The Season Turns (Telegram for Entry please)

[Ghant]

“Brotherly Wisdom”
Betharan Palace
Fineberg, New Edom

Count Thomas Lalery sat with his legs crossed in an armchair, smoking a cigar, drinking a glass of vodka with lemon, brooding a bit. “This matter of New Macureus’ annexation, combined with the division of Nekulturnya, combined with the crisis in your own country causes a stir. Fortunately for the time being we can protest our own constitutional crisis as a basis for not making a decision. I understand that the Ice Queen or snow Queen or whatever she calls herself is here too. And’ she’s friendly with Albert, yes? So where does that place you exactly?” he looked at the King Consort pointedly.

Michael sighed as he threw back what was left of his drink. “...I want the monarchists to unite...because as long as we are divided, we are vulnerable to the ETC. And yes, Izolde is friendly with Albert...insofar as it suits her. Izolde, at the end of the day, is all about Izolde.”

Lalery gave him a long suffering look. “Good God, Michael, I don’t mean what you’ve already said a dozen times. I mean about the policies in your home country. Your sister against your father, the Prime Minister and Empress against the Emperor and your uncle in law--if that’s a thing--where do you stand in that?”

...Must I be such an idiot? “Oh yes right. Well...that’s a complicated situation. I suppose I stand with my brother Martin, and my father...and Albert, hard as it is for me to admit. I think Sophia, Nymun and all them...don’t really understand the situation like we do, because we are actually here, you know?”

“It’s more that they are ill informed generally, but I take your point. Or...they just have a different view. The Adirans are well informed, but their interests are divided--their business people recognize that anyone might win and court me, their politicians support Mara because they associate her with democratic voting for some reason and they don’t like Jocasta. All because of a news report. You know, I’ll tell you a secret. Nothing to choose between either sister. One has a great ass, one has great tits. No offense to your wife. One is sweet and sentimental under her brashness, the other is tough as nails under her sweetness. But they’re both young women who barely know the difference between shit and pudding. Never mind the constitutional crisis, Mikey-boy. If you are for Jocasta as much as you say, we’re halfway there. So let’s focus on what you CAN do, eh? More drink by the way?” Lalery suggested, holding up his phone.

“No offense taken, Tom,” Michael grinned. He knew it was true. “And yes, more drink, please…” as he spoke, his phone vibrated. He pulled it out to take a look. “Hey Tom, it’s my brother Martin...he wants to know if it’s cool for him to come and hangout. He says he has an idea, but wasn’t sure who to talk to…”


Lalery considered a moment. “Why not. I want to talk to you quickly before he gets here though.” he pushed a button on his own phone and said, “More drinks, and some snacks.” he put the phone down after pushing a button again.

“Yeah sure...what’s up?” Michael asked him as he texted back his brother. Martin was always smarter, more dignified than Michael was...he admired him for that. Perhaps if I understood duty like he does, we wouldn’t all be in this mess to begin with.

“It’s this; you are Mara’s husband. When all is said and done, that gives you a pivotal role here. You can do two things: strongly support her going to that sanitorium, and have coital relations with her. It is your right as her husband. The two may seem contradictory, but they aren’t. You can certainly arrange conjugal visits, and you need to publicly profess your loyalty.” Lalery said, looking at him with a steady gaze. “So why haven’t you been doing it?”

Michael looked at him with sad, yet determined eyes. “She doesn’t want anything to do with me, and I can’t bring myself to force myself upon her. I want her to be comfortable and to undergo therapy, and get out of this spell of madness she finds herself in. It’s bad enough I feel like a fuckup, Tom. Like this is all somehow my fault. I feel responsible for what is happening to her...I don’t want to make it worse for her, you know? She doesn’t want to sleep with me...she cast me out. She may be my wife...but I couldn’t...rape her.”

Lalery looked disgusted. “Who is talking about rape? What kind of moon calf nonsense is this? Ahhh…” he grimaced and looked away in irritation. “Do you want this country drowned in blood, man?”

Goddamit Michael. “No, quite the contrary. I want it...made whole again, strong and united. A Second Great War could be in the wing if we fail here...this is either where it ends or where it begins. So what exactly do you want me to do? Publicly declare my loyalty to Mara and advocate her going to the sanitorium, and then...just showing up and being like, ‘let’s do our conjugal duty?’” Michael asked.

“What, you never seduced a woman before? Are all Ghantish women constantly wet as October and ready to jump a man, or do they ever need some persuading?” Lalery exclaimed, spreading his hands in a South Acheronian gesture of surprise. “Just seduce her. You don’t have to have a woman profess undying love to get her to spread for you do you? You’re a Prince of the Realm, for God’s sake, act like one. Be a man.”

“I have seduced plenty women...hood rats and highborn ladies alike...but Mara...she is very different. Quite the challenge. I need some inside tips or something. Enoch tried to give me some, but I don’t trust him. Man is a snake.” Michael sighed.

With a laugh, Lalery shook his head. “Enoch? Not he, he just doesn’t like you.” there was a knock at the door; a voice said, “Delian.”

Lalery said, “Come.” Delian came in with a naked girl following carrying a tray of drinks and some spiced pastries and nuts. She was a sleek young Baran girl with olive skin, lush dark shoulder length wavy hair, a slightly rounded belly, curvy hips and thighs, breasts that wouldn’t stay still, bouncing like merry mangoes. Lalery nodded to her. “Vodka, lemon.” he looked back at Michael. Sergeant Delian eyed the vodka bottle and Lalery said without looking at him, “Leave the bottle man. You know Michael, a woman is like a musical instrument or a horse. Just play it right. Observe, figure it out.”

The young woman approached Michael with the tray, smiling a bit shyly. She was not painted but was lightly dusted with silver and gold glitter.

“The one thing I have learned, Tom, is that Mara doesn’t seem to like it when things are serious...I was like that once...before Sophia sent me packing here as her emissary. She was on me about taking things seriously and all, and I just got stuck in that mode of thinking. Didn’t serve me well as far as Mara is concerned,” Michael took the opportunity to examine the young woman the way a chameleon might examine a fly before it strikes out at it with its tongue. Michael offered her a smile as he helped himself to some pastries. “Martin should be here soon.”

Lalerly nodded, his eyes dark and sharp. “Alright. We’ll talk more about your marriage another time.” his eyes flicked at the girl, who was mostly noticing Michael’s smile; as she leaned down to pour his drink for him her breasts swayed like ripe fruit on a limb, her back arched to a shapely bare rump.

Michael was so busy staring at the girl’s bosom that he didn’t notice his brother announce himself. “Count...brother, and the rest, tis a pleasure.” The elder Dakmaran Prince said as he entered the room and took a seat next to his brother. “How have you been, Tom? Haven’t seen you since the wedding.”

”Nor you. I’m doing rather well,” Lalery said. “Drink?”

The young woman approached him now, murmuring, “Highness?” offering him the tray of drink bottles--brandy, vodka, wine.

Martin wasn’t as used to the nudity the way Michael was, yet he had some cool confidence to him, Michael observed. “That is good, Tom. And yes, please...a drink would be much appreciated.” The Crown Prince took some wine, and inclined his head. “Thank you, milady...had I not known any better, I would say that you are walking piece of art.”

“Sir,” the girl said with a dimpling smile, “You are too kind…”

“Thank you,” said Lalery to the girl. “That’s all for now. Sergeant Delian, watch the door for now.” he sipped his drink, and waited until the two servants were gone, and then said, “Well, Martin, a grave time, but I appreciate your coming to pay your respects to Perrin.”

“Thank you...I wasn’t going to miss it for anything,” Martin said as he drank his wine. “A good man...sensible and dutiful, and my brother-in-law besides. I pity Blanca, truly. In any event, I have always understood you to be the sensible one among the Royal Family...at least from what Michael has told me. So I have an idea that I wanted to run by you...it might a worthwhile solution.”

Lalery nodded. “Go on then.”

“In Ghant, whenever the Emperor is deemed unable to rule, a Regent is chosen. Traditionally, the Jauneketxea would recommend from among the Imperial Family an individual who they deem most qualified to serve in that capacity. This took place in 1997 when they chose Albert, although other candidates, such as the Empress Dowager, were considered. Now here in New Edom, we have a situation where the Queen is...incapacitated. So while Jocasta is the Crown Princess...where does it say that she has to be regent? Either yourself or Elijah could be deemed worthy in that regard. So, what if the Council Ministers were to make a recommendation from a number of candidates to be regent in Mara’s stead? Jocasta could be a candidate, along with you, Elijah, Rebecca and Michael, perhaps. This Regent would serve in such a way that everyone would agree upon their authority, until such a time as the Queen is deemed fit to resume her duties.” Martin explained.

Michael cocked his head. “...But what about Joc…”

Martin gave his younger brother that look that an older brother might give his younger brother when he was being annoying. “Do you think such a proposal might be deemed reasonable?”

Lalery considered. “It’s an interesting possible compromise. Of course it doesn’t solve everything, but if Prince Elijah and Marcus Cotta were, say, to support such a notion. But then who would it be? You see if it is me, then the view that some have that this is a resurgence of Monarchism will remain. If it is Prince Elijah…” he considered. “Now that’s a good idea. I’ll give it serious thought. What do you think, Michael?”

“...They would choose Elijah, I suspect. The real question is, would Unwerth accept that?” Michael asked.

“General Unwerth is a good soldier and will support who the Heir supports,” replied Lalery. “Well...you have given us something to think about. And Michael has something to think about too, eh?”

“Why yes...I wonder if Jocasta would accept a scenario where she isn’t de facto Regent…” Michael tried to explain, before Martin interjected, again.

“I suspect that Jocasta is being influenced by people that have a vested interest in the status quo...her mother, from what Michael tells me,” Martin said. “Has it been considered that maybe isolating Rebecca from Jocasta would make Jocasta more pliable? Rebecca should be considering remarriage, after all. Perhaps to someone...who is far away.”

Lalery laughed. “Now that’s an idea. I have considered it, as a matter of fact. Alright, one more thing: why did you and your father not try to delay a vote or avoid things coming to a head? Why risk presenting a disunited Ghant in the face of New Macurean and Vyrsarian territorial ambitions?”

Martin nodded, “I tried...but my father was trying to force my hand, and everyone else’s. He expected Sophia to break...but she didn’t. She defied him, which I must admit she doesn’t do nearly as much as she should. And...nobody expected Albert to send an emissary containing that sort of message. Sophia is being a pushover...she hasn’t really been the same since Nathan went up north. Unsure of herself, worrisome. Just lost her keen edge. I mean to talk to Nathan about it though...he can present a united Ghant if he is bothered to do so.”

“Too many ifs,” said Lalery, draining his drink and putting the glass down, studying it a moment before looking up at him. “So in truth, we’d all be best off supporting the New Mac annexation. With fair terms that satisfy the Shrailleeni, eh?”

“Yes...I think that would be for the best,” Martin nodded as he put a hand on Michael’s shoulder. “Best to roll with the punches on that. And Nekulturnya? I also hear that the Tsarevich is curious about Ava.”

Lalery gave him a wry look. “Curious? Why, is he wondering how much she weighs or how she likes her tea?”

Martin laughed. “Forgive me...I meant to say, curious about her as a potential bride. Not that it really matters that much…”

Michael grinned. “The Ice Queen is curious too...about you,” he said to Lalery.

“Alright,” said Lalery, tapping ashes off his cigar, then taking a good rag, blowing smoke out thoughtfully. “First: Ava. It’s not necessary to establish such close ties with Nekulturnya off the cuff. We need to explore what such relations would mean. We need a united policy on it, but we are considering recognition seriously. Following that would be...such explorations as closer relations. The Tsarevich, if you are in communication with him, may be told that Princess Ava admires his character and courage.” he grinned. “Second: closer ties with the Ice Queen are something my family and I are considering. What about rumours I hear that she and her sisters are easy to get into the sack?”

“All reasonable positions to take,” Martin agreed. “And as for the Grismarkas...rumors, just that. Like rumors that Prince William Holland has a limp manhood, that Nathan likes to suck on teats, or that the Pazuzus flay women and drink the blood of maidens. Best to dismiss them and find the truth out for oneself.” Martin shrugged.

Michael added. “...Izolde’s sisters are maidens. Izolde is not. It isn’t that she is easy to get into the sack...it is that she would only share a bed with someone that she deems worthy of it...which is few men indeed.”

“What is her interest then?” Lalery asked. “Are you acting on her behalf or just sharing information?”

“Just sharing information,” Michael shrugged.”Her interest was in finding a King...she heard you were interested, apparently. She wants to follow up, supposedly. She is discreet though...she has been avoiding Nathan, as she despises him.”

Martin chuckled. “My brother-in-law was never good at making friends. He tends to...leave very poor impressions.”

Lalery stared at them. “Your brother in law is a damned fool. Well...I heard from Shinhusar about her. She seems clever enough. I’ll meet with her. Things will be tight around here, but I’ll meet with her, I’ll have my people talk to hers. Well, I need some sleep, and I need some exercise before I can. I’m off to the pool. Martin, Michael, thanks for dropping by.”

Michael was quick to agree. “That he is...that he is indeed. Rest easy Tom, and thank you.”

“Indeed, Thomas, thank you. It has been a pleasure,” Martin said with a courteous bow. “Until next time.” With that, Martin gestured for his brother to follow, and the two made their way out.

[New Othman]

Chambers of the Grand National Assembly

"So, in summary, I say that the sort of Premier who presents proposals to dispatch volunteers to New Edom, to disrupt our trade with the opposing side should we pick the losers, who consorts with the Ghantish haters of all things Othmani, who advocates increasingly leftist ideas to keep her Socialist friends happy, and who overall forgets what it means to stand behind the founding ideals of this Party, is not the sort of Premier that we need anymore! Time for a change! Time for a new Premier!"

The deputy who shouted this was acclaimed by fellow members of the Premier's own party, and it was apparent in short order what was going down, but never let it be said that the Social Democrats were less loyal than the Social Republicans. In fact, in this case, they all sat in stony silence for a moment, refusing to clap or rise in support. Ursula held her head in her hands as long as she could, fighting back tears before she just plain resigned herself to what was coming and had been for a while. She was living on borrowed time and she had known it. She had bought time to do things like improve education, infrastructure, foreign trade, etc. That was more than reason enough to endure this. She had accomplished things, though not alone, and no thanks to her own party half the time, as she had to kiss up more to her party than her friendly junior partners....and so they had dismissed her as no longer necessary? So be it. Let them face the electors for removing a reformist, democratic, liberal government that had done great things for the masses...let them accept the consequences for premature elections if they happened.

So be it. She had enough. She would make her exit her own way.

"For the record, and on a point of order, Mr. President, let me just say that not all Ghantar are racists. Ambassador Adar is a fine man. A great man. And far more loyal to me than any of you have been. I am deeply hurt by this, I do admit, for I am a woman and rejection always hurts a woman's soft and tender heart, but I will leave here with my pride intact, knowing that this government, the first democratically elected government since 1977 in this country, has achieved far more than ever expected of us. I leave public office with my dignity, knowing that I have repaired my late husband's legacy to this nation and satisfied his final wishes for New Othman, the deathbed promise that he asked of me, to dismantle his Fascist police state that he himself created and which ran away from him. When he died, he did so in peace, knowing that I would undo all of the things for which he blamed himself.

"So, in summary, let me just say that, yes, I am guilty of wanting to aid the Free Congress, but why not? They are not perfect, but they are better than the Monarchists or the ETC or the Anarchists! I wanted another liberal democratic republic in this region, like Adiron, Gylias, Jedoria, Valik, and others like us, to expand freedom and reduce tyranny. So, yes, I defied your wishes and now you have called me to the carpet like a disobedient dog! Well, this dog has wagged her tail for you long enough. I will not be a stray for long, I think, but as you have voted to remove me, consider this my resignation not only as Premier, but also as a member of the Social Republican Party! I further wish to inform you of my intention of joining the Social Democratic Party instead! Now, you have condemned my policies. Let's just see you do any better! Far easier to criticize than it is to govern, friends!

"I thank the People for putting me in office, I thank the Social Democrats for being loyal to me, and I thank you for giving me a retirement from this messy profession at last! Most of all, I thank Ambassadors Josepa Adar and David Rust of Ghant and Adiron for giving me great advice, and also Ambassador Adar for being my lover! Yes, that's right! You don't like him being my friend? Too bad! He wasn't just my friend, he was my lover, too! Take that! Oh, and go to Hell! I'm taking a holiday and won't be back in this city for the rest of spring, maybe summer, too. What else is a retired politician to do? Farewell! Right now, I need to go and get a stiff drink! Just remember, whatever comes after this, it's your doing. Don't come crawling back to me," Ursula wiped away her tears after the censure vote clearly was going against her.

With that, she signed the resignation papers and turned to the clerk, "Please, effendi, be good enough to hand this to the President. It's my resignation as Premier of New Othman. God help you all. You'll see that I was right, but by then, it will be too late."

Then Ursula walked defiantly out of the chamber, a free woman at last....free to do whatever the hell she really liked at last.

Let the others sort out this mess that they have made for themselves.....

[Allamunnic States]

To: First Citizen Aren Dazun, Chairman of the Central Directorate
From: Andrik Filius, Deputy Director of Foreign Affairs
Subject: Regime Change, Election Observers
Encryption: Low

First Citizen Dazun,

Although obviously the details will need to be arranged properly, I have been authorized to convey Generalissimo Grimmeburger's acceptance of the request for observers during the coming elections. I would like to inquire as to if there is a timetable for when these elections will be held. That said, you will absolutely have Allamunnic support in ensuring that the electoral process is swift, fair, and transparent.

As to the rumors of murder, there is no condemnation implied in the manner in which your government took power; doing what is necessary for the betterment of one's people is something our own government considers tantamount to its purpose. Our only regret is that members of the Coven were not arrested for trial, as we do tend to believe that due process is always best for all involved.

I have also been asked to formally request that arrangements be made for a meeting between relevant dignitaries from the Liberated Meritocracy, New Macureus, and the Allamunnic States, to adjust relevant international agreements between our nations to reflect the new and future status quo.

I appreciate your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
Andrik Filius,
Deputy Director,
Ministry of Foreign Affairs

To: Office of the Director, Adiron Intelligence Service
From: Office of the Director, Federal Department of Intelligence
Subject: Situation in Northeastern Acheron
Encryption: High

Director Vasquez,

Greetings, Director. I have requested Assistant Director Filius to forward your messages to me, henceforth, for the purposes of more direct correspondence.

In answer to your previous message, the notice of the movement of the Imperial Fifth Fleet is indeed very concerning. I have notified Admiral Adylaed Kaaringur about this information. Our fleets were already on high alert, but Admiral Kaaringur will be incorporating this information into the orders and information given to Federal Navy officers.

We are aware of the situation in Ghant, and may be able to provide further information in this regard. On the one hand, recent developments suggest that the Ghantish elected government has taken the stance that in the event of conflicting or countermanding orders between the Queen Mara and the Heir, that the Queen's orders take precedence, which would seem to put the elected government in direct counter to the Ghantish Upper House's decision, but on the same side as the Empress.

Reports from assets in Vorindeum suggest that Albert Gentry might also be making plans to dispatch forces from Vorindeum, that he has been stumping among the relevant authorities there to gain support for this action. His intended destination for such forces would likely be to New Edom to prop up Jocasta.

We have reason to think that in addition to personal support for Jocasta's cause, that Albert Gentry is also himself seeking closer ties to the Imperium, and is likely to urge Jocasta's faction to do the same. Naturally, this is a significant concern for us; any strengthening of this man's position, and closer ties to the Imperium, risk further destabilization of Northeastern Acheron.

With this in-mind, we have requested the RON Bronnsburg naval base to put their forces on alert, and we have received confirmation from our Ossorian allies that they will work with us to prevent any violation of Allamunnic territorial waters. This will allow us to free up some of our naval forces to keep tabs on, and ideally block, any attempted further movement of forces from Vorindeum or Ghant to New Edom. We will also be contacting the Vyrsarian government about cooperating to help prevent other possible movements.

I have also made my recommendation to Generalissimo Grimmeburger that, should the opportunity present itself, that Albert Gentry be killed.

I also believe it pertinent to inform you that our assets in New Othman have informed me that the New Othmani Social Republican Party has just forced the ouster of Premier Ursula Weiler-Kotuk. Presumably, they will be hoping to select a new premier shortly. We have reason to suspect, based on previous fault-lines and trends, however, that whenever the next elections are held, that the SRP will not fare well, and as a result, we may soon be looking at a new ruling coalition in New Othman. This presents a possible danger, of course, but it also represents a potential opportunity for a more liberal and stable New Othman, which could even be potentially looked to as an ally in the near future. We will keep you posted as events develop there.

I hope that this information will prove useful to you.

Sincerely,
Abygael Jurgunlunn
Director
Federal Department of Intelligence

To: the Government of the Republic of Vyrsar
From: Andrik Filius, Assistant Director, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Subject: Interference
Encryption: High

To Whom It May Concern,

It has come to our attention that military movements out of Vorindeum, courtesy of Albert Gentry, may be occurring, possibly an attempt to move forces through one of two main avenues to New Edom. This could involve a violation, or threat of violation, of Vyrsarian or Allamunnic territorial waters, if not worse.

Because of the potential threat that Vorindeum and Ghant together pose in their current states, I have been asked to propose the sharing of information and coordination of our naval forces to impede such a military movement, as well as work to the mutual protection of our respective nations in a more effective manner.

A reply at your earliest convenience would be much appreciated.

Sincerely,
Andrik Filius
Assistant Director,
Ministry of Foreign Affairs

To: Albert Gentry, Head of State ("Emperor") of Vorindeum
From: The Federal Government of the Allamunnic States
Subject: Military Movements
Encryption: Moderate

Mr. Gentry,

It has come to the attention of the government of the Federation of Allamunnic States that there is reason to think you intend to mobilize the forces of Vorindeum for the purpose of interfering in the internal affairs of the Allied States of New Edom.

Ordinarily, this would not be of particular concern to us. However, given the potential for this to destabilize the region and lead to greater conflict among a considerable number of nations, this is not something we can allow to occur, in the interest of the security of the Allamunnic people.

For this reason, you are hereby warned that any attempt by forces of the Empire of Vorindeum to violate the territorial waters or lands of any Cornellian nation at this time will be opposed by forces of the Allamunnic Federal Military. Moreover, should we deem this insufficient in the pursuit of our goal, we are willing to request the assistance of our allies, notably including the High Kingdom of Ossoria, in this operation.

Unless you are prepared to fight several nations over your alleged right to forcibly interfere in another country's internal affairs, we must urge you to pursue a different course of action.

We hope that you will see reason, and commit to an alternate course of action.

Sincerely,
Jordynn Graagursunn
Director
Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Official Announcement of the Federal Government of Allamunnic States
Subject: Diplomatic Recognition
Encryption: None

WHEREAS new governments have been installed in the former Old Macureus (now known as the Liberated Meritocracy of Macureus), Nekulturnya, and Austrania

WHEREAS these new governments represent the fruit of resolutions of previous conflicts and disputes.

WHEREAS so far as the Federal Government of the Allamunnic States is concerned, these governments exercise control and power within the borders of their respective states, with the legitimacy conferred upon them by popular movements and international consensus.

THEREFORE the Federal Government of the Allamunnic States hereby grants full formal recognition to the governments of the Tsar of Nekulturnya and of First Citizen Aren Dazun of the Liberated Meritocracy of Macureus, and the government of Austrania. So far as the government of the Allamunnic States is concerned, these governments are legitimate and proper, and attempts to destabilize, remove, or otherwise undermine these governments will be considered to be a violation of the sovereignty of the relevant countries.

[New Edom]

THE SIXINGTON LEADER

March 18,2015

---

Feminist Collective Leadership at Impasse?

by Rufus Jasper
SIXINGTON, Gloria Regis-- Senior leaders of the Feminist Collective Party, which was elected two years ago to govern the Protectorate of Gloria Regis, have reached an impasse requiring a general vote within the party on matters of domestic and future foreign policy.

In negotiations with the Allied States of New Edom's national government, itself in a constitutional crisis over the succession of head of state, important matters such as the treatment of opposition parties in Gloria Regis, the fate of naval officers who took control of the fleet stationed at Gloria Regis in order to force an end to military government of the Protectorate, and what measures need to be taken to establish the egalitarianiism generally proposed by the Feminist Collective Party remain on the negotiation table.

The different wings of the FCP emerged following a debate triggered by a speech made by Livia Barberina, the Premier of Gloria Regis, which suggested focusing on independence first and reassuring fears of the mainland national government.

"There is an entirely legitimate concern on behalf of government leaders there that our independence movement is a kind of thin end of the wedge for aggressive matriarchal nations such as Deadora to threaten them. We need to be able to demonstrate that our aim is not aggression but freedom, and that they have nothing to fear."

However she was disagreed with publicly and vehemently by Justice Minister Theodora Ferrovius, who claimed, "It is precisely the lack of fear of what we might do that prompted military government in the first place, because women are not seen as fit to sit at the negotiation table. As long as a condition for independence is sacrificing the brave women and men who supported paralyzing the military government I will not budge on this. I will never been moved to allow a single sister of our movement to be jailed, beaten, or killed to our political benefit by the government that has been our oppressor for so long."

Dr. Servilia Aemilianus, former economist and Minister of Commerce, proposed a third way. "We can achieve a great deal if we simply level the playing field and let those women who want to compete do so without hesitation, on the sole basis of merit. The fear that people on the mainland have of us suddenly castrating all the men and forcing them into slavery will be absurd when they see how a society can foster the best talents and abilities in its citizens. I have every confidence that our way will be seen as the better way on that basis."

In spite of a great deal of rhetoric on the floor of the Gloria Regian Senate, there remains avowed cooperation for whichever view wins in the upcoming debate and subsequent vote, which has been agreed to be followed right to the negotiation table with New Edom

[New Edom]

To: Duchess Luminita Vianu
SUB: Situation in Gloria Regis
From: Livia Barberina, Premier of Gloria Regis
Subject: Recogntion
Encryption: Most Secret

---

Dear Duchess Vianu,

Thank you very much for the letter, and to your government and people for the recognition and understanding of our situation.

Our situation is a grave one. You might have heard that our people were under military government following the assassination of Nelson Smith.

I have received evidence that this assassination was not at the hands of anyone native to Gloria Regis or even New Edom, but was in all likelihood an agent of the Imperium of Arbites Materia. This is not something we wish to bring out at this time save on the most discreet basis as we do not want to cause problems for nations that are helping us, but I felt that you should know.

Furthermore, one of the main negotiating parties in New Edom, that of Queen Mara, acknowledges the justice of our cause generally, but has concerns about the seizing of control of New Edomite naval vessels by native officers of Gloria Regis and officers sympathetic to our cause. Prince Elijah Shalmaneser has expressed concern about not punishing mutiny, which is a matter for much debate in my party as there are those who feel that it is not right to in any way hand over officers whose coming to our aid enabled our independence. On the other hand I can see the point of view of Queen Mara's party.

With recogntion by Jedoria and the Shrailleeni Empire, we have a better chance of negotiations with the New Edomite government, but the government of Princess jocata is very hostile to us. It would help a great deal if your government were to lend its persuasion, as Adiron and the Shrailleeni Empire have done, towards encouraging support for Queen Mara's government and their point of view so that we can have a negotiated peaceful independence.

Barring that possibility, we would have to face hostilities. While guaranteed support by the Shrailleeni Empire and Anathaat, support for a CPO mission and mediation or intervention might help a great deal.

This would, frankly, lend weight to my position in our senate as well, which would do a great deal towards comforting the fears of political groups in Gloria Regis which might otherwise support the government on the mainland.

Our military situation is otherwise grave. Forces friendly to Princess Jocasta are gathering, and we still have to deal with thousands of imprisoned New Edomite personnel and a besieged army base which we fear is trying to stealthily break out and wreck the truce here. Of course our navy is prepared to attack them but this would damage any peace talks--which these forces, loyal to Princess Jocasta, may want. Forces loyal to Princess Jocasta as well as hostile views from New Macureus and leading elements in Ghant (from Lord Malibar and Prince Albert, styled Emperor in particular) we believe will try to agitate for a resumption of military government and crushing our movement completely.

As you can see our situation is hopeful but very tense, with many factors that could stop our independence before it seriosuly gets started. We would appreciate any help you have to offer, particuarly the points raised above. For your government to communicate with the governments of Adiron, the Shrailleeni Empire .

I have the honour to be
Livia Barberina
Premier of Gloria Regis

[Jedoria]

TO: Livia Barberina, Premier of Gloria Regis
FROM: Duchess Luminita Vianu
SUB: Situation in Gloria Regis
ENCRYPTION: Highest

Dear Premier,

It's very good to hear from you, especially given how tense the situation is as you described. I wish we could do more to assist you, but as an elected leader and member of the international community, I am forced to abide by certain 'restrictions'.

If what you speak is true, that Nelson Smith's killer was an agent of the Imperium, it confirms serious fears we have regarding the Arbiter's intentions in New Edom and the surrounding areas. In particular, we believe the Imperium has been using the Allied States as a way of evading international encirclement.

It is good that Queen Mara is sympathetic to your cause, as the Confederation has quietly thrown it's support behind her camp as well in hopes of bringing democracy to New Edom. Rest assured we well be in contact with her and her supporters soon. As for Adiron and the Shraileeni Empire, we will make contact with our respective counterparts. The discussion concerning mutiny I'm afraid is not my field of study as someone who has never served in a military position, but I can see how both sides garner sympathy. I am confident, however, that peaceful negotiations can settle that debate.

I'm afraid that's as of right now the best I can do, but I will endeavor to make the best efforts humanly possible to make it happen. Even if it means moving heaven and Earth.

Stay Strong, and hold fast.

Kind Regards,
Duchess Luminita Vianu

TO: Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Elizabeth Corbulo
FROM: Foreign Minister Andrei Paler
SUB: Gloria Regis
ENCRYPTION: Highest

Dear Undersecretary,

The Confederation's recognition of Gloria Regis has forced Jedoria to take sides in this growing conflict, and we have in good faith come to learn of Queen Mara's sympathies to the situation developing in Gloria Regis. While our nations in recent times have not gotten along, Princess Jocasta's actions and those of her supporters have deeply disturbed Jedoria, and we fear her actions may spiral New Edom into a serious conflict that will undoubtedly draw in the entire region.

We were very pleased to hear the commitment to hold the planned elections in New Edom, and find Queen Mara's appeal to peace inspiring. Furthermore, out support of a peaceful resolution to the situation in Gloria Regis seems most compatiable with the Queen and her supporters. We plan to be in contact with the Republic of Adiron and the Shrailleeni Empire concerning a peaceful outcome to this all.

Kind Regards,
Andrei Paler, Foreign Minister of the Jedorian Confederation

TO: Foreign Minister Zattem Resbruck of the Shrailleeni Empire
FROM: Foreign Minister Andrei Paler, Jedorian Confederation
SUB: Gloria Regis
ENCRYPTION: Highest

Dear Foreign Minister,

It is unfortunate that our first communications have to be done during such a tense time. As you may have heard, the Confederation recently recognized the independence of Gloria Regis, and has since then committed itself to finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict brewing in New Edom. Given the actions of Princess Jocasta, we fear that the Heir and forces loyal to her will only drive New Edom into further conflict, and, quite possibly, only extend Arbiter influence on the Allied States. Both our governments do not wish to see that happen, and it is the opinion of my Duchess that by working together along with others such as the Republic of Adiron, we can successful support Queen Mara's right to rule and settle this all with diplomacy, not violence. And if we are truly blessed, Gloria Regis may emerge independent.

I look forward to any reply,

Kind Regards,
Andrei Paler, Foreign Minister of the Jedorian Confederation

TO: Secretary of State Joseph Deol
FROM: Foreign Minister Andrei Paler
SUB: Gloria Regis
ENCRYPTION: Highest

Dear Secretary,

Recently, the Confederation recognized the independence of Gloria Regis in the hopes that an eventual democracy will be formed there. However, several miscounts, noticeably some fucker from Ghant and your old friends, the Imperium, seem bent on turning the area into a war zone. Obviously we wish to avoid that. Through our inquires, we have deduced that Queen Mara and her supporters represent the greatest chance at peace and democracy in New Edom. We also believe that a government of the Queen would be most resistant to Imperium influence, as well as hopefully tempering ETC militants.

Additionally, by supporting Queen Mara, we endore the best possible chance for a peaceful resolution for the Gloria Regis situation. It it the hope of the Jedorian Government that by forming a coalition with other like minded supporters of Queen Mara, noticably the Shrailleeni Empire, we can prevent all out war from breaking out, and hopefully gut Imperium endeavors in the Allied States.

We have a serious opportunity here Mr. Secretary. It would be a sin to pass it up.

Kind regards,
Andrei Paler, Foreign Minister of the Jedorian Confederation

As Paler saw the last message off, he leaned back in his char, cracked open a cold one, and started thinking that he really should buy a boat.

[New Edom]

Military District of Fineberg

There was much preparation going on for the funeral; units would be parading both at the base and in the city. Dress gear had to be brushed, pressed, polished, oiled and readied. Horses for some ceremonial units had to be combed and curried and drills perfected for all units; the noise of fighter jets could be heard up in the sky regularly as they perfected their drills for the fly over. adjutants and operations officers devoted to organizing these tasks were said to be eating antacids like salted nuts.

Much talk was on the base of the late President of the Council, General Pahath-Moab. Even those who strongly politically disagreed with him tended to admire him. No one really wanted civil war again, but no one wanted to shirk their duty. A strong sense of loyalty to one's general officer, to one's regiment, was a strong tradition, hard to break...

General Unwerth's GHQ

"We...ah...have an update in our intelligence," said Major Peter de Haren, standing beside a projection screen with a pointer. "First: we have confirmation from overflights by air recon, SATCOM--"

The officers around the table were used to New Edomite weather; they just unbuttoned their jackets a little, and they were light material anyway. A ceiling fan rumbled above them; cigar and cigarette smoke wreathed the air; ice rapidly melted in water jugs beaded with moisture sweat.

"SATCOM is probably compromised," interjected Colonel Taramemnon of the Air Force shaking his head.

"Possibly sir, but there's some intel overlap here if you'll allow me...and confirmation by Rover Team units that crossed the Buann River a couple of days ago, that there are probes and movements by forces serving the Mad Queen that indicate a possible flanking attack against our advance when we make it. Rover Teams report movements of earthmoving equipment, supply vehicles, and mechanized infantry units. It's been rather stealthy, so SATCOM only caught some engineering projects, but I have photographs from the Rover Team and the drone overflight."

He called them up. They did indeed show a number of units of infantry, with APCs and utility vehicles camouflaged, using forests and rough country to hide in. Visuals of soldiers digging with entrenching tools or directing engineering equipment could be seen.

"These areas were demolished largely when the Anarchist insurgency was crushed, but they seem to be adapting areas that were suitable for defense and hidden movements then," suggested Major de Haren.

"But I'm only seeing a few company strength units," said Colonel Hagar. "Do we have confirmed intel of a plan, or is this just some ambushes or fallback positions?"

"This is what we have so far," said de Haren. He'dwas a veteran of many briefings; while Hagar was a formidable man he was backed by the General himself.

General Romain, in the front row, said, "Is there any intelligence that theya re moving artillery or heavy armour?" She looked flushed, as any redhead might, but seemed relaxed, her jacket unbuttoned, her blue eyes alert. Devil eyes, such eyes were called by some rural Barans.

"No," he admitted. "But I think that we need to keep a watch on this and prepare accordingly."

"When we have the Hutanjian reinforcements, we can easily put a veteran unit out on our flank there and cover that," said Colonel Estrada. "General Unwerth will recommend that anyway."

Residential Zone, Military District

It was a warm clear lightly breezy day; Cressy de Haren was drawn out of her reverie in her lazy walk by a merry jingling tune. Ash she walked towards it, the warm breeze requiring her to push her long dark silky hair away from her face. In one hand was a net grocery bag.

The sun baked sidewalk warmed her slim bare feet; Cressy loved going without shoes; she had strong but lovely feet, loved digging them in grass, walking in dirt. Her pink sundress, with cherry blossoms embroidered on it, floated around her body, her hips swinging like a tolling bell.

A few happy laughing children were trading their coppers for ice cream and other frozen treats at the open side door of a van with speakers on top of it.

"Hello," she said, twirling a lock of her hair. "May I have a raspberry popsickle please?"

"Of course, Missus," said the bowing balding man with a smile who was handing out the treats while his wife counted the notes into a steel box beside the front seat. God bless the mother who made you."

She dimpled a smile, payed with a Copper note, and took it, and walked away. As she went back towards her house, the straps of her dress fell off her shoulder. The dress slid slightly down her chest, but her breasts were high and round and prevent it from falling far. With the popsickle in one hand, as she fumbled to unwrap it, and the net grocery bag in her other, what else could she do? Her lush mouth parted and her white teeth tore at the paper wrapping, and helped peel it back so she could lick the red sweet icy treat before it started to melt too much in the heat on her way to her house.

[New Edom]

The Funeral March

Funeral March

Early that morning, city workers sprayed the streets down with water; it was a hot and dry week and the government didn't want too much dust in the air with all the vehicles, walkers, horses.

Security was tight for the funeral--air tight. The sheer number of important people who had arrived to honour Perrin Pahath-Moab made that vital. Those aware of security and intelligence felt a strong military presence even where it was unseen.

With formal precision, full dress Hussars escorted the body to a gun carriage. Near it waited the late President's blood bay stallion, Sonneteer, with boots reversed in the saddle, held by Perrin's servant, Sergeant Evraim.

The slowly moving vehicles, carriages and mounted and foot escorts prepared to follow the President to the Cathedral of the Martyrs. Th widow, Princess Blanca, and the late brother in law had a special place beside the Presiden'ts brother Stephen, who was lame and in his early twenties, his face bleak as he sat beside Blanca holding her hand. His older sister Rhea and others of the family followed.

Then came the dignitaries of the nation and the other lands of Cornellia: Queen Mara, in black crepe and lace, her feet bare,insisting on riding, and beside her for the first time in months, Princess Jocasta, the Heir, in the female full dress of the Halberdier Guards, and following them Count Lalery and Prince Elijah. The Emperor of the Romans, Protector of Nalaya, Mother Empress of the Shrailleeni Empire, President de Groot, Cardinal Robertson, the Generalissimo of the Allamunic States, Emperor and Empress of Ghant, President of Hutanjia, Queen of Cacerta, Imperator of Shalum, the King of Gavinium Magnus Emperor Albert and many others.

Following after these came senior officials--leaders of the Churches such as Samuel Under the Prophet, cabinet ministers, foreign ambassadors and cabinet officials sent to represent their countries. All were given the right to ride if they preferred but otherwise many were recommended to air conditioned cars in the slow moving parade to the cathedral.

Crowds gathered in great numbers, many throwing flowers that were trampled or lay by the roadside, some solemn, some in tears, some genuinely sobbing.

Arriving formally at the cathedral, again with military propriety the body of Perrin and of his dog were taken off the gun carriage, and then brought into the cathedral, where it was also mercifully cool inside.

The Funeral Mass

Archbishop William Laudner led the funeral liturgy.

"Ah, the blameless in the way. Alleluia. Blessed are You, O Lord, teach me Your statutes. Alleluia. My soul is worn with endless longing for Your judgments at all times. Alleluia. My soul has slumbered from sorrow; strengthen me with Your words. Alleluia. Incline my heart unto Your testimonies, and not unto covetousness. Alleluia. Despair took hold on me because of sinners that forsake Your Law. Alleluia. I am a partaker with all that fear You, and with them that keep Your commandments. Alleluia. Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. Alleluia..."

The prayers and invocations, the called responses, were clearly ritual to followers of of the Apostolic Church well known, very similar to that of other churches in the Region such as the Imperial Church. Acknowledgement of the sins of the world, of trials and tribulations. Mercy was appealed to, reminders of Christ's redemption spoken of.

"I am the resurrection and the life, saith the Lord; he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die..."

Epistles and prayers were read from, parts of the mass sung. Samuel Under had a face like a stone; Mara seemed comforted. Jocasta looked serene as the statues of the female saints and the Virgin that could be seen gracing the pillars and alcoves. The Dowager frequently dabbed at her eyes.

The Archbishop seemed very weary and yet his voice was very resonant as he finished the liturgy, and then said, "Some have been given a chance to say a few respectful words for the deceased before we continue to the place of burial. However the very first will be the late President's brother, Stephen Pahath-Moab."

The young man, a bit sharper faced, skinnier than his older brother, walking with a cane with an obvious limp, came up to the lectern, bowing to the Archbishop, and read occasionally from notes as he spoke.

"When I came back from that Academy in Greymark I wished I had been killed in that...training accident. I could not serve, I could not do much but hobble around the family farm." his lips quivered a moment. "He was so glad to see me come home. I never felt unworthy, never felt like a failure when I was with him. I will have to soldier on without him...limping, not so well at moving one before the other...without his guiding light. He was a good brother, a good leader, a good man.

"To his widow, I say this on behalf of our family: you will always have a beloved place among us. You are a gentle soul and I hope you know that you brought him peace and comfort at home. I wish I had told you: he called you 'my faithful and true Blanca'

"I would like to read from 2nd Samuel words that I feel sum up the loss more than my poor power with words...

"17 And David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and over Jonathan his son:

18 (Also he bade them teach the children of Judah the use of the bow: behold, it is written in the book of Jasher.)

19 The beauty of Israel is slain upon thy high places: how are the mighty fallen!

20 Tell it not in Gath, publish it not in the streets of Askelon; lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph.

21 Ye mountains of Gilboa, let there be no dew, neither let there be rain, upon you, nor fields of offerings: for there the shield of the mighty is vilely cast away, the shield of Saul, as though he had not been anointed with oil.

22 From the blood of the slain, from the fat of the mighty, the bow of Jonathan turned not back, and the sword of Saul returned not empty.

23 Saul and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant in their lives, and in their death they were not divided: they were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions.

24 Ye daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you in scarlet, with other delights, who put on ornaments of gold upon your apparel.

25 How are the mighty fallen in the midst of the battle! O Jonathan, thou wast slain in thine high places.

26 I am distressed for thee, my brother Jonathan: very pleasant hast thou been unto me: thy love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women.

27 How are the mighty fallen, and the weapons of war perished!." he nodded and limped back to his place where his sisters embraced him.

"They don't mention he loved that dog more than his wife," murmured Lalery to Elijah. "Otherwise rather good."

Elijah ignored him. He walked to the lectern, cleared his throat, had no notes. "I have been asked on the part of the Royal Family as a whole to speak of Perrin Pahath-Moab's death. I have little to say that has not already been said. He will be written about, even in his short two years of leadership, of having accomplished more in that time than most leaders do in twenty. I would like to appeal to all Edomites though: let us follow his vision of a peaceful and united country. Let that be his legacy--that it was good enough of a vision to follow even when it became very hard to conceive of doing it. That is all." he stepped away and walked back to his place.

[Ghant]

“The End of a Rope”
Betharan Palace
Fineberg, New Edom

There were a few people Grimmeburger needed to talk to in the immediate aftermath of the funeral. Unfortunately for him, the crowd had effectively dispersed by the time he had managed to convince the other Allamunnic dignitaries to simply return to the damned embassy (and he harbored no particular certainty that they would all actually listen, either). And so, he found it necessary to venture into that ornate monstrosity the Edomites called a royal domicile, looking for the people he needed to see.

The first of them that he needed to find was the New Macurean representative. The New Macureans were more than a little unnerving at times with their weird obsession with an almost-clinical level of logic and rationality, but Stevan figured there were worse things to be obsessed with. It at least made them relatively easy to deal with.

He knew he needed to arrange a meeting with the leaders of both Macureuses to discuss the new status quo following the coup that had ended the Coven’s bizarre, tyrannical rule over Old Macureus, but even as he thought about where he needed to get to, wandering the halls of the palace, he could not help but be rather impressed by the decorations.

On one level, that of the practical soldier and son of a nurse and steelworker, parents in no-frills professions, the opulence repulsed him. It was rare to see such a richly-accoutered white elephant, and frequently, seeing the wealth on display in the edifice, he could not help but wonder if the expense and labor that had gone into it might have been better used elsewhere (which was a stupid thing to wonder: of course it would have been, he thought).

But still, it was impressive. The amount of resources that had gone into it spoke to a level of control and power that few hoped to match, and to an enormous self-confidence in the family that had thought that they had even deserved to have the damn thing constructed for their use. It was a level of institutionalized egomania that impressed him as much as it disturbed him.

And yet, one of them is the lesser of the evils, he thought grimly as his feet automatically guided him through the hallways, occasionally pausing to think through the map he had seen directing him to his destination.

He whirled around a corner only to find himself mere feet from one of the people from the funeral that he had really rather have not met. Hel below, he cursed, if it isn’t the Canned Prince. He managed not to involuntarily spit on the ground, but it was a near thing. Given a choice, he would have simply stepped around the Gentry, in much the same way as one steps around a large pile of excrement (admittedly, given the man’s background, it would be gold-plated shit, but that did not change the way it reeked), but the distance they were at as he turned the corner made it so that there was no socially-graceful way to do so.

Fuck social grace, the sour soldier thought irritably, preparing to ignore conventional decorum and step around the man anyway. However, he did not get a chance, as Albert seemed to prepare to speak once involuntary eye-contact was made.

Albert was in a small entourage consisting of his younger brothers, Stephen, Richard, Mathias, and the former twos’ wives, Lysa of House Baltkalns and Minka of Nekulturnya. Albert inclined his head towards Stevan, recognizing him instantly. “Generalissimo...such a pleasure to see you in the flesh. Tell me...how are you finding Betharan? A modest Palace, but comfortable, don’t you think? It serves.”

Stevan was actually rather proud of himself that he managed to avoid saying something rude almost reflexively. Maybe he could, one day, get the hang of this diplomatic stuff. “Emperor,” he said, managing a somewhat stiff nod of greeting. “A surprise, to be sure.” He glanced around at his surroundings again, noting the opulance. “It is impressive, for a certainty, although I admit I find it a bit much. I’m actually staying at the embassy, since I’ll need to depart first thing in the morning after the funeral service,” he explained. “Still, it is interesting to experience, first hand.”

The Vorindese Emperor smirked in satisfaction. “Emperor...it’s refreshing to hear you say that. Leaving in the morning though...that’s a shame...I was hoping to see you around here more. In fact, I never thought I would see you in person. You are not nearly as intimidating in person as you are in your messages. What’s that called...oh yes, a paper tiger,” Albert chuckled curtly.

Grimmeburger cocked an eyebrow. “Nah, you just caught me on a late night. Sometimes, when I’ve spent a day dealing with actual problems, administering, and ruling and the like, my patience grows a bit thin and I can be indelicate,” he explained, bestowing a clearly forced smile on Albert. “But I guess you wouldn’t know anything about that, would you?”

Grimmeburger had long since realized Albert was significantly taller than he, by about six inches, if he had to guess, although Grimmeburger was about a decade younger and probably a little stronger courtesy of military regimens he still kept to. Still, in-person, Albert was physically imposing. Not that that deterred Stevan.

After a moment of visible appraisal, Grimmeburger pointedly did not say “You would look good on the end of a rope.” Instead, he managed to hold his tongue, but his smile looked a little more real, now, and looked a lot more predatory than it had a moment previously.

“I know a thing or two about some of that, Generalissimo,” Albert pointed out, “from my time as Lord Regent of Ghant, King of Ziri and Emperor of Vorindeum. The stresses can be great, but that doesn’t stop me from behaving like a gentleman of high birth...but, I guess you wouldn’t know anything about that, would you?”

He again managed to repress the urge to spit, this time after hearing ‘high birth’, while also trying not to snicker. “No, I suppose not,” he said. “It’s probably because I’m usually too busy acting like someone who earned their responsibilities,” he said, mock pleasantness in his voice. He shrugged. “And given the state Ghant is currently in, at the moment, and the road you have Vorindeum on, I would greatly question either your effort or your ability.” He paused for a moment in mock consideration “Unless… oh, such a genius!” he said, sarcasm dripping from his voice. “I should have thought about putting my people on a collision course to start a war with several nations of comparable size and greater naval capacity! Why in Hel didn’t I ever think of that!” he said brightly.

“The state Ghant is in is something I mean to correct very soon,” Albert said, dryly. “The incompetence of my nephew and the ambitions of House Dakmaran have turned it into a breeding ground for traitors...same for New Edom. Seems rather honest and straightforward on my end...Jocasta asked me for aid, and I merely intended to deliver. Do you want to see the ETC take control of the country? I don’t. I merely mean to prevent that from taking place. Any who oppose my generosity...well...shows what they are all about, eh?”

He actually rolled his eyes now. “Yes,” he said with a drawl, “because a charred wasteland would be such an improvement,” he said. “As for you and the Imperium over the ETC… well, that ‘cure’ is as bad as the disease.” He shrugged. “I’ll take my chances with the legitimate monarch and her crowd,” he said. “As the Queen has the sense to listen to more qualified voices, instead of letting her raging hormones run her country into civil war,” he replied.

Albert shrugged. “Well, if you consider charred wastelands an improvement, I am sure that such could be arranged…”

At this point, Princess Caroline chanced upon the group, and she excitedly embraced her brothers and their wives, before Albert took notice. “Oh, dear sister, such a pleasure. You are radiant as ever...come, embrace me,” he said with open arms.

Caroline, for her part, did so meekly. “Hello Bertie,” she told him as Albert gave her a big hug.

“Good to see you...I was just telling the Generalissimo of the righteousness of my cause...surely you wouldn’t dispute that?”

“...Such might be in the eye of the beholder,” Caroline told him, glancing nervously towards Stevan. Behind her, trailing a few feet, was Theodurik as well, who took a place just behind his wife. Stevan caught the look, but acted to Albert like he hadn’t.

“Oh, come on, now, Bertie,” Grimmeburger said with a wide, shit-eating grin on his face. “Don’t put the poor girl on the spot like that. She’s got a megalomaniac on one side and a guy who can have her hanged on the other,” he declared. He knew Theo and Caroline knew him well enough that he would never order such a thing, of course, but that did not actually change the truth of the statement.

“As for the charred wasteland…” Grimmeburger shrugged. “I have sincere doubts you could manage that. It’s hard to start fires when you, yourself, are nothing but an inbred streak of piss.”

The Emperor’s face turned red. “I could hang my sister, yes...but I wouldn’t. Besides, I highly doubt you are so foolish as to threaten my sister’s life in my presence.”

“Some brother you are,” Grimmeburger snorted. “At least I don’t claim kinship to her in the same breath that I say that,” he said, cocking an eyebrow. Albert was impressing him less and less by the second. “And, I assure you, if you so much as think too hard about harming an Allamunnic citizen, which, I may remind you, she is, you will find out very quickly what I am and am not capable of.”

Now the other Princes were irritated. “To be fair, Generalissimo, I take exception to being called inbred...our parents were only distant relations,” Mathias pointed out.

“I apologize for any offense, given to you, Prince,” Grimmeburger said. “You seem like a perfectly decent man. It just goes to show blood doesn’t tell, since I don’t see how that could be case while still being related to this one,” he said, hooking a thumb toward Albert.

Stephen also seemed annoyed. “My sister has been through a great deal...the last thing she needs is the threat of hanging placed upon her head,” he looked at both Albert and Stevan.

Caroline sighed. “He wouldn’t actually hang me, brothers…”

Richard snorted. “Good...clearly he isn’t that stupid.”

Stevan cocked an eyebrow at Richard now. “Your sister does not cause trouble. She is under no threat from me. My point,” he said, turning an icy gaze back to Albert, “was how unkind it was for brother Bertie to put his own sister on the spot like that.” He shrugged. “Besides, she’s one of the few Ghantar I’ve met that I actually kind of like,” he said.

Albert narrowed his eyes. “I would very much welcome the opportunity to see what you are or are not capable of,” he looked Stevan up and down. “...Doesn’t seem like much. And to think that you have all the great Kings of Allamunnika wrapped around your finger. How low your country has sunk for it to have come to that…”

“Bertie, please, enough of this…” Caroline pleaded.

“Shutup,” he snapped back.

“Funny you should say that, Bertie,” Grimmeburger said, wondering how quickly he could grab his knife, “to the only person in this room who has seen combat using a weapon that wasn’t rendered obsolete five hundred years ago,” he said.

“As for what I am capable of…” he shrugged again. “Probably of halting your ill-advised little ‘invasion’ out of Vorindeum. Because you’re not the only one with allies, Bertie. The Federal Navy could probably keep you busy, but would not be insurmountable. But tell me, do you think you can handle us, the Ossorians, and the Vyrsarians simultaneously?” His expression was a little more neutral, with just the hint of a smirk. “Because that’s what you’re up against if you continue sticking your nose in places it doesn’t belong.”

“I have enough friends to make it something worthwhile…” Albert taunted. Just as he was about to take a step forward, his eyes locked on Stevan, Mathias interceded. “Clearly, I suspect that tensions are high, and tempers flare. Let’s remember what this is for...remembering Perrin. Let’s not act like brutes during what is meant to be a time of remembrance.”

Taking on the exaggerated tone of a petulant child, Stevan chimed in with a sing-song “He started it,” leaning against the wall.

“I agree,” Albert said dryly. “I am done with this maggot.” With that, he raised his head high and pushed himself along down the hall, guards in tow. He moved down the hall, but just before he left Grimmeburger’s line of sight, the Generalissimo called to him.

“Hey, Bertie! I’ve got a fashion tip for you. You’d look good with a rope around your neck,” he said, before turning and took a few steps, leaving Theodurik and Caroline in shocked silence. Once Albert had cleared the corner, Stevan peeked back.

“Is that arsehole gone yet?”

Mathias, in his usual cool manner, shook his head. “Generalissimo...was that really necessary? You know, there are two kinds of men in the world. Those that when faced with a hole, try to get out of it. And then there are those who once in it, merely keep digging. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out what kind my brother is. Antagonizing my brother will do nothing to achieve the peace that you supposedly seek.”

He shrugged. “I mean, I said it as a joke, but he sort of did start it. I was just going to step past him until he spoke to me. And launched the first barb.” He chuckled ruefully. “It’s certainly not my finest quality, but I do tend to take issue with being talked down to just because some guy thinks he was shot out of a better uterus than I was.” He shook his head.

“As for peace, I don’t doubt antagonising him doesn’t help. Lucky me, I’m counting on three to five nation’s worth of naval forces to do that, instead. No matter how much of a prick I think he is, he can’t possibly be that stupid.”

Minka, meanwhile, merely smiled. “Generalissimo...I wanted to thank you for recognizing my brother’s restoration as Tsar of Nekulturnya. Regardless of what my brother-in-law says or thinks, you will have a fan in this Tsarevna.”

Now, Grimmeburger was a little more good-natured. “There’s no need to thank me for doing what’s necessary,” he said. “We are all better off with your brother presiding over a stable Nekulturnya. It is in all our best interests, including those of the Allamunnic people. So if we can help as he works to build the country toward greater things, please let him know he can ask us,” he said.

“Thank you, Generalissimo,” Minka smiled. “I will be sure to pass that along.”

Mathias nodded along. “Well, between us, I would expect Albert to reconsider his position some...he is not like to start a war that he wouldn’t be like to win. That, and I believe that once Nathan understands the situation, he will move against his uncle as well...that should be enough to make him stand down.”

“Well, there’s some small mercy, then,” Stevan said. “The last thing we needed was a mass of foreign troops actually on Edomite soil. This whole thing already reminds me of a powder keg that has been primed and armed,” he said. “Perhaps, with Nathan back active again, the situation in the Janx--Jaunk--Jaunex--” he fumbled over the word for a moment, “Shit, the upper house, will improve and there will be less of a rift in Ghant. It’s draining enough having so many large neighbors without one of them being of questionable internal stability,” he explained.

“The Jauneketxea,” Mathias grinned. “Eric Magnussunn couldn’t pronounce it either...hence why he just called it the Landsraad. In any event, we shall have to see what happens, but I do not doubt that reason will not prevail, in the end.”

Now he actually laughed. “Can’t imagine why,” he said, shaking his head. “That’s what I’m hoping for. Gods know it’s already a headache trying to keep things from going bad around Gloria Regis without extra problems. Actually,” he said, “that reminds me, I’ve got to schedule more meetings. Gah.”

Looking at Mathias and the others, Grimmeburger extended his hand to each of them. “I am sorry about that whole unpleasantness. I do have business that needs attending to, but I hope you all have a safe and productive remainder of your stay,” he said.

“Thank you...and to you as well,” Mathias told him with a bow, before turning to his sister. “Car, Theo, how about lunch, eh?”

“That sounds most welcome,” Caroline agreed with a smile.

Theodurik also nodded back. “I would certainly be on board with that,” he said, his voice soothing after the shouting match in the hallway. He glanced over at Stevan, made eye contact, and exchanged nods with the Generalissimo. He offered Caroline his arm. “M’lady?”

Meanwhile, Grimmeburger nodded to both of them as well. “I’ll see you all later. Have a good lunch,” he said, much more good-natured now. He stepped out from the group, and continued on his way down the hallway.

Down the hall and around a corner, Princess Arietta was walking nonchalantly. When she spotted Stevan walking her way, she paused. “OMG...are you Generalissimo Gummybear?”

Stevan winced and muttered something. A skilled lip-reader might have discerned something like “I do not get paid nearly enough for this,” but with more profanity. Instead, he said “Gods, not right now.” As Arietta approached, he followed that up with “Don’t you have one of my citizens to be carrying on with, right now?” he said, as he tried to slip past.

Arietta giggled. “Can’t find him...must be hiding. They say my swag so strong, it leaves the boys scared,” she teased.

“That’s not what they’re scared of, trust me,” he said, muttering darkly as he stepped past her. “And I’m pretty sure he’s here looking for you, actually. And your aunt and uncle are down the hall, with…” he tried to remember what all the relations were. “Your other aunts and uncles, I guess,” he said with a shrug.

“They scared of my rank!” Arietta laughed. “...Hopefully not Uncle Albert though...he’s kind of a douche,” she giggled. “Thanks...and see you around, Generalissimo Gummybear!”

In spite of himself, Grimmeburger chuckled. “Did you know the sky is blue and bears shit in the woods, too?” he asked as he walked. “Bertie’s probably licking the wounds on his bruised ego,” he said, and he rounded a corner.

“...Or his cousin-wife’s poonanny,” Arietta laughed as she skipped down the hallway.

With that, Grimmeburger realized, with a shudder, that he might have been a little too right about the incest thing. Best not to think on that too hard. And so, he continued his search for the Macurean gent.

[Cacerta]

Il Regno Di Cacerta
Ufficio della Regina

---

To: Dr. Xander Mavros, Foreign Minister of Exalted Draconia
From: Anelyn Trento, Queen of the Kingdom of Cacerta
Subject: RE: Empire of Vorindeum
Encryption: Extremely High

---

Most Respected Sir,

The truce stands in utmost importance to me as we attempt to work out a peaceful solution in the Allied States. I would very much like to avoid armed conflict, if possible, but if no options remain in regards to maintaining the integrity of the cease-fire currently in place in New Edom, the Kingdom will take measures to do so.

If Albert plans to mobilize his forces in an attempt to spark conflict, we will gladly do our best to deter him from reaching the waters of the Allied States. Please inform my Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alessanrda Moretti, regarding what plans you might have -- she will ensure that they reach the proper people.

May the Wise Wolf Protect!

Anelyn Trento
Queen of the Kingdom of Cacerta

[Hutanjia]

OVER THE TARTARIAN

As if sensing that they were being discussed, the air convoy of Hutanjian reinforcements soon arrived over Edomite airspace, Coming in over the Tartarian Ocean, through the Bay that Fineberg overlooked, while just skirting below Harbourtown on their route.

The escort fighters sent out signals to the foreign patrols and those loyal to Queen Mara, especially the cluster around Gloria Regis, a few km to the south. Basically warnings to the effect to let them pass and not interfere with their flight path. While the Super Etendards of the 12th CAS Squadron that was already in New Edom were more than easily matched by most other multi-role fighters, the new arrivals - Shrikes, KaF-37s and Mirages, could give most other nations air superiority fighters a run for their money, if not come out on top.

Soon, the commanding officer of the reinforcements, Lieutenant Colonel Jefferson Tawanga, was on the radio to the ATC of the military airfield near Fineberg, beckoned by the crew of the air transport he rode.

"This is Spider One, of the 2nd HRA RCT. We request landing. I repeat, we request landing at Fineberg."

Soon afterwards, the dozens of aircraft following, the other transports, the air refuelers, and the fighter escorts, were also getting individual clearance and landing sequence instructions from the tower at Fineberg, even though they had yet to clear the bay.

It only remained to be seen if the potential enemy CAPs and naval defenses, grouped at Harbourtown and Gloria Regis, would allow them to go by unmolested or not.

FINEBERG

Word reached Colonel Hudagku, who was on his way to returning to the advance HRCT Command HQ from Fineberg and the funerary services at the Palace of Justice. He had his driver turn around and head back to Fineberg, towards the military airfield.
He anxiously awaited the reinforcements' arrival at the field. He agonized whether his countrymen would be let through without a fight or if the truce would be broken.

[New Othman]

Barely making it in time for the funeral and able to arrange rooms only at the Embassy at such short notice, Premier Naim Oguz of New Othman was a very harried man, not as relaxed by any means as the others, and his planned mustache trim had to be delayed, so it was particularly thick. He had not expected to become Premier in the first place, nor lobbied for the job, but he suspected that he was the fall guy for any possible failures at forming a government the first time around. As Minister of Labor, he had far less stress handling strikes and lockouts.

And now, here he was, standing in a poorly fitting, wrinkled suit with an untrimmed mustache and sweat pouring down his face from the stress, badly wanting a good cup of chai and a cigarette, listening to some Christian prelate drone in incessantly about the meandering ideas of a man that had his virtues for sure, but was in some ways rather inconvenient for Oguz and others.....he didn't miss Targan's incompetence, but he still resented the DMZs that Perrin's peacekeepers had helped patrol.

When he was done, Oguz virtually ran to grab a cigarette, pausing only to shake hands with any foreign dignitaries who might wish to meet the new Othmani leader, before nervously heading to his limousine, which Ambassador Recep Adnek had arranged barely in time, while seeking to undo any damage that his new boss left in his wake.

God help us, if this guy is the future of New Othman.....can anything short of Targan returning be worse? This was the best that the Party could do now? If so, I will follow Ursula into the SDP. I suspect, so will Mira....

[Free Garza]

Free Garza City Worker,
Lisa Benitez

An omnibus bill to recognize foreign nations and governments, meant as a compromise, has been enacted by the Cortes after the Liberal Democrats signed on for the recognition of Gloria Regis on the condition of it remaining a democracy. If it ceased to be one, then relations would be suspended at once. Austrania, Nekulturnya, and the new regime in Old Macureus are recognized as well. Only six Christian Democrats voted against the bill in the Assembly, while three refused in the Senate. In the King's absence while at the funeral of Perrin Pahath-Moab, the temporary Regent, Princess Dora, signed the bill into law.

The Omnibus International Relations Act will take effect at noon on 21 March, 2015.

Sources close to the King indicated that he is rather displeased by the news, but he will "accept the law as binding under the Constitution of the realm and zealously uphold its provisions accordingly."

The King is expected to return from New Edom this coming Wednesday, and then the Princess Regent will yield her powers back to him as provided for by the Constitution and the laws of the Kingdom. While many enjoyed having her rule for a short time, many others in high places will be relieved at not having a woman married to a mere commoner as even the temporary head of state. The Christian Democratic majority, which had counted on her devout Catholicism, was disappointed to see the Princess willing to be so tolerant of "cultists, pagans, and atheists," to quote Cardinal Montalbano, the Roman Catholic Primate of Garza.

As a moderate, progressive, democratic socialist myself and a moderate feminist as well, I was personally pleased and surprised at how well the Regent conducted herself, acting in accordance with the will of the Cortes instead of in resistance to it, which should only happen when the Cortes is doing real harm to the nation. The sovereign should never simply veto for reasons of base and petty politics.

[New Edom]

Gloria Regis

To: Duchess Luminita Vianu
SUB: Situation in Gloria Regis
From: Livia Barberina, Premier of Gloria Regis
Subject: Recogntion
Encryption: Most Secret

---

Dear Duchess Vianu,

I cannot express my gratitude towards you enough for your support for our situation on the diplomatic front. The opinions of the Confederation of Jedoria along with the Republic of Adiron and Shrailleeni Empire have been invaluable in providing support for the moderate voice in our Senate, which has greatly mollified opposition parties here. Our political battles on the home front are not yet over, but we are very hopeful.

I am in communication with Elizabeth Corbulo of Queen Mara's government who has assured me that they are making a condition of peace talks with Princess Jocasta that our interests shall have a direct seat at negotiations.

One concern which we have is over the fate of those officers who led the takeover of the fleet stationed in Gloria Regis--both Monarchist factions and the ETC have said strongly that they believe that these officers need to be punished. I would appreciate knowing your government's views on this, and whether it is possible for there to be some form of asylum granted to them. I and many others feel that they are the sole reason why we are now able to take a strong position in negotiation. Sadly, in this world force is one of the keys to being taken seriously even in matters of justice.

I hope to be in continued communication with you about further developments.

I have the honour to be
Livia Barberina
Premier of Gloria Regis

Debates had been fierce about the subject of the political positions of the Feminist Collective Party. For a majority, independence was the key, fear of getting trapped in ideological debates secondary. A major point of division was on the subject of whether or not to hand over the mutineers. By now these debates were reaching the ears of the public, and many of the officers and sailors in question had families in Sixington and Iphigenia and other communities. It had been by this coincidence that the mutiny had happened at all, in many respects.

Clytemnestra Hortensius and other senior officers met aboard the Teman to discuss the issue.

"I do not want to see our new nation divided," she said quiet, a serious woman in naval battle dress, her helmet beside her. She looked both tired and alert, as did most of them. Supplies for non-necessities had been put on tight rationing, and nearly everyone was doubling watches; they were trying their best to avoid exhaustion, and the arrival of the Shrailleeni forces in Edomite waters had been a huge relief. But now they had a tense decision to make.

"What do you all think of the proposal that we should of our own accord turn ourselves over to the New Edomite government to avoid our country being divided, or worse held in hostility by all parties on the mainland?" she asked.

Commander Pontus of the NENS Joshua rubbed his poorly shaven chin and said, "What good is it if we rob our country of all experienced naval officers, and we also lose all the ships? We'll have nothing to defend ourselves with."

"The Shrailleeni will help," said Commander Joanna Heep, the Air Commander of the Teman.

"That's not good enough. they have problems of their own, they may have their navy called away for any reason," said Pontus.

"I don't disagree--the position we'll be will be a tough one is all I'm saying," Heep responded.

"The Premier asked my opinion, but I told her I needed to speak to all of you. And so I ask as a direct question--this being my own idea and that of other officers I have talked to privately--should we consider turning ourselves over it the peace talks reach an impasse?" Hortensius said. "It's a very serious decision. we could face going to Stonehaven, outright execution, penal service which is a slow death depending on where you go. I'm prepared if need be to make that sacrifice. IF it would buy my country freedom."

Everyone was quiet a long moment. Cigarettes grew ash, hands tightened on glasses, glances flicked to and fro along the table.

Joanna Heep looked around at everyone. "Every time we steam out, every time I have gone up in the air or sent flyers up, we're taking a huge risk. We have to be ready to die for those we serve with, for our ships, for the navy, for our country." she smiled ruefully. "I have seen and done things few have done. I've had a good life. If it comes to it, yes I'm aboard."

"Agreed," said Pontus. "I think of my mother and sisters forced into marriage to pay for my father and uncles' debts...yes. I agree."

Others did around the table. Hortensius blew out her breath. "Alright then. Let's be discreet about this. But if it comes to it--we will do what has to be done."

To: Duchess Luminita Vianu
CC: Livia Barberina, Premier of Gloria Regis
SUB: Situation in Gloria Regis
From: Livia Barberina, Premier of Gloria Regis
Subject: Recogntion
Encryption: Most Secret

---

Dear Duchess Vianu,

Thank you for your letter and concern. Prince Elijah Shalmaneser, Queen Mara's senior adviser and Defense Minister, has agreed that Gloria Regian independence must be given the gravest consideration during negotiations, has stated as well that injustice has been done to the Gloria Regian people. While he would prefer that it remain part of the country with internal self government, he understands that past injustices may make some of the people there unilkely to want that as a solution.

However consideration must be given to political parties which have not sought independence and people who may have misgivings now. It is for this reason that our government strongly wishes to see Gloria Regis participate in national elections which would enable them to decide at the polls whether this is absolutely what they desire in the present circumstances.

There is of course concern about the mutiny aboard several New Edomite Naval vessels, including the Teman, one of our large carriers, and supporting escort vessels which is a serious blow to discipline and trust within our military and must be dealt with in some way. This will be one of the points on which we will be negotiating.

Meanwhile, we have every intent of insisting on a peaceful resolution of the conflict in Gloria Regis, and are prepared if need be to defend the right of the Gloria Regian people to choose their fate. We also hope for a peaceful resolution to the constitutional crisis of succession in general.

I have the honour to be
Elizabeth Corbulo
Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs

[Novitera]

Roxanne Mataken and Bridgette Rowley

Roxanne threw up her hands in a sign of yielding. It was best not to press the issue and earn their dislike. The idea was fairly radical anyways. "Of course. Lets run some polls. Maybe bring in a few test groups. If anything we should make Jocasta to appear more...like your average everyday Edomite. The Princess title does not have to go but the documentary should show her doing everyday things." Roxanne said to them all.

"Is there anything else that needs to be discussed?" She asked, looking at each of them.

Bridgette was jotting down notes then trying to think of how they could run a poll. How would they frame the questions? No doubt Roxanne would want her to make a few proposals. Maybe put pictures of Jocasta in a fancy gown, then her in jeans and ask which picture of the Princess is more likable. She had learned re-branding always came with risks. The market could always look unfavorably at the new item and getting the masses to recognize something completely new was difficult in the face of competitors.

[Shalum]

Residential Zone, Military District

Lieutenant Brothan Krac'festa trekked down the moistureless sidewalk at a leisurely pace, hands in his fatigue pants pockets as he hummed an tune under his breath, his polished black combat boots making a clapping sound as he went. He was a rather flatfooted man, and it was certainly apparent, as there was nothing light about his footfalls. He was in a more casual state of dress, if you could call it that, in only his short-sleeve undershirt and fatigue pants, along with his boots and utility belt of course. Already, his naturally olive skin seemed to be a tad darker, thanks to the sun above which beat down on him with impunity. He didn't really mind though, he enjoyed the warm tingling sensation on his lanky forearms, which swung freely at his sides.

Thus far, Brothan had greatly enjoyed his stay in New Edom, that was for certain. For all intents and purposes, he was living the dream at the moment. Finally, he had made it out of Maldoria, and even better, out of Shalum and into the vast expanse known as the world. Not to mention the fact that he was finally getting his chance to serve a greater cause, alongside his friends at that, for a decent paycheck at that. Then, of course, there were the lovely foreign ladies that he had encountered. During the time he had been on base, he had seen a couple here and there that he would have been more than happy to take to bed. However, the one that stuck out the most in his mind was Cressy de Haren for sure. She was, as far as he was concerned, the prettiest woman on base that he had run across.

Closing his eye for a moment, he could practically relive the few minutes that he had spent with her. He could still vividly remember the way he clothing didn't quite want to stay on her nubile body, the way that her perfect bosom swayed and fine rear stuck out, both practically asking for someone to come along and give her the proper attention. Sadly, he and her hadn't done more than talk that day, due to the fact that he had places to be and that it didn't look as if a chance at seduction would be possible. Even so, he had enjoyed himself, and the experience had given him something to think about that night when he had nothing better to do but try and fall asleep...

As soon as he opened his eyes, his dark brown orbs widened as he spotted Cressy not all that far away, in a sundress that complement her and a grocery bag in one hand. He other hand was dealing with a popsickle which her mouth had just latched onto. A small smirk creased his lips as he thought about the other things that she could do with such a nice mouth. Maybe God really is great, and is giving me another chance. The Maldorian soldier mused as he began to walk over to her. He had plenty of time to kill anyways, with training over for the day.

Composing himself, he turned his smirk into a smile as he spoke up. "Hey Cressy." He said as he got close, looking down at the pretty woman. "Good to see you again, beautiful day isn't it?" He continued warmly as he caught up with her, slowing down to her pace. "I was just passing through, and was wondering if you wanted any help with your stuff. You appear to be a bit tied up." He chuckled as he motioned toward her grocery bag, and then the popsickle that she held. Up close and personal, the view only looked better as she handled the frozen treat. Thankfully his fatigues were a bit baggy if anything.

[New Edom]

Military Operations: The Prelude

Amor, West Coast of Bara Province

Captain Jacopus Iglesias, on the Queen Adah, held station, with his surface warfare squadron of two cruisers, two destroyers, three frigates and an LHD, the Calafia. While the truce held, it could break at any moment as far as he was concerned, though there were rumours of talks beginning in Fineberg. Hope for the best, prepare for the worst was his motto.

His other duty was to provide pickets to make sure that air defense was available to protect the Hutanjian expedition anticipated. They would partner with air patrols out of Fineberg Military District, round the clock flights of Sparrowhawk Multi-Role fighters--to make sure that their allies got there.

He stood on the observation rail scanning the operations of the LHD Calafia as it launched helicopters and hovercraft to land on the coast.

NENS Calafia stood offshore of the small town. It was not a pleasant place to land; high piers were already having their pilings exposed by the receding tide, the best time to move the four huge hovercraft carrying 700 troops ashore. Earlier, 250 soldiers of the 18th Mounted Light Infantry had arrived having traveled much of the night, and secured the town, which was not occupied by other military forces but which had substantial ETC protests disrupting trade and industry.

People cursed and threw invective, angry fists were shaken, signs waved, but the soldiers were not preventing them from protesting; they were merely holding key strategic areas: the road, the rail junction, and a large airfield suitable to standard support aircraft. A secret tidbit of information was that the main highway there had a large section hardened and suitable to act as a runway as well in case they needed it.

General Romain had only discussed this operation with General Unwerth, his closest staff, her own and the senior command of the 18th Light Troops. She had argued it did not violate the truce, and was a necessity to set up a FOB. While the initial 250 were nearly all light infantry, the rest arriving were engineers, artillery, other support units towards that purpose.

Major Isaac Nunn, deputy commander of the 1st Battalion, 18th, would enable by holding this position the rapid deployment of forces attacking Harbourtown, if it came to that. However he also knew that civilians could be communicating with their possible opposition...

Salcah, Bara Province, 7 KM North of Amor

Captain Joseph Zeldorinius, a battle scarred veteran, a Squadron Commander in the 21st Lancers, was among the first to get out of his helicopter arriving at the crossroads town of Salcah, an important crossing of the River Buann, a rail line and Highway Number 2. The Bridging projects there had been a major public works operation.

It was more marshy, mucky ground; a lot of Capybara farming and rice farming there. A musky damp smell hung over everything in the lush countryside. Many small villages dotted the landscape around the town, which had about 30,000 people in it, from the air.

The pro-Mara forces had been ordered to take control of the junction earlier, speeding there after intelligence reached General John Ashdod that there were Light Troopers in Amor that morning. 175 Air Cavalry were sped in as well as a flight of attack helicopters and double rotor heavy lift helicopters bearing towed artillery and anti-aircraft autocannon.

The Lancers had to endure taunts and jeers from only a few pro-ETC townsfolk; locals cheered Queen Mara, many of them actually ETC. Would the Queen marry the Prophet? Did she espouse Edenism now? Would paradise come soon? And would the good Captain please halt the protests so that the food processing plant could get back on schedule?

General, Captain Zeldorinius, who unsettled people up close with his twisted threadlike and torn looking scarred face, like a puzzle of a man's face poorly put back together, said in his odd voice from a scarred mouth, "Above my pay grade, folks. Please be patient. I must speak to local civil defense officials. There could be trouble, I want as few hurt as possible."

Two CFHQN-1 "Kite" Drones took off past the new FOB as his Lancers were preparing to defend the bridges and the road--or blow them if need be. Their aim was to try to find if any movements of Pro-Jocasta forces were trying to inch closer to Harbourtown.


Residential Zone, Military District: Military District of Fineberg

Cressy de Haren had been struggling when the Maldorian officer showed up, and she smiled at him.

"Why lieutenant--how very gallant! Yes I could use a big strong man to help me...though I did get myself into this mess...here, take the bag if you would like to...though I'll owe you another glass of lemonade for this, maybe two in this weather!"

She handed him the bag, and up close he could smell the warm clean scent of her skin and hair, see a little smear of raspberry ice melting a bit on her chin, and the soft-firm movements of her body under the dress, which whipped around her thighs as a flight of huge helicopters went roaring overhead, she tugged it barely in time before it would have exposed her feminine treasure. "Shall we?" she said as though nothing had happened.

She led him towards the house and said, "Don't you have anything to do?I thought junior officers were always scurrying around as aides or trying to figure out how to run a platoon or something."

[New Edom]

Harbourtown

The pro-ETC political leaders in New Edom were very concerned, and met in Harbourtown during the truce talks to discuss the future.

The Monarchist camp of Princess Jocasta, aided by corporate campaign donors and foreign professional political advisors, were well organized and campaigning aggressively. The farm reformation project and transport projects in Raith Immel, Teman and Haran were winning them ground among the wealthier classes. Their advisors had developed a slick advertising campaign against the ETC in particular and against theocratic values in general, while proposing what they painted as a glowing economic future for the whole country. They subtly suggested reconciliation with every news broadcast, everything quoted on the internet and radio. Count Thomas Lalery, Count Emil Sharra, Judge Baalam, Dr. Paul Aphek were presented as the progressives of the nation. Many liberal groups began to flock to them for hoped for leniency of the Morality Act--Count Lalery was known to be a man of the world, a bon vivant, and his modern ways excited even many students increasingly. It was surely a matter of time before Prince Elijah gave him the kiss of peace and they would then deal with the ETC together. They would, together, end the strikes, prevent Gloria Regis from becoming a stepping stone for the Matriarchs, hold the country together, fend off its enemies and become an increasingly rich and powerful nation.

In the face of this, the ETC mobilized the anger of the central and western part of the country into a populist movement of uneducated voters to oust the country's old leaders once and for all. It looked to some as though New Edom was about to be thrust, completely and fully, into a global economy of which its people understood nothing. The big cities' intellectuals saw disaster looming in the frantic rush for change, but were unsure what to do about it.

When Sarah Carmel arrived in Harbourtown after briefly paying her respects at Perrin Pahath-Moab's funeral (she whispered to her husband 'see...I did not piss...) She was acclaimed by many there, as a hero of the Free Congress, as a true believer. However she had passed military operations and roadblocks on the way as well as masses of protestors; she could see that there were gathering arguments and struggles, angry line ups of people at markets and stores wanting goods being held up by the strikes.

Meeting with the Governors, Ethnarchs, prospective legislators, representatives of the smaller parties that were sitting on the fence about the Free Congress--should they revive it, support regional movements, throw in the towel and go Monarchist, support this theocratic movement of Under's? These meetings throughout this first day held true to these themes.

Speaking to these leaders, Sarah Carmel emphasized the need for the Edomite nation to do things the Edomite way. She laid out a different recovery plan for troubled areas like Peregrino and northern Bara, and an over-all program of incremental upgrades to the nation's water supply and hydroelectric power generators. There would be a rational forest management plan and upgrades to schools and public buildings. There would be educational reform and a huge push for health and drug-awareness education. There would be some road improvements, but no major construction of new roads, because she vowed to outlaw private cars and emphasize purchasing or building more trains for inter-city travel and freight. She argued passionately to keep New Edom's justice system intact and rejected the idea of building prisons or having entirely non-ecclesiastic judges.

In matters of defense, Sarah Carmel proposed scaling back the massive build ups of the Touchstone and Pahath-Moab governments. Overseas commitments would have a time limit on them, protectorates and arrangements such as with Callaban or the CPO being exceptions. Damoclea and Delvian States would have a limit on military involvement though alliances would be maintained.

She proposed recognition of Gloria Regis' independence following negotiation, not national elections, and that they could obtain their navy by purchase, the mutineers granted 'Christian clemency'. "We are, i think, jointly disapproving of Monarchist bullying" she said with a grin.

While she approved of some economic changes to the country, she wanted to remove interest rates, avoid the prospect of cash crops, which she accused Count Lalery as discreetly encouraging through the deal he had made with the companies from Callaban, and yet promised to keep the Compulsory Nudity Act off the books--instead promoting the idea of healthy Christian nudism as a public awareness campaign.

In Foreign Policy, she proposed that she would support the Shrailleeni Empire in its terms for recognition of Unified Macureus, would pursue detente and ultimate peace with Deadora following a more concrete agreement about Dengali and Magna Lacuna.

As for elections: "I have always stood in favour of holding national elections for the government, and it is part of our constitution."

And as for the strikes?

"I propose that we end the strikes when the Queen and Heir's parties agree to announce the start of elections," sarah Carmel said to all to whom she spoke.

What of the Prophet Under?

"I will meet with His Holiness and discuss the country's future," said Sarah Carmel. "I am ultimately a true daughter of the End Times Church."

Samuel Tannach, Governor of Bara, expressed some doubts and concerns. He pointed out that one of the biggest worries about holding real national elections was that people still feared corruption, feared destruction of culture and faith. People remembered how only a short time ago harsh measures had been taken by Monarchists; did Jocasta's actions in Fineberg foretell the same? There might not be trust in an electoral process that might place the Heir and her followers in a supreme position. The view from some of the ETC leaders was that if the truce talks did not go well...perhaps they needed to consider doing more than just defending themselves. He added when he could get a word in edgewise that he took her points about holding elections well but that some other leaders might need more persuading than her rhetoric...and there was still the Prophet and the Council of the Most Holy Elders to beard. She would first meet with Most Holy Elder Malachi, his right hand in Harbourtown and currently senior chaplain to the Naval Air Station as his representative the following day.

She also met, in secret, with John Kohath, the former Minister of Police who had fled the country when Perrin Pahath-Moab took power, and they embraced and began to discuss other aspects of the future.

[New Edom]

Betharan Palace

The private throne room for the Heir had been transformed from something that looked simply like a large bathroom--with a bathing tub the size of a hot tub, a cylindrical shower stall, massage and makeup tables, a wardrobe for bathing costumes, robes, towels and every cleaning apparatus under the sun. Now it also resembled a lady's boudoir properly; it had beautiful hand made tiles from Draconia, mirrors that resembled Ossienois windows, and a wall mural hand painted by Haranese artists to show an impressionist view of elegant classical age people at the sea.

The Heir, Crown Princess Jocasta, knelt thoughtfully on her private throne, Camilla holding her dress above her waist so that there was no complication, while her intestines cleaned themselves the natural way, Delphinia, her quiet maid, kneeling naked beside with tissues and hand sanitizer ready.

"I'm not happy with that husband of yours," said Jocasta, her pretty face serene as a statue's.

"Why's that?" Camilla asked her, blinking.

"Why is his country so God-blessed lukewarm, Camilla?" she said, her smile not reaching her eyes. "First they manhandle me out of here like a carpet...then they have that major sent to spy on me, but now? The Imperator is trying to play both sides of the fence. I talked to Dr.Aphek about it, and my instincts were right. People think because i'm just 18 that I don't see what is going on. Shalum will want the approval of Adiron and others in Azurlavai, he said, and Adiron is backing my crazy sister."

"Jack is just obeying orders," protested Camilla, her cheeks flaming.

"Jack is just obeying orders," said Jocasta in a sing-song voice. "Well, work on him. Find out what those orders are."

Camilla bit her lip. "Honey, I don't think I can do that. Jack never talks military stuff with me. I don't understand it when he does anyway."

"I don't care about all that, FOBs and MOS and whatever else they talk about, the squareheads," Jocasta said, waving a hand. "Though oh my gosh, such big fine men in their Marines...I should have a regiment of guards that are all really big broad shouldered guys. But that's beside the point..." though her eyes took on a dreamy cast. "I mean what his orders are about what he's supposed to do. I don't like that there's a base full of soldiers with all their stuff," she sneered the last word, looking Camilla in the eyes, "So close to Fineberg. They grabbed me once, they can do it again. If they so much as twitch the wrong way, I've told General Unwerth to keep an eye on them, let's just put it like that."

Camilla suddenly dropped the dress, stamped her foot, tears filling her eyes. "What are you talking about? What have you done?"

Jocasta looked at her. "Lift my dress up." her voice sounded so cold and mean that Camilla, tears spilling down now, did it.

"Jocasta, you can't do that..."

"Don't tell me what I can or cannot do," said Jocasta. "I suppose it's okay with you, that these people are just going to push me around, force me maybe into Mara's hands? My crazy sister? Exile my mother, send Dr. Aphek to jail, let the Adirans come in here and put the mob in charge of everything? Is that what you want?"

"No, but...but...you aren't going to let Unwerth attack Jack and his people, they haven't done anything!" Camilla cried, her hands trembling.

Jocasta looked at her with a long and thoughtful look. "Whose side are you on anyway? Your father is a member of my government, your brother is in one of my Guards regiments. I know you love your husband. I don't want to hurt Jack. He's a good man, I want you to have long years together, and I know he is good to you. I love you so dearly, Camilla darling, and I worry about you, I really do. You must feel so torn."

Camilla openly wept at that. "I don't want to be torn between you, I love you so too...my darling friend, my dearest Princess, but what can I do about it?"

"Just talk to Jack, tell him how you worry, and tell him that it frightens you, just be honest with him, and ask him what he's going to do." Jocasta said. "I'm not asking you to spy on him for gosh sakes. Oh...I think we're done...nearly..." she nodded to Delphinia who began to massage her lower belly, each hand moving gently but firmly in opposite directions. Jocasta however had only air to release at that point, and sighed with relaxation.

"Alright," said Camilla, she dabbed at her eyes with a free hand. "I thought you were angry with me."

"Well I was but I thought you were taking sides!" Jocasta exclaimed.

"I'd never take sides against you--I was just worried you hated Jack...oh Jocasta I'm so relieved!"

"Me too," said Jocasta.

---

My dearest Queen Mara,

I hope you have had time to consider my proposal. I realize it was probably shocking to you. I am aware of some of the issues that would concern you, but I hope to address them.

First: I am aware that unlike your current husband I am not of royal birth. I would not expect to hold the title "King Consort" but would be satisfied with an aristocratic princely title that suited you and your family, and the understanding that any children we conceived would bear the name of the House of Obed. It is a proud name and I would not change that.

Second, I am aware that I am older than you are. I hope you would find though that I am still a man of good health--indeed, clean and abstemious living has given me the body of a man fifteen years my junior, I dare say. I am still quite potent and capable of satisfying a wife.

Third: I make no protestation of sentiment, save these. I admire your compassion, courage and sense of duty. I realize you are a gentle soul beneath your wild ways of your former years, and that you simply have a great zest for life. I would not alter this a moment; not a second. I would strongly encourage your charity works, indeed i would open your mind to new possibilities for the betterment of the common people of this country.

Fourth: the political advantages are far greater than those of your Ghantish husband. It would unite much of the country. I am sure that you are worried as others have been about religious militancy? However I swear to you that I would discourage any trend towards insurgency or any actions outside of the law.

I have of course proof that your husband is an adulterer; it will be an easy matter to obtain a divorce, and you will be with a husband who treasures you and relieves some of your burdens...

"Yuck," said Tegan, Mara's personal maid, as she helped Mara rub peach and ginger scented moisturizing cream int he areas of her body hard to reach like the small of her back, massaging the back areas of her thighs and massaging it into the plump swells of her bottom. "I can't believe you're considering it."

"Why yuck? He's a zealot, but it's mostly an act," Mara said, rubbing her tummy and her breasts thoroughly as they stood on the fluffy towel in the steamy bathroom of the Monarch.

"Ew, he probably has stinky feet or something," Tegan complained. "Michael is handsome, he's a fool but he's good looking, he's clean, and he comes from a good family."

Mara laughed. "They're not a good family,Tegan sweet, they're just royal. They're like a nest of ferrets. And like ferrets they shit everywhere they go. That's how I would sum up Ghantish foreign policy--a big long trail of shit."

Tean smiled at her and said, "You seem in good spirits today."

"I am...at the moment. I loved playing cards with Ashur." she paused thoughtfully. "Ashur isn't married."

"I thought he was a fag?" Tegan asked.

Mara sighed. "Marriage sucks, Tegan." she studied herself in the mirror. "My tanlines are almost gone...I think Amyris Rezanic is right. I love my people more than anything. Marrying Under...or marrying Ashur...if Ashur wanted me...but that wouldn't give us a damned thing but alliance to a landlocked backward country. But tra la la...I love being friends with him. He's done me some good..." she smiled. "I'd like to have a gay husband maybe...have him get freaked out by our wedding night...just lke you. Ewwwwww!" she said, flicking Tegan's nose.

Then, to Tegan's astonishment, she burst out laughing.

However an hour later, Tegan could not get her to go to the first meeting of the negotiations. No one could. She was however able to report to Prince Enoch that she seemed in good spirits.

"Let her be," the Royal Master of Offices--the other one--said wearily.

---

Prince Elijah and Count Lalery

"The LA-91 Iaculum," said Prince Elijah with a smile. "It will become our newest torpedo. The latest out of LAIX, which is focusing rather intensely on submarine warfare of late. It's more efficient, quieter, requires less energy, and rather smart. For our particular submarine fleet it is a nice edition. I want to recommend that we order exercise variants to try it out, it sounds most impressive. Of course I'm going to send observers to see some tests before I do so."

"But of course," said Lalery, nodding as a sailor filled his glass and then bowed and left the two men alone. "Elijah, I was talking to Michael and Martin last night, and they proposed an idea you might like: the idea that we have a regency. It would be a compromise on our part, that Jocasta would agree to be guided by a regent, and on your part, Mara gets a mental health rest and a promise that a pronounced cure brings her back directly to the throne."

Elijah put the report about the torpedo down. "I see. Well that's rather neat, Thomas, but I wonder if Jocasta would accept that."

"She wouldn't just be put aside, if that's what you mean," said Lalery. "She won't go back to having courtiers just tell her what to do all the time. She'd want a strong role. The idea would be that the regency lasts until either Mara resumes the throne or Jocasta is 21. She would be privy to all decisions, she would leave full executive power to the regent until that time...there's a bunch of legal stuff that Baalam will explain."

Elijah barely touched his drink. "You haven't talked to her about it yet."

Lalery spread his hands. "What do you think I am, a retard? Of course I didn't! I'll talk to her if you agree."

Elijah considered. "What about Gloria Regis, the ETC?"

Lalery said, "Here's the deal I want: you give me a free hand with the financial and economic side of things. I give you my full backing on the front of defense, foreign policy; we partner with interior things."

Elijah rarely chuckled; since he did now Lalery's hairs rose on the back of his neck. "You want a regency that's a partnership between you and me? No."

Lalery put his glass down, his black eyes blazing. "Alright, you stubborn fuck. I know you reinforced Salcah."

"I know Unwerth reinforced Amor," said Elijah. "So?"

"So...you want the country torn apart? I lead the government faction here. I'm next in line after Jocasta, for Christ's sake. This is a deal, not some kidn of game." Lalery said.

"I'm not playing." Elijah replied. "If I am Regent, I mean to lead. There must be elections, and you must understand that while I would accept your leadership over economic affairs, it would not be permitted to interfere in foreign or defense policy if I came to believe it did."

"The aim is obviously to cooperate," said Lalery irritably. "Before we go into those negotiations...I need a no bullshit response from you."

"This partnership is off to a fine start," said Elijah.

Lalery laughed at that. "Alright, fair enough. What do you want?"

Elijah said, "Gloria Regis. If they turn over the mutineers, even if there are conditions on it, and agree to turn over the larger vessels--the carrier and cruisers--then I want to discuss the terms of their independence. I want to meet the Free Congress' labour conditions to remove supporters from Under. I want to support the Shrailleeni over New Macureus in the north, and I want to support Empress Sophia over Malibar."

"I want to crush that rebellion in Gloria Regis and the ETC if they don't play ball as our late cousin in law would say," Lalery responded.

"Done," Elijah said.

Lalery grinned. "Let's draw out the negotiations a bit, and make the foreign heathens sweat a bit. But not too much...can you imagine if after this the Adirans and the Imperium blundered into one another and there was a war anyway?"

Elijah shook his head. "Do not tempt fate."

The two men got up and went separate ways, to arrive separately at the meeting to define the terms of negotiation.

[New Macureus]

To: Andrik Filius, Deputy Director of Foreign Affairs
From: General Ios Melin; First Citizen Aren Dazun
CC: Elections; Reunification
Encryption: High

Citizen Deputy Director,

As this matter pertains not only to Old Macureus, but to all of Macureus, including New Macureus, the matter has also been discussed with the Supreme Commander, who has agreed to participate in this response. Here, in essence, is the plan for the elections. On 11 April, 2015, all Macureans, Old and New, regardless of sex, religion, or ethnic origin, who have reached the minimum age of 16, will be permitted to cast ballots to decide the issue of reunification in principle.

If a minimum of 51% of the population of each state approves the reunification in principle, then the following step will be both national and local elections for an All-Macurean Congress of People's Deputies, held on 18 April, composed of all eligible citizens of both nations, aged 21 years and above, regardless of sex, ethnicity, or religion. The Congress will become the supreme repository of the sovereignty of the nation and the two states that embody it, preparing the basic and supreme laws of the reunified nation, appointing the new Council of Commissars, and reorganizing the judiciary. Any Council of Commissars must by law and treaty receive the formal support of a minimum of 160 out of 300 deputies in the Congress. All Commissars must be a minimum of 30 years of age.

We would like to see international observers and verification of the electoral process to confirm and verify that the elections have been fairly and scrupulously observed. Once that is managed, and a new Council of Commissars is appointed, the nation will be reunified at last, and those nations which remain recalcitrant about recognition of the democratic will of the electorate will be revealed as the enemies of progress and reason, not to mention justice and history.

Science and reason,
General Ios Melin, Supreme Commander of New Macureus
First Citizen Aren Dazun, Chairman of the Central Directorate of Old Macureus

To: Joseph Deol, Secretary of State of the Republic of Adiron
From: General Ios Melin; First Citizen Aren Dazun
CC: Elections; Reunification
Encryption: High

Citizen Secretary,

As this matter pertains not only to Old Macureus, but to all of Macureus, including New Macureus, the matter has also been discussed with the Supreme Commander, who has agreed to participate in this response. Here, in essence, is the plan for the elections. On 11 April, 2015, all Macureans, Old and New, regardless of sex, religion, or ethnic origin, who have reached the minimum age of 16, will be permitted to cast ballots to decide the issue of reunification in principle.

If a minimum of 51% of the population of each state approves the reunification in principle, then the following step will be both national and local elections for an All-Macurean Congress of People's Deputies, held on 18 April, composed of all eligible citizens of both nations, aged 21 years and above, regardless of sex, ethnicity, or religion. The Congress will become the supreme repository of the sovereignty of the nation and the two states that embody it, preparing the basic and supreme laws of the reunified nation, appointing the new Council of Commissars, and reorganizing the judiciary. Any Council of Commissars must by law and treaty receive the formal support of a minimum of 160 out of 300 deputies in the Congress. All Commissars must be a minimum of 30 years of age.

We would like to see international observers and verification of the electoral process to confirm and verify that the elections have been fairly and scrupulously observed. Once that is managed, and a new Council of Commissars is appointed, the nation will be reunified at last, and those nations which remain recalcitrant about recognition of the democratic will of the electorate will be revealed as the enemies of progress and reason, not to mention justice and history.

Science and reason,
General Ios Melin, Supreme Commander of New Macureus
First Citizen Aren Dazun, Chairman of the Central Directorate of Old Macureus

To: Vanessa Adler, Secretary of State of the United Confederation of Vyrsar
From: General Ios Melin; First Citizen Aren Dazun
CC: Elections; Reunification
Encryption: High

Citizen Secretary,

As this matter pertains not only to Old Macureus, but to all of Macureus, including New Macureus, the matter has also been discussed with the Supreme Commander, who has agreed to participate in this response. Here, in essence, is the plan for the elections. On 11 April, 2015, all Macureans, Old and New, regardless of sex, religion, or ethnic origin, who have reached the minimum age of 16, will be permitted to cast ballots to decide the issue of reunification in principle.

If a minimum of 51% of the population of each state approves the reunification in principle, then the following step will be both national and local elections for an All-Macurean Congress of People's Deputies, held on 18 April, composed of all eligible citizens of both nations, aged 21 years and above, regardless of sex, ethnicity, or religion. The Congress will become the supreme repository of the sovereignty of the nation and the two states that embody it, preparing the basic and supreme laws of the reunified nation, appointing the new Council of Commissars, and reorganizing the judiciary. Any Council of Commissars must by law and treaty receive the formal support of a minimum of 160 out of 300 deputies in the Congress. All Commissars must be a minimum of 30 years of age.

We would like to see international observers and verification of the electoral process to confirm and verify that the elections have been fairly and scrupulously observed. Once that is managed, and a new Council of Commissars is appointed, the nation will be reunified at last, and those nations which remain recalcitrant about recognition of the democratic will of the electorate will be revealed as the enemies of progress and reason, not to mention justice and history.

Science and reason,
General Ios Melin, Supreme Commander of New Macureus
First Citizen Aren Dazun, Chairman of the Central Directorate of Old Macureus

To: Her Royal Ossorian Majesty, High Queen Tara Silven of Ossoria
From: General Ios Melin; First Citizen Aren Dazun
CC: Elections; Reunification
Encryption: High

Your Royal Ossorian Majesty,

As this matter pertains not only to Old Macureus, but to all of Macureus, including New Macureus, the matter has also been discussed with the Supreme Commander, who has agreed to participate in this response. Here, in essence, is the plan for the elections. On 11 April, 2015, all Macureans, Old and New, regardless of sex, religion, or ethnic origin, who have reached the minimum age of 16, will be permitted to cast ballots to decide the issue of reunification in principle.

If a minimum of 51% of the population of each state approves the reunification in principle, then the following step will be both national and local elections for an All-Macurean Congress of People's Deputies, held on 18 April, composed of all eligible citizens of both nations, aged 21 years and above, regardless of sex, ethnicity, or religion. The Congress will become the supreme repository of the sovereignty of the nation and the two states that embody it, preparing the basic and supreme laws of the reunified nation, appointing the new Council of Commissars, and reorganizing the judiciary. Any Council of Commissars must by law and treaty receive the formal support of a minimum of 160 out of 300 deputies in the Congress. All Commissars must be a minimum of 30 years of age.

We would like to see international observers and verification of the electoral process to confirm and verify that the elections have been fairly and scrupulously observed. Once that is managed, and a new Council of Commissars is appointed, the nation will be reunified at last, and those nations which remain recalcitrant about recognition of the democratic will of the electorate will be revealed as the enemies of progress and reason, not to mention justice and history.

Science and reason,
General Ios Melin, Supreme Commander of New Macureus
First Citizen Aren Dazun, Chairman of the Central Directorate of Old Macureus

To: His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Nathan IV of Ghant; Empress Sophia of Ghant
From: General Ios Melin; First Citizen Aren Dazun
CC: Elections; Reunification
Encryption: High

Your Majesties,

As this matter pertains not only to Old Macureus, but to all of Macureus, including New Macureus, the matter has also been discussed with the Supreme Commander, who has agreed to participate in this response. Here, in essence, is the plan for the elections. On 11 April, 2015, all Macureans, Old and New, regardless of sex, religion, or ethnic origin, who have reached the minimum age of 16, will be permitted to cast ballots to decide the issue of reunification in principle.

If a minimum of 51% of the population of each state approves the reunification in principle, then the following step will be both national and local elections for an All-Macurean Congress of People's Deputies, held on 18 April, composed of all eligible citizens of both nations, aged 21 years and above, regardless of sex, ethnicity, or religion. The Congress will become the supreme repository of the sovereignty of the nation and the two states that embody it, preparing the basic and supreme laws of the reunified nation, appointing the new Council of Commissars, and reorganizing the judiciary. Any Council of Commissars must by law and treaty receive the formal support of a minimum of 160 out of 300 deputies in the Congress. All Commissars must be a minimum of 30 years of age.

We would like to see international observers and verification of the electoral process to confirm and verify that the elections have been fairly and scrupulously observed. Once that is managed, and a new Council of Commissars is appointed, the nation will be reunified at last, and those nations which remain recalcitrant about recognition of the democratic will of the electorate will be revealed as the enemies of progress and reason, not to mention justice and history.

Science and reason,
General Ios Melin, Supreme Commander of New Macureus
First Citizen Aren Dazun, Chairman of the Central Directorate of Old Macureus

To: Dr. Paul Aphek, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Elizabeth Corbulo, Undersecretary of State for Cornellian Affairs; Colleen Fish, Undersecretary of Defense
From: General Ios Melin; First Citizen Aren Dazun
CC: Elections; Reunification
Encryption: High

Excellencies,

As this matter pertains not only to Old Macureus, but to all of Macureus, including New Macureus, the matter has also been discussed with the Supreme Commander, who has agreed to participate in this response. Here, in essence, is the plan for the elections. On 11 April, 2015, all Macureans, Old and New, regardless of sex, religion, or ethnic origin, who have reached the minimum age of 16, will be permitted to cast ballots to decide the issue of reunification in principle.

If a minimum of 51% of the population of each state approves the reunification in principle, then the following step will be both national and local elections for an All-Macurean Congress of People's Deputies, held on 18 April, composed of all eligible citizens of both nations, aged 21 years and above, regardless of sex, ethnicity, or religion. The Congress will become the supreme repository of the sovereignty of the nation and the two states that embody it, preparing the basic and supreme laws of the reunified nation, appointing the new Council of Commissars, and reorganizing the judiciary. Any Council of Commissars must by law and treaty receive the formal support of a minimum of 160 out of 300 deputies in the Congress. All Commissars must be a minimum of 30 years of age.

We would like to see international observers and verification of the electoral process to confirm and verify that the elections have been fairly and scrupulously observed. Once that is managed, and a new Council of Commissars is appointed, the nation will be reunified at last, and those nations which remain recalcitrant about recognition of the democratic will of the electorate will be revealed as the enemies of progress and reason, not to mention justice and history.

Science and reason,
General Ios Melin, Supreme Commander of New Macureus
First Citizen Aren Dazun, Chairman of the Central Directorate of Old Macureus

[Hittanryan]

Massive Hutanjian Deployment to New Edom, Government Asking Questions

The Navy has apparently detected a major airlift underway bringing Hutanjian soldiers to Fineberg, the seat of Crown Princess Jocasta Obed's power in New Edom. After sources close to the Secretary of War indicated a major development involving Hutanjia was underway, ANBC inquired with the government directly, prompting the following press release from the War Department.

'At roughly 4 PM local time, naval patrols in the Tartarian Ocean detected a flight of unidentified military aircraft. Investigating further, they found it was just one small part of a sizable air force consisting of dozens of aircraft, including strategic airlifters, midair refueling tankers, and fighter escorts. This force ultimately landed in Fineberg, despite the upcoming negotiations aimed at solving the current constitutional crisis.'

'Upon detection, the air convoy was hailed by the destroyer ANS Pike, and identified as part of the Hutanjian Republican Army's Second Regimental Combat Team (HRA RCT). A small Hutanjian force, which was in New Edom prior to the Olympic Stadium Disaster, reportedly aided the Heir in disbanding the protests against her in Fineberg. However, given the number of aircraft involved, this appears to be a division-level deployment.'

The President was inevitably questioned on the subject during Question Time, to which he responded by criticizing Hutanjia's lack of transparency and calling on the Hespatu government to explain itself. "I can think of many things that won't help resolve a constitutional crisis diplomatically, and an infantry division is near the top of the list. This disproportionate, overblown show of force risks undermining the current negotiations, made all the worse by the fact that it was apparently attempted in total secrecy."

"Why didn't President Hespatu inform the international community of his intentions to commit thousands of troops to Cornellia? Or of his rationale for launching such a massive deployment in the first place?"

"As with Emperor Albert of Vorindeum, Adiron is opposed to provocative actions which threaten to destabilize New Edom and South Acheron. I therefore call on President Hespatu to freeze future troop deployments and halt all Hutanjian troop movements in New Edom until he can, to the satisfaction of the concerned governments of Cornellia, fully explain the rationale behind deploying such a large force to a volatile part of the globe. Furthermore, I invite President Hespatu to explain why Hutanjian soldiers were used to violently suppress peaceful protestors in Fineberg."

[Nerotysia]

The City of Shynsk
The Revolutionary Union of Nerotysia
Northern Escar

"Hereby the seven-hundred and twelfth convocation of the Supreme Secretariat shall be called to order. Take your seats, please."

The nasally voice echoed in time with the clacking of the gavel around the wood-paneled walls of the Secratariat dome. The legislative body had existed almost since independence, it possessed immense power within the Party, and yet still its members were forced to meet in this squat amphitheatre of fading mahogany. Dmitri Ilyushkin found the circumstance to be a terrible shame, but his petitions to the People's Assembly had fallen on deaf ears. The Secretariat would simply need to make do with the lackluster conditions.

Successive circles of desks radiated out from the central dais, which stood at the lowest elevation of the room. Unlike the Assembly Theatre, however, with its rigid heirarchy of seats, the Secretariat desks were open to any and all. Secretaries were free to simply select a random desk and occupy it for the duration of the session, and there was often much mixing between convocations. This lax approach to seats reflected the practical and efficient nature of the Secretariat itself - the fierce ideological battles and political stratification of the People's Assembly were foreign to the secretaries.

Ilyushkin clacked the gavel a few more times as the clamor receded and the various secretaries took their seats. The room's stale air settled like the struts of an old house and Ilyushkin scanned his papers once more.

"On the eighteenth of February, a stadium collapsed in the Allied States of New Edom. This travesty and the ensuing devastation killed the entirety of the nation's interim government, including its beloved leader, the General Perrin Pahath-Moab. A crisis has erupted as a consequence, over the question of who shall hold power in the Allied States."

Ilyushkin cleared his throat, looking around - sneers and upturned lips flecked the faces of many secretaries. The Allied States were not well-regarded within the Revolutionary Union, especially after the recent reports of religious radicals and the influence they held. The monarchist squabble was seen as nothing more than a silly duel between two decaying fossils, and already some secretaries were losing interest. Not encouraging, but Ilyushkin continued:

"During the chaos, calls for independence have arisen from one of New Edom's constituent states. This state is known as Gloria Regis, and leaders of this state have siezed a collection of naval vessels and are seeking independence. A recent referendum has established that the people of said state are also desirous of independence, and the issue shall be negotiated in the coming days and weeks. The leaders of this independence movement are intensely leftist, and they have professed their desire for a socialist state."

Now he had their interest. A potential future ally was always a juicy prospect, and liberation of a people from their monarchist overlords would be immensely popular with the people of Nerotysia. He cleared his throat and continued for another hour, but he had already inspired agreement and so it merely became a matter of methods.

After a few snippets of debate, it was decided, and with a final clap of the gavel the motion was passed. Instructions were unleased from the Secretariat's offices, sent on a digital dash to the diplomatic den of Nerotysian politics - the Executive Committee.

---

His head hanging limp in his hand, Nikita Pipenko scribbled some last notes on his latest memorandum, his temple twitching with the beginnings of a headache. The damned things had grown in frequency since the New Year, and he kept meaning to see a doctor, but there was simply so much to do...

He finished and whipped the slip off his desk, striding out the door of his office to see his secretary. He preferred to walk to her desk personally, instead of calling her in. The hallway was dimpled with soft light as the night darkened, and a glance out the window reminded him he needed to get going soon...after this memorandum, perhaps...

"Annika!" he said, thrusting the paper onto her desk. "Transcribe and send to Kutikov."

Her eyes flicked over it with disinterest. "Important?"

"No, low priority."

"Alright. Just got something from the Secretariat, by the way - I'll forward it to you."

Nikita sighed, envisioning another exhausting round of work to be done. "Was it important?"

"It was marked high priority, yes."

And it was indeed a priority - a policy with the potential for escalation in some far-off islands near the destabilized state of New Edom. Pipenko himself had been studying the situation for some time - he had expected that the Secretariat and, later, the Assembly would want to intervene, and so he knew he'd best prepare for that eventuality. And now it had come, at the most irritating time possible.

Luckily he had already drawn up drafts of the communications that he knew would be needed - reluctantly he pulled them up and began to craft the Union's response.

---

The Revolutionary Union of Nerotysia
Official Communique
Public Announcement

The Revolutionary Union of Nerotysia wishes firstly to express its sincerest condolences to the government and people of New Edom for their tremendous loss. The General Perrin Pahath-Moab and his many able comrades shall be sorely missed, even by the Union which has had little contact with the Edomite government until this point.

The crisis that has unfolded from the death is saddening for the Revolutionary Union, however in this crisis it sees an opportunity. The People of the Islands of Gloria Regis have previously expressed their desire for independence, and recently heroic elements within Regian society and government have taken steps to this end. The Revolutionary Union applauds these elements and wishes to announce its support for their aspirations. The Most Humble Leaders of the People of Nerotysia are inspired and further humbled by the actions of these Regians, and do declare their admiration for their actions.

The Revolutionary Union furthermore applauds the attitude of the Queen Mara I, who wisely has called for peaceful resolution to conflicts both within and without her realm. Her willingness to engage in peaceful dialogue with the representatives of Gloria Regis and others shows a reasonable character that is extremely rare in monarchs and similar relics of the past.

As such the Revolutionary Union of Nerotysia hereby declares that it wishes for the independence of Gloria Regis, in accordance with the wishes of its People, and the Union declares that it will act to ensure this is achieved, so long as the People of Gloria Regis accept the Union's humble offer of assistance. The Revolutionary Union also wishes to participate in the negotiations that are planned to take place, in order to advocate for and provide assistance to the People of Gloria Regis in their noble quest.

Should the leaders of Gloria Regis and the Allied States of New Edom consent, diplomatic parties representing the Union shall be dispatched to the city of Fineberg immediately. Until an agreement is reached, Nerotysia will act to maintain peace, however mobilisation of naval assets will be undertaken to ensure the security of the Regian People.

Signed,

Nikita Pipenko
Junior Executive Secretary
The Nerotysian Peninsular Communist Party

To: Livia Barberina, Premier of Gloria Regis
From: Nikita Pipenko, Junior Executive Secretary of the Nerotysian Peninsular Communist Party
Subject: Support for Independence

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I am writing this brief message to you in order to establish a direct dialogue between our two nations. As you may already know the Revolutionary Union has declared its utmost support for your government, and so I thought it would be beneficial to begin corresponding as soon as possible.

Firstly I would encourage you to stride with more confidence in these affairs, as our backing is not limited to simply acting as a mediator. We shall support you in whatever decisions you make, unless you begin inflicting harm on your own people - as dictatorial rule is not what we desire.

Secondly I would like to elaborate on the support offered. Barring future changes, the Revolutionary Union is willing to dedicate a sizable portion of its navies to your protection. We possess a great multitude of vessels, and as such we are confident in our ability to establish protection for your islands at sea, especially since the other factions shall be occupied and distracted fighting each other. This should do much to secure your nation - you are made up of islands, after all.

However, the enormity of our fleet is matched by the smallness of our armies. The Revolutionary Union maintains only a protective ground force, so we will be unable to provide much ground support. We hope you are able to handle ground operations without us successfully, and rest assured you will have the support of our air force and naval air assets.

Thirdly I would like to specifically reference the matter of the treasonous naval personnel. The Revolutionary Union would fully support you if you denied to turn them over; furthermore we would be willing to harbor the personnel if the need arises. Again, we will fully support you regardless of your decision in this matter.

Thank you very much for your time and energies. We are preparing fleets for immediate deployment should the negotiations turn sour. Remain strong, comrades.

[Jedoria]

TO: Livia Barberina, Premier of Gloria Regis
FROM: Duchess Luminita Vianu, Jedorian Confederation
SUB: Gloria Regis
ENCRYPTION: Highest

Dear Premier,

We in the Confederation can only hope for a peaceful outcome to this, however experience has taught us otherwise.

The subject of the mutineers is a heated one I'm sure. I wish I could give you a firm response, but unfortunately at this time I cannot guarantee any form of asylum. However I do not wish to see the people who gave your indepdence life be handed over for whatever sort of hell might await. At this time, my government will have wait and see how negotiations play out. If the possibility presents itself, we will endeavor to assist the mutineers, however as of right now our capabilities are limited, and I cannot make any promises.

However, what I can assure you is that the Confederation will move heaven and earth to ensure the independence of Gloria Regis.

Kind Regards,
Duchess Luminita Vianu

TO: Elizabeth Corbulo, Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs
FROM: Duchesss Luminita Vianu
SUB: Gloria Regis
ENCRYPTION: Highest

Dear Undersecretary,

Thank you for the reply. We are very pleased to hear a commitment to holding nation-wide elections, and we understand the issue of military discipline to be a very serious one in the negotiations.

We are very pleased to see a commitment to peaceful resolution within your camp. We have recently learned of the arrival of Sarah Carmel to New Edom, and we were hoping to hear what relation Queen Mara's supporters had to Mrs. Carmel. Our knowledge of the ongoing situation is highly dependent on second hand sources and we fear not having enough adequate intelligence to properly conduct ourselves.

I look forward to our next communique.

Kind Regards,
Duchess Luminita Vianu,
Confederation of Jedoria

[The Shrailleeni Empire]

Gloria Regis

Sixington, Gloria Regis

Julianna Aspen and Martha Yeager jogged side by side down the streets of Gloria Regis, muscles stretching in the sub-tropical Cornellian sun. Both of them spent as much time as possible outdoors lately, inspecting patrols, moving through training exercises, or simply dining outdoors or going on long walks. It was unspoken between them that after a year of false lighting and cramped quarters neither liked being inside for any length of time anymore. Safety was a concern, but the militia had kept the streets relatively safe so far and both women preferred the threat of some danger to the oppressive walls of an office space.

They made quite a pair, tall blond Julianna whose skin was only slightly moving from "pasty" to "pale," and little Cornellian Martha with her short brown hair and seemingly unfading tan muscles. Julianna had never asked the former Anarchist why a woman of Roman descent had a German name, and probably never would. It was more than likely that it was simply an alias that had stuck, and her companion didn't seem to be in a rush to tell the story of her past. It was probably the only thing that Martha wasn't in a hurry to talk about.

"No more! No more!" Martha was huffing in between breaths with a wicked grin on her face. "Goddess it was exciting. I've never felt more alive than in the last few weeks. She looked like a Deadoran's wet dream on that stage, and you should've seen the faces of the Leckies and their cronies."

She was of course talking about the recent Senate meeting, and the intense political debate currently ongoing within the Feminist Collective. With the FC being the largest and unquestionably powerful party on the islands, bolstered by their Communist allies, the party debate was in reality a debate about the future of Gloria Regis. There were strong opinions on all sides, and perhaps nowhere was that more true than within the Feminist Militia. The navy might have freed the country, but the Militia was hard at work keeping everyone safe. They had a lot at stake in everything that was happening, and Julianna was distinctly aware of the political power that she could wield if she wanted to.

"It is exciting," Julianna agreed as they turned down another street. "And also worrying. The world doesn't want to see us become one-party state."

"No, the world doesn't want to see us become a Feminist state," Martha countered hotly. "You think Macureus would give a shit if the Lecks took over? Or the International if the Commies were a bit stronger? The region just hates to see women fighting for our rights, that's what it is. They'll take any excuse to get in here and kill more of us. The damn Curia is probably already planning on it, just like they did last time."

They paused for traffic, taking a minute to catch their breath.

"Well," Julianna said after thinking, "you know that's not completely true. Some of them just want to make sure that we keep to our democratic principles. And after Theodora's speech maybe that's not so much to ask."

Martha gave her a dirty look.

"You're starting to sound weird again."

"What? What do you mean 'weird?'"

"You're doing that thing you do where you try to see everybody's side and forget about ours."

Julianna paused in shock, her expression mollifying Martha after a second.

"Look," the smaller woman continued with some apology, "I know you never forget about The Fight. But Theodora's right, we can't sit around and wait for the Leckies or the ETC bastards to become a 5th column. If we just let them stay how long would it be before they start killing people again, with Macurean or Roman or whoever's weapons?"

Julianna fell silent for a while. Together, the two women jogged through Bountiful Park. A pair of militiawomen were patrolling in the area, and saluted as the Militia Head and her top Commander went past. They two women waved back, the militia were veterans who they knew well. As they passed, Julianna spoke again.

"Do the rest of the girls feel that way?"

Martha grunted. "Pretty much. No one trusts the Lecks or the ETC, and those attacks on the Navy have everyone on edge. But..." she sighed, "no one is really eager to have to break into people's houses either. Nobody wants to disrupt other people's lives the way that theirs were torn up. But then again, if they don't, we could get shafted again."

Julianna pursed her lips as Martha continued.

"And then there is that whole business with Cavanaugh and New Macureus. I don't know, but if I had to guess I'd say most of the militia is split between Moderates and Radicals. The girls just want to make sure that if we fight and die again, we fight and die for the right reasons. We deserve the rights and freedoms that we've fought so long and hard for, and if that means that the Lecks and Jesus-freaks need to go then so be it."

"Not very diplomatic though," Julianna admonished lightly. "We have the majority vote already. Don't you think that we should wait until our independence is secure before we start kicking people out? Otherwise we'll be fighting and dying for a country that we don't have. Again. I can't imagine anyone in the militia wants that."

"The Lecks and ETC could corrupt the vote," Martha swung back, but she sounded half-hearted about it. "But...it would be nice to actually have a country. I mean the Radicals make a big deal out of us already being independent, but nobody really feels it yet. It still has to be a country we can be proud to be in though."

"So, if I came out publicly in favor of Livia and the moderates, how do you think that would go down?"

Now it was Martha's turn to fall silent for a little while, a rare thing. Julianna was sweating hard, they had slowed down to converse but talking and running was still tough.

"Probably pretty well," Martha finally admitted. "At least, no one would complain. A lot of the girls like the hard-line talk, but they love Livia as much as they adore Theodora. We have ex-Anarchists, ex-Free Congress people who are still passionate about open democracy. Most will probably just be happy to have a government that's holding up their ideals and doing something for Feminism."

"Well, that's what I'm going to say then."

Martha turned her head as the two of them jogged toward the other side of the Park.

"We're all just glad to see you back on your feet Boss."

Julianna smiled appreciatively.

"So am I Martha. So am I."

To: Livia Barberina
cc: Theodora Ferrovius
From: Julianna Aspen, Head of Militia
Subject: Feminist Party Vote

Dearest Sisters, I hope that you're both well.

I wanted to let you both know what I've been hearing from the ranks the militia about the recent Senate session and the debate going on in the Party. There is a lot of sympathy for both sides of the debate excluding the Liberals, they have some good ideas but giving up the officers of the Navy is obviously not very popular among militiawomen or men, even conditionally. The Militia wants to fight the Patriarchy, we want to serve a country that lives up to our ideals, but most importantly we want an independent Gloria Regis , one that is accepted internationally but most importantly one that New Edom is forced to respect.

With that in mind, I would report to both of you that most of the militia including myself intend to support the Moderates. We respect you Theodora, hell we think you're right about a lot of things. But we don't want to have to go into hiding ever again, and right now we have the option to finally, truly establish our own nation. My suggestion is, let's allow the Lecks and the ETC to stay for a while, provided they behave themselves, at least until we're safer and entrenched. I'm already watching all of them like a hawk, and open elections will give us the support we need to force New Edom to back down. It might even keep the General stuck up in his fort for awhile. If they so much as twitch, like Cavanaugh did, we can take care of them then. But we don't want to take unnecessary risks.

I'm just letting you know how the Militia feels. No matter what happens I am dedicated servant of the Feminist Collective and I will carry out the Party's orders without condition. We stand united on that.

With love,
Yours truly,
Julianna Aspen

P.S. I had heard also some debate about replacing the Militia with a police force. It could be a good idea if it's done right with the right people in charge. I'll be honest, Hesperinus makes me nervous. If the Militia were freed up we could be screening outside of the city for him, and have a little extra muscle to throw around.

[New Edom]

Gloria Regis

Livia Barberina had a vision of her own past,that almost shocked her in how odd it was to contrast with her present life. When she had hooked up with a young man from Iphigenia and gone on a fishing and sailing trip around the islands, and had no greater vision of being a free woman than exploring her sense of fun,the delights of a man's company. It was something she disagreed with Theodora vehemently about--she liked men, enjoyed their company, saw many good things in them--and felt that life had to change enormously.

She was wistful for that trip--drinking good red wine, eating fresh caught fish on a charcoal fire on a lonely beach with a lover, laughter coming easily, lying under the stars. She also remembered the massive corruption in the government of the time, remembered the civil war that came later. Things had to change; innocence was no substitute for the gentle wisdom she hoped for. Now out on those waters friendly and hostile vessels prowled ready to fling weapons of awful destruction across unbelievable distances at one another.

It was similar though, sitting with Theodora near a brazier in the peristyle garden of a villa of a philanthropist backer, both in their light summer chitons. "So you read their letter?"

"Yes." Theodora looked at her. "I can accept it. The liberals are too powerful; we're riddled with Lecks and Socialists." she shook her head. "I don't trust them, I don't trust Amelianus. She's a dilletante."

"On that we are agreed," said Livia. "But we must be agreed on independence. Independence first."

Theodora shook her head. "And what else will we sacrifice for Feminism?" she held up a strong long fingered hand. "Alright, alright, Livia. I'll back you in this. One thing for sure--no handing over those brave girls and boys who made this possible, gave us our start."

They held hands a moment. Livia doubted they had been friends for a long time now, but they could work together.

To: Duchess Luminita Vianu
SUB: Situation in Gloria Regis
From: Livia Barberina, Premier of Gloria Regis
Subject: Recogntion
Encryption: Most Secret

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Dear Duchess Vianu,

Thank you for giving consideration to my requests. I appreciate your government's support; it will certainly make it more difficult for other nations or my own former government to simply roll over us. I hope to talk to you again soon. Please let me know if future developments occur which may help with the former mutineers.

I have the honour to be
Livia Barberina
Premier of Gloria Regis

To: Juliana Aspen, Militia Commander
From: Livia Barberina, Premier of Gloria Regis
Subject: Recogntion
Encryption: delivered by personal aide

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Dear Juliana,

I discussed your points with Theodora who agrees with me. Dr. Aemilianus is a bit too willing to sacrifice in order to compromise, and we do not believe we have reached that position yet. While there is a substantial amount of support for her in the back benches of the Senate, we feel that we must look to our constituent sisters and the basic realities of the situation. Your letter helped be the final persuasion. I am deeply grateful for the comradeship love and devotion of your service to this country.

As for the Militia: we are expecting reinforcements soon. The hoped for arrival of the Shrailleeni and possible forces from Anathaat may help, but Theodora is going to do her best to recruit more Militia and people to police the cities and towns so we can free our Militia to deal with Hesperinus if need be.I hope it does not come to that, but you know how the saying goes.

All my faith in you,
Livia Barberina
Premier of Gloria Regis

To: Nikita Pipenko, Junior Executive Secretary of the Nerotysian Peninsular Communist Party
From: Livia Barberina, Premier of Gloria Regis
Subject: Recogntion
Encryption: Given in sealed pouch to Nerotysian Consul's office in Sixington

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Dear Comrade,

Thank you, and thank your government for its offer of support, it is much appreciated. The offer of military support is much accepted; we do have the support of the Shrailleeni Empire directly, but I am sure that we can always use more.

One thing I would like to mention we could use is an economic treaty to replace potentially much of the service industry we currently have arranged with mainland financial sector interests with others who would be more friendly towards our economic reforms. We will also potentially need new markets for such things as processed foods (largely fish and various beans), ethanol and plastics (largely polyproylene, polyethylene and polystyrene) and some plastic products, mostly wire casing and tubing, which are our major exports from the islands.

Your offer to provide asylum to some of our comrades who are accused of mutiny by the mainland government is very welcome,we will give that every consideration.

As for negotiations, I would appreciate meeting with your representatives before they go on to Fineberg. I have heard from a friendly contact that the Monarchists are naturally wary of a communist government trying to get involved with negotiations, so I am sure you have already received a politely worded 'maybe', but I and my government would very much appreciate it.

I have the honour to be
Livia Barberina
Premier of Gloria Regis

To:Duchess Vianu of Jedoria
From: Elizabeth Corbulo, Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs
SUB: Gloria Regis
Encryption: Most Secret

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Dear Duchess Vianu,

Sarah Carmel was among the most able of the Free Congress cabinet, and has served as an excellent ambassador to Adiron. I am a great admirer of hers.

We are currently in negotiations with her among others who may stand as candidates in a national election, and I hope to be able to tell you something more concrete soon. However I will tell you that we hope we can cooperate and form a negotiating bloc that will convince the Heir's government to see our point of view and resolve this crisis peacefully.

I have the honour to be
Elizabeth Corbulo
Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs