Home Into the Motherland (Open, MT, IC)

by **Shikonjima** » Fri Feb 07, 2020 8:16 am

Oii, and welcome to Home Into the Motherland!
This is supposed to be a little RP of diplomatic nature, dealing with the responses of the international community on the reincorporation of a couple of archipelagic countries, which used to be Shikonjimanese colonies, into the core lands of Shikonjima. The states forming the Ferinan-Archipelago, an archipelago consisting of middle-sized subtropical and tropical islands, have different histories, as some of them were virgin islands centuries ago and actually founded by Shikonjimanese colonists, whereas some of them were already found inhabited by Natives and got rather acquired due to being nearby - but they all have something in common: their rulers belong to Shikonjimanese Royalty; in some instances, this has never been different, whereas a few had some changes of power after their independence in the 1980s, with the Shikonjimanese Royalty having 're-acquired' their power over the time. With a treaty signed by Princess Kyouko of Shikonjima and her more or less direct relatives from these former colonies, these territories are going from unincorporated territories to regular parts of Shikonjima again - after a number of association agreements, after which these lands already entered a customs union, mutual trade agreements, and even a currency union (they all primarily use the Shikonjimanese Ryou as a currency) with their former motherland.
"Well, yeah, that's pretty cool and everything - but why on Earth should I care?"
Good you're asking! The possibilities for you to step in are endless. Now, Shikonjima has a long and fairly controversial history of being a colonial power, ranging from the late 17th century to the 1980s, and has, so far, adopted a rather defensive stance - which would make the re-acquisition of former territories rather run counter to what you'd expect from them, especially since the Shikonjimanese Throne has been passed on once since then; condemnations based on an alleged neo-imperialist move would be a logical step for either your nation, if it has a dedicatedly anti-imperialist stance, or for some movement within it, if it hosts some movement holding this view. You could also be worried about whether or not civil rights are being truly upheld, as the people, while mostly, but not only, are ethnically Shikonjimanese, haven't been asked during the process, and how minorities might react - and since there are quite a few demonstrations against it, which local and Shikonjimanese law enforcement authorities alike are trying to keep down, you might question the process even more. Or, since these territories do host a few popular tourist resorts, you might be worried about your nation's citizens getting trapped in this - either in the resorts, or on the streets. Or, in case none of the aforementioned is the case, you might decide to just give a statement on whether or not your country recognizes the Shikonjimanese Realm in its new borders. It's up to you.

Da rules:

2.1 - All characters from Shikonjima and its associated lands are controlled by me.

3.1 - Any actions of intelligence services requiring my approval must be clarified with me beforehand (just throw me a TG in that case).

List of exceptions from the rules above:

None. (You guessed it.)

"Quite a few people belonging to the generation of our Grandparents, my own hardly qualifying for being called an exception, believed, that it is a Divine Law of the Four Souls to choose Their own Lands as the one that prevails, that dominates, and that will once unite a gargantuan prosperity sphere between the Rivers of Rengawa and Rathe under their guardianship. Of course, their imaginations turned out to be fairly utopian, and even more so from a modern perspective. This, however, does not exclude the possibility of reaching higher goals by the means of diplomacy and trade, and it is certainly not too audacious to anticipate, that someday, this country will be able to show its old pride and strength again."

- Sayuri Ichigawa, An Eastern Discourse.

"If there is one particular thing I admire about the Island of the Four Souls, then it is its people's all but unique dedication to achieving their goals, no matter how utopian they might seem, while trying not to stand in anybody's way. This surely tells them apart from other peoples, many of which tend to either fall down once they get too relentless, or to never get to stand up due to hesitance. Shikonjimanese, however, have an amazing art of being relentless on their own behalf, but, at least seemingly, at nobody else's expense."

- Yelda Altanereg, A Steppe Mare In The Lands Of Dragons.

"In both history and present, the most popular mistake realms, regardless of size and cultural affiliation, tend to make is to try way too hard in way too short a span of time. A globally widespread proverb says, 'Friends come and go - enemies accumulate', and it bears more truth than many would accept to believe. If you make no one feel safe, you will ultimately just unite everyone against you."

- Atakheer Khan.

Treaty on the Reincorporation of the Seven Duchies of the Ferinan-Archipelago into the Shikonjimanese Realm.
Given to paper on the 6th of February, Wakaijidai 10, in Nashinya.

In the name of Shikonjima and her Greater Realm, as well as under the Divine Will of the Four Souls and the Ryoukami, We, the Magnificent Lineage of the Principality and the associated Duchies, gathered in a convocation on order to cement the reincorporation of lands ruled by the Shikonjimanese Dynasties and considered established and rightful Shikonjimanese territory. As a consequence, the Principality of Shikonjima and the Duchies of Akizuki, Kongou, Taihou, Mutsu, Nagato, Yayoi, and Mikuma hereby disclose their agreement of a political and territorial merger, as well as agree and commit to the following statute:
1. The Duchies of Akizuki, Kongou, Taihou, Mutsu, Nagato, Yayoi, and Mikuma cease any claim on full national sovereignty and consider themselves full and integral parts of the Shikonjimanese Realm. The sovereignty of the Shikonjimanese Realm fully extend to its entire territory, including the Duchies of Akizuki, Kongou, Taihou, Mutsu, Nagato, Yayoi, and Mikuma, which, as a consequence, the jurisdictions of all Royal authorities operating on a nationwide scale will extend to as well. All legal citizens of the Duchies of Akizuki, Kongou, Taihou, Mutsu, Nagato, Yayoi, and Mikuma will be considered Shikonjimanese citizens and are granted the same rights and duties of other citizens, including, but not limited to, freedom of movement and business. The territorial waters and the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) of the Duchies of Akizuki, Kongou, Taihou, Mutsu, Nagato, Yayoi, and Mikuma will be considered territorial waters and EEZ of the Shikonjimanese Realm.
2. The Sovereigns of Akizuki, Kongou, Taihou, Mutsu, Nagato, Yayoi, and Mikuma, Signatories of this very document, will remain Sovereigns of their respective territories under the right and law of the Shikonjimanese Realm, within which they will be granted the right to their own established orders of succession and Royal Marriage laws, in addition to any rights the Sovereigns of their Mainland counterparts, namely of Counties and Baronies, would have as well.
3. The Duchies of Akizuki, Kongou, Taihou, Mutsu, Nagato, Yayoi, and Mikuma will be fully integrated into the prevailing tributary system of the Shikonjimanese Mainland. Details will be clarified in separate documents.
4. This document will step into effect by the day it is announced to Shikonjima and the world.

Signed,
Yamura no Kyouko, Princess of Shikonjima, Viscountess of the Oui no Tochi, Highest Servant of the Four Souls, Highest Lady of the Kazoku.
Gonda no Daisuke, Duke of Akizuki.
Tamori no Hiromasa, Duke of Kongou.
Yamura no Kurenai, Duchess of Taihou.
Sageshima no Jinzaburou, Duke of Mutsu.
Hanada no Shumpei, Duke of Nagato.
Tamori no Miori, Duchess of Yayoi.
Yamura no Shihori, Duchess of Mikuma.

Royal Palace, Nashinya, Shikonjima.
Princess Kyouko was entirely satisfied - the little signing ceremony of the Reincorporation Treaty had been a full success, not only for her distant relatives in the Seven Duchies, but also for Shikonjima as a whole. Finally, Shikonjima was reunited with the territories it considered its core lands, despite being a tiny bit off, but that didn't matter, at least not a lot, and not from Kyouko's end.
The seven Duchies in the Ferinan-Archipelago quite had different histories, but they had a few important points in common - they had been parts of the Shikonjimanese Colonial Empire ever since the late 17th century, and until the 1980s; they were currently ruled by Royalty of Shikonjimanese origin; their populations were mostly ethnically Shikonjimanese, with ethnic minorities being present to varying degrees; they had tried to unite as a state for the Ferinan-Archipelago, which had failed for various reasons, including objections coming from neighboring states without an ethnically Shikonjimanese majority; they all had kept good relations to Shikonjima, at least as long as Shikonjimanese Royalty had ruled them, and had been in reunion negotiations for quite a bit of a time - the most obvious sign for that would be the currency in use, which, in most instances, would be the Shikonjimanese Ryou. In fact, Kongou, Mikuma, Nagato, and Taihou even had kept using 'SJ' as an international license plate code in their vehicle registration systems.
However, there were also differences - there had been coups in a few of these states after 1988, with Akizuki even being ruled by a socialist government until 2003, after which Shikonjima-based Royals had overthrown that government. Mutsu had tried a democracy, which had failed, and, as a result, got overthrown by Royals of Shikonjimanese origin as well. Since then, ethnic minority protection laws had been passed to varying degrees, most of which going further than the current Shikonjimanese ones. Economically spoken, Shikonjima had profited from the rich natural resources on the one hand, and tourism on the other - in fact, they had been some of the most important colonies for the old Shogunate, only being outperformed by the Sharulsi Khanate when it came to the extraction of natural resources, and by the Moana Nui Islands when it came to tourism.
Nonetheless, Shikonjima considered these territories its core lands, and since they were quite dependent on the former Motherland, anyways, and ruled by the same Magnificent Lineage, this step was surely a logical thing to go with.
It would be interesting to see what the international community would say. Out of hand, Kyouko could easily make some predictions as to who would recognize the Shikonjimanese Realm in its current borders without further ado - she was sure, that President Silas Flemming of the Federation of Lillorainen would hardly hesitate; President Arafat Ismaili would ensure diplomatic recognition from the side of the Federal Republic of Shamsiyya as well. Atakheer Khan, Lord of the Sharulsi Khanate, wouldn't make the Shikonjimanese wait too long, either … Febriyanto Manganang, of Democratic Semporna, would need a bit more of time, though. Or maybe not? It was pretty hard to predict …
"Kyouko-Koushaku!" - she got torn out of her thoughts.
Kyouko was well aware of the visitor to the Palace who had announced himself, and she knew him too well - logically, for she had appointed him. Seishirou Odagiri, Minister of Interior Affairs - or, much rather, the man who kept most of the everyday threats from her. She had awaited the man in his mid-30s, who wore glasses, had short dark hair and brown eyes as well as a slight 'wealth belly'. He did not only run an important government ministry, but also was in charge of reporting any possible threats to either Kyouko, or her relatives. He was fairly thorough when doing his job, which was why Kyouko appreciated his presence, and while rumors had it, that he had a crush on her, this remained unconfirmed as of lately, and even if so, it didn't play any role in his job altogether.
There wasn't much left of the sense of humor he had - the visitor to the Throne looked very serious now.
"Odagiri-san" - Kyouko said, bowing her head lightly.
Odagiri only indicated a light bow, which would normally be considered a violation of the etiquette, but this seemed to be an emergency, and Kyouko was substantially less concerned with matters of ceremony than most other Shikonjimanese Royals.
"Kyouko-Koushaku, it seems, as if the little border expansion of the Shikonjimanese Realm isn't exactly viewed a great thing to do by everyone who is concerned by it."
"Wherever you look for some complainer and grievance-monger, you usually don't need to search for a long time" - Kyouko replied. "That can barely pass as news."
"While I'm generally inclined to agree" - Odagiri began, "the case is a bit different now. According to your orders, several groups of the Oukeikyoku were deployed to the new territories in order to support local police forces with letting parades and peaceful demonstrations proceed while keeping troublemakers off the street."
"Which is the job of any police force" - Kyouko countered.
"Who should know better than I do?"
"Indeed, who should."
"What I'm trying to tell you, Your Majesty, is that the whole thing seems to have escalated a bit. There is evidence beyond reasonable doubt, that Officers of the Oukeikyoku and Mikuma Police forces have broken up a Natives' demonstration forcefully without any obvious reasons. There are videos on WhoTube showing how Officers tell a group of demonstrators to go home. Some started attacking them with batons, and one even repeatedly shot in the air with his gun."
"Videos on WhoTube?" - Kyouko repeated. "Odagiri-san, everyone can fake amateur videos, or edit them in a way, that they don't show the complete truth. This is hardly what I would call 'evidence beyond reasonable doubt'."
"All of that happened on the promenade of Samboushiro, with dozens of uninvolved people around, watching the proceedings going on - some of them might even be tourists" - Odagiri said. "Thank the Shikon and the Ryoukami, that nobody got severely injured … or worse. But if further incidents follow, this might change easily."
"I suppose, the area wasn't secured properly … is Captain Toyomura informed?" - Kyouko inquired.
"She is, Your Majesty" - Odagiri confirmed, "and she is already on the way to Samboushiro, to analyze the situation." A beat passed. Odagiri had to smile. "And I know how accurate Airi-tan is. We'll gain enough evidence in no time!"
Kyouko snorted. "Is she aware of you calling her Airi-tan?"
Odagiri's grin turned a bit sheepish. "It might certainly be better, if she weren't …"
Kyouko shook her head. Guys really never grew up …
"We are certainly going to have to give an official statement on it" - she said, then.
Odagiri nodded. "What I'm just wondering about, that's the sudden opposition against this merger, considering we have always been fairly open about it, and in all territories, it gained overwhelming support, especially since it makes trade and travel between them and Shikonjima a lot easier. So I struggle to understand why now …"
"There is no need to panic, Odagiri-san - not due to one small incident" - Kyouko tried to reassure him. "I'm sure, there is an explanation for that, and I don't think, any need for further action will arise." She let a beat pass. "Better safe than sorry, though."
Odagiri nodded. "I agree with you, Your Majesty … I just have a bad feeling about this."
While Kyouko kept trying to reassure Odagiri and, to a degree, herself, a Lady named Jitsuko Sageshima, who was nobody lesser then the Royal Minister of Foreign Affairs, already launched the official press release on the Reincorporation and the reactions thereupon:

Royal Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Official Press Release

February 7, Wakaijidai 10 (2020).

Yesterday, Princess Kyouko Yamura and the Dukes and Duchesses of Akizuki, Kongou, Taihou, Mutsu, Nagato, Yayoi, and Mikuma officially signed the Treaty of Reincorporation into the Shikonjimanese Realm. With this important document being signed, the sovereignty of Shikonjima now extends to particular territories that have generally been considered Shikonjimanese core lands, not only by the people in the Mainland, but also by most inhabitants of the Ferinan-Archipelago. The formal independent status in the last three decades is widely considered a historical peculiarity, which ran counter to the political, economic, cultural, and social reality, as well as a historical mistake which we now can gladly announce to have corrected.
As there are rumors of a few minor incidents in some of these territories, the Royal Police Bureau (Oukeikyoku) has immediately been sent to Samboushiru, Mikuma, for investigations. Further information will follow, but we can already guarantee, that we have everything well under control.
For any concerns you might have, we will be available permanently. For maximum efficiency, we ask you to make sure to send your messages to the appropriate recipient address.
For all official state communication: Royal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bakufu no Hiroba, Nashinya, N01SX504, Shikonjima.
For all non-state and press communication: Royal Press Office, Kurogawa 02, Furushima/Akebono, UB63DB38, Shikonjima.

by **Kyrenaia** » Fri Feb 07, 2020 9:47 am

Azad Safir.
Palace of the Azure Hall, Utica.
The term Crisis Meeting usually, for any sane person, implied urgency, the need for quick and decisive action and little hesitation. Such were the times, that made or broke Sultans and Sultanas and the currently reigning Sultana, Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad, was certainly no stranger to crisis and crisis meetings. She ruled since 1972, 48 years by now, and still counting.
She knew, what she was getting into.
That did not stop anyone from watching as Fara Kabir, better known as Lady Fara, the Tea Maid of the Sultana and a Handmaiden to boot, followed the ceremony of properly serving tea. She did not touch anyone as she served, first the oldest person at the table, Grand Vizier Hassan ben Sahid, who always looked as if he just escaped some pirate movie set, then me, then Crown Prince Ilia ibn-Razia, the Sultana's oldest son and Lord-Commander of the Navy. Last was the hostess, the Sultana herself.
The Handmaiden placed the cups in front of us stoically, bending her knee. Lady Fara was, despite being a few years older then the Sultana, still a beautiful woman. Sure, there were more youthful women, who wore the dress maybe even better, but Lady Fara knew how to do that as well.
Meanwhile, we were silent.
We all knew, why we were here: Shikonjima had reacquired some terra irredenta, which they had lost in their own version of the Decolonization Wars. The Duchies of Akizuki, Kongou, Taihou, Mutsu, Nagato, Yayoi and Mikuma, all in the resource-rich Ferinan-Archipelago. There was even a formal treaty. And there were relatives of Shikonjima's ruler, Princess Kyouko, on these seven thrones.
All seemed well...
On the other hand, there were protests. And, in at least one case, an escalation.
It was not Jazirat Alshahwa, where the Shikonmajese had acknowledged and accepted the new borders almost by the next morning, but these islands and duchies were inhabited by Shikonmajese people, who, for the last thirty years, almost unanimously had considered themselves Shikonmanjese and best off when under the rule from Nashinya. Granted, there had been short experiments with Socialism and Democracy, which ended in tears and coups, but in the end, Shikonmajese ruled these lands, which were now reintegrated.
Lady Fara placed the last cup, bowed before the Sultana. The returned the bow in gratitude. With practiced ease, Lady Fara took the tray before her body, stepped back to the wall and let herself sink down on her knees, head slightly inclined, eyes closed as if she was meditating. In truth, she was waiting for the time to provide refills.
A few heartbeats passed.
"We know, why we are here.", the Sultana said, "We also know, how we are going to react. The question now is, what might others do? Azad?"
I inclined my head lightly and then spoke: "Generally speaking, I doubt, that anyone will do something as drastic as declaring a state of hostilities." In other words, war. "Of course, some will contemplate it, but no one will go through with it. Condemnations will surely be written, sabres will be rattled, people will be indignant. On the other hand, there will be support. If a lot or not is another question, but I doubt, that we'll be sitting down in a nest of asps with that. I personally expect Lillorainen and Shamsiyya to be among the first to express their approval."
Crown Prince Ilia nodded. "Naval Intelligence says something similar. I would still like to run a few mobilization exercises with a Carrier Group, just so that we can respond quickly if someone is that drastic."
The Sultana nodded. "Let it look like a surprise exercise, but nothing out of the ordinary.", she instructed, "Meanwhile, I want to know, if Kyrenaians are in the Ferinan-Archipelago, if they are in danger and why they are there to begin with."
"It's a nice place.", Ilia said with a small shrug, "A lot of them will be there on vacations. Naval Intelligence and the Chandshar are already on it."
The Sultana nodded. "Good. I hope, that they all keep their heads out of it.", she said and looked into the round: "Anyone else having anything to add?"
"Besides the fact, that this is wonderful tea?", the Grand Vezier asked to a round of general chuckles.

To:
Yamura no Kyouko, Princess of Shikonjima, Viscountess of the Oui no Tochi, Highest Servant of the Four Souls, Highest Lady of the Kazoku.
CC:
Royal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bakufu no Hiroba, Nashinya, N01SX504, Shikonjima.

From:
Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad, Lady of the Five Deserts, Ilkhana of Utica, Daughter of Kyrenaia, Mother of Her People, Highest Servant of the Lioness.

Subject:
The Ferinan-Archipelago.

Official Communique.
Can be released.

To Yamura no Kyouko, Princess of Shikonjima, and the People of Shikonjima,
Greetings!
It had come to Our attention, that a number of territories, which were independent from Shikonjima for a while, were re-merged into the Principality with the consent of their Ruling Houses by the ways of a previously-secret diplomatic agreement.
To Our knowledge, the proceedings went ahead mostly peacefully and lawfully.
In the Name of the Five Ilkhans and the People of Kyrenaia, We wish to congratulate our young colleague Yamura no Kyouko, the Princess of Shikonjima, to that diplomatic masterpiece. We wish the best to Shikonjima as a whole and the Duchies of Akizuki, Kongou, Taihou, Mutsu, Nagato, Yayoi and Mikuma in particular. May the Lioness smile upon the lands and their people.
The road ahead of you will be quite difficult, but please be assured, that the Sultanate will be there to aid the friends of the Sultanate.

Signed by Own Hand and with the Great Seal,
Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad,
Lady of the Five Deserts, Ilkhana of Utica, Daughter of Kyrenaia, Mother of Her People, Highest Servant of the Lioness.

To:
Yamura no Kyouko, Princess of Shikonjima, Viscountess of the Oui no Tochi, Highest Servant of the Four Souls, Highest Lady of the Kazoku.
CC:
Royal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bakufu no Hiroba, Nashinya, N01SX504, Shikonjima.

From:
Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad, Lady of the Five Deserts, Ilkhana of Utica, Daughter of Kyrenaia, Mother of Her People, Highest Servant of the Lioness.

Subject:
The Ferinan-Archipelago.

Diplomatic Correspondence.
NOT to be released.

Dear Kyouko,
my dear, you are making quite the name for yourself! Congratulations on that masterpiece! I could not have done it much better.

Unfortunately, this masterpiece will call up all sorts of enemies of such a move, for a variety of reasons, both internally and externally. We do not know, how far these people are willing to go, but we are going to be prepared to aid you in the worst case scenario. As we speak, Carrier Group 6 in Surya is holding a surprise mobilization exercise on the order of the Lord-Commander of the Navy. While this exercise is indeed a surprise, it also serves as a way of getting the supplies and stores aboard, which might be necessary to assist Shikonjima if push comes to shove, in an unassuming way. Let's hope, that we'll never need these vessels.
On another note, there are Kyrenaian Citizens distributed over the Ferinan-Archipelago. Most of them are tourists enjoying the sun and other pleasant sights on the beaches, but some are also businessmen. Attached to this letter, you'll find a list. The Chandshar managed to contact the majority of them via telephone and they are well, but some proved a bit more elusive. That especially goes for a pair of men, who were supposed to make a trip to the Duchy of Yayoi. If the local security forces manage to find something out, we would greatly appreciate that. So far, however, the Government of the Sultanate does not ask for repatriation of these people. The situation is well in hand currently and we doubt, that it'll deteriorate much.

I wish you the Lioness' blessings, my dear. May she bless you and Shikonjima.
Signed,
Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad

by **Kuronami** » Fri Feb 07, 2020 11:48 am

Caloris

Her Majesty's mornings began with a fairly strict routine after waking, dressing, breakfast it was onto work now. Matters of the country, bills to sign or veto and of course meetings with staff, all her ministers or "Agents" as they were called here in Kuronami. Why is anybody's guess but that's not important right now. First was domestic policies that needed to be evaluated, budget augmentations or other emergency situations that might need attention. After that came of course foreign relations, Hanamura was good at making sure tabs were always kept on what was going on in the world, with so many citizen spread across the fair and fertile land not to mention the globe, it was vital. "And to our south things are calm and content in the UIS as usual. But there's some new developments, the Shikonjima Principality has just annexed new territory." Hanamura concluded her sentence as she shuffled through the list of open communiques

"If I didn't know better," Fine continue, "I'd say other Empires are growing bigger than us at this rate." She was joking, last thing Kuronami was concerned with in this modern era was more land grabbing. "Granted that's added to Astares Amauricanum grabbing territory near The UIS, whereabouts is the Princely state's new acquisition?"

"Forgive me, I'm afraid I'm lacking in that detail but it's fairly open and transparent I don't think we have to worry about anything egregious happening in this acquisition."

"That's a bit important isn't it? We need to be aware of EEZs, flight paths and other territorial restrictions to ensure our own don't spark an international incident."

Benio bowed her head in a bit of shame for overlooking this detail. "Please again, forgive me, details are coming in fast, I'm working hard to get the whole picture."

Fine, while a bit agitated, let it go. "Very well. I take it we don't have a formal embassy with them?"

"No, Milady."

"That would explain our lack of details. I suppose we could grant recognition of their claim if it's not going to negatively affect us. But let's keep a close watch on this see which way it goes, we can always offer up the military to stabilize things if need be"

"I can have a Mission Charter drafted up to wait if we are called upon. I suppose if there is one issue it is claimed by 'divine will' that I see backfiring on them seriously."

"I suppose so but it'd be pretty hypocritical for one empire to condemn another."

"If we have Shikonjimanese tourists in The Empire or Kuronamian in Shikonjima it can also become an issue if sympathizers and detractors go rogue."

"I'll have Mister Black get in touch with RBI, I don't imagine there's cause for alarm but may be a good idea to have law enforcement on the lookout for anything."

Benio shuffled the next paper, "Well here we go, our first formal recognition, it would appear Sultana Razia has given her own blessing to the matter."

"If the good lady Sultana feels it's all well and good than I imagine we'd be fine as well."

"Then I'll make sure our Ambassadors are in the loop about this. Would you like me to try to get you in touch with Princess Yamura?"

"It feels a bit out of place when we haven't so much as set up official relations. I think for now an official public statement will do, if need be we'll contact The Princess. But for now we'll play things with a bit of caution."

"Yes Milady." Benio stood, "If there's nothing more, I shall prepare a formal statement. And get a better center about where."

"Please do so."

"Yes, Milady." She bowed and left.

The Empire of Kuronami

7 February 2020

Kuronami's Agency of State has been made aware of increased territorial activity by the Principality of in regards to it's reclamation of formerly independent or quasi independent territories. Not knowing much about the situation at hand, Kuronami can only make light observation and note the response of others in the international community. At present we see no violations of established treaties, laws or any other situations we are aware of. That said we always understand new annexation always comes with issues in regards to settlement, border management, trade, commerce and a myriad more issues. Kuronami is willing and able to help Shikonjima and the duchies as mentioned by the Treaty if asked. Beyond that we'll be observing in this matter with our recognition for the time being. May this situation go down smoothly and quickly with little fuss, we only wish to ensure the safety of our own commerce within the region.

花村紅緒
Benio Hanamura
Agent of State for The Empire

On Behalf of Her Majesty,
Ortfiné Fredericka von Eylstadt

by **Shikonjima** » Sat Feb 08, 2020 6:10 am

Kyrenaia wrote:Azad Safir.
Palace of the Azure Hall, Utica.
The term Crisis Meeting usually, for any sane person, implied urgency, the need for quick and decisive action and little hesitation. Such were the times, that made or broke Sultans and Sultanas and the currently reigning Sultana, Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad, was certainly no stranger to crisis and crisis meetings. She ruled since 1972, 48 years by now, and still counting.
She knew, what she was getting into.
That did not stop anyone from watching as Fara Kabir, better known as Lady Fara, the Tea Maid of the Sultana and a Handmaiden to boot, followed the ceremony of properly serving tea. She did not touch anyone as she served, first the oldest person at the table, Grand Vizier Hassan ben Sahid, who always looked as if he just escaped some pirate movie set, then me, then Crown Prince Ilia ibn-Razia, the Sultana's oldest son and Lord-Commander of the Navy. Last was the hostess, the Sultana herself.
The Handmaiden placed the cups in front of us stoically, bending her knee. Lady Fara was, despite being a few years older then the Sultana, still a beautiful woman. Sure, there were more youthful women, who wore the dress maybe even better, but Lady Fara knew how to do that as well.
Meanwhile, we were silent.
We all knew, why we were here: Shikonjima had reacquired some terra irredenta, which they had lost in their own version of the Decolonization Wars. The Duchies of Akizuki, Kongou, Taihou, Mutsu, Nagato, Yayoi and Mikuma, all in the resource-rich Ferinan-Archipelago. There was even a formal treaty. And there were relatives of Shikonjima's ruler, Princess Kyouko, on these seven thrones.
All seemed well...
On the other hand, there were protests. And, in at least one case, an escalation.
It was not Jazirat Alshahwa, where the Shikonmajese had acknowledged and accepted the new borders almost by the next morning, but these islands and duchies were inhabited by Shikonmajese people, who, for the last thirty years, almost unanimously had considered themselves Shikonmanjese and best off when under the rule from Nashinya. Granted, there had been short experiments with Socialism and Democracy, which ended in tears and coups, but in the end, Shikonmajese ruled these lands, which were now reintegrated.
Lady Fara placed the last cup, bowed before the Sultana. The returned the bow in gratitude. With practiced ease, Lady Fara took the tray before her body, stepped back to the wall and let herself sink down on her knees, head slightly inclined, eyes closed as if she was meditating. In truth, she was waiting for the time to provide refills.
A few heartbeats passed.
"We know, why we are here.", the Sultana said, "We also know, how we are going to react. The question now is, what might others do? Azad?"
I inclined my head lightly and then spoke: "Generally speaking, I doubt, that anyone will do something as drastic as declaring a state of hostilities." In other words, war. "Of course, some will contemplate it, but no one will go through with it. Condemnations will surely be written, sabres will be rattled, people will be indignant. On the other hand, there will be support. If a lot or not is another question, but I doubt, that we'll be sitting down in a nest of asps with that. I personally expect Lillorainen and Shamsiyya to be among the first to express their approval."
Crown Prince Ilia nodded. "Naval Intelligence says something similar. I would still like to run a few mobilization exercises with a Carrier Group, just so that we can respond quickly if someone is that drastic."
The Sultana nodded. "Let it look like a surprise exercise, but nothing out of the ordinary.", she instructed, "Meanwhile, I want to know, if Kyrenaians are in the Ferinan-Archipelago, if they are in danger and why they are there to begin with."
"It's a nice place.", Ilia said with a small shrug, "A lot of them will be there on vacations. Naval Intelligence and the Chandshar are already on it."
The Sultana nodded. "Good. I hope, that they all keep their heads out of it.", she said and looked into the round: "Anyone else having anything to add?"
"Besides the fact, that this is wonderful tea?", the Grand Vezier asked to a round of general chuckles.

To:
Yamura no Kyouko, Princess of Shikonjima, Viscountess of the Oui no Tochi, Highest Servant of the Four Souls, Highest Lady of the Kazoku.
CC:
Royal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bakufu no Hiroba, Nashinya, N01SX504, Shikonjima.

From:
Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad, Lady of the Five Deserts, Ilkhana of Utica, Daughter of Kyrenaia, Mother of Her People, Highest Servant of the Lioness.

Subject:
The Ferinan-Archipelago.

Official Communique.
Can be released.

To Yamura no Kyouko, Princess of Shikonjima, and the People of Shikonjima,
Greetings!
It had come to Our attention, that a number of territories, which were independent from Shikonjima for a while, were re-merged into the Principality with the consent of their Ruling Houses by the ways of a previously-secret diplomatic agreement.
To Our knowledge, the proceedings went ahead mostly peacefully and lawfully.
In the Name of the Five Ilkhans and the People of Kyrenaia, We wish to congratulate our young colleague Yamura no Kyouko, the Princess of Shikonjima, to that diplomatic masterpiece. We wish the best to Shikonjima as a whole and the Duchies of Akizuki, Kongou, Taihou, Mutsu, Nagato, Yayoi and Mikuma in particular. May the Lioness smile upon the lands and their people.
The road ahead of you will be quite difficult, but please be assured, that the Sultanate will be there to aid the friends of the Sultanate.

Signed by Own Hand and with the Great Seal,
Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad,
Lady of the Five Deserts, Ilkhana of Utica, Daughter of Kyrenaia, Mother of Her People, Highest Servant of the Lioness.

To:
Yamura no Kyouko, Princess of Shikonjima, Viscountess of the Oui no Tochi, Highest Servant of the Four Souls, Highest Lady of the Kazoku.
CC:
Royal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bakufu no Hiroba, Nashinya, N01SX504, Shikonjima.

From:
Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad, Lady of the Five Deserts, Ilkhana of Utica, Daughter of Kyrenaia, Mother of Her People, Highest Servant of the Lioness.

Subject:
The Ferinan-Archipelago.

Diplomatic Correspondence.
NOT to be released.

Dear Kyouko,
my dear, you are making quite the name for yourself! Congratulations on that masterpiece! I could not have done it much better.

Unfortunately, this masterpiece will call up all sorts of enemies of such a move, for a variety of reasons, both internally and externally. We do not know, how far these people are willing to go, but we are going to be prepared to aid you in the worst case scenario. As we speak, Carrier Group 6 in Surya is holding a surprise mobilization exercise on the order of the Lord-Commander of the Navy. While this exercise is indeed a surprise, it also serves as a way of getting the supplies and stores aboard, which might be necessary to assist Shikonjima if push comes to shove, in an unassuming way. Let's hope, that we'll never need these vessels.
On another note, there are Kyrenaian Citizens distributed over the Ferinan-Archipelago. Most of them are tourists enjoying the sun and other pleasant sights on the beaches, but some are also businessmen. Attached to this letter, you'll find a list. The Chandshar managed to contact the majority of them via telephone and they are well, but some proved a bit more elusive. That especially goes for a pair of men, who were supposed to make a trip to the Duchy of Yayoi. If the local security forces manage to find something out, we would greatly appreciate that. So far, however, the Government of the Sultanate does not ask for repatriation of these people. The situation is well in hand currently and we doubt, that it'll deteriorate much.

I wish you the Lioness' blessings, my dear. May she bless you and Shikonjima.
Signed,
Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad

To: Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad, Lady of the Five Deserts, Ilkhana of Utica, Daughter of Kyrenaia, Mother of Her People, Highest Servant of the Lioness.
From: Yamura no Kyouko, Princess of Shikonjima, Viscountess of the Oui no Tochi, Highest Servant of the Four Souls, Highest Lady of the Kazoku.
Subject: The Ferinan-Archipelago.
Encryption level: Open for release.

To Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad and the People of the Sultanate of Kyrenaia,
Greetings back!
We have received your warm wishes, greetings, congratulations, and would like to thank you, in a more hearty manner than ever possible! We are very confident, that We will speak for all people of the Shikonjimanese Realm, including the Duchies of Akizuki, Kongou, Taihou, Mutsu, Nagato, Yayoi, and Mikuma, as well as the entire Magnificent Lineage, when We say, that We are highly grateful for the support We receive from you. We are pleased to see the friendship between Our countries and Peoples once more, especially with the certainly not too easy paths ahead.
May the Four Souls bless you, the Ilkhans, the Five Deserts and their People.

Signed,
Yamura no Kyouko,
Princess of Shikonjima, Viscountess of the Oui no Tochi, Highest Servant of the Four Souls, Highest Lady of the Kazoku.

To: Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad, Lady of the Five Deserts, Ilkhana of Utica, Daughter of Kyrenaia, Mother of Her People, Highest Servant of the Lioness.
From: Yamura no Kyouko, Princess of Shikonjima, Viscountess of the Oui no Tochi, Highest Servant of the Four Souls, Highest Lady of the Kazoku.
Subject: The Ferinan-Archipelago.
Encryption level: For Your Eyes Only.

Dear Razia,
Thank you a lot! It was a lot of work, but in the end, it was worthwhile.
And indeed, the masterpiece, as you call it, is fairly likely to not only get Us new friends - whether external threats may rise up, that's yet left to see, and whether or not we need to be prepared for having to deal with enemies within, that is currently being evaluated. This being said, thank you very much for the preparation for the worst case. You can also be sure, that the Sultanate is alone with its preparations for action in case of doubt - we can only pray, that this 'case of doubt' will not come.
This being said, thank you for informing us on the matter of Kyrenaian Citizens in the Ferinan-Archipelago. The Royal Police and Security Bureaus are informed and will try anything to gain further information on their current wellbeing, and, especially in the more elusive cases, their whereabouts. While there is no evident need of repatriation measurements from our end as of currently, be sure, that the RSAF will be prepared for the case the need arises.

I wish you and Kyrenaia the blessings of the Four Souls.

Signed,
Yamura no Kyouko

Nanaou Airfield, Samboushiro, Mikuma.
The Oukeikyoku had not lost any time. Right after Odagiri had passed Kyouko's order on to the Royal Police Bureau, the department in Ichiyagi had instantly sent airplanes with the highest staff of the Bureau to all seven Duchies. Captain Airi Toyomura, whom Odagiri had referred to as 'Airi-tan', hoping, that she would never find out, was on board of the Nishiaizu, one of the Bureau's iconic airplanes colored in black, yellow, and green, the colors of the Shikonjimanese Royal Standard, reserved for Royal Government authorities.
Toyomura would turn 38 in a few months, but akin to many other Shikonjimanese women, she would probably end up looking like a teenager until retirement, after which she would certainly make a quick aging jump until she would look like a hundred-year-old. Aside from commanding the Bureau's most important section, her job usually consisted of monitoring the Mainland's airspace and reporting everything important to the RSAF, as well as the shenanigans going on in Social Media, in which case everything relevant for national security would go to the intelligence agencies.
And now, with her area of responsibility having grown in geographical terms, the number of responsibilities wouldn't decrease anytime soon - especially since there would certainly be an increasing number of requests coming from on high. In this case, she had received a list of foreign citizens who happened to be in the Ferinan-Archipelago, including some from the Sultanate of Kyrenaia, not all of which had been easy to make contact to for Kyrenaian authorities. Some of Toyomura's colleagues were currently in Yayoi, in order to investigate on their whereabouts, assisted by their own local colleagues of the Yayoi Ducal Constabulary.
Everytime the Nishiaizu landed - and this time was not an exception -, Toyomura sighed. She did love her job and everything, one could not deny that, but there were days when she surely wished to be a cop in Kyrkraut. Sipping cocktails, chasing a coconut thief over the beach every now and then, and that was it for most of the time. At least, this was what she imagined it like to be a cop in Paradise.
The airfield was located on a hill of medium elevation, high enough to see much of the tropical rainforests, the City of Samboushiro with its mix of Shikonjimanese and local architecture, as well as the ocean. With the sun shining, distinctly higher above the horizon than back home, and a temperature of almost 30 degrees Celsius, there were many impressions welcoming everyone arriving to a quite nice place. While this wasn't Kyrkraut, Semporna, or the Moana Nui Islands, it was a good start, at least.
But Toyomura paid little attention to it when leaving the place. Seven Officers in local police uniforms awaited her, one of them obviously being the Chief, a man who might be a few years older than her. They bowed to her; she bowed her head lightly back.
"Captain Toyomura" - the Chief said, "it's an honor to have you in here and to rely on your assistance. Chief Hayato Ueda, it's a pleasure to meet you. I hope, Agaaru's Winds have brought you here safely?"
He was obviously Shikonjimanese, but also had a few distinct Native features. His way of speaking contained a notable cadence of local accent - both particularities were to expect.
"The pleasure is mine, Ueda-san" - Toyomura replied. "And I had a pleasant journey, even though not necessarily for pleasant reasons, thank you very much. With this said, you are aware of these reasons, and my superiors are awaiting results, so let's not lose any more time, shall we?"
Chief Ueda nodded. "As you wish, Captain" - he said. "As you have heard, there was an incident on the promenade down in the city" - he pointed towards the coast with his head, "involving a group of locals protesting against the Reacquisition as well as, sadly some of my people. While this could easily happen anywhere in the world, it has a certain meaning on this particular day, of course."
"Indeed." Toyomura nodded. "Could this be ended peacefully, at least?"
"More or less, yes. Everyone involved is now at our police station, waiting for their interrogation - the protestors as well as the colleagues involved. Now, since no one particularly likes internal investigations against one's own colleagues, we thought, that it might be reasonable to wait for your arrival before starting with the interrogations, Captain. You might be less biased than me or my colleagues here."
"This is what I'm here for" - Toyomura said. Behind the row of six, she spotted a police van with two colleagues on the front seats. It looked a bit different from what she was used to seeing, naturally, but at least, it was a Morimoto Transporter YS8, the same brand the Royal Police and the local police forces of most Fiefdoms used back in the Mainland.
Interesting how even details as small as this one perfectly reflected how the territories of the Ferinan-Archipelago had pretty much secretly been Shikonjimanese all the time ...
"Then follow us, please" - Ueda said, whereupon his colleagues started moving, too.

Kuronami wrote:Caloris

Her Majesty's mornings began with a fairly strict routine after waking, dressing, breakfast it was onto work now. Matters of the country, bills to sign or veto and of course meetings with staff, all her ministers or "Agents" as they were called here in Kuronami. Why is anybody's guess but that's not important right now. First was domestic policies that needed to be evaluated, budget augmentations or other emergency situations that might need attention. After that came of course foreign relations, Hanamura was good at making sure tabs were always kept on what was going on in the world, with so many citizen spread across the fair and fertile land not to mention the globe, it was vital. "And to our south things are calm and content in the UIS as usual. But there's some new developments, the Shikonjima Principality has just annexed new territory." Hanamura concluded her sentence as she shuffled through the list of open communiques

"If I didn't know better," Fine continue, "I'd say other Empires are growing bigger than us at this rate." She was joking, last thing Kuronami was concerned with in this modern era was more land grabbing. "Granted that's added to Astares Amauricanum grabbing territory near The UIS, whereabouts is the Princely state's new acquisition?"

"Forgive me, I'm afraid I'm lacking in that detail but it's fairly open and transparent I don't think we have to worry about anything egregious happening in this acquisition."

"That's a bit important isn't it? We need to be aware of EEZs, flight paths and other territorial restrictions to ensure our own don't spark an international incident."

Benio bowed her head in a bit of shame for overlooking this detail. "Please again, forgive me, details are coming in fast, I'm working hard to get the whole picture."

Fine, while a bit agitated, let it go. "Very well. I take it we don't have a formal embassy with them?"

"No, Milady."

"That would explain our lack of details. I suppose we could grant recognition of their claim if it's not going to negatively affect us. But let's keep a close watch on this see which way it goes, we can always offer up the military to stabilize things if need be"

"I can have a Mission Charter drafted up to wait if we are called upon. I suppose if there is one issue it is claimed by 'divine will' that I see backfiring on them seriously."

"I suppose so but it'd be pretty hypocritical for one empire to condemn another."

"If we have Shikonjimanese tourists in The Empire or Kuronamian in Shikonjima it can also become an issue if sympathizers and detractors go rogue."

"I'll have Mister Black get in touch with RBI, I don't imagine there's cause for alarm but may be a good idea to have law enforcement on the lookout for anything."

Benio shuffled the next paper, "Well here we go, our first formal recognition, it would appear Sultana Razia has given her own blessing to the matter."

"If the good lady Sultana feels it's all well and good than I imagine we'd be fine as well."

"Then I'll make sure our Ambassadors are in the loop about this. Would you like me to try to get you in touch with Princess Yamura?"

"It feels a bit out of place when we haven't so much as set up official relations. I think for now an official public statement will do, if need be we'll contact The Princess. But for now we'll play things with a bit of caution."

"Yes Milady." Benio stood, "If there's nothing more, I shall prepare a formal statement. And get a better center about where."

"Please do so."

"Yes, Milady." She bowed and left.

(Image)
The Empire of Kuronami

7 February 2020

Kuronami's Agency of State has been made aware of increased territorial activity by the Principality of in regards to it's reclamation of formerly independent or quasi independent territories. Not knowing much about the situation at hand, Kuronami can only make light observation and note the response of others in the international community. At present we see no violations of established treaties, laws or any other situations we are aware of. That said we always understand new annexation always comes with issues in regards to settlement, border management, trade, commerce and a myriad more issues. Kuronami is willing and able to help Shikonjima and the duchies as mentioned by the Treaty if asked. Beyond that we'll be observing in this matter with our recognition for the time being. May this situation go down smoothly and quickly with little fuss, we only wish to ensure the safety of our own commerce within the region.

花村紅緒
Benio Hanamura
Agent of State for The Empire

On Behalf of Her Majesty,
Ortfiné Fredericka von Eylstadt

Royal Ministry of Foreign Affairs

To: Benio Hanamura, Agent of State for the Empire of Kuronami.
From: Jitsuko Sageshima, Royal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bakufu no Hiroba, Nashinya, N01SX504, Shikonjima.

Esteemed Agent of State,
Thank you very much for your declaration of willingness to assist Shikonjima, including the Duchies of Akizuki, Kongou, Taihou, Mutsu, Nagato, Yayoi, and Mikuma, should the need arise. We fully understand, that the Empire of Kuronami prefers to remain observing in the matter of recognition for the time being even despite the quite peaceful ongoing of the reintegration process and the entirely voluntarily nature thereof, and that the Empire's primary concern is the safety of its commerce in the region. And while many details regarding settlement, border management, trade, commerce, the list could continue, have already been discussed and decided on during the last years of negotiation, there is surely yet a lot of work left to do.
In case of any further questions or concerns the Empire of Kuronami might have regarding this issue, do not hesitate to inquire.

With kind regards,
Jitsuko Sageshima,
Royal Minister of Foreign Affairs.

by **The Selkie** » Sat Feb 08, 2020 3:54 pm

Compared to the response from Kyrenaia, where an entire Carrier Group was suddenly conducting surprise exercises, the response of the Free Lands about the developments in Shikonjima and the Ferinan-Archipelago was almost succint: The Elder Council acknowledged and recognized the new borders and asked both security forces and protesters to remain calm.
In the press, things were more... hotly debated.
In the days after the treaty had been made public, a total of 65 different opinion pieces had been published in 14 major newspapers. The annexation or acquisition or some even said Anschluss of the duchies in the Ferinan-Archipelago was hotly discussed in the lecture halls and seminar rooms of the Faculty of Philosophy of the University of Fortham, it was hotly discussed in the newspapers and in radio shows. Nolwenn Ceannairceach of the Tribe of Fermanagh, the founder of the Fortham School of Thought, made an appearance, Ida Sreang of the Tribe of Fingal of the CmB (which were actually radical feminists) wrote an article, Ida Cíochach of the Tribe of Navan contributed, and so was Finnya Araon of the Tribe of Fermanagh.
None of them, however, was as vocal as the Tribalist Movement, and one of their currently leading thinkers, Professor Ayden Nasiunai of the Tribe of Antrim - he taught together with Araon and Ceannairceach at the UoF - wrote 12 of the aforementioned 65 articles.
For the Tribalist Movement, it was water on their watermills, the wind in their sails - they had demonized the reacquisition of Jazirat Alshahwa but no one had listened. They had said, that this would be just the first in a series of land grab by Imperialists, the only question being, who would be next.
SEA, the vaunted and extolled Strategic and Economic Alliance, was for them just Backdoor-Imperialism, the participation of the Free Lands in Operation Spartacus just them supporting Imperialists doing imperialistic things. And now... Shikonjima.
They had held the Magnificent Lineage in high regard, seeing them as people, who actually learned - apparently not.

Silver Bay Herald, English Internet Edition, published 9th of February 2020.

How to kick sovereign rights of peoples - FOR DUMMIES

An opinion piece by Ayden Nasiunai of the Tribe of Antrim.

It happened again. What we feared, when the Kyrenaian Navy landed troops in Va'a Mamao, happened again. An imperialistic power grabbed land, which wasn't theirs to grab, ignored the sovereign rights of peoples as it went along and then went on to suppress these people expressing their thoughts on the matter.
Where the Kyrenaians were at least honest and landed troops in Va'a Mamao, had their Fleet Ground Forces kick in doors and had their planes bomb targets, Princess Kyouko of the Empire of the Magnificent Lineage used the, to quote a friend of mine, "calm phoniness" to achieve their goal: By waiting for the right time and the right relatives on the thrones, then signing a treaty in secret, which would allow them to reacquire, to annex these lands - with the world, and most importantly the peoples they subjugated by the stroke of a pen, none the wiser until the moment all was done already.
Of course, according to the treaty, the citizens of the Duchies of Akizuki, Kongou, Taihou, Mutsu, Nagato, Yayoi and Mikuma will automatically become citizens of Shikonjima, their sovereigns in their seats - and their lands will pay tribute, are tributaries of the Princess. The first protests, most famously the one on the Promenade of Samboushiro, were already suppressed and the not-so-secret secret police of Shikonjima, the Oukeikyoku, has already moved in to secure the interests of the Principality - their planes have been spotted all over the place, quite distinctive in the black-yellow-green paintjob. Of course, one could assume, that there will be at least an internal investigation of the incident, but which police officer condemns his colleagues, unless the evidence is too clear to dismiss?
This case hurts especially, to me personally. I had praised the Principality as a country, which had an imperialistic Past, but which moved beyond it. Which learned from the mistakes of its past and tried to live with its neighbours in peace, letting sovereign peoples make sovereign decisions.
Of course, one could argue, that the people of the Ferinan-Archipelago are Shikos in all but name and to some extend, that would be true - however, does the Sultana of Kyrenaia have the right to reacquire Markaz only because the Markazians appear to be Kyrenaians in all but name? Would she have the right if Yasir-Rí were to sign a paper without consulting his people, hearing their wishes? And would her authorities then have the right to suppress any sort of dissent with the decision on the streets?
I say, no. Sovereign peoples in sovereign lands have sovereign rights and no one, no Sultana of Kyrenaia, no Princess of Shikonjima, no Elder of the Selkie, has the right to trample on them in such a way. Yes, the representatives of these people, the Dukes and Duchesses agreed, that much is true - but the protest on the Promenade of Samboushiro proofs, that not all of their people are in agreement and that will lead to further protests and unrest and to further suppression of these protests.
It will escalate - and if I were one of the Dukes and Duchesses, I would be reigning with packed bags.
Ayden Nasiunai of the Tribe of Antrim.

by **Shikonjima** » Sun Feb 09, 2020 10:50 am

The Selkie wrote:Compared to the response from Kyrenaia, where an entire Carrier Group was suddenly conducting surprise exercises, the response of the Free Lands about the developments in Shikonjima and the Ferinan-Archipelago was almost succint: The Elder Council acknowledged and recognized the new borders and asked both security forces and protesters to remain calm.
In the press, things were more... hotly debated.
In the days after the treaty had been made public, a total of 65 different opinion pieces had been published in 14 major newspapers. The annexation or acquisition or some even said Anschluss of the duchies in the Ferinan-Archipelago was hotly discussed in the lecture halls and seminar rooms of the Faculty of Philosophy of the University of Fortham, it was hotly discussed in the newspapers and in radio shows. Nolwenn Ceannairceach of the Tribe of Fermanagh, the founder of the Fortham School of Thought, made an appearance, Ida Sreang of the Tribe of Fingal of the CmB (which were actually radical feminists) wrote an article, Ida Cíochach of the Tribe of Navan contributed, and so was Finnya Araon of the Tribe of Fermanagh.
None of them, however, was as vocal as the Tribalist Movement, and one of their currently leading thinkers, Professor Ayden Nasiunai of the Tribe of Antrim - he taught together with Araon and Ceannairceach at the UoF - wrote 12 of the aforementioned 65 articles.
For the Tribalist Movement, it was water on their watermills, the wind in their sails - they had demonized the reacquisition of Jazirat Alshahwa but no one had listened. They had said, that this would be just the first in a series of land grab by Imperialists, the only question being, who would be next.
SEA, the vaunted and extolled Strategic and Economic Alliance, was for them just Backdoor-Imperialism, the participation of the Free Lands in Operation Spartacus just them supporting Imperialists doing imperialistic things. And now... Shikonjima.
They had held the Magnificent Lineage in high regard, seeing them as people, who actually learned - apparently not.

Silver Bay Herald, English Internet Edition, published 9th of February 2020.

How to kick sovereign rights of peoples - FOR DUMMIES

An opinion piece by Ayden Nasiunai of the Tribe of Antrim.

It happened again. What we feared, when the Kyrenaian Navy landed troops in Va'a Mamao, happened again. An imperialistic power grabbed land, which wasn't theirs to grab, ignored the sovereign rights of peoples as it went along and then went on to suppress these people expressing their thoughts on the matter.
Where the Kyrenaians were at least honest and landed troops in Va'a Mamao, had their Fleet Ground Forces kick in doors and had their planes bomb targets, Princess Kyouko of the Empire of the Magnificent Lineage used the, to quote a friend of mine, "calm phoniness" to achieve their goal: By waiting for the right time and the right relatives on the thrones, then signing a treaty in secret, which would allow them to reacquire, to annex these lands - with the world, and most importantly the peoples they subjugated by the stroke of a pen, none the wiser until the moment all was done already.
Of course, according to the treaty, the citizens of the Duchies of Akizuki, Kongou, Taihou, Mutsu, Nagato, Yayoi and Mikuma will automatically become citizens of Shikonjima, their sovereigns in their seats - and their lands will pay tribute, are tributaries of the Princess. The first protests, most famously the one on the Promenade of Samboushiro, were already suppressed and the not-so-secret secret police of Shikonjima, the Oukeikyoku, has already moved in to secure the interests of the Principality - their planes have been spotted all over the place, quite distinctive in the black-yellow-green paintjob. Of course, one could assume, that there will be at least an internal investigation of the incident, but which police officer condemns his colleagues, unless the evidence is too clear to dismiss?
This case hurts especially, to me personally. I had praised the Principality as a country, which had an imperialistic Past, but which moved beyond it. Which learned from the mistakes of its past and tried to live with its neighbours in peace, letting sovereign peoples make sovereign decisions.
Of course, one could argue, that the people of the Ferinan-Archipelago are Shikos in all but name and to some extend, that would be true - however, does the Sultana of Kyrenaia have the right to reacquire Markaz only because the Markazians appear to be Kyrenaians in all but name? Would she have the right if Yasir-Rí were to sign a paper without consulting his people, hearing their wishes? And would her authorities then have the right to suppress any sort of dissent with the decision on the streets?
I say, no. Sovereign peoples in sovereign lands have sovereign rights and no one, no Sultana of Kyrenaia, no Princess of Shikonjima, no Elder of the Selkie, has the right to trample on them in such a way. Yes, the representatives of these people, the Dukes and Duchesses agreed, that much is true - but the protest on the Promenade of Samboushiro proofs, that not all of their people are in agreement and that will lead to further protests and unrest and to further suppression of these protests.
It will escalate - and if I were one of the Dukes and Duchesses, I would be reigning with packed bags.
Ayden Nasiunai of the Tribe of Antrim.

Koushitsu Nikkanshimpun, English online version. 09/02/2020.

The Chessboard That Is the World - International Politics & Diplomacy 101

An opinion piece by Sayuri Ichigawa.

The deed is done. 32 years after the downfall of what was arguably the most powerful Shikonjimanese state in history, and more than a decade after the first Association Treaty between Shikonjima and the Duchies of the Ferinan-Archipelago, one of the most fateful historical mistakes has been corrected. Akizuki, Kongou, Taihou, Mutsu, Nagato, Yayoi, and Mikuma are back home again.
So far, this step was non only excellent diplomatic work of Kyouko-Koushaku and the Dukes and Duchesses of the Ferinan-Territories regarding our own relationships and territorial coherence of the Shikonjimanese Realm, but also in terms of representation of Shikonjima on an international scale, with diplomatic recognition of the new borders already achieved from Shamsiyya, Lillorainen, Wiedheim, Lundøya, the Sharulsi Khanate, the U.C., Kyrenaia, the Free Lands, ... - all of which being important allies, partners, and friends of Shikonjima. That the Empire of Kuronami wishes to play it safe for now, is understandable from my end, just like the hesitance coming from Democratic Semporna, Nho Quoc, and other places the Shogunate used to have territories in (save for the Moana Nui Islands).
It is objectively beyond question, that Shikonjima has gone a few important diplomatic steps as of recently, starting with the negotiations on the recognition of the borders of Elista Devseg (my colleague Ichirou Furuda reported), in which Kyouko-Koushaku and Atakheer Khan alike showed a great level of responsibility, thoughtfulness, and prudence - and now, we can finally welcome Shikonjima back on the stage again, with a power, size, and glory our generation hasn't been able to see so far, until now.
And while it is understandable and logical, that this issue is quite controversial within the Shikonjimanese Realm and the countries it has good relations with, and that not everyone is in favor of this, it occurs to me, that it's always the same grumblers we get to hear complaining over and over again, regardless of the actual matter. We've heard the Sharulsi and Tangrusian Tribalists complaining about the JATRACO Railway Project, we've heard them complain again when Shikonjima gave up on most of her punitive tariffs and entered trade negotiations, and we've heard Selkie-Tribalists and Lillorainian nationalists alike complaining about the SEA-Accords (anyone else noticing the recurring pattern of welcoming economic wealth, unless it requires changes in their own backyard?), and now we have them all uniting in their complaint about a legitimate and sound merger of territories that should never have been torn apart in the first place.
I especially refer to an opinion piece that was released in the Silver Bay Herald today or yesterday (depending on which timezone you go by), with the wonderfully polemic title "How to kick sovereign rights of peoples - FOR DUMMIES", by Ayden Nasiunai of the Tribe of Antrim. I do respect his opinion, stance, and view, no questions asked, but not few points might require a little clarification.
Firstly, while the Kyrenaian Intervention in Jazirat Alshahwa, formerly known as Va'a Mamao, was an absolutely legitimate step to protect Kyrenaian assets and, more importantly, people, in front of their own house door, which is recognized by various countries including, but not limited on, the Free Lands, Shikonjima, Shamsiyya, Lillorainen, the list could continue - the case of the Ferinan-Archipelago is yet another story (I must give to Nasiunai-san, that he might be unaware of the proceedings, considering how few mentions of the ongoings were probably found in international news, especially in faraway countries like the Free Lands). In all seven Duchies, the negotiation process has now taken round about a decade, already starting under the Rule of Shinji-Koushaku, and has been fair and open all the time. A reintegration into Shikonjima, making commerce and travel easier for everyone in all territories, hasn't only debated on in public all the time, with representatives of ethnic minorities included, but also asked about in representative polls on an almost annual basis, with the outcomes rarely falling below 90% in favor of a reincorporation in any of them. Of course, there are voices against it - ever seen any poll or voting with an outcome of 100%? Ask ten people, receive ten answers, as an old proverb in these parts goes. But the support is still overwhelming, so I fail to see where any sovereignty has been violated, especially if one takes into account, that the restoration of the Duchies was already based on a decision by the people, after the utter failure of their happy experiments with Democracy and Socialism. Granted, the exact date of the formal reincorporation has been kept secret, but security concerns are a thing, in all matters. And yes, wherever you find protests, you'll also find troublemakers, and where you find troublemakers, you'll have to interact as a police force - and so far, I've assumed, that it isn't any different elsewhere. Of course, the results of the investigation aren't out yet, and there is a reason why the Mikuma Police has the Oukeikyoku in the house and doesn't investigate on its own, and of course, there are also troublemakers within any law enforcement authority, who have to be dealt with in the same manner as those outside, but if I were Nasiunai-san, I would wait for officially confirmed details getting public in lieu of arguing in bad faith against law enforcement authorities doing their job. Should it turn out true, that unreasonable and illegitimate actions have been committed, there is still enough time left to rant.
To the last question - if an overwhelming majority of the people of Markaz kept speeking out for a reincorporation into the Sultanate of Kyrenaia consistently over many years, thus encouraged Yasir-Sheiku to sign a paper on it, Razia-Sultana wouldn't only have the right to reintegrate Markaz into the Sultanate, she would also have the duty to do so. But that's just my two Ryous on that.
On a different note - the negotiations and separate treaties with each Duchy also included regulations on economic, cultural, and social legislations passed by the Ducal Governments prior to the Reincorporation, and unless any official statement proves me wrong, most of these will be kept as they are. In practice, this means, that for instance, the ban on foreign land and business ownership will be limited to the Mainland - non-Shikonjimanese assets in the Ferinan-Archipelago will remain in the hands of their current owners. As for the concerns of minority protection laws raised by representatives of especially Mikuma and Nagato Natives, and also foreign political activists like Layla Murashiniq, concerns I absolutely understand - they will be kept as well. Thus, the Duchies are entitled to overrule Mainland legislation to this degree - which is a great level of autonomy which states/provinces/fiefs/etc. in most other countries, and even in the Shikonjimanese Mainland itself, can only dream of. Along with the possibility for Citizens of the Duchies to travel into the Mainland without requiring a visa any longer, to purchase land and conduct business there freely, to profit from the Shikonjimanese social system and subsidies financed by the tribute revenue, and to otherwise keep living on as if nothing had happened, and even with benefits, I'd say, there is no reason to complain.
... unless one wishes to complain about everything, of course. In that case, it's probably a reasonable thing to do to educate oneself on the principles of international diplomacy and how international politics in general work - and this can be surprisingly different from how things work in one's own backyard.
Sayuri Ichigawa.

Promenade of Samboushiro, Duchy of Mikuma.
"We're now standing right on the Promenade of Samboushiro, where on the day before yesterday, an incident occured, involving a group of demonstrators and police forces dissolving the protest by means which, if the videos on WhoTube are anything to go by, are questionable at best. I'm Hideo Fujinami, and I'm talking to Captain Airi Toyomura, of the Oukeikyoku, who was sent into the Ferinan-Archipelago in order to evaluate the situation. Good evening, Captain Toyomura."
Toyomura bowed her lightly towards the journalist in his late forties, whom most Shikonjimanese actually did know from Yonrei TV, where this interview would also be aired. "A good evening to you, too, Fujinami-san."
"Captain Toyomura, we are at a turning point in Shikonjimanese modern history, where all of a sudden, a diplomatic move doesn't only ignite heated debates all over the world regarding Shikonjimanese foreign policy, but also makes people question the rule of law and the reputation to allow free expression of opinions on Shikonjimanese soil. In addition to that, we live in an era where technology makes it considerably easy to spread information, true or false, over the entire globe within fractions of a second." Fujinami let a beat pass. "How much truth is there about the claims of the law enforcement abusing their power in this incident, according to your current state of investigation?"
Toyomura cleared her throat, then explained, "In this particular instance, we managed to collect video evidence from CCTV-cameras of the stores and restaurants nearby." She pointed to the landside direction of the promenade; the camera would catch a good view on a beverage store, a tobacco store, a restaurant, and a bakery, then turned back and would show Fujinami and Toyomura again. "The escalation, in fact, came from both parties. It started, when one of the protesters, a man in his late twenties, started to throw an empty beer bottle towards the policemen, and continued to attack them physically when they reacted. However, the colleagues were in fault as well, as they decided to make use of their batons in lieu of commonly known practices of deescalation, especially with a considerably small group of only ten. Not to mention the obviously unexperienced and overchallenged colleague trying to gain attention by shooting into the air with a gun - this runs counter to any established practices and laws of both Mikuma and Shikonjima and is absolutely unacceptable."
"Which consequences will this have for everyone involved?" - Fujinami asked.
"The case will be brought to court - it will be up to the judiciary to decide on this case" - Toyomura responded, "so there isn't really much I can tell about this as of now."
Fujinami nodded. "One could say, that it is an incident which shouldn't have happened by any means, but, unfortunately did" - he said. "Still, it is only the first one out of several incidents, where protests against the Reincorporation went from peaceful to less peaceful in a very short time. It almost looks as if it is only the prelude, perhaps even the cause of further incidents here in the Ferinan-Archipelago, as you might be aware of the escalation in Kongoutou, Kongou, yesterday evening, with three wounded protesters brought to hospital, as well as the incident this morning in Norioka, Akizuki, where stones were flying until the whole thing could be dissolved more or less peacefully. People in these parts, be they residents, tourists, or businesspeople, might be worrying about their own safety."
"As of now" - Toyomura began, "we do all we can to keep the situation in here calm and peaceful. Of course, one must add, that this is a tourist area, where you will find more escalations in one typical pub night than with all protests in here together so far, but of course, the latter receive more attention due to its political nature. For now, however, the situation is serious, but nowhere near critical, and we will do all we can to keep this place safe."
Fujinami nodded. "Thank you for the statement, Captain."

by **New Visayan Islands** » Tue Feb 11, 2020 2:03 am

TO: Royal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Principality of Shikonjima
FROM: Department of Foreign Affairs, Confederation of the New Visayan Islands
RE: Reincorporation

Greetings and Salutations!

The Confederation has been made aware of the reincorporation of formerly independent or quasi-independent territories of the Principality. With little knowledge of the issues at hand, the most that can be done is observation, both of actions connected to reincorporation and the reaction of the international community.

That said, in the absence of any blatant violations of established laws, treaties, or customs, the Confederation sees no reason to condemn the Principality, yet expresses concerns regarding the upholding of civil rights. All we expect in the process is affected citizenry being treated as equals in the new order, and are willing to aid all parties involved in the Ferinan Reincorporation Treaty should aid be requested.

We wish you all the best in this endeavor.

Sincerely,

Dr. Jack Castro, PhD (International Relations)
Secretary of Foreign Affairs
Confederation of the New Visayan Islands

Dr. Jack J. Castro, PhD (International Relations)
Department of Foreign Affairs Building, Mandaue, DH
February 11th, AD 2020
1628 PHT

"Talk to me," Jack said. Facing his staff with a cup of coffee in one hand and a pen in the other, he had just finished sending a missive to the office of his opposite number in Shikonjima.

"Well," Teresita Agravio replied, "it seems to be an open-and-shut agreement between the parties involved: the Principality and the Seven Duchies of the Ferinan Archipelago have agreed on reintegrating the latter into the former."

"Not an annexation, then?"

"No, Jack, not as far as existing international law is concerned. Given what we know of the historical roots of the Seven Duchies, this looks more like a case of reunification, with the Duchies being subsumed into the Principality."

"And their territories being voluntarily ceded to Shikonjima would make this a cession," Zach Anthony Ching added. "'Annexation' would imply Principality boots on the ground taking territory outright, which does not seem to be the case here."

"And we don't have formal diplomatic relations with the Principality," Terisita said, "but we host a long-standing Embassy of the Free Lands, which lest memory fails me holds some interest in this issue."

"At least as far as the Selkie public is concerned," countered Zach.

"There's also a civil rights aspect to be considered..."

The discussion took an hour before ending, with Jack asking most of the people to leave the room while he set up a conference call with the rest of the Federal Council; at six in the evening, the Council would report on the events of the day along with President Francis Cui.

by **Kyrenaia** » Tue Feb 11, 2020 3:57 am

To:
Yamura no Kyouko, Princess of Shikonjima, Viscountess of the Oui no Tochi, Highest Servant of the Four Souls, Highest Lady of the Kazoku.
CC:
Royal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bakufu no Hiroba, Nashinya, N01SX504, Shikonjima.

From:
Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad, Lady of the Five Deserts, Ilkhana of Utica, Daughter of Kyrenaia, Mother of Her People, Highest Servant of the Lioness.

Subject:
The Ferinan-Archipelago.

Diplomatic Correspondence.
NOT to be released.

Dear Kyouko,
so far, so good - no one declared hostile intentions, everyone is happy as long as the civil rights are kept (safe for some Anti-Imperialists, but Selkie-Tribalists and the Democratic Movement aren't strong political forces). CG6 is ready to depart Abdera, but so far, it doesn't look as if they are needed, thank Manat.
Meanwhile, you see to have internal resistance to the move as well. You, or the police officers in charge, have to make a difficult decision: Upholding the public order or risking the protestors getting uppity. I know, which option I would take.
I also thank you and the RSPBs for their valuable aid in locating our citizens. So far, Azad did not tell me about hearing anything out of the ordinary concerning them so they all seem to be alright - including the more elusive cases.

Signed,
Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad

P.S.: No highly official communique this time, all that the public needs to hear has been said for now.

Palace of the Azure Hall, Little Hammam.
Princess Fara bint-Dardan.
The Hammam was a good place to have a discussion: Everyone there wore nothing but a blue silken towel if anything at all, was, at least in appearance the same - it facilitated discussions in a way no round table could.
The Warm Room had a blue floor of sodalite, the eight sides bordered by little channels with running cold water, small stone bridges crossing them as one entered from the changing rooms or went to the Hot Room. In the center, four marble benches around a small table of the same material stood. The high, domed ceiling stretched above.
Sitting on the four benches were a total of five people: The Sultana, to her left Prince Mahmut ibn-Idris, merely a boy, but a very smart one, to his left Prince Damir ibn-Razia, then came myself and next to me Admiral Shirin Mawja, the commander of Fleet Group Nazar. I sat opposite to Mahmut and he was very worried to not look into my direction, instead focusing on the Sultana, who wore a towel around herself - a favour I didn't do him. For one thing, he was getting into the age, where the female form held more and more interest, his 'girlfriend' Soraya included, for the other, he needed to learn to keep his hormones in check, focus onto the issue.
I found it amusing, that I was the object of his admiration, while Mawja was an attractive woman herself - and a bit older, so maybe a motherly feel to her.
Anyway, the Sultana just finished telling us, her informal circle of advisors in the matters of the Ferinan-Archipelago, about the reaction of Sayuri Ichigawa in a public article, which made its circles, a reply to a Selkie-Tribalist by the name of Ayden Nasiunai of the Tribe of Antrim. I knew Ayden, he had a solid head on his shoulders, we had shared the stage in a discussion once, but Ichigawa was unknown to me.
That she appeared to be the granddaughter of General Yoshifuni Khorulas Khaad Ichigawa, a rather unhinged fellow and a leading commander in the Shikonmanjese Version of the Decolonization Wars.
And she lied her bloody head off. There had been discussions, yes, even public ones, but they were not really large ones or well-publicized. They appeared to be more about the possibility to maybe, under certain circumstances, reunify with Shikonjima, a theoretical thought game, not an actual possibility to be discussed.
It didn't surprise, that people demonstrated and further escalated. Three wounded in Kongoutou, Kongou, stones against the police in Norioka, Akizuki...
Silence.
"The issue was wrongly handled.", Mahmut said, we looked at him, he was focused on the Sultana, a bit like a student gauging the teacher's reaction. "Either fully open or no reunification. It lets people feel, that their opinion is important, too, that their will is heard and if a few of the proposals are included by the diplomats, the more people will feel included."
The Sultana nodded slowly. It was one of the reasons, why the System of Open Court was so successful.
"That's quite a jaded view for such a cute young man.", Mawja said and Mahmut bowed his head with a small blush. "But you are right, to some extend. Publically, the issue was wrongly handled. Now, the protests..." She shrugged. "You know, how I would deal with that."
"Indeed.", the Sultana said and we all knew, what that meant. Autocanons against protesters, soldiers in the street, CAS at low altitude until the protesters realized, that there were other ways to realize their goals. Of course, this was publicity-suicide, too. "Needless to say, that this is the option after the last. I will not give the little girl advice without being asked to, but I am curious... Mahmut, Fara, what would you advice her to do?"
The Prince motioned to me, letting me speak. I gave him a small smile in thanks.
"I would invite spokespeople for an open, prime time broadcasted discussion, let them speak their concerns and address them directly.", I said, "Not only appease them, but work out new laws addressing these concerns. I think, minority protection was one?" Nods. "That's a good point to start. It will improve the international reputation as well. Mahmut?"
The young man nodded.
"Aside from what Fara proposed, cessation or not, within the confines of international right and law or not - and Uncle Mahmut would be happy to point out, that being on the side of the law and being in the right are two different things - I would advice her to scale the open presence of Shikonmanjese-Mainland Police Forces back to the bare minimum. That especially concerns that secret police, this Okaykyku or something."
"Oukeikyoku.", Mawja corrected with a smile.
"Thanks.", Mahmut said, then continued: "The presence of local police forces suggests normality, no issues, everything is as it always was and it will be fine. Combined with entertainment in the tube, food in the stores and money in the pockets, the amount of protesters will dramatically decrease. Mainland-Police Forces, or outside policing forces in general, suggests, that something is amiss. It will cause a disturbance, especially when Mainland-Police is investigating local polices."
"But somehow, they need to get the new lands under control.", Damir said - it was always startling to see how similar the two men looked. One could easily come to the conclusion, that Idris-Ilkhan was not Mahmut's biological father.
"Once the initial excitement calmed down, one can work things out - officer exchanges, new uniforms, such things. As long as entertainment is guaranteed and food is on the table, people will not be dissatisfied. I doubt, that Shikonjima will have major problems with that."
"And those, who protest anyway?", I asked.
Mahmut shrugged. "They'll stop eventually."
"Hopefully. In time", the Sultana said with a smile, "There are some, who will never be satisfied with politics." She let a beat pass. "That's quite jaded for such a young man."
Mahmut smiled slightly. "Uncle Mahmut is a good teacher.", he said, "And I guess, that I am a good student, too."
That was the disadvantage of being a Prince in Kyrenaia: One needed to be a grown-up very quickly.
"Your words are sound and bear some truth.", the Sultana continued, "As do yours, Fara. Mistress Mawja?"
"Indeed.", she said and nodded, "Some refinement is required, but from my perspective, it sounds good. I still insist, that my approach has something for it, too."
"It has.", the Sultana said. Unnecessarily gory videos on WhoTube, among other things., we all thought. "Now, of course none of this will be leaving towards Shikonjima unless that little girl asks me for advice, which I doubt, but it was a nice exchange of opinions." She let a beat pass. "Now, on to happier topics - Mahmut, how is Soraya?"
The way the young man blushed told us everything.

by **Astares Amauricanum** » Tue Feb 11, 2020 12:44 pm

Columbia District, Imperial Palace.
Emperor's Office.
"So, let's recap the situation, shall we?" asks the Emperor to th others persons present in the room.
After a few days of training in the Appalachian Forests, just after the Kyrenaian State Visit, the Imperial Couple, along with their Personal Guards, had finally come back to the Imperial Palace. And one of the first things they had been made aware of was the situation happening in the Ferinan-Archipelago.
And so, on this February morning, as a light snow falls over the capital, the Emperor, Adrean Blachkor, sits behind his desk, clad in the dark green shirt and pants of the Imperial Guard Service Uniform, his hair tied in a bun. Next to him, his wife, Anna, clad in the same uniform.
On the other side of the table, two men. The first, wearing a General's Uniform of the Imperial Marines Corps, is Patrick Barrera, the Secretary of Defense, or SecDef. The other, blonde and wearing a suit, is Michael Foxter, the Secretary of State.

"So, Your Majesties, starts Foxter, as we told you, the Principality of Shikonjima has recently signed a treaty allowing Duchies of the Ferinan-Archipelago to reunite with the Shikonjimese Mainland, due notably to the fact that the reigning Dukes and Duchesses of these states are distant relatives of Princess Yamura no Kyouko, as well as them being former Shikonjimese colonies.
-Yeah, so what? replies Anna as she raises an eyebrow before taking a sip of her tea. As far as we are concerned, this operation went peacefully, not like the Kyrenaians with Va'a Mamao back in 2018.
-Indeed Your Majesty, says Barrera, but as you may guess, not everyone in these islands was pleased by the reunification. This has sparked some protests, which has caused no major problems for now, but still, the local police forces have sometimes responded with a bit more force than necesary. Not to mention the fact that the Defense Intelligence Agency picked up some evidence about the presence of multiple groups of their secret police, the Oukeikyoku, in several locations.
-And usually, when the secret police is deployed somewhere..." continues Foxter.
-"...It means that something is amiss. I know that Mike." replies Adrean as he takes a sip of his tea, before biting in one of the cookies presented to him. So, gentlemen, we have a reunification not accepted by everyone, the boss sending his shadow guys on site, and some international recognition already, with Lilorainen, Kyrenaia, etc. Although if I remember well, some Selkies do not accept it, right?
-Indeed, replies Foxter, some Selkie Tribalists and such, the same ones that condemned the retaking of Va'a Mamao by the Sultanate.
-Okay, simply replies Anna. Now, the big question, is if we have some tourists vacationing there?
-Yes, your Majesty, answers Michael. My services are still on it, but so far, we can estimate a bare minimum of around 300 Astarians being present in the Archipelago.
-Good, and what of any assets we may deploy to monitor the situation?
-The carrier IAS Ebon Atoll and her battlegroup are currently conducting exercises a hundred nautical miles southeast of the Archipelago, replies the SecDef. Speaking of carriers, some of our satellites picked up some activity concerning the RKN Carrier Group 6, homeported in Surya. The engines are turning, sailors are moving back and forth, in short, they're most likely conducting an mobilization exercise.
-Any chance they'll cause trouble? asks Adrean.
-Not for now, replies Barrera while shaking his head. But concerning the Ebon Atoll, what would be her mission?
-Have her position at the limit of the territorial waters, with flights penetrating the national airspace every now and then. I want to see how they react hen being poked like this.
And you Michael, send the Princess a message telling her that so far, we acknowledge the treaty, nothing more. However, make sure to tell her about our citizens vacationing there, and ask her to have their services ensure their safety." says the Emperor as he stands up from his desk, followed by the three others occupants of the room.
-Aye Majesty, replies Patrick with a salute.
-It shall be done Your Highness, answers Michael. Are you going to send a message too?
-That we will, replies Anna. I was thinking about telling her that if she messes up and our citizens are hurt, we shall take action. What do you think Honey? she asks her husband.
-I wouldn't have it any other way, replies the Emperor with a small smirk. Anyway, gentlemen, you're dismissed."

To:
Yamura no Kyouko, Princess of Shikonjima, Viscountess of the Oui no Tochi, Highest Servant of the Four Souls, Highest Lady of the Kazoku.
CC:
Royal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bakufu no Hiroba, Nashinya, N01SX504, Shikonjima.

From:
Michael Foxter, Imperial Secretary of State
on behalf of:
Emperor Adrean Blachkor "The Third", Son of the Empire, Master of the Appalachia, Conqueror of the Rockyes, Lord of the Plains and Tamer of the Frost.
Empress Anna Blackor, Daughter of the Empire, Highest Servant of the Stars

Subject:
Reunification of the Ferinan-Archipelago

Department of State Comuniqué
Can be released.

Your Highness,
it is with a bit of a surprise that we learned about the reunification of the Duchies of Akizuki, Kongou, Taihou, Mutsu, Nagato, Yayoi and Mikuma with your country a few days ago. Nonetheless, we are pleased that the situation was able to proceed without many obstacles. For now, the Federal Empire, seeing no violations of any established treaties shall observe the situation and help if required.
In any case, due to the recent wave of protests this reunification has generated, their Imperial Majesties have expressed their worries for the safety of some of our citizens that are currently vacationing in the archipelago. Therefore, they would ask that your local police forces do everything in their power to ensure the safety of our compatriots.

Please be assure of my utmost consideration,
Signed,
Michael Foxter
Imperial Secretary of State.

To:
Yamura no Kyouko, Princess of Shikonjima, Viscountess of the Oui no Tochi, Highest Servant of the Four Souls, Highest Lady of the Kazoku.

From:
Emperor Adrean Blachkor "The Third", Son of the Empire, Master of the Appalachia, Conqueror of the Rockyes, Lord of the Plains and Tamer of the Frost.
Empress Anna Blackor, Daughter of the Empire, Highest Servant of the Stars

Diplomatic Correspondence.
NOT to be released.

Princess,
as you may have already seen in the message sent to you by Our Secretary of State, the situation in the Ferinan-Archipelago has gotten Our attention.
We congratulate you for the reunification, and we hope this will set a new path for your country. However, if during said process, harm shall befall on Our citizens vacationing in your nation, We shall take action immediatly.
To that effect, We have ordered the deployment of a carrier battlegroup along your territorial waters to the East, to monitor the situation and ensure Our citizens are kept safe.

Signed,
Adrean Blachkor
Anna Blachkor

by **Shikonjima** » Wed Feb 12, 2020 9:08 am

New Visayan Islands wrote:
TO: Royal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Principality of Shikonjima
FROM: Department of Foreign Affairs, Confederation of the New Visayan Islands
RE: Reincorporation

Greetings and Salutations!

The Confederation has been made aware of the reincorporation of formerly independent or quasi-independent territories of the Principality. With little knowledge of the issues at hand, the most that can be done is observation, both of actions connected to reincorporation and the reaction of the international community.

That said, in the absence of any blatant violations of established laws, treaties, or customs, the Confederation sees no reason to condemn the Principality, yet expresses concerns regarding the upholding of civil rights. All we expect in the process is affected citizenry being treated as equals in the new order, and are willing to aid all parties involved in the Ferinan Reincorporation Treaty should aid be requested.

We wish you all the best in this endeavor.

Sincerely,

(Image)
Dr. Jack Castro, PhD (International Relations)
Secretary of Foreign Affairs
Confederation of the New Visayan Islands

Dr. Jack J. Castro, PhD (International Relations)
Department of Foreign Affairs Building, Mandaue, DH
February 11th, AD 2020
1628 PHT

"Talk to me," Jack said. Facing his staff with a cup of coffee in one hand and a pen in the other, he had just finished sending a missive to the office of his opposite number in Shikonjima.

"Well," Teresita Agravio replied, "it seems to be an open-and-shut agreement between the parties involved: the Principality and the Seven Duchies of the Ferinan Archipelago have agreed on reintegrating the latter into the former."

"Not an annexation, then?"

"No, Jack, not as far as existing international law is concerned. Given what we know of the historical roots of the Seven Duchies, this looks more like a case of reunification, with the Duchies being subsumed into the Principality."

"And their territories being voluntarily ceded to Shikonjima would make this a cession," Zach Anthony Ching added. "'Annexation' would imply Principality boots on the ground taking territory outright, which does not seem to be the case here."

"And we don't have formal diplomatic relations with the Principality," Terisita said, "but we host a long-standing Embassy of the Free Lands, which lest memory fails me holds some interest in this issue."

"At least as far as the Selkie public is concerned," countered Zach.

"There's also a civil rights aspect to be considered..."

The discussion took an hour before ending, with Jack asking most of the people to leave the room while he set up a conference call with the rest of the Federal Council; at six in the evening, the Council would report on the events of the day along with President Francis Cui.

Royal Ministry of Foreign Affairs

To: Dr. Jack J. Castro, Department of Foreign Affairs, Confederation of the New Visayan Islands.
From: Jitsuko Sageshima, Royal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bakufu no Hiroba, Nashinya, N01SX504, Shikonjima.

Greetings and Salulations, Castro-hakase!
Thank you very much for declaring your willingness to aid all parties involved in the matter of the Reincorporation Treaty! Of course, we are aware, that the question of the upholding of civil rights of all inhabitants of the seven Duchies of the Ferinan-Archipelago raises concerns all over the world, with Governments of countries as well as the public debate therein involved, and the New Visayan Islands are certainly not an exception. As we speak, the proceedings do not exactly go on without any trouble, but we can assure you, that we do anything in our power to solve the issues in a peaceful and harmonious manner - this includes ensuring an equal treatment of the citizenry of both the Duchies of the Ferinan-Archipelago and the Mainland alike.
Should further questions and/or concerns arise, please do not hesitate to inquire.

With kind regards,
Jitsuko Sageshima,
Royal Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Astares Amauricanum wrote:Columbia District, Imperial Palace.
Emperor's Office.
"So, let's recap the situation, shall we?" asks the Emperor to th others persons present in the room.
After a few days of training in the Appalachian Forests, just after the Kyrenaian State Visit, the Imperial Couple, along with their Personal Guards, had finally come back to the Imperial Palace. And one of the first things they had been made aware of was the situation happening in the Ferinan-Archipelago.
And so, on this February morning, as a light snow falls over the capital, the Emperor, Adrean Blachkor, sits behind his desk, clad in the dark green shirt and pants of the Imperial Guard Service Uniform, his hair tied in a bun. Next to him, his wife, Anna, clad in the same uniform.
On the other side of the table, two men. The first, wearing a General's Uniform of the Imperial Marines Corps, is Patrick Barrera, the Secretary of Defense, or SecDef. The other, blonde and wearing a suit, is Michael Foxter, the Secretary of State.

"So, Your Majesties, starts Foxter, as we told you, the Principality of Shikonjima has recently signed a treaty allowing Duchies of the Ferinan-Archipelago to reunite with the Shikonjimese Mainland, due notably to the fact that the reigning Dukes and Duchesses of these states are distant relatives of Princess Yamura no Kyouko, as well as them being former Shikonjimese colonies.
-Yeah, so what? replies Anna as she raises an eyebrow before taking a sip of her tea. As far as we are concerned, this operation went peacefully, not like the Kyrenaians with Va'a Mamao back in 2018.
-Indeed Your Majesty, says Barrera, but as you may guess, not everyone in these islands was pleased by the reunification. This has sparked some protests, which has caused no major problems for now, but still, the local police forces have sometimes responded with a bit more force than necesary. Not to mention the fact that the Defense Intelligence Agency picked up some evidence about the presence of multiple groups of their secret police, the Oukeikyoku, in several locations.
-And usually, when the secret police is deployed somewhere..." continues Foxter.
-"...It means that something is amiss. I know that Mike." replies Adrean as he takes a sip of his tea, before biting in one of the cookies presented to him. So, gentlemen, we have a reunification not accepted by everyone, the boss sending his shadow guys on site, and some international recognition already, with Lilorainen, Kyrenaia, etc. Although if I remember well, some Selkies do not accept it, right?
-Indeed, replies Foxter, some Selkie Tribalists and such, the same ones that condemned the retaking of Va'a Mamao by the Sultanate.
-Okay, simply replies Anna. Now, the big question, is if we have some tourists vacationing there?
-Yes, your Majesty, answers Michael. My services are still on it, but so far, we can estimate a bare minimum of around 300 Astarians being present in the Archipelago.
-Good, and what of any assets we may deploy to monitor the situation?
-The carrier IAS Ebon Atoll and her battlegroup are currently conducting exercises a hundred nautical miles southeast of the Archipelago, replies the SecDef. Speaking of carriers, some of our satellites picked up some activity concerning the RKN Carrier Group 6, homeported in Surya. The engines are turning, sailors are moving back and forth, in short, they're most likely conducting an mobilization exercise.
-Any chance they'll cause trouble? asks Adrean.
-Not for now, replies Barrera while shaking his head. But concerning the Ebon Atoll, what would be her mission?
-Have her position at the limit of the territorial waters, with flights penetrating the national airspace every now and then. I want to see how they react hen being poked like this.
And you Michael, send the Princess a message telling her that so far, we acknowledge the treaty, nothing more. However, make sure to tell her about our citizens vacationing there, and ask her to have their services ensure their safety." says the Emperor as he stands up from his desk, followed by the three others occupants of the room.
-Aye Majesty, replies Patrick with a salute.
-It shall be done Your Highness, answers Michael. Are you going to send a message too?
-That we will, replies Anna. I was thinking about telling her that if she messes up and our citizens are hurt, we shall take action. What do you think Honey? she asks her husband.
-I wouldn't have it any other way, replies the Emperor with a small smirk. Anyway, gentlemen, you're dismissed."

To:
Yamura no Kyouko, Princess of Shikonjima, Viscountess of the Oui no Tochi, Highest Servant of the Four Souls, Highest Lady of the Kazoku.
CC:
Royal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bakufu no Hiroba, Nashinya, N01SX504, Shikonjima.

From:
Michael Foxter, Imperial Secretary of State
on behalf of:
Emperor Adrean Blachkor "The Third", Son of the Empire, Master of the Appalachia, Conqueror of the Rockyes, Lord of the Plains and Tamer of the Frost.
Empress Anna Blachkor, Daughter of the Empire, Highest Servant of the Stars

Subject:
Reunification of the Ferinan-Archipelago

Department of State Comuniqué
Can be released.

Your Highness,
it is with a bit of a surprise that we learned about the reunification of the Duchies of Akizuki, Kongou, Taihou, Mutsu, Nagato, Yayoi and Mikuma with your country a few days ago. Nonetheless, we are pleased that the situation was able to proceed without many obstacles. For now, the Federal Empire, seeing no violations of any established treaties shall observe the situation and help if required.
In any case, due to the recent wave of protests this reunification has generated, their Imperial Majesties have expressed their worries for the safety of some of our citizens that are currently vacationing in the archipelago. Therefore, they would ask that your local police forces do everything in their power to ensure the safety of our compatriots.

Please be assure of my utmost consideration,
Signed,
Michael Foxter
Imperial Secretary of State.

To:
Yamura no Kyouko, Princess of Shikonjima, Viscountess of the Oui no Tochi, Highest Servant of the Four Souls, Highest Lady of the Kazoku.

From:
Emperor Adrean Blachkor "The Third", Son of the Empire, Master of the Appalachia, Conqueror of the Rockyes, Lord of the Plains and Tamer of the Frost.
Empress Anna Blackor, Daughter of the Empire, Highest Servant of the Stars

Diplomatic Correspondence.
NOT to be released.

Princess,
as you may have already seen in the message sent to you by Our Secretary of State, the situation in the Ferinan-Archipelago has gotten Our attention.
We congratulate you for the reunification, and we hope this will set a new path for your country. However, if during said process, harm shall befall on Our citizens vacationing in your nation, We shall take action immediatly.
To that effect, We have ordered the deployment of a carrier battlegroup along your territorial waters to the East, to monitor the situation and ensure Our citizens are kept safe.

Signed,
Adrean Blachkor
Anna Blachkor

To: Michael Foxter, Imperial Secretary of State.
From: Yamura no Kyouko, Princess of Shikonjima, Viscountess of the Oui no Tochi, Highest Servant of the Four Souls, Highest Lady of the Kazoku.
Subject: Reunification of the Ferinan-Archipelago.
Encryption level: Open for release.

Dear Mr. Foxter,
Thank you very much for your willingness to cooperate in case any further issues arise. We fully understand your concerns as to the safety of the Citizens of the Federal Empire who are currently vacationing in the Ferinan-Archipelago, and We assure you, that We will thoroughly keep track on their, and other non-Shikonjimanese citizens in the area, and that you will keep being informed about their state of wellbeing. The authorities, Mainland-Shikonjimanese as well as local ones, will do everything in their power to ensure their safety. Please be assure, that everyone works in all conscience.

With kind regards,
Signed,
Yamura no Kyouko,
Princess of Shikonjima, Viscountess of the Oui no Tochi, Highest Servant of the Four Souls, Highest Lady of the Kazoku.

To:
Emperor Adrean Blachkor "The Third", Son of the Empire, Master of the Appalachia, Conqueror of the Rockyes, Lord of the Plains and Tamer of the Frost.
Empress Anna Blachkor, Daughter of the Empire, Highest Servant of the Stars.
From: Yamura no Kyouko, Princess of Shikonjima, Viscountess of the Oui no Tochi, Highest Servant of the Four Souls, Highest Lady of the Kazoku.
Subject: Reunification of the Ferinan-Archipelago.
Encryption level: For Your Eyes Only.

Your Majesties,
Thank you very much for your congratulations and your kind wishes! We are aware of any risks in the current situation; however, We can assure you, that, in spite of a couple of incidents on the streets of various Cities in the Ferinan-Archipelago having occured, which you may already have heard of, the situation is well under control as of currently.
Thank you, nonetheless, for informing Us about the deployment of the carrier battlegroup. Please be aware, that, despite this message being top-secret, We still have to inform the RSN as well as all authorities in charge of monitoring the Shikonjimanese coastal waters and airspace about your plans, and require the Commanders of the battlegroup to stay in contact with them, to ensure the safety of everyone involved, lest undesired incidents occur.

Signed,
Yamura no Kyouko

Kyrenaia wrote:
To:
Yamura no Kyouko, Princess of Shikonjima, Viscountess of the Oui no Tochi, Highest Servant of the Four Souls, Highest Lady of the Kazoku.
CC:
Royal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bakufu no Hiroba, Nashinya, N01SX504, Shikonjima.

From:
Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad, Lady of the Five Deserts, Ilkhana of Utica, Daughter of Kyrenaia, Mother of Her People, Highest Servant of the Lioness.

Subject:
The Ferinan-Archipelago.

Diplomatic Correspondence.
NOT to be released.

Dear Kyouko,
so far, so good - no one declared hostile intentions, everyone is happy as long as the civil rights are kept (safe for some Anti-Imperialists, but Selkie-Tribalists and the Democratic Movement aren't strong political forces). CG6 is ready to depart Abdera, but so far, it doesn't look as if they are needed, thank Manat.
Meanwhile, you see to have internal resistance to the move as well. You, or the police officers in charge, have to make a difficult decision: Upholding the public order or risking the protestors getting uppity. I know, which option I would take.
I also thank you and the RSPBs for their valuable aid in locating our citizens. So far, Azad did not tell me about hearing anything out of the ordinary concerning them so they all seem to be alright - including the more elusive cases.

Signed,
Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad

P.S.: No highly official communique this time, all that the public needs to hear has been said for now.

Palace of the Azure Hall, Little Hammam.
Princess Fara bint-Dardan.
The Hammam was a good place to have a discussion: Everyone there wore nothing but a blue silken towel if anything at all, was, at least in appearance the same - it facilitated discussions in a way no round table could.
The Warm Room had a blue floor of sodalite, the eight sides bordered by little channels with running cold water, small stone bridges crossing them as one entered from the changing rooms or went to the Hot Room. In the center, four marble benches around a small table of the same material stood. The high, domed ceiling stretched above.
Sitting on the four benches were a total of five people: The Sultana, to her left Prince Mahmut ibn-Idris, merely a boy, but a very smart one, to his left Prince Damir ibn-Razia, then came myself and next to me Admiral Shirin Mawja, the commander of Fleet Group Nazar. I sat opposite to Mahmut and he was very worried to not look into my direction, instead focusing on the Sultana, who wore a towel around herself - a favour I didn't do him. For one thing, he was getting into the age, where the female form held more and more interest, his 'girlfriend' Soraya included, for the other, he needed to learn to keep his hormones in check, focus onto the issue.
I found it amusing, that I was the object of his admiration, while Mawja was an attractive woman herself - and a bit older, so maybe a motherly feel to her.
Anyway, the Sultana just finished telling us, her informal circle of advisors in the matters of the Ferinan-Archipelago, about the reaction of Sayuri Ichigawa in a public article, which made its circles, a reply to a Selkie-Tribalist by the name of Ayden Nasiunai of the Tribe of Antrim. I knew Ayden, he had a solid head on his shoulders, we had shared the stage in a discussion once, but Ichigawa was unknown to me.
That she appeared to be the granddaughter of General Yoshifuni Khorulas Khaad Ichigawa, a rather unhinged fellow and a leading commander in the Shikonmanjese Version of the Decolonization Wars.
And she lied her bloody head off. There had been discussions, yes, even public ones, but they were not really large ones or well-publicized. They appeared to be more about the possibility to maybe, under certain circumstances, reunify with Shikonjima, a theoretical thought game, not an actual possibility to be discussed.
It didn't surprise, that people demonstrated and further escalated. Three wounded in Kongoutou, Kongou, stones against the police in Norioka, Akizuki...
Silence.
"The issue was wrongly handled.", Mahmut said, we looked at him, he was focused on the Sultana, a bit like a student gauging the teacher's reaction. "Either fully open or no reunification. It lets people feel, that their opinion is important, too, that their will is heard and if a few of the proposals are included by the diplomats, the more people will feel included."
The Sultana nodded slowly. It was one of the reasons, why the System of Open Court was so successful.
"That's quite a jaded view for such a cute young man.", Mawja said and Mahmut bowed his head with a small blush. "But you are right, to some extend. Publically, the issue was wrongly handled. Now, the protests..." She shrugged. "You know, how I would deal with that."
"Indeed.", the Sultana said and we all knew, what that meant. Autocanons against protesters, soldiers in the street, CAS at low altitude until the protesters realized, that there were other ways to realize their goals. Of course, this was publicity-suicide, too. "Needless to say, that this is the option after the last. I will not give the little girl advice without being asked to, but I am curious... Mahmut, Fara, what would you advice her to do?"
The Prince motioned to me, letting me speak. I gave him a small smile in thanks.
"I would invite spokespeople for an open, prime time broadcasted discussion, let them speak their concerns and address them directly.", I said, "Not only appease them, but work out new laws addressing these concerns. I think, minority protection was one?" Nods. "That's a good point to start. It will improve the international reputation as well. Mahmut?"
The young man nodded.
"Aside from what Fara proposed, cessation or not, within the confines of international right and law or not - and Uncle Mahmut would be happy to point out, that being on the side of the law and being in the right are two different things - I would advice her to scale the open presence of Shikonmanjese-Mainland Police Forces back to the bare minimum. That especially concerns that secret police, this Okaykyku or something."
"Oukeikyoku.", Mawja corrected with a smile.
"Thanks.", Mahmut said, then continued: "The presence of local police forces suggests normality, no issues, everything is as it always was and it will be fine. Combined with entertainment in the tube, food in the stores and money in the pockets, the amount of protesters will dramatically decrease. Mainland-Police Forces, or outside policing forces in general, suggests, that something is amiss. It will cause a disturbance, especially when Mainland-Police is investigating local polices."
"But somehow, they need to get the new lands under control.", Damir said - it was always startling to see how similar the two men looked. One could easily come to the conclusion, that Idris-Ilkhan was not Mahmut's biological father.
"Once the initial excitement calmed down, one can work things out - officer exchanges, new uniforms, such things. As long as entertainment is guaranteed and food is on the table, people will not be dissatisfied. I doubt, that Shikonjima will have major problems with that."
"And those, who protest anyway?", I asked.
Mahmut shrugged. "They'll stop eventually."
"Hopefully. In time", the Sultana said with a smile, "There are some, who will never be satisfied with politics." She let a beat pass. "That's quite jaded for such a young man."
Mahmut smiled slightly. "Uncle Mahmut is a good teacher.", he said, "And I guess, that I am a good student, too."
That was the disadvantage of being a Prince in Kyrenaia: One needed to be a grown-up very quickly.
"Your words are sound and bear some truth.", the Sultana continued, "As do yours, Fara. Mistress Mawja?"
"Indeed.", she said and nodded, "Some refinement is required, but from my perspective, it sounds good. I still insist, that my approach has something for it, too."
"It has.", the Sultana said. Unnecessarily gory videos on WhoTube, among other things., we all thought. "Now, of course none of this will be leaving towards Shikonjima unless that little girl asks me for advice, which I doubt, but it was a nice exchange of opinions." She let a beat pass. "Now, on to happier topics - Mahmut, how is Soraya?"
The way the young man blushed told us everything.

To: Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad, Lady of the Five Deserts, Ilkhana of Utica, Daughter of Kyrenaia, Mother of Her People, Highest Servant of the Lioness.
From: Yamura no Kyouko, Princess of Shikonjima, Viscountess of the Oui no Tochi, Highest Servant of the Four Souls, Highest Lady of the Kazoku.
Subject: The Ferinan-Archipelago.
Encryption level: For Your Eyes Only.

Dear Razia,
Indeed - so far, so good. Not that I had genuinely expected any declarations of hostile intentions in a case that is as clear as this one, but it's never a bad idea to be prepared for any surprises - hence why I'm still thankful for the CG6's readiness to assist, however small the likelihood of a need may seem as of now. (And sure, there are certain factions that are unhappy with it, but these factions, while surely not as meaningless as some would claim, are nowhere near powerful, at least as of currently).
And indeed, I'm fully aware of what option you would take, and I'm quite confident, that Captain Toyomura, whom I, of course, stay in permanent correspondence with, will do her best to do the right thing. It remains up to see, at what costs. In best case, we manage to uphold the public order while still finding solutions that prevent further escalations; in worst case, we need to find a solid alternative.
Meanwhile, you're welcome! Neither have I heard about anything out of the ordinary concerning the citizens of the Sultanate. Quite on the contrary - as we talk, Azad will certainly know very soon, that the lightly underdeveloped telecommunications network in some areas of the Ferinan-Archipelago are very likely to be a possible cause for the elusiveness of some tourists. Should there be other explanations, the Chandshar will be informed, of course.

Signed,
Yamura no Kyouko

P.S.: D'accord.

Yonrei TV Studios, Furushima in Akebono, Shikonjima (Mainland).
In the Studios of Yonrei TV in Furushima, within line of sight of Nashinya, where the Royal Press Office was located as well, there was a distinct tension in the air right now - hardly surprising, considering the matter that got debated on right now. The matter everyone in these parts, and perhaps already in huge chunks of the world, already knew about.
Unbeknownst to everyone, many thousands of kilometers away from here, in Utica, a young Prince, almost still a child, would crow over this, now gleefully, but proudly, saying, that his idea had perhaps been the most reasonable one.
Still, even if anybody knew about this circumstance, there would be little time to think about this. There were quite a few points to debate on, and it would be exciting to see what would happen, once this would be aired on Yonrei TV, and, with subtitles, on TV stations abroad - most certainly with a bit of timezone delay, depending on where one would be, but certainly during prime-time in all places.
"Good evening, and welcome to this special broadcast on the matter of the ongoings in the Duchies of the Ferinan-Archipelago!" - Hideo Fujinami spoke into the camera, in a very serious, yet still welcoming tone. "As you might be aware, the situation in some areas of it is unpleasant, to say the least, with a number of events that should definitely not have happened. In order to prevent this from escalating any further, we have decided to assemble a few personages in order to bring some light into the darkness - which does seem necessary, as many contradictory claims have been published and broadcast about this."
The men and women on the black, U-shaped couch around a glass table with glasses of water on them in the middle of the brightly illuminated studio nodded, slowly.
"Thus, let me warmly welcome Seishirou Odagiri, Royal Minister of the Interior ..." Fujinami let a few beats pass; Odagiri bowed his head lightly, a clapping from the audience was to hear, "... His Majesty Shumpei Hanada, Duke of Nagato ..." - another round of clapping followed with the introduction of the Royal in his early fifties, "... Captain Airi Toyomura from the Ouritsu keisatsukyoku, or Oukeikyoku for short ..." - yet another round of clapping followed, "... Kenji Imaoka, Professor for Media Sciences and Politics at the University of Kongoutou ..." - more clapping followed, as the man in his late thirties bowed his head, "... and last but not least, Sasae Mamea, journalist, translator, and activist for the rights of the Tagata minority from the Duchy of Akizuki!" - the last round of clapping followed after the introduction of a woman in her early thirties, from whom one could already see, that she was not ethnically Shikonjimanese, and her name suggested the same. The clapping lasted a while.
As the clapping silenced, Fujinami continued, "At first, we should address the topic of Information in general, as the spread of information and the lack thereof do appear to be an essential reason as to why the situation is as it is." He turned to Professor Imaoka. "Imaoka-sensei, maybe we start with you first. Why do you think, that information is the primary reason for the current situation in the Ferinan-Archipelago, and for the reactions, positive as well as negative, from the international community and certain political factions in certain countries?"
Professor Imaoka cleared his throat, then he said, "Now, I see the issues on two primary aspects. First and foremost, we live in an era where information and misinformation alike can be spread all over the globe within a short time as easily as never before, and so can opinions thereon. Take the videos on WhoTube, which have turned out to not display all aspects of the ongoings in Samboushiro accurately, take the discussions that have evolved on Social Media networks such as PiffleNet - they are all a result of the technological possibilities we have these days. And even with these cases aside, we've heard different opinions from official media as well, even though mostly individual opinions that don't necessarily represent official stances on the matter. We have an opinion piece by Ayden Nasiunai of the Tribe of Antrim, whom I do respect as a thinker and fellow colleague, even if I don't share most of his opinions, but he does have a good intellect and ability to make his points and stand by them. As a reaction, we have the opinion piece by Sayuri Ichigawa, who might be known as a thinker as well, and quite prominent - even though I also disagree with many of her points, her background does give her an insight an outsider would not have. However, in all of these cases, we have views and opinions spread within a short span of time, and which are influenced by views of individuals, who, in some cases, might be unable to give an objective statement - let's just take Ichigawa's claim of the open and transparent process as an example, in which she, as a famous Imperialist and Shogunate restoration apologist, used deliberate misinformation for, one could say, propaganda purposes."
He let a beat pass.
"And on the other hand, it is the official information we lack on. Which I consider a particular lapse, as it gives people who spread unconfirmed and often obviously false information a platform. As far as my respect for the Kazoku in general and Kyouko-Koushaku in particular goes - the Shikonjimanese government has, to a quite not negligible degree, failed to stay open and transparent. While the topic has been talked about every now and then, the process hasn't been nearly as transparent and open as, for example, Ichigawa claims. If it had been, we probably wouldn't have these issues now."
As he kept silent, Fujinami spoke up again. "Thank you very much, Imaoka-sensei!" He turned to Duke Shumpei and Minister Odagiri. "I am sure, that we can gain some official insight on the lack of official statements and information. Shumpei-Koushaku, Odagiri-Daijin, what, in your opinion, has gone wrong, or possibly even right?"
Odagiri nodded towards the Duke, letting him start.
"Now" - Duke Shumpei began, "what our idea has been from the get-go, was to let as little information reach the public as possible, but as much as necessary, and that was simply due to one primary concern - security. It was clear - well, perhaps not as clear as we believed -, that there would be a merger with the Mainland someday, but we were concerned, that sabotage actions would occur, if we had announced the exact date and time we would travel to Nashinya to sign the Reincorporation Treaty. This has been a common practice in both the Mainland and the Ferinan-Archipelago for a long time now, and I am confident, that it is a common practice in many other countries in the world as well. We were worried, that someone could commit an attempt to prevent this by violent means, that was mostly the reason why we kept this secret."
Odagiri nodded. "Indeed" - he said. "Although we now know, that we've probably overdone it a bit with the secrecy. We would certainly have less trouble establishing Royal Police offices and other common Shikonjimanese institutions, if we hadn't taken the risk of protests getting out of hand."
Sasae Mamea now raised her hand and said, almost not audibly, "Excuse me ... if I may ...?"
Fujinami nodded, allowing her to intervene. This was thought of as a free exchange of ideas and perspectives on the matter, so Fujinami had been asked by his superiors not to go by paper too strictly and to only intervene, if necessary.
Mamea took a sip of water and began, with a similar cadence in her accent as Professor Imaoka. "Now, the incorporation itself and the secret that has been made of it is only one aspect of the concerns we, and as we have seen, many people of varying positions abroad, including prominent colleagues of mine like Layla Murashiniq, have. The particularly worrisome aspect of the territorial merger is the ethnic structure of the Ferinan-Archipelago. You see, we all know how long these territories have been a part of the Shikonjimanese Realm until their independence, and we all know, that the majority of the population of the Duchies is ethnically Shikonjimanese - and yes, we are also aware, that each Duchy, except for Mikuma, Nagato, and Akizuki, has a higher percentage of ethnic Shikonjimanese than the Mainland itself, and even that all Duchies together are ethnically Yonrei by a higher percentage than the Mainland. But ninety per-cent is still not a hundred, and considering the criticism the Mainland has already faced for its lack of comprehensive legislation on minority projection, especially compared to the Ferinan-Duchies, which are way ahead of the Mainland in this matter, a bit of talking about the protection of ethnic minorities beforehand surely wouldn't have harmed."
She let a beat pass.
"Which gets me to the primary concerns each side in this issue has" - she continued. "So, Odagiri-san - mine would be, that in a few years, the Tagata language, which I speak with the same pride you speak Shikonjimanese, won't be available to be taught in schools in Akizuki anymore, and that publications in my language will vanish in the same time due to possible discouragement from the government in Nashinya or lack of funding from either Nashinya or Norioka. What was your primary concern that hindered you from simply asking us if we wish to be Shikonjimanese citizens? That we could say no? I do think, we can agree, that if preventing demonstrations from escalating should have been the goal of keeping the whole endeavor as secret as possible, it didn't exactly work too well."
Odagiri nodded. He took a sip of water, too, to give himself a bit of time to think of an answer, well aware, that there was little he could come up with to argue against Mamea's point. "You see" - he eventually began, "our mistake was probably to assume, that if we declare, that the seven Duchies will join as the Duchies that they are, and not as regular fiefs, it would already be taken for granted, that they will keep their inner autonomy in most issues such as cultural policy, so that there are ultimately only few changes of the status quo, and taking into account, that the fiefs of the Mainland have already announced plans to further the improvement of minority protection laws on their own soils, there certainly won't be any changes in the laws of the Duchies. We are aware, that Shikonjima does lag behind Shamsiyya, Chaamerland, Democratic Semporna, not to mention Lillorainen, when it comes to minority protection, and we have already made clear, that it's precisely these countries that are our role models for the future, not countries like the Yue Khanate or Teressien. The only notable changes would be, that Mainland authorities would have their jurisdictions extended, that border controls between the Duchies and the Mainland would be abolished, and that the Duchies would use the Shikonjimanese Ryou as a currency - and the last point would not constitute a change at all, as this has been the case before."
Sasae Mamea nodded. "And there we go again with the main problem of this whole issue - the lack of communication" - she said. "If all this had been made clear in public beforehand, and anyone would have asked then, if I agreed to the merger, there wouldn't have been any objections against becoming a Citizen of Shikonjima from my end. But if I'm told overnight, 'Congratulations, you're Shikonjimanese now!', go out on the street to publically express my concerns, get asked to leave the place at gunpoint, go home, open my laptop and find out, that the only official speaking about the issue openly and honestly is a Prince from Shirayuki posting on Social Media, I can't help but assume, that someone's trying to silence me. Which is not the best publicity move for a country with a long history of protecting freedom of expression." She let a beat pass. "And while I can't speak for all protesters in the Ferinan-Archipelago, I'm confident, that an open discourse beforehand would have prevented these escalations."
Professor Imaoka nodded in agreement.
Odagiri nodded again, slowly. "You might not be entirely wrong ..." - he said. "We can only hope, that the situation in the Ferinan-Archipelago is going to calm down a bit now."
The debate would continue for almost an hour. Further issues were the problems in law enforcement and, especially, the lack of transparency in jurisdictions of the Royal Police Bureau and law enforcement agencies in general, as opposed to the systems of other countries like the Sharulsi Khanate, where the jurisdictions were separated clearly and openly for everyone to understand, and Captain Toyomura even openly conceded, that she found the Sharulsi system better and wouldn't mind some reform of the system in Shikonjima, especially with the problems it now caused in the Ferinan-Archipelago.
Another issue were documents issued by the Ducal authorities. It was made clear, that all passports and travel documents issued by any of the Ferinan-Duchies would keep their full validity until they expired - an explanation foreigners in the Ferinan-Archipelago would surely be thankful for, as their visas and residence permits would continue to be valid and accepted until they either expired, or got extended or renewed, or the holders of them would leave the Duchy they were currently in, whichever came first. This would also be an advantage regarding the status of recognition in their home countries, as they wouldn't get stuck anywhere due to having the 'wrong' stamp in their passports, for this was independent from the formal recognition. The respective Treaties on all of these issues debated would be made available in public very soon as well.
It would be interesting to see, where this would be going.

by **Kyrenaia** » Wed Feb 12, 2020 3:42 pm

To:
Yamura no Kyouko, Princess of Shikonjima, Viscountess of the Oui no Tochi, Highest Servant of the Four Souls, Highest Lady of the Kazoku.
CC:
Royal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bakufu no Hiroba, Nashinya, N01SX504, Shikonjima.

From:
Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad, Lady of the Five Deserts, Ilkhana of Utica, Daughter of Kyrenaia, Mother of Her People, Highest Servant of the Lioness.

Subject:
The Ferinan-Archipelago.

Diplomatic Correspondence.
NOT to be released.

Dear Kyouko,
I must tell you a secret, my dear: Shortly after I received your message, I convened with my HAC, the Hammam Advisory Committee, among them my son Prince Damir, Princess Fara bint-Dardan and Prince Mahmut ibn-Idris, in other words, the Future of the Sultanate. We discussed the situation and Mahmut, upon request, explained that, if he were in your shoes now, he would establish a public discussion round, with him/you sitting in the round. Me telling you this is not meant as an insult as I value Mahmut very much and so does his teacher, my retired Grand Vizier Mahmut al-Zahir, but as an amusing tidbit. Needless to say, that the existence of the HAC is a state secret. How is that phrase from these spy movies? "This letter will destroy itself ten minutes after opening." ; )
On to the matter at hand: It was a good move to seek the dialogue. To bring more information instead of merely opinion into the dialogue was a nice idea - packaging it with such esteemed guests, without your own involvement, was interesting. I would have done this in the Azure Hall or one of the gardens, with me discussing with them (granted, a Hammam might be better, but we want the public to see it, too ; )). Tell me, why not sit in the round yourself? My personal theory would be, that the ruler of Shikonjima has a different role and public, his or her voice having a different weight to it, then the voice of the Sultan(a).

On another matter: Carrier Group 6 will remain at readiness, the "Surprise Mobilization Drill" was a full success. Carrier Group 6 is sitting in Surya on packed bags. Admiral Qiada assured me that their vanguard could be in Shikonjima within a week, if necessary. The good Admiral is planning to first move to the Shajarat Alnakhil, where the Main Fleet will arrive in four days. If you wish them to depart for Shikonjima right now, though, that can be arranged as well. Be aware, however, that not a sigle tugboat will move towards Shikonjima without your approval and permission. I will not trample on the Sovereign Rights of a friendly nation.
And speaking of which, we have reports of a carrier battlegroup from the Empire of Astares Amauricanum sitting suspiciously close to the edges of the Territorial Waters of the Principality. According to the information we have, they have not yet violated said waters or the airspace above it. Naval Intelligence sees this mostly as posturing, as the Empire tries to establish itself on the world stage and in our general area - their recent acquisition of the Islas Malditas near the United Island States of AHSCA would correspond with that. As they their kids-in-power, according to their official messages, "have expressed their worries for the safety of some of [their] citizens that are currently vacationing in the archipelago", they need to express their worries in a way, that makes these worries visible to everyone within their country. They seem to be more concerned with their appearance towards the inner sphere, towards their own people, and don't realize, that they might cause a further, unnecessary escalation with their posturing. Those are, I believe the saying goes, my two Barqas.
As for our tourists, I thank you and your government for your and their continued efforts in locating and ensuring the safety of our people. I leave that in your capable hands, but I wish to be informed should something go wrong.

Signed,
Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad

Astares Amauricanum wrote:Columbia District, Imperial Palace.
Emperor's Office.
"So, let's recap the situation, shall we?" asks the Emperor to th others persons present in the room.
After a few days of training in the Appalachian Forests, just after the Kyrenaian State Visit, the Imperial Couple, along with their Personal Guards, had finally come back to the Imperial Palace. And one of the first things they had been made aware of was the situation happening in the Ferinan-Archipelago.
And so, on this February morning, as a light snow falls over the capital, the Emperor, Adrean Blachkor, sits behind his desk, clad in the dark green shirt and pants of the Imperial Guard Service Uniform, his hair tied in a bun. Next to him, his wife, Anna, clad in the same uniform.
On the other side of the table, two men. The first, wearing a General's Uniform of the Imperial Marines Corps, is Patrick Barrera, the Secretary of Defense, or SecDef. The other, blonde and wearing a suit, is Michael Foxter, the Secretary of State.

"So, Your Majesties, starts Foxter, as we told you, the Principality of Shikonjima has recently signed a treaty allowing Duchies of the Ferinan-Archipelago to reunite with the Shikonjimese Mainland, due notably to the fact that the reigning Dukes and Duchesses of these states are distant relatives of Princess Yamura no Kyouko, as well as them being former Shikonjimese colonies.
-Yeah, so what? replies Anna as she raises an eyebrow before taking a sip of her tea. As far as we are concerned, this operation went peacefully, not like the Kyrenaians with Va'a Mamao back in 2018.
-Indeed Your Majesty, says Barrera, but as you may guess, not everyone in these islands was pleased by the reunification. This has sparked some protests, which has caused no major problems for now, but still, the local police forces have sometimes responded with a bit more force than necesary. Not to mention the fact that the Defense Intelligence Agency picked up some evidence about the presence of multiple groups of their secret police, the Oukeikyoku, in several locations.
-And usually, when the secret police is deployed somewhere..." continues Foxter.
-"...It means that something is amiss. I know that Mike." replies Adrean as he takes a sip of his tea, before biting in one of the cookies presented to him. So, gentlemen, we have a reunification not accepted by everyone, the boss sending his shadow guys on site, and some international recognition already, with Lilorainen, Kyrenaia, etc. Although if I remember well, some Selkies do not accept it, right?
-Indeed, replies Foxter, some Selkie Tribalists and such, the same ones that condemned the retaking of Va'a Mamao by the Sultanate.
-Okay, simply replies Anna. Now, the big question, is if we have some tourists vacationing there?
-Yes, your Majesty, answers Michael. My services are still on it, but so far, we can estimate a bare minimum of around 300 Astarians being present in the Archipelago.
-Good, and what of any assets we may deploy to monitor the situation?
-The carrier IAS Ebon Atoll and her battlegroup are currently conducting exercises a hundred nautical miles southeast of the Archipelago, replies the SecDef. Speaking of carriers, some of our satellites picked up some activity concerning the RKN Carrier Group 6, homeported in Surya. The engines are turning, sailors are moving back and forth, in short, they're most likely conducting an mobilization exercise.
-Any chance they'll cause trouble? asks Adrean.
-Not for now, replies Barrera while shaking his head. But concerning the Ebon Atoll, what would be her mission?
-Have her position at the limit of the territorial waters, with flights penetrating the national airspace every now and then. I want to see how they react hen being poked like this.
And you Michael, send the Princess a message telling her that so far, we acknowledge the treaty, nothing more. However, make sure to tell her about our citizens vacationing there, and ask her to have their services ensure their safety." says the Emperor as he stands up from his desk, followed by the three others occupants of the room.
-Aye Majesty, replies Patrick with a salute.
-It shall be done Your Highness, answers Michael. Are you going to send a message too?
-That we will, replies Anna. I was thinking about telling her that if she messes up and our citizens are hurt, we shall take action. What do you think Honey? she asks her husband.
-I wouldn't have it any other way, replies the Emperor with a small smirk. Anyway, gentlemen, you're dismissed."

To:
Yamura no Kyouko, Princess of Shikonjima, Viscountess of the Oui no Tochi, Highest Servant of the Four Souls, Highest Lady of the Kazoku.
CC:
Royal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bakufu no Hiroba, Nashinya, N01SX504, Shikonjima.

From:
Michael Foxter, Imperial Secretary of State
on behalf of:
Emperor Adrean Blachkor "The Third", Son of the Empire, Master of the Appalachia, Conqueror of the Rockyes, Lord of the Plains and Tamer of the Frost.
Empress Anna Blackor, Daughter of the Empire, Highest Servant of the Stars

Subject:
Reunification of the Ferinan-Archipelago

Department of State Comuniqué
Can be released.

Your Highness,
it is with a bit of a surprise that we learned about the reunification of the Duchies of Akizuki, Kongou, Taihou, Mutsu, Nagato, Yayoi and Mikuma with your country a few days ago. Nonetheless, we are pleased that the situation was able to proceed without many obstacles. For now, the Federal Empire, seeing no violations of any established treaties shall observe the situation and help if required.
In any case, due to the recent wave of protests this reunification has generated, their Imperial Majesties have expressed their worries for the safety of some of our citizens that are currently vacationing in the archipelago. Therefore, they would ask that your local police forces do everything in their power to ensure the safety of our compatriots.

Please be assure of my utmost consideration,
Signed,
Michael Foxter
Imperial Secretary of State.

To:
Yamura no Kyouko, Princess of Shikonjima, Viscountess of the Oui no Tochi, Highest Servant of the Four Souls, Highest Lady of the Kazoku.

From:
Emperor Adrean Blachkor "The Third", Son of the Empire, Master of the Appalachia, Conqueror of the Rockyes, Lord of the Plains and Tamer of the Frost.
Empress Anna Blackor, Daughter of the Empire, Highest Servant of the Stars

Diplomatic Correspondence.
NOT to be released.

Princess,
as you may have already seen in the message sent to you by Our Secretary of State, the situation in the Ferinan-Archipelago has gotten Our attention.
We congratulate you for the reunification, and we hope this will set a new path for your country. However, if during said process, harm shall befall on Our citizens vacationing in your nation, We shall take action immediatly.
To that effect, We have ordered the deployment of a carrier battlegroup along your territorial waters to the East, to monitor the situation and ensure Our citizens are kept safe.

Signed,
Adrean Blachkor
Anna Blachkor

Carrier Battlegroups, no matter they were from, had a number of distinctive disadvantages, when it came to being stealthy. Sure, there were ways to hide a battlegroup, the RKN had a few tricks up their sleeves and it would be prudent to assume, that others had a few tricks up their sleeves as well.
However, the problem was, that the battlegroup around the Ebon Atoll wanted to be seen. It wanted to be seen at this strange attempt at gunboat policy and it wanted its planes to be seen penetrating the airspace of Shikonjima.
While official messages only spoke about their concerns, the Ebon Atoll's exercises near the Archipelago had not been a secret. In fact, one of the ocean fishing trawlers nearby had a surprisingly high amount of dishes and antennas and a surprisingly little amount of fish. Their departure towards the northwest had not gone unnoticed, the trawler returning home with its haul, and satellite reconnaissance had kept track of the vessels.
Besides, their electromagnetic emissions, mostly radar and radio, were almost like a bonfire or a lighthouse. And while neither Naval Intelligence nor the Chandshar had not yet attempted to crack their radio codes, what they said had not been the interesting part - who spoke with whom had been.
Of course, Admiral Qiada did not know about the particularities of how they found the ships. The Admiral knew, they were there and had a rough idea about their strength - when it had been said, that the Vanguard of Carrier Group 6 could be in Shikonjima within a week, it had not been a boast without reason, although, admittedly, said Vanguard was lacking a bit in firepower...
They were waiting on the word in Surya.

by **New Visayan Islands** » Thu Feb 13, 2020 3:54 am

ADM Nathaniel Charles T. de los Reyes, VCN (Ret)
Department of Defense Complex, Consolacion, DH
February 12th, AD 2020
1123 PHT

"So," Nathaniel said in his office, "what do we have here?"

His deputy, Lorraine Gonzaga, replied: "Satellite footage from the DID indicates military exercises being carried out, apparently in relation to the Shikonjima-Ferinan Archipelago Reunification process."

Arnold Vincent Flores chimed in: "From the looks of things we're looking at two separate navies: those of Kyrenaia and Astares Amauricanum." The Army general and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff fished out a tablet, passing it to Secretary de los Reyes.

"Astares Amauricanum? Oh, right; we have a defense pact on the works with them," Nathaniel said. "Remind me again, Jack: defense treaties cover self-defense, is that correct?"

"That's right," Secretary Castro replied over AV link; the DFA had point on the entire issue on Reunification, and with the exchange of embassies between the Confederation and Astares Amauricanum ongoing, the Federal Council had every reason to keep close tabs on the situation. "As written, if either party were to engage in aggression, the treaty cannot be invoked right away, but should either party be the subject of an aggressor, we can invoke the relevant articles of said treaty."

"And what do we know of Kyrenaia?" Francis Cui replied.

"Desert nation, island state, has a Special Relationship with the Free Lands. Given what we know of its society and culture, think pre-Islamic MENA state--majority of Kyrenaians follow a polytheistic religion, with a Christian minority," Castro replied.

"Catholic?"

"The Kyrenaian Church subscribes to an Arian theory on Christ, so no," Isabel Aragon replied.

"I'm surprised you're familiar with the concept, SecEd," Castro replied. Isabel was comfortable being addressed by the abbreviation of her position mainly because it amused her, and the rest of the Council obliged.

"Well, when your uncle is Bishop of Canlaon, you learn a few things; even when he was still a priest Tio Caloy was a pretty decent theologian, Jack," Isabel replied with a grin.

"You said 'Special Relationship,' Jack," Allison Sanchez said, with an undertone hinting that it was time to get back on track. "I'm assuming we're looking at something akin to modern Anglo-American diplomatic relations here?"

"As far as we can tell, all signs point to something similar, Allison. Now, going back to Astares Amauricanum," Castro said, "Tess, any word from our Ambassador?"

"Nothing much just yet, but when the entire staff voluntarily went into quarantine, I'm pretty sure that surprised our counterparts," Teresita said. With five confirmed cases of COVID-19, twenty-five patients under observation, and two deaths, taking chances was not an option. Sure, neither death was from what was popularly called WARS (Wuhan Acute Respiratory Syndrome) in Visayan media, but the concern was justifiable enough that Ambassador Luis Tezuka IV himself stated that the entire Visayan Embassy staff would undergo quarantine.

"Speaking of quarantine, Aisha?" Cui asked.

"Julian?" Maria Aisha Reyes replied.

"The numbers are unchanged," Julian Abellana replied. The Undersecretary for Health had been running long days since the first COVID-19 case. "Neither of the deceased patients tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, on the contrary, the first death was an AIDS patient with PCP, while the second died of pneumococcus," he continued.

The discussion lasted for roughly three hours, one of which was in effect a working lunch with Secretary Aragon leading Grace. In the end, the motion to maintain observation of the events remained.

by **Astares Amauricanum** » Thu Feb 13, 2020 1:25 pm

To: Yamura no Kyouko, Princess of Shikonjima, Viscountess of the Oui no Tochi, Highest Servant of the Four Souls, Highest Lady of the Kazoku.
From:
Emperor Adrean Blachkor "The Third", Son of the Empire, Master of the Appalachia, Conqueror of the Rockyes, Lord of the Plains and Tamer of the Frost.
Empress Anna Blachkor, Daughter of the Empire, Highest Servant of the Stars.
Subject: The Reunification
Encryption: Highest, not to be released

Your Highness,
we thank you for your message, and of the precautions you will take to ensure our citizens are safe, as well as to avoid any undesirable incidents with our carrier.
Now, we will be honest, the deployment of a carrier battlegroup near your maritime borders was only in part chose as a concern for our citizens, but also as a reminder of our presence in the area, as well as a small desire to test how your defense apparatus would react. We understand it may considered a bit childish by some people.
Now, aside from that, we would like to announce that we have finally identified all of our citizens that are currently vacationing in the Ferinan Archipelago. You shall find the list attached to this message. If any of them causes any trouble of any kind, including taking part in the protests, please contact the Department of State once you've detained them, and we shall send someone to retrieve them.

Kind regards,
Adrean Blachkor.
Anna Blachkor.

by **The Selkie** » Thu Feb 13, 2020 4:13 pm

Cecilia Umhal of the Tribe of Sligo.
Kongoutou, Kongou, out on the streets.
I thought, that I might got lost somewhere along the way.
I was on a business trip here and considering that I am an Adult Movie Actress, I'll leave the particularities of this statement to your imagination. I was still lost in Kongoutou, Kongou, one of the newly acquired territories of the Principality of Shikonjima.
I was worrying about my own safety, mainly because I was about as removed from a local as one could be... and I was still caught in the crowd of a protest against this annexation or cessation or whatever. And I didn't even understand the slogans chanted.
On the morning after the entire thing happened, my agent telephoned his head off to make sure, that I was still allowed to be in the country and do my work, but it was good to hear, that all ducal papers issued were still valid until they naturally expired.
I had used that free day to do a bit of sightseeing, despite the partially violent protests with three wounded a few days ago, and I had seen enough sights to get a taste to see more - and that got me in my current predicament.
That I was in a protesting crowd, which was getting surrounded by the police. My instincts fostered by years of Service as Sergeant with the Younger Militias screamed at me to organize a formation, a square so that we were secured from all sides... that was the moment, when someone decided to make things complicated.
I would only hear about it long after the fact, but someone threw a stone.
The police went in to dissolve the protest, now turned violent.
I could understand it.
One of the next things I knew was the baton of a police officer cracking over my head because I was at the wrong place at the wrong time.

Sometime later.
When I woke up, I had a headache and I found out, that I was bound to the bed... and not in the fun way. Or the way of my occupation. And let me tell ya, the Shikonmanjese know some fun ways to tie one down.
I'll not go into details.
Anyway, I looked to the side... into the face of a uniformed man. I wanted to say police, but he might as well have been the local equivalent to the Ionchoisne. Something with O...
He smiled politely.
"Good day, Umhal-san.", he said in accented English, bowed his head politely, "I am Lieutenant Toji Suzuhara of the Oukeikyoku. I was informed that you were arrested during a protest turned violent earlier today and got hit by one of our men. You were lightly wounded in said action." He let a beat pass. "Before I ask you for an autograph, though, I would like to know a few things."
I smiled slightly. "Leftenant, it's nice to meet you and everything... but I'd like to talk to my agent.", I said and cocked my head. "And if you could please get someone to give me a nice pill to get the headache to go away, that'd get you that autograph."

by **Shikonjima** » Fri Feb 14, 2020 1:14 pm

To:
Emperor Adrean Blachkor "The Third", Son of the Empire, Master of the Appalachia, Conqueror of the Rockyes, Lord of the Plains and Tamer of the Frost.
Empress Anna Blachkor, Daughter of the Empire, Highest Servant of the Stars.
From: Yamura no Kyouko, Princess of Shikonjima, Viscountess of the Oui no Tochi, Highest Servant of the Four Souls, Highest Lady of the Kazoku.
Subject: Reunification of the Ferinan-Archipelago.
Encryption level: For Your Eyes Only.

Your Majesties,
Thank you for notifying Us about your intentions with the deployment of the carrier battlegroup, even though We cannot deny, that We were not entirely unaware of them. As you will be likely to know, our defense apparatus does not work too badly for a territory that has been reincorporated merely a week ago - which is arguably enough time for the RSAF to place an interceptor fleet at the Nanaou Airfield in Samboushiro, Mikuma, and to keep this fleet ready as a welcoming committee for any aircraft entering the Shikonjimanese airspace without our permission. We have not heard of any damage caused as of yet, though, but We aren't too unhappy with the little test to see, if our defense strategy is sufficient, or if there might be room for improvement - even though that might indeed not have been the most mature move.
Be it as it may. Our authorities will thoroughly check the list of Astarian citizens who currently reside in the Ferinan-Archipelago. Should any of them be involved in trouble in any way, shape or form, be it actively or passively, the Department of State will be informed.

With kind regards,
Signed,
Yamura no Kyouko

To: Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad, Lady of the Five Deserts, Ilkhana of Utica, Daughter of Kyrenaia, Mother of Her People, Highest Servant of the Lioness.
From: Yamura no Kyouko, Princess of Shikonjima, Viscountess of the Oui no Tochi, Highest Servant of the Four Souls, Highest Lady of the Kazoku.
Subject: The Ferinan-Archipelago.
Encryption level: For Your Eyes Only.

Dear Razia,
Your personal theory is correct - the role and public of the Shikonjimanese Ruler is a tad-bit different from the one of the Kyrenaian Sultan(a) - and while I am nowhere as strict and insistent with formalities regarding my presence in public as my Father or Grandfather would have been, Yonrei TV does appear to have a board of directors whom the thought of me sitting in a round like that doesn't sit too well with, hence why my offer to be present was politely declined - both due to this, and due to "security reasons" - the latter of which could have been circumvented by picking an alternative location, but it's ultimately their decision I have to respect. Should the developments in the near future require my presence in some way, I surely won't hesitate, though.
And indeed, an amusing tidbit! Please let the young Mahmut-Ouji know, that he is an amazingly fast learner (who could hardly have a better teacher than his Uncle), intelligent and logical, and that he will be an excellent Ruler someday!
And of course, I will deny any knowledge on the Hammam Advisory Committee. I deem it needless to mention, that an Onsen is a fairly suitable place for having an Advisory Committee in, too - which, of course, is completely unknown of as well. This being said, this message will destroy itself in ten minutes. (:

On the matter on the Empire of Astares Amauricanum, yes, I'm already informed on their not exactly mature move (can you believe, that the common public used to call me "Kyou-chan" during my first years of reign?!), and I do think, that the group of interceptors I have ordered the RSAF to place in Mikuma has already made sufficiently clear, that I'm normally accustomed to getting asked beforehand, if someone plans on 'reinterpreting' the national sovereignty of the Shikonjimanese Realm. This being said, many Shikonjimanese will be thankful for the little military test that doesn't cost them their valuable Tax/Tribute Ryous, so it wasn't entirely for nothing. If we wish the Cosmos to keep harmonizing, we need more positive energy, right? (:
And no problem! And of course, should any incidents occur, you will be informed.

Signed,
Yamura no Kyouko

Khutagtögöl Aimag Ödriin Sonin, English online version. 14/02/2020.

Shogunate 2.0 - How to Mess the World Order Up In Only One Week

An opinion piece by Idertuyaa Juyin.

And here we go. After the fairly messy start of the Shikonjimanese Government regarding bringing peace and order to their recently reacquired colonies - pardon, core lands -, they eventually got their thing-dogs-lose-on-the-sidewalk straight and tried it with a little dialogue, sorting these particular issues out that most other countries in the world normally clear beforehand. While I somewhat missed seeing Kyouko-Khatun on the screen, we at least have their Minister of Interior and one of the Rulers of the formerly independent territories. Even before that, a number of countries have acknowledged the claim, including my own (which fails to surprise, given how the Sharulsi Khanate has a long tradition of kissing Shikonjimanese feet), and now, with all the questions answered in a dialogue, further might follow.
Is it all love, peace and harmony now?
I say no. With the Sultanate of Kyrenaia already having revealed itself as the power-hungry empire it always has been in Va'a Mamao almost two years ago, and with the acquision of the Islas Malditas by the Empire of Astares Amauricanum only a few weeks ago (without sufficiently explaining as to what they even justify that claim with, but then again, what else would one expect their Rulers to respond apart from "Because it's ours now! And we called dibs first!"?), and with this Shikonjimanese acquisition now, it appears to me, that Imperialism is enjoying a revival all over the world. We might already be used to hearing from economic imperialist powers such as the Federation of Lillorainen with its, sadly successful, attempt to bind our and other countries economically to itself by pulling the JATRACO Railway Project up and engaging in the SEA - but this reaches a new level. It shows, that we haven't gotten over the Age of Imperialism yet.
In this particular instance, I can't help but understand this move as a convenient means for Kyouko-Khatun to boost her ego. Kyouko-Khatun, henceforth referred to as Kyou-chan, has taken over power in a Shikonjimanese state smaller than ever since 1681 at the age of only eighteen and wants to be taken for a strong Ruler on the international stage - which I, in a way, can't even hold against her, and wouldn't even be too bad, if His Majesty Atakheer Khan, as far as my respect for him as the Sharulsi Khan goes, didn't have the habit of following her blindly and rubber-stamping anything she says or does. And sadly, after said dialogue on Yonrei TV, even the government of Democratic Semporna, a country I've always respected as a stronghold of Institutional Tribalism in the region, decided to recognize the Shikonjimanese claim. What this ultimately means for the cultural integrity of tribal societies in the region, that is something I used to think I don't have to explain any further. But if even Sasae Mamea can be dragged onto the Imperialists' side as easily as that by all the promises and assurances I'm not going to buy before I see them put into effect and truly upheld, it looks to me as if Kyou-chan gets her piece of cake. And if Sayuri Ichigawa, whom the Shikonjimanese Royals used to distance themselves from on a regular basis, suddenly gets away even with the most obvious lies (and the public revelation thereof), than congratulations, Kyou-chan - you've caught 'em all!
But this isn't the end of it. There will still be people who keep on fighting against Imperialism, and the most recent demonstration in Kongoutou (and the Police's usual reaction thereupon) shows, that we haven't lost the fight completely as of yet. Our fellow fighters are showing how the Shikonjimanese state apparatus is so blissfully unaware of how perilous their actions actually are, and I'm confident, that their Elites will begin to understand soon. Only a society that keeps to its own jobs and tasks can be a harmonious society, and only a world where societies keep to their own jobs and tasks with interfering in each other's businesses as little as possible can be a harmonious world. And the sooner the Elites in Nashinya, Utica, Columbia District, and all the other Capitals of wanna-be-empires, understand that, the better.
Idertuyaa Juyin.

Royal Palace, Nashinya.
Kyouko found it an interesting and quite amusing coincidence, that she had mentioned her old, nowadays only rarely used pet name (usually only used by Royals of significantly older age, or close friends) in her correspondence with Razia, and now also got referred to as Kyou-chan by a lady named Idertuyaa Juyin - a leading personage of the Tribalist Movement in the Sharulsi Khanate, and surely someone Ayden Nasiunai of the Tribe of Antrim would get along with excellently. Juyin was a fierce Anti-Imperialist, and was also known as being quite openly Anti-Shikonjimanese, now probably more than ever. In fact, it was hard to find a foreign country she wasn't explicitly against - which didn't give her exactly little criticism, not only from abroad, but also from her own country, as Sharulsi were known for generally being quite open for foreign influences, perhaps even more than Shikonjimanese, and with Kyouko being Quarter-Sharusi herself (which anyone from these parts could easily tell from her facial features), they didn't exactly have little influence abroad, either.
Juyin announced, that the fight would continue - and it did, down in Kongotou. It hadn't exactly been a small demonstration, and, for the first time ever since the Reincorporation, there were counter-demonstrations.
"Kyou-neesan!" - she was addressed now, and there weren't many people who could claim the right to call her 'Big Sis'.
"Hai." Kyouko already knew, that her younger sister Shiko would certainly come up with anything knew now, judging by the tone. Shiko was, more or less officially, part of Kyouko's Advisory Committee, therefore a regular in the Palace's Onsen (unbeknownst to the public). She mostly dealt with economic and cultural issues, but also represented her Big Sis on Social Media.
"I hope, I'm not disturbing?" - Shiko wondered, regardless of the fact that she was one of the very few who were always welcome to disturb.
Kyouko made a dismissive hand gesture. Sure, communication was, albeit necessary, also extremely busy work, at least for her, Razia-Sultana and the Emperor and Empress of Astares Amauricanum; not to mention Odagiri and his people. Dr. Castro, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the New Visayan Islands, hadn't replied as of yet, but considering the outbreak of COVID-19, a SARS coronavirus, they had most certainly other, more pressing issues to deal with.
"Terrific" - Shiko said. "It's about the latest protests in the Ferinan-Archipelago, specifically in Kongoutou. They are probably the biggest demonstrations we've had in this context as of currently. Especially since others have protested against these protests."
Kyouko frowned. "Yeah, I've read about it" - she said. "The Natives again?"
Shiko shook her head. "It's different, in this case. The groups around Sasae Mamea seem to be entirely satisfied with how the dialogue went, even though they might remain observing the situation - but that's fully understandable. These protests, however, seem to come from a different direction."
"The self-proclaimed Anti-Imperialist front, I take?" It sounded like what it exactly was - a mix of an educated guess and some bad premonition.
"Exactly" - Shiko said, frowning. "You seem to be better informed than the people you send to get information."
Kyouko shrugged. "It seemed logical to me" - she said, "considering how especially Tribalists abroad have expressed skepticism from the get-go."
"Therein lies the issue ..." - Shiko began. "It appears, that a number of protesters isn't even Shikonjimanese. Odagiri's men and women are currently identifying all people involved, which countries they are from, and how long they have been in the Archipelago."
Kyouko nodded, then took the list of Astarian Citizens, a list of around 300 names, and handed it to Shiko. "His heap of work won't grow any smaller" - she said. "These are all citizens of the Empire of Astares Amauricanum. The Blachkors wish to be informed about any Astarian citizen involved in any problems."
"I'm gonna pass it on to him, and to Jitsuko, just to see if it matches with what the one we have" - Shiko announced and had a quick look onto the list. "Hm, some names even do ring a bell with me - probably people I know from TV or radio." She suddenly had to grin and pointed at a name. "Hey! Isn't that even a rapper?"
Kyouko took a look at the particular name and shook her head. "Nah, I've already looked that one up, for I thought the same. According to the net, it's just a potato farmer from Coeur d'Alene, Idaho."
Shiko shrugged. "They have interesting names over there ... well, let's not lose any time then. Reports go directly to you?"
"Where else? Surely not to a potato farm - at least not first."
"Understood."

Kongoutou Police Station.
Suzuhara, who looked surprisingly young, nodded - he had already brought a glass of water with a solute aspirin in it. "I was assuming so" - he said, "so I've already prepared something." He took a key and quickly untied one of her ties and gave the glass to her, staying prepared to bind Miss Umhal to the bed again, should the need arise, even though that seemed fairly unlikely right now. But better safe than sorry.
He would wait for her to finish, then say, "As for your agent, you will be able to call him or her in a few. Before that, to ensure maximum efficiency in this process, I'll have to ask you a few questions first. Even before we're going to get to the autograph part."
He let a beat pass, making sure, that she would listen.
"So, do the names ..." - he pronounced each of the names slowly, to make sure to not mess up the pronunciation, "Finnegan Bod of the Tribe of Antrim, Finnegan Síol of the Tribe of Fermanagh, and Amy Cíoch of the Tribe of Cork ring a bell with you?" A rather stupid question, actually, considering Cecilia Umhal had literally stood with them in front of the camera, multiple times, in various constellations. "And if so, it what kind of connection do you stand with these people?"

by **The Selkie** » Fri Feb 14, 2020 3:23 pm

Cecilia Umhal of the Tribe of Sligo.
Kongoutou Police Station.
I took the pill and the water with a grateful nod - if it were allowed, I'd kiss the Leftenant, but there were two things keeping me from it: One, an arrestee kissing a police officer could be interpreted in many ways and none of them were good for anyone involved. Two, he told me, that I would have to answer a few questions before I would be allowed to call my agent.
Not really nice, but if that was how the rolled...
He asked me, if I knew three people: Finnegan Bod of the Tribe of Antrim, Finnegan Síol of the Tribe of Fermanagh and Amy Cíoch of the Tribe of Cork.
"Finny, Finn and Amy?", I asked with a raised eyebrow, "Yep, I do know. Colleagues of mine. We were in a few movies together, in different constellations. Why?" I let a beat pass. "Don't tell me one of your girl colleagues want an autograph from Finny!"
I could very well imagine that... he had both the size and the skill.

by **New Visayan Islands** » Sat Feb 15, 2020 2:11 am

Dr. Julian G. Abellana, MD
Department of the Interior Complex, Cebu City, DH
February 13th, AD 2020
2133 PHT

"Silliman Med has reported a confirmed case of COVID-19, boss," Julian said to Secretary Reyes over the phone.

"And that makes...?"

"Number six. This damn thing is a real clusterfuck if you ask me, especially when you consider the additional people who were put under observation." By all rights, Julian should have been at home with his wife and two daughters; that the outbreak stood in the way of a good dinner with the family had him on edge. Sure, he had a skeleton crew assist him, but not being on top of the situation was something he simply couldn't bear.

"I know. Have you spoken with Gozon on this?" Althea Gozon was Undersecretary for Science; while Secretary Aragon was her superior, the two of them collaborated on issues such as this one. The Guinacot Life Sciences Research Center in Danao was under Gozon's office, after all, and at the moment it was attempting to recreate the conditions that bred SARS-CoV-2 to better determine which measures would be needed to prevent the next hypothetical zoonosis.

"Not yet."

"She'll probably need an update, Julian," Reyes said.

"Understood."

Jack Castro
Department of Foreign Affairs Building, Mandaue, DH
February 14th, AD 2020
0944 PHT

"...and these are the updated numbers on the COVID-19 outbreak," Abellana said over AV link.

"Now that that's dealt with, where are we on the Shikonjima-Ferinan Archipelago Reunification Process?" Cui asked.

"No changes as of yet," Secretary de los Reyes replied. "So far none of the fleets have moved aggressively."

"And the protests are being dispersed in a relatively consistent manner," Castro added.

"By that, you mean..."

"Nothing you wouldn't expect from most dispersals of protests gone violent, but nowhere near Tagbilaran in 2003. Nate?"

"Joel?"

"So far, we've been getting chatter all over the area," Joel Santiago replied. The Director-General of the Communications Security Directorate, a four-star admiral, sent a virtual folder as he continued. "What you're looking at in the folder are various pieces of information: radio and audio intercepts, video feeds, the works. Plenty of context for OSINT."

"I see. So these Tribalists," Castro said, "they sound like ardent xenophobes. Are you suggesting they've been hijacking protests to push for their xenophobic agenda?"

"We can anticipate something to that effect, SecFA." With the Federal Council in (virtual) attendance, Director-General Santiago had little choice but to address the other Secretaries by the abbreviations of their positions; he wasn't one to refer to any member of the Federal Council by their names.

"And this Ichigawa woman?"

"Nationalist, but not quite xenophobic, which is a lot more than what can be said for her grandfather, General Yoshifuni Khorulas Khaad Ichigawa."

"Can't say her fantastical Nazi grandfather didn't deserve to off himself the way he did, if you ask me," Teresita said as she read the file. "From what we know about her I'm guessing she's a Rainer?"

"Rainer, DepSecFA?" Santiago asked, puzzled.

"Rainer Höss, grandson of Auschwitz Commandant Rudolf Höss. Disavows the sentiments of his Nazi grandfather and once went on record as saying he would gun Rudolf down given the chance," Teresita explained.

"Let's say Sayuri's somewhere along those lines, minus the part where she would kill her grandfather."

"Fair enough."

The discussion continued until just before twelve noon, after which Secretary Castro wrote a new missive.

TO: Royal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Principality of Shikonjima
FROM: Department of Foreign Affairs, Confederation of the New Visayan Islands
RE: Reincorporation

Minister Sageshima, I wish you well amid the protests surrounding the Reunification.

As mentioned in our previous missive, we have seen no violations of existing international law, treaty, and custom during the process. In addition, all signs indicate that civil rights have been upheld and violent protests have been dispersed by measures considered reasonable, if not understandable. Thus said, we have elected to continue monitoring developments.

We have also been made aware of self-proclaimed "Anti-Imperialist" groups protesting the otherwise peaceful reunification. A cursory look into some of their ideals shows some degree of xenophobia in their rhetoric; this, we surmise, should be concerning, if only because xenophobia itself has, after a fashion, been the cause of many a misunderstanding, many a conflict, and many a democide.

As always, we wish you all the best in this endeavor.

Sincerely,

Dr. Jack Castro, PhD (International Relations)
Secretary of Foreign Affairs
Confederation of the New Visayan Islands

by **Kyrenaia** » Sat Feb 15, 2020 4:03 am

Shikonjima wrote:[...]

To: Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad, Lady of the Five Deserts, Ilkhana of Utica, Daughter of Kyrenaia, Mother of Her People, Highest Servant of the Lioness.
From: Yamura no Kyouko, Princess of Shikonjima, Viscountess of the Oui no Tochi, Highest Servant of the Four Souls, Highest Lady of the Kazoku.
Subject: The Ferinan-Archipelago.
Encryption level: For Your Eyes Only.

Dear Razia,
Your personal theory is correct - the role and public of the Shikonjimanese Ruler is a tad-bit different from the one of the Kyrenaian Sultan(a) - and while I am nowhere as strict and insistent with formalities regarding my presence in public as my Father or Grandfather would have been, Yonrei TV does appear to have a board of directors whom the thought of me sitting in a round like that doesn't sit too well with, hence why my offer to be present was politely declined - both due to this, and due to "security reasons" - the latter of which could have been circumvented by picking an alternative location, but it's ultimately their decision I have to respect. Should the developments in the near future require my presence in some way, I surely won't hesitate, though.
And indeed, an amusing tidbit! Please let the young Mahmut-Ouji know, that he is an amazingly fast learner (who could hardly have a better teacher than his Uncle), intelligent and logical, and that he will be an excellent Ruler someday!
And of course, I will deny any knowledge on the Hammam Advisory Committee. I deem it needless to mention, that an Onsen is a fairly suitable place for having an Advisory Committee in, too - which, of course, is completely unknown of as well. This being said, this message will destroy itself in ten minutes. (:

On the matter on the Empire of Astares Amauricanum, yes, I'm already informed on their not exactly mature move (can you believe, that the common public used to call me "Kyou-chan" during my first years of reign?!), and I do think, that the group of interceptors I have ordered the RSAF to place in Mikuma has already made sufficiently clear, that I'm normally accustomed to getting asked beforehand, if someone plans on 'reinterpreting' the national sovereignty of the Shikonjimanese Realm. This being said, many Shikonjimanese will be thankful for the little military test that doesn't cost them their valuable Tax/Tribute Ryous, so it wasn't entirely for nothing. If we wish the Cosmos to keep harmonizing, we need more positive energy, right? (:
And no problem! And of course, should any incidents occur, you will be informed.

Signed,
Yamura no Kyouko

[...]

To:
Yamura no Kyouko, Princess of Shikonjima, Viscountess of the Oui no Tochi, Highest Servant of the Four Souls, Highest Lady of the Kazoku.
CC:
Royal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bakufu no Hiroba, Nashinya, N01SX504, Shikonjima.

From:
Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad, Lady of the Five Deserts, Ilkhana of Utica, Daughter of Kyrenaia, Mother of Her People, Highest Servant of the Lioness.

Subject:
The Ferinan-Archipelago.

Diplomatic Correspondence.
NOT to be released.

Dear Kyouko,
I see. For me, it would be quite easy to ask a TV-station to send people to the Palace of the Azure Hall, or the Baed Palace, for that matter, and ask them to conduct such a show - I would not sit in their studio either. In my experience, from way-back-when I had been a Princess, their chairs are pretty uncomfortable, especially in radio stations.
I told Young Prince Mahmut about your compliments and he asked of me to send his deepest gratitude along with this message. I know, that he will tell his Uncle as well and that he will be very amused and proud as well.
An Onsen Advisory Committee would be an absurd thing! I mean, who would discuss politics in such a relaxed place - that would be like discussing politics in the Hammam! ; )

We have seen the squadrons being moves to Nanaou Airfield. They are a rather striking image and a rather striking sign to anyone trying to interpret such things. Needless to say, that I would have acted similarly, maybe even with moving a few naval units forward. Still, a good way of looking at it: Let them waste tax money on something, that is questionable at best, an act of aggression at worst, and see how ready our people are without wasting our own money.
Our starry friends, if I interpret Mister Juyin's article right, aren't exactly winning popularity contests in the Khanate as well. I am used to it and I am quite sure, that you can live with it as well. If they can... that remains to be seen. Mister Juyin does raise a few valid points, though, for one thing the protests to our knowledge are escalating and I am afraid, that some people might be using that to further their own agenda (this time, we are innocent). Second, we have a bit of an image problem with being called Imperialists again... either we go all in with that or we try to adjust that image, but I am a bit uncomfortable in that limbo.
That being said, I decided to move Carrier Group 6 to Shajarat Alnakhil. That is about halfway between Shikonjima and the Krenaian Mainland. Officially, they are exercising and getting better sea legs and to test the logistics of such an operation, but anyone with a bit of geographic knowledge will know, what this is actually for.

And, if I may say so, I get my positive energy from the stallions of the TBA. ; )

Signed,
Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad

P.S.: For my first years of reign, the majority of the Admiralty called me "The Mad Girl from Utica" behind my back. The rest did so to my face. Believe me, you got well-off with being "Kyou-chan".

Somewhere between Kyrenaia and Shajarat Alnakhil.
Cruise Liner Colm, Rón Cruise Lines (registered in Perran, Free Lands of the Selkie).
Captain Ciaran Casóg of the Tribe of Kildare.
Sometimes, I thought, Lodan Lir was a bit of a funny fellow. The God of the Seas and Rivers, Ladra's best mate, had a bit of a weird humour, that much was known, but this took the cake.
We were on a nice, relaxing cruise, a route, that would take us all over the place, and right now, we were between Kyrenaia and Shajarat Alnakhil, their large logistical center and fleet base.
Sometimes one saw supply ships or, on the distant navigation radar, a few warships with active transponders. So far, so good.
This time, we not only saw the warships with our own eyes, but we were actually right in the middle of a large formation of those, together with a number of trade ships.
The passengers were happy, filming and making snapshots of the carriers, destroyers, cruisers and frigates around us, the Main Fleet of Carrier Group 6. The crews and ships not only let them, by the looks of things, that was actually on purpose.
I could understand.
With the diplomatic kerfuffle around the Ferinan-Archipelago, one of our next destinations, and the friendship between Shikonjima and Kyrenaia, people were posturing and, in their ancient role as the guys, who looked out for their friends, the Sultanate was moving a sizable force to a forward position to not only ask people to remain calm, but to also show them, that business was meant.
And what better way to do so then to very publicly have the main force of that show of force escort a group of merchant vessels, a cruise liner among them? Of course, there was no threat and as one of the cruisers fired two depth charges way away from anyone to let them detonate close to the surface (as evidenced by the large fountain of water sprouting up), it was clear, that this was a propaganda show.
I grinned. Well, I liked the Kyrenaians, and one Kyrenaian in particular, so why not offer them a bit of aid?
"Say, Finnegan...", I said to my radio operator, "...please send our best regards to the flagship of these vessels. And please invite their commanding admiral and a few of the officers for dinner tonight, Captain's Table, of course."
"Aye, Captn.", the man said and went to work with a grin.
No need to mention, that we would dish up extra well tonight!

by **Shikonjima** » Sat Feb 15, 2020 3:16 pm

To: Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad, Lady of the Five Deserts, Ilkhana of Utica, Daughter of Kyrenaia, Mother of Her People, Highest Servant of the Lioness.
From: Yamura no Kyouko, Princess of Shikonjima, Viscountess of the Oui no Tochi, Highest Servant of the Four Souls, Highest Lady of the Kazoku.
Subject: The Ferinan-Archipelago.
Encryption level: For Your Eyes Only.

Dear Razia,
The couch looked relatively cozy to me, actually - but that's not the point. Indeed, I can ask any TV station here, too (and might be going to do so, depending on the further developments), but I must respect decisions against it from their end - it might be some kind of peculiarity in these parts, which I have never heard of from any other country I'm aware of. As Prince Einar of Lundøya once put it: "The Shikonjimanese excel at three things - making Ramen, making Seishu, and making things unnecessarily complicated." I tend to agree, but of course, I'll keep silent about it. This message will destroy itself ... yadda yadda yadda.
Thank you for establishing this little, indirect correspondence, and glad to hear, that Mahmut-Ouji is happy and grateful about it. I am also quite sure, that his Uncle will be just as happy about it.
Oh, if you only knew what other, let's say, uncommon places I've already discussed politics in ... (:

Indeed, it's a message to them, and in some way, also to my own - we could also have sent a few naval units forward, but as of currently, I think, this should suffice for now. I probably don't need to tell you, that there are a few naval squadrons at readiness as well, just in case further shenanigans occur (how do the Selkie love putting it? Better have and not need than need and not have.)
And yes, while Sharulsi Tribalists have a special habit of disliking other countries (unless they are small and/or inoffensive), a certain level of skepticism towards the actions of our starry friend goes through all major political factions as well as the general populace in the Sharulsi Khanate, and it's probably needless to mention, that it looks barely different in Shikonjima, or other places in the region. They might have noble intentions for most, but they sometimes struggle to understand how things work in the parts they commonly refer to as 'Rest of the World' ... be it as it may. Juyin may have a lot of questionable views, but not all points are wrong - the whole thing is quite a grist for the mills of quite a lot of people with certain views. This, along with the obvious image problem both our countries have (even though maybe just among certain factions), is worrisome - on the other hand, I can deal with these accusations, as long as they don't become a more widespread, let alone the majority's opinion. Should this happen, I might have to decide ...
This being said, while CG6 is fairly hard to overlook, I still thank you for letting me know. Given the geographic position of Shajarat Alnakhil, the true purpose of this endeavor will certainly become obvious to people (or confirm previous theories on it), but we will keep pretending as if there were no connection at all. Though, be sure, that Admiral Hideyasu Miyagi is prepared for the CG6's arrival, and should it seriously become necessary, he will receive my order to give green light to the CG6 entering the territorial waters of the Shikonjimanese Realm.

This is why my Little Sis Shiko and I travel to the Sharulsi Khanate suspiciously often. The Mangudai have good stallions, too. (:

Signed,
Yamura no Kyouko

P.S.: I seem to be well-off with it, indeed - especially since a not too dissimilar label, Kurutta Himechan, "Mad Little Princess" is already reserved for Princess Shiruko of Akebono, our most famous Speed Junkie. Back in the day, you should have been given the hint to just look for someone more mad than you in order to get rid of the label.

Royal Ministry of Foreign Affairs

To: Dr. Jack J. Castro, Department of Foreign Affairs, Confederation of the New Visayan Islands.
From: Jitsuko Sageshima, Royal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bakufu no Hiroba, Nashinya, N01SX504, Shikonjima.

Dear Minister Dr. Castro,
Thank you for wishing us well in these troublesome days! It is indeed a fine line to walk between dispersing violent protests and upholding civil rights, and while we were hoping, that the protests would calm down after seeking the open dialogue, we continue to face issues with protests, and while most of the participants in it keep it peaceful and civil, thus entirely appropriate within the laws and customs of the Shikonjimanese Realm, this is, sadly, not the case with everyone involved in them.
This being said, quite a couple of opinions presented to us and the world do indeed contain questionable rhetorics, which Shikonjima, unfortunately, does have a distinct history of, and, as you might anticipate, run counter to the official stance of Shikonjimanese Royalty, Government, and the majority of People. It is worrisome, that this perilous kind of rhetorics is slowly becoming socially acceptable again, in Shikonjima as well as the Sharulsi Khanate and other countries, but the counter-demonstrations accompanying the actual ones should reasonably show, that these political factions do not reflect the majority opinion of the people, and, the Four Souls forbid, never will.
Thank you for continuing monitoring the developments. We also wish you well in combatting your country's current health crisis and preventing it from causing any more problems.

With kind regards,
Jitsuko Sageshima,
Royal Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Above the ocean somewhere between Kyrenaia and Shajarat Alnakhil.
The pilot of the small, swift freight plane that happened to fly by Shajarat Alnakhil, would have expected to see anything, given his twenty years of flying experience - but what he saw on his screen came as unexpected as a pink elephant. He had to look twice.
Carriers, destroyers, cruisers and other ships, moving forward in a tactically sound advance, surrounding civilian fleet, a line cruiser among them, where people at the railing were taking snapshots and cheering. And all of this was documented on the screen of a Kinnir 440-203, flown by a pilot named Semir Aghanoghlu, would actually just wanted to go to the Moana Nui Islands in order to bring macadamia nuts and other stuff to his home city, Agade, in Saressidia.
And it wasn't the only airplane frequenting this route on a regular basis. The smaller airline a colleague of his from Lillorainen, Sören Jarne Breitscheid, regularly used this route as well, for varying purposes, mostly shuttling people who could afford it to and from some distinct places there were no regular non-stop flights from the Federation's airports to. They knew each other well, for they mostly met either here, or at Ragnarsson's Rock, depending on the particular destination.
"Cannonball 7-8, are you nearby? I repeat - Cannonball 7-8, are you nearby?" - Aghanoghlu talked into the radio while going down a bit. "This is Agade Lightning 3-1 speaking! If you can hear me, come in, please!"
"Agade Lightning, this is Cannonball 7-8 speaking!" - the reply can immediately. "Altitude 1-5-5. Are you seeing what I'm seing? Over."
"Cannonball, Altitude 1-3-0 - I'm seeing it, too! Trying to get it onto the screens better! Over."
"Roger. Changing altitude to 1-5-5, course 1-2-0. Over."
"Roger. Keeping at altitude 1-5-5, course 1-3-5. Over."
"Roger. Looks like the Kyrenaians are presenting their toys one more time. Over."
"Ready for circling around a bit to greet them, Cannonball?"
"Roger, Agade Lightning."
In almost no time, the two experienced pilots started to circle around the whole scene at a safe altitude, with each following a circle at the perfectly opposite side of one another. Chances were high, that the Kyrenaian ships as well as the merchant ships and the line cruiser would recognize them as one Lillorainian and one Saresside civilian aircraft, respectively, with the intention of greeting everyone and no hostile intentions.
With the recordings from the planes, the scene would certainly reach the public of Lillorainen und Saressidia soon - which, unbeknownst to either of both pilots, would certainly fit into the Kyrenaian propaganda plans perfectly.

Kongoutou Police Station.
Suzuhara nodded.
Obviously, she did know all three of them, as he had already known - and especially Finnegan Bod of the Tribe of Antrim, referred to as 'Finny' by Miss Umhal, wasn't too unpopular among the women, and, to a degree, men, in these parts due to his skill and size.
"Well, this would be an issue as well" - he said, "but that's not the point now. At least not yet ..." - he added, cleared his throat and continued, "What's a bit more important to us right now - do you happen to be aware of the political activities of any of them?"

by **Astares Amauricanum** » Sun Feb 16, 2020 9:56 am

IAS Ebon Atoll, 25 miles from the Shinkojimanese Territorial waters
After a recon flight along the maritime border of Shikonjima, Captain Cindy "Flare" McPherson of the Astarian Imperial Navy was making her final approach for landing on the carrier. However, due to the strong winds and sea swell, she knew it would be difficult.
"Flare, you're too high, decrease altitude, says the control over the radio, as the carrier in front of her approaches more and more, moving up and down along the waves.
-Flare copy, replies McPherson before slowing down a bit more.
-Okay, continue like this... No, high now, you're too low.
-Flare copy, I know, blame the weather not me.
-Good... No, too low again... watch out, too low! Go around! Go-around!"
But before the female pilot can accelerate her figher jet again, she hits the deck hard, causing the FA/18 to bounce on the deck violently. Just a split second after, the plane crashes into other FA/18s that were parked at the front of the carrier, which is engulfed in a large explosion, a large fireball and cliud of smoke rising towards the sky.
In an instant, around 60 lives are lost, and another 70 sailors are wounded, as the carrier's crew scambles in to action to put the fire out and treat the wounded. Menawhile, Admiral William Ranger, having witnessed the scene from the bridge, immediatly sends a message to the Navy Headquarters.

Official Communiqué
Astarian Imperial Navy
Columbia District

At 15 hours this day, February 15th, tragedy struck. While making her final approach for landing on the IAS Ebon Atoll, Captain Cindy McPherson of the Imperial Navy crashed with her FA/18 into a set of planes parked at the front of the flight deck, resulting in the Captain's death as well as 60 others sailors, while another 70 were wounded. Fortunately, thanks to our sailor's training and the assistance of the battlegroup remaining ships, the fire was quickly put under control.
Now, the carrier, who was currently undergoing exercises near the Ferinan Archipelago, will sail back to the mainland.
It is not a secret, that the carrier's presence in the area has been the subject of many controversies over the past few days. Let's hope that this event will not put more fuel on the fire.
To all our brothers and sisters who died in this tragic accident, our condolences go to their families and loved ones. And to those who are still with us, we pray for your saf return.

Signed,
Admiral William Molnarak, Chief of Naval Operations.

[box]To: Yamura no Kyouko, Princess of Shikonjima, Viscountess of the Oui no Tochi, Highest Servant of the Four Souls, Highest Lady of the Kazoku.
From:
Emperor Adrean Blachkor "The Third", Son of the Empire, Master of the Appalachia, Conqueror of the Rockyes, Lord of the Plains and Tamer of the Frost.
Empress Anna Blachkor, Daughter of the Empire, Highest Servant of the Stars.
Subject: The Reunification
Encryption: Highest, not to be released

Your Highness,
it is with a heavy heart that we write this message to you. Today, tragedy struck the Imperial Navy as a FA/18 returning from a recon flight crashed on the IAS Ebon Atoll's deck, resulting in the death of the pilot and 60 others sailors, as well as 70 more wounded.
Fortunately, the damage is not as big as expected, and the carrier will be able to make it back to the Empire on her own. However, the shortest route to reach our mainland would be to cut straight to the Ferinan Archipelago.
It is why, by this message, we would like to humbly ask your permission for the Ebon Atoll and her battlegroup to cross into your waters to come back to us faster than if they had to go around the archipelago.

Signed,
Adrean Blachkor
Anna Blachkor

by **Kyrenaia** » Sun Feb 16, 2020 11:26 am

To:
Yamura no Kyouko, Princess of Shikonjima, Viscountess of the Oui no Tochi, Highest Servant of the Four Souls, Highest Lady of the Kazoku.
CC:
Royal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bakufu no Hiroba, Nashinya, N01SX504, Shikonjima.

From:
Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad, Lady of the Five Deserts, Ilkhana of Utica, Daughter of Kyrenaia, Mother of Her People, Highest Servant of the Lioness.

Subject:
The Ferinan-Archipelago.

Diplomatic Correspondence.
NOT to be released.

Dear Kyouko,
Prince Einar obviously never saw a Court Procedure in the Sultanate. Still, you are right - it was their decision and you have to respect that, just as I would have to. And our personal might get heart attacks at the mere mention of the idea...
He was. Even wrote me a post card. He sends his best regards.
In my experience, the more absurd the place one discusses politics is, the more absurd the decisions and thoughts become. However, if a place forces people to get closer in appearance and position, for example by sitting in a round or all dressed in a blue towel, the more fruitful the discussion becomes. That being said, one of the places I never wanted to discuss politics in was my bed. Even Dschafar had to respect that.

I believe, in the light of the last release about the group pulling back due to a flight accident, these vessels be needed quite earlier then expected. At least the most immediate point of concern seems to be dissolving, even if the way that happened is tragic. I'll later have someone from the Navy write an official letter of condolence. CG6 will, for now, remain on station, with strict orders only to intrude into Shikonmanjese waters in cases of emergencies (like a vessel being in distress at sea) and to wait for orders pertaining any possible move even close to the EEZ.
Kyrenaia, due to its history, has long since lived with accusations of being imperialists. This opinion is, in some places, widespread and I can understand, where they are coming from. In other places, we have a good reputation. The lesson is, that people will think about you what they want to think, or are told to think by their media, but at the end of the day, you can only do your best to the best of your abilities. Let history decide the rest.

My best regards to Shiko-Amira. I hope, that she can one day taste-test the Winddrinker-Riders. ; )

Signed,
Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad

P.S.: I can imagine, that Shiruko-Amina would find quite a few friends among my Royalty. We have a few speed junkies as well, including my daughter Rasha and my granddaughter Aurelia. If I ever visit Shikonjima, I have to bring them along!

To:
Command, Carrier Battlegroup IAS Ebon Atoll.
CC:
Emperor Adrean Blachkor "The Third", Son of the Empire, Master of the Appalachia, Conqueror of the Rockys, Lord of the Plains and Tamer of the Frost.

From:
Admiral Rasha Qiada, Command, RKN Tartib.

Subject:
Condolences.

Diplomatic Correspondence.
NOT to be released.

Sirs and Ma'ams,
it was with shock, that we heard about the flight accident of Captain McPherson and the many wounded and dead aboard the IAS Ebon Atoll. I hereby wish to offer, in the name of Carrier Group 6 and the Sultan's Navy, our condolences to affected families and the crew of IAS Ebon Atoll.
At the same time, I wish to offer our best wishes for quick recovery to those wounded in this tragic accident.
One of the support vessels of Carrier Group 6 is the hospital vessel RKN Niematan. If it is wished and necessary, I will not hesitate to dispatch her to aid you and your crews in these trying times.

Signed,
Rasha Qiada,
Commanding Admiral, Carrier Group 6, Sultan's Navy, RKN Tartib.

Lion 3-3, Lieutenant Amir Wasi.
I was, together with a few other fighters, Carrier Air Patrol for Carrier Group 6, which was currently merrily socializing with freighters and cruise liners - I did not know about the invitation for dinner, nor did I know about the acceptance of that invitation, but I would soon learn.
In any case, I was flying the Kyrenaian Aircraft Factories KAF-16 Saqr Multirole Fighter, part of the air wing of RKN Tartib, patrolling the skies for suspicious aerial activity, maybe even threats.
So far... only two, a Kinnir 440-203 with the callsign Cannonball 7-8 and another plane with the callsign Agade Lightning 3-1, as their transponders said. 'Cannonball' was the usual callsign for planes of Lillorainen's Air Force and judging by the radio chatter between the two, they were more surprised then anything by the little show down in the waves.
"Lion 3-4, on my wing. We're going to scare some haulers!", I said and moved the stick, my wingman confirming by following. I didn't take long and both flyers would be able to see us - us, and as we pulled up to Cannonball 7-8, he would be able to see the eight hardpoints under our wings, which carried racks full of air-to-air missiles, four per hardpoint. I switched over to a public air traffic frequency. "Good afternoon, Cannonball 7-8 and Agade Lightning 3-1, these are Lion 3-3 and Lion 3-4 of the Royal Kyrenaian Navy. Quite lovely weather for a flight, innit?"

by **Riysa** » Sun Feb 16, 2020 5:02 pm

Disclaimer: I'm not claiming control of anybody from OP's lands. Please TG me if there is anything that needs to be discussed.

Samboushiro, Mikuma

"Snip! Snip!" The cameraman imagined, as he silently took pictures from his hotel roof, using his telephoto-equipped digital camera. From where he stood - no, from where most of the city was - there was a clear line of sight towards the Nanaou military airfield, and the loads of government and military aircraft coming in to land there. The sight of all of this planes was sure to be a good scoop...and cause a lot of commotion! At the least, it would help keep them at the front of reporting the news from the archipelago.

He was a RIYANA - Riysian Arab News Agency, the Ministry of Information's affiliated news agency - journalist, here on Mikuma, and his diplomatic passport stated that he was Mr. Rajib Bouri of the Riysian Arab Republic. A couple of other specialists were also with him, and there were more journalists throughout the archipelago. Quite fortuitously, these teams of RIYANA journalists had already been present; all of them were affiliated with the Japanese-speaking bureaux of the news service, so they already had a reason to be here when this all just erupted. So teams on different islands ran from protest to protest, filming and snapping photos at the hip, and sending them back to Tel al-Riyah in almost real time. One team had even clearly captured the infamous shooting in high-definition video from a couple of different angles; the best cut had just been posted onto Youtube by RIYANA's official account, and was also in the process of being sold with an accompanying text article and images to as many news agencies worldwide as they could.

Bouri snickered to himself; the Ikhbar al-Watan journalists, from Riysa's leading media/news broadcaster, were still reliant on RIYANA's reporting as their own APAC bureaux had just started to mobilize, and they didn't have the advantage of diplomatic passports like RIYANA did. It was a matter of professional pride, after all, and he savored it.

In his pocket was a satellite phone, using Riysa's "Amawi" government communications satellites and encrypted with their J4 proprietary cipher, that they used to communicate with the other teams covering this story. From what he'd heard, similar military movements were happening on all islands, and the teams were doing their best. With the escalation in violence, it really did seem like the beginning of an invasion. Well, bombs and guns or not, their job was to collect information and report it back, and conflict made it all the more exciting! Just like the hoopoe of Solomon, as related in the Qur'an.

Like Solomon's hoopoe, eh? He grinned again, at a joke that only he knew, but the others probably had already guessed. With the last pictures taken, he put the lens back into its bag, and headed back downstairs. In just a minute, RIYANA's center in Tel al-Riyah would get even more news to work with, and all the media companies that buy from them would get another juicy, juicy story to work with - and they'd be off to stay the night at a different hotel.

OOC: Tied in with this.

As evening began to settle, right around when people would be getting home from work or other activities on the archipelago, some things begun to happen. The number of views and likes of the shooting video across multiple media platforms, both the original video and the high-quality release by RIYANA along with other videos of the protests, begun to massively increase, driving them to the top of the list whenever someone searched for topics related to the archipelago.

Articles by RIYANA and Ikhbar al-Watan also dramatically increased in hit count - and to a lesser extent, other opinion pieces critical of the decision - putting them at the top of a search, and were being spread like wildfire across social media, helped along by dozens of new accounts critical of the Shikonjiman decision.

Social media and forums frequented by Shikonjimans started receiving lots of new users, hidden behind VPNs, TOR, and proxy servers for anonymity, along with the comments sections of articles and videos. Filled with wrath, they immediately took to posting anti-unification points, criticizing the regime, and arguing for independence.

All of these events happened at a different pace and time, so it didn't appear coordinated, but it sure did feel like a lot of angry people were trying to make their point heard. And heard, they certainly would be.

by **Shikonjima** » Mon Feb 17, 2020 6:10 am

To:
Emperor Adrean Blachkor "The Third", Son of the Empire, Master of the Appalachia, Conqueror of the Rockyes, Lord of the Plains and Tamer of the Frost.
Empress Anna Blachkor, Daughter of the Empire, Highest Servant of the Stars.
From: Yamura no Kyouko, Princess of Shikonjima, Viscountess of the Oui no Tochi, Highest Servant of the Four Souls, Highest Lady of the Kazoku.
Subject: Condolences.
Encryption level: For Your Eyes Only.

Your Majesties,
We are sorry to hear about the tragic accident on the deck of the IAS Ebon Atoll due to weather conditions which, especially in the Ferinan-Archipelago, are hard to master even for experienced pilots. Our condolences go to the family and friends of Captain Cindy McPherson and of the 60 other sailors aboard the Ebon Atoll, as well as the vessel's crew.
It is fully understandable, that the Navy Command wishes to discontinue the mission and to bring the surviving sailors back home as quickly as possible. Therefore, We have instructed Admiral Hideyasu Miyagi of the RSN to give green light for the battlegroup to cross the territorial waters of the Shikonjimanese Realm and to send a battlegroup around the RSN Heihachirou as a convoy for security, as well as for support in case of a need. Other vessels coming for aid will be given permission to enter Shikonjimanese soil without further inquiries.

Signed,
Yamura no Kyouko

To: Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad, Lady of the Five Deserts, Ilkhana of Utica, Daughter of Kyrenaia, Mother of Her People, Highest Servant of the Lioness.
From: Yamura no Kyouko, Princess of Shikonjima, Viscountess of the Oui no Tochi, Highest Servant of the Four Souls, Highest Lady of the Kazoku.
Subject: The Ferinan-Archipelago.
Encryption level: For Your Eyes Only.

Dear Razia,
He might never have, but if the process learning about Shikonjimanese feudal system and laws and customs concerning Shikonjimanese Royalty (especially when taking into account, that the Lundoese Monarchy is constitutional, not absolute) already gives him a headache, he would certainly make sure to stock up with aspirin before taking the chance of spectating a Court Procedure in the Sultanate. Nonetheless, of course, the question of whether or not I might give it a second attempt will depend on further developments, as I said, for the situation remains tense.
Wonderful! Best regards back!
Indeed, this does match with my own experience as well as the ones of my Father, may he have arrived in Shisekai safely - a lot of laws seeming kind of awkward abroad were thought of in places insufficient for discussing politics in. I will not go into detail with that, but let's just say, my parents, Shinji-Koushaku and Ichiko-Hime, were incredibly creative and productive on multiple levels at times ...

As for the vessels, I believe so, too - in my previous correspondence, I mentioned, that I would be going to keep naval squadrons at readiness in case of a need, and if looks as if the need might have arisen now. The Emperors of Astares Amauricanum have already sent me a request to let their battlegroup pass the direct way in order to get home faster, and Admiral Miyagi will give them green light, as well as send vessel for company and aid. Should the CG6 plan to send vessels for assistance, too, they will receive green light upon request as well. It surely can't harm to remain at readiness.
Shikonjima has a similar history in that regard, thus also a similarly controversial reputation abroad. Of course, stances of governments and people of a given country alike severly depend on which impact this had on their own history. Shikonjima tends to viewed with suspicion in, say, Nho Quoc, whereas in Tangrusia, suspicious views towards the Sharulsi Khanate are more common (yes, even after several centuries). In our case, this is hardly getting better, now that Tribalists and Shogunate Apologists alike have started to put kerosine on the fire again. But yes, in the end of the day, history will decide on whether or not my efforts will have born fruit or not.

Winddrinker-Riders sounds awesome! Best regards from Shiko back - to quote: "Sounds like we already have a mission!" (:

Signed,
Yamura no Kyouko

P.S.: Absolutely! I remember, that we have seen Damir-Ouji and Aurelia-Hime from afar at the ball at Schloss Zyng, Teressien, last summer, but there weren't many occasions to talk back then. I hope, that the occasion will open up someday, and so does Shiruko-Hime, for sure!

Above the ocean somewhere between Kyrenaia and Shajarat Alnakhil.
Both Aghanoghlu and Breitscheid had to grin, as they got some company from down there. Neither of the two was too afraid of them, even though Breitscheid spotted the hardpoints under the wings of the KAF-16 Saqr Multirole Fighter, each of them supporting four air-to-air missiles. They would surely scare the living daylights out of any passenger, but there was no reason to worry.
"Good afternoon, Lion 3-3, this is Agade Lightning 3-1 speaking!" - Aghanoghlu said. "Indeed, the weather is lovely! Closely missed some storm southwest of Samboushiro, but everywhere else, then sun's shining! Over."
"This is Cannonball 7-8 speaking!" - Breitscheid spoke up. "Looks like you guys are having a little party down there, I take? We'd surely have planned some more nice choreography for the little airshow, but no one informed us about this event! So we're gonna have to improvize a bit, but I guess, we might bring a few more friends next time? We just need to know where and when." He had to laugh.
"I must ask for a bit more radio discipline, Cannonball! Over!" - Aghanoghlu said, but his voice told, that he was quite amused, too.
"Cannonball 7-8 requests your pardon, Agade Lightning 3-1." One could heard Aghanoghlu's snort through the radio. "Lion 3-3, we just passed by coincidentally, as this is one of the points we regularly meet at" - Breitscheid continued. "We've never seen such a huge party in here!"

Yatsukata, Duchy of Taihou.
Like many cities in the Ferinan-Archipelago, Yatsukata, the capital city of Taihou, would give anyone from outside the impression of having ended up in the paradise - seemingly without any major blots, Yatsukata was located at the coast, mostly at the foot of a mountain, but not exactly small parts were also built up on the hillside, along with them, the Ducal Palace. With its traditional Shikonjimanese architecture, it could easily have been located in the Mainland as well, which would all the tropical trees and plants all over the city almost seem out of place. The city didn't have a large seaport - the next port for the big vessels was located in Kiyoda, thirty kilometers in the west; Yatsukata only had a larger marina and a beach of six kilometers of length, with white sands separating the coastal street from the clean, azure water. Despite having rather remained as an insider tip as of now, those in the know would praise the city in all aspects - even throughout the turmoil in the other parts of the Archipelago, it had remained peaceful in here, making the city seem like a paradise for anyone arriving in here.
Now, there wasn't much of that piece and harmony left anymore.
Everyone coincidentally passing by would certainly be blinded and disturbed by all the red light in the streets, coming from dozens of Police and Ambulance cars almost seeming to be parked randomly. Items of all sorts, like signs, rocks, even some batons, were distributed over the Main Street, which now looked more like a battlefield. While the Police had managed to get most people off the street, the paramedics were busy bringing wounded people, some of them heavily, into the Ambulance cars.
Another day, another action of protest, another escalation - but this time, it had become serious. It had all started with a peaceful and officially approved demonstration, initiated and applied for by a man who had called himself Takehiro Itou (whom the Oukeikyoku would later identify as Youichirou Asato, a known Anarchist from the Mainland who had escaped to Taihou living under a false name during investigations in an unrelated case he was involved in) but soon, the first stones and rocks had been flying again. When the policemen from the Taihou Police Department had tried to deescalate the situation, in a more professional manner than their Mikuma colleagues back in Samboushiro, one of the protesters had suddenly pulled a gun and opened fire - which became the prelude for a scenario one would rather expect in the Wild West than in a Shikonjimanese (depending on whom you ask) territory.
As a result, there were thirteen wounded protesters, seven of them to a life-endangering extent, and eight wounded policemen, five of them to a life endangering extent. And a scale of devastation unknown in these parts so far.
That would surely be some awesome food for those who were collecting gory videos and clicks on video portals for them ... the videos made back in Samboushiro, which had depicted the law enforcement authorities as the 'bad guys', had already made it into official media, as journalists from the Arab Republic of Riysa had been in the place already. Unfortunately, the Riysian Arab News Agency, or RIYANA for short, had decided to be typical sensation hunters and published the particularly gory videos, instead of going with the truth and reporting accurately, which triggered a shitstorm against the Shikonjimanese Government in Social Media by Riysians masked behind VPNs and using the TOR browser in order to not be identified.
There was only one way to fight the news war, and everyone would have wished to see this from the Shikonjimanese Government way sooner - going with full openness. Only a short time after the police had evaluated the videos from CCTV-cameras from nearby stores showing all events of the demonstration in high definition, they got released on WhoTube and other video portals. Police reports, as well as reports by eyewitnesses, got published as well, just like Itou's true name and background. The propaganda war had begun.

by **The Selkie** » Mon Feb 17, 2020 6:56 am

Cecilia Umhal of the Tribe of Sligo.
Kongoutou Police Station.
I looked at Suzuhara for a moment, admittedly a bit confused.
"Well, Finn is a Tribalist... one of the admittedly worse sort.", I told, "You might have heard of the little scandal he caused during one shoot, when he had a colleague of mine thrown off the set due to being, I quote, 'a half-blooded runt.'" I let a beat pass. "Lassie was bawling her eyes out."
I took a sip of water. "Amy is a Tribalist, too, but mostly in it for being Anti-Communist, Anti-Liberalist and Anti-Fascist.", I said, "She's a smart lass. Finny, on the other hand..."
I sighed.
"...look, can I tell you a bit of an industry-secret?", I asked, then continued: "Finny is well-equipped and he has the skill, but for all he has down there..." I gave a meaningful glance in the general direction of the Lieutenant's groin, then looked into his eyes again. "...the little he has up here. His brother is a Tribalist, Finny just repeats what he says without realizing what he is saying." I shrugged. "Potato farmers from the Baile."

Felicia Sciotóg of the Tribe of Monaghan.
Fortham, Foreign Office.
We really needed a larger budget one of these days... and a larger building.
But that was not the point.
"I know, Mister Siocair.", I spoke into the receiver of my telephone. I had the agent of a Cecilia Umhal of the Tribe of Sligo, a well-known actress, mostly in movies more targeted at mature audiences, on the horn. "And believe me..." He interrupted me again. "...Mister Siocair, the Foreign Office..." Interruption. "By Searc's open folds, ya arse, shut the bloody fuck up!"
Silence.
I was not prone to loosing my temper, but sometimes, it happened. And when it happened, someone poked their head into my office, in this case my fellow diplomat Berkant Veidhlín of the Tribe of Kildare. The well-mannered diplomat saw, that everything was alright, glanced to Cara, who seemed relaxed as well, then pulled his head out.
I was quite sure, that my Three-O'Clock-Appointment heard every word. And I knew, that Mister Findehoof cared little, as long as I didn't use this lip with him.
"The Foreign Office has established contact with the Royal Ministry of Foreign Affairs.", I said, "I am sorry for your losses in money due to Miss Umhal's absence from set, but I am sure, that she is alright. I will contact them again on the matter of Miss Umhal and the other Selkie in the Ferinan-Archipelago, but I doubt, that this will make things go faster."
That was a half-lie. We had contacted the RMFA, we had send them our recognition, but little more.
"I will head from you, soon.", I said and hung up.
Once that was done, I again wondered, how Daideo had managed this without going insane... or getting insaner... I heard a light clattering, looked up.
Berkant stood there, in shirt with standing collar, smiling as he put a cup of tea in front of me. "Mister Findehoof sends his condolences. He proposed to delay his appointment by a quarter of an hour, if you need it.", he said and I nodded.
"That sounds like Raik.", I said, "This thing in the Ferinan-Archipelago is getting worse and worse. We have lost contact to one of our people. Cecilia Umhal."
Berkant nodded. "I know her. She voiced Caja in Marla." I looked at him with a raised eyebrow. "She is not really my tastes, so..."
I snorted in amusement, then sobered: "This is a mad mess."
"And it gets worse.", he said, "There has been a further escalation in Yatsukata, Duchy of Taihou. A protestor shot at police officers, first reports say, that there are around 13 wounded protestors, eight wounded policemen and a total of 12 life-threatening injuries." He let a beat pass. "Anarchist involvement can not be ruled out, apparently."
"Let the Ionchoisne observe.", I said, then sighed after taking a sip of my tea, "How are they handling information policy?"
"Better then before.", Berkant said, shrugged. "At least they say, that they would. I think, I should write the letter concerning Umhal. You get your 3?"
I nodded, then sorted a few papers - Mister Findehoof was a diligent man.
A few hours later, when the first wave of outrage had passed, the first information was forthcoming: Indeed, Anarchists had helped with getting people riled up, led by a man by the name of Takehiro Itou, also known as Youichirou Asato, the protestors had started it... and the police had ended it. Journalists, including some from Riysia, had sniffed up the next big scoop and images of Shikonmanjese Police dissolving a demonstration quite brutally went quickly around the world - if the dementis and proof of appropriate behaviour by the police would be as widespread remained to be seen.
And Berkant wrote a polite letter to the Royal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, asking if they knew about Umhal's whereabouts.

by **Kyrenaia** » Mon Feb 17, 2020 8:03 am

Lion 3-3, Lieutenant Amir Wasi.
I couldn't help but smile as the two pilots bantered. Although they had all reason to feel safe, we were not trigger-happy country hicks, passengers might misinterpret and be afraid. If they would have known, that the cruisers had Surface-to-Air Missiles aimed at them, too.
"Alright, then, gentlemen.", I spoke to the two pilots, "Your peaceful intentions were noted. However, I must ask you to move along. We will not cruise down there for long anyway and I am sure, that you have places to be as well."
Down in the waves, our frigates corralled the freighters into a convoy, helicopters took off to conduct ASW-patrols - of course, this was just an exercise, there was no threat of submarines, but it would be received with delight by the crews of our ships, which had something to do, and by the crews and passengers of the convoy, who had one heck of a show.
Speaking of which.
"Oh, and Cannonball 7-8, Agade Lightning 3-1?", I added with a smile, "Leave the air show to us. Lion 3-3, Over and Out."

To:
Yamura no Kyouko, Princess of Shikonjima, Viscountess of the Oui no Tochi, Highest Servant of the Four Souls, Highest Lady of the Kazoku.
CC:
Royal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bakufu no Hiroba, Nashinya, N01SX504, Shikonjima.

From:
Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad, Lady of the Five Deserts, Ilkhana of Utica, Daughter of Kyrenaia, Mother of Her People, Highest Servant of the Lioness.

Subject:
The Ferinan-Archipelago.

Diplomatic Correspondence.
NOT to be released.

Dear Kyouko,
let's not fight about who's courtly procedures are the worst, now shall we? Were I a man, I would surely say, that it'd end in a dick measuring contest. Luckily, we both are women.

I thank you for that information. Of course, we will notify and ask you, or Admiral Miyagi, before any unfortunate accidents happen - as it currently looks, the vessels might not be needed and will be able to spent a few relaxing exercises in the area. If I know Ilia well enough, he already has plans in the pocket and he would not mind inviting Shikonmanjese Observers, but that is a question, which we can discuss at another time.
Yes, that sounds familiar. For us, in places like Markaz or Mushkila, one should maybe not say, that one is from Kyrenaia. During his visit to Mushkila in 2017, Damir had rotten fruit at him, said fruit not even coming near him, but it happened. Meanwhile, a visit to the Free Lands is always a joy, both for me, Damir and especially Aurelia - although she has an unfair advantage in that regard. The Tribalists and their moaning, groaning and complaining will exist for a while...

We can discuss the possibility of a state visit to Kyrenaia some time in the future some other time.

Signed,
Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad

P.S.: If I know Alrich correctly, there might be a grand ball again this year.

Soraya Geal.
TBA-Dorms, Room 11-91.
Prince Mahmut ibn-Idris was very much unlike boys of his age, not only because he was a Prince from an Ilkhan's House, but also... he would be turning fifteen this year, a young man, brooding and intelligent, with the additional lessons to match. He was polite, kind, strong, not a pervert (at least not officially) and knew, what romantic behaviour meant...
Not only his teacher, Grand Vizier al-Zahir was proud of him, his parents were, too, and so was I. And madly in love with the boy, who was one year younger then me.
None of the TBA's Lads made any snide remarks, when I came into their dorms, went directly for Mahmut's room, slipped inside.
He looked to me, gave me a smile, and turned back to the TV - a news report, again.
"What's it this time?", I asked as I sat down on the bed, behind him, "Still the Ferinan-Archipelago?"
He hummed in agreement. As I, by now, leaned against him, my arms slung around his hips, my chin on his shoulder, I felt his hum.
Apparently, someone began shooting.
21 wounded, 12 heavily. Even I understood, that this was not something good on so many levels. Gory videos, pulled from WhoTube, showed the entire process. The counter statements from the Shikos were discussed not in the main news report, but in the special broadcast 25 minutes later, after sports news and weather.
Prince Atif ibn-Fadi, in full uniform of a Police Special Forces Sergeant, sat in the studio with a talk master and a few other guests and he defended the Shikonmanjese Police and their role in this bitterly, but, with a total of five people against him, among them a guy from the Democratic Movement, he was merely fighting a lost battle.
One thing became very apparent very soon: Kyrenaia, or at least the government, was not going to comment on the escalation in Yatsukata. It was an internal affair of the Principality and by the looks of it, no Kyrenaian Citizens had been hurt (yet), so, for now, how they dealt with public unrest was their matter to decide upon.
However, I had little doubt, that Kyrenaia was still standing behind Shikonjima as far as diplomacy was concerned.
After one particularly heavy attack, Mahmut sighed. "Poor Atif... Dschamilla would have long since wiped the floor with them and Karim would have been able to do the same... only that they didn't realize it.", he mumbled, turned off the TV and leaned back, into my embrace. "How was training?"

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