Greater Olympus News *OUTDATED*

by **Volga-Dnieper** » Wed Feb 19, 2020 9:15 am

05.01.2020

Cyclone Yue: COMAIRSEP States Her Own Death Estimate

We publish this letter from COMAIRSEP and refrain from further comments.

Comrades editors of VT! Compatriots!

I stand before you as a commander, as an international volunteer, as a member of Tanayan Revolutionary Party, as a communist, loyal to the International Revolutionary Pact and the idea of the Worlwide Socialist Revoltuion, and as a human. And from this position do I speak of a crime of silencing.

The extent of damage of the Cyclone Yue has been grossly understated. Even the numbers by Meronian spokesmen fall far from estimates. You may ask me how do I know about it. Let me answer.

As a COMAIRSEP, I have seen the damage of the Cyclone Yue myself. I have personally helped to free people from their death traps and saw hundreds of dead and thousands homeless. It was I who have ordered to employ decommissioned hangars and warehouses as shelters for those who lost their roof. And I know many of our soldiers and airmen voluntarily, without any direct order from me went on to do the same, to help the people, their families and relatives. To help our comrades, our brothers and sisters with everything we could.

Silencing our reports is a crime against the people of Sepura. I have thus taken the initiative to disclose the information — the people will take the initiative and do it themselves anyways. It is time for the world to know.

There were 91,257 dead in the Cyclone Yue as reported by the airmen of the Air Army Sepura and by soldiers of the 10th Artillery, 17th Mechanized and 26th Mechanized Brigades of Tanayan Army. I know what I'm talking about may not want to be known by certain circles. Let them know ─ it is a crime not only against the people of Sepura but by extension, against the International Revolutionary Pact itself.

If this letter is not published, I will acting on my own to get the word across. Referring to the Tanayan Law "On the State, National and Popular Treason" I do not consider my actions falling under that law, but I am ready to face the consequences anyways. As a commander of all forces of Tanaya Soviet People's Republic in the Sepuranese People's Republic, I hereby take the duty to ensure the safety of our bases on myself should the worst come from the publication of this. We will fight to the last shell, to the last bullet and to the last drop of blood.

I became a communist when I was 17. And I will die a communist.

Sveltana Fotijeva Svetozarova, Tanayan Revolutionary Air Force, service category K-14.

by **Volga-Dnieper** » Sat Feb 22, 2020 5:25 pm

20.02.2020

The War Is Near: Crisis in South-East Nori!

It can be said that the South-East Nori region is one of the most important regions in the world. A large conglomerate of volcanic islands bordering Inoran and Magnostrian oceans, the region is rich in raw material, densely populated and is situated in the shortest route between Lira and Mu-Kal serving as an important trade hub.

The people of the SE Nori for the long time have been brutally oppressed by Produzian and Meronian colonizers as well as by their own "elites". By modern times few states of this region reached levels of power comparative to Lira and Mu-Kal. Some, like the decadent empire of Tauke Manuye, have brought their people to the lowest degrees of misery and are now engulfed in the national liberation war. Others, like Sino Manala, have embraced capitalism enriching ruling classes and international elites while silencing poor and oppressed with drugs and crime career. Still others, like Khmongata and Yashnagar, are yet to be freed from their domestic exploiters poisoning their minds.

Our first attempt to liberate the people of SE Nori of their ancient oppression was the support of Jashnagari socialist movement in Yashnagari Civil War of 1945-1980. Our aircraft carriers Vozrozhdeniye, Tanayskaya Revolutsiya and Zarya Svobody situated alternately on several stations near Yashnagari Archipelago assisted our comrades in their struggle for the better future of the peoples of SE Nori. Unfortunately in the end, the Archipelago fell under reactionary rule of Anomaist obscurantists and many socialist brothers were murdered or had to go underground.

However, in 1980s International Revolutionary Pact obtained an ally in the Sepuranese People's Republic, which now occupies the key position in our doctrine for South-East Nori. Our forces there are represented by 526 aircraft of the Air Army Sepura and our friends and comrades from the People's Republic of Velkanika maintain a sizeable flotilla from their Navy. South-East Nori is also in reach of long-range air divisions from ADO stationed in the Democratic People's Republic of Nunavestland.

Apparently, knowledge of that did not stop Rastan II, the chief monk of Нashnagar, from appearing and addressing all Maist followers around the world. He called them to sacrifice themselves in the crusade against some abstract "evil", apparently manifesting itself in recession, instability in Lira and, obviously, socialism. He stated that "this will be the greatest of our crusades," and from our knowledge of Maist crusades we can only conclude that the region is to be ravaged should Yahsnagari complete their "crusade" ─ and that it is in the best interests of the humanity to wipe out not some abstract mythologized "evil" but first and foremost, very concrete and material Maist evil looming over the South East Nori.

To complement the troubles in the region, there is a great deal of commotion in Sepura. Slow-brewing opposition to their current Pembela (the leader), Wibawa Ilham Setiawan, finally erupted in the Abdication Vote process and street fighting with confirmed fatalities. With Sepuran government not acknowledging or repairing the extent of the damage by the Cyclone Yue, failing to stop internal squabbling of government factions and poor handling of recession, the country is in a hot spot on politics of SE Nori. To complement, Meronian government issued a strongly worded note of disapproval of the state of affairs in Sepura; our analysts expect them to proceed with reaching out to opposition elements or attempting to establish anti-Pembela movement.

Tanayan reaction did not have to wait. It is known that the Air Army Sepura has been strengthened and the Air Army East Nori was reorganized. Together this group constitutes one of the most powerful air forces in the region ─ if not the most powerful. We believe COMFOR and the Presidium of TSPR are to issue a statement with stern warning to any power threatening Sepura, even if it is known that attacking a member of the International Revolutionary Pact means attacking the Pact as a whole.

However, the first reaction on these events came not from the Presidium of the CEC and not from the COMFOR. On 15.02, 212 aircraft, 60 helicopters, 86 tanks and 19,000 men assembled for a parade on the Air Base Skvortsov, our long-time principal fortress in the area. Not only all brigade and division commanders were present but the Commander of Air Army Sepura herself ─ komandarm Svetlana Fotijeva Svetozarova (service category K-14) ─ accepted the parade.

She addressed the soldiers assembled after the procession and inspection. In her speech she predicted a war and, while generally admirable of Yashnagari determination and holding it in high regard, derided their religious allegiance, "Let their Mai be of all help to them they wish ─ no pity at all they'll have none!" Comrade komandarm also noted that in the event of war, Tanayan forces are willing to fight to the end on defensive and always move forward on offensive. "We'll keep moving, we'll keep moving until Yuram, we'll keep moving past Yuram, we'll keep moving to every last island and reef until we are done with them."

It remains to be seen what further movements will the reactionary clergy of Yashnagari Theocracy is to undertake; however, we are confident that any aggressive movement against the International Revolutionary Pact will be met with the strongest opposition Tanaya Soviet People's Republic can possibly deliver, diplomatic or military.

Milovan M. Milovanov II, Simeon B. Narskiy

(Note: The speech of Svetlana Svetozarova was not published in VT but it is appropriate to relay it in its fullness.)

Svetozarova Speaks

At ease.

Men, all this stuff you hear about Tanayans not wanting to fight, wanting to stay out of the war, not being ready for war, is a lot of bullshit. You see the next man who spews that bullshit, you spit him in the face. We have been preparing for war for 50 years. I have been in the Air Force for 43 years, I've been in command of the AirSep for five years. I've seen people almost dying on their job to get it done and overdone all through '70s and '80s. We have been doing this to prepare ourselves for struggle we have been destined to since we wiped those Tsarist bitches off the Tanaya Valley. We are ready for war, more than ever.

Yeah, I understand communism is about people being brothers, embracing a unity in reason and such and such. But ask yourself a question: if a psycho with a battleaxe is going at you, will you try to offer him pills or will you shoot the fuck out of him before he swings that battleaxe? Yeah, people are brothers. And sometimes you have to punch your brother hard if he behaves badly. I've grown with three brothers so I know what I'm talking about. If it is about punching our "brothers" so that behave themselves and so on ─ then Tanayans want to fight.

I'm talking about psychos and not for naught. Our likely enemies are Yashnagari, just to the south-west of here. We couldn't turn them to socialism so they've been rotting under clergy and landlords for some sixty years. They're thoroughly indoctrinated in Maism, an old religion of theirs. And their Magus or, however he's titled, has called for a crusade, for a sacrifice.

Now, do not doubt them. Never doubt belief and determination, remember what you have been taught about narodniki, who went to the people to enlighten them, to educate them, to rally them. Dozens and dozens were sent to mining camps or to mountain exile; many of them did not return. Yet they were going, regardless of that. Then remember zemlevoltsy and their terror actions. Do you think Konev didn't know what will happen to him after he shot Iona V? Or did Pchelintseva falter from fear of retaliation before killing the chief gendarme of the Empire, Tsankov? No, they knew and they didn't falter! "Zemlya ta Volya" was destroyed two times, all members killed or exiled. You know what gave them strength? Their belief, their belief in possible social justice, their belief in the better future for their people, their belief in democracy... in short, their belief in socialism, however they understood it. And they were ready to sacrifice everything for their belief, dragging down more and more Tsarist gendarmes and oppressors with them. And the people followed them and because of them we now have TSPR that we deserve to have.

Sacrifice is the ultimate weapon. Belief gives you determination and determined people make damn good soldiers. Once I've seen a child, a boy about 15 years old, killing a soldier in a body armor carrying machine gun ready to fire. The boy was armed with an awl; he hit that poor bastard in the neck and I've seen the wound spitting the blood from the ruptured carotid. Yashnagari will be no less determined and we'll win this war only by fighting and showing that we've got more than they have or ever will have.

You, Sepurans, standing right there, you think it'll blow over for you? Don't you remember how many times they rallied against you in their psychotic rage? And this one will not be different, trust me. I'm not asking you to support your leadership or to fight against it. Consider instead your home, your land, your families. Do you want to see the floor of your house, where you first dreamed your infant dreams, be trodden by the foot of a religious fanatic? Do you want your mother, so dear to you, to be beaten by a brainwashed zealot? Can you stand the thought of her being harmed, her furrowed face beaten with her hand tied back?

Do you want to be regretting in shackles that you did shit instead of rising up to defend yourself? Your home? Your family, against these beasts who forbade their reason, who forbade their humanity and who are rallying on the rampage across the world? You can't sit behind another, letting him fire your shot. If your brother killed him and if your neighbor killed one too, it is their kill, not yours. And if your brother kills Yashnagari, he is a soldier ─ and you are not.

Again, I'm not asking you to support your leadership or to fight against it. Sepuran regime only exists as it is because Kuvongrad and Plamen allow it to exist as it is and I don't know about Kuvongrad ─ Plamen's patience is thin. Think of yourself, Sepurans. War is a bloody business, a killing business. Yashnagari are the enemy. Wade into them, spill their blood or they will spill yours. Shoot them in the guts. Rip open their belly. When shells are hitting all around you and you wipe the dirt from your face and you realize that it's not dirt, it's the blood and gut of what was once your best friend, you'll know what to do.

Tanayans, that's for you too! If Sepura falls, they will come for us. And since we reject their preposterous bullshit, they won't leave a mark of us ever existing. So if there is a war in Sepura, it will be a war of ours a well, a defensive war, a just war. So do we want to stay out of war? Hell no! I'll shoot anyone who does and I expect anyone to do the same for me if I ever falter.

The day we, Sepurans and Tanayans, waver in front of the coming storm will be the day we reject the legacy of our forefathers who kicked Tsarist asses so hard they never raised their puny voice again. This day will not come, not while we live. Yashnagari bastards will come at us ─ well, let them come! They dare attack us ─ we go on to the end. We will fight those bitches on the seas and oceans, we will fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we will defend Sepura whatever the cost may be. We will fight on the shores, we will fight on the beaches, we will fight on the landing grounds, we will fight in the fields, we will fight in the jungles, we will fight in the streets, we will fight for every home ─ we will never surrender! And even if Sepuran Islands are subjugated and starving, then from beyond the seas the International Revolutionary Pact, with all the power and might of Velkanika and Tanaya and Nunavestland ─ the Pact will step forth to the rescue and the liberation of Sepura ─ this time, for the better Sepura.

And when we attack, we will want to get this over with. Fast. And the quickest way to get this over with is to get the bastards who started this, 'cause when a man is lying in a shell hole, if he just stays there all day, some bitch will get him eventually. The hell with that. We won't dig a shovel. You, commanders, I don't want any messages saying 'I'm holding my position.' We're not holding a goddamned thing. We're advancing constantly and we're not interested in holding anything except the enemy's balls. We're going to hold him by his balls and we're going to kick him in the ass; twist his balls and kick the living shit out of him all the time. Our plan of operation is to advance and keep on advancing. We'll keep moving, we'll keep moving until Yuram, we'll keep moving past Yuram, we'll keep moving to every last fucking island and reef until we are done with these bitches. There will be complaints that we're pushing our men too hard ─ I don't give a damn. A liter of sweat saves rivers of blood. The harder we push, the more we kill. The more we kill, the fewer of us will be killed. Pushing harder means fewer casualties. I want you all to remember that.

And yes, we're not yielding an inch. Yashnagari can barely muster three air divisions: we have way more than that. That Stamboliyskaya with her fancy planning thingy told me we'll have enough shells to swamp the jungle; now I ain't a fan of that soft-skinned intellectual but if she says something I know she does it. Maists call for sacrifices: well let them have their sacrifices! Let them sacrifice every last of them under our bombs, under our shells, under our bullets and under our bayonets. Let their Mai be of all help to them they wish ─ no pity at all they'll have none!

And as I said before, they're bloody fanatics, so we do not surrender. If you feel that things are fucked up beyond repair, have those bitches pay dearly for your life. I don't want to hear of any soldier being captured unless he is hit. Even if you are hit, you can still fight. That's not just bullshit either. I want men like one Tamazghan who, with Meron AR against his chest, swept aside the gun with his hand, jerked his helmet off with the other and busted the hell out of the Meron with the helmet. Then he picked up the gun and he killed another Meron. All this time the man had a bullet through his lung. That's a man for you!

And finally, there's one thing you men will be able to say when this war is over and you get back home. Thirty years from now when you're sitting with your grandson on your knee and he asks, "What did you do in the Great Norian Liberation War?" ─ you can look him straight in the eye and say "Son, your granddaddy rode and flied with the great Army Group South-East Nori and that nut-buster bitch named Svetlana Svetozarova!"

All right, you sons of bitches. You know how I feel. I'll be proud to lead you wonderful guys in battle anytime, anywhere. We won't have to wait for long, that's for sure. Thank you.

by **Zanaro** » Sun Feb 23, 2020 11:56 pm

Democratic Developments and Rumors
Written by: Ayako Hanazawa, Writer 2nd class
22FEB2020

With the recent democratization reforms to the Koto'Ara there has been question as to where the Koto'Ara is going in the near future. foreign nations such as the Federal Republic of Meronie have voiced their support for these reforms going so far as to offer campaign funds to these new potential candidates. While the candidates themselves cannot accept these funds the Koto'Ara government has accepted them with the intent to distribute the funds evenly to all candidates alongside a substantial additional increase in these available funds from the Kotonashi's own funds. In addition there is rumor that the Imperial Diet, soon to become the House of Lords, has begun drafting a constitution for this new government that will be reviewed and voted on by the incoming House of Commons. Some of these rumored aspects are the creation of the following positions that would be appointed by their respective houses; Viceroy (for the House of Lords), and Prime Minister (for the House of Commons). These positions would be the heads of these respective houses with the power to veto legislation therein. It is anticipated that the houses will have the power to overrule the veto's, the exact way that this will happen is still unknown.

We have reached out to the Imperial Diet's Transition Office for confirmation regarding these rumors and they have stated they can neither confirm nor deny the rumors at this time. In addition we have reached out to the newly formed Campaign Finance Committee for clarification on the duties and responsibilities that they have. They stated the following, "The CFC is in charge of ensuring all candidates are given an equal opportunity to get their voices heard. Candidates are not allowed to take private donations from any source, instead the CFC grants all candidates an equal portion of the national campaign fund. This fund will be dispersed quarterly during future election seasons for one full year. This means as more candidates drop out the remaining candidates will have a larger portion to utilize for their campaigns. The CFC is also focused on retaining complete transparency regarding the finances of each of the candidates and what amount will be dispersed to each candidate throughout the process."

While the transition to a more democratic system is still underway many subjects within Zanaro have expressed their support for the benevolence of the Kotonashi and for the opportunity to have their voices heard. There has also been an influx in individuals trying to sign-up to serve in the armed forces throughout this last month, inundating the recruiters as they have had to begin to turn away potential recruits due to a lack of need for so many bodies at the moment. Truly this is a time where patriotism and support of the Koto'Ara has only grown and prospered under the enlightened reign of Kotonashi Kazuto Kurohiun.

On Jashnagar
Written by: Shion Kawayama, Writer 3rd class
22FEB2020

Recently the Bas'kan of the Jashanagar has spoken publicly in a way that many have considered to be confrontational. The IRP nation of Tanayan has spoken out against the speech seemingly claiming that it was something akin to a declaration of war. The Kotonashi though has responded to the speech by Bas'Kan Rastan II with his own speech, a copy of which will be printing in its completion.

"For many centuries the Koto'Ara of Zanaro has fought to protect the Nori region from foreign aggressors and colonizers, often times though we ended up being guilty of becoming those same things. For many decades the people of Jashnagar have rightfully had great disdain for what our ancestors once did upon their lands with our own colonial efforts. Now though this speech shows there is in fact an opportunity to begin to mend those relations as both of our nations are dedicated to bringing an end to the evils of the world. It is because of this dedication that I have brought forth democratic reforms to our own nation, in recognition that we are one people here in Zanaro.

I officially would like for Bas'Kan Rastan the second to know that the Koto'Ara of Zanaro is willing to stand beside them in friendship against the evils of the world. That we would happily fight beside them as friends and allies against those who would bring chaos, disorder, and corruption to the world. We are hopeful that we can work together in the future for a better and brighter future for all of Nori, and forth both of out illustrious nations. To the people of Jashnagar I wish to officially apologize for the hardships we had once imposed upon you, and I am hereby announcing a fund to support the education of Jashnagar students who wish to come to Zanaro for their college education. I thank you all for your time."

We have spoken to a specialist in foreign relations, Dr. Maya Miyaka, a professor at Torman University for her opinion and take on the speech. When asked how it should be taken she had the following to say.

"It seems to me to be an attempt to secure normal relations with one of the other major powers of the region, as well as a show of solidarity with fellow Norian peoples. Similar attempts at normalizing relations have occurred in the past, but this is the first where a Kotonashi has actually apologized for the actions of their ancestors during the Olympic War. This is a major shift in many ways from past Kotonashi who have tried to build stronger relations without apology for the past of Zanaro. While we consider much of what we did during the Olympic War to be necessary for the security of Zanaro and Nori as a whole, for a long-time the Educator's Guild has held that the actions done in several nations with reeducation attempts and installing various monarchies, was wrong and has been the cause of much of the regions disdain for Zanaro. This speech shows an attempt to begin to heal those wounds, and not just with words but by offering education to the people of Jashnagar, which while free to Zanarite subjects, has always been expensive for foreign students. This seems to be to be in essence a peace offering to not just the government, but to the people who had taken the brunt of Zanarite campaigns in the region."

We want to thank Professor Miyaka for taking the time to speak to the Imperial Informer regarding the speech, especially on such short notice. We would also love to hear from you our readers, write in to us here at the Imperial Informer and there is a chance you could find yourself published the the Subjects Voice segment next week!

by **Meronnia** » Mon Feb 24, 2020 7:18 pm

Ile de Taveteaux State Election
Yolande Devereux, Mèronie 24
^{February 25, 2020}

The leaders of Whakawātea Whakahoutanga and Hapori Rōpū agreed to a deal to form a functional majority today.

(M24) — Ile de Taveteaux, a pseudo-sovereign state in free association with Mèronie and located at the edge of South-Eastern Nori, had an election this week to fill the island's Pāremata; a 60 member legislative assembly which is filled by 36 Constituency Seats and a supplementary 24 seats filled by a proportional party list on a second vote. With so much ongoing international tension little interest had been drawn to the election in one of Nori's most stable democracies, but the results have gained the attention of many onlookers.

Whakawātea Whakahoutanga, generally translated as Liberal Reform, is a socially liberal and pro-democratic party with nebulously centrist economic views which has held a plurality in the Pāremata for six election cycles, but this state of affairs was brought to a close after results were announced last night. Nekehanga Morare (or, the Morality Movement), a conservative party on the island which has worried some by refusing to commit to a cordon sanitaire of Hihaist political factions, has won the largest share of seats in the Pāremata, at twenty-three to Whakawātea Whakahoutanga's twenty.

Also represented, Hapori Rōpū or the People Party at nine seats are a social democratic party who advocate for greater public spending in nearly every area the island government is responsible for. Taonga, at six seats, is an environmentalist movement which also advocates for increased devolution of authority from Senone and constitutional reforms to create a Prime Minister responsible to the Pāremata. Finally, Tangata me Atua (Man and God) have worried onlookers with an increase in vote share, allowing Hangakore Nepe who won his constituency seat to avoid the proportional list threshold and bring a colleague into the Pāremata with him.

Whakawātea Whakahoutanga has suffered an undeniable loss this election, recognized by leader Rua Paora who stepped down from his post. In a surprising move, the party caucus elected long-time maverick, Manu Natana, to replace him. Despite the loss of five seats, the party has been able to shore up support in the legislature with a rapidly negotiated deal with Hapori Rōpū, putting the impromptu coalition one seat short of an effective majority. Political experts expect the coalition will likely be able to lean on Taonga to ensure a liberal agenda remains solidified this cycle, but that the political process is likely to be slow and painful.

This election result, while significant, has not had much impact in the island's executive, the Rūnanga. The council of five replaces one member every year, and this year the retiring member Atua Rakena was a member of Nekehanga Morare who was replaced by another colleague of the same party, Raiepe Taneti (albiet with a larger portion of the vote). That means the Rūnanga's composition has remained the same, three members of Whakawātea Whakahoutanga and two from Nekehanga Morare.

The Mèron government, as is the norm, offered congratulations to all members elected to the Pāremata and wished luck to the island's new legislators. The Hiha, as is the norm, did not comment on the election.

NEXT
| Mèron Government "Unimpressed" With Sepuran Pembela | The Tendrils of Mèron Influence | "Immediate Answers Will Be Necessary" |

by **Lykens** » Tue Feb 25, 2020 5:09 am

ARP-MDA Coalition secures Grand Assembly backing
01/15/2020

- Olimpia Varinia

Federal President Apolonia Guadarrama delivers the Opening Speech

With a vote of 512-438, State Counselor Kenneth Diaz's government was reinvested earlier this morning. With the entirety of his caucus behind him, and a newly minted coalition deal with the Millennial Democratic Alliance, Diaz easily cleared the 476 vote threshold, and added 33 votes from the Progressive Front, likely dissidents who are opposed to the bridge burning tactics of their leader, Amaranta Chavarría, a longtime rival of Diaz’s who has been trounced by him in three straight federal and provincial elections in Arecibo over the last decade. Pundits and analysts were unsure of the path that Diaz would ultimately take in his quest for a majority, with two mainstream routes being a grand coalition with the Civic Union or a leftwing coalition with the Progressive Front. A coalition with the Millennial Democrats was not seriously considered by any pundits, as the seat total of the combined coalition is a bare three seats above the necessary 476 seats. Diaz originally cut his teeth in politics as the Chief Whip of the ARP Caucus however, and few expect the State Counselor to ease up on his vote counting efforts.

The Millennial Democratic Alliance was founded in 2000, after the 1999 elections, by a Constituency Assembly Member who felt that the Progressive Front was not intune enough with religious voters who leaned leftward, capitalizing on a perceived void of representation for the Religious Left, the MDA became a key counterpoint to the Familia, Dios, Pais party, which prides itself as the vehicle of the Religious Right. However, where the FDP espouses the unity of state and government, the Millennial Democrats strive to instead enhance government with religious philosophies, rather than mandated religion and imposition of religious views. An unlikely partner for the fiercely secular Association of Ranchers and Planters, but one whose policies do align relatively well, emphasizing the original populist roots of the ARP. The coalition agreement has so far yielded four portfolios, Health, Labor, Communications, and Public Works. MDA Leader Amelia Mendoza will also be appointed Deputy State Counselor. Sources say that the deal was overwhelmingly approved in both the ARP and Millennial Democrats’ caucuses.

A jubilant Kenneth Diaz made his way to the Assembly lobby for a press conference after the successful vote, where he thanked the electorate and Assembly for another term in office.

“It feels very nice to be overwhelmingly voted into office for ARP’s third term in government. We’ve continued to produce results over the last ten years, and the voters know that. While it was a disappointment to lose 48 seats, I do wish to state on the record that I take responsibility for those losses. Voters have reached out to me and voiced some discontent but overall, with as many seats as we’ve won, I know that they are mostly satisfied with my government. I look forward to working with the Millennial Democrats to continue making sure Lykens is the prosperous and beautiful nation that it always has been, and I thank them for joining us in our endeavours. My new government is ready to go and we will continue meeting the problems we face as a nation head on. This recession will not define us, we will define it.”

Projecting confidence is something new from the State Counselor, who is usually very guarded and cautious, an image he has carefully crafted over the course of his eight years in leadership. Finally securing a mandate of his own, Diaz seems to have found his groove and has shed all of the caution that once defined him. Diaz always carried himself with the dignity of his office, but always had to contend with critics and opponents who questioned his legitimacy, as his ascension to State Counselor was through the resignation of his terminally ill predecessor rather than through an election. This election and subsequent investiture vote have put all of those criticisms to bed, and the State Counselor seems determined to make his own mark on Lykensburgish history.

The full transcript of the President’s Opening speech can be found below

"Over the course of the last five years, this government has worked diligently to build a place for Lykens in the international community. Through hard work and perseverance, the Mu-Kal Union was revitalized, binding the nations of Mu-Kal together against world threats for the first time. Together with our neighbors, we have worked to initiate infrastructure projects to benefit both the economies of our fellow member states as well as our own, including the signing of a formal treaty to protect Mu-Kal shipping and the initiation of planning a massive undertaking, the Trans Mu-Kal Railroad. Upon completion, this railway will transport billions of dollars worth of goods from the far icy reaches of northern Storsnia to the humid metropolis of Urbo de Liberico. Hitting Lykens and Plamenev in between. Millions of jobs will be created in the mammoth undertaking the Mu-Kal Union is dedicated to seeing through, powering our economies through the recession we have found ourselves in, as well as powering our economies for the future to come.

Domestically, thousands of miles of new railroads have been laid down in the last five years, as well as crucial updates to already present railways to ensure their continued usage by not only ourselves but our children and their children. The city of Lykens is now connected to the five most populated provincial capitals by high-speed rail, ensuring that our citizens even in the most far flung rural reaches of our nation are connected to our capital, guaranteeing their voices are heard, that opportunities are presented to them, and that we as a nation, as a people, are connected and unified as one. Future routes are being planned as I speak, and this government will commit to laying down and building routes to connect every single provincial capital by high speed rail. The future is in high speed rail, for freight and public transport, and this government will ensure that Lykens is a leader in this future, and not a latecomer or straggler.

Billions of dollars more have been invested in the Public Health Service, helping to slash wait times to see doctors, powering research into illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes, and for the first time in Lykensburgish history, bringing mental health to the forefront of healthcare policy. This government will pledge to not cut a single dollar from the Public Health Service during this recession, as cutting services during a period of trouble to those who need it most would be the most unethical thing a government for the people and by the people could do.

No longer will this government allow those who are unwilling to seek help to slip by and become dangers to themselves or others, no longer will we stand by and allow the next generation to succumb to illnesses that previous generations would ignore. Previous legislation enacted will provide hundreds of millions of dollars to the provinces to encourage those governments to also emphasize mental health. Too long have those with mental health issues been stigmatized and abused for problems that are out of their control and without relief or remedy.

While this government has notched many achievements this term, it must humbly admit its faults where they arise, and do its best to learn from them and move forward towards future successes. Namely, the collapse of the Multilateral Trade Deal crafted with substantial input from the Lykensburgish delegation to the conference. While its collapse was due to alleged human rights abuses in Oceania and not due to any actions on behalf of Lykens, it must serve as a reminder to be mindful of those we seek to do business with. Lykens stands as a paradigm of democracy, equality, and the rule of law. We carry this reputation with gusto and must shoulder the responsibility to lead the nation’s democracy to continued glory.

While Lykens is new to the world stage in such a position, our humble roots must not be forgotten, as hubris can and will slay the mightiest amongst us. Cooperation and diplomacy are key, ham handed malarkey, saber rattling, and posturing will only serve to create and exacerbate divisions throughout the world. Coalition building is the bedrock of the successful foreign policy of this government, and it must be adhered to for continued long term success in the world, especially as tensions rise in Lira and Southeastern Nori. We can not allow the warmongering of the past to burst into the present and again drown the world in war and suffering. Aggressors must be checked with the full force of the international community to preserve the peace and allow all to prosper.

In response to numerous global forecasts warning of a prolonged and damaging recession, this government will pursue temporary tax cuts for specific tax brackets, as well as increased government expenditure. Austerity will not come to Lykens as cutting spending will cause a retraction of the broader economy and serve to harm hardworking Lykensburgers. Infrastructure projects will be more important than ever, to keep our economy churning at the pace it has come to know. Subsidies will be studied and analyzed to determine whether or not they will be necessary to prevent laying off of any workers, all the way across the economy. No Lykensburger will be left behind in these tumultuous times.

This government has worked hard to provide results to the Lykensburgers who entrusted them with two previous terms, and we hope for continued successes in their third.”

ARP-MDA Coalition secures Grand Assembly backing
01/15/2020

- Olimpia Varinia

Federal President Nicolás Gonzales delivers the Opening Speech

With a vote of 511-439, State Counselor Kenneth Diaz's government has been reinvested earlier this morning. The expected PF support came through as only 18 defections from the party were recorded, entirely cast from the bloc of PF AMs who are still intensely loyal to former leader Amaranta Chavarría, who was deposed in a late evening spill last night over the confidence and supply agreement that was eventually hammered out by her challenger and successor, Florentina Casal. The agreement gives Casal a spot in the cabinet as a State Secretary without Portfolio to give PF a seat at the table, however it has been made very clear by senior coalition officials that the Progressive Front is not a member of the governing coalition, it only supports it on matters of confidence and supply, and has no other spots in cabinet.

A jubilant Kenneth Diaz made his way to the Assembly lobby for a press conference after the successful vote, where he thanked the electorate and Assembly for a third term in office.

“It feels very nice to be overwhelmingly voted into office for ARP’s third term in government. We’ve continued to produce results over the last ten years, and the voters know that. Even with a dramatically different voting system, we have still managed to come out on top. My government is ready to go and we will continue meeting the problems we face as a nation head on. This recession will not define us, we will define it.”

Projecting confidence is something new from the State Counselor, who is usually very guarded and cautious, an image he has carefully crafted over the course of his eight years in leadership. Finally securing a mandate of his own, Diaz seems to have found his groove and has shed all of the caution that once defined him. While always carrying himself with the dignity of his office, Diaz always had to contend with critics and opponents who questioned his legitimacy, his ascension to State Counselor was through the resignation of his terminally ill predecessor rather than through an election. The previous election and subsequent investiture vote has put all of those criticisms to bed, and the State Counselor seems determined to make his own mark on Lykensburgish history.

The full transcript of the President’s Opening speech can be found below

"Over the course of the last five years, this government has worked diligently to build a place for Lykens in the international community. Through hard work and perseverance, the Mu-Kal Union was born, binding the nations of Mu-Kal together peacefully for the first time. Together with our neighbors, we have worked to initiate infrastructure projects to benefit both the economies of our fellow members states as well as our own, including the signing of a formal treaty to protect Mu-Kal shipping and the initiation of planning a massive undertaking, the Trans Mu-Kal Railroad. Upon completion, this railway will transport billions of dollars worth of goods from the far icy reaches of northern Storsnia to the humid metropolis of Urbo de Liberico. Millions of jobs will be created in the mammoth undertaking the Mu-Kal Union is dedicated to seeing through, powering our economies through the recession we have found ourselves in.

Domestically, thousands of miles of new railroads have been laid down in the last five years, as well as crucial updates to already present railways to ensure their continued usage by not only ourselves but our children and their children. The city of Lykens is now connected to the five most populated provincial capitals by high-speed rail, ensuring that our citizens even in the most far flung rural reaches of our nation are connected to our capital, guaranteeing their voices are heard, that opportunities are presented to them, and that we as a nation, as a people, are connected and unified as one.

Billions of dollars more have been invested in the Public Health Service, helping to slash wait times to see doctors, powering research into illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes, and for the first time in Lykensburgish history, bringing mental health to the forefront of healthcare policy. No longer will this government allow those who are unwilling to seek help to slip by and become dangers to themselves or others, no longer will we stand by and allow the next generation to succumb to illnesses that previous generations would ignore.

While this government has notched many achievements this term, it must humbly admit its faults where they arise, and do its best to learn from them and move forward towards future successes. Namely, the collapse of the Multilateral Trade Deal crafted with substantial input from the Lykensburgish delegation to the conference. While its collapse was due to alleged human rights abuses in Oceania and nothing to do with Lykens, it must serve as a reminder to be mindful of those we seek to do business with. Lykens stands as a paradigm of democracy, equality, and the rule of law.

While Lykens is new to the world stage in such a position, our humble roots must not be forgotten, as hubris can and will slay the mightiest amongst us. Cooperation and diplomacy are key, ham handed malarkey, saber rattling, and posturing will only serve to create and exacerbate divisions throughout the world. Coalition building is the bedrock of the successful foreign policy of this government, and it must be adhered to for continued long term success in the world, especially as tensions rise in Lira and Southeastern Nori. We can not allow the warmongering of the past burst into the present and again drown the world in war and suffering. Aggressors must be checked with the full force of the international community to preserve the peace and allow all to prosper.

In response to numerous global forecasts warning of a prolonged and damaging recession, this government will pursue temporary tax cuts for specific tax brackets, as well as increased government expenditure. Austerity will not come to Lykens as cutting spending will cause a retraction of the broader economy and serve to harm hardworking Lykensburgers. Infrastructure projects will be more important than ever, to keep our economy churning at the pace it has come to know. Subsidies will be studied and analyzed to determine whether or not they will be necessary to prevent laying off of any workers.

This government has worked hard to provide results to the Lykensburgers who entrusted them with two previous terms, and we hope for continued successes in their third.”

by **Tero Malstreciga** » Sun Mar 08, 2020 4:55 pm

UNU STELO
Urbo de Liberico Issue, 9/03/2020

The Confidence Crisis

Angelo Koralo.

- The crisis in Tero Malstreciga, which was severely damaged by the onset of the still-looming recession, has passed unnoticed in many circles as it advanced in severity, while international focus was brought to such issues as the Oil and Natural Gas price gauging from the nations of North Meridiq.

The country's Head of State, Prezidanto Antono Brava, went missing more than a month ago (along with his immediate family) and has yet to be seen or even confirmed dead or alive. There are an abundance of questions surrounding his disappearance, but this has shockingly not been the premier news story within the Isthmian state. Continued protests, turned into violent riots, have wracked the country. The folding of a number of banks, erasing the savings of most of the country and launching a new wave of poverty, has lead to a number of political groups coming out in favour of major structural changes to the Malstrecigano economy and political system. The opposition to the coalition has issued harsh criticisms of the government and endorsed a number of these groups.

In the Cambro de Delegitoj, the wave of political assassinations seems to have finally slowed. Angelo Koralo, the apparent architect behind much of the infighting, was confirmed as the new Seĝo of the Chamber after Mihael Vespera was impeached with the support of the Cambro de Konsilistoj. A legislative package was introduced by Koralo's party, the KLP, to provide a directive for a concerted austerity policy for the government, though their coalition partner, the RLP, surprised many by joining opposition including LibSolPro to vote against it.

In the first week of March, the crisis in Tero Malstreciga accelerated rapidly. The lack of any progress in the legislative assembly lead to walk-outs by a number of smaller parties, including APN, Savfronto, and Verda. The chamber was still able to reach quorum, but only barely, thanks to missing members and seats left empty by impeachments. The apparent failure of the system of government has exacerbated riots in a number of states, most prominently in the south. In the Moorlands, wealthy landowners are hiring private security to keep their property safe, while in nearby Bonporton the City Police has stopped attempts to contain violent crowds and has requested support from the Gendarmerie.

Now, it appears, things may be coming to a head. The Vice President, Abelo Armiro, took an oath of office swearing in as the new Prezidanto today, as set out in the Constitution. However, some in the government have questioned whether this is legal or not given the ambiguous nature of Prezidanto Brava's survival. The Council of State has continued to refuse to meet on these matters, which lead some in the legislative branch to take matters into their own hands.

Seĝo Koralo opened impeachment proceedings on Armiro, claiming he had violated the constitution and that the Nacia Asembleo had lost confidence in the executive. It was noted that if Armiro was impeached, Koralo would be next in line as Acting Prezidanto thanks to his new position. After finding the Chamber barricaded by RLP politicians, Koralo held proceedings in the street outside the building, gathering Delegates and supposedly passing a vote to impeach Armiro. The Presidential Guard attempted to arrest Koralo at this time, but the Gendarmerie stationed in Urbo de Liberico appears to have considered the impeachment legitimate, as they have disarmed the Presidential Guard.

Armiro has apparently left the capital, but continues to claim legitimacy as the Prezidanto; he claims that Koralo's street-side impeachment did not actually have the necessary quorum.

It is unclear where the struggling nation will take things from here. Though observers continue to claim a civil conflict is unlikely, it has been noted that a number of travel warnings have been issued for the country, and several shipping companies have already started routing the long trip around Kanchaka rather than use the Nikelo Canal placed in the center of the country.

by **Tero Malstreciga** » Tue Mar 10, 2020 12:37 pm

UNU STELO
Urbo de Liberico Issue, 11/03/2020

Malstrecigano Meltdown - As shown by news headlines (so far)

Governor of Montebloj makes speech recognizing Armiro as legitimate president
It was little surprise to find out that possibly impeached Prezidanto Armiro's destination leaving the capital was his home state, currently under the administration of a former political protege and a member of the same RLP caucus, Governor Georgo. Making a speech in Parazio with Armiro at his side, the Governor denounced the "power-play" of the KLP in the capital, and made it clear that his administration recognized Armiro as their head of state.

Bonporton protest organizer arrested
Lucjo Amiko was identified by a national police unit as one of the primary organizers of the Justeco kaj Solidareco movement in Bonporton earlier this week. Today, riot police arrested Lucjo at a rally in Flava Square on charges of inciting violence, assault, and loitering.

This move proved extremely inflammatory, as the JkS movement was provoked into almost immediate violent riots. The move was called "unwise, to the extreme" by a member of the state assembly for LibSolPro, also lending some establishment normalization to the movement. Other protest groups in the city have joined JkS in an online call for #Libertad, demanding the release of Amiko.

Armiro bloc grows in the South
Joining Montebloj, the governors of three other states south of the canal have issued a joint letter stressing peace and simultaneously stressing that under no circumstances would they recognize Angelo Koralo as acting Prezidanto. With the support of Bonporton, Surdaj, and Lagurbo, Armiro's position has been somewhat revived, though it should be noted that Bonporton's participation is on paper only, as the Governor has lost control of the urban center making up the core of his state.

Koralo demands loyalty of State Guards, few respond
Much more nebulous than Armiro's bloc, it was hard to estimate how much of the country actually supported the man in the capital. It was expected that he would dominate much of the wealthy center of the country, north of the canal, where the KLP typically performs best. However, it appears he has antagonized many today by requesting State Governors to call up the State Guards to secure order. While Governors have started doing so, worryingly few have agreed to actually cooperate with the administration in Urbo de Liberico.

Other than the Federal District, Koralo's direct support has shrunk only to the nearby states of Belago and Kamparana.

Bonporton Rioters evolve into Revolutionaries
With no sign of national intervention due to the breakdown in cooperation at high levels, all attempts by police forces to maintain order in Bonporton have abjectly failed. The State Guard have received orders to be called up, but less than a third have arrived at bases still controlled by the Governor in the rural north of the state. It is worried by some, though denied by the State Government, that some units of the State Guard have defected and either joined protesters or started simply looting.

In the central urban area of Bonporton, utilities and services are being cut one by one. The city council has folded completely after a vetoed motion to negotiate the demands of the protesters led to LibSolPro councilors removing the Mayor. In response, the disorganized protest movements have started aligning more and more, including organizing volunteer emergency service units to respond in protester-held areas, organized by social media.

Additionally, the protest movements have reportedly convened to establish a "Cooperation Council", under the united title of Libertad. A combined protest surrounded Hove Precint Jail, where Lucjo Amiko is being held, effectively putting it under siege. Without an immediate, concerted response, the national government will lose any pretense of influence in it's South-Western city.

by **Volga-Dnieper** » Tue Mar 10, 2020 3:45 pm

11.03.2020

Crisis In Isthmian Republic; COMFOR comments

The economic crisis that hit the capitalist world system in January 2020 left no place untouched, but in this very moment it is bringing a whole nation to the point of implosion.

Isthmian Republic has always been derisively mentioned in TSPR as the epitome of decadent capitalism it is. With the economy based heavily on so-called "sin industries" involving direct exploitation of poor and in need, and financial sector involving indirect exploitation of worker classes of the world, it has been referred to as the "black market of the Olympia." However, that never prevented cooperation over the Central Isthmian Canal and formation of the Mu-Kal Union.

Not relying on the productive sectors of the economy, the country was highly susceptible to swings in financial sphere of the world systems. We have found a report by comrades S.B.Ostojich and K.V.Pompeev analyzing possibility of Isthmian economy collapsing in case of a financial crisis. For the first month of the crisis, the report stated 75% probability of collapse; for the first quarter of the crisis that possibility was estimated to be 95%. The report was published way in 2018 and passed largely unnoticed. Little did we know...

The collapse of derivative packages had immediate effect on Isthmian economy and political sphere. Financial sector of the Isthmus collapsed almost completely and billions of monetary units dissipated in the air. President Antono Brava has gone missing with his family and their status and whereabouts are still unknown. In the wake of the crisis the Chairman of the Chamber of Delegates was impeached and Angelo Koralo took the office while Vice President Abelo Armiro declared himself the new President even without waiting the so-called "hunt for Brava" to end. The leaders of the legislative and executive immediately clashed, supported by their respective sections of the police force and the President had to leave the capital.

At the moment it is known that Armiro gathers support to the south while Koralo tries to mobilize supporters to the north of the Canal.

In a separate chain of events, the agglomeration of Bonporton was engulfed in left-wing protests. Attempts to quash the voice of people once again only lead to escalation. Police force has lost any resemblance of control of the city and the council government is being formed from the protesting groups. This move is effectively removing the city from the grasp of any resemblance of the central government, whether under legislature or executive.

Anna N. Kalafatova,
People's Commissar on Foreign Affairs

So what is TSPR to do? On the emergency press conference on foreign affairs, COMFOR of TSPR, Anna N. Kalafatova commented on the situation.

"Well, what can I say?" She stated answering the question which one of the pretenders is to be more favourable. "It doesn't matter for the people of the Isthmus who is to emerge supreme from the President and the Chair of the Parliament. Both are entrenched and entangled in the corrupt political system of the Isthmus and both won't do a thing to save their country from imploding, simply because now no force in the world can save the Republic."

Commissar commented that she doesn't know how exactly the republic will end up but outlined six possible successors: President's domain, Parliament Chair's fiefdom, Isthmian Moorlands, Bonporton area, Trans-Isthmian islands and canal area. She also told a surprising story after that:

"I've overheard young Air Force commanders, my son including, planning a strike on Isthmian Moorlands with about five or six CAS regiments to disarm the mercenary bands there. Good thing I have talked them out of it. Don't know why they were plotting this move."

Commenting on the Bonporton, COMFOR stated that "it is fortunate to see the protestors rising and self-organizing there" but we should be wary of actions of Isthmian Moorlands, a region mostly under control of landowners. However, on the question whether TSPR will be able to help our comrades in Bonporton, her response was full of confidence:

"We will be committed to help our comrades no matter our differences. Transport Aviation Command has assured me that if the capitalist exploiters and their paramilitary schmoes are to blockade Bonporton, we will be able to airlift four thousand tons of supplies per day and I believe we are preparing for that. And I think our hawks from homeland bases will come for help on a furthest hint of them needing help. Fortunately, we can restrain them." After a pause she added. "For a moment."

At the end of the conference, she summarized the situation on the Isthmus in a sentence-like way:

"Relying on financial bubbles they've dug their own grave. Now they have fallen in it. Isthmian Republic will soon be no more."

Yekaterina A. Klimova

by **Tero Malstreciga** » Wed Mar 11, 2020 8:11 am

UNU STELO
Urbo de Liberico Issue, 12/03/2020

Malstrecigano Meltdown - As shown by news headlines (Followup)

Where are the Armed Forces?
With the ongoing collapse of the central government of Tero Malstreciga, many have speculated as to how the Armed Forces will respond, particularly considering the ambiguous nature of their commander in chief. While the Republican Army has failed to organize any concerted response (it's believed individual units have affiliated themselves with different sides of the conflict), the Air Force was quick to respond by declaring itself a non-partisan entity. The Air Force has grounded its aircraft and is carefully guarding its bases, but has otherwise effectively withdrawn itself from any potential conflict.

It was expected that the Navy would be making a similar arrangement by most, but this expectation was quickly thrown out when Admiral Luksa mobilized a large part of the Malstrecigano fleet this afternoon. Marine forces conveyed by the Navy secured the Nikelo Canal Zone, and Luksa's navy has started patrolling the waters on both sides of the Canal. He issued a speech that his loyalty was to the nation, and denounced the "political theater" ongoing between Armiro and Koralo. Luksa's play for the Canal Zone was a success, and he is now holding it and doing what he can to ensure "regular operation" of the canal for passenger and cargo vessels.

Virtually the entire Navy has rallied behind Luksa, apart from two corvettes based in the Trankvilavoj Islands, the crews of which have declared neutrality, and a submarine undergoing regular maintenance in Bonporton, after the Dockworkers Union refused to release the vessel.

The States go their own ways
Varying from statements of non-partisanship all the way to declarations of independence in some cases, the majority of the state and territorial governments in the nation have expressed no interest in backing either Koralo or Armiro as their head of state.

In the Kvarurbo, at the Chamber of Commerce, the state governor announced the formation of the National Security Alliance for the purpose of holding the country together while also avoiding conflict. A number of other wealthy central states soon signed on, and Fajra Orabela was elected provisional Chairwoman of the organization.

The NSA's quick expansion up the Isthmus was stopped however, when the governors of Grandabieno, Malflava, and Minoj, issued a joint declaration proclaiming the formation of the Malstrecigano Federation, intended to form a new, better democracy for participating states. The letter left an open invitation to other state governments, an offer taken up by the Intiqilla Native Territory shortly afterwards. The Federation's states will be handling affairs individually for now, while a constitutional convention is prepared.

It is unclear which way the state of Riviera will go after declaring independence from Urbo de Liberico. The state's strange government, a coalition of Savfronto and Yaqonqe Rajtoj (both minor national parties, and often politically opposed at the national level), is not well aligned with either the NSA or the Malstrecigano Federation.

In the Trankvilavoj Islands, meanwhile, protests and the sudden halt of support from the Isthmus itself have destabilized the territory. The Governor, Vilhelmo Venka, has declared a state of emergency, but it is unclear what actions the governor will take.

The Moorlands Problem
The Moorlands Territories in the South of the country produce the large majority of domestic food, as well as holding important oil resources in the deep south. The sparsely populated but strategically vital territories are virtually owned by the Ruralista class, a landowning group that differs politically with the wealthy of the North. The Moorlands governments, all of which are near identical KLP-ApN coalitions, have today issued a unilateral declaration of independence. A constitutional convention is soon to be held in the Novandlimo Territory.

Unlike the Malstrecigano Federation in the north of the country, which is similar on the surface, there are a number of serious concerns about the brewing Republic in the Moorlands. There have been reports that mercenary forces hired by ruralistas, already cause for concern, have been illegally evicting tenants, and there is some concern of a racial bias in these activities.

Bonporton is Goneporton
It must be admitted, Bonporton is completely lost.

National police units withdrew entirely from the city today, including retreating from the Hove Jail which was holding protest leader Lucjo Amiko. Amiko was recorded making a speech and meeting with protesters outside the jail in a video that was widely spread on social media. The reaction to the effective victory of protesters in the city was parties and celebrations throughout the day and well into that night, however this has alerted some to a serious issue that the city will need to solve soon. Bonporton ran out of alcohol today, and other more vital supplies might not be much longer behind.

In the former city hall building, a number of representatives of different movements agreed to the formation of the United Front, as well as the establishment of an emergency government. The United Front includes Libertad and it's associated movements, the FdLA (the coalition of labour unions in the city), Volontula Defendkomitato (a body of state guards and soldiers which defected), and even some former councilors of LibSolPro. The emergency government will take the form of an Executive Presidium of the United Front, which has elected Lucjo Amiko as Chairman, and Gaja Mirinda as General Secretary.

They have declared themselves the "Bonporton Commune" and have requested that neighboring groups recognize and respect their autonomy. While Armiro's government to the north has been far too preoccupied to do anything about the revolution, the brewing Moorlands Republic has not. Food shipments have been stopped from crossing the border by mercenary groups, an attempt to starve out the socialists. This has led to a number of small firefights at the border between the Commune and the territory held by the Ruralistas.

The Emergency Government has reportedly started concentrating volunteer groups into a more organized militia, and essential supplies left in abandoned stores have been seized and stockpiled to be rationed out as the situation gradually declines.

by **Volga-Dnieper** » Sun Mar 15, 2020 10:08 am

12.03.2020

Bonporton Commune Recognized

All expectations of TSPR COMFOR, Anna Nikolayeva Kalafatova, were spectacularly confirmed sooner than expected. Isthmian Republic is collapsing before our eyes. On the note of particular interest, the city area of Bonporton has proclaimed its independence as a sovereign Bonporton Commune. Almost immediately the so-called "Moorlands Republic" of plutocrats and landlords established its hostile attitude towards the new nation by cutting any land route from Moorlands to Bonporton in an attempt to starve the city out.

The reaction of Tanayan government was immediate. In the special communique, the Central Executive Committee of the Assembly of Soviets and the People's Commissariat of Foreign Affairs have officially recognized Bonporton Commune. Congratulating the success of popular uprising, the communique nevertheless noted that a victory in one city is only an episode in the global fight for social libertaion.

Comrade COMFOR confirmed her intent to make a diplomatic visit to Bonporton in shortest notice.

Transport Aviation Command has issued a statement of its own: in response to a blockade, deliver 1,800 tons of food and cargo through Bonporton Aerodrome daily.

As Nivol M. Polyanskiy (K-10), Commander of the Transport Aviation Command, stated: "First aircraft were launched two hours after the communique. We will be launching one aircraft every two hours, each with 150 tons of food and/or medical supplies, escorted by aircraft from the Air Army Homeland. After arrival the plane will have two hours for unloading before taking off back home. This is the most intensive operation we have done."

When asked about the promise to COMFOR about 4,000 tons per day, Polyanskiy admitted his mistake.
"We have miscalculated. Aerodrome can't handle more than 1,800 tons per day and now we're scraping equipment for para-dropping more cargo. We were not prepared for massive para-drops but we will do our best to start them as fast as possible. We will not fail the people of Bonporton or I will surrender myself to the Councils' trial."

With these development, we, the journalists and editors of VT, can only re-state what the Central Executive Committee has stated in the communique.

Never falter. In these hard times, we, the people of Tanaya, will help you with everything we have.
Never falter. In these hard times, we, the people of Tanaya, will stand alongside you in our common quest for social liberation.
Never falter. Though these are hard times, together, we, the people of Isthmus and of Tanaya ─ we shall persevere!

Milovan M. Milovanov II
And all his comrades in Vrijemena Tanaji

by **Tero Malstreciga** » Thu Mar 19, 2020 6:25 am

UNU STELO
Urbo de Liberico Issue, 20/03/2020

The End of the World As We Know It

The North
The northern part of the Isthmus has been the least violently impacted by the ongoing situation, nonetheless major changes have been impacting all of the Northern States and Territories.

Some of the increasingly rare good news has come out of the brewing Malstrecigano Federation. Elected representatives from Grandabieno, Malflava, Minoj, and the Intiqilla Native Territory, met in Sangoverŝado Pasu (voted the provisional capital) to enshrine a constitution for their new federation. The document that won the day takes a number of leads from the constitution of the Federal Republic of Lykens, a leading influence in the region. Several participants noted this similarity positively, noting that the Lykensian system was "clearly a more successful and more democratic mode of government".

The Federation has created a unicameral legislative assembly (the Federal Assembly) elected by party list proportional voting, as well as a position of Federal President, which will serve as the head of state of this newly developing democracy. After the finalization of the constitution, the provisional assembly dissolved itself, and organization began in all four participating regions to initiate the first elections.

Meanwhile, the neighboring state of Riviera has moved quickly. After the local branches of the governing parties merged to form the Universala Savo-Partio, the state government issued a declaration of independence. The State Assembly which signed off on that declaration went straight to work passing a constitution for the new Riverine Republic, in which local precincts can send delegates up a chain of conventions through a caucusing system to derive a National Parliament. The National Parliament elects the Minister-President, both head of state and head of government.

The State Assembly, which converted itself into the first National Parliament, elected Murdo Mortigi as Minister-President in a somewhat surprising and confusing move. The local film actor and author has a history with some political activism, but has never held any political office and was not registered to any political party. Concerns were also raised about several unresolved criminal cases Mortigi was potentially involved in. Mortigi made a statement on SignPost that he was honoured to be offered the role and would be taking the job seriously.

The South
The big news of the South has of course been the TSPR's sudden and massive support offered to the Bonporton Commune. The aid, providing food, medical supplies, and other necessary equipment, as well as recognition of sovereignty, has been the single most significant factor in the stabilization of the situation in the Commune.

While Wards prepare to send representatives to a National Convention, which will elect a Presidium and a Premier, the Emergency Government continued normalizing the situation. The United Front has reformed into the Peoples Front, after a Treaty of Cooperation was signed between four political movements (Libertad, Laboremaj Aliancanoj, the PNDP, and the local branch of LibSolPro). Other bodies including the General Federation of Trade Unions and the Socialist Womens' Alliance have started participating in the Front, and more are expected, but only the four "Political Signatories" are allowed to participate in elections directly.

Most of the disorganized militia forces have consolidated under the Bonporton Volunteer Army, which is answering directly to the Peoples Front. The BVA is occupying the Bonporton Aerodrome, and has been responsible for transferring TSPR supplies to the government which has been distributing them as necessary. Attempts have been made to restore regular operation to businesses with the establishment of Collectives for different industries, though very little beyond absolute necessities has returned to operation due to uncertainty about economic policy, even as far as concerns about whether currency will remain in use.

The Emergency Government has also been preparing carefully to host a visit by the Tanayan COMFOR, working particularly hard to ensure the security of the visit. Lucjo Amiko, leading the Emergency Government, has stated that "The government in Plamen is a better friend to the Malstrecigano people than any government in Urbo de Liberico in history. I promise to all, we will remember the allies of freedom always."

Beyond the Commune, the situation in the South is growing increasingly messy. Mercenary units are continuing to battle with BVA and political militia groups on the Bonporton-Moorlands border, and are even beginning to launch raids into states loyal to Prezidanto Armiro. The newly dubbed Moorlands Citizens Republic remains internally chaotic, as ethnic discrimination ramps up and private groups stake individual claims. It is feared that the MCR's provisional civilian government is starting to lose control of some of the mercenaries operating in its territories, with the failure to rein in attacks against the Armiro government.

The Center
While the North continues an orderly exit and establishment of local democratic institutions, and the South continues to struggle with violence and anarchy, the Center of the Isthmus has been utterly lethargic, unable to respond to the ongoing crises.

The Armiro and Koralo governments continue to sling threats and insults at each other, and opposing insurgents in the territory of both sides have destabilized the situation, though the main armed forces of both groups have been kept apart by the successes of the NSA and Admiral Luksa's intervention. Both Armiro and Koralo have started focusing on internally consolidating their position, as well as trying to win over territories of the NSA.

The State of Imperio, split off from the rest of the NSA territories by Koralo's hold on Kamparana, has been wracked by militias supporting both Presidents, which has resulted in the near collapse of the state government. The rest of the NSA territories have been more successful, with Chairwoman Orabela successfully restoring a semblance of order to the wealthy central states putting their trust in the alliance. The NSA has confirmed that it still recognizes the "legal government" of the Tero Malstreciga Republic, and is not a separatist movement, but has carefully avoided indicating either candidate as preferred.

Admiral Luksa's control of the Nikelo Canal Zone has also been successful, with the disciplined Marine Corps holding unchallenged control of the territory. Several units of the self-declared neutral Tero Malstreciga Airforce have landed in the Klifo Airbase within the zone, effectively placing themselves under Luksa's command. The Admiral controls the most professional and capable military force in the entire Isthmian region, and has successfully ensured the safety of transit through the Nikelo Canal. Onlookers now question what else the Admiral intends to do with the growing forces under his command.

In the Trankvilavoj Islands, the State Guard answered the call of Governor Vilhelmo Venka, and the situation has stabilized. It was expected that Venka, appointed by the Brava government, would declare for his long-time ally Armiro if he succeeded in reestablishing control of the islands. Instead, Venka has surprised onlookers by making no such announcement, and agreeing to meet with agitator and protester leaders on the islands to come to what he called a "long-term answer to the question of the future of the Islands and their government".

by **Volga-Dnieper** » Fri Mar 20, 2020 8:51 pm

05.02.2020

Cyclone Yue: TSPR Steps In

The Cyclone Yue has claimed more that 80 thousand lives and caused enough damage to almost cripple the economies of less prepared nations of South-East Nori. One particular case was the Sepuran People's Republic, a member of the International Revolutionary Pact and our strategic partner in SE Nori. The government of Pembela Wibawa Ilham Setiawan was unprepared to handle the cyclone appropriately: streets of Tewah are still flooded in some areas and the levies and dams protecting coastal areas are still not repaired appropriately.

"When nations of the IRP fail to handle the needs of their people, it is the obligation of the rest of the Pact to step in and help." People's Commissar on Foreign Affairs, Anna N. Kalafatova, stated on the press conference on the situation in Sepura. She announced a major aid program for Sepura in order to deal with the damage caused by the Cyclone Yue.

"We may disagree with Sepuran government on many points but what matters is that they are member of the IRP. Whether it will be food, medical supplies, construction material or works of various kind ─ we are ready to assist Sepuran government and Sepuran people with everything we have."

The aid will be divided on direct resource aid and indirect aid via works of various kind. Emphasis will be placed on construction and civil engineering works to prevent further disasters like that from affecting the country. Essential supplies will also be provided as needed via units of Tanayan People's Revolutionary Army in Sepura: what was an informal practice will be formalized from now on.

Critics pointed out the excessive cost of the program in times of global recession. It is known that the Chairman of the Presidium of the CEC-AoS, Alexandra A. Stamboliyskaya, was opposed to the program on the grounds of it interfering with the 11th Eight-Year Plan. The other concern was the high level of corruption in Sepuran government: this criticism comes from the Institute of Sociopolitical Studies (ISPS) whose Chairman-Director, Kantemir K. Korenev, pointed out that resources may just go to waste or to black market regardless of Tanayan efforts.

Regardless of that, our international obligations come first. We will not abandon Sepuran people in times of need.

Milovan M. Milovanov II

by **Gifftan** » Thu Apr 02, 2020 6:28 am

by **Irpan** » Tue Apr 07, 2020 5:56 am

Irpan City Herald
Insurrection in Shapeshte]

Shock has racked the nation today as the northern city of Shapeshte has been taken by terrorist forces. The terrorists, who belong to the cult The Brotherhood of the Sacred Flame, have declared Shapeshte as the capital of a new religious Irpan state. From within the city our sources have reported actions of grievous harm being conducted by the terrorist forces. The burning of women and men who have committed sins beyond forgiveness have been witnessed. In turn ritual burning of people seen as having committed minor sins are also taking place. Our man on the ground reports that the Irpan tradition of the Burning Coal is being used as a redemption act by the terrorists.

The army has already dispatched troops to the area, but Shapeshte is an ancient fortress city and the government is reportedly not allowing the use of heavy artillery in an attempt to preserve the ancient architecture of the city.

Refugees are flooding out of the city and today the total number of recorded refugees has reached a staggering total of ten thousand from a city of two hundred thousand. The refugees tell more horrifying stories of preachers being executed by drowning for preaching the wrong word. The tale of Jericho, the prophet of The Brotherhood of the Sacred Flame, preaching from loud speakers throughout the city is enough to cause many of the refugees to shake in fear again.

Today the government of his Imperial Majesty Nigel Jonathan has banned all meetings of The Brotherhood of the Sacred Flame and taken two hundred of their preachers into custody for questioning. The Government has also declared war on the Religious Republic of Irpan as Jericho has named his new state based in Shapeshte and the Emperor has said he will take all actions to remove this force from Irpan.

by **Irpan** » Sun Apr 12, 2020 4:17 am

Irpan City Herald
Shapeshte aflame

The city of Shapeshte is burning tonight as the fires of the terrorists and government bombardment leave the city in ruins. The government bombardment began yesterday at five in the morning targeting known terrorist positions in the city. Heavy rocket artillery had been firing constantly for a day before marines of the tenth regiment were ordered into the city. They reported a graveyard had been found not the once mighty fortress city. The artillery, which government officials had allowed after all attempts at negotiation had failed, had done its damage, but the terrorists had also taken a heavy toll on the city destroying and killing anything and anyone they couldn't take with them.

The city of Shapeshte is back in government hands now but the threat of Jericho and his extremists remains. In a speech today a government spokesman said, "The threat of the Brotherhood of Sacred Flame is one we can not lightly ignore. The fact they took a city from the control of the legitimate government of Irpan is a sure sign of worse things to come." This statement came as a followup to the announcement by one of Jericho's four "apprentices", what the common military would deem a general, has announced his forces of the Brotherhood of Sacred Flame would be directing a holy war abroad to liberate other peoples from the yoke of the their oppressors.

Not much is known about this threat of foreign action, but if the toll on the civilian lives of Shapeshte is anything to go by the Brotherhood of the Sacred Flame are a group to be feared for its brutality.

by **Meronnia** » Mon Apr 13, 2020 12:20 pm

Rectress General Passes Away
Ginette Gallois, Mèronie 24
^{April 14, 2020}

Rectress General Lise XI has headed the Annic Church for more than two decades.

(M24) — Questions around the health of the Annic Rectress General have been raised over the past few months after her seemingly ill appearance during several speeches, followed by an uncharacteristic lack of public appearances. Further concern was raised over the past week when images were leaked online of heart surgeons being delivered to the Motherhouse via helicopter. The Motherhouse has confirmed today that the Rectress General has passed away at 9:30 this morning, due to complications from a long-standing heart condition.

Lise XI was elected to her position in 1996 on the eighteenth ballot of the Assembly, after a very contentious debate within the Church about their direction. Lise was initially selected as an unambitious compromise-candidate, but in her position as the head of the Annic Church she showed her humble capability to lead the faithful theologically, as well as direct the church administratively.

Turning around the finances of the Annic Church was Lise's first achievement. Spearheading projects to modernize the Church including Annic TV, the Rectress General quickly ridded the Church of its reputation as an institution of history, and also opened up new streams of revenue. Tithes, monastic payments, and other incomes were invested in the establishment of a number of index funds and real estate properties, bringing the Church into the black and ultimately leading to a large rise in charitable work funded by the church.

Moving on from her success in modernizing the temporal aspects of the church, she next targeted the theological. Reforms spearheaded by the Rectress General saw males enter the Motherhouse for the first time in several hundred years, a thaw in relations with other Beoin sects in the country, and a softening in rhetoric on a number of social issues. The Church under Lise XI also spearheaded a number of programs to fight poverty, particularly focusing on the wellbeing of children. The Rectress General was perhaps best known though for her charismatic public addresses, being the first leader of the Annic Church to appear on television.

Her passing signifies the end of an era for the Church of Saint Annais. Abbeys and Priories throughout Mèronie and internationally will ring bells of mourning, and even the highest ranking sisters will be wearing habits of black. Also to be distributed, the late Rectress General issued a short encyclical on her deathbed, which has yet to be publicized.

Perhaps most significantly, this event will mean that the first Rectress General elected in the 21st Century will soon be selected. The Conclave has sent a Black Letter to the Abbesses of the church, instructing them to travel to the Motherhouse for the process of selecting the next Head of the Church. At this time, there is little indication as to who might be selected to follow the legacy of the Rectress General often nicknamed the Smiling Nun.

NEXT
| Mèron Response to Isthmian Crisis | Autonomous Lunar Landing | Magnostria 2020 |

by **Meronnia** » Tue Apr 14, 2020 12:29 pm

The Motherhouse,
April 15th

The Bell of Ermenildis was rung from the highest point of the greatest monastery in the Annic Church, and would continue ringing for two hours. The procession of the Assembly, more than six hundred black-habited abbesses from across the world, slowly advanced through the gates of the Motherhouse in which they would be enclosed. As they walked, they released and trampled rose petals, as they murmured Baatal-language chants in memory of the Rectress General. They begged on her behalf that she be graced with God's mercy and be lifted into the heavens, and not cast back to mortal damnation.

Lise XI had served for twenty-four years. Consequently, especially with the traditionally youthful focus of the Annic Church, this was the first procession of mourning that many of the abbesses, let alone the devout, would experience. The old guard would see them through, railing off their chants as tears streamed, and marching to an almost military precision.

Above, in the monastery itself, the deacons and the service orders fluttered about in preparation for the rarest traditions regularly practiced by their church, everything must be perfect.

As the last of the Assembly processed through the gate, it was closed, then locked, by three members of the Conclave. That night, a bonfire would be lit that would be visible from Socrè, and the body of Lise XI would be conveyed in ash to the heavens. Then, and only then, would politics begin; The Abbesses of the Annic Church would not reemerge until the next Rectress General was elected.

by **Gifftan** » Sat Apr 18, 2020 10:50 am

VICES GALORE !

AS BACKSTREET CLUBS AND SHOPS MULTIPLY, CRITICS SAY REGULATIONS TOO LAX

At it’s gayest and brightest, Caerwydn’s west side is like a big fairground; cinemas, theatres, and restaurants all do their part to ensure a good time will be had by all. So why should anyone worry? Certainly nothing disturbs the minds of the happy folk out on a jolly evening?

This is the home of the drinking clubs, most of them harmless, long-established, unobjectionable; members can drink there and see a show—just a shade more exotic than in other places. Nothing to worry about here. Members can drink at these clubs in the afternoon when the pubs are closed—though liscencing laws are quite another matter for the pubs themselves.

High-class floor-show clubs are fashionable just now, and being clubs they’re free of some of the regulations which apply to theatres—which means the entertainment is exotic. Baratza has come to Caerwydn, members can almost imagine they’re on another continent. All the same, some authorities don’t like the idea—they want Baratza kept well on the Boagan side of the water.

But just a stone’s throw from the bright lights it’s a different story again—seemy backstreet book shops do brisk buisness in what many people say is pornography, for this is a place catering for all tastes—low included. Where unlisted cinemas screen forbidden films, and obscene photographs are bought and sold in dark alleyways.

Drugs also pose a great problem for the city, shops and houses ofen become fronts for opium dens, or cannabis farms. And in the harbour district, smugglers in quiet, unlit boats come to offload their illicit wares.
In some cellars and back-rooms, internet cafés can be found hiding—sometimes alone but more often than not as part of smuggling and trafficking rings.

With all these crimes happening on our streets, is it not time now that more was done about them?

by **Lunderfrau** » Thu Apr 23, 2020 9:31 am

The Salzewinde Times

Since 1740

KAISERIN COMES OUT!

Laubenhugel, Lunderfrau 12:00 noon, 23/4/2020-

Kaiserin Elise made history today when she announced at a news conference in the palace press room that she is Gay and in a relationship with her longtime friend and Head of Staff, Giselle Kholer. This makes the Kaiserin the first LGBTQ Monarch in Lunderfrausian History. The announcement comfirms long held rumors about the Kaiserins sexuality.

Speaking to the press, the Kaiserin seemed relaxed and at ease, stating “Coming out today has lifted a great weight on my shoulders” She confirmed that she and Kholer had been dating for several years. The two, who met at Crown University in 2006 during their undergratuate studies had been described as close friends by Matriarchy officials prior to this announcement. Kholer graduated in 2010 with a Dual Degree in Political Science and Aristocratic Studies, quickly finding work on the personal staff of Theodora IV. Kaiserin Elise elevated Kholer to the position of Head of Staff for Palace in 2015 when she ascended the throne. As of now the two are engaged to be wed. While a specific date for the wedding has yet to be Chosen, the Kaiserin stated she believed it would likely be sometime in Spring 2021.

Reactions to the Announcement Varried:

For most of the Matriarchy, today’s announcement by the Kaiserin was welcomed with open arms. Upon hearing of the announcement, members of the LGBTQ Community in several Lunderfrausian cities made their way to public parks and other spaces to celebrate, waving flags and cheering. These demonstrations have thus far stayed peacefull, though a gathering in the City of Moosehausen was dispersed by the personal retinue of Duchess Claudia Stein.

Among those displeased with the announcement, Duchess Claudia of the Duchy of Hinterwalder described the situation as “abhorrent” and suggested the Kaiserin was encouraging “Acts of Depravity that go against the teachings of Arda and Theo”. The announcement has also rattled the Church of Lunderfrau. The Church, which the Kaiserin is the de facto leader of , actively condemns LGBTQ lifestyles and relationships. Today’s announcement sets up a fight between the Kaiserin and her church.

by **Meronnia** » Thu Apr 23, 2020 11:30 am

Rectress General Margot II
Ginette Gallois, Mèronie 24
^{April 24, 2020}

Sister Roselyne Lucroy was elected on the 33rd ballot.

(M24) — The heir to the passed Rectress General Lise XI has been selected and officially empowered, which preceded a short speech to the Annic faith. The new Rectress General spoke to the faithful via radio, promising all that the church would "enter the next degree of faith".

Sister Roselyne Lucroy is a young abbess from eastern Meronnia who only ascended to her previous position a little over a year ago. Popular among the "Firebrand" stream of thought in the church, the Abbess reportedly suffers from occasional fits and seizures, sometimes seen as a sign of divine assignment by Annic theologians (though many medical professionals have tried to resist the worship of these symptoms in the past).

There are many signs that this was not a standard appointment. The election of Lise XI took place over three days. Her predecessor was elected on the first ballot. In this case, thirty-three votes were held by the Assembly over nine days before unanimity was achieved for a candidate who was perhaps seen initially as a dark horse behind more direct followers in the footsteps of Lise XI. Further, the new Rectress General has taken the name Margot, after the third Rectress General who managed the church during a large portion of the Religious Wars.

It is, as of yet, unclear what this appointment will mean for the Annic Church. Over the next few days, the Rectress General will appoint the Rectresses of the many Orders of the Church, and make other such major decisions. Many Rectress Generals have been young, but the particular youth of Margot II means the policies she pursues may be in place in the church for a generation.

NEXT
| Lise XI Passes | Mèron Response to Isthmian Crisis | Autonomous Lunar Landing |

by **Meronnia** » Thu Apr 23, 2020 12:09 pm

The Motherhouse,
April 23rd

Sister Roselyne was prostrated in the center of the Great Atrium, whispering a prayer. The Assembly watched and burned incense.

After ten minutes of prayer, she stood. She was surrounded by hundreds of abbesses, all in habits of purest white. Directly encircling her were six of the members of the Conclave, whispering prayers of their own. Suddenly, the assembly began to hum.

"I swear to God Almighty and all the Prophets that I shall keep all that has been revealed through Beo and his Successors, and what the councils and my predecessors have defined and declared."

To her left, one delicately handed her a rose, heavily thorned. She took it in her hand while keeping her face forward, and clenched. She winced, ever so slightly, as a few droplets of blood escaped between her fingers. The humming grew louder.

"I will keep without sacrifice to itself the discipline and the rite of the Church. I will put outside the Church whoever dares to go against this oath, may it be somebody else or I."

One behind her struck her back with a switch. It was difficult not to stumble.

"If I should undertake to act in anything of contrary sense, or should permit that it will be executed, Thou willst not be merciful to me on the dreadful Day of Divine Justice."

Her habit was removed, and oils were poured into her hair. She tried not to glance to the right as she continued to the finale.

"Accordingly, without exclusion, we subject to severest excommunication anyone - be it ourselves or be it another - who would dare to undertake anything in contradiction to this constituted holy tradition and the purity of the Annic Faith and the Beoin Religion, or would seek to change anything by opposing efforts, or would agree with those who undertake a blasphemous venture."

The iron rod, held up to her right, was glowing orange. A wooden block was placed in her mouth and she closed her eyes as she clasped it with her right hand. The Assembly opened their mouths as one and their humming became a shout.

Newly elected and anointed Margot II lay in bed. Perhaps the greatest reward of all that was afforded to the Rectress General was a separate bedchamber in the High Dormitory of the Motherhouse, which overlooked the ocean beyond. She was exhausted and pained, and let out a sigh as she glanced down to her bandaged hands. Turning back, she looked to Sister Josette.

Sister Josette was seated next to her bed and had said very little since the anointing ceremonies. She had a bowl of soup in her stilled hands. "What is it?"

The sister turned to meet her gaze, before quickly glancing down at bowl. "Nothing, Mother Rectress General."

The Rectress General scoffed and shuffled over, prodding the sister's knee with her wrapped left hand (the much less delicate one, at the moment). "Speak."

Josette tutted, and repositioned in her seat. "You did not need to be subjected to that."

Margot sighed. "It is the ceremony of anointment. I can not serve if I am not anointed." To this, Josette furrowed her brow.

"Rectress General Lise prepared an encyclical to change the ceremony. We... you could have..." Running out of words, she simply waved a hand in the air.

Leaning back on her pillow, and staring at the roof, Margot filled the silence. "Accordingly, without exclusion, we subject to severest excommunication anyone - be it ourselves or be it another - who would dare to undertake anything in contradiction to this constituted holy tradition. Lise XI underwent the same process, when she was elected. It is a temporary suffering... Much like this life in general. Now," she tilted her head to the side. "Could you help me with my soup?" Josette pursed her lips, and grabbed hold of the drifting spoon.

by **Altaiire** » Sun May 03, 2020 4:30 pm

Naval Fleet Welcomes First in New Class of Submarines

3 MAY, 2020 - On a fair weathered Sunday afternoon at the Cestria Naval Port in Alkyon, the Arch Knight Naval Fleet commissioned the first of its new Anthem-class submarines in a spectacular public ceremony.

Delta HMR executives pose for a photograph with the crew
of the AKNV Anthem in Cestria, Alkyon, 3 May 2020.

In attendance were the ship's 95-man-strong crew, commanded by Captain Hector Doxiadis, and many esteemed Naval Fleet officers from the Citadel of Tranquility, including 8th Fleet Commander Admiral Abrax, Submarine Force Commander Vice Admiral Orestes, and NAVROC Director Admiral Thernion. From the submarine's builder, Delta HMR, was President Waylon Marriott, Executive Engineer Einion Greives, and what seemed like as many of the shipbuilder’s employees as they could fit around the docks. The CEO of IoN Corporation, Mihil Xachariah, was also allegedly present, though in typical fashion stayed well away from the public eye.

Mr. Marriott gave the opening address, making a point to celebrate the work of the shipbuilder's employees that helped to design and build the new vessel. "For many of us gathered here, including myself, this was our first experience with designing and building an entirely new class of submarine,” said Mr. Marriott. “During my time serving at Delta, I have had the privileged honor to work alongside a maturing workforce, full of aspiration, watching as they developed their skills and rose to the challenge of delivering the most technologically advanced vessel to ever serve amongst the honored ranks of our Empire's mighty fleets.”

“If my great-grandfather were alive today to see what has become of that small, startup company he and his dear friends made to build a quaint little submersible that would become known as the Argo, I am certain he would be immensely proud of how far we have come, and all that we have managed to accomplish. From the bottom of my heart I would like to thank each and every one of you for the contributions you have made over these last ten years. I, our nation, our esteemed Arch Knights, and Altair's Light itself are indebted to your efforts."

The design of the AKNV Anthem (hull serial SM1270000) comes with significant technological improvements over the previous Adept class. Overall, the ship is significantly smaller than the previous class, displacing only 6,700 tons submerged compared to the Adept's 7,400 tons. Despite this, the armament has been improved upon, as the Anthem retains the Adept's 12 vertical launch cells while increasing its 4 torpedo tubes in diameter from 533 mm to 570 mm. While there are no 570 mm torpedoes in the Naval Fleet's arsenal, the increase in size indicates there may be significant interest in moving beyond the W-AGT03 Arbir in the future, which has served as the mainstay torpedo of the Naval Fleet's submarines for decades.

Some other significant improvements made with the Anthem are its new nuclear reactor, which is simpler and more compact compared to previous designs. Just like the late production Adept-classes, this reactor is designed to last for the life of the ship without needing to be refueled. The Anthem is also the first Arch Knight submarine to use an "X-stern" configuration, which it does in combination with a novel electric drive propulsion system. Lastly, according to Delta, improvements in the modular build process have been made to reduce the time and money required to build each submarine, upwards of 250◎ million per boat.

Experts have said the Anthem's design seems to indicate a desire for the Naval Fleet to increase the number of submarines it can afford to build, not only to increase their at sea deployments but as a long-term plan to keep the Ieroi shipyards - as well as their massive supply chains, which form the keystone of Iero's economy - busy and financially stable. This seems to be the result of hard lessons learned during the turn of the millennium, where “brain drain”, as it has been described, on the part of both the Fleet and the shipbuilders led to the ill-fated cut-short production run of the Bergeron-class submarine. During his speech, Admiral Orestes alluded as much to this goal: “For the long term success of our Empire’s Submarine Force, a routine pace of construction is needed to facilitate the transfer of knowledge from generation to generation. In that sense, the Anthem-class stands to become the bedrock of both the Force and our partners in the industrial base,” he said.

Captain Doxiadis gave the closing address to the commissioning ceremony. "I, and the men who serve alongside me, are honored to receive the privilege to command this magnificent boat. During trials, the Anthem has assuredly proven to be a masterpiece of Altarian engineering. She sails better, operates better than any other boat I've served on. Undoubtedly, she is the first of many to come, that will define the Submarine Force for an age," he proclaimed. "With her capabilities matched with these brave and worthy sailors, our mission as Arch Knights to ensure the safety of the seas and the prosperity of humanity has been assured like never before."

by **Irpan** » Sun May 10, 2020 9:11 am

Special Forces Deployed to Irpan City on Emperors Birthday

There were scenes of mass unrest today as the Emperor Nigel Jonathan made his way to the Chapel of our Martyr in the centre of Irpan City today. The Emperor was traveling to the Chapel to celebrate his 50th Birthday and take part in the holding of the burning coal ceremony that is required by all Irpanese citizens of the age of 50. His convoy however was stopped from reaching the Chapel when terrorists from the Brotherhood of the Sacred Flame detonated a car bomb in a side street to distract attention from the Emperor before several suicide bombers attempted to mount the barriers and detonate their vests within the Emperors convoy.

The bombers however were stopped by vigilant armed police officers who prevented them from reaching the convoy. The convoy quickly turned around and returned the Emperor to the Palace where he is said to be in good health, if not a little shaken up.

The investigation into how a cell of the Brotherhood of Sacred Flame managed to reach the capital is taking place and Special Force soldiers of Group Alpha have been deployed to Irpan City to take up protection of key government installations within the city freeing up police to follow up on leads.

by **Hovoske** » Thu May 14, 2020 10:37 am

THE BIRTH WAR: VICTORY

RECORD VOLUNTEER NUMBERS FOR NDF

LIRAN CRISIS IRRELEVANT

NATURAL GAS PRODUCTION ACCELERATING

THE FUTURE OF TRANSPORT APPROACHES

Great accolades from all throughout society have been laid at the feet of the Institute of Theoretical Application, where Instructor Vram Kochrian has outlined through rigorous scientific effort the ultimate solution to ground transportation: the construction of Magnetic Rivers by which hovering craft may be rapidly conveyed.

The cost of such construction would doubtlessly be immense, and so only theoretically possible in an incredibly wealthy and successful society such as Hovoske, but rapidity of movement and energy efficiency are key areas of strategic value for the solution, as outlined by Kochrian. The Magnetic River now stands proud as a pillar of utopian ideal which many borough ministries have already expressed their greatest support for. We now have a glorious insight into the future into which we are propelled!

The Patron and the National Forum have yet to make their praises for this endeavor public, but it is certain that the whole of the Accelerationist society is fully behind the innovation which will undoubtedly push us to speeds so far inconceivable.

Inquiries have already been laid with the ITA about how quickly a functional system may be constructed, both for freight and passenger use, and the Executive Panel for Infrastructure has indicated already that it is now in communication with Syndicate partners in preparation for the inevitable order to break ground on such a vigorous and inspiring project.

Instructor Vram Kochrian explains the Magnetic River concept in new video format.

by **Tero Malstreciga** » Sat May 23, 2020 4:18 pm

Nenio Sed La Vero
The Isthmian News
Diubeto, NCZ

24/05/2020
The Blockbuster Budget, or:
How to save an economy.

Kontano Fromago is the architect of the "Blockbuster Budget" within the Malstrecigano Federation's Federal Assembly.

A few months ago, the entire world was in the beginning throes of a global financial meltdown, from which much of the world will yet take years to fully recover from. Respubliko Tero Malstreciga was one of the hardest hit of all, and compounded with the crisis brought on by the still unexplained vanishing of the Prezidanto, Antono Brava, the Isthmian nation was facing down a catastrophic end to any concept of prosperity in the region. Perhaps one of the only things that could make the situation worse was a breakdown of order and start of civil conflict, which unfortunately followed shortly afterwards.

Picking up the pieces from the rapid and extremely disruptive gaggle of crises, the situation has started to become clear. Billions of Stelos in savings have been erased, damage to infrastructure is immense, homelessness and unemployment have more than quadrupled since 2019, and of course the former republic has been divided into a number of cautiously cooperating states with their own governments, and their own policies. Unfortunately, there is no fast fix to be found.

However, the government of what is now the largest successor state to the Republic appears to have taken the right steps to start on the road towards a successful recovery.

The Malstrecigano Federation made a name for itself quickly after several northern state governors declared their intent to form a new and functional democracy for the region, while at the same time disavowing violence as a tool of uniting with other territories. This potential chance at a better democracy in the strategic region was snapped up by nations far-flung across the world, though prominently led by the efforts of the Federal Republic of Lykens, a Mukal regional hegemon which invested significant resources into turning the Federation to their dog in the fight.

The Federation's elected legislature wasted no time in passing a budget orchestrated by Kontano Fromago, a former economist who was elected into the Assembly for the large Progressive Party. Fromago managed to build a coalition of the broad left, as well as poaching votes from the center-right New Liberals through Memorandums of Understanding, to secure a safe majority for the passage of one of the largest single spending bills Tero Malstreciga has seen since the 1920's Concrete Decade.

It's become known as the "Blockbuster Budget" for its scale. Many billions have been allocated to spending in health and welfare, funded primarily by the first progressive income tax the Malstrecigano have ever imposed, along with other firsts such as a separate corporation tax. Playing catch-up on social safety nets isn't the only project undertaken however, funds received in foreign aid and more than ten billion in loans leveraged from Lykens have been allocated for capital and infrastructural spending.

The new Ministry of Works, a public option for a number of infrastructural duties including construction, is expected to break ground on projects to refurbish the rail network (historically neglected in favour of highways), and pick up the halted construction of several already started projects in the northern states, such as a large wind power plant in Grandabieno.

Jobs directly provided by the government's new programs are expected to number, at least, several tens of thousands. Compounded by the newly introduced safety net in the form of a Negative Income Tax scheme, average weekly income statistics have halted their nosedive and are even slightly climbing as the economy fully reopens. This has led to an increase in consumer confidence, and with it an increase in spending which has provided a vital boost to flagging companies within the region.

Stock markets remain flatlined or closed, the banking industry is on life support, and many luxury industries have already been wiped out. However, the fundamentals of the economy have been caught at the edge of the cliff. New statistics show that unemployment decreased this month in the Malstrecigano Federation, compared to steady upward trends in other parts of the isthmus and the wider world.

While many internally criticized the Blockbuster Budget for how much influence it was giving the Federal government over the economy, none can deny the massive stimulus and new foundations established have saved jobs, money, and ultimately lives. Many questions are still open, as to whether the Federation can sustain the sort of spending it has committed to, or whether they can afford the debt they will necessarily take on to do it. If they can stay the course and keep steadily raising the key economic identifiers, one of the first places to be touched by the financial crisis might be one of the first to escape it.

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