welcomed in with open arms, things turned around in the late 19th century when encroachment on holy lands upset the natives. What followed is well known: an insurgency.

(Jatzi insurgents on the move.)

Exploring back, this was a moderately dark time in TECT's recent history. Encroachment was ignored widely throughout the 19th century; in 1910, the first sale of Jatzi native land was the start of a relationship that would come to be known as detestment. The many years of fruitless court battles, protests, and civil disobedience became too much for the Jatzi; even the Emperor took no notice to their pleas for assistance. This would be last time they would fight using peace, or ask a Commoner for help. In 1996, agricultural industries reached their greedy hands into the Jatzi homelands -- outraged, large protests hit the colony. The protests became so violent that the riots turned dangerous and the military was forces to intervene in order to keep the peace; the local Home Guard units were also called up in order to help. Shootouts commenced and the first being a total military shootout that left all the Jatzi men executed. Rightfully outraged, the whole Jatzi population was enraged and what followed was the beginning of an insurgent war; the Jatzi called it "Püha sõda", or Holy War. It would be several years before fighting would die down to smaller, more random, terrorist like attacks.

In 2005, Zwischen Ozean applied for statehood seeing as it met population and development standards; an established statewide government and acceptable management. Before the Joint Congressional Statehood Committee, the application was struck down after three days of debate; citing internal reasons, the committee did not believe the colony was stable enough for statehood: "As the Governor was cited about his colony's issue... I must bring to attention again that internal security is important to statehood. It may not be listed importantly in the Constitution, but security, I believe, is a major part of stability that a government of a state needs. We've now had numerous guest speakers here testify in front of the committee who've brought to attention the issue of internal security. This, Jatzi Connection organization, is marked as a terrorist organization and it calls TECT territory home -- this is not only unacceptable but outrageous. I want to help the colony become a state but internal stability is crucial to statehood... I personally want to help your state by assisting your military and peaceful efforts to end this conflict -- that however is another issue from today's agenda. These are the reasons I have voted against Zwischen Ozean's statehood application and that is why the committee deems this application not applicable for the floor. (Senator Scott Williams of Küste State, verdict opinion)"

The Jatzi Connection is one of the few terrorist organizations, or so proclaimed by the TECT Government to be, that has originated inside the nation. These people call them selves a "connection" because they are all connected by their Jatzi roots and goal: Justice for crimes against the Jatzi people. I personally find it hard to call them terrorists -- they more equate to freedom fighters in my mind; they fight for their freedoms and rights as human beings -- to call them terrorists for such reasons is an injustice. Many will disapprove of my comment and many more will disagree, and im obliged to accept their criticisms; the entire issue is complicated for the Jatzi people. Back on topic; this organization is built of many smaller fractions, tribes, and settlements scattered around their homeland, which is in the southeast of Zwischen Ozean. One of the leading issues with this group is that some within it are civilians who peacefully protest; this has made it hard to distinguish who is a peaceful protester or a violent insurgent. The government decided to name this organization, which operates a lot more like a government at times, as a terrorist organization -- this means any member will now face charges as a terrorist. How some protesters who are peaceful to get roped in with violent members is beyond my comprehension, but the TECT government insists that any member of an organization "based on terror, is a member who promotes violence and will face justice."

(Blood spilled on Jatzi lands.)

So lets recap this. The TECT government has become invasive on Jatzi home and holy lands, have at one point murdered and unjustly prosecuted peaceful protesters, and still promote hatred at the cost of Jatzi civilians -- of which are citizens too. Meanwhile the Jatzi have had their land illegally sold, children killed, and rights abused -- who're the terrorists now? Though the TECT Government have made various mistakes in the past, some efforts were long overdue. In 1962, the Jatzi were officially recognized as natural born Commoner citizens -- after years of confusion and abuses. In 83', the Jatzi were given monetary funds in the form of reparations for the numerous abuses that have happened before and now. In 97', after the outbreak of near civil war, the TECT military and government apologized for the killing of Jatzi during violent protests -- going as far as to visit the families and paying for all funeral expenses. Even with all these moves towards justice, these recent times have brought a new wave of violence.

On Sunday, Sept. 28th, it was reported by the "FINEBERG TIMES" of New Edom that a slaughter had been committed by TECT forces on Jatzi natives. "In the TECT colony area occupied by a native people known as the Jatzi, the Empire of Common Territories' military forces have apparently struck at local rebellion with chemical weapons, causing shocking numbers of civilian casualties." and continued to say, "The question by White Cross officials as to whether or not the TECT army knew that they were there is "...irrelevant," according to regional White Cross representative Simeon Kamenev. "The sheer amount of collateral damage makes it beyond collateral and is suggestive of genocide; we have no alternative but to submit our concerns to international organizations. The loss of life is tragic beyond words, of both the Jatzi population in the area and of volunteers from our organization. This is a very terrible loss."" The Norvenian Chancellor also delivered a message to the international community about the situation, accusing the TECT Government of Cyber Warfare and committing genocide; both sources prompted videos of the accused attack. The TECT Government however made a clear refute to the allegations made by sources that it conducted an attack on civilians -- but made no comment on attacking Jatzi targets. The story now ends with a latest assault on the Jatzi lands by the military and reported violence in the south, west of the Jazi homeland where TECT troops are engaging Jazi fighters.

by **Common Territories** » Sun Mar 02, 2014 12:44 am

Senator In Scandal Probe Charged with Corruption, Other Charges.
March 2, 2014

Senator David L. Vallery (C) of New Bay State has been charged after a prolonged investigation into his office's finances and staff. Senator Vallery, who has been suspected for months now of corruption and numerous other allegations, was arrested by capital police late Saturday night. Allegations first came out late last year alleging the senator paid off political ad supporters and other political support groups; they were followed by what authorities say was "political back-scratching and favoring -- which in the end was meant to assist people and groups that the senator favored and those groups who supported his campaign."

(David L. Vallery attending Congressional select Oversight Committee.)

After months of prolonged investigation by committee and police officials -- senator Vallery was formally charged on Saturday and was stripped of his Congressional seat. He is accused of various corruption related charges including fraud, bribery, and grand larceny, and fraud against the Empire. The Governor of New Bay shall name a new senator by Tuesday unless intervened by the Emperor or the Governor decides to hold an emergency election for the seat. Vallery was outed first by witnesses, former staff, that he was "paying off supporters" and "personally and corruptly abusing his power to assist campaign supporters." Another charge that may be added to the formal list will be treason, on the grounds of stealing funds and property from the Empire. Along with Vallery, over a dozen staff personnel and campaign officials have been charged as well; political supporters have also been charged.

After a prolonged investigation into the senator's office, stunning evidence emerged that suggest corruption and "bile", as one authority reported. Early reports suggest Vallery manipulated budgetary transactions in the national treasury in order for illegal transactions to be made to campaign supporters.

Congressional Oversight Committee investigation turned up reports of numerous instances of corruption. Over five-million Imperial Dollars were donated to one SuperPAC group; twelve-million ID went to a charity organization that is actually a front-face to another political group. An estimated Twenty-two million Imperial Dollars were stolen and given to political allies as payment for their support. Letters collected and emails sent/received also revealed abusive power being used to support political allies, threaten political enemies, and intimidate opponents of said allies. Witnesses who have since become whistle-blowers, told stories of political corruption that "threatened the sanctity of his office and harm the general public. Among the various examples of corruption; Vallery's worse offense was his abuse of power against opponents and stealing from his country. - Congressional Select Committee Report

Craig Cuomo, Speaker of the House of Commons and a powerful voice in the Conservative fraction of Congress, has come out and condemned the senator. "Such disgraceful actions have shamed the government of TECT and have brought shame to his majesty the Emperor. Justice's light shall shine on the senator for his actions if his peers find him guilty." Vice President and Speaker of the Senate, Burton Coger, also came out with a similar message condemning the senator's actions. If convicted, senator Vallery faces over sixty years in prison before parole is made available, but his sentence could be as much as one-hundred to one-hundred and fifty years if the Emperor does not intervene. Vickie Marinelli, a staff member of Vallery's campaign, has also come out and accused the senator of sexual harassment for years; claiming, "I had no choice but to put up with the groping, touching, and crude suggestions or risk having my career ended, taxes questioned, and threatening harassment made against myself and my family. Every day until he is put in jail is another day I feel afraid for myself and my family's safety."

Senator Vallery's court date is scheduled for March twelfth and similar dates are set for co-conspirators, supporters, and allies.

by **Common Territories** » Sun Mar 09, 2014 12:11 pm

New Othman, TECT, Sign Official Alliance Treaties.
March 9, 2014

Late into the evening, Royal News confirmed that the governments of New Othman and TECT had officially signed alliance based agreements days ago; footage and further information being released earlier today as well. This latest development comes as rumors floated around of secret talks and a close relationship between the two's higher hierarchies. New Othman, the nation that had invaded its neighbors at the command of radical leaders and military commanders, had also gone through internal fighting until the country was forced to surrender at the face of a counter-invasion from its enemies -- made up of victim countries and associated allies. A peace agreement brokered among the involved parties, the Cornellian Peace Organization (CPO), and the Auroran Democracies Treaty Organization (ADTO) has gone into full affect -- bringing New Othman to peace finally. Early looks suggest the agreements focus on trade agreements, political alliance agreements, economic pacts, and even military/defense agreements.

(A TECT naval task force has been dispatched to New Othman.)

Based on early accounts, actions, and suspicions by many -- TECT and New Othman had been in secret talks for a period of unknown time; it is unclear when the talks started or even when the two sides had the chance to buffer out such agreements. The TECT Foreign Affairs Minister stated that "New Othman and TECT have mutual interests and qualities that have sparked a new friendship. We want to help the country rebuild its land and people -- defense and aid is among said goals." The dangerous timing for such scaled agreements comes as New Othman has begun stabilizing after a disastrous war and the Norvenian government making provocative moves in the Cornellian Empire region; among the current agreements on the table in New Othman. The Emperor reportedly endorsed the agreements and new friendship as "Beneficial to both sides and stabilizing the Cornellian theater."

Among the many promises; TECT has made promises of economic and military aid to assist in rebuilding the country. Talks of low tariffs and worked out packages are already in planning stages for companies to begin trading and expanding in both nations. In economic aid, TECT promised to deliver over $1 billion NSD worth of economic aid to rebuild the country; among that, minor aid packages to help damaged industries and public works. TECT promises of mutual defense have been made which included the construction of several military bases and installations throughout the country; including ports, air bases, and ground bases. There has not been an official announcement of troop numbers being deployed, but annalists say that it could be up to 20,000 to 45,000 could be stationed by the end of construction of a final base, which could be sometime in 2015 or early 2016. The spokesman for the Cornellian Theater Command for TECT Armed Forces released that the Imperial Navy had earlier dispatched a task force of military forces that included amphibious and ground forces; explaining, "These naval and ground forces are meant as mutual defense and stationing forces as part of the agreement between both the governments of TECT and New Othman. They are there to provide mutual defense in their time of need and to assist training the new armed forces of New Othman. They will abide by CPO and ADTO agreements, including avoiding DMZ zones and not intervening with peacekeeping forces in the country." Royal News confirms a small fleet, including a reported carrier, has been dispatched to New Othman.

by **Common Territories** » Sun Mar 16, 2014 3:18 pm

Imperial Navy Dispatches Additional Carriers To Cornellia.
March 16, 2014

As alluded too in earlier reports and government press releases; IN spokesmen confirms that a carrier group, consisting of two Achilles (Patroclus variant) class nuclear aircraft carriers, have been dispatched to the Cornellian Empire. Military commanders cite recent security concerns to Commoner assets; such as Norvenian provocations and allied commitments around the region demanding further security assets. The recent New Othman deal was also cited as reason for sending additional naval assets to the region. The spokesman later said, "The recent security threats and impending Norvenian incursion into the Cornellian region have prompted a serious retaliatory preparation stage in the TECT Cornellian Theater. The buffing of defense forces are in the name of security and defense of Commoners and Commoner assets. Incursion into TECT territory by Norvenian, ADTO, or other unauthorized entities will be deemed invasion and will be retaliated with military force."

(Imperial Navy carriers at sea.)

Until recently, only two Scimitar class nuclear powered supercarrier were located in the region. The Imperial Navy has been outnumbered by other lighter carriers in the region for a long time now; commanders believing that the quality and reputation would be enough to scare off potential threats. Now with growing concerns and interests; commanders pleaded for more naval assets to protect maritime assets. Rumors of a ground troop number increase has also been circulating; commanders however declined to comment on that subject, citing national security and other various reasons. It was also not stated on other naval vessels being deployed to the region.

The history of TECT's naval past in Cornellia starts when the Emprie invaded Cornellia in 1865. Lead by Sir Franklin, an IN admiral; TECT invaded the Cornellian Empire at the height of its collapse to steal land on its eastern coast. The admiral also failed down south into the Arcadian Sea and took a large island landmass for the Empire; his main intention was to own the island as an estate, which he did as part of his reward. Up until the late nineteen hundreds; laid calm in the region as nations developed and grew unstable around its borders. Instead of pushing for military campaigns in the region; the Emperor and other leaders deemed it better to diplomatically push out into the region. After the failed conquest of Ceti in the turn of the nineteenth century, TECT grew more isolationist in the Cornellian region; Ceti nations among many others deemed the Empire a threat and the leaders wanted to allow the region to cool down before tensions exploded. Skip to the present; TECT is a major naval (and in general) power in the region of Cornellia. The Cornellian stationed fleet and defense forces are among the most feared and strongest; so too are its allies down in Ossoria. Building a beltway of naval bases along the eastern coastlines; TECT has a dominant presence along the eastern face of Cornellia. The IN however protects shipping lanes primarily as Franklin State is a popular hub of commercial transports along the eastern shipping routes. Two years prior; TECT increased its military presence in Franklin State and is now once again sending two carriers to the region.

by **Common Territories** » Fri Mar 28, 2014 10:27 pm

Cookish Hypocrisy and Irony Buzzes TECT and Cornellian States.
March 28, 2014

Buzzing in the ears in many Commoner officials, including the Emperor's, is the recent public letter sent to nations around the Cornellian region. The letter, which has been received with anger and astonishment, has been condemned as "hypocritical" and "destructive". In the open letter sent out earlier, the Cookish Chancellor threatened nations, civilians and government, of harsh military and security actions -- included in these new policies are, "Those nations found to be in violation of these simple rights will have 7 days to remove all of their citizens from Cookish lands or risk permenant house arrest. All Cookish citizens are ordered to leave the nation within those next 48 hours, and any existing foreign accounts to those nations will be frozen indefinitely. Ships from those nations will be boarded and retained, government planes will be grounded, evacuated, and destroyed." The Emperor, Emperor JC, has especially taken this statement with great offense and has personally called it "atrocious and a stab in the back."

It's a slap to our face and to Cornellian nations; simply put -- it's atrocious and a stab in the back. After our two nations went through much deteriorated relations, the hope of ending such bad feelings is now dead and buried. The personal discussion I held with officials, and the TECT officials who negotiated as well, are all now fruitless in the eyes of Cookish officials. How can a democratic nation threaten civilians and government officials like it was the correct thing to do? This situation is so hypocritical that I cannot come up with a better example of hypocrisy -- only a hypocrite can claim to stand for democracy and threaten civilians at the same time. I will not stand for this, nor shall my government stand for this. I promise, with all the powers invested in my royal throne that if any Cornellian state is unjustly assaulted in any way, the Cookish shall be punished as retaliation. If the Cookish so much as harm a Commoner vessel, plane, or citizen, I swear beyond my royal blood that I shall seek holy vengeance upon the Cookish. Consider this message the end of our brokered return to normal relations and the end of our two nation's relationship forever; your embassy has already been seized and your staff deported. Don't worry about your citizens either -- they've remained on the deportation list since February of last year. I shall treat you with the same respect and curtsey you decide to place on others -- consider your to refusal to talk accepted as well, we wouldn't want to trouble ourselves. Finally; please refrain from going through with illegally assaulting planes, ships, or people. - Quoted from an interview with Emperor JC

Deterioration of relations began on February first last year when the Gavinium Magnus incident turned into a civil war -- Gavinium fighting for its right to independence, opposed Cookish rule. TECT entered the country promising aid and assistance to the weak country in hopes of building a strong relationship; the Cookish States however took great offense to TECT's actions. The "Cookish News and Happenings" paper labeled TECT as "Traitors" and as taking "Sloppy Seconds". As a reaction by Cookish officials; the Cookish government fired CLI contractors and deported them to punish TECT for its role in Gavinium Magnus -- something Congressman Scotsman of Franklin State said was "economic warfare". In its first news article; the Cookish News and Happening reported "... all TECT mercenaries are being removed from battle and into the TECT, with payment being refused, as well as the revocation of all military support to and from the colony." In a harsh response to the Cookish government; the TECT government attacked the Cookish government and people back with multiple actions. As reported on February first by Royal News: the TECT government cancelled a plan to re-fuel military jets traveling to the north from the south, closed its borders to Cookish citizens and officials, deported the small Cookish population, and insisted that the Cookish government pay its fees to CLI. CLI also came out with news of a lawsuit against the Cookish States, which it won months later in the TECT Supreme Court.

The next day, the response to TECT from the Cookish Chancellor mirrored TECT's response today. Reported the day later by the same Cookish paper, the Chancellor stated: "As for the deportation of foreign dignitaries, this is a child's action. Refusing to communicate with someone at cause of minor grievances is entirely irresponsible and downright dangerous. Never in the history of the Cookish States have we removed an embassy or its staff from the nation. Even during war with New Edom, their ambassadors and even their guards remained safe. The rounding up and deportation of the some 1,300 Cookish citizens is intolerable. You cannot simply purge a people you disagree with. We implore the TECT too withdraw its deportations, and to not cease communications with our government. Trade may be cut, lawsuits may be filed, and people may even be uprooted from their homes in Common territory, but by God may we maintain communication." The paper claimed also that the reaction of TECT was an "Overreaction" and that it mocked the capability of TECT to "crowbar the economy" as impossible. President Mark Hoover of TECT also made a statement the same day challenging the Chancellor considering the punishments, including the 1,300 citizens deported citizens, Hoover also talked about the CLI contract -- stating on behalf of its CEO that the lawsuit would still be in progress until the processed fee would be paid.

Since then; the lawsuit was won by CLI and relations returned to normal later on. The lawsuit was placed into question because of it being a TECT court, subject to possible bias. Months later, the Cookish approached TECT about returning relations. After negotiations took place; TECT and Cookish leaders came together to return relations to normal standings -- such as reopening embassies, opening trade once more, and working together for international goals. However; deportation lists were never updated and will more than likely remain so.

by **Common Territories** » Sun May 18, 2014 11:04 am

Incoming Presidential Election To Be A Close Race.
May 18, 2014

It has become quite clear in recent weeks that the upcoming presidential election will be a fierce and tight race for the candidates this election cycle. On November fourth, election day will see the largest democratic election event in Commoner Empire, decide the new President of TECT. Heading the charge is the incumbent president, President Mark Hoover (C), was expected to win early on in the race. Four debates and months later; Mr. Hoover is being tailed by two candidates hot on his tail, and a third fringe candidate gaining support. In recent polls, Hoover has been ahead in the race above his competitors for a second term; in the last few months however, his lead has dropped considerably. Following close to Mr. Hoover; Kevin Egger (L) a Libertarian Party member and Peter Faust (M) of the Monarchist Party, are closely gaining support according to recent polls. A fringe candidate following far behind, Legget Bordeaux (LS), is a far-left leaning member of the Liberal Socialist Party; a mostly unpopular political group that supports various socialist and far-left leaning policies, such as anti-gun measurements and high regulations on many businesses and industries.

Mark Hoover has served as President since starting his term in 2011. President Hoover's legacy has been highly debated between being a far-right conservative and a neoconservative; a difference that most political annalists see no difference between. President Hoover is often labeled the 'bulldog' of TECT; his attitude and strong sense of patriotism has lead to him dominating in foreign affairs and strong arming communist and other left leaning foes. On the domestic front, Hoover has fought to protect civil rights and expand the TECT economy; Hoover is credited to lowering taxes and seeing to the expansion of farming and manufacturing industries through deregulation and various other policies. Liberal and centrist groups have made Hoover out to be, however, a bully and neoconservative "nutjob". Mary Colon (LD) of the Liberal Democratic party is perhaps Hoover's biggest outspoken critic. "President Hoover is perhaps TECT's largest spender along with biggest fascist. His bully tactics target my party and fellow liberals around the Empire -- what happened to civil rights in this country? He has waged war on communists, although a foe, not a national security risk. How many sons, fathers, uncles, and family have we all lost because Hoover's head steams over anything farther left than himself? I only pray the Emperor has not fallen for his swift fascist ways, or else we are all doomed to a fascist wasteland."

Although Monarchists have since drawn down in the Empire; Peter Faust of the Imperial Monarchist party has gain significant support over the last few months. His conservative and monarchist views has connected to both conservatives and loyal patriots to his side. The largest issue with the Monarchists is that they're conservative nature has made the vast majority merge into the larger National Conservative Union; a union of conservative parties under one party banner or 'Conservative Empire'. Kevin Egger of the rising Libertarian party has also put up a strong fight against his opponents. Appealing to the large conservative population and liberal base (in many cases); Egger has ties to both conservatives and liberals, a politically dangerous power within the Empire. Egger's views on taxes and regulation favor many while his foreign policy and welfare positions earn him liberal support -- conservatives also favor his energy and civil rights views. Egger is easily Hoover's greatest opponent in this presidential race.

Hoover leads the race at 45% in a recent poll among voters. In the same poll, Egger received 22% and 12% to Faust; 21% are still unsure. In the coming days, the race is expected to grow even tighter as sides turn and unsure voters choose their candidates.

by **Common Territories** » Thu Jul 03, 2014 2:13 pm

Senator David L. Vallery (C) Convicted By Imperial Court.
July 3, 2014

Senator Vallery was charged in early March for corruption related charges, bribery, grand larceny, and fraud against the Empire. His conviction came early Thursday morning as the court found him guilty of all charges against him. Senator Vallery has been sentences to over fifty years mandatory sentencing but may face over one-hundred years in jail; his seat, which was filled in a special election in New Bay State, was taken from him as well and is now occupied by Senator Jonathan M. King (C).

Allegations against Vallery emerged in 2013 as signs of corruption and money laundering began to surface. Whistle blowers eventually came out from his own office and told investigators that Vallery had committed various criminal acts. One of which was bribing political ad non-profit groups to support his election campaigns; Vallery had also been receiving bribes from officials in his state's work unions and port industry businessmen. In all, Vallery was said to have paid off over twenty million Imperial Dollars to non-profit groups alone and to have received over fifty million Imperial Dollars in bribes. However; his private business and campaign may have received around one-hundred million Imperial Dollars total. Vallery was also caught using government money to pay for bribes and gifts to his supporters; of which, supplies arrived a popularly known domestic terrorist group, Anarchists Against Empire. It is still unknown how much money the late Senator stole from the government and other sources, but investigators estimate it could have been between one-hundred million IDs to three-hundred million IDs.

Senator Jonathan M. King (C), Vallery's replacement, has released a public statement outside his office condemning the late Senator and congratulating the justice system for punishing the corrupt official:

Senator Vallery should be disgusted, as are we, of his vastly corrupt and dangerous crimes. His abuse of power and of his position in our government has lead to overwhelming damage to our great system and to the great state of New Bay. Vallery has easily stolen hundreds of millions of Imperial Dollars and reached a level of vile that has hit the record books in corruption in recent history. It will take years to repair the damage that man has done to our state; not only in money and foundation, but in trust of our fellow officials. I pledge to work towards the goal of repairing our state's damage, Vallery's harm, and bringing New Bay into the future for the better. May Vallery rot in prison for the rest of his life and this justice system keep up the good work.

by **Common Territories** » Tue Aug 12, 2014 9:09 pm

New 'International Whaling Commission' Protects Sea Life Through Piracy.
August 12, 2014

A new anti-whaling organization has arose in the world. This organization, the "International Whaling Commission", says its mission is: "We are committed to stopping cruelty to those who cannot speak the peace!" Its base ideology is to protect the environment at sea; protecting sea life, such as whales, who come under attack by overfishing. But that's where their morality and sense of justice begin to sway. In their terms of joining said organization, nations are required to donate three fleets of military war ships and over twenty-thousand soldiers to the organization. Why you ask? "You must be able to donate troops when needed and donate fleets when it is your turn to patrol international waters. You will protect wild life with your life and your men will be willing to die for these great creatures. You must be able to donate at least 3 fleets and 20,000 men"

(Whales are the primary figures of environmentalists who seek an end to their fishing.)

Exploring their cause; the IWC's goal is noble, but that's about as far as it goes. In an international discussion, the IWC admitted that it was a pirate organization and to be forming a pirate army by recruiting armed forces around the globe. Their terms, if you remember, call for member states to volunteer naval fleets and soldiers to serve the organization's will. These terms are intended to form their pirate army. The IWC, in its own recruitment address and terms, states that it is "... to donate troops when needed and donate fleets when it is your turn to patrol international waters." So according to this statement, their logic, and this response -- we have to conclude that the IWC, an anti-whaling organization, will be patrolling international waters with its pirate fleets. What is the purpose of this? Why are they patrolling international waters? Well we don't fully know. According to this statement, their intentions are to arrest any civilian ships that exceeds their "quotas" and checking credentials. This statement, however, displays their intentions to enforce "quotas" by "force". The IWC has since however stated that ships will be arrested or fired upon if they resist IWC vessels. So is the IWC a pirate or terrorist organization that targets whaling vessels and countries that do said whaling? Or are they really just environmentally concerned individuals trying to change the tide in the war against whaling?

"They're pirates." says Emperor JC while giving a routine Q&A. "They're heavily armed state represented pirates who seek the broader goal of ideological terrorism against those who view things even slightly different to themselves." The Emperor had nothing but harsh words for the IWC as he stated that the organization has become the latest addition to the country's list of pirate & terrorist organizations, allowing Imperial Naval vessels to either shoot or arrest ships on sight in either territorial or international waters. His base reason being that the IWC is a pirating organization ran by foreign governments acting either as pirate nations or as allies to pirates in order to target civilian shipping.

The situation gets worse as knowledge of these pirates flying the flag of Antarcteca. The IWC even admits to acting as Antarctecan naval forces. What this means is that the Antarctecan navy is, in loose terms, a pirating organization under the control of its government. Its volunteers, from other foreign militaries also acting as pirating vessels. To add to the controversy: Why does the IWC need warships to fight fishing vessels? Ignoring for a moment the fact of legality of being pirates and targeting civilian ships with warships -- do they need the extensive firepower? The legality being an obvious no, targeting civilian fishing vessels for war actions or harassment being illegal. However; the IWC claims: "We will not raid these fishing ships ever. We bring along some fire power because of your damn threats. We will only inspect ships and check their fishing license. We will only board them with permission and if they dont give permission they will have to verbally tell us their quota amount and fishing ID. We come just to make sure order is kept. We will not fire or kill any fisherman or fishing boats, we will only do so if your silly threats become true and a nations ship attacks us." Antarcteca, and the IWC, does not nor has ever held jurisdiction over other ships in international waters; these and other topics will be covered later bellow, but exploring now of those claims being legal, are also no. It is illegal to force inspections on civilian shipping in international waters or to force your regulations on foreign vessels; something the IWC does not care about nor care to address. Fisherman don't have to talk to foreign ships if they don't wish to unless in an emergency -- something rare but not unseen. What the IWC talks about though, it being allowed to inspect vessels at will is illegal.

The IWC has time and time again changed its tune and story as discussions played through. Reading above, you can see first they threaten to sink and assault any fishing vessels going over their "quotas"; that was quickly changed to arresting only and then again to respecting permission from vessels by only receiving data; so from assaulting ships to arresting foreign ships and sending them home, the IWC changed its story multiple times now. If the IWC really wont raid ships, wont sink them, or harm them in any other way, then why do they still persist on their set-in-stone policies? Their policies, to engage civilian fishing vessels in international waters one-way or another and enforcing their country's/organization's laws on them -- its not only illegal but is morally corrupt of them as well. If the IWC is not intending to harm civilians, then why send a nuclear attack submarine to "protect" blue fish tuna when submarines are meant for stealth attack and missile roles? Why do they need extensive military warships, including battleships, to perform law enforcement purposes when such advanced military warships are meant for combat and battleships meant to bombard vessels and ground targets? Remember now that these are civilian fishing vessels, not armed pirates, as ironic as that would be, or foreign military ships. This however contradicts their earlier statements which state they will assault any fishing vessel breaking their laws in international waters; even though the IWC claims that they, nor anyone, has the same jurisdiction as they do, they persist on controlling international fishing regulations. As much as they claim to "come in peace to protect whales"; Antarcteca and the IWC does not have the right nor the legality to act as law enforcement in international waters -- something they said they didn't either. With heavy naval firepower in international waters targeting civilian fishing vessels, who wouldn't criticize their actions as being non-peaceful? Especially when they claim to be pirates on an Environmental Jihad against whaling and other fishing, it looks suspicious of them to use such unneeded firepower in such suspicious ways and then to change their story about it time after time again. The mere fact that they admitted to being pirates is enough proof of their crimes, but their actions prove the IWS is a pirating organization, Antarcteca a pirating state, and IWS members are promoters and allies of piracy as well.

"Any IWS forces, allied forces, or Antarctecan forces that engages Commoner civilian shipping will be considered an act of war. Denying these people the right to defend themselves from invaders on their ships for doing their job is an unacceptable act of war against humanity; not to mention the right to earn a livelihood and to acquire sustenance. This warning is a promise. A promise against assaulting any Commoner civilian vessels. Don't let us catch your ships at sea, or we'll treat them as the pirates they claim to be; this goes for Antarcteca, the IWC, and to their member states who are now considered rouge pirate states. One Commoner casualty is one-hundred thousand Antarctecan casualty." The Emperor's last remarks before ending his Q&A.

Rick Smurden, host of the RNC's "Royal Factor", also covered the story last night on his program with military and political annalists. This brief segment is from last night's episode:

"Beating around the bush is tasteless and wastes time." says military annalist Mario Maier, a contributor to Royal News. "Royal News is beating around the bush like the IWC is while covering this story." he stated to "Royal Factor host Rick Smurden. When asked what that meant and what he believed was the true situation he replied: "The IWC is an Environmentalist Terrorist Organization. A ETO if you will. These radicals, like Islamic Jihadists, will blow themselves up if it meant blowing up a fishing ship. As ironic as it is for them, killing another person who's both of their species and an animal, they see it as a just goal. The IWC will claim all it wants that it is only peacefully enforcing regulations to protect whales and other fish life. Rick, that's utter bull and it's deceiving. International waters are not governed by them, nor should they, and they're going to use policies to confuse you between that and law -- which are both different. It is obvious to all of us that they cannot legitimately harass or target foreign ships with their outrageous laws. But you know what? They'll do it anyways because they don't care. If they didn't, then why hasn't that been one of the things changed in their talking points? Furthermore -- why do they honestly need heavy firepower naval forces to conduct such law enforcement policies? The answer is is that they plan on using it. They plan on using them to put down anything they find insulting to their perfect world. If they don't outright sink a vessel they will do it eventually on grounds that they're defending themselves or the fishes. And you know what Rick? That too is full of bull. You don't need a nuclear submarine or a battleship, two things I can tell you are badly suited to law enforcement roles, to fight a fishing ship manned by civilian factory workers and ship-hands armed with nothing but labor tools."

"The IWC claims that the extensive firepower is to combat threats by foreign governments, such as TECT. What do you think of that reasoning and do you honestly think they will assault civilians?"

"Rick, that reasoning is sound. Why? Because I don't know about you but if I were the Emperor -- which I would like to applaud his latest hardline policy to them, it displays a red line that he can keep and shows true leadership -- but getting back on topic. If I were the Emperor, I would do as his majesty is doing and threaten military action against them. These terrorists are threatening not only Commoners but they are threatening every ship that enters international waters. God pray if they wonder into the Commoner Oceans, they can expect retaliation from TECT and other nations if they do go through with harassing fishing operations."

"Do you really think the Emperor will retaliate, and if so, how?"

"Rick; this is a young man who has the mindset of you or I. He is someone who bombed Deadora four hundred and eighteen times with missiles for invading an ally and assaulting Commoner troops. He's raised this country's success in pirating operations almost 100% and has made this country as feared and respected as it is today. I have no doubt he will retaliate, either by sinking IWC naval forces or by assaulting their home nations with similar results as Deadora. And all because the these terrorists, the IWC, wants to eliminate fishing as much as possible. And if it takes sinking or harassing ships, they'll do it."

The Empire of Common Territories has since been prohibited from further discussions or participation with the IWC.

by **Common Territories** » Sat Sep 13, 2014 11:03 pm

TECT Came, Saw, And Conquered Kamchatka Krai.
September 10, 2013

(The TECT Royal Guard, 42nd Corp., 2nd Division, 1st Assault Company near the town of Rekinniki far up north.)

Going relatively unknown by Commoners in and outside of the Mainland; TECT has invaded and conquered the province of Kamchatka Krai from the Federal Toaster State of Roski. Without prior notice to the public, the Emperor ordered the conquest of the region by means of military force on September seventh. The 1st Expeditionary Armada was dispatched to the region along with the Royal Guard's 42nd Marine Corp.. The ground campaign was lead by the Royal Guard's 42nd Marine Corp. and 202nd Artillery Battalion of the TECT Imperial Army. 42nd Corp. commenced its attack early on the operation's first day in the late morning hours (the eighth), prior to naval bombardment throughout the early morning hours. Within three days the peninsula was secured by Commoner forces, which triumphantly marched through the province's capital for a second time (it was secured on the first day by 1st Division) on the third day to mark its glorious victory over the Roski Empire. This brief and bloodless war saw no Commoner casualties, zero combat damages, and succeeded almost two weeks ahead of schedule; there were no shots fired, no battles fought, and the only combat seen was only one combat bombing mission. TECT has effectively conquered and annexed Kamchatka Krai from the Roski Empire with the Roski Empire's surrender of the province to TECT hands. There has yet to be any response from the International Congress of Nations or the International Freedom Coalition, which the Roski Empire is a member of both organizations. The Grand Alliance of Free Nations, which the Roski Empire heads, has also not responded to the conquest of Roski territory; the Roski Empire itself has not responded as of yet either. Commoner officials refuse to comment if a state of war still exists with the Roski Empire, if future military operations are in the planning, or of current military operations.

(What is left of the abandoned town of Jutin,
used by Roski troops as a makeshift fort.)

TECT military spokesmen said the announcement of the military campaign was delayed until the very end to protect the soldiers serving in the region; the announcement however came earlier then expected with the swift conquest of the province. A spokesmen was quoted as saying: "TECT began a military campaign in an effort to liberate a Roskian province from further suffering from the civil war facing the country and from under the Roski government's boot. This province, Kamchatka Krai or often called its geological name, the Kamchatka Peninsula, was the target of this invasion. It was expected that heavy resistance from Roski rebels would make the campaign last at least two weeks. The province was under rebel control for a time being and saw damage during the civil war's passing. Commanders were astounded that the campaign ended within three days -- this was thanks to the lack of any defenders in the territory, the civil war going on in the Ruski Empire, and the total lack of training that Ruski forces seemed to have for modern warfare. While the Peninsula was forced to be a thrive less hovel of a territory under the Roski Empire -- TECT promises to bring this province into the modern era with the additions of modern convinces, power, food, necessities, protection, and fundamental rights for all newly acquired Commoner citizens." Military commanders and annalists prepared a list of events for Royal News to tell the brief story of the Commoner Invasion of the Kamchatka Peninsula:

Day One: The Commoner fleet from the 1st Expeditionary Armada of the Imperial Navy was dispatched to international waters near the Peninsula prior to any order to commence the invasion. These forces, as well as the theater's command, was given to Admiral Klaus Hertzog -- one of TECT's oldest and most capable naval officers that has served since the early 60's. The invasion was given the operational name of 'Operation Victorious Brennende Licht' or 'Operation Victorious Burning Light', which is named after the Commoner Angel of victory, Sieg. The operation's name was however only for the first stage of the invasion and would later become the invasion operation's name seeing that it ended more swiftly then expected. The operation began on the night of September seventh at around twelve in the morning as 1st Expeditionary Fleet moved into place off the Peninsula's economic zone; the eight at twelve in the morning was the start date of the fleet's naval bombardment of the Peninsula's defenses and strategic targets. It is still classified how many missiles were shot, but our annalists say there were far more missiles fired then the bombardment of Deadora; it is still unclear to Royal News how many targets were hit or how many targets there actually were, commanders are keeping quiet and our people cannot estimate accurately how many targets there could have been. Regardless; the naval bombardment came in the form of missile barrages from 1st Expeditionary Armada throughout early morning until late into the morning (twelve a.m. to about nine a.m.). Commanders testify that the first marine landings took place on Day One of the operation after the almost ten hour missile barrage period, beginning around nine in the morning.

42nd Corp. divided into two forces lead by 1st and 2nd Divisions; a third group, 3rd Marine Regiment, focused on capturing islands and would later land in central Kamchatka Krai to assist 1st Division. 1st Division in the south would be organized under Alpha Group, including support forces such as the Imperial Army's 202nd Artillery Battalion which would provide support to both Alpha and Beta groups -- 2nd Division in the north would organize under Beta group, the 3rd Marine Regiment of the Royal Guard would go under Charlie Group. After Alpha and Beta secured their beachheads uncontested, both forces moved onto their first targets; Alpha move on the province's capital, Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky while Bravo moved on the coastal settlement of Tilichiki. Both Divisions had no rest as they continued throughout most of the night securing swaths of land in both the south and the north; Charlie had started its campaign also from day one, securing islands throughout the Peninsula for Commoner forces. On the following day (Day Two), Charlie began its mainland assault in central Kamchatka Krai with assistance from detached units of 1st Division.

On the same day, Day One, the 202nd Artillery Battalion of the Imperial Army set up a strategic artillery point that fired on a confirmed enemy position and sunk an enemy fleet in the same day -- the position also became a strategic air and missile defense position for Commoner forces. Also on Day One; AH Anakonda Attack Helicopters belonging to Eli Squadron, Ground Support Regiment, spotted a large enemy force numbering in the "thousands". The scouting patrol spotted "thousands" of heat signatures belonging to people in a small town called Jutin that appeared abandoned according to the scout's report and visual feed -- their initial report and video feed stated that "these signatures held weapons and acted in military fashions, and that the town had no other evidence of being a civilian population center." Commanders were confused why enemy forces would defend an inland abandon town that possessed little to no importance, was far from any Commoner advances, was not blocking any vital travel ways, and performed no viable military objectives that the scouts could identify. Regardless; commanders ordered the town to be leveled by the helicopter patrol, MRLS ordinances from 202nd, and from fighters patrolling near the area.

Day Two: Day Two had begun where Day One had ended. Still without any traces of enemy forces or resistance efforts, Alpha and Bravo continued on to their objectives. Alpha had secured Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky and neighboring towns without so much as a fight the day before. By the end of Day Two, they had taken the entire southern half of the Peninsula and captured the central portion of the Peninsula with the help of Charlie Group; Ust-Khayryuzovo, the last major settlement in the central potion of the province, fell to Commoner forces without a fight. Bravo in the meantime had been securing the northern bottleneck to the Peninsula; they, along with Imperial Army Engineers, had been establishing a defensive line in case an enemy force came over land in a counter attack; Rekinniki was the last of the major settlements being captured by 2nd Division in the north on Day Two. Although that attack never came, the positions were used for Day Three's final assault into the northern section of the province.

Day Three: On Day Three, 1st and 2nd Division met up and launched a combined assault into the northern portions of the province and were once again met with no resistance; helicopter travel and speedy ground travel made the last push for the 42nd Corp. end quicker. With the last of the province's land being captured, commanders declared victory for the Empire in under three days.

It is still a mystery to commanders why the operation was so successful. The Roski Empire had merely surrendered the territory without a fight, without a single Commoner soldier lost or vehicle harmed, and within record time. The speedy and glorious victory has brought new waves of national patriotism to the country as well as boost the moral of military, Imperial government, far-right, and nationalists groups throughout the Empire. The TECT government has issued the province to begin temporary elections for Colony positions and has begun to ship aid to the region to help rebuild damaged areas. Economic benefits, including companies from the Mainland, are set to arrive soon to begin expanding their businesses to the newly acquired territory. The Emperor has officially, as of September tenth, named the territory as Colonial holding of the Empire; its new name being the 'Imperial Colony of Kamchatka Krai' and with official elections to begin by late December.

by **Common Territories** » Fri Nov 14, 2014 10:00 am

Mark Hoover (C) Defeats Kevin Egger (L) By Wide Margin.
Nov 14, 2014

It is not surprising that President Mark Hoover has won reelection for his second and last term. What has experts surprised is that the President won by higher margins then many had predicted as the likely results. President Mark Hoover won reelection by 55%; his chief rival, Kevin Egger from the rising Libertarian Party, managed to end with 35% of the vote. The third and final front-runner, Peter Faust of the Imperial Monarchist Party, managed to acquire 7% of the vote - the remaining three percent went to Mary Colon, a Liberal Democrat Party member and outspoken socialist. The landslide victory was a welcomed victory by the President's campaign team and supporters; Keven Egger was the only opponent to surrender the race on Nov 2nd and offered congratulations to the reelected President. His outspoken critic Mary Colon however has voiced her disagreement with the result, promising that she will "appeal to the courts and throne to investigate this suspicious election results." As of November fourteenth and three recounts later, the results have still not changed.

Election experts have since election night began explaining how the results ended up being so. Josef Unterbrink, an election and poll expert here at Royal News explains that the results came about through smaller consequences that lead to a larger result. "To start with, conservatives were split between three different candidates; the firm right conservative and current President, a monarchist far-right nationalist, and a libertarian centrist. That is the largest, however, issue that faced all three candidates." Unterbrink continued to explain why the challengers lost, "Because of their association. Egger for example, who came closest, had liberal and socialist connections that became public during the race. TECT has been a conservative nation for generations and rarely opened up to more left ideologies. Faust was far too radical and made it clear he wanted to return to the old days of the Empire; a time without electricity and yearly wars as well as an abusive government. Although both parties will not say that is their stance, voters saw that as the case. And I think we all know why the radical leftist Colon lost." We asked about the results and how they could end up so strained. "Hoover ran an excellent campaign. He ran both negative and positive ads at the right time without getting ugly. The fact that the race was not closer was due to the race being so split this election; experts like myself believed others would drop out and support a single challenger, which didn't happen. If that had happened, I think we could have seen a much tighter race and maybe even a loss for the President."

We continued on the Mary Colon subject and her attempts to extend the fight even though she had no obvious chances. "She's a sore loser." Unterbrink responded. "It was obvious that a radical like her, and her party, would not win any major elections in this country. Im not saying a liberal can't win, we even have a few lawmakers that are liberals. Im saying her in general, along with her radical left ideology, are unpopular in TECT. She protects anarchists, communists, and Islamic extremists - all things voters think about when voting for security and foreign affairs. She was also caught being hypocritical in her aggressive fight against Hoover - her campaign was almost completely negative from start to finish. She has been the largest critic of Hoover, from start to im sure the end, she has accused him of dictatorship, fascism, and sexism on multiple occasions. It's like she's not even a resident of this country most of the time.

Royal News asked Unterbrink about the presidential elections in general and why they matter in a country that has an absolute monarch in power. "It's important for a domestic sense of governance." is how he began. "It is true that the monarch, Emperor JC, has an absolute power over the country. However; his grandfather first brought a modern democratic system that JC has used efficiently throughout his reign so far. This system is used to elect and manage the country domestically for the Emperor. As the leader of domestic policies; the President assists and runs the country. In many senses, in a more democratic country, the President would be viewed more as a Vice-President to the Emperor who would be the President. It's a complicated system that the Emperor uses to manage to help run the country. It's this country's most democratic election that helps represent the people by providing an elected leader to assist the Emperor with the daily processes of running the country."

Mary Colon has denied our request for an interview; her office however sent us a statement that reads: "Mrs. Colon believes there are have been faults in this election process and that suspicious behaviors have been reported. If election officials refuse to investigate further, then the Colon office will file suite with the Hoover Administration to investigate. Mrs. Colon is also preparing a lawsuit against the Administration for signs of campaign corruption charges in order to investigate reports of campaign fraudulent charges. Mrs. Colon has also began procedures to have an audience with the throne in order to get further assistance."

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Kenneth12Skeptic
We all know conservatives would win one way or another. No surprise it's the richest and most powerful among them.

3 hours ago
Likes 24▼

KnightNight
We don't need a radical left or right politician. We need a smart leader who has proven his worth with an excellent record. #Hoover2014.

1 hour ago
Likes 8▲

LibDemJen
Can't believe a sexist and racist pig like Hoover won again. How long will it take to get a leader who doesn't abuse people who disagree with him? Good luck Mrs. Colon!!!

4 hours ago
Likes 59▼

PokerStar93
Besides the fact his chief-of-staff is a black woman and half of his staff is like made up of women. I think race/sex baiting chumps like you are the true racists/sexists.

1 hour ago
Likes 67▲

JohnJellyDoe
Sorta expected Hoover to win; he had a great campaign and the conservatives, including me, were split. At least Egger lost with respect, unlike the rest who either blew off the defeat or are wasting the government's time because they're a sore loser. Stop wasting government money and time Colon, you fucking twit.

5 hours ago
Likes 3▲

by **Common Territories** » Tue Dec 16, 2014 9:55 pm

Roadway Of The Future: New Solar Roadway Project Finalized.
Dec 16, 2014

Science fiction fans and industrial minds are buzzing at the news of a new $4 billion Imperial Dollar Imperial Federal project to begin outfitting Commoner roads with brand new solar panel roadways. Funded by the Transportation Ministry's Road & Travel Agency (RTA), these solar panel roads have been tested and approved by the Transportation Ministry for use on public and private roadways. The new project, called "Future Lanes" after the company's name "Future Roadways", is for now scheduled to begin slowly replacing current roadways, sidewalks, tarmacs, public parks, and other concrete/asphalt surfaces with these new solar panel devices in the imperial capital, Empire City. The Colonial State of Franklin in the Cornellian region has also taken interest in the project, opting to have its own capital city, Franklin City, remodeled with the new devices - officials are also looking for them to begin replacing the state's highways with these panels. President Hoover has come out in support of the project as a "innovative leap forward for both energy and manufacturing fields - citizen satisfaction being the end result." He also made clear his intention to go to Congress to raise the project's funding and push for a total replacement to the nation's highways and roads; a move the Transportation Ministry is very interested in doing.

(Artist depiction of the solar roadway project.)

As the brainchild of an electrical engineer, the solar panel roadway is made up of layers of technology including other features besides the solar energy gathering focal point; usually shaped in hexagon, squares, rectangle, and various cut offs. The idea itself is innovative as the shape can change, features many technological innovations, and will greatly change how cities in the near future look. Beginning with the top layer; the top layer is made of a clear composite glass to protect the device and can have additional construction to be shaped with additional pressure/traction grooves among other designs. This layer is strong enough to withstand tons of weight, including heavy machinery, large trucks, and was even tested to withstand the weight of a main battle tank. Underneath this protective layer is a series of multipurpose lights, solar energy gathering panels, sensors, heat generating device, and many other internal workings. Beside the roadways are channels that run congruently with the roadway; these channels contain secured positions for wires, power cables, and drainage systems - this allows the transfer of electricity without poles or wires dug into the ground, clean drainage of water to treatment/drainage systems, high-speed internet similar to electrical lines in placement, and easy access to these and other control systems within the channel. Once in place, these panels can be accessed, replaced, or fixed if they malfunction. These panels feed their gathered energy back to a station or other storage source, are completely programmable, and come with almost limitless possibilities.

Industry experts are very excited about the project and its potential - citizens should also be excited for the numerous innovations that will benefit everyday interactions. To begin, it has already been said that these panels can be programmed by engineers for many functions. Not only can engineers program these panels for roadway operations - such as putting lanes and warnings - they can also be programed for everyday operations too. Want to play on the court? Enter in the setting via a remote nearby and you can set up a basketball court, or ground hockey court, and other sports; set it for kids by placing basic playground games like four-square and hopscotch. Having a concert? Well program these panels to react to the music with flashing lights with multiple patterns. On roads, these smart panels can warn drivers and be operated from a separate location; such examples are warning drivers of debris or animals ahead or warning drivers of conditions ahead, replacing signs on the side of roads almost completely. Drivers in the north can appreciate the heating feature that can keep the panels heated a few degrees above freezing, eliminating snowy or icy roads and drain the water immediately therefore keeping roads safe during the winter months. These are some of the many benefits the panel project will bring. Not to mention that these devices are created primarily of recyclable materials as well.

When it comes to the economy, industry experts are showing huge interest and concern for the project. Experts predict this project will produce some significant growth in not only jobs but also bring new manufacturing and technology industries to the market. New products will also be in demand to support the solar roadways. Future Roadways, which is currently a small outfit company, is believed to grow enormously in the next few years in order to keep up with manufacturing demands. But Commoner Energy Inc. has expressed to the small company its interest in the project; many believe a buyout will soon come, putting CEI as the main profiteer of the idea and making Future Roadways a subsidiary - ultimately making the inventor, Ray Charleston, a very rich man. Skeptics, however, are coming out with their criticism for the solar roadways. Among the reported issues is that these panels cost a bundle each to produce, especially the technology that goes into them. The biggest concern however is the cost and process of removing and replacing current road systems, power systems, internet systems, and replacing other surfaces with panels - which involves removing, remodeling, placing, and then connecting it all; a project that will take lots of time and funding. One consultant in the Transportation Ministry stated his concern that "The cost of replacing the older generation's transportation and energy systems will cost us an arm and two legs. Then comes the worry that these systems fail or come under cyber attack, or under nature's assault. I am just as worried as I am excited about this project. Oh, and do expect an increase in traffic problems with this major reconstruction project." A spokesmen for the Ministry expressed other views that praised the project for innovation and economic growth. "The Future Lanes Project will be taking things slowly as it fields this new technology. We are confident Future Lanes will being our nation a step closer into the future with improved interactions for the people of our great Empire. It will grow our job market by hundreds of thousands if not millions, and it will develop our industries to develop further. Lives will be saved as roads are made safer to drive, citizens will have better and faster information to protect them, energy will be produced into our grid to a larger extent, and our resource lines will become safer and more easily fixable. As TECT grows and evolves, our infrastructure must follow too."

The Transportation Ministry is considering a full replacement to country's highway system that spreads all over the mainland. Early information on project "Future Highways" says the project will cost many billions of Imperial Dollars and take years to complete. The project will slowly replace highways and other supporting lanes with these solar roadways, or an alternate version, that spread all over the country. City governments expressing interest will also begin their own transformation with the replacement of their roads and asphalt, like Empire City and Franklin City. It will be a few years, however, until these other projects will be underway as the solar panels begin their first steps into mass production and installation. Empire City, along with Franklin City, are expected to be fully retrofitted with these panels, have fully capable electrical engineers to maintain them, and a fully connected storage grid within the next five or so years; the Franklin Highway System will follow suite with around six or seven years. As of now, the only fully functional solar roadway panels working are test models; included is a section of Empire City for observation and the Emperor's palace has been outfitted with these panels on its drive way and other walking/driving paths. The project will begin construction as of January 1st officially, though crews have already began ahead of schedule. If Commoner Energy does buy out the company and replace it as the producer, manufacturer, and installer - the overall finish dates may be earlier then expected because of Commoner Energy's bigger and more efficient operation, manufacturing speed and efficiency, and added government/industry benefits. From the industry experts, government officials, and everyday man - everyone is excited to see their homes and their country brought into the near and bright future.

The Transportation Ministry has released a public report to inform citizens of the basic principles and benefits this technology will bring.

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JJFranklin
Can't wait to have these around. My crash last December would have never happened if the ice patch I hit didn't form. Plus; these things sound pretty freakin cool!!!

6 hours ago
Likes 106▲

KnightNight
Can anyone else say Tron Experience? Can't freakin wait either!!!

P.S.: Fuk you ice, we have heated roads now!!!

1 hour ago
Likes 52▲

FlemingLemmings
Besides the fact our road construction will suck crazy soon - and hello funding costs - this does look pretty cool. I cannot wait to see the results of this!

4 hours ago
Likes 21▲

by **Common Territories** » Sat Jan 10, 2015 1:07 am

TECT Enters SACTO Alliance - AAE On Offensive.
Jan 9, 2015

As of today, January 9th, The Empire of Common Territories has entered the SANTIAGO ANTI COMMUNIST TREATY ORGANISATION; the news, announced by a public address by His Royal Imperial Majesty the Emperor, featured an explanation as to why he decided to enter the country into the alliance. "Like us, SACTO has an ideal and goal that coincides with our own - the elimination to hostile communist and far leftist forces that have threatened our great nation in the past. SACTO will also help us to eliminate radical threats such as terrorists, Islamist terrorists for example, who also pose a threat to our great nation. Our similar conservative ideals also make our friendship deeper. But in the end, TECT will work with SACTO to eliminate threats posed to both sides, bring economic partnerships, and unveil a mutually beneficial relationship between our two factions." Of course, groups from the center-left to far-left have erupted in an explosion of backlash coined as "Red Heat". 'Anarchist Against the Empire' or AAE is an organization at the forefront of this; the organization releasing a statement an hour after the public address reading: "This grave and inhumane action has discredited the Commoner people even further. To support and work with radical terrorists is something only the illegitimate government in place would do. The AAE and its associated groups demand the immediate withdraw of the country from SACTO. If the government refuses, we will have no other choice but to pursue a Red Heated counteroffensive."

(An AAE associate protest, communist and anarchists together.)

The AAE is a lose coalition of leftist organizations that comes together to form an even larger left leaning base organization - a federation or confederacy if you will. Anarchists are only some of the groups making up the AAE - records and investigations show that radical groups from communists, socialists, and even religious based groups like Islamists work with or are part of the AAE. Ironic as it is, the AAE has been proven to be associating if not assisting groups that have been labeled as terrorist organizations. The AAE alone is theorized to be responsible for numerous foiled plots in the last decade - financial and other abiding actions have been linked to it as well. The AAE itself has been dismantled and broken down many times but have avoided an even more extensive crackdown by skirting around the law and authorities by using loopholes and third parties. One noted example was the terrorist cell in Cornellia that had been raided by Imperial officials and were recently sentenced for terrorist charges; the backlash caused by the AAE included dozens hurt, millions of Imperial Dollars in damages/costs, and hundreds of arrests. Groups within the AAE are coming out with their own statements and plans - many promising retaliation in the form of protests and grievances and many making outright threats. Mass protests are being called for by a large majority of the AAE groups, many of which target the capital and many want to invade the Emperor's Palace Perimeter (a crime punishable by five plus years in jail, if you are not killed by security) to protest outside the Palace - another group calls for a mass protest around the entire country, a mass protest in every major city. Threats have been made already targeting many officials ranging from Governors to elected officials - the Emperor and royalty have also been named in very few threats (another punishable crime of up to five or more years) - nobles however have been made out to be a large target as well for their wealth and power. The threats have ranged from boycotts, protests, and a variety of harming or death threats. Few threats are blanket and target either the masses or Commoners in general; one threat, which police are reporting only because they have the situation handled, was a blanket planned massacre that was to take place in the capital (more on this story next time). The large variety of reactions from the many corners of the AAE exemplify the group's foreign and internal ties to many groups, and the diversity of the group's member base.

Investigation Services (IS) and other Ministry of Justice agencies (MOJ) are on high alert based on the AAE and many other organization's reactions to the SACTO membership announcement. IS, MOJ, and even Defense forces have been keeping their eyes on AAE and many other groups for years now; the MOJ has been digging up the roots of the AAE's radical elements for years now while armed services go after foreign ties, capture or elimination targets, and national security cases. "AAE has been on our radar and personal shit list for years." an unnamed informant tells Royal News, the government (which allowed him to give testamony on the basis that classified material was off limits) and informant wishing to keep his identity secret. "We don't think all of these groups are terrorists, many are peaceful in fact - annoying protesters but not threats. But the majority are radical terrorists who are bent on hurting Commoners who aren't on their side, or who aren't how'd they believe they should be like. They want to eliminate the government and any successful person they can, be they rich or on the wrong side. AAE members have so many reasons for doing this that you cannot count them with your fingers - but the end goal of them all is to eliminate the government and Emperor. They can disagree on whatever they like, but, when it comes to their end goal they are all brothers in arms." The IS agency has also released a statement saying: "AAE, among many groups, have been in our scopes for ages now for their terrorist and extremist elements. These exploding threats and promises are being noted and investigated as we speak. We will not let a terrorist, or equally costly attack via protests, happen in this country; our dedicated officers, servicemen & women, and government officials would rather lay down their lives then let these thugs take an innocent life or disrupt the country illegally. We do not condone these animals - we do however condone peaceful protests as long as they do not strain into disruptive or illegal activity. Our mission is the security of this nation, not restrict its foundations."

The MOJ is reporting that officials from both the MOJ and Defense Department are actively investigating/combating current plots and threats. The MOJ, with permission from the Emperor, has raised the threat level Defcon Three or "Yellow" to combat possible terrorist activity/eliminate active terrorist threats. There is a developing story that we will bring to you as soon as Royal News confirms the story: A teenager arrested for shooting plot.

by **Common Territories** » Sat Jan 10, 2015 3:06 am

Teen Arrested in Capital - Plotted Mass Shooting.
Jan 10, 2015

A teen, age seventeen, is under arrest tonight after Capital Police and Investigative Services agents discovered a mass shooting plot and arrested the would be terrorist shooter before he could enact his plot. Continuing from news earlier tonight; Ralph R. Surber, a teenager from Empire City's northern Eberhardt Suburb, plotted to commit a mass shooting after hearing the news that The Empire of Common Territories had joined the SANTIAGO ANTI COMMUNIST TREATY ORGANISATION. SACTO, as it is abbreviated, is an international alliance of nations from the far-right spectrum who combat communist and other leftist nations posing as threats to the world, and especially, its members. TECT has reportedly joined the alliance in order to provide mutual destruction to enemies and strengthen ties, economically and politically, with its members. Ralph however took the news disturbingly bad, and as far as Royal News is concerned, as the final straw for Ralph - as have many from 'Anarchists Against Empire' or AAE. Minutes after the address from the Emperor, Ralph made a social media post condemning and threatening his fellow countryman who he claims are "Inhumane swine who stood at the chopping block for the government - I should steal you away before the government has the chance. I've always loved bacon, and you swine look fattened up perfectly for me." Viewers who had seen it, ironically his own friends, had reported the post and the young man to the social networking site who in-turn alerted the government - MOJ agents had actually spotted the threatening post moments before being alerted to the situation. At twelve in the morning, Ralph had arrived near the city's center to stay at an associate's home before his next day's plot - it was then that police apprehended him without a fight.

(Ralph Surber's mugshot taken an hour after his arrest.)

After receiving the tip early afternoon, MOJ agents began an extensive investigation into the young man and his social media threat; digging up internet history, post history, going in person to the neighborhood to investigate and keep an eye on him, and the MOJ dug into the youth's life to understand him. Friends and associates describe Ralph as a free thinking but hot tempered kind of person; "He had such loose ideas that liberalism didn't nearly describe him. He was as free thinking and tolerant as a saint until anything came up about conservatism - he'd lose it if he was confronted or debated with and he always had a curse word, or five, for the government. I think he's even been in trouble a few times for bad mouthing teachers and disgracing the Emperor." a classmate told police. Police continued to learn more about Ralph's distaste for the government and authority as the day went on - Ralph's hatred for the government and authority stemmed from an early age. He blamed the government for many of the problems in the world, the country, and many of his own. One report detailed how Ralph blamed the government for killing his father when he was eight; in journals recovered from his home, Ralph was sure that the government had secretly assassinated his father - or at the very least made him commit suicide. His father indeed committed suicide in 2005 when Ralph was eight years old; investigators determined it a suicide and believed the family's poverty lead up to the act - Ralph Senior had also lost his job days beforehand, which investigators were sure was the last nail in the coffin. Ralph junior had become very political by age sixteen. He was constantly belittling the government and exploring far-left ideologies, communism and anarchism were popular areas of learning for him. At around ten at night, IS investigators had received a warning from police that an associate claimed Ralph had asked for him to stay with him in the city; the friend told police that Ralph wanted to stay a few nights so that he could visit the city but called the police after reading the social media post - he told police that "something didn't feel right." The young bacholer was a friend of the family who was now attending collage in city - investigators were sure he was chosen since he lived alone, which Ralph probably intended to murder or at least use. Investigators near the home of Ralph entered the home and confirmed Ralph had left to stay with a friend's place who he claimed were doing a report for school over the weekend; the mother and his stepfather confirmed that their firearms, an assault rifle and two pistols, were missing after the safe they stored them had been emptied without their knowledge. Ralph knew the combination and how to use all three weapons. It was then that IS agents prepared the trap at the friend's home who agreed to help arrest Ralph.

Ralph was apprehended inside the apartment home of the friend who had agents inside and around the home. Ralph's friend lured him inside where armed police and IS agents swarmed and arrested the youth who they believe could have been armed. Inside his large bag Ralph had supplies and his parent's weapons that he planned to use the next day in a mass shooting. Ralph kept detailed notes and thoughts in a journal he kept in the bag, he described the plot in detail: "Those pigs wont see it coming." he wrote. "By time they realize it, I would have taken ten or more with me. If the government wont learn from peaceful protest, aggressive assault should do the trick." Ralph's plan was to shoot and kill as many people as possible; police were at the top of his list to kill and anyone else was second. Ralph wanted to target the police station down the street from his friend's apartment, police officers and anyone outside were viable targets - he remembered the station when he was a kid and thought it the best target. Ralph wanted to kill as many cops and people as he possibly could before being taken down by police; though it is unknown why he would bother traveling to the city to perform the crime when he could have done the deed in his own town - investigators believe it was an image situation where he wanted to kill people in the capital who he ranked as top of his list. Inside his bag were homemade pipe bombs, a broken down AR Scorpion, two nine milometer pistols, and enough magazines and ammo to last Ralph hours in a shootout; he had also acquired a bulletproof vest, black clothing including a mask, and a large knife used for hunting - investigators are looking into how he managed to build the bombs and where he got the remaining supplies/materials. "If we hadn't surprised him, we were sure something would have happened." said the IS agent in charge of the case. "Ironic that police down the street who had been his target were the ones who brought him down. It is with good investigative skills, calm, and professionalism that our police forces are known for that a terrorist is behind bars and his future victims were saved before they could be put in danger."

"I just can't believe it." Olivia Gärtner, Ralph's remarried mother had to say to Royal News. "I cannot believe my son to be capable of even thinking to do this! There's no way such a peaceful boy could harm others let alone plot to! I will fight to prove everyone wrong." Some of Ralph's teachers are also skeptical of the situation. "He was one of my best students. He may have had issues with other teachers in the past, but he enjoyed my class for sure and was one of the few who were actually paying attention. Out of the many students who were either sleeping, goofing off, or on their phones - Ralph was a beacon of learning. I cannot see him being a killer let alone capable of plotting such a horrid thing." said his history teacher. Although it would be nice if it weren't true, the evidence clearly shows Ralph was guilty of plotting to murder everyone he possibly could before being taken down by responding police. His journal extensively talked about cleansing the capital of swine and had many drawings of the Emperor being beheaded (crudely drawn but the message was well portrayed). One segment even went on to say that he was happy to become a martyr for the left: "Though I will fall for sure, I will live on in my countryman. Alive I am but one, dead I am the spearhead to the revolution. So my death may end me, however, it will arise a revolution of millions against our foes. The government must fall - the people know it as well as I." it was never displayed if Ralph was a communist or anarchist or other - though it is clear to investigators that he had views from those two and other leftist ideologies.

The MOJ will be releasing a court date and charges early in the morning around eight; Ralph will be charged in federal court in the very city he planned to commit mass murder. Ralph will be held without bail in a maximum security facility until his court date. with the vast amount of evidence of the plot, a detailed history of intent in journals and online, and being caught red handed in preparing the act - Ralph is expecting to face numerous charges which include terrorist and conspiracy to commit murder upon various other other charges. It is likely that Ralph will be a convicted terrorist serving his jail sentence his entire adult life as a victim of the terrorist mindset - trapped behind prison walls for the rest of his life as a terrorist and criminal. His mother has already promised to be working to set her son free for whom she believes is being "framed for his political beliefs." She has been ostracized from many in her home town, her husband is considering leaving her, and both Gärtner and Surber becoming infamous names in the small town they are from. The AAE, who have taken notice of this event, are preparing to assist the mother and her son - the group echoing the same beliefs as the mother and seeking to challenge the government where ever possible. The AAE, in a brief statement, stated that "Ralph is a political prisoner of the government who punished citizens for disagreeing with it. We shall free Ralph however we can, whether it is by your means or by force."

by **Common Territories** » Wed Dec 02, 2015 1:25 am

NEWS ALERT: Mass Shooter Stopped in his Tracks After Opening Fire In Capital - Shooter, A Furry, Dead After Confronting Military Guard.
Dec 1, 2015

As the nightly news began on the night of the last day in November, the capital was interrupted by gunshots that erupted near the Mayor's Office. The evening's routine news casts were interrupted by a news alert. Today we can tell you that a teenager (17 years old) is reported to have been killed by Guardsmen guarding the Mayor's office after attempting a mass shooting on government property and civilians. Reporting into their local station live, a news crew belonging to a Royal News Affiliate was down the street when the shots ran out; they were reporting on new city policies before catching much of the action live on the air, as well as its aftermath. The scene, captured forever in the light snow powder that covered city road, had fresh blood spattered on it along with the then dead shooter and soldier who stood over him and silenced him, possibly saving the lives of dozens in the area, including the Mayor himself. What immediately caught the eyes of everyone, including the eye witnesses and first responders was the shooter's attire - a furry costume known widely by people around the world to be part of the "Furry Culture."

It was reported at approximately eight o'clock at night, a "furry" as described by eye witnesses, marched down the road of a moderately quiet road as most citizens were at home or stowed away in warm businesses relaxing for the evening. The first call to police was made moments before the shooting began with a concerned citizen calling to report "Some furry is walking down the road outside my house with a long gun!" Shots are eventually heard during the call with the citizen ducking for cover and concerned family yelling in the background. According to a briefing early this morning at three o'clock: "A mass shooter, dressed in a 'fox' costume, attempted to murder government individuals after he had emptied a magazine into a bar located adjacent to the complex - committing an act of mass shooting." The suspect has been identified according to Capital Police who executed earlier searched the home of the suspect after the city was on alert throughout most of the morning... We're breaking live to another briefing by police on this issue - the time is eleven at night...

Hello and good evening. If you don't know me I am Chief of Police here in the Capital, Mr. Blaze Hawkins. We first wanted to ease the public's worry about this incident - we want it clear that there is no evidence of a followup attack, nor are there any current plots we see as credible facing us here in the Capital. We are investigating and searching possible threats now to be one-hundred percent sure on this, but rest assured safety of the public is our primary concern. Now back onto the subject at hand.

...

At approximately nine o'clock yesterday evening there was a report of a possible shooter - we know this because of calls to dispatchers at around the same time where gunshots were heard in the background of the calls. Eye witnesses and officials also corroborate the story. The suspect was reported as wearing a strange animal suit and was said to be trying to conceal a 'long barreled weapon' using said suit. This is what we know from that point on thanks to eye witness reports, responding officials testimony, and the investigation throughout the morning and today: The suspect, identified as Beauregard Roberts II, drove to a parking lot located a block around the Mayor's office. This parking lot is used by many local officials and residents who live in the area. Surveillance footage shows the suspect entering downtown and parking at rest where he waited three hours for targets to arrive. Although the building's staff only used that lot, city staff has private parking inside the compound and were working late into the night. We believe his initial plot was to wait and ambush any official he could catch surprised. When no one appeared to be coming he got frustrated and worried, deciding to venture out in suit to engage his targets who he believed to still be at work. The suspect was armed with an illegally modified G1 AR Scorpion assault rifle obtained by the suspect's father - we assume, due to the father's report of the weapon being stolen, that the son stole the weapon and modified it himself to shoot on automatic. Security cameras caught the suspect leaving his vehicle, putting on the rest of his suit, and traveling down the right-hand side of the street trying to conceal his weapon among the outgrowth of his suit. The suspect was reported around this time by phone calls as he was walking down the side road onto the main road the Mayor's Office was located on - there was little foot traffic on the main road as everyone had either been inside, heading home, or were visiting the local bars and restaurants for their meals or relaxation. At eight o'three the suspect is reported to have began firing on the bar located west to the office (left to the office according to his position). We believe the suspect did this because witnesses seemed to have noticed him and were moving about, scaring him. According to eye witnesses, the shooter then began spraying into the building through the windows at anyone he could. Footage obtained shows the gunmen shooting large bursts of fire in the direction of the building, though we believe the shooter is inexperienced with this weapon as his firing manner and accuracy suggest he's unfamiliar with firing the weapon system used. His firing managed to hit mostly into the bar, but strayed shots ventured off and hit part of the Mayor's Office that had been unoccupied and an apartment complex a few buildings north of the gunfire, suggesting the bullets traveled over the buildings until hitting the apartments. No one was wounded or hit by this gunfire - some shattered glass caused some non-threatening cuts in the bar, but that is the only injury report we have.

Without reloading, the suspect sprinted his best to the corner where he met the Mayor's Office site guards who had been alerted and ready to respond to the attack - these were soldiers belonging to the Royal Guard's 1st Guardsmen Division, 1st Infantry Regiment who are usually standing at attention at the gate. According to both soldiers testimony, the first soldier was yelling as loud as he could for everyone to get down and take cover before kneeling in position with his sites trained in the gunman's direction - the first was inside the guard post alerting guards inside as well as police of the situation. The gunmen finally made an appearance according to the first Guardsmen as he walked past the corner and stared down the soldier. When the gunmen did not respond to orders to drop his weapon and instead made a dash attempt to reload it, he was shot several times by the Guardsmen. He is then reported to have walked over and secured the suspect and his weapon with the assistance of the second Guardsmen. The first soldier reported that he didn't attempt to subdue the suspect because he was a 'military threat' and only shot to kill the suspect when it was clear he ignored the warnings and continued to be a threat. The Mayor, who was currently working late with staff inside the building were immediately secured and the building was put on lockdown for an hour after the situation was confirmed safe. The intersection and road leading to the parking lot - the lot included - were cornered off until earlier this morning by police and Royal Guard responding forces as part of their investigation.

...

After the incident occurred we began the search of who this shooter was, what his motives were, and what other information we could get from this incident. Thanks to recently fallen light snow, we were able to track his 'unique' footprints back to a vehicle that was later identified to be his. We examined nearby security footage, talked to many witnesses, and searched the vehicle to gain clues. With the information we gathered, we identified the criminal and traced his steps back to his home and got further details into his lifestyle. We will be releasing more information to the public as time goes on, but we will begin now with many of the facts we do know. The shooter is identified as Beauregard Roberts II, age seventeen. He is identified as a high school senior - twelfth grade - student who has lived in the city all his life. As suspected by everyone, he identified as a 'furry', a group of individuals who like to dress up as animals and act in pervasive manners towards each other. 'Bou' as friends and family called him, was well known to have belonged to the city's chapter of the 'Commoner Furry Association' - an organization around the country for furries to assemble and act out 'membership privileges'. We are currently looking into the organization on a number of issues as part of this case. Bou was an extremist even among his peers in this furry organization - we found evidence of his avocation of legalization of bestiality, equality of marriage between humans and animals, and found countless negative propaganda depicting the takeover of society by as he called it 'righteous animals of the Earth.' - which is to say he believed in furry domination over non-furry people. Among the records were also diary records complaining of 'abuses' by the government and friends who disliked furries. A common note he referenced is his belief that 'hate talk against the honest furry-kind should be banned.' Police discovered inside his home and his vehicle last testaments that depict his message to the world and his last thoughts, telling us he intended to die during this shooting. We will be sharing this message to news outlets rather then reading it aloud, but what is prevalent is the above statements in his systematic spiral into insanity based on his radical beliefs in being a furry. On his person we discovered four magazines filled with ammunition, his main weapon, and a large kitchen knife. He wore a furry suit described only as a 'mischievous fox' that had been cut to see through and hold his weapon better. Bou is believed to have died moments after being shot if not instantly as the Guardsmen reported his pals was gone when securing the suspect. That is all for now, thank you.

(Bou is said to have worn his favorite suit, similar to these, in his attack last night.

Royal News has acquired many pieces of evidence since the shooting that have been shared by the police, including testimony from the Guardsmen who brought down the gunmen before he could enact his plot. "I didn't shoot him instantly only because he was looking away (I think) and his weapon was lowered, otherwise I would have killed him immediately. I had estimated he was out of ammo in his magazine based on the number of shots he made - though the only reason I didn't shoot instantly was because he was distracted and sluggish, if he had been in a proper firing position and looked alert I'd have fired immediately. I could tell he didn't know what he was doing either based on his handling of the weapon and the shock he had that he both forgot to reload and came face to face with an enemy with a gun. He raised his costume's head and stared at me for a brief second, which felt like minutes the tension was so thick, before quickly looking down to reload. I warned him before this all happened to drop his weapon but the shock hit him I think then. I shot him several times as his magazine hit the road and he began to reach for another magazine - that was it, his last moments alive. I was almost shocked myself after seeing him dressed in that getup and wondered how he was able to shoot his weapon at all let alone carry it..." As mentioned by police chief Hawkins, the shooter was identified as a teenage furry who wanted radical changes based on their radical beliefs that related to being a furry. Capital Police and Imperial officials are already classifying this event as an attempt of domestic terrorism by "radical elements in furry culture." We will quote the last testimony bellow showing the pure radicalism that made up this person's mind. This is the shooter's last message to the world before being gunned down by Royal Guardsmen:

To my family and my extended furry pack, I am sorry.

I cannot live by anymore to see a cruel nation, which is founded by war itself, to wage a modern war against the natural lives of us furries. We are the rightful people who believe in love between all, whether it is between two men or between two species, and we deserve the right to not only breath in public but to also guide this world to a better tomorrow. My only regret is leaving behind the love of my life. I apologize to my lover, Jessica, who I can no longer frequent in our den or kiss goodbye once more - I only wished I could produce a litter of puppies for you before my time to go, at the very least I wished to adopt some pups for us so we could start a new family together. But as a soldier who must fight for his love and lifestyle I will gladly lay down my life to advance our cause. A cause that births a new world order, a world ruled by sensible people, allows for our love to flourish, and the end to discrimination of furries everywhere. That is why tonight I shall take action to this city's government, this country's birthplace - I will send a message to this fascist empire that we will no longer be silent. With the Mayor's death so shall the President's and finally the Emperor's - and then the beginning of a new peaceful world where love flourishes. For we are many, monarchs, we are legion and shall rise up to claim the Earth's natural order be returned! I come for you tonight, Mr. Mayor, though you shall not be alive to read this, know your death will not be in vain - it will be written down as the first kill of our new uprising! Others will join you in good time, I assure you, for we are as aggressive as wolves you see. We fight to protect our litters and we fight in packs! My death will spring fourth brave wolfs who will hunt you down in this city of skyskrapers, and on our home terrain, nature itself. Rise up my comrades who share our love of being furries, and come fourth nature's beautiful animals - we have a liberation to fight!

As noted in the mandate, the shooter admits to his intentions of murdering the Mayor of Empire City as well as anyone who gets in his way; he also admits to his radical views such as bestiality and actually admits his love (both emotionally and physically) for his family's pet dog which is named Jessica - it's suspected he has been abusing the dog for years now according to this message and even had wild fantasies regarding it. As police have noted, Bou was a radical young man who was so deep into the beliefs of being a furry that it eventually translated into something perverse even beyond the obvious perverseness that being a furry is. Bou's last message and the evidence that police are still releasing indicates that Bou wanted a world controlled by furries so that the "discrimination" he faced is destroyed; he urged fellow furries to rise up and follow his example, and even fantasied about animals coming to his calls to attack the government. His wishes were specified as to being "marriage equality for furries seeking love between species, speech criticizing or demoralizing furries to be banned, and bestiality to be legalized." He also wanted the government abolished and replaced with a system of "nature councils" made up of "wise beasts" that would guide the country to what he says would have been a better future, according to police who raided his home. Bou was however killed last night by Guardsmen before he could enact his plan to take the lives of the Mayor and his staff; his inexperience with a firearm and strange getup ultimately lead to his downfall when put face-to-face against one of the most feared infantrymen in the world, a Royal Guardsmen who was not only a veteran but also part of a highly decorated military unit. His plans of becoming a martyr, however, may not be in vain as a crackdown on Bou's furry organization, the Commoner Furry Association, is beginning. Although not all share his wild beliefs, CFA members have been arrested in the past few hours so far by police, including the Empire City chapter president of the organization, and are said to be facing charges varying from lying to police and covering up evidence of Bou's crimes - many may also face charges of conspiring with Bou as the investigation continues into the coming week. CFA national Headquarters denounced what it called "discrimination and intolerance on furries everywhere for the actions of one radical who's sentiments do not align with the vast majority of peaceful furries. We are furries, not criminals." The CFA is reportedly deciding how to handle this situation as threats may be piling in at this moment and legal actions may be taken against the organization as it may have known more then it is saying; CFA has, however, stated it is deciding its course whether it will "present a lawsuit against the discrimination presented and/or hold demonstrations to protest the vile actions being taken at this point.

by **Common Territories** » Tue Feb 09, 2016 2:08 am

New Armed Forces Budget Takes Affect.
Feb 9, 2016

As of yesterday, February eighth, TECT's latest Armed Forces budget took affect after months of debate on what changes/additions would be made on a budget that has changed little for over half a decade. The new budget comes after many military leaders and congressional committee members urged the Emperor and Congress to formulate a new budget that reflected the Empire's growing demands and commitments. Debate between both houses of Congress and the Emperor, plus staff from his cabinet and military branches, began last year in November but quickly turned to delay after delay as Congressional and military leaders could not agree on various points. After the Christmas Break, Congress came back together in January to continue the work of settling the budget before the February deadline. With mediation by the Emperor and cabinet staff, Congressional representatives and military leaders were able to compromise on select issues; it is noted that the Emperor overruled on some objections after long review on said portions of the budget. In the end, the budget was finally agreed upon just a week ahead of the deadline. An immediate vote on the budget passed in both houses and was immediately signed by the President and approved by the Emperor.

We are set to learn more about the budget once non-classified portions are released, but what has been revealed so far is that the budget has increased in spending and made cuts to other areas. According to official releases, the Armed Forces Budget 2016 has had its spending increased from seven percent of the GDP to ten; to give a clear picture here and save time in doing the math, the previous budget of $14.56 Trillion Imperial Dollars has now risen to $20.8 Trillion Imperial Dollars - a $6.24 Trillion Imperial Dollar increase in spending. Lothar Autenburg, Chairman of the Senate's Armed Forces Committee, says the increase in spending reflects the country's grown military demands and research. "The Empire has grown these last two years - last year was especially a year full of expansion both territoriality and influentially. These recent growths were bringing the old budget into debt as emergency spending on these recent events dried up. We have many obligations around the world, more so then ever before actually, so our spending needed to increase to cover this increase in obligations." When asked about what was done to save costs he mentioned many budget cuts were made. "There had been quite a few projects that weren't work out, some facilities that weren't in need or wasting tax payer money, and many upkeep costs for facilities and equipment from twenty and thirty years ago that haven't been in use for a long time. These are a number of the items cut or defunded; programs and projects that didn't make the cut, research projects that didn't have a foreseeable future, facilities that weren't in use or were seen to not be needed, and equipment like weapons and vehicles that are now slated to be sold or donated to remove their upkeep costs."

Royal News also asked the Armed Forces' Minister, Prince Charles, questions on the budget but instead were directed to the Armed Forces' Chief of Staff, General Kurt Raskoph - TECT's highest ranked active duty officer. We asked him what this budget did for the military the previous budget did not. "Well for starters, it allows us to have more active duty military service members who are ready to respond to any emergency in our Empire. It will allow our newer territories to have fully stationed troops with newly built facilities to work from. But there's so much more to the new budget that includes new project funding, emergency fund stockpiling, and it included billions of Imperial Dollars for the first year or two of the budget to inspect, repair, or replace vehicles and facility equipment around the Empire - among that are also facility inspections and repairs. To put the budget in a better light, it's as if the budget was a moderately high tree and the people of TECT lived under said tree. The tree protected the people from rain and sunlight but not as much as it could now that it was a wet part of the summer season. With this new budget, or I should say growth, the tree now offers better shade and protection for the people living bellow it. Though this growth provides better security for the people, it also provides better health for the tree in return."

But not all are happy about the new budget, chief among them are the small minority of Democratic Liberals in Congress that dislike the mention of increasing military spending. "It's not only drawing money away from healthcare or education, but it's encouraging our country to wage war!" Johann Kunkel, the ranking Liberal member of Congress told Royal News. "Increasing the budget means increasing our capability to wage war. Do we really want to be known to the world as a war hungry people? Six Trillion. Six Trillion Imperial Dollars will not go towards education or protecting our environment - which by the way is probably going to take a hit with all this latest military activity - but instead goes to fuel our war effort against the world." Kunkel and other Democratic Liberals voted against the budget in both houses as a sign of their contempt for the budget - their minority, however, is so low that the budget passed without any serious risk to its survival. Kunkel, according to what he told Royal News, is going to voice his protest directly to the Emperor and plead him to reverse the budget back to its prior version; he also mentioned making protest in Chamber about the budget and will be drafting a bill to repeal the current budget and return the former version. An open letter from the ranking member was also addressed to the Emperor, pleading his case that the budget should be reversed during new negotiations the senator wishes to have. Senator Kunkel said a request for an audience with the Emperor has been submitted and he "awaits for the good news."

by **Common Territories** » Thu Jun 02, 2016 10:08 pm

Steel Demand Creates Market Boom.
June 2nd, 2016

2016 may become the year of steel as once again demand for steel is exceeding early estimates from economic experts in the Empire. Price for steel, along with alloy materials like iron, have been on a steady rise since last year as the TECT economy grew ever larger - the higher demand is increasing the value of steel inside the Empire and for those importing it, creating higher profit margins for steel producers inside the country. With a growing economy in both domestic and international markets, steel has become a skeletal base for the Commoner economy as it expands further into markets, gaining more and more profit. At home steel has always been a vital building material for buildings and vehicles, utensils and electronics, and other common household items. Exports to countries like the Empire of Ghant and Aravea have risen over the last few years with cold steel material especially on the rise with such foreign countries using the material for their own economic expansion (buildings, cars, and other domestic products). Although hitching a ride on the market, alloy materials like iron and carbon have seen successful gains on the market partially because of steel's success. So why is steel on the rise?

(Rolled flat cold steel sheets waits for transportation in Elkheart, Forelis State.)

As was noted, steel is used for a large variety of products on the market; this includes cars, gadgets, buildings, tools, and even weapons. Wolf Armaments, the largest arms manufacturing company in TECT that's a leading arms manufacturing company on the world market, is also credited for helping to create the steel boom. Many of Wolf Armaments' products include various steel components, builds, and parts; a special steel armor is used on many armored vehicles, items like bombs and tools use steel, and the recent inclusion of exported naval warships that use special steel material for construction have also increased the company's demand for steel. With growing sales, Wolf Armaments is using more steel to fill more orders by the day. One economist who has family employed in one of the company's many manufacturing plants says that "Steel has been coming in-and-out faster then usual. The stuff is is in higher demand then it used to be a few years ago." The same family, who also has members working in steel mills their hometown, said "Work is always pilled up. Orders are hardly ever caught up before new ones pile onto current orders." and "Pay has actually went up slightly in some plants - they're trying to keep people onboard by giving out raises since they risk competition stealing workers; though the new profits make it easier to give out raises these days, it's rare to see so many raises. Overtime isn't hard to get anymore either - there's almost never nothing to do so any spare hands are needed. An entire shift can stay for overtime most days now - the overtime pay is really good so workers are jumping for the double-time in-a-half pay. We hear rumors of expansions and new plants being planned so new jobs can be added to relieve the pressure - the market's gonna eat up that news for sure if it's true. Workers are certainly earning more and working harder with this new market boom - a good steel mill job is probably one of the highest paying jobs for most employment ranges right now." (referring to both steel mills and Wolf Armaments manufacturing plants). The economist, Andreas Stumpf, says the boom is a simple case of 'Demand & Supply'. "Steel has been a material with demand for well over a hundred years now so it being in higher demand during an economic boom isn't out of the ordinary. The case here is that companies like Wolf Armaments need more steel to produce its products, or a country needs the steel for its construction companies to build new buildings. Supply is getting shorter storage life while demand has gone up because of economic expansion needs - so the natural market reaction is for prices to rise in an environment where steel product is becoming less in supply."

"While our market for steel is excellent here that doesn't mean it's the same everywhere." says Heiner Brose, another economist employed at Empire City University. "TECT isn't the only steel producer in the world and other countries are likely benefiting from our boom as well. Nations that cut corners in production and are lax on employee services likely generate more profit overall since they're cheating either the market or their employees to do this. Of course this is on the sweat (tears and blood too) of workers who'd be payed far less and suffer abuse - but it's up to you to decide which country really benefits in this kind of competition. But regardless, TECT isn't the only one succeeding because of its boom. You have countries like Aravea who need the steel they import to construct buildings and build up their military industries while our exports to Ghant are competing with both Cornellian and Gholgoth companies, a country that's always been a fair trade partner. At the end of the day it comes down to product quality and the overall cost of business - is it cheaper to import the supplies or is purchasing native materials the better option? In the two countries stated above it's cheaper to import them, and in many others they probably have little choice. Meanwhile in other countries that produce steel themselves, we're competitors in a global market filled with both customers and producers - who wins the competition is up to the market to decide." As production continues to grow in TECT economists are in agreement that customers will continue to line up orders for more steel as demand for steel will surely continue to grow ever higher. Whether it's for the native arms company to produce products for export or foreign nations importing the steel to construct buildings, steel will continue to grow in demand with production supply chasing behind it. Predictions are still uncertain, but the belief is that this year we will see new export records for steel and other related materials while the job market shrinks ever further due to new jobs from production lines, steel mills, and other businesses profiting from/demanding more workers.

by **Common Territories** » Mon Nov 05, 2018 3:32 pm

New Golden Age of Prosperity Between Solisian Federated Empire and TECT Marked By Large Arms Deal.
November 5th, 2018

During the now almost decade long rule of His Imperial Royal Majesty the Emperor, Emperor JC, foreign policy has shifted in directions often never taken by his predecessors. Under Charles I and II (the current Emperor's farther and grandfather), foreign policy, or more accurately expressed as 'policy on foreign affairs', had a stiff and hardliner approach. Although these two generations of Emperors were the parents to TECT's modern republican government, in foreign policy they lacked much of the same viewpoints they did for their own people. Foreign policy under Charles I was especially ruthless and often characterized by his xenophobic and nationalist beliefs; it was a complete contradiction to many of his republican reforms that brought the people of TECT more civil rights and a new republican government system. Treatment of foreign nations was one of disdain, overtly calculative abuse, and ruthless aggression that was often utilized liberally - traits commonly found in TECT's seventeenth century imperialistic traditions. Under his son, Charles II, TECT's foreign policy only loosened near the end of his life. He still had many of his father's century old teachings in him, but his experiences in the modern era changed his beliefs towards being more nationalistic rather than unconditional despise for foreigners. It was with these views that he instilled more liberal teachings to his son on how the Empire's foreign policy should look. By the time of his father's death, the newly crowned Emperor JC viewed foreign policy of one that expressed Imperial superiority, diplomatic dominance, and deeply conservative traditions (such as a booming economy, powerful military, and a deep relationship with God). Prior Emperors viewed nationstates as enemies - "He who refuses to fight, shall be the first to be smitten." or so the saying goes. Even the idea of working with similarly aligned governments was often off the table simply because if they shared similar imperialistic intentions that TECT had, they too must view TECT as a threat or as prey. Everyone was a threat, there are only enemies, but some may be useful for a period of time, maybe. Emperor JC's different take on foreign policy flipped traditional diplomacy on its head even as his predecessor began shifting policies two decades prior. Or more accurately speaking, bridged viewpoints on domestic and foreign relations together. Other countries, even those that more than likely aimed for harming the Empire were now seen as more than just enemies. Such nations were now seen also as being potentially useful assets or resources to the Empire; similar governments, or at least friendly ones, could finally be seen as allies and provide assistance and greater benefit to the Empire; but the Empire's imperialistic interests came first, always. The Empire was no longer isolationist and simply resorted to hostile action to deal with most nations, it now viewed them as assets to be used for the greater purpose of serving the Empire. Relations with nations like Solisia are a testament to TECT's modern foreign policy.

(Older model Lanze-LRD launchers similar to those sold to Solisia.)

Arms have been a staple foreign export of TECT's for decades. Once an industry that almost exclusively served the Empire, it eventually moved on to taking part in the world's enormous arms market. More money, more jobs, and more investment means more economic power of the Empire - strong empires are served by stronger economies. The initial use of this industry to improve the Empire's finances and foreign standing was first undertaken by Charles II. Charles II viewed such endeavors as killing two birds with one stone - the Empire's military and economy would improve, and relations with foreign nations would improve as well. This is why the Emperor made pro-market reforms, selectively improved export rich industries, and sought out nations interested in buying arms or receiving them as aid. Although most arms exports are now done by Wolf Armaments, the Empire still routinely sells old stock to nations willing to purchase them. The Solisian Federated Empire, a nation previously less-known to the Empire, has become the latest example of nations the Empire has used arms deals to grow closer with. In the past few years, relations with the Solisians grew warmer as the Empire and Solisia continued to meet one-another through standard diplomatic channels. Embassies were eventually opened, lines of communication were established, and personal sit-downs with both nation's leadership have became a routine event.

According to the Ministry of Armed Forces' Press Officer, the latest display of close relations between the two nations has become a significant arms deal. Announced earlier this morning, the MAF's Press Officer, Colonel Juliana Krantz, announced during the Ministry's daily briefing that the Empire had secured an arms sale with the Solisians during recent meetings. Classified until the day prior, Misses Krantz revealed the Empire had begun transferring older reserve equipment and weapon systems to the Solisians as part of the sale. The deal, worth over six billion nationstates dollars, is said to include "air defense systems (radar and command vehicles)", "surface-to-air missiles of varying range", "vehicular launcher systems", and "resupply assets, including trucks and loading equipment." All systems and equipment sold were said to be "reserve stock" or "older models collecting dust", meaning sold items were predecessor models or over-abundant in current supply; according to Ministry provided documents, hundreds of equipment/vehicles and munitions were part of the deal and were destined to "equip up to three Solisian air defense brigades". Misses Krantz explained further that although the allotted items tallied up to about "six and half billion nationstate dollars", the Ministry and the Emperor discounted the final sale down to around four billion, eight hundred million nationstates dollars - a discount of about twenty-five percent. "As a token of our deep appreciation and a gesture of good will, His Imperial & Royal Majesty graciously discounted the final bill for the Solisian arms sale. The Ministry, which had no objections of its own, also humbly agreed to the discount as a token of good will to the Solisians. Ministry officials, including Crown Prince Charles III, hope these weapon systems and equipment live up to their expectations by safeguarding the Solisian people."

The Ministry also welcomed news of the Solisian Federated Empire's acceptance into the Imperion Coalition. "We welcome our new Coalition ally, the Solisians, to the Imperion Coalition. Its accession to the Coalition is a welcomed one and the Ministry looks forward to working alongside the Solisian Federated Empire on future Coalition matters."

Royal News of TECT [Closed|News Service]

Royal News of TECT [Closed|News Service]

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