Greater Díenstad News Feed

[Free Kolechia]

Voice of Kashgar
Kashgar, Republic of Kolechia

President Addresses Nation and Priorities

Newly elected President Safadi took time to make a formal call today, to both the nation and the international community. Still somewhat fresh from the last election, he noted the recent major turn around in the economy under his administration and that with the birth of new industries and the growth in others. Over the span of some months, industries that had recieved damage from the economic downturn, like manufacturing, have now returned, and are even seeing an improved situation, however, to keep this positive trend going the President will have to do more.

He acknowleged this in his statement and turned to foreign policy. "While we have repaired the situation, we now have the opportunity to not only fix, but improve, to advance. It is time we review our relations with states near and far, and discuss with them the opportunities of trade, and while doing so, we can also discuss the possibilities of advancing our current political relations. With the support of the National Council on this plan we could bring jobs back, and importantly, create new jobs in new industries for future generations."

The Republic has for many years outside of trade, only held peaceful and formal relations with the wider region at large, with the last several administrations repeatedly trekking through a middle ground. Today nations have both been incredibly empowered, and destabilized either due to domestic or international issues. One of the most notable being a intensifying war to the North between the UWO and other states. Regardless, for Kolechia it appears from the Presidents statements that a new chapter may be on the horizon.

[Morrdh]

COMMONWEALTH GROWS WAR WARY

MORRDUN.- As fierce fighting continues unabated in Kashubia a recent poll shows that 'war fatigue' amongst Commonwealth citizens is increasing.

Over the past few years the Morridane Armed Forces have been operating at a moderate to high operational tempo, resulting in a vast majority of Morridane Reservists being called up for longer and longer terms as well as a reduction in the Army's Home Service Battalions. In addition the Ministry of Defence has stated that it is looking at making Militia units available for overseas service, something that has been met with widespread disapproval despite assurances that the effected units would only be deployed on garrison duties. Likewise the government is said to be considering a temporary ban on deferments for National Service conscription. It is understood that the Prime Minister will be asking the premiers of the various Commonwealth Colonial Authority colonies to see whether they can muster troops for the ongoing conflict in Kashubia.

Much closer to home for Commonwealth citizens has been the announcement by the Ministry of Power that petrol coupons will start being issued ahead of planned petrol rationing, though some businesses have already received their allocation. Drivers have been advised to register for their petrol coupons at their nearest Post Office or council, service stations will be given a two week grace period before they must only accept coupons for fuels. There is a belief that motorists living close to the border with Mokastana may simply drive across the border and fill up, some may do so to stockpile fuel for their own ends for even to sell on the black market. Any petrol rationing in Morrdh may see an increased demand and thus higher prices in Tatom, Tierra Nueva and Florida del Moka.

As of yet Her Excellency's Government has made no comments on whether food rationing will be introduced, though the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has been buying up empty warehouses and acquiring additional land for farming. The biggest concern for the government is the impact the ongoing conflict is having on the economy, something that will be made worse as rationing is steadily introduced. As such the government is looking at ways to negate the negative impact on the economy with a number of ideas under consideration. One such idea is opening up the Commonwealth Commissary Service (which runs recreational and retail services for the Commonwealth Forces) to civilians, which may be viewed as an expansion of the service that the Commissary provides to CCA colonies and outposts. This extra revenue will be subjected to oversight by the Morridane Treasury.

[Aurensia]

The Elliston Times

WHAT'S INSIDE: Benson v. Aurensia | Landmark Federal Decision | Reversal of Years of Jurisprudence | Requires Major Criminal Reforms

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Superior Court Rules Death Penalty Unconstitutional
By: Lillian Everett || February 1, 2017

CONCORD - Benson v. Aurensia, the now determinedly landmark suit against the Federal Government has been decided in what is probably one of the most revolutionary decisions in recent criminal law. The Superior Court was scheduled to determine this case nearly two weeks ago but after a hung vote, the decision rested upon Chief Justice Alicia V. Ellis of Burleson. She declared a stay of her decision after the tie, finally making it earlier today at noon.

This is the first time a Chief Justice has voted in nearly 65 years of the Superior Court. She weighed in her opinion with the majority saying,

First, it's my belief that the ninth Right of Man is most applicable to this case. [...] Where it states that, "No man shall have cruel and unusual punishment imposed" I find that the penalty of death is precisely contrary to this. I also point to Article IV, Section I of the Constitution where it requires, "Supreme judicial power shall be vested in the Superior Court and it shall have the power to interpret and uphold the provisions of law in accordance with this Constitution, rationality, and impartiality." [...] It is therefore my belief, that as the supreme judicial body in this republic, and so charged with interpreting the laws rationally, it is therefore mandatory under this doctrine to uphold the very tenets of reason. Reason, by its very nature, requires the acceptance and admittance of new information when it comes available so to make proper decisions. Justice then requires the application of this new evidence. In cases where a person has been executed, should we find evidence pointing to his innocence we cannot undue his death. Therefore the state should not have the ability to reject the rule of reason required of it by our law.

Execution is currently the only form of punishment available at both the federal level and throughout every Commonwealth for violent crimes. Several Assemblyman have already voiced their concerns over the situation believing the reasoning of the majority to be flawed.

In his dissension, William Ontario of Grafton stated,

I believe the Constitution is quite clear in the very first Right of Man, "Each citizen hereof these Commonwealths confederated shall be considered autonomous and sovereign insofar as he shall be lawful and not initiate aggression against another. No law shall pervert his rights of life and the corollary rights thereof and he shall be free to pursue his happiness and interests without molestation by Government or criminal." [...] When it says criminal, it axiomatically requires the government insure protection against them. Liberty exists insofar as another does not infringe upon it. And it is therefore a requisite of just government, being the guardian of freedom and an arbiter of men, to eliminate the criminal from society when he infringes upon another. This is a grave error and I believe a misinterpretation of our Constitution.

Ontario was joined by Justices Gregory and Morre. Morre added in his own dissension, "This undermines not just previous interpretations of the Constitution, but the very safety required to be assured by the Federal and Commonwealth governments."

As a result of this landmark decision, the Speakers of the Federal Assembly have called a joint session to review the criminal code. This deliberation is expected to take several weeks. Several Ministers of the Commonwealths have decried the ruling as improper. The Governor of Freemont, Trent Smith has however, taken up a campaign in support of the recent decision including calling for his Commonwealth's Chamber of Deputies to review legislation and determine a new consequence for violent crime.

In the meantime, the Aurensian and Commonwealth holding systems will remain intact and courts have stated that they will issue writs of confinement until legislation can be determined for violent crime.

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[Mokastana]

MNN: SPECIAL REPORT!!!
News so short your can't help but read the full story...

TOP STORY:

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PUF to increase exports of oil and grain to the Commonwealth of Morrdh, citing Strategic Interests

[Imbrinium]

IBC Special Report:

Late this afternoon the king has broken with the status quo and signed a military directive ordering the military to relieve the Morrdh military of its fuel supply in the war zones in the CentBloc zone and for those military operations moving to CentBloc in this conflict.

This has taken most out the inter-circle by surprise, the long time cold war between the once friendly kingdoms. This action could cause more problems here at home for the king which has had a rough time lately due to wars bring fought back to back.

The with the directive which is a none combat role doesn’t need parliament’s approval to take effect. IBC will bring you more on this late breaking story as it comes in.

[Morrdh]

ALDWELL RIPPER: COMPOL CALLED IN

morrdun.- The Aldwell Ripper case has taken an unusual turn today as the Home Secretary, Richard Clarke, announced the involvement of COMPOL.

The Commonwealth Colonial Authority Police Organisation, as COMPOL is more formally known, is the law enforcement agency of the CCA tasked with combating interstellar organised crime across Commonwealth space. Its involvement in the Aldwell Ripper case raises eyebrows and questions, though Her Excellency's Government has refused to give comment on what extent or capacity COMPOL is acting with regards to the case. It is possible that there is strong evidence that the Ripper may have struck before in a CCA colony or they're of interest to a COMPOL investigation. There are rumours that the Rangers stumbled upon an off-world smuggling ring operating out of the district.

It is understood that the Lord Provost of Morrdun, Sir Thomas Reid, may make a formal request to the Home Office for a night-time curfew to be imposed on the capital. In addition it is believed that the Lord Provost may make a secondary request for the Morridane Army to deploy in support of the curfew under the justification of 'Aid to the Civil Authority'.

[Aurensia]

The Elliston Times

WHAT'S INSIDE: Assembly Reviewing Exile Measure | Benson v. Aurensia | Grafton Passes Similar Measures | Possible Executive Deadlock?

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Major Criminal Justice Reform Bills Pass Congress of Citizens
By: Thomas Ben || February 7, 2017

CONCORD - Today the Congress of Citizens passed its first major bill since the stunning Benson v. Aurensia decision shook judges and criminal justice officials last week. Criminal courts had been issuing Confinement Writs in the meantime, however this measure was considered only temporary.

The decision effectively kept all violent crime still illegal, however, it made no punishment readily available. Previous to the decision every Commonwealth and the federal government had used execution as its primary means of redress for what the Statutes called, "unwarranted physical violation of another man."

After the groundbreaking decision, several Commonwealths have responded with several new measures. Grafton has initiated a process of exile. Its House of Representatives passed the measure early last week in almost immediate response. This has resulted in the expatriation of all violent criminals who were previously prescribed execution. Under the law, which is expected to serve as a model for criminal justice reform, the individual is expelled from the Commonwealth (the Grafton law includes a reciprocity cause for other Commonwealths) and forbidden reentry unless the conviction is overturned.

Some have speculated that since Aurensian border security is almost nonexistent, the enforcement means for this will be difficult. Assemblyman Vic Kent has proposed in his amendment to the new provision that there ought to be a designated area away from Aurensia in which to move dangerous individuals saying,

I believe the governments of the Confederation have a duty to protect our lawful citizens. And I believe the best means of doing this is through expulsion of criminals to an area for penal retention.

The current provision he introduced in the lower Congress states simply,

Duly convicted individuals shall be denied residence within any of the Several Commonwealths or the District of Concord. They shall be expelled in perpetuity from the nation to lands owned for this purpose in a recognition of their inability to abide by the customs and laws of free men and civilization.

Debate is expected over the next several days in the Congress of Citizens. It is scheduled for a vote later this week, then it will then move to the Congress of Electorates where it is expected to encounter little resistance.

The Chancellor in a press release earlier today signaled his possible willingness to sign the measure. He said,

I believe that this provision would be one of the best options at the table. I will of course review the final form, but I have faith in the resolve of the Commonwealths and the legislature to meet the ends which best fit justice and reason.

The Federal Council has, however, declined to make an official release. Speculation rages that this could be a controversial issue in the executive if the Chancellor is pro-exile and the Federal Council blockades this.

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[Morrdh]

Itailia Joins The CCA!

The Commonwealth Colonial Authority has announced that the Twin Amanitte Empire of Itailia has joined the multi-nation space organisation as a new member.

A CCA spokesperson confirmed that talks with the Itailian Empire began two years ago when the Empire first approached the organisation expressing interest in becoming a member, though the membership vote only occurred fairly recently. It is understood that the long negotiations are partially new to the CCA taking a more cautious stance with new members after events in recent years and the region being in turmoil after a series of conflicts. Though it is known that the CCA is eagerly looking forwards to a good working relationship with the Oersium Institute, which is the leading scientific establishment within the Empire, to help further ongoing research projects. Talks have begun with the Empire's Department of Stellar Operations and Affairs to co-ordinate efforts with the space administrations of existing members and with the Commonwealth Space Forces.

With the addition of Itailian the CCA is expected to focus on more academic interests and fresh new ideas.

[United World Order]

F R E E • D Ì E N S T A D I • P R E S S

One of the bitcoin mining rigs confiscated by the Ordenite authorities.

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Ordenite authorities bust multi-billion dollar black market currency ring.
Reichskriminalpolizeiamt arrest dozens connected to a black market currency ring in several towns.
Tim Gordon (@Tim_Gordon_FDP)
^{Feburary 10th, 20XX 8:45PM | Dienstad, The Golden Throne of Macabees}

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City of Macabea,
Dienstad Province,
Macabees,
The Golden Throne — Over 50 people were arrested in the past week during a large raid conducted by the Reichkriminalpolizeiamt in what has been unearthed as a multi-billion dollar black market currency ring. The raid spanned over 5 towns belonging to the greater municipality of Hohenburg and was on-going for a full week with RKPA and security police agents handling the arrests with raids occurring in over twelve locations through out the 5 towns. It was estimated that over 100,000 reichsmarks worth of hardware was confiscated during the week long raid over all, with the grand total of bitcoins mined by the ring members accumulating to over 9 billion reichsmarks and that there are possibly more of these kinds of operations in other locations of the Reich. The fifty people who were involved in the ring and were arrested by the authorities have been brought criminal charges consisting of hacking, money laundering, handling illegal currency, espionage and treason. The ring leaders who have been identified as Simon Barz(27), Gunther Selinger(39) and Hendrik Feldkamp(42) operated their bitcoin mining operation in over a dozen locations spread through out five towns with the biggest one being a warehouse where the majority of the hardware used was confiscated. The three are said to be facing execution while the other 47 persons involved will be serving 20 year sentences in the Reich's labor camps and concentration camps. There have been further rumors that follow up raids on other illegal currency rings are planned to occur within the next two weeks in a larger scale.

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© FDP 2018

[Mokastana]

MNN: SPECIAL REPORT!!!
News so short your can't help but read the full story...

TOP STORIES:

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Senate pushes post-war 'Vote of No Confidence’ to remove President of the Federation, Henry Milano, from Power!

Mokastana City
The Islands
People’s Unified Federation

Trouble rocked the Senate last week as Senator Esteban Takeniwa(People's Party) reintroduced bill PSC-103C: A Vote of No Confidence of the President of the Federation. After being tabled for over a year by the Socialist Workers Party, PSC-103C passed a simple majority vote(143 to 62) to be placed in a Primary Spot on the bill queue. Originally introduced by Presiding Senator Jose Vincent(People's Party) over one year ago, the Socialists Workers Party managed to gain enough allies to table the bill indefinitely with a simple majority(119 to 86). However, many of their allies were simply opting to hold off the vote until a formal investigation was concluded.

Unfortunately for the Socialist President, the Investigation Committee concluded the President overstepped his constitutional powers regarding the beginning of the Second Fascist War. Classified documents revealed during a closed hearing shed light on the President's use of missile strikes without a declaration of war. Citing the missile attack on a foreign leader without Parliament or Senate approval, the Committee’s conclusion that this was a “Overreach of Power and eroded Federal Faith in the Office.”

With this conclusion, PSC-103C will reach the Senate later this week, and require a ⅔ majority vote, or 137 votes total, to pass. If it passes, the bill will pass onto the Federal Heads of State Council who will vote to remove The President of the Federation from power, which can be done with a simple majority vote.

Currently the Federal Heads of State Council has nine members, including the Speaker of the People(Head of Parliament) and Presiding Senator. Both Speaker of the People and Presiding Senator are advised to vote as their governing bodies suggest. This means a third vote will occur in Parliament to give the Speaker his recommendation, while the Presiding Senator would be advised to vote in favor of the Bill. More on this as it develops.

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Weekend murder results in two deaths and a Constable suspended, pending investigation.

Sasebo
Aqua Anu
People’s Unified Federation


WARNING: GRAPHIC NATURE

Sunday morning, The Queen’s Marshals responded to a report of a brutal murder in a small village outside of Wukan City. A young Neko man was found brutally murdered in his own home. The Marshals found a what one woman described as a ‘bloodbath’. Along the walls expletives and Neko slurs were painted in a red substance believed to be blood. In the living room, surrounded by signs of a struggle, Marshals found a body believed to be the remains of Jasper Akio, a local fishermen and the homeowner. According to eyewitnesses, the body had been beheaded and stabbed multiple times.

As investigators looked into the scene of the crime, another horrific event occurred on the Ferry lanes between the islands of Java and Nippone. Two men argued over blood spilled by the other’s luggage, initially believing the younger man to be illegally transporting raw beef or fish. While transporting food by ferry is not illegal, there are special store rooms for agriculture products, and they must be declared, given the often long ride between islands. When it was discovered to be the head of a Neko Male, a commotion broke out on the Ferry resulting in interdiction by The Coastal Defense Force.

Details are sketchy and eyewitness reports are rough, but it is believed the Ferry’s Constable attempted to hide the head, either maliciously or keep the public calm, and a fight broke out. At least one spectator was wounded when the Constable’s weapon discharged. Additional passengers joined in and detained the Constable and the young man.

A Coast Defense Force spokesperson released the following statement earlier: “Upon reaching the Ferry, Coastal Guardians found two men wounded, and the Ferry’s Constable detained by armed citizens. All subjects believed to be involved in the altercation were detained and turned over to The Queen's Marshals Services.”

The Queen's Marshall services have only stated that they believe the two above mentioned incidents are related. While no officials have called this a hate crime yet, the nature of the murder matches known honor killings in the area. Public demonstrations calling for justice have begun, calling this a hate crime and for the end of violence against non-human sentients in the Federation.

More on this story as it develops.

[Mokastana]

F R E E • D Ì E N S T A D I • P R E S S

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Tan-Go continues as elections are under way for first democratically elected government of Tatom. Tensions increase in Mejico City.
Joshua Culbreath (@Josh_Culbreath_FDP)
^{Feburary 19th, 20XX 7:40 AM | Mac Anu, Aqua Anu, People's Unified Federation}

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City City of Santa Franco,
California Province,
Republic of Mejico
People's Unified Federation

After months of campaigning, votes will be casts this week to officially set up the first democratically elected government of Tatom in decades. Key issues for this election were obvious: whether to stay a member of the PUF or leave, future relations with Mejico, the job market and international trade.

Many candidates who seem to be doing well in the poles opted to run on a campaign of staying a member of the PUF, citing GATA and CCA benefits seen in the region. While their opponents have suggested independently joining both organizations, many fear losing Tatom's hold over Mokastana in regards to what may be a growing industry. Job growth around Rosewell Spaceport and the Rosewell Trade Hub has seen a massive increase over the past few years, mostly due to GATA inspired demand for Macabeean, Azuran and Skyan products in the rest of Mokastana.

Despite the optimism around the elections, the new government still has yet to be recognized by the Republic of Mejico. Although many voted in favor of dissolution last year, it was vetoed by President Diego. As the reality of what losing Tatom could mean sets in, it seems that a second vote might be losing ground in Mejico City. Many politicians in Mejico City have even suggested building a second GATA port outside of their Capital regardless of the direction Tatom takes.

With a Vote of No Confidence going on for the President of the Federation, it is unclear which direction the rest of the Federation will take on this issue.

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Hate Crime catches Federation off guard. Local communities in uproar.
Are Kogyokist Christian Extremists to blame?
Felix O'Dell (@Felix_Odell_FDP)
^{Feburary 19th, 20XX 9:14 AM | Mac Anu, Aqua Anu, People's Unified Federation}

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In Wukan city, one of the largest Pro-Neko rallies ever held in the Federation marched downtown in protest of the murder of Jasper Akio, a local Neko Fisherman found brutally murdered in his home. While The Marshal Services have yet to label it a hate crime, many Nekos already assume it was the work of Kogyokist Christian Extremists due to the graphic nature of the murder. While tensions between the two communities have always been high, it seems that this last murder may have been the boiling point due to a perceived police action in attempting to cover up the murder. As one angry voice said:

“This murderer left his home in Nippone Island, took the Ferry to our community two islands away, and brutally killed one of us in the middle of the night. A Constable tries to cover it up while the people who stopped the corrupt Const are in jail? This is wrong! We demand justice!”

Another voice shared concerns regarding the history of these kinds of events: “You don't know what it's like to be Neko in this country! We have to watch our backs, watch out for each other! There are been too many disappearances, too many of us found dead over the years! It's time we fought back!”

Other voices expressed similar concerns, and it seems the facts share a similar story. Despite being less than half of a percent of the population in Aqua Anu(0.29%) Nekos make up approx 0.8% of the missing persons cases in Aqua Anu, or almost three times the National Average. Across the Federation, Nekos are often victims of crime at much higher rates then their human counterparts, despite being significantly small minorities in each member nation. Perhaps, it happens because of that very fact.

Lacking faith in their governments many have turned to their faith in religion, most notably Holy Marshism, for strength. Holy Marshism is the strongest faith among non-humans, with over 80% claiming to be Marshites. To demonstrate their influence, a group of mostly Nekos with some human allies, marched in military fatigues down the street during the rally. They were heard chanting: “For the Holy Marsh, For the Federation, Death to the Vile Lard, Death to Kogyokist Murderers.”

Local Constables backed by National Police maintained order during the rally and despite the presence of high caliber weapons on both sides, no arrests or incidents were reported.

In response, the Queen is expected to give a statement early tomorrow regarding the incident.

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© FDP 2018

[United World Order]

ORDENCHE - RUNDFUNK - GESELLSCHAFT

ORDENITE BROADCASTING CORPORATION

REICHS-MINISTRY OF PROPAGANDA AND ENLIGHTENMENT

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Reichskulturkammer decorate award winning Opera act "Harmony of the Aryans" with the Medal of Social Racial Harmony.
Reichstheatrekammer donate 2,000,000 marks to the Schmitt-Madel Opera Company in charge of the production of "Harmony of the Aryans".

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City of Berlina, Wilhelmplatz,
Province of Central Germania,
Greater Germanic Realm of the Ordenite Nation,
United World Order.

During the winter months of the 2nd Kashubian War specifically during the month of November, the Schmitt-Madel Opera Company which is currently one of the Opera company giants which maintain over a dozen Opera houses through out Germania, which bring together thousands of customers and opera fans to these houses. "Harmony of the Aryans" was produced by Schmitt-Madel in mid November and premiered in one of Berlina's many Opera houses that were mostly the most popular style of entertainment within Germania, unlike most modern civilized nations who likely developed movie theatres and the wide use of television and highly modern film styles that attract the masses, having no regulations on the films that could be viewed to the public as entertainment, which would likely see films which were harmful to the viewers showed to hundreds and if not thousands depending on the production of the film. The capitalistic nature of the modern entertainment industry in other countries is typically polluted by degeneracy and cultural Bolshevism which sicken the psyche and the minds of the people who watch them, therefore corrupting them. The opera and forms of entertainment in that similar fashion have been the standard bearer for centuries, since the ancient times of Germania and it's first tribes that roamed the continent and created life for a healthy nation. "The Harmony of the Aryans" follows the story of the daily lives of an Aryan and showcasing the social and racial harmony expressed by the Germanic nation under National Socialism. The act was directed and written by Professor Wettengel who holds a doctorate degree in fine arts and was educated in the Berlina University for the Fine Arts. The crew and production crew involved in the making of the act were former and current students of Professor Wettengel and also come from the same University.

The act quickly gained popularity and fame in the Opera scene across the city of Berlina and was soon one of the most talked about and most seen act's in the regional level. By February the Reichskulturkammer was conducting the Yearly Review of Fine Arts and judged numerous works of fine arts including "Harmony of the Aryans" and deemed it more than awarding of the Medal for Social and Racial Harmony which is one of great honor that a piece of it's kind could receive. The Schmitt-Madel Opera Company was awarded and received the medal award on February 23rd of this year and it's act got critical appraise as a piece of fine art that could rejuvenate and inspire the Ordenite Nation that labor away and live the life of a National Socialist with pride and honor to keep heavy faith in the Fuhrer, the Party, and the Nation.

Despite what was termed by the mass media in countries like Morrdh, The Macabees, Stevid, and even Imbrimium was the defeat of the Ordenite Nation and it's Wehrmacht in the 2nd Kashubian War and the War for Panooly Reunification, they deem our Reich weak and discouraged by the hands of it's victors. However these outlets are often just plights by the agents of cultural Bolshevism to incite doubt and negative sentiment among the Ordenite people and Nation, to arouse suspicion in the national community about the lack of effectiveness of the national government and the Party. Such feats in the fine arts prove these hostile, deceiving media outlets completely wrong as "Harmony of the Aryans" showcases first hand the unity and closeness of the Ordenite Nation, the ever clear bond between the People and the Party, and the National Government.

The Reichtheatrekammer a sub-division of the Reichkulturkammer announced it's generous donation of 2,000,000 marks to the Schmitt-Madel Company which was awarded along side the Medal of Social and Racial Harmony. It also announced that it's act had received good reviews from many members of the Reich Party and national government officials. It only goes to show that the Ordenite Nation will not be divided or demoralized by the mass media who seek to destroy the strong brotherhood had between the People and the State.

[Aurensia]

The Elliston Times

WHAT'S INSIDE: First Criminals Exiled and Ostracized | Crime Rate Dips | Marshals Withdraw | Legislative Docket Filling

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First Round of Exiles Completed in Wake of New Law
By: Thomas Ben || March 1, 2017

ISLES OF WINDHOLL - After the approval by the Federal Council and Chancellor last week Commonwealth and federal courts have begun issuing their first writs for expulsion. Under the new law, titled simply the Ostracism and Individual Protection Act all duly convicted individuals of violent crimes will be expelled from inhabited areas of Aurensia to the Isles of Windholl off the coast of Sullivan.

Under the Act individuals whose convictions are overturned would receive reentry. The Marshal Service conducts boat patrols of the waters to enforce complacency of criminals. Several human rights groups have expressed dismay at the situation, citing the need for prisons and rehabilitation. The Legal Society of Grafton has stated,

While all actions done to the convicted are regrettable, those violent criminals that would violate another human's right to life cannot be permitted to expect their sovereignty upheld by a free society.

Crime rates have seen a substantial drop in numbers, going down to levels last seen in 2015. Some have pointed to the recent legislation, however others say that its impact is too early to tell. The Federal Marshals had previously been requested by Commonwealths such as Grafton which saw one of the largest spikes in the country. The additional resources of the Federal Government have, in the view of the Service, helped curb the uptick in especially property-related crimes. The Marshals are withdrawing their recent contributions of deputies to the Commonwealths that requested them and in Grafton the Deputy Advocate General for the Commonwealth was thanked by the President of the House of Representatives for his efforts in allocating federal resources in support of the sheriffs.

After the recent Ostracism Act the legislative docket has been filling with half the legislative season now behind them. A variety of revenue bills are being seen in the Congress of Citizens and the Congress of Electorates is set to begin debates on a new posting underneath the Department of State. We'll continue to update as new legislation comes to light.

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[The Macabees]

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Zarbia, The Forgotten War


[Zarbia, a territory of beautiful wonders and gorgeous sights, is proving difficult to handle.]

Esperanza Calderón makes the same two-way trip between her hometown of Anteñeras and what she refers to the 'big city.' The town of Los Cármenes de Golón, home to about thirty thousand people, is hardly big by most standards, but it serves as a central hub for the eleven small towns that sit along the three highways that run through Los Cármenes de Golón and extend out in all directions. The farthest satellite town, Anteñeras, sits fifty-six kilometers away south of the city, a distance that Esperanza must run twice at least once a week to buy fabric and clothes to sell in her tienda.

Like many Zarbians taking advantage of the new rules under the Golden Throne's oversight, Esperanza has started her own business by using her home as collateral against a bank loan. She sells the fabric to the people of Antañeras, many of whom cannot afford the vehicle to make the trip to Los Cármenes de Golón — those who can prefer the convenience of shopping local anyways. By true big city standards, Esperanza is by no means wealthy, but her shop affords her a comfortable lifestyle in her small town, as it does to many others. From convenience stores to barbers, the townsfolk of Anteñeras have found their own niches to supplement the often meager income they make as small farm owners. The rise of small businesses, throughout Zarbia and Nuevo León, is certainly a major success story of the occupation. But, the win has been oversold.

"It's very dangerous," she says, Esperanza's hands on the wheel of her second-hand van that she bought with her loan while she looks out at the road. "For some time the trip was safe, but lately the rebels have been attacking the local farms for food and their roadblocks are bad for business."

Wars in Gholgoth, Kashubia, and Holy Panooly have drained the Fuermak to such an extent that it has had trouble maintaining the peace in the Zarbian territories. There was a time when it was thought that the occupation in Zarbia had come to an end. Indeed, the insurgency had all but disappeared, and those who continued the fight did so from bases so remote that they were hardly a concern at all. However, the shortage of troops has allowed for the rise of a stronger insurgency that is emboldened by the apparent lack of enthusiasm by part of the Imperial Bureaucracy do prioritize its low-intensity occupations.

The rebels fund their operations through extortion schemes, taking money from commuters like Esperanza by establishing ad hoc 'roadblocks' that are broken up as soon as Macabean forces arrive to break them up. Entire towns are governed by them in some of the more secluded prefectures of the territories, where jungles are lush and uncomfortably hot. And when friendly troops arrive to displace them, they leave only temporarily and come back as soon as the occupation forces withdraw.

Part of the problem lies with the chronic lack of manpower. Over a million soldiers were involved with the original invasion of Zarbia, but when the dust settled the majority of those moved on to other wars — Monzarc, Indras, North Panooly, and New Empire. About two hundred thousand were left to secure a broken country that since the end of the War of Golden Succession had been suffering from an intense and bloody civil war. Zarbia was split in two, the west more readily integrated into the rest of the empire. It has been in the east, through Nuevo León, where trouble has brewed the most. With the war in Gholgoth demanding more and more manpower, occupation forces in the territories have dwindled. In Nuevo León there are about seventy thousand soldiers who are mostly assigned to community support missions. Only a small fraction, mostly special and elite forces, involve themselves in the day-to-day combat against rebel units roaming the deep, dark southeastern Zarbian rainforests.

Copying a strategy used with some success in Indras, the Fuermak had adopted the use of airship-based special forces that can be quickly deployed to any hotspot throughout the two territories. These are usually supported by small wheeled ground detachments that can act as blocking or flanking forces. While effective at displacing and eliminating enemy forces which allow themselves to be caught, their mobile, dispersed nature also makes them completely ineffective at holding the areas they clear. While their operations have certainly been disrupted, and considerably so at that, their strength has nevertheless grown over recent months.

But troops, or the lack thereof, are not the only factor to blame. While most Macabean soldiers, Theohuanacu auxiliaries mostly, are not involved in the fighting, they are regularly deployed in nation-building missions. These include simple maintenance tasks, such as repairing broken or damaged wells, as well as larger infrastructural projects. These have not been enough.

Farms along the southern frontier with the Territory of Guffingford, within which lies the small town of Anteñeras, have suffered from widespread banditry and theft. Rich crops are stolen by hungry rebel armies and whatever income farmers do make they all too often lose to extortion. By the time friendly forces arrive the farms are already burning. It has been a terrible war of attrition that has cost both sides, but one that has cost the people of southern Zarbia the most. And if it's not the theft, the frequent clashes all along the area cause widespread destruction and devastation. It has left the region impoverished.

The outskirts of Anteñeras, taken from the sky.

Programs to extend the distribution of plumbing, sewage, and clean water have done much to raise standards of living, as has the growth of the financial system and entrepreneurship along with it. But agriculture remains the region's primary industry and the extensive destruction of the countryside presents a tremendous challenge to administrators who seek to prevent local loyalties from switching to the insurgents.

Already hundreds of young recruits flock to rebel training camps located far into the most impenetrable jungles, where occupation forces have the hardest time digging them out. In these environments, the smaller force sizes used for the fast-tempo counter-insurgency operations elsewhere prove inadequate in breaking down fortified enemy positions. Rebel forces often simply melt away, holding units capable of putting up enough of a fight to let the main forces get away largely unscathed. This has made arresting their inertia very difficult, and where perhaps a year ago insurgent numbers were estimated at no more than three thousand, today military officials suspect of perhaps fifteen thousand fighters total — a five-fold increase.

Of course, the problem is exacerbated by the fact that the Imperial Bureaucracy has refused to invest into a public civilian security force. With no police on the streets, the locals have had to improvise. For the most parts, these consist of town watches which hardly put up much of a fight when confronting insurgent forces. When militias from various localities coordinate and join forces corruption often follows, leading to extortion on levels or surpass that rival those of the rebels.

Even as undoubtedly a success story as she is, even Esperanza Calderón tells us that if the situation doesn't change, "we might have to surrender to the rebels. It's easier that way."

It's not just in the rural southeast that the insurgency has made its presence, though. By slowly consolidating their hold over the prefecture, the rebels have used it as a base of operations to launch attacks farther west. Some strikes have pierced into the Territory of Zarbia, the western-most marches of the original country, which have come as a shock not only to the Imperial Bureaucracy but to the provinces as well. Four provinces border the territories and some have begun to fear that the attacks could penetrate as far as the border cities, something which could bring widespread panic. The Imperial Bureaucracy has leveraged this fear in their negotiations with the Senatorial Government over recruitment rates, and the effects have manifested most visibly in the reinstitution of the pre-2019 conscription laws. Some of these forces, by agreement, will bolster defenses along the long intra-imperial frontier.

But few of these forces are likely to venture into the Zarbian territories. Many will undoubtedly be rotated in and out of combat elsewhere, and the Fuermak will hardly want to throw tired men into yet another combat zone. This means it will have to be the occupation forces that defend the larger Zarbian cities from attacks.

Vondheim has already suffered from an alarming number of rocket attacks on its suburbs, and the rebels have not been shy in resorting to terrorism by organizing bombings and shootings. Thirty-two people were reported killed last week in an explosion that rocked a bazaar near the center of the city, and this was only the most recent addition to a death toll that has climbed to just over five hundred people over the past six months. But it's in the cities that the defending military forces are strongest, and so it's not so much the growing frequency of insurgent raids that worries the administration. The true disaster runs along a deeper current.

Over the past year and a half, the rate of urbanization has accelerated beyond sustainability. Outside the cities proper lay kilometers upon kilometers of project buildings that house hundreds of thousands of the territories' poorest people, the majority of which seek work in the vast oceans of factories that have cropped up outside of almost all major Zarbian cities. With little money and property, these communities represent the most destitute, disgruntled, and volatile sectors of the territories. They are prime candidates for recruitment amongst the insurgent groups, and indeed many of these have already infiltrated these sectors of the cities and have established recruitment cells that draw young radicals into their ranks. The fear is that if the rebels gain a solid foothold in the suburbs they will incite labor unions, riots, and outright armed clashes with occupation forces.

Decrepit apartment blocks characterize these industrial suburbs. It is a common belief that they were built by the factories to house new workers, but these actually demand very little human labor. Manufacturers are attracted to the Zarbian territories because the land is cheap and taxes are lower, not because of low wages. Most factory work is, in fact, automated and factory work has become more and more reliant on technical skills, roles usually filled by the more educated class of Macabean colonists who come looking for higher wages. No, the largest employer of labor by far remains the mining sector, which is controlled by a handful of behemoth corporations.

Crumbling and gloomy, apartment buildings like these characterize the surbuban landscape of Zarbian cities.

"There just isn't enough work. There's not enough hours given out. I don't make enough money, and I need to find a solution fast because my family has to eat," Carlos Fontanero tells me as we walk through the narrow streets of Minares, one of the larger towns sitting on the outskirts of Vondheim.

People around us look at me suspiciously. I look like an outsider, like a young middle-class colonist who doesn't belong. The settlers arriving from the provinces live near the center, in the wealthier condominium blocks that have already replaced extensive areas of the former urban landscape. It has been a revolution in living standards, but it represents only a small cultural bubble that has insulated itself from the hordes of impoverished locals to live all around them. It's a bubble that us Macabeans rarely leave, and we're expected not to. In some suburbs we aren't welcomed at all. Even an afternoon stroll like this was dangerous.

If I can walk freely around these parts it's because I walk with Carlos. "I've always been a giver," he says. "Me and Minares go way back."

"As a young man," he recounts, "I remember helping out in the soup kitchens. I've always been a troublemaker, but I've also always been a community man — a family man. I've helped where I can." And even where he can't, Carlos always manages to leave a footprint. It was in his early teens when he joined a gang, the Minares FO-12, in which he participated in the pre-occupation drug and prostitution trade. Even then, Carlos tells us how FO-12 funded community projects, such as smuggling in bootleg Macabean, Stevidian, and Guffingfordi movies to display on big screens set up against the backs of the concrete apartment blocks. These activities have endeared the people of Minares to him, and although the FO-12 is largely long-gone its legacy remains in the loyalty that men like Carlos command in these neighborhoods.

Nine months ago, he lost his job at the Garag-Tenebeal zinc-lead mine just east of the city, where for almost fifteen years he served as a mechanical fitter. Uneducated, Carlos was deemed insufficiently skilled for a management position and too old, and slow, for the physical work he was doing. He lost his job.

"I was lost." He stares off into the sky, his face pained from the memories.

But he didn't lose everything. A man of action, Carlos quickly found a new life path by using his community connections to organize one of the territory's first homegrown private defense agency. While the people of Minares hardly make money sufficient to pay for private security forces, Carlos had negotiated with the city of Minares contracts that allow him to pay himself and his men. In exchange, he and his men — about three hundred total now — patrol the suburb's streets in an effort to keep the peace. But, the job is becoming harder and harder.

He isn't the only person to have lost his job, or to be without one, amongst the inhabitants of Minares. Like most cities, tens of thousands of new workers have flocked from the countryside to the city. Some flee the rebels, but most come in search for new economic opportunities. But despite the historically high rates of foreign investment in the territories, their still too slow to keep up with migration rates.

The lack of work, and oftentimes housing, has greatly contributed to rising social instability. This coupled with the predominately poor labor conditions makes for an explosive cinder box that the insurgency is sure to exploit, and indeed has already begun to infiltrate. And although Carlos and his men have put great focus on Minares' youth and programs to keep them away from the gangs, he needs more personnel and there simply isn't enough funding to pay for them. Unlike the rebels, Carlos can't rob or extort the capital he needs, and without the financial backing of the Imperial Bureaucracy he fears that his project is doomed to fail if the political situation continues to spiral out of control.

Of course, the Imperial Government is unlikely to provide the funding. The success of the privatized model used in the provinces for the provision of security has led the government to uphold the same philosophy throughout the territories. Either the territorial governments must provide the necessary money or security remains privatized, which often means non-existent.

In the dark world of the projects, not all have the fortune of sleeping in a warm bed.

It was predicted that the annexations of Zarbia, Monzarc, and Indras would go more-or-less peacefully, as did those of Guffingford and Safehaven. The Fuermak had apparently failed to learn its lesson from the decade-long Theohuanacu experience, where a series of wars have yet to tame the southern and western fringes of the island. War still rages along the pirate-controlled southeastern coastlines, as it still does in Zarbia and will continue to do so for a long time.

Not all have ignored the warning signs, though.

"In Theohuanacu, it was the debt of the The War that tied our hands behind our back," recounts Lasagos Didíek Martosé, hands ironically behind his back as he paces from side to side in his office at the Ejermacht territorial. "Here it's overextension. We have a large army, but too many wars, too many enemies to fight. What good are a billion troops to safeguard the empire if they're all in Gholgoth? We need those soldiers back home, where they can help keep security in the territories. A half a million more men would help, a million more would be ideal. A million out of over a billion is not a big number, but we won't get what we need. They make big promises, but something always comes up and they postpone."

Indeed, the Imperial Bureaucracy has meant to bolster its garrison in Zarbia since the annexation, but there has always been something else to serve as a distraction. The invasion of Zarbia, and then the smaller, wealthier northeastern enclave of Monzarc, were merely preludes to much grander ambitions. Then came the "reunification of Guffingford," albeit under imperial rule, of course.

There was a time that not many remember anymore because it was so fleeting and sudden, a time when it seemed that a renewed war between the Golden Throne and the Holy Empire was a very real possibility. The Macabean military was mobilizing along the frontier and its sights were placed on the long strip of coastal Guffingfordi territory that the Stevidians had taken at the end of the War of Golden Succession — what Martosé refers to as 'The War.' Even then, Martose petitioned for additional resources in Zarbia and he was granted one hundred and fifty thousand men. No more, however, for Guffingford was the utmost priority. But, then came the war in Indras. Then the peacekeeping mission in New Empire, which has turned into more of an informal occupation of a puppet regime. These, of course, continue, and to them we must add the unraveling conflicts in southern Theohuanacu, Holy Panooly, and, the most consuming of all, Gholgoth.

The Fuermak is still growing and 'Army Group Zarbia,' which in truth is little more than three divisions and a swarm of special forces brigades, is included in those growth plans. At full strength, Martosé is supposed to have just over eight hundred thousand soldiers. But, the armed forces can only grow so fast, and most of these new recruits are destined for Gholgoth, and before that either Holy Panooly or Theohuanacu.

That means Zarbia is one of the last items on the priorities list and Martosé won't get the troops he needs for a long while, if ever.

During the campaigning season up to twenty to thirty thousand men can be deployed on raids, search and cordons, and other maneuvers against enemy rebel forces. That leaves around forty thousand to garrison major cities and hundreds of smaller outputs throughout the two territories. The scarcity of manpower explains why the predominate integration strategy is an indirect and long-term one.

Gangs and privately-funded programs aren't the only options for Zarbia's youth. Tens of millions also join the auxiliaries which have been recruiting at unrelenting rates in an effort to meet the Fuermak's demand for bodies. They are deployed to Indras, Theohuanacu, New Empire, and Gholgoth, far away from their homeland and the politics of their people. As long as the Golden Throne is at war, the auxiliaries will remain a popular outlet for territorials of age looking for a reasonable income and adventure. But as the war in Gholgoth becomes more real and the terrifying stories of the Theohuanacan meat churners circulate fewer and fewer Zarbians seek to join the service. With conscription already reinstated in the provinces some wonder whether it is a matter of time before the law is extended to the territories.

An Imperial Governor may sign a conscription order at any time. It can be vetoed by His Imperial Majesty or by the three-fourths vote of a representative body of a territory's government. Even in this case, however, the Imperial Bureacracy typically and eventually negotiates the outcome it seeks, even if it comes with some concessions for the territories in questions.

If the law passes, between seventy-five and one hundred million Zarbians may be drafted into the military. This would soak up most of the Zarbia's and Nuevo León's unemployed populations, which would draw away from the rebel's most fertile recruitment grounds and do away with much of the social anxiety that is starting to unsettle the densest, poorest urban populations. But it would take away from civilian security forces organized and led by men like Carlos Fontanero as well, handicapping what are already very limited defense efforts by part of the local communities.

The Imperial Government has rested its hope on an economic solution to the ongoing insurgency. In theory, as more Zarbians are pulled into the middle class they will begin to place their bets with the territorial administration.

Large scale industrialization, such as the multiplication of factories and mines, have been one facet of this approach, but one whose riches won't be seen by the locals for decades to come. The growth of the financial system has been a boon, but so far their impact remains limited. Zarbians are, on average, quite poor, and the loans they do qualify for tend to be small. This has handicapped entrepreneurship. In an attempt to help remedy these constraints, the Imperial Bureaucracy has introduced redistributive property programs that give rights tenants who live on land under ambiguous and often undocumented ownership. It has also strengthened property rights for home- and landowners in small towns, like Esperanza Calderón. These lands were once 'dead capital,' or assets of value that could not be exploited to their fullest because of the lack of strong property rights. By making the rights explicit, these assets can be used as collateral to borrow from banks eager to lend in what is predicted to be an explosively strengthening economy.

All of these policies set their sights on the future, but the problems Zarbia and Nuevo León face are very much in the present. If the empire's territorial policies are to work, the territorial administrations need the manpower to secure their communities and defeat insurgent forces. Bearing the alarming situation in Zarbia as it stands, it is absolutely amazing that to many Macabeans it stills seems as if these two dry, ready-to-burn lands were long ago integrated and assimilated into a peaceful empire. Nothing could be further from the truth.

We are still at war in Zarbia, and unless imperial priorities change soon it will be a very long war indeed.

[Haishan]

Defending the Skies; Interview with Colonel-General Korolev-Tazie of Haize Aerospace Defense Forces
Transcript by Mizeni-Mus | Defence.Net International™

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Example of ballistic missile defense radar

In this special edition of Defence.Net informative, we were given exclusive interview access to Colonel General Korolev-Tazie on Haize perspective in aerospace defense matters. With experience spanning more than three decades, the Colonel General have been given one of the most important and difficult task in Haize Armed Forces; to ensure security and sovereignty of Haize either in the air or in the space. Defence.Net journalist Mizeni-Mus reports.

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Nihatzi Colonel General Korolev-Tazie. Can you tell us the tasks of Haize Aerospace Defense Forces?

Nihatzi, Mizeni. Oh, that's a relatively simple question. To put it in laymen terms, we're supposed to know who enters our air and space, figure out the intentions of our guests and depending on the circumstances, tell them to leave either verbally or physically. It might sound easy but we need to monitor thousands of kilometers cubic volume, all in real time. There are also legal flights, civilian flights and so we need to know who's who. Aerospace defense isn't a simple job. There are a lot of flying things out there and we must be certain that the incoming airliner flight isn't a jet fighter so we don't shoot it by mistake.

Thank you for the answer, Colonel General. Just now you said knowing who's who is important. So what does the Service look out for?

Well, as what I answered before, we look for many stuffs. From aircraft, to rotary wing aircraft and even ships. The Service is also supposed to look out for not only flying things but also launching things. As we all know, Haishan is part of GATA [Global Aerospace Trade Association]. So we also need to know that launching rocket in the horizon is legitimate GATA object and not a ballistic missile aimed at us. It's similar to what I said earlier; the Service need to know what happens around Haishan so we don't accidentally shoot at the wrong target.

Even ships? Isn't that the task of the Navy?

Yeah, even ships. In compliance of new doctrine pushed by the Defense Ministry, we share data between Services. For example, the Navy might've detected some kind of missile launch and thus they can tell us. Or we detect an incoming ballistic missile and we can alert the Strategic Troops for their further action. While it sounds like alot of work, it's pretty beneficial for us as we tend to work in big volume of space where our units may not even know what they're shooting at. Better discrimination and information is always a plus for us.

Okay. Can you tell us what's the biggest threat facing Haishan at the moment?

Hmm, well there were lots of discussion on this but we at the Aerospace Defense had designated low flying cruise missiles as the biggest threat facing our troops. Unlike a jet fighter or a ballistic missile where you can see at very long ranges, cruise missiles are an entirely different category of problem. They fly low which means our radar can't detect them in appropriate time scale and they tend to be small, further complicating detection as ground clutter harms our sensors performance, to a certain extent. We've seen reports on prevalence of massed cruise missile strikes in Greater Dienstad; they suggested more than a thousand cruise missiles were launched in a single attack. Personally I found it hard to believe but we got to work with the best of our abilities to avoid that scenario, where the enemy could destroy us with such attacks.

What steps did the Aerospace Defense Service taken to avoid such issue? Wouldn't ballistic missiles be a larger concern?

There are many steps being implemented in the Service but what I can tell you that is, we're working on improving our systems readiness and tool selections to respond to the threat. The cruise missile might be hard to track but the platform firing it might not. For example, let's say a jet fighter can carry two cruise missiles. Rather than trying to engage the cruise missiles after they're launched, ideally the aircraft is engaged first. Our solution to such problem is of course upgrading our sensors capabilities; more early warning radars to track and identify incoming contacts so nothing could escape our notice.

On ballistic missiles, it's a traditional concern but as I said earlier, cruise missiles warranted a bigger attention. Though it doesn't mean we neglect that part of defense. We knew that the battlefield environment posit a very complicated scenario and thus we're upgrading and making better systems. Our legacy SAM [surface-to-air-missile] might be good at one job but now we're upgrading or replacing them to do multiple jobs. We're also investing into non-traditional weapons such as lasers and railguns. They'll be used to supplement current missile systems; the laser should be able to not only engage a low flying cruise missile but also ballistic targets. High technology stuff just like in the sci-fi movies.

Lasers and railguns? Aren't those are Navy's?

I get the gist what you're trying to say but it's a non-issue. The Defense Ministry basically said that capabilities should be prioritized, not inter-Service rivalries. We're all tasked to defend Haishan and thus politics shouldn't exist, we're doing our nation a favour and bickering about that stuff isn't productive. For us, the better the tools we have, the lesser we need to commit on defense. We could then re-allocate our resources to adapt or endure to hostile attacks.

Can you tell us what the Service is currently working on? Any new systems to be disclosed?

Haha, I get your enthusiasm but I cannot tell much. The Service focus at the moment is integration so we can effectively use our equipment to their fullest potential. Next is detection, such as newer ballistic defense and over the horizon radars so we can see better and at longer ranges. Afterwards is in similar category as laser that I said earlier, anti-saturation weapons to withstand a concentrated or massed strikes. Our defense systems should be able to defend our lands and themselves against say, a cruise missile swarm that may number in hundreds or thousands in a single attack. This is so that other Services would be able to operate more freely than getting smashed by enemy effectors.

Thank for your answer, Colonel General. What is your projection on the future of the Service?

Well, in the near term would be fixing up and optimizing our defense coverage. The prior anti satellite attack done by Imperial States really woke all of us up; this isn't a game and we need to be prepared at all times. We should be able to rapidly respond to such attacks in the future and give options to the Junta on what to do. In the long term, we hope that our Service will serve as a strong deterrent to flying enemy units like how the Strategic Troops deterred first-use nuclear strikes on our nation. As per our motto, watching skies are our job and we need to do it right the first time. There's no second time for it.

Thank you for your time, Colonel General. Do you have any concluding commentary for us readers?

Thank you as well. To conclude, we at Aerospace Defense Forces would be always watching the skies and we could use any help we get from our Haize readers. As for our foreign peers, I hope our brief discussion would give you some beneficial key points on what we do and why we do. That's all to it.

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[Imbrinium]

IBC: Breaking News

The Crown colony Philotas Islands has declared war on the Reich with the approval of the Crown King. There hasn’t been a statement from the Crown or Cormond.

This is the first time the Islands history to declare war, with being a part of the Crown for the last hundred and fifty years the islands have fought in every major war beside the crown with loyalty. The Philotas Island soldiers are fierce fighters and have won countless awards from the crown.

The royal family of Óengus entrusted with the safe keeping of the Crown Colony. This is the second royal family to have control of the country the Óengus took over after the restructuring of the government and the writing of a constitution and the election of a parliament all approved by the crown after the same happened to the crown.

The Crown Colony Philotas Island’s can only declare war with the approval of the king, the duchess and both parliament. Only time will tell on how this war will effect the crown as a whole.

[Greater Themis]

Scientists Herald Breakthrough as ''End of All Plagues''

Themis News Network > News > Health

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Orientia, Themis - Scientists at the prestigious Ares College, in collaboration with the Themisi Health Service and Montana Pharmaceuticals, have announced a revolutionary breakthrough in how scientists may deal with emerging infectious diseases.

Published in The Themisi Journal of Infection, the paper by the Ares College team describes the perfection of a method to rapidly produce a treatment called immunotherapy. This technique uses artificial replicas of the body's own defence chemicals, known as monoclonal antibodies, to target and destroy invading bacteria and viruses, allowing the body's defences to mop up the remainder. The technique came to prominence in the treatment of Ebola infections in other nations, with a 100% cure rate in small scale trials, though with a hefty price tag.

The new technique, known as Rapid Antibody Sequencing and Replication (RASeR) allows scientists to start forming these monoclonal antibodies in the lab, with only a small sample of potentially deadly diseases required. It also covers a secondary technique, patented by Montana last year, of rapidly replicating these antibodies. A combination of these two techniques allows for the production of therapeutic doses of the antibodies, rapidly, within a week of a new disease outbreak, and at a fraction of the cost of previous therapy attempts. The implication of this is that any new disease outbreak, by a bioterrorist, foreign power, or mother nature herself, can be countered with effective therapies and rapidly. This could not come at a better time, as unknown disease outbreaks in the Three Territories, and other Dienstadi nations, threaten international security.

For Montana, who control joint ownership over the RASeR technology with the Themisi Health Service, the financial return could be huge. With immunotherapy patents at an all time high, the possibility of developing and manufacturing hundreds of new disease cures within a year, with intellectual property rights, could see the pharmaceutical giant enjoy guaranteed profits and growths for the next twenty years, a prospect that has sent shares in the company's Themisi subsidiaries soaring on Themisi stock exchanges by 5.6%. This will inevitably trickle down to the Themisi Health Service, allowing for extended access of patients to newer, expensive cancer and diabetes drugs that were previously not approved for health service use.

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[-Itailia-]

Floribus Festum to draw record crowds this year
The annual spring time festival is estimated to draw over 20 million people during it's two week celebration this year - a record
Gnaeus Tanicius Vopiscus (@Gnaeus Tanicius Vopiscus)(TH)
^{Rain's Hand 23, 3E7 11:50 AM | Ebonaervon, Itailia}

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The village of Auritore, the annual host of the Festum on the southern coasts. AP photo

Ebonaervon, Itailia(Herald) — This Friday, Imperator Mark Da Vinci and the Imperial family will travel to the usually sleepy village of Auritore and officially open perhaps the most anticipated festival of the year, the Floribus Festum, which initial estimates released by the Imperator's spokeperson is expected to host a swelling crowd of almost twenty million, both citizens and foreigners, which if accurate, will set a new record for the festival's attendance.

The Floribus Festum is the spring-time festival held every year for the last eight hundred and seventy five years, and it is used as a time to celebrate fertility, family, and general happiness. It was founded by the Imperator's ancestor, Felix Claudius I, as a way to bring the Empire together before heading to the fields and planting the Empire's new harvest that will enrichen it; times may have changed, and farming may not longer be the dominant industry, but it's still usually a festival used for celebration and general joy, and it's always been the most anticipated, and busiest, of the four permanent festivals hosted across the Empire each year.

The festival is held in the village of Auritore, a known vacation spot for it's beaches and scenic views, which sits on the southern coasts of the Empire and is where the very first festival was originally held, and thus the Imperator travels each year from his seat in the capital Ebonvaeron to this lax village, where it's typical population of approximately 12,000 is suddenly swarmed with visitors from both within, and outside the Empire.

The village normally would lack the space for holding such an event, but the Forum Mellis was built approximately seventy years ago by Imperator Gnaeus IV to accomodate the large crowds modern times had brought, and thus a sprawling forum complex sits just north of the coastal village on grass flatlands, itself capable of housing, entertainment; it's the largest forum in the Empire, even larger then the one at the heart of the capital. While the village pays for it to be cleaned but empty for most of the year, it is estimated the each year's festival brings in billions upon billions of tourist revenue for the village, so the relationship has prospered. It as also been used as a launch pad for musicians, artists, craftsmen and other vocations, who will usually display their craft or art at the festival where companies, or just the hordes of people latch on, and either buy their wares or sign them on for lucrative contracts. The most recent, and notable, example is Bassus, a highly popular indie-pop band which was launched after lead performer Mamercus Vatinius Bassus and his two brothers performed on stage during the festival last year. A representative for Sudo Industries was at the performance and signed them to a multi-million mark contract which has since seen the band produce 2 record selling albums. Other famous musicians to get a start are Aurea, a rock band, and El Vopo, a acapella group which has generated millions online and through social media.

Security concerns are at a usual level, despite the raging wars in the central part of the region, the Imperial Police Authority isn't expecting too much or any serious risks, but still says it's treating the event serious so that guests and citizens alike may be able to enjoy their time and remain safe. IPA expects to deploy a estimated 8,500 officers, which is in addition to the 200 strong local department and the 1,000 Justicars who will also be there on hand. Their presence is more of a "buffer" to threats; festivals are granted special status by the Imperator, and normal misdemeanor crimes are suspended at the celebrations, only felonies and higher remain in effect.


Gnaeus Tanicus Vopiscus contributed to this article.

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[The Qoryx]

Ihre Kaiserlichen Majestäten reisen nach Morrdh zum Feiern;
Staatssekretäre des Reichsamt des Innern kündigt an, dass die Weltbevölkerung durch neue Grenzschutzflugzeuge vor Seeschiffen geschützt ist.
Friitig, 24. März

Kaiserstadt Schwyz, Kanton Schwyz, Reichseidgenossenschaft Qoryx

In dem entfernten ausländischen Commonwealth von Morrdh hat ihr lokaler Herrscher eine jahrzehntelange Feier Partei angekündigt, zu Ehren ihrer Herrschaft. Vizekönigin Lothwyn Boudica Cathmore II hat seit zehn Jahren Morrdh regiert und war maßgeblich daran beteiligt, das Land durch seine rücksichtslose Aggression gegen die germanische Nation des Ordenitischen Vierten Reiches zu führen. Die beiden sind seit Anfang des vergangenen Jahres an den Kehlen der anderen, als das vierte Reich den Krieg gegen einen Morridan-Verbündeten in Vergeltung für eine verurteilte leichte gegen die Souveränität ihrer Marionette erklärte. Als erstes zu antworten, haben die beiden Nationen seit Beginn des Krieges kein Auge auf Auge gesehen. Seine Kaiserliche Majestät hat zu Recht erklärt, dass der Qoryx im Konflikt neutral bleiben wird und argumentiert, dass zwei ausländische Nationen, die über fremde Länder kämpfen, keine Beteiligung von Qoryxen rechtfertigen. Jedoch, scheinbar widerspricht, dass und erscheinen, um Seiten zum ersten Mal seit dem Krieg zu beginnen, Ihre Kaiserlichen Majestäten, der Kaiser und Kaiserin, werden an der Jahrestagsfeier in Morrdh teilnehmen.

Lokale Politiker und Bürger scheinen die Nachrichten nicht gut zu nehmen, da sie gegen ihre sehr strenge Neutralitätspolitik geht, indem sie in einem Krieg, der sie nicht einbezieht. Eine Aussage des kaiserlichen Haushaltes verdeutlicht, dass der Umzug nur zur Unterstützung des Monarchen gemacht wird und dass Ihre Kaiserlichen Majestäten nur für das Hauptereignis da sein werden, so dass kurz darauf zurückbleibt. Interessanterweise haben Quellen aus dem Reichswehramt gelernt, dass die Reise nach Morrdh einen neuen, experimentellen "technischen" Pick-Up-Truck in die Prüfung durch das Militär einbeziehen wird. Für den Einsatz durch den Raumwache geschaffen, ist es leicht gepanzert, hat aber eine Kleinwaffe, die auf dem LKW montiert ist, um einen schnellen Schutz gegen bewaffnete Angriffe zu bieten. Angesichts der relativen Sicherheit und der isolierten Lage von Morrdh ist es neugierig, dass ein solches Fahrzeug sogar erforderlich ist. Die Morridane-Regierung hat solche Anforderungen akzeptiert, aber die jüngsten Sichten am Kaiser-Wilhelm-XIX. Galaktischen Flughafen in Schwyz zeigen, dass der Privatsekretär des Kaisers am Vormittag Midnight Sun nach Morrdun an Bord war, wahrscheinlich mit den Morridan-Beamten koordinieren.

Mit der Reise nach Morrdh, die eine Seite zu begünstigen scheint, haben wir auch gelernt, dass Seine Kaiserliche Majestät Berghof, Ordenitisches Viertes Reich für einen Gelegenheitsbesuch besuchen wird, um den Ordenitischen Führer und einige führende Handelsbeamte kennenzulernen und einen Dialog zu führen. Während die Informationen aus dem vierten Reich knapp sind, können wir bestätigen, dass seine Kaiserliche Majestät auf dem Kaiserlichen Flug fliegen wird und einen seiner persönlichen Fahrzeuge mitbringen wird, um den Ordenitischen Führer für eine Fahrt um das Anwesen zu nehmen , Die auch Skifahren und Jagen beinhalten können. Beamte aus dem Imperialen Landgut veröffentlichten eine private Erklärung an die Presse und klärten, dass seine Kaiserliche Majestät ein historisches Auto in neuwertigem Zustand für den Winter oder das bergige Fahren bringen wird. Seine 1938er Jahre Mercedes-Benz W138 260D (Siehe beigefügtes Bild), die vor 30 Jahren in einen moderneren, sparsamen Dimethylether-Motor umgewandelt wurde, den die meisten Nicht-Verbrennungsmotoren in der Qoryx haben. Der frühzeitige Einsatz eines wählbaren Allradantriebssystems des Fahrzeugs ermöglichte es Mercedes-Benz, ihre Fahrzeuge zum ersten Mal zu exportieren. Als "das luxuriöse Auto der Ära" gesehen, repräsentiert es den Beginn der Handelsbeziehungen von Ordenit-Qoryxen und den Beginn der Allwetter-Fahrzeugtechnik.

In the distant foreign Commonwealth of Morrdh, their local sovereign has announced a decennial celebration party, in honour of her reign. Vicereine Lothwyn Boudica Cathmore II has ruled Morrdh for ten years, and is instrumental in guiding the country through its reckless aggression against the Germanic nation of The Ordenite Fourth Reich. The two have been at each others' throats since early last year, when the Fourth Reich declared war against a Morridane ally in retaliation for a percieved slight against their puppet's sovereignty. The first to respond, the two nations have not seen eye-to-eye on any subject since the beginning of the war. His Imperial Majesty has rightfully declared that The Qoryx shall remain neutral in the conflict, arguing that two foreign nations fighting over foreign lands does not warrant Qoryxen involvement. However, seemingly contradicting that and appearing to take sides for the first time since the war began, Their Imperial Majesties, the Emperor and Empress, will be attending the decennial celebration in Morrdh.

Local politicians and citizens seem to not be taking the news well, as it goes against their very strict policy of neutrality by seeming to take sides in a war that doesn't involve them. A statement by the Imperial Household clarifies that the move is made solely in support of the monarch, and that Their Imperial Majesties will be there for only the main event, leaving shortly after. Interestingly, sources from within the Imperial Defence Office have learned that the trip to Morrdh will involve a new, experimental "technical" pick-up truck in testing by the military. Created for possible use by the Raumwache, it is lightly armoured but has a small-arms weapon mounted atop the truck to provide quick protection against armed attacks. Given the relative security and isolated location of Morrdh, it is curious that such a vehicle is even required. The Morridane government has accepted such requirements, but recent sightings at Kaiser Wilhelm XIX Galactic Airport in Schwyz show that the Emperor’s Private Secretary boarded a flight onboard Vetteron Airlines to Morrdun earlier this morning, likely to coordinate with the Morridane officials.

With the trip to Morrdh seeming to favour one side, we have also learned that His Imperial Majesty will be visiting Berghof, UWO for a casual visit, to get to know the Ordenite Führer and some leading trade officials and establish a dialogue. While information from within the Fourth Reich is scarce, we can confirm that His Imperial Majesty will be flying in on the Imperial Flight (Der Kaiserliche Flug) and will be bringing one of his personal vehicles to take the Ordenite Führer for a drive around the estate, which may also include some skiing and hunting. Officials from within the Imperial Estate released a private statement to the press, clarifying that His Imperial Majesty will be bringing a historic car kept in mint condition for winter or mountainous driving. His Imperial Majesty’s 1938CE Mercedes-Benz W138 260D (see attached image) which was converted 30 years ago into a more modern, fuel-efficient dimethyl ether engine which most non-electric combustion engines have in The Qoryx. The vehicle’s early deployment of a selectable four-wheel drive system allowed Mercedes-Benz to export their vehicles for the first time, to acclaimed success. Seen as ‘the luxury car of the era’, it represents the beginning of Ordenite-Qoryxen trade relations, and the beginning of all-weather vehicle engineering.

Grenzstützpunkt 24, Kanton Genf, Reichseidgenossenschaft Qoryx

Es gibt auch gute Neuigkeiten für Größeres Díenstad vom Reichsamt des Innern. Der Staatssekretäre des Reichsamt des Innern hat zusammen mit der Unterstützung der DCSS- und Versicherungsabteilungen der GDFZ angekündigt, dass die Bundesgrenzwache die gesamte Region durch neue Luftrettungsflugzeuge der gesamten Region nautische Abdeckung anbieten wird. In der Vereinbarung zwischen dem GDFZ und dem Reichsamt des Innern wird das GDFZ das Flugzeug besitzen und pflegen, während der Bundesgrenzwachepersonal das Flugzeug betreut und betreibt. Dies hat es dem Bundesgrenzwache gewährt, allen Zivilpersonen, die am offenen Meer auftauchen, zu helfen - sei es über einen Boots-, Raum- und Luftfahrt-Vorfall - eine universelle Notfallversorgung innerhalb von Stunden.

Wenn ein Notruf von überall in den Gewässern der Region empfangen wird, fliegt das neue "Albatros" Seerettungsflugzeug schnell zum Ort des Notfalls und startet Notfall-Rettungsboot-Kanister, die automatisch aufblasen wird, sobald es das Wasser erreicht. Jedes Albatros-Flugzeug kann bis zu zwölf Rettungsboote starten, die bis zu Zwänzk Personen tragen können und sowohl die obere als auch die untere Abdeckung nach Bedarf bereitstellen, was die Abschirmung sowohl von Wasser als auch von widrigem Wetter ermöglicht. Unterhalb der Oberfläche kann ein Stabilisator mit einem kleinen Antriebssystem die Lebensdauer des Rettungsbootes auch bei extremen Meeresbedingungen bis zu maximal 35 Meter Wellen beibehalten. Bei extrem windigen Bedingungen von 120km / h und darüber wird der obere Teil nicht aufblasen aufgrund der Gefahr, dass das Rettungsboot kapseln kann, aber der untere Teil und Stabilisator ist auf maximal 275km / h bewertet. Das Flugzeug selbst kann bei allen Witterungsbedingungen fliegen, bis zu maximal 525km / h Wind und / oder anhaltender Hagel von nicht größer als achtzig Zentimeter im Durchmesser für insgesamt feuf Stunden. Aufgrund seiner geringen Baugröße, der Leichtbaukonstruktion und der Betonung der Reichweite gegenüber der Manövrierfähigkeit hat das Flugzeug selbst eine Reihe von drüüfachen Durchmessern der Region. Dies ermöglicht eine Rückfahrt von jedem Punkt in der Region zu einem anderen, plus eine weitere Möglichkeit Weg Zeit, um die Suche und Rettungsmaßnahmen durchgeführt werden, um durchgeführt werden.

Der Staatssekretäre des Reichsamt des Innern hat geklärt, dass ab sofort die erste Markteinführung des Flugzeugs auf nur feuf Stunden Flugzeit von der Hauptbasis des Bundesgrenzwache in Genf (GSP24) begrenzt wird. Dieser Bereich wird für die gefährlichsten Gewässer um den jüngsten großen bewaffneten Konflikt den zivilen Schutz, den es braucht, ermöglichen. Mit zivilen Todesfällen in der gemeldeten Reichweite von über Füfzä Millionen als Folge dieser und damit zusammenhängenden Konflikte fordern die Aktivisten Ihre Kaiserlichen Majestäten und die Reichseidgenossenschaft, um Fortschritte bei der Unterstützung der auslandischen Zivilisten zu machen. Der Reichskanzler hat sich in den Werken weiterentwickelt, um unschuldige Zivilisten aus den Gefahren des Krieges zu unterstützen, aber er hielt sich fest, was diese weiteren Schritte sein könnten.

"Wenn dies nur ein Schritt von einem Plan ist, um unsere Mitmenschen der Region zu unterstützen, ist es eine von vielen Schritten in die richtige Richtung aus unserer Sicht. Ausländern oder nicht, es ist unsere Pflicht, die Unschuldigen vor der Schlachtung während der Kriegszeit zu schützen", sagte der bekannte politische Aktivist Hansel Grübern vom Diplomatischen Institut von Zürich. Die DIZ war ein stimmlicher Gegner des Konflikts, der auf den schweren Lebensverlust als Hauptursache für die Besorgnis auf internationaler Ebene hinweist.

Die meisten politischen Analytiker und Aktivisten gleichermaßen applaudieren den Umzug, der von der Reichskanzler zusammen mit der Kaiserin angeführt wurde, die mit dem GDFZ verlobt wurde, um das Projekt zu unterstützen. Der Bundesgrenzwache hat gesagt, dass es die Rekrutierung für mehr als 500 Positionen eröffnen würde, die das Projekt schaffen wird, was auch regelmäßige Such- und Rettungsflugzeuge ergänzt, die sowohl von der Luftwache als auch vom Bundesgrenzwache betrieben werden. Die Kaiserin selbst sprach über Reporter während einer Gruppendiskussion mit der Kaiserfamilie über den gegenwärtigen Stand der Dinge innerhalb der Reichseinheit.

"Das ist ein großer Gewinn für die Zivilbevölkerung von Größeres Díenstad, die bereits unter den Völkermordkriegsmassnahmen leiden, die von den Regierungen, die an dem bewaffneten Konflikt um die Reichseinheit beteiligt sind, erlassen wurden. Ich freue mich, dieses Projekt in irgendeiner Weise zu unterstützen, und ich bin dankbar, dass der Reichskanzler mit so einer ungeheuren Gelegenheit zu mir kommen kann. Auch unter politischem Druck leuchtet für Fürst Otto die Nicht-Partisanenschaft, und es ist ein Beweis für die Lauenburger Familie ihrer Hingabe an die Reichseidgenossenschaft. "

Angefügt ist das Konzeptdesign von Andre Kieschnik, Senior Konzeptkünstler der Blue Byte GmbH; Alle Rechte vorbehalten.

There is also great news for Greater Dienstad from the Imperial Office of the Interior. The Imperial Home Secretary has announced, together with support from the GDFG’s DCSS and Insurance divisions, that the Imperial Border Guard will be offering the entire region universal nautical coverage through new aerial rescue aircraft. In the agreement between the GDFG and the Imperial Office of the Interior, the GDFG will own and maintain the aircraft, while the Imperial Border Guard will staff and operate the aircraft. This has allowed the Imperial Border Guard to offer all civilians who end up in the open sea - whether it be via a boating, aerospace or aviation incident - universal emergency coverage within a matter of hours.

If a distress call is received from anywhere in the region’s waters, the new “Albatros” sea rescue aircraft will quickly fly to location of the emergency and launch emergency lifeboat cannisters that will automatically inflate once it reaches the water. Each Albatros aircraft can launch up to twelve lifeboats, which can carry up to twenty people and provides both top and bottom coverage as needed, allowing shielding from both the water below and any adverse weather. Below the surface, a stabilizer with a small propulsion system can maintain the lifeboat’s stability even in extreme sea conditions, up to a maximum of 35 metre waves. In extremely windy conditions of 120km/h and above, the top portion will not inflate due to the risk that the lifeboat may capsize, however the bottom portion and stabilizer is rated to a maximum of 275km/h. The aircraft itself can fly in all weather conditions, up to a maximum of 525km/h winds, and/or sustained hail of no larger than eighty centimetre in diametre for a total of five hours. Due to its small size, lightweight construction and design emphasis on range versus maneuverability, the aircraft itself has a range of three times the diametre of the region, allowing for a return trip from any point in the region to another, plus a further one-way trip worth of time to allow for the search and rescue operations to be carried out.

The Imperial Home Secretary has clarified that, as of right now, the initial launch of the aircraft will be limited to only five hours flight time from the Imperial Border Guard’s main base in Genf (GSP24). This range will allow for the most dangerous waters surrounding the recent major armed conflict the civilian protection it needs. With civilian deaths in the reported range of over fifteen million as a result of this and related conflicts, activists are calling for Their Imperial Majesties and the Imperial Unity to make progress in supporting the ausland civilians. The Imperial Chancellor has eluded to further steps in the works to support innocent civilians from the perils of war, but has kept tight lipped on what those further steps might be.

“If this is but one step of a plan to support our fellow humans of the region, it is one of many steps in the right direction in our view. Ausländern or not, it is our human duty to protect the innocent from slaughter during wartime,” said well known political activist Hansel Grübern of the Diplomatisches Institut von Zürich. The DIZ has been a vocal opponent of the conflict, which points to the severe loss of life as a major cause for concern on the international scale.

Most political analysts and activists alike are applauding the move, which was spearheaded by the Imperial Chancellor together with the Empress, who liaised with the GDFG to gain support for the project. The Imperial Border Guard has said it would open up recruitment for more than 500 positions the project will create, which will also supplement regular search and rescue aircraft operated by both the Air Guard and Imperial Border Guard. The Empress herself talked about it to reporters during a group discussion with the Imperial Family on the current state of affairs within the Imperial Unity.

“This is a huge win for the civilians of Greater Dienstad, who have already been suffering under genocidal war measures enacted by those governments involved in the armed conflict surrounding the Imperial Unity. I am pleased to be supporting this project in any way I can, and am grateful to have the Imperial Chancellor come to me with such a tremendous opportunity. Even under political pressure, non-partisanship shines through for Fürst Otto, and it is a testament to the Lauenburg family of their devotion to the Imperial Unity.”

Attached is the concept design presented by Andre Kieschnik, senior concept artist of Blue Byte GmbH; all rights reserved solely as such.

[-Itailia-]

Police Raid Prevents 'Mass Attack' on Festival
A pre-dawn police raid arrests 11 suspects who were planning a 'massive attack' on the celebrations
Gnaeus Tanicius Vopiscus (@Gnaeus Tanicius Vopiscus)(TH)
^{Rain's Hand 28, 3E7 11:50 AM | Ebonaervon, Itailia}

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Auritore Police Department vehicles parked outside the suspect's townhouse AP photo

Ebonaervon, Itailia(Herald) — Auritore police, in conjunction with the Justicars, have held a press release announcing that an early pre-dawn morning raid by police from both APD and the Justicars on a modern townhouse in the southern ends of the small village resulted in the arrest of 11 "radical" suspects, whom police representatives are saying were planning, and aimed on carrying out, a massive attack on the Festival celebrations currently being held in the village.

The suspected group was initially made aware of to local police by local informants, who said the group was stockpiling an "unusual amount" of dangerous weaponry and tools, which led to a police investigation. According to the press release, APD asked for Justicar assistance during the investigation, and the imperial agency revealed through it's contacts 'chatter' of an possible attack on the Festival by extreme political fringe movements, most likely the outlawed "Gayz'" group which are a cell of anarchists long since outlawed, and hunted, by all levels of law enforcement in the empire.

The raid was conducted at 2:11 in the morning, in the sleepy Mipalia neighborhood which features moderately sized townhomes and larger coastal based properties on the end of it's bounds, and residents of the street said that the night was interrupted by a series of sharp bangs and a chorus of shouting; police reported that no shots were fired, and that the suspects were arrested 'without incident'. Both the APD and the Justicars are refusing to state if they believe the group to be a cell of Gayz, and instead say that a much more detailed, thorough and 'complete' investigation is currently under way into how the group obtained the weapons, and their motives and will release more information to the public at approperiate times.

This announcement marks the first mar on the otherwise massively successful Festival this year; the Festival has already surged through previous attendance, and profit, records and is expected to continue this trend for the remaining six days in the celebrations. Notable appearances were made by local and international talents alike, including the rap group 'Hali-42' which hails from Sidi Rezegh with is within the Golden Throne in central Dienstad.


Gnaeus Tanicus Vopiscus contributed to this article.

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[Haishan]

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-<Haize Central News Agency>-

INTERNATIONAL VERSION

HAIZE DASKO PERIODICAL

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Haize Junta Signaled Worry and Doubt over Mokan Leadership Crisis


Haize top leadership in session
We are quite worried with political turmoil in Federation - unstable regime change could hurt bilateral relations with Mokastana

Haize Junta in an extraordinary emergency session today have achieved quorum that current leadership crisis engulfing People Unified Federation of Mokastana could potentially send jitters and unwanted repercussions between the two nations of Haize and Mokan respectively. The Junta released an official statement which represented the height of Haize concern, "we are quite worried with political turmoil in Federation - unstable regime change could hurt bilateral relations with Mokastana [and] consequently balance of power in Dienstadi East"

This concern grew out of multitude of factors and among them are several crucial factors; the first factor would be burgeoning trade volume with the Federation of which the Junta negotiated under President Milano leadership. An abrupt change of Mokan leadership is feared to bring sudden end to sustainable growth of such multi-billion dollar trans-national trade should the Federation decided to adopt radical set of foreign policies.

Local markets reflected the same sentiment where Haize investors have been marked to rapidly shun away from Mokan-associated matters until the Junta was forced to intervene to stabilize the panic market rush. Haize Trade Bureau on the other hand expressed worry on the future of Eastern Dienstadi Trade Organization (EDTO) given that if Federation new leadership decided to exit the treaty, the Junta might have to renegotiate terms with EDTO or in worst case scenario, abandon the agreement altogether.

Haize Armed Forces independant space branch, the Interstellar Armed Forces seek to pursue renewed assurance in terms of space activities considering the Federation is a member of Global Aerospace Trade Association of which the Junta is a signatory. The Service currently cast dubious light on the direction that will be taken by political-military stratum of the Federation on basis of alleged Mokan military adventurism in Central Dienstad.

In the mean time Haize Junta have released travel advisory regarding visits to the Federation, citing potentially turbulent political-domestic situation ahead. Haize Foreign Relocation Office had tightened visa procedures for all Haize going to the Mokan Federation in order to discourage travel except for official purposes only.

Additionally, the Junta have requested to meet Mokan diplomatic envoy to Haishan, to further explain the issue. The top leadership is currently considering to recall back Haize diplomatic mission to the Federation. In relations of recent Republic of Tatom happenings, the Junta hinted that the Haize leadership is not keen to view the Republic as a sovereign entity should they go independent from the Federation.

Haize political-military leadership essentially only recognized the Federation in whole as sole international representative of sovereign Mokan nation. Any other breakaway polities or Mokan Republics have a high chance to be not weighted at the same level as current Mokan central government in Mejico Republic unless the Federation is officially dissolved in its entirety. The Junta however decided to observe the situation before executing any concrete moves.

[Mokastana]

MNN: SPECIAL REPORT!!!
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Senate votes 146 to 31! President Henry Milano Steps Down from Power!

Mokastana City
The Islands
People’s Unified Federation


Earlier this week Bill PSC-103C: A Vote of No Confidence of the President of the Federation passed with a majority not seen before in the Senate. 146 Senators voted in favor of removing Milano from power, with 28 abstaining from the vote, mostly Socialists Workers Party moderates. The few votes to keep Milano in power were from the Iron hearts Party and Socialist Hard liners.

The Federal Heads of State Council was scheduled to vote tomorrow to formally remove President Milano from power, but this morning the President of the Federation released this statement:

“Citizens of the Federation, world leaders, and concerned parties. This morning I am announcing that I will be stepping down from my place as the President of the People's Unified Federation. My actions, regardless of intent or consequences, were not based on the Powers granted to me by the Federal Constitution. It is therefore my duty as a Citizen of the Federation, and within my sworn duty to uphold and defend the Federal Constitution, to yield those powers back to the People.

I step down peacefully and of my own volition, knowing a peaceful transition of power is paramount to the existence of the Federation. Every action I have taken, from my stance against the Cartels as a Senator, to opening trade deals with Haishan and the Golden Throne, to leading us in a war against immoral ideologies, has been to benefit and strengthen the People's Unified Federation.
I urge the Heads of State Council to elect one of their own to act as the President of the Federation, to serve in my place for my final year in this term as President.

Viva Los Trabadores, Viva El Pueblo, Viva La Federación.”

Due to this statement, the Heads of State Council will instead elect one of their own tomorrow to lead the Federation for this final year before the next year's elections.

Despite the seemingly peaceful retirement, it seems this scandal has reached deeper than originally thought. Director in Chief Steven Francisco, Intelligence Minister and Head of the MBSA, recently stepped down after the investigation found evidence of coordination with the Bureau to the launch preemptive attacks, implicating the Director. It is estimated that another three high ranking officers in the Bureau might be implicated as well.

More on this as it develops.

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Representative Alejandro Tennent of the Mejican Province of Arizona, Elected President of Tatom. Cites desire to stay member of the PUF.

Santa Franco,
California Province,
Republic of Mejico
People’s Unified Federation


Running on the Unification Ticket, National Representative Alejandro Tennent of the Mejican Province of Arizona, recently won the election for President of the recently reformed United States of Tatom. Although they have not formally declared independence from The Republic of Mejico, it is only a matter of time before a new bill is introduced to Mejican Parliament to ensure a peaceful separation.

As his first act as President, Tennant is assembling his government to petition the People's Unified Federation to become a member Nation. Citing numerous reasons from Federal Healthcare programs to the economy and jobs, President Tennent believes “it only makes sense to stay in the PUF.” Judging by the polls and election results, many Tatomites agree.

Tatom has always been a bit of a conundrum in Federal politics since the territory was annexed by Mejico during the Confederacy, without approval from the short term government. When the PUF was formed, Tatom was accepted as territory of the Republic of Mejico, and therefore had no political power on the Federal Level.

Even if Tatom’s intention is to stay in the PUF, there is plenty of confusion as to how to transition Mejico from one nation to two. There exists a precedence for member states to yield territory to the Federal government for its own use, but never on this scale, as Tatom makes up one third, size wise, of the Mejican Republic. It is possible that the Mejican Republic might yield all of Tatom to the Federation, or the Federation might annex Tatom after its release from the Republic. Both would leave the new Tatom Nation in a temporary “colony” status, until membership can pass. Alternatively, it is possible that Tatom will be granted membership status, while still technically a part of Mejico. Even now, it is not certain whether President Pablo Diego of the Republic of Mejico will veto a second vote for secession.

In short, this legal entanglement will be watched closely as the transition takes place.

[Mokastana]

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Heads of State Council responds to Haize concerns: “Mokastana… has benefited from our increased trade, and we all intend to continue that policy.”

Mokastana City,
Mokostan Province,
Republic of The Islands and Tierra Nueva,
People’s Unified Federation




In response to the Haize concerns, President Ben Rodriguez, of The Republic of Suria del Gran Mokastana, released this statement on behalf of the Federal Heads of State Council:

“As a member of the Heads of State Council and President of the Surian Republic that borders Haishan, I humbly offer my services, and willingness to personally visit with the Haize government, to answer their request for a meeting.

I would like to remind the Haize, and the rest of the world, that many of the deals made with President [of the Federation] Milano were ratified by the Senate and Parliament, or approved by the Heads of State Council. No of us have any intention of repealing or replacing any major deals made by Milano’s administration.

I can assure the Haize government that Mokastana as a whole has benefited from our increased trade, and we all intend to continue that policy.”

President Rodriguez is expected to fly out to the Haize capital sometime next week. Yet, while this assurance helps internationally, it does show further tension as the Foreign Ministry, and Minister Franshaw herself, seem to be kept out of the loop on what is clearly foreign relation deal. Foreign Minister Elizabeth Franshaw was appointed by President of the Federation Milano, so some think that the new leadership under the Heads of State Council might be trying to distance themselves from Milano’s appointees.

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Heads of State Council appoints Speaker of the People, Rutilio Gomez, as acting President of the Federation

Mokastana City
The Islands
People’s Unified Federation


Early this morning The Federal Heads of State Council held an emergency session to appoint a new Acting President of the Federation, and to discuss international relations. The first decision was rather quick. Following the traditional line of succession, the duties of the President of the Federation fall to the Speaker of the People(Head of Parliament) if the President and Vice President are incapable of fulfilling the duties. Since Alexander Cruz, the Vice President of the Federation, will also be stepping down, the duty naturally fell to Speaker.

However, the Heads of State Council still needed to approve the Speaker of the People, or appoint their own to be ratified by the Senate. Speaker Gomez made his case and was ratified by the Federal Heads of State Council shortly after. As a member of the left leaning People's Party, Gomez is expected to maintain a lot of the former President's policies, but may be less active internationally.

For those curious, the order of succession in the People's Unified Federation is as follows:
President of the Federation
Vice President of the Federation
Speaker of the People
Presiding Senator
Members of the Heads of State Council

Many may remember a coup attempt early on in Milano’s Presidency where Milano was shot, the VP captured/killed and there was no way to verify if the Speaker and Presiding Senator had been compromised. As such, the Heads of State Council appointed the President of Mejico as acting President until the crisis was resolved and Milano could return to duty. That was the only time in Federal history before this the order of succession had been used.

[-Itailia-]

Head of Imperial Tax Office Arrested on Corruption Charges, Trial Pending
Director Sextus M. Philo was arrested this morning at his downtown flat for charges of "high corruption"
Gnaeus Tanicius Vopiscus (@Gnaeus Tanicius Vopiscus)(TH)
^{Rain's Hand 30, 3E7 11:50 AM | Ebonaervon, Itailia}

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Ebonaervon police spokesperson announcing the arrest at an mid morning press release AP photo

Ebonaervon, Itailia(Herald) — Just two days after the stop of a possible massive terror attack in Auritore on our most famous festival, Ebonaervon Capital Police have announced that they have arrested and detained the Director of the Imperial Tax Office, Sextus Mucius Philo of Saranium, on seventeen charges of felony corruption, felony fraud, embezzlement, bribery, and there are rumors of a further pending twenty charges of more heinous crimes, pending the review of what the ECPD describe as the "most massive horde of evidence, gathered over one of the longest investigations this Department has ever conducted."

ECPD stated they were first set on Director Philo back in 3E4, when a former employee of the ITO(Imperial Tax Office) who was a member of a low management grade contacted their offices about a scheme going around at the higher levels of the Office, and that he was forced out when he refused to play part. They further increased their investigation following the murder of Caius Manlius Scaevola, who had been the Deputy Director of Internal Collection Services and was found dumped in a garbage collection plant outside the capital with dozens of gunshots to his torso, and face. They said at this time, they believe Scaevola was murdered because he made his intentions to blow the whistle to the police known to his coworkers or superiors, and he was removed before the ring could be exposed.

Around 3E5, they managed to turn who they are right now refusing to identify, simply labelling them as a "key confidential informant", who for the prior two years has provided the ECPD with over half a million articles of evidence, either paper files, recordings/audio bits, video or digital files; the investigation was so large, the ECPD had to involve the offices of the Justicar simply to help process all of it. Their investigation revealed that at the highest level, Director Philo was running a scheme with the five Under Directors of the Office, who manage the five sub-sets of the Office, to skim off collected money into their own personal, hidden, accounts, to tax certain corporations, organizations, or banks in manners that the police have described as "bribery induced tax relief on a grand scale"; the current amount estimated to be lost is in the dozens of billions of lires, and police have stated they have also arrested all five Under Directors of the ITO, as well as a further twenty one officials who they believe colluded to some degree on the scandal.

The corporations, banks and other organizations that received a more harsher tax code, or were given tax relief, are now being reviewed by the Justicars for either re-compensation for over-paid taxes, or investigation and a bill for unpaid taxes on others, but the Justicars have stressed that the investigation will take some time, even now with having full access to the ITO's files, there is a large amount of evidence to be sorted, arranged and processed, and they stress they will not release pre-mature information due to the seriousness of the investigation; they have however stated that the Director and the other 26 suspects will have all have their initial trial hearing on Monday, with tentative court dates set for Wednesday; due to the large count of felony crimes, their case will be held by the 3rd High Court, which oversees the entire Imperial capital.

Secretary of the Treasury Kaeso Fabricius Pansa had stated that he is "horrified that the people of my department have grossly abused the trust, faith, and powers granted unto them by myself, and by their Imperial Majesties, to not benefit the people, and the Empire, but rather their baseless, selfish, and most sinful needs." He has said that the Treasury will be fully compliant with the ECPD and Justicars continuation and closure stages of their investigation, and has even offered the services of the Treasury's internal review services if they should require it.


Gnaeus Tanicus Vopiscus contributed to this article.

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[Castille de Italia]

C A S T I L L I A N • F R E E • M E D I A

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Premier Henry J. Adams, People's Government to be handed full power
The Mokan Occupational Council prepares to transition power to the People's Government
James Hunt (@JimmyHunt_FDP)
^{April 1st, 20167 6:43 PM | Torrington, Castillian SU}

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Antietam, Castille de Italia — The Mokan Occupational Council has announced that with recent events unfolding within the People's Unified Federation, it is preparing to transition full control of the new Castillian Social Union to appointed Premier Henry J. Adams and the People's Government.

It comes weeks after President of the Mokan Federation Henry Milano was ousted from power, and the Mokan Senate has forced several military withdrawals from abroad after extensive operations in the Red Star Union, unrest in the Mejico province, and referendums being held in Tatom on whether or not the province should remain a part of the Federation.

The People's Government, the newly formed democratic institution to govern the Castillian Social Union, has been headed by Premier Henry J. Adams with support from the occupation forces. March marked the ninth month of peaceful occupation, with zero National Socialist-related attacks throughout both Castille de Italia proper and Castleclose all month.

The formal transition is expected to take place on Wednesday, as the last of Mokan military forces leave the country as well as Castleclose, which both the Mokan Federation and the People's Government have confirmed will remain a part of the Castillian Social Union. Premier Adams is expected to address the Senate on Tuesday, followed by a national televised address on Wednesday immediately after the transition.

"We expect the transition to be very smooth," said the new Secretary of State, Michelle Mullen. "We were very fortunate that the Mokan forces were willing to accept the unconditional surrender of the entire Castillian military once the Chancellor and his comrades fled, and it had left our defense, infrastructure, and economy relatively intact."

Mullen referred to former leader J. Oswald Vaughn's disappearance once the Mokan forces began to invade. Vaughn surprisingly had ordered a full retreat of military forces from Antietam and other major cities. The only Castillian forces that still waged war against the PUF were fanatical SS units, which saw devastating defeats such as the Battle of Montford, near Acadia.

In reference to Vaughn's disappearance, the Union's new Attorney General, Michael Montgomery told reporters in a press conference that "Vaughn and all other former leaders will be aggressively pursued, extradited and tried for war crimes and crimes against humanity."

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