O Beautiful, For Heroes Proved, In Liberating Strife.

by **Unoccupied New York** » Tue Jun 06, 2023 11:43 am

Albany, New York

"Mr. Speaker, the Governor of the Commonwealth of New York, the Honorable Michelle Watson!" the sergeant-at-arms intoned as Governor Watson entered the temporary assembly hall chosen for the New York Legislature's joint-session.

They knew what today's business was, a formal announcement and celebration of victory and liberation, due to the hard fighting of ICON and their own fighting forces. They owed ICON a great debt and that would not be ignored. There was even talk of seeking membership or at least an observer status in the organization, for a wide variety of reasons, not least of which was long-term security in the post-war North America. There was also a lot of talk of union with New England and New Jersey, but at present, that was nothing but that....talk. Today's business also included a bill to formally call a constitutional convention for a new constitution that reflected the state's de facto independence with a change of de jure status, as well as another one to formally declare such independence and designate the Governor as "President Watson" now.

The Governor received a standing ovation, just before she began speaking in a rather impromptu "State of the Commonwealth."

"Mr. Speaker, Lieutenant Governor Humbert, I rise today in both celebration and remembrance. Celebration of the victory over those who held our fair Commonwealth in captivity, including this fair city, the capital of this land. Celebration of victory over the forces of fascism, racism, religious bigotry, and misogyny, over the forces of darkness, malice, slavery, and tyranny. Celebration of the beginning of the restoration and healing of this country from the scars of war and brutal military occupation. Celebration that the reckoning can begin at last and we can begin to rebuild and restore this community. Remembrance of the killed, wounded, missing, and otherwise harmed who fought for the liberty of this state and that of New England, indeed for the safety of humanity and civilization. Remembrance of the high cost, in blood and treasure, of bringing sanity, decency, freedom, and democracy back to this Commonwealth. Remembrance of those killed in the horrific cruise missile attack on Manhattan. Remembrance of the allies who came to our aid and liberation in our darkest hour, and in whose debt we will always consider ourselves, certainly for at least this generation. We can never forget what ICON did to liberate New York and New England from the evils of Masculism and the hateful doctrines and practices of said ideology and the regime that espoused it.

"In honor of all of these heroes, martyrs, and survivors, I announce that today is 'Liberation Day' and I shall support a bill creating a Commonwealth holiday to that effect. Every year on this day, we shall honor the sacrifices of those, both American and allied, military and civilian, who fought, worked, and struggled to bring this liberation to this Commonwealth and to all who shall continue to work toward the postwar reconstruction of this land and the many communities within it. I also announce that I will sign any bill formally recognizing the change of status from statehood in the now defunct United States of America to an independent nation, the Commonwealth of New York, authorizing a constitutional convention reflecting the new situation, as well as any change of my own title and office from the present one of Governor and the permanent creation of the elected office of Secretary of Defense. We shall, of course, work in solidarity with those states freshly liberated from the Masculist by coalition forces, and we shall also seek to arrange leasing rights for any military, naval, or air bases that we may need to authorize for them to maintain in our territory. I will also sign appropriation bills for the funding of reconstruction of necessary buildings, restoration of public services, and other infrastructure and administration that might have lapsed during the conduct of this late war.

"I will also sign a formal amnesty to any deserters from the Commonwealth Army who have been reliably and credibly been attested not to have committed any further offenses or any infractions against our Commonwealth. So long as they are not considered, by probably cause for indictment and arrest, to be war criminals or guilty of other atrocities against their own people, they can and will be pardoned and permitted to return to civilian life once returned from wartime captivity by the coalition forces. They will be granted an honorable rather than a dishonorable discharge. They will also be permitted to emigrate without any attempt to extradite them back to New York. The same will not be true of any who actively collaborated with the occupation forces and who administered any functions as illegal public officials under said occupation. These will be prosecuted as traitors to the fullest extent of the law, make no mistake of that. You cannot actively serve the enemies of this nation and expect no consequences, especially when you didn't renounce and repent your wrongful allegiance and return to the forces of freedom and justice, as the Knickerbocker Brigade ultimately did.

"Finally, let me announce that I will not be seeking another term as chief executive of the Commonwealth. This war has been a burden sufficient to wear me out and make me ready to lay down my office and all of its powers and responsibilities. I will help manage the transition to a new era of the first elected President of this Commonwealth, but I shall not continue in office past the end of this term. I wish to return to being a private citizen, a wife, a mother, and a grandmother. I wish any successor my best and fondest goodwill and good fortune for the mighty endeavor that will await them, even once the hardest parts of the work of rebuilding this community have been achieved. God bless you all and good night!"

by **Unoccupied New York** » Tue Jun 06, 2023 11:55 am

To: Avery Reagan
State Secretary
Meridonian State Department
From: Hon. Beatriz Carrillo,
Secretary of State,
Commonwealth of New York
Re: Mediation/Conference

Your Honor,

It is my honor to be chosen to respond to this missive, in my capacity both as chief diplomatic officer of the Commonwealth and as head of any New York delegation to said conference. Let me assure you, of course, that I will be present as much as my duties as Secretary of State permit me. Fortunately, as the chief diplomatic representative of the host nation, this will be more practical for me than it might be for any counterparts, I would assume. I will gladly confer regularly in both the conference and privately with any delegates that your nation designates for that capacity in the interests of amicably and expeditiously deciding any outstanding issues. I would also like to broach with you the specifics regarding any permanent leasing rights concerning bases held by your country on Commonwealth soil, an arrangement that I hope will prove mutually beneficial to our two countries.

Sincerely,
Beatriz Carrillo,
Secretary of State of the Commonwealth of New York

by **Sombreland** » Tue Jun 06, 2023 12:51 pm

Charlestown, Massachusetts

With the last of the fighting done, and with the threat of Masculism being, apparently, over completely, the government of Sombreland gave instructions that the Royal Sombreland Expeditionary Force should be withdrawn. The Royal Marine Division was ordered to be pulled out of the zones it had been occupying. Former billets and bivouacs were to be abandoned. In some cases, these could be turned over to local authorities.such as they were, but in other cases they were just abandoned. There had been virtually no contact between the Sombrelanders and the local population, is there was not much in the way of local goodbyes, so the Royal Marines simply pulled up and left.

The C-Sims, if they needed rides or assistance, if was offered. It was not clear what they would required in terms of the occupation.

Rega4less, in the strange ghost town of Charlestown, the division began organizing withdrawal, unit by unit, to board the amphibious ships and freighters. They were ordered to leave everything as neatly as posssible. Litter was removed, messes and spills were cleaned up, and any spare parts damaged in the travel was picked up and stored in containers. Some biological stuff was left behind: in every case this was properly stored before their departure. It was a hallmark of a harmonious life that one should be neat and tidy in one’s person.

Prince Jusus saluted his officers with a fine glass of wine to show his appreciation. “Thank you, gentlemen, for your dutiful care, you have done your caste, your units, and the Kingdom proud in your service.”

General Itinwood was informed of the departure. Lieutenant Borovor was among the last of then to leave. He wondered what other adventures lay before him in his career. Soberly, he was at attention, saluting, as the poor remnants that had been found of Royal Marines destroyed by Masculist artillery were loaded onto the amphibious ship in jars, each one marked with the coat of arms of the Royal Marine Reconnaissance Regument, and according to name, caste rank and military rank The war was over, and at a cost.

by **Restored New England** » Tue Jun 06, 2023 1:01 pm

Breaking News:

Former ILA Artillery officer Major Theodore Callas surrenders in person to nearest ICON coalition officers, having been in underground medical clinic and treated for injuries the past 24 hours. He was apparently comatose and unable to comply with the previous surrender instructions due to his wounds and recovery. This is a fresh reminder that the war is really over, and while we didn't win it, the only real losers were our former rulers, the Directorate regime.

- The Boston Globe

by **The Great state of Joseon** » Sat Jun 10, 2023 4:58 am

North America

The war was over, and now the mission of Joseon's soldiers was a non-combat mission. Many soldiers were mobilized for policing missions. They traveled from place to place in trucks or armored vehicles, and occasionally gave chocolate or snacks to children they encountered, or stopped civilians from arguing with each other over trivial matters.

Other soldiers were put on humanitarian missions. Air Force transport planes have now arrived at LaGuardia Airport with food and medicine instead of ammunition. Soldiers tried to heal the wounds that the war left on the people of North America by distributing food to the residents and treating the sick for free.

Restoration of the water pipeline and power grid was delayed because it was much more difficult work. Such operations could not be done at present. The command was concerned about the adverse effects this would have. First of all, damage to water and sewage could lead to hygiene problems and, by extension, medical problems such as diseases. Distributing purified water to civilians and installing mobile toilets in each city's city hall could not solve the problem.

That was the biggest concern of Joseon so far. What is certain is that the Joseon’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more work to do.

Ministry of Defense of the Great Kingdom of Joseon

To: General John Ironwood, Officer Commanding of Combined Task Force Oak Hand
From: Lee Hyeyul, Minister of Defense, The Great Kingdom of Joseon
Subject: Official Letter of Reply
Encryption: High

First of all, on behalf of the government and the people of Joseon, I would like to thank Meridon for their great role in this military operation. I will attend the meeting on behalf of the Joseon government. Only half of our troops will be left to withdraw, but the remaining troops will remain until the security of New England is stabilized.

Then I look forward to a constructive dialogue in New York.

Lee Hyeyul, Minister of Defense

Skies over Eastern Canada

Minister of Defense Lee Hyeyul sat in the VIP seat of a government-affiliated Boeing 777 aircraft and checked the necessary items before the meeting.

The reason why Joseon entered the war was to support the alliance and protect human rights, but since Joseon and its allies won the war, the Joseon government had to make the most of it. The forces that Joseon contributed to the Allied forces were considerable and there was not less damage.

Simply winning the war was not enough to boost the current administration's approval rating. Joseon's government needed something more. Joseon's construction companies seemed to have high expectations of winning orders for restoration work in the New England region. She is sure there's a lot they can do, and there's a lot that Joseon can gain from it.

There were other problems. How should Joseon treat the Commonwealth of New York and New England region in the future? The choice is up to them, but Joseon was willing to actively support the Commonwealth of New York and New England if they joined the Joseon's alliance or ICON. Spare weapons piled up in warehouses or even Joseon's new weapons freshly produced in factories could be provided to them.

The purpose of these is to expand Joseon's diplomatic horizons by securing its allies in the Atlantic region. It wouldn't be a bad deal for New England and New York anyway.

by **Anagonia** » Sun Jun 11, 2023 4:19 pm

The war in New England had finally come to an end. It had been a long and grueling campaign, filled with countless battles, strategic maneuvers, and sleepless nights. But now, as the dust settled and the smoke cleared, Commodore Finlay Green found himself standing on the deck of the CSS Forest Holloway, looking out at the peaceful horizon. A sense of satisfaction washed over him, knowing that the member-nations of ICON in Operation Oak Hand, including the contributions from Anagonia, had played a crucial role in bringing about the desired outcome.

As the commanding officer of the Naval Battle Fleet Forest Holloway, Commodore Finlay Green had witnessed firsthand the combined efforts of the Meridon Navy and their ICON counterparts. The Confederate Fleet had brought a unique set of capabilities to the table, mainly relying on their cruise missiles to strike at enemy targets with precision and accuracy. While their primary focus had been on targeting strategic installations, their strikes had dealt critical blows to enemy tanks and divisions, significantly weakening their offensive capabilities. Specifically the Masculine tank divisions struck in surprise by their tomahawk attacks and the coastal artillery installations destroyed later on afterward.

But the contributions of the NBF Forest Holloway went beyond their military operations. They had also played a crucial role in humanitarian efforts throughout the campaign. Finlay Green had overseen numerous operations aimed at providing aid and support to civilians affected by the conflict. From delivering essential supplies to providing medical assistance, the Naval Battle Fleet Forest Holloway had acted as a beacon of hope in the midst of chaos.

As he stood on the deck, Finlay couldn't help but reflect on the impact they had made. The Naval Battle Fleet Forest Holloway, working hand in hand with their allies in Meridon and ICON, had not only helped to secure military victories but had also alleviated the suffering of the innocent. Their humanitarian missions had brought comfort and relief to countless individuals who had found themselves caught in the crossfire. The people of the once-proud United States now had a chance, a chance to rebuild and find their way in life. He already had satisfactory reports of this transpiring as states like New York had already declared some sort of independent statehood.

The success of the campaign in New England was a testament to the strength of the ICON Alliance. The seamless cooperation and coordination between the two forces had been instrumental in achieving their objectives. It was a true display of unity and shared purpose, with each side bringing their unique capabilities to the table. Most of all, it was a true show of strength by Meridon and their capabilities as a strategic military leader on behalf of ICON forces. This victory would go a long way to solidifying their good will, friendship, and alliances across the board. Anagonia especially was impressed with their Meridon allies.

Now, as the war had drawn to a close, Commodore Finlay Green couldn't help but feel a profound sense of satisfaction. ICON's combined efforts had helped bring about an end to the conflict, restoring peace and stability to the region. The impact of their actions would be felt for years to come, as communities rebuilt and lives were slowly pieced back together. Humanitarian efforts would undoubtedly be needed as they progressed in their recovery, but the Confederate Admiralty was unsure how far in commitment Anagonia could provide that. For now, though, Commodore Green would stay and help out as long as was able.

As he looked out at the calm sea, Finlay knew that their work was not yet done. The world would always present new challenges and threats, and the Confederate Navy would need to adapt and evolve to meet them. But standing there, in that moment of satisfaction, Commodore Finlay Green took solace in knowing that their contributions, both military and humanitarian, had made a difference. ICON had shown the world the true strength and compassion of their forces. When he stepped onto the bridge of the CSS Forest Holloway, Commodore Finlay Green couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude. The war in New England may have come to an end, but the bonds that had been forged in this crisis would be lasting.

by **New Azura** » Mon Jun 12, 2023 8:49 am

Westfield-Barnes Regional Airport, Springfield, Massachusetts
Bridge of the PAN Esecutrice (DPMG-1052), Captain Ricci Commanding

The crew of the lead airship in the Azuran fleet had performed admirably under the hardships of operating in-theater, and the Captain was more than proud of his troops. Viktor Ricci stood under the primary mooring of the Esecutrice, stretching his legs on the ground for the first time since the mighty squadron had departed from Azura to come and entangle itself in the North American quagmire. And though the squadron of Volors had failed to find any military action at the eleventh hour of Combined Task Force Oak Hand military operations in New England, the call to provide humanitarian aid to the people of Springfield and western Massachusetts had been an ample consolation prize to him and the men and women under his charge. He could only hope that the men and women under his command would be properly rewarded for their services in Massachusetts, despite not seeing any major combat operations. The humanitarian mission they had been applied to uphold was just as important as firing off a sortie of cruise missiles from on high in at the last of a devastating conflict.

Viktor watched as a group of airmen struggled to load pallets of relief supplies onto one of the tiltrotor aircraft that dotted the tarmac of the airfield; the conditions in which they were being forced to work was nothing short of miserable, but they had undertaken their mission without complaint and were carrying on like true airmen would. His admiration for the men and women under his command had only risen in the past several days; undertaking a humanitarian mission on this size and scale, in an area that was properly a warzone only weeks before was no picnic, nor was it the kind of flippant command that could be overseen by a ‘Chair Force’ director. No, on the contrary, it was the kind of mission that required ample supplies, ample manpower and the stewardship of a keen commander with their finger on the pulse of what was happening on the ground. It was a minor miracle that their relief mission to the people of Springfield and western Massachusetts had gone off without much of a hitch thus far. Ricci could only hope that their luck would continue to hold.

The Captain looked to his right, nodding as General Simeone Armento and their Political Officer, Immacolato Calandra appeared on the tarmac, moving to join hm by the mighty Volor’s moorings. While Viktor was apt to spend time with the aged General Armento, he was less thrilled by Immacolato’s appearance on the airfield; he would have wert that he remained on the ship’s promenade, sulking over the lack of military engagements for the 121st V-Squadron. Truthfully, the last several days had been a veritable picnic with Calandra spending most of his time mourning the end of the combat operations in theater; it had freed up Ricci to get some serious work done offloading supplies to needy townspeople in the vicinity of the airport. Now that their ground operations were expanding into western Massachusetts, there was even more of an imperative for the Captain to remain clear of his Political Officer. Unfortunately, it would seem that his luck had begun to run out with respect to the disappearance of the erstwhile-sulking Immacolato Calandra and his constant bitch fits on board.

The aged General Armento waved at Captain Ricci, struggling his way towards him whilst leaning heavily on his cane. Viktor sighed, feeling genuine regret over the fact that this was to be Armento’s last action in the field. He was a good man, the polar opposite of Immacolato Calandra and his political machinations; Simeone was one of the last of the Azuran old guard that had seen action during the Chamorro incident some sixty years prior. Now in his mid-eighties, Armento was barely clinging on to his station, which by this point had become an honorary one thanks to his years of service. Despite his advanced years, the General was still a jolly old soul to be around, the kind of veteran presence whose personal magnetism drew people in to want to be close to him. His mind was still razor-sharp after all these years, a testament to his personal strength and resolve. Ricci would have hoped to have given the General a better sendoff than the one he was receiving, as inauspicious as it was. Still, it was a pleasure to have Simeone around for the work, knowing it would be Armento's last.

Viktor saluted General Armento has he approached, motioning towards the tiltrotors on the tarmac. "Good day, General! I am happy to report that we have begun expanding our coverage to include most of the western portions of Massachusetts in our relief efforts. We are about to fly another sortie."

"Please, do not mistake this grunt work for a 'sortie', Captain," Immacolato lamented, shaking his head in earnest. "What we are doing here cannot compare to the glory of having tasted combat with our mighty Volors. This is pedantic, borderline pedestrian make-work compared to the glory of combat."

"Oh, foo on that, poppycock I say!" General Armento was as animated as Ricci had ever seen him at the Political Officer's latest gripe fit; it was clear that Simeone was not prepared to endure the bitching for much longer. "Where is your humanitarian spirit, Mister Calandra? We are doing excellent work here!"

"I would have rather we seen combat, to test the effectiveness of our Volor squadron in the heat of battle," Calandra said in a low-key tone, his angst bleeding out into his words. "As long as we are delivering missions of mercy to the people of Massachusetts, one of our war aims will continue to go unaccomplished."

"It cannot be helped now, Mister Calandra," the General replied starkly, motioning with his free hand at all of their troopers on the ground. "Each of the men and women under our care will get to return home to their loved ones, just as our airships will return to their berths. I call that a win, good sir."

"As do I," Captain Ricci joined in, preparing to dogpile the shit out of the Political Officer whom he so personally detested. "I would rather bring everyone home to see another day's action than risk losing them in the heat of battle now. We came here to perform as ordered, and perform we have done here."

"Well then, consider me corrected," Calandra snidely remarked, looking out over the bustling activity on the airfield. "I suppose there is something to be said for bringing everyone home in one piece. Still, the sooner we leave this godforsaken place, the better. North America can keep to itself, yes?"

"We'll be staying here for the next several weeks doling out relief supplies to western Massachusetts," Captain Ricci corrected him, and taking great pride in doing so. "We'll be staying for the short term to make sure Massachusetts does not fall back into the grievous error of Masculinist ideological hellfire."

"In the meantime," Simeone blurted out, trying to stymie a laugh, "enjoy all the creature comforts that western Massachusetts has to offer! It is not every day that we Azurans get to enjoy the spoils of North America; in fact, dare I say that this might be a once in a lifetime opportunity for you to get out there."

"No thank you, North America can keep to itself," Immacolato said pointedly, turning back towards the Volor fleet. "My home is in the sky, gentlemen. And until we leave this hellhole of a country, I should suffice to remain near the squadron, lest I come to get the stink of this place on me somehow."

"Well, I cannot help you in that regard," Captain Ricci said bluntly, motioning out towards the horizon. "We have a lot of work yet to do, and all the time in the world to do it. Let us embark on this mission with a degree of optimism; no one in North America will be able to say that the Azurans didn't do their part."

by **Restored New England** » Mon Jun 12, 2023 11:35 am

Springfield, Massachusetts

As luck would have it, the Mayor of Springfield was of a similar culture or ethnicity to the Azurans. He was Massimo "Max" Spicola, a former union steward and community organizer who had been one of the key resistance leaders in the town, so had been entrusted with the post by General Owens as unlikely to revert the place back to Masculist rule during his eastward march. With Spicola were the eight City Council representatives, one from each of the city's eight wards. They were Andrea Schaefer, Gavin Brock, Seamus Finlay, Tula Andropoulos, Ira Horowitz, Molly Monaghan, Julio Rivera, and Moises Hackworth. They were very busy of late, trying quite hard to put the city on a paying basis, with working fire, police, and medical rescue departments, urban sanitation, indoor plumbing, central air, electricity, internet, schools, mail (in lieu of federal or state delivery services for now), etc. They wanted to make sure that payroll was kept up to date, that crime labs were back in working order, that jails were once again habitable, city parks and museums were back up and running, and all of the other boring infrastructure/zoning affairs that could at times make municipal government a thankless job. It was truly exhausting and they had to work overtime to get it done.

For now, at least, that meant resuming their own social lives had to take a backseat to their jobs. These were the most essential services and operations of City Hall, after all. If they didn't get it done, the consequences would be catastrophic, to put it mildly. It was their job, as the interim administration of the City of Springfield, to prevent a return of cholera, typhus, typhoid, and dysentery, for instance. The hospitals and clinics had to be up and at it, and for the moment at least, the City assumed conservatorship of them. That sounded nicer than "nationalization" or "public ownership" and implied that it was temporary, but time would tell. They didn't want to rile up any libertarians or arch-conservatives with too much open talk of "municipal socialism," as some called it. In the meantime, there was no co-pay or deductible, but doctors and nurses would still be paid decent, dignified wages for their hard word and dedication, because that was the right thing to do.

As for the private sector, the trade unionist Mayor still had to work with the conservative-leaning Springfield Chamber of Commerce, but at least the mutual sense of urgency of survival and recovery would bring out a practical understanding of some necessity to altruism, at least for now. The Chairman of the local Chamber of Commerce, Ernie Walston, was a former Masculist at one point, but he had seen the error of his ways and joined the resistance over time, probably because his chain of cafes had lost serious business thanks to the curfew. Spicola quashed such cynical thoughts for now, of course. They were not helpful in this scenario now, were they? At any rate, people started to work again, including plenty of the female baristas who had lost their jobs under the Masculist regime, which ought to make Walston reasonably happy, even if the council refused to implement "right to work" laws at this juncture. He was gonna have to deal with a unionized workforce and like it. There had been enough oppression in recent years, damn it!

"Well, so we have that....and we have the soup kitchens and pantries back up, in no small part due to churches, mosques, and synagogues, though the Buddhists and Hindus and pagans and Sikhs and even atheists have pitched in at time. Hell, I think that the small Satanic 'grotto' or whatever has contributed, believe it or not. It goes against everything that one might expect about that. And then there are the Masons, Shriners, and their female auxiliary organizations. Which is particularly satisfying to me as a fifth degree Scottish Rite Freemason," Brock observed, though thankfully, he didn't wear his apron.

"Salvation Army, Catholics, Baptists, Congregationalists, Methodists like me, Episcopalians, Unitarians, Quakers, you name it. It's not just your brothers, man," Hackworth laughed, teasing him with a reminder that there was always going to be a significant presence from the local black community.

At least Hackworth was A.M.E., African Methodist Episcopal, not Nation of Islam, Ira Horowitz thought, fighting a scowl at that group's overt anti-Semitism, but facts were facts, and yes, Nation of Islam representatives ran soup kitchens and food pantries and homeless shelters, too. The city needed every volunteer and every helping hand it could get to make it a livable place again. Which reminded Horowitz that he had plans to pitch in all Friday morning and afternoon at his synagogue's food pantry and warehouse, though happily, they would all have the sense to stop in time for Shabbos. That would be an interesting Sabbath, no doubt, dozens of local congregants coming in from the work, freshening up and changing in special changing rooms to be ready for the sunset service and to light the Shabbos candles. As a man of faith himself, he knew that it was necessary to show his goodwill and love of God and neighbor, but it would be quite the hardship, he didn't lie to himself. He would be tired and hungry, glad that he already set up that evening's supper so that he didn't have to break the Sabbath through work. He didn't think that leftover cold pizza would be considered violating the rest of the Sabbath. At least he wasn't kosher. He was glad that he picked up the taste for cold pizza in college.

This would be the scene that would face the Azurans and any other coalition forces who arrived to deliver food, medicine, and other supplies, one of a community already hard at work in rebuilding itself, yet grateful for any help that it could get. They didn't have the luxury of too much pride. They had a city to bring back from the abyss. It was their community and they had to get used to taking care of each other in it. Outside help would only speed the progress along, and they had no issue with that.

Nantucket Island

"Is there any other business before we adjourn?" Ryan Hopkins, Chairman of the Select Board of Nantucket Island, turned to Michael Goodhue, his Defense chief, who nodded.

"Yes, we have plans to begin working with ICON in preparation for eventual reunification with the rest of Massachusetts, now that the Masculist regime has been removed. I need not remind everyone here, I hope, of how difficult, if not impossible, solitary defense of this island if it remained independent, would be. Reunification, albeit under the auspices of ICON and the occupation forces, would be crucial to any kind of future for us. I have prepared a short message to ICON representatives to this effect. Any thoughts?" Goodhue answered, even as he looked forward to another date with Stacey Carrick at her place. She had been dropping some strong hints that she wanted to become even more...intimate, for lack of a better word, between them.

"Any objection? If so, we can take it to a vote," Hopkins asked, getting nothing but silence before he pounded the gavel down, "without objection, so ordered."

"Damn, that took forever!" one of the other selectmen groused before going home to his new, live-in girlfriend....yeah, some guys worked a lot faster than others now that romantic relationships were legal.

Hopkins hurried to send out the brief message to ICON, even as he mentally prepared himself for the fact that Stacey was ready to...go that far now. It was a relatively short, but courteous missive, of course. Hopkins wanted to get down to the point....and then get to....other matters of a more personal nature.

To: ICON Command
From: Michael Goodhue, Defense Chief, Nantucket Island

This message is intended to begin the process of integrating Nantucket military forces with any state militia or national army that might emerge after the post-war reconstruction period under your auspices. We would like to keep in constant communication with you toward that end. Would you be prepared to accept me at the head of a Nantucket delegation to any post-war conference as well toward that purpose? I await your response as well as any future co-operation.

Sincerely,
Michael Goodhue, Chief of Nantucket Defense

Burlington, Vermont

"There it is, folks! The local elections are over! It's a good thing that we've been up and running as a city, county, and state for a while now, thanks to the success of our insurgency. First things, first, though. The city and county elections are the dry run for state-wide ones, of course. So, I'm to be Mayor of Burlington, you guys are on the City Council, Free Staters have won most of these so far, but it's hardly a wipeout. Hence why I'm Mayor on the Free State slate, but you were elected with the Feminist Alliance, and two Socialists and one Social Democrat got elected as well. I look forward to working with you guys, anyway. I doubt that we'll have too many issues working together as we have so far as the interim governing body of this city. It will be interesting to see how this city turns out, in fact. At least we're all fairly progressive here in Burlington, so we should get along pretty well," Enrique Valles, the new Mayor-Elect, commented as he began planning his transition from interim chief executive of the city to a popularly elected mayor with a formal office.

It was a long way from Puerto Rico, no doubt of that. Josie Jackson, the lone candidate of the Feminist Alliance to get elected to the City Council, was the recipient of his remarks, of course. They, along with other former insurgents, had been liberated from Camp Elam by the Meridonian troops. Now they were the beneficiaries of public trust and confidence, of a popular mandate. This was a serious matter that required the new leaders to earn that trust and not lose it. They had a lot of work to do and precious time in which to do it. At least they had a common goal and could cooperate with that in mind. '

"Meanwhile, Free Staters swept Montpelier. Just saying that things are moving along. We are further down the path of reconstruction than the rest of the region, though New Hampshire and Maine aren't far behind. We'll just have to see how it goes in the rest of New England. One can only hope for a return to self-sufficiency and independence sooner rather than later, but at least those states will get plenty of help from ICON. And we can and will do our part," Jackson added.

"Indeed we will," Valles agreed, "indeed we will."

by **Restored New England** » Sun Jun 18, 2023 9:45 am

Manchester Union-Leader
Shelby Mansfield, Political Affairs Writer

The results of the first local elections in New Hampshire since the collapse of the Masculist regime in the former territory of Incelastan have produced a mixed bag of electoral outcomes. In Concord, the Social Democrats won three seats out of five in the City Council elections, with two for the American Reunion Congress, but Christian Freedom Party candidate Rev. Arthur Leighton defeated six opponents to win a plurality victory in the mayoral race with 39% of the vote. The Presbyterian minister reassured voters repeatedly that he was a centrist and not a "radical, Christian nationalist type like in Virginia," but still only won because of existing First Past The Post plurality rules.

Here in Manchester, the Social Democrats won the mayor's race and three out of seven council seats, but fell one seat short of a complete majority that would give them more control over the municipal government. They instead will have to work with the other parties, the American Reunion Congress, which has two seats, and the Christian Freedom Party, which has two as well. The successful SDP candidate was Declan O'Keefe, who was elected Mayor with 43%, another plurality win without a majority. He will have a difficult, but not impossible task ahead of him, to manage a more permanent city government in the state's largest city.

In Nashua, the American Reunion Congress did slightly better, getting their man Josiah Rushing elected Mayor with 41% of the vote, as well as getting a slightly three-two majority on the city council. The other two seats were split between one Feminist Alliance candidate and one Socialist, the left apparently rallying behind those two.

Elsewhere in the state, it was much the same kind of split decision, with the voters willing to try various parties in a world where the old political system has collapsed and the Masculist regime left a considerable void as well. They just weren't willing to risk it all on one party yet. They are probably testing them to see how they perform, and that is quite understandable. The major parties of the old days weren't the most effective or able to work together, except to screw over ordinary Americans. It remains to be seen what these new parties are capable of doing yet.

One thing is sure, though. We've cleared the first hurdle of the obstacle course back to democratic self-rule. Unfortunately, there are so many more left to pass, starting with the peaceful transfer of power to the new administrations and councils, as well as the actual governing that they will have to do once they take over. That will be the next road for the path to a free, united New England, and perhaps, in time, more than that.

The county elections will be next, and we'll see if any more hope for the future can come of that. Maybe we can indeed work successfully toward a better society before too long. Perhaps there is truly a great new world to arise from the ruins of the old.

Perhaps.

by **The Great state of Joseon** » Sun Jun 25, 2023 9:42 pm

General Sung Hanseok, who took over as commander from General Adrian Quaritch, was lost in thought while looking at the night view of New York. Despite all that, New York was still beautiful. Sung Hanseok felt fortunate that the war ended in victory. It was fortunate that such a beautiful city was not handed over to its enemies.

After the war, LaGuardia Airport regained its peace. The control tower, which was filled with the sounds of radio arriving from place to place, was now quiet except for the occasional radio sound.

Sung Hanseok noticed that the soldier sitting in front of him was dozing off, but did not bother to wake him up. The war is over. No wonder the soldiers were relaxed. He didn't want to disturb the soldier's sweet sleep, who would have worked while enduring fatigue.

Sung Hanseok will remain at LaGuardia Airport for the time being as commander-in-chief of the Joseon military stationed in New York. He may have to shift with someone if the troop presence is prolonged.

Questions still lingered in his head. What will happen to North America in the future? After the horrific nuclear terror attacks in Washington, D.C, the once most powerful nation on Earth was divided into large and small countries, and they were competing or fighting each other in conflict. Some of them have nuclear weapons.

Now, North America is one of the most dangerous areas on Earth. How this conflict is resolved will determine the future international situation.

When the dozing soldier finally began to snore, the soldier next to him had no choice but to wake him up.

A total of 49,000 Joseon soldiers were put into the war during the war. Now that the war was over, many of them had to prepare to return home.

However, the Joseon military's mission was not over. Policing in the New England area was still a challenge for them. 10,000 troops were allocated for policing, and they would continue to be stationed for the time being to help the New England authorities and the Commonwealth of New York authorities. They also had to be prepared for independent states like Ohio and Virginia to threaten New York and New England. In that case, the Joseon troops had to help the Commonwealth of New York and New England until reinforcements came.

If necessary, some troops will use aircraft to switch with others.

Anyway, the war is over. Many soldiers left New York on board again. Leaving the battlefield behind where they once fought.

by **Restored Pennsylvania** » Mon Jun 26, 2023 3:55 pm

The Governor's Mansion,
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

The Honorable Gary Slovak, Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, reviewed the latest intelligence reports from the former territories of Incelastan with a mixture of amusement, approval, anticipation, and alarm. Amusement, because there were so many naïve, sincere, do-gooder types like those from the ICON coalition and even among the locals who should know better by now. Alarm, because those do-gooder types had a commanding military presence in several parts of the former Masculist State, which could present...difficulties or even obstacles for his own agenda.

Approval, because even with his cynical, jaundiced, opportunistic worldview, the fall of the Masculist regime was better for the former USA and for him. He just hoped that ICON butted out, sooner rather than later, now that the job was done. Evidently, Sombreland at least had the chance to leave. That was a start. Meridon, Joseon, Darlingtown, and Anagonia...Azura, too....these could present issues. Worst of all was the Commonwealth of New York, fellow Americans who might get crazy notions of trying to nation-build or even confederate with the former Incelastan.

Quite frankly, though Incelastan was too insane to be allowed to continue, it was best to let others do the hard work for him and let him reap the rewards. Well, the rewards were thinner on the ground in an America pulling itself back together than in the Balkanized scenario that would let him reap the benefits of arms trafficking, among other things. That was where the anticipation came in, after all...the opportunity to profit immensely off the continued, admittedly fratricidal warfare between fellow Americans. The world was still safer than it was in an era of superpowers, be they Russia, China, or the USA, right? Superpowers tended to throw their weight around far too much. Smaller nations, such as his Commonwealth, tended to have smaller, more attainable, more mutually beneficial goals, such as war profiteering to the max.

Sure, he had been elected Governor years back on a strong, quasi-progressive, anti-gun stance, but that was at least partly because it was popular in Pennsylvania, and also, as long as he didn't take it too far, he could then benefit from the rising stock prices of gun makers. It was a jaded kind of "dick move," as some might call it, but he was a streetwise Philly ward politician who didn't get where he did by having an excess of moral scruples, after all.

He wasn't about to be undercut by all of this, of course. He had to find ways to stir up the pot, but how? He would have to really get with his advisors on his next move, especially Cassidy Long. Ms. Long had been a useful counselor and confidant for a good while now and they seemed to share the same very cynical outlook on the world, one which indicated that humanity and civilization were screwed in the long term, so why not just push for what one desired?

Any faith that they had in humanity had been beaten out of both of them by that bully known as life. Governor Slovak reached for his phone to text Cassidy, and then also to contact the state's top arms manufacturers, who had revised their previous negative view of him since the balloon went up over DC. They found that they could do business with the big city politician after all. Who would have guessed?

We have to act and now, before things get out of hand. We don't want to run out of customers, none of us. I can't get my cut of the action...if there is no action. Capice?

There, that should light some fires under their asses, shouldn't it?

by **Restored New England** » Mon Jun 26, 2023 6:50 pm

Bangor Herald,
Austin Morris

Local elections for mayors and city councils, including here in Bangor, produced mixed results, of course. The American Reunion Congress captured City Hall in Augusta, taking four seats on the City Council as well as the mayor's race with the triumph of Eustace Wendell over his closest opponent, Socialist candidate Ira Dunphy, 45% to 37%. The remaining seat went to a Communist, Jules Moreau, who was also a labor lawyer.

In Portland, the Social Democrats, Socialists, Feminists, and Communists each won a City Council seat, with the Christian Freedom Party taking the last seat left. The Social Democrats also took the Mayor's office, in the person of Daniel Rusk, the party's central chairman. This strongly indicates a leftward trend at least in that city.

Here in Bangor, it was a much more mixed outcome, with the Social Democrats taking two seats, the Socialists taking one, and the Christian Freedom Party and American Reunion Congress each taking a seat. The Christian Freedom Party won the Mayor's race, but only just, with Justin Albertson, a Unitarian Universalist minister being narrowly elected over the united leftist coalition's candidate, Social Democrat Arnold Bruck, 43% to 42%.

Three more Social Democrats, two more Socialists, two Communists, and one Feminist were each elected Mayors in several smaller cities, whereas four American Reunionists and two Christian Freedom Party candidates won elsewhere in the state. One avowed "Green" also got elected a Mayor in Kennebunkport. Six cities elected leftist majority city councils to eight for the center-right as well. Most simply split the difference instead.

In short, a very mixed result, which was hardly a surprise in a shellshocked region where people don't know yet who to trust. We should all either wish or pray or something that this initial outcome produces good government through compromise and consensus, instead of leading to gridlock. As a believing Protestant Christian of the Methodist stripe, I certainly plan to do so myself, but also report honestly on the results as they happen, good or ill.

by **Restored New England** » Mon Jul 03, 2023 12:40 pm

Provincetown, Massachusetts

David Matheson had a lot bigger fish to fry, quite literally, today. It was the Fourth tomorrow and he wanted to celebrate it right, with some excellent cod, scalloped potatoes, asparagus, and a peach cobbler for dessert. He would be having his ex-wife, Lorraine, over for supper again. They were slowly, but surely moving closer to trusting each other a bit more and maybe reconciling....maybe. It was a big if there, and Matheson had found...other ways to relieve the...pressure in the meantime.

Even so, it was a good start and things had been going slowly, but steadily in the right direction. Her main issue with him was apparently that he hadn't actively tried to get he out of the women's hostels, but to be fair to him, he didn't know what he could have done to free her and he didn't know how bad things were in those places. She still seemed to blame him at least a little, especially since he hadn't been faithful to her once they were divorced, but he couldn't be sure that she hadn't slept with any guards. She denied it, but hey, they weren't married at the time, so what was to stop either of them?

So far, they had agreed not to be exclusive again, because, in her words, "We haven't been together for several months and you had other girls, so why should we act married when you've been acting single this whole time? I should get a chance to act single as well."

To be frank, since they weren't intimate yet, he didn't fight her on that, since he wanted to be able to get relief from more sources than he would have otherwise right now. He still doubted her fidelity during her captivity, since human nature was to try to get advantage in a rough situation any way one might. Even so, Matheson didn't bring things up again and just took things slowly with Lorraine while dating other ladies.

He might end up with someone else, anyway. So might she, for that matter. In the meantime, he'd give it the old college try. Not that he was in college. He was just a sheriff's deputy, once again. If Lorraine chose to make a stink of that again, which so far she hadn't, that would be a dealbreaker for him. Just because she suffered under the Masculist regime didn't make her right about everything and didn't mean that he had to walk on eggshells around her, or should, or even could.

Still, it mostly went well, and he hoped that it would continue to do so. He hadn't planned to divorce Lorraine when their marriage was dissolved, and as far as he knew, neither did she. Then again, did she? One could never be sure, could they? In any case, she had acted interested in him again, in any case.

What's more, tomorrow was his birthday. Oh, yes, David was also born on the Fourth of July. He just hoped that Lorraine had a birthday surprise of the sort that he would appreciate. Preferably a night in the sack. It was time, right?

He just had to keep Shelby and Sherry at bay....for now. He also had to not think of that C-Sim that he had seen several times and really, really wanted to seduce. Would that even be possible, what with him semi-dating his ex and her being a cyborg or whatever?

by **Restored New England** » Tue Jul 04, 2023 12:31 pm

Boston, Massachusetts

Slim Watson fired up his new truck, having finally acquired enough gasoline to fuel it due to the increase from low gas ration days. He was backed up with the shopping, having gone through just about all of his canned food in his pantry by now. Except for the lima beans, of course, and those were his ex-wife's idea. Unlike David Matheson, there was no way in the world that Slim Watson wanted Carrie back. Not a fucking chance. While he didn't like most things about the grossly inept and oppressive Masculist regime, he was glad that he got out of his marriage very cheap. He had been ready to leave the bitch, anyway.

"Well, I'm on my own, with only one income, and I still have a bigger budget than I did with two incomes, hers and mine, together. Probably because I don't waste money on lattes like her. As if we could afford that. She was about to drink me out of house and home with those damn lattes," Slim thought aloud, not giving a crap if someone overheard him.

Slim had showered that morning, of course, since the water rationing was lifted at last, had brushed his teeth, flossed, combed his hair, but hadn't bothered to shave. If people couldn't get used to him not being clean-shaven as he was when married to Carrie, tough luck. He liked his beard that was growing in, nice and salt and pepper, suggesting age and wisdom. It was manly, and despite the fall of the Masculist regime, manliness wasn't toxic or going to go out of style if he could help it. The regime was stupid, but so was feminism.

Slim lived up to his name, of course, still tall and lanky even now, at six feet tall and just one hundred eighty pounds. But it was mostly muscle, well, what hadn't wasted away under the dumb rationing business, that is. Slim worked hard and ran hard when he got the chance, though he wasn't the healthiest guy around. He loved red meat, fried fish and chicken, real coffee (none of that creamy, syrupy crap), weed, and beer. He also loved action movies, grunge music, and some video games, but mostly the "first person shooter" ones that he swore improved his hand-eye co-ordination and other motor skills.

Slim had barely returned to work as a mailman, yes, he was a mailman, when the Fourth hit. Not that he minded. It had taken a little time to get back to his old routine and the need to travel by bicycle to do his route was only not too hard because the workload had dropped off a bit. So, yeah, he could use a paid holiday, to say the least, so early into his resumed schedule. He was glad that there were fewer dogs in the yards to chase him these days, though some had stuck around.

Slim wasn't happy about the packs of feral or stray dogs, wild dogs, even, who ran around the area and often had to be put down, rather ruthlessly, in fact. He carried a shotgun in his truck, just in case. He also looked forward to when he could deliver mail by truck again. That would be much improved. Either way, the mail wasn't going anywhere. The expectations of the local population had dropped and wouldn't like go back up any time soon. The mail would be there to deliver tomorrow, when things returned to normal.

Slim just hoped that he wouldn't get caught up in a massive Independence Day crowd, as used to be the case back in the old days, before the Masculists had outlawed the Fourth as a holiday. That was another Masculist stupidity, outlawing a holiday because it was from the old regime. They had lost the commerce and brisk business, how annoying the crowds might be to misanthropes like Slim. At least he freely admitted to being one, and why not? Why not hate people in general. They were idiots.

Slim droved past several dozen soldiers from one of the ICON countries, though he didn't know or care which ones. Except for the android troops that were way too cute to be believable as soldiers and the lizard people, who were mildly scary, but friendly enough once you proved good intent, they were all about the same. Sure, the Koreans were obviously Asian, not that he cared, but the human Anagonians and the Meridonians could easily pass for Bostonians, except for their accents and manners. He hadn't met too many Azurans yet to have an impression just yet.

Watson coughed a bit as he lit up a joint to calm down before he pulled into the supermarket and killed the engine. He got out and grabbed a shopping cart, almost running over an older lady still not used to being out of the hostel these days. He grimaced as he gruffly apologized and waited for the THC to affect his mood. He could use it for sure. Not being a fool, Watson went to the deli and got himself a sandwich that he paid for right away, even if he was displeased at the relative shortage of options.

Still no Longhorn cheese from Texas, damn it! Interstate commerce hadn't fully revived yet. Still, he got himself some Vermont cheddar and turkey, tender and moist on rye bread (no sourdough yet!!!) that went well with his fountain drink (iced tea, but sugary, so as to fill up and not shop hungry). He refused to take a chance on buying too many groceries because of a growling stomach.

That was when he noticed some stupid Karen (funny how that term hadn't died out, even now), who evidently came out of the hostel with a big chip on her shoulder and hadn't improved at all. She was screaming at a stocker who had been minding her own business and was in tears, had only been trying to do her job. What went up that old, no wait, middle-aged lady's ass, anyway? Some things hadn't changed, after all, even after a tyrannical regime and a war to liberate their country. How bizarre!

A guard had stepped in, and they weren't some security dude, either. They were an off-duty Boston Police corporal who probably had occupation troops on standby. That lady was playing with fire. Cross the wrong soldiers, and they might snap, no matter their rules of engagement. Everyone was human...except the lizards and androids, of course. I hope that if it comes down to real trouble, they get one of the lizards. That should scare her straight, no matter how friendly they might be.

"Ma'am, if you don't leave the store at this moment, I'm going to have to take you into custody. Do you want that?" the city cop warned her, his expression one of almost total desperation for her to calm down so he didn't have to stop his own grocery trip and arrest her.

The dude really didn't want to have to work on the Fourth, even if it meant extra pay. He must have a family or something, Slim thought. Probably a wife and kids already, most likely his ex having returned to him or something. He didn't want to get away from a domestic life that he might have groused about, but had been made fonder by their absence, nostalgic, even.

Slim coughed and moved along. He had errands to carry out and they were all his own fault. The sooner he finished, the sooner he could watch one of his old favorite DVDs. Pulp Fiction, of course. He always had a thing for Maria de Medeiros, anyway. Plus, Bruce Willis was super bad-ass, even more than the others in that film. Who else could take on Ving Rhames, John Travolta, and two crazy rednecks and live to tell about it?

How familiar LA in the early 1990s was to him in Boston in the early 2020s, which was weird, but true enough. The more things change, the more they stay the same. Plus, Uma Thurman was easy on the eyes, too. And Samuel L. Jackson was pretty bad-ass himself. He didn't care for the drug scene, but it fit the day and age and the criminal underworld in which they lived and worked. He was just glad that he had gone no further than weed himself. He was also glad that the Post Office didn't do drug tests these days. They couldn't afford to fire postal workers, could they?

Finally, of course, by the time that Slim had gone by several aisles and grabbed enough, almost running into several nervous ladies (even flinchy, in fact!), some of them quite attractive, though their panic took away from their appeal....he made it to the checkout, where he noticed that the lady in question had committed suicide by cop. What a helluva way to ruin someone's holiday, especially the cop's.

Now he has to file a goddamned report, but at least he has witnesses, myself included. What a stupid bitch! She could have lived and gone on with her miserable life of bitching at people, but she had to get too confrontational and probably resist arrest.

Yep, Slim thought as he let a rather attractive young lady who should be in college soon ring him up. People are stupid. People are complete morons. I might not be rich, but at least I'm not a dumbass like her. Time to go home and get away from people. Except for maybe...Sandy, that was the clerk's name. What was that other lady's name, the stocker? Oh, well, I'll probably find out later, he thought as he paid.

With that, Slim Watson put his groceries in the bed of his Blazer, started up the engine, and pulled out of the parking lot. The sooner that he went home, the better. He would have to deal with enough fools on his route tomorrow.

by **Restored New England** » Thu Jul 13, 2023 9:38 am

New Haven, Connecticut

Shae Jaworski recounted her cash, coupons, and ration cards again. She had to go buy some small scale stuff, now that she had a working refrigerator in her apartment and not just an icebox or mini fridge as she started once she got out of the hostel. She needed some produce, some milk, some butter, some cheese, and some bread for grilled sandwiches, for instance. She wasn't sure that she could get the tomato basil soup that would go so well with some grilled cheese sandwiches, of course. That depended upon the availability of such products, the price given the unreliable state of interstate commerce and various wars, as well as the current rationing status of such things.

The rationing was much less severe than it was before, but it was still in place in New Haven, anyway. The improvement in commerce and transportation networks thanks to the end of the war and the arrival of the occupation troops, in her case from the Commonwealth of New York, made life a bit easier, but it was still harder than in the old days. There was no alimony or anything from her ex-husband, Stanislav, since their marriage was dissolved without the normal divorce process and authorities had found it more trouble than it was worth to try to track down ex-spouses and decide whether or not to reinstate these defunct unions. So, that act of the Masculist regime was left in place, though thankfully not the whole hostel business or most other policies.

Nine years of marriage gone, and not even a letter, let alone any kind of financial support. How touching! Clearly, they wouldn't be getting back together, because Stan showed no interest in such things. They had no kids together, and that had turned out to be a small mercy for them. It was still not clear why they never could make any babies, but it simplified things. There was nothing keeping them together, or rather putting them back together, and besides, they were both changed people.

Yeah, very much so, it seems. I was in a hostel, which was a glorified jail for feminist dissidents or whatever, whereas he was in the insurance industry as an investigator. After all, fraudulent claims were even worse than ever. At least he never joined the Militia, I guess. He might have suffered a lack of business for a few months, but now it was brisker than ever. He didn't even try or offer to get me a job. It was as if he wrote me off and washed his hands of me. Very cold, but why? Why?

Stan had gone through the war as if it wasn't going on at all, survived it with no sign of suffering, nothing obvious, and avoided any contact with Shae ever since. He hadn't even called to check up on me when he was informed of my arrest and detention or learned of my release. He hadn't brought a housewarming gift or tried to help me settle into this place. He just doesn't care for some reason. I'm dead to him and I can't be sure why.

"Oh, well, so be it. Some people are only temporary in your life. Time to move on. You have groceries to buy. And school starts next month. You have some teaching to do. That will never pay well, but you won't starve, will ya? Who knows, maybe it's time to hit on Dave, that handsome store manager of theirs. He's apparently single, too. Hell, I guess that we all are now. We're all starting from scratch," Shae thought aloud, even as she started up her Audi (the last ever gift of any kind from Stan) and headed to the more budget-friendly of the supermarkets on her block.

She just hoped that no more recurring charges hit the account between the last time she checked it and then. She thought that she got rid of all such things, as Stan once advised her a long time back (which led to one of their many spats), but she still feared that one might shrink her purchasing power, perhaps to nothing. If that happened, she might have to go to St. Valentine's (what an irony) for their food box program.

I might be lapsed as a Catholic and a fallen divorcee (or does that even count?), but I'll damned if I starve to death, Shae thought, just before someone slammed right into her, crashing directly into her car. She didn't die, but she was comatose and it would take her weeks to recover, probably days to wake up. She had fractures, broken bones, and a punctured lungs, as well as losing a lot of blood. She was just lucky that she wasn't a Jehovah's Witness or Christian Scientist or something.

by **The Great state of Joseon** » Mon Jul 17, 2023 4:57 am

Seoul
Cheong Wa Dae, The Prime Minister's Office

The last topics of the Cabinet meeting that day were New York and New England. Time passed after the war, but about 10,000 Joseon troops remained in North America, and Joseon was still dipping its feet in North America.

Joseon has not yet left North America. And it was likely to continue to be so. This meant that the Joseon government should put more importance on North America, especially New England, in the future.

Minister of Foreign Affairs
Han Soyeon

"At the moment, we need to support the New England and New York authorities to plan for stability in eastern North America. At the same time, we need to get them on our side and build a foundation in eastern North America."

Everyone seemed to agree with the Minister of Foreign Affairs. The question was how large the support will be.

Minister of Justice
Hwang Sekwang

"You know, we may soon have to intervene in the war between Sombreland and Aureumterra. If that happens, we may not have enough government budget to support New York and New England for the time being."

Minister of Defense Lee Hyeyul

"On the contrary, that's why we need to support New York and New England more. Only when New York and New England are prevented from being absorbed by other forces in North America and they grow into the strongest forces in North America can we reduce our burden and increase our influence. Support should be sufficient."

Prime Minister Jeong Dohyung

"Then, to what extent should we support?”

Minister of Defense Lee Hyeyul

"We need to provide New York and New England with some of the weapons stored in our reserve weapons storage and fund local stability to quickly stabilize the New England area. However, most of the funding must be in the form of loans to maintain our influence in North America in the long run."

Minister of Foreign Affairs
Han Soyeon

"Prime Minister, This opportunity could allow us to exert influence over the Atlantic region for the first time in history. We don't know yet what advantage this will offer us. But it seems clear that this is an opportunity that we may never have again. We must continue to support New York and New England. Negotiations with the Panamanian government also ended successfully. Now we can connect freely to the Atlantic Ocean through the Panama Canal."

Prime Minister Jeong Dohyung

"Okay, then I'll send an official telegram to New England and New York."

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Great Kingdom of Joseon

To: Commonwealth of New York / The New England Authorities
From: Han Soyeon, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Great Kingdom of Joseon
Subject: Economic and Military Support
Encryption: High

We appreciate the hard work of the New York and New England authorities working to stabilize the region after the New England War. Thanks to the efforts of the New York and New England authorities, the region is rapidly stabilizing and the quality of life of its citizens is improving.

In response, we intend to provide economic loans and weapons to the New York and New England authorities to help stabilize North America and to support national security. Economic loans of $20 million will be provided to New York and New England authorities each, and some of the weapons stockpiled in the military's reserve weapons storage will also be provided to New York and New England authorities.

We can provide the weapons to the New York and New England authorities as follows.

M60 Main Battle Tank x 472
M113 APC x 200
F/A-18C/D Fighter Jet x 48
F-15C/D Fighter Jet x 32
F-16A/B Fighter Jet x 72
AIM-9L Air-to-Air Missile x 300
AIM-7 Air-to-Air Missile x 400
AIM-120C-5 Air-to-Air Missile x 250
SLAM-ER Air-to-Ground Cruise Missile x 60
Patriot PAC-2 Air Interceptor Missile Battery x 3

Please let us know the list of weapons needed among these.

If New York and New England join ICON in the future, we are willing to provide new weapons.

Han Soyeon
Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Great Kingdom of Joseon

by **Unoccupied New York** » Tue Jul 18, 2023 1:26 pm

To: Han Soyeon, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Great Kingdom of Joseon
From: Hon. Michelle Watson, President of the Commonwealth of New York; Hon. Beatriz Carrillo, Secretary of State; Hon. Arnold Van Nuys, Secretary of Defense
Subject: Economic and Military Support
Encryption: High

Dear Foreign Minister Han Soyeon,

We very much appreciate this gesture of assistance and support to the reconstruction and rearmament efforts of the Commonwealth of New York. While we cannot speak for the various authorities in New England, there is naturally discussion for closer affinity and association with said states, in which case the situation in terms of purchasing and aid might well improve. As to the proposed financial aid, there is no question that this will assist us in expediting the post-war reconstruction from the wartime damage and mayhem of the recent war with the former entity known as Incelastan.

As to the military purchases, we would wish to rebuild our air force, so rudimentary steps in that direction would be a priority. We would also like to re-establish an armored corps, so that would be a factor as well. Those would likely be the emphases in purchases, and those purchases which most economically and effectively facilitate these goals would be preferred. We would appreciate your best counsel in that respect.

Sincerely,
Hon. Michelle Watson, President of the Commonwealth of New York
Hon. Beatriz Carrillo, Secretary of State
Hon. Arnold Van Nuys, Secretary of Defense

by **Restored New England** » Fri Jul 28, 2023 8:45 am

"This is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning." - Winston Churchill

Capitol Hill,
Providence, Rhode Island

"I, Samuel Duane Rowe, do solemnly swear....," the new Governor began taking the oath of office, ending the earlier, more transitional phase of interim government in Rhode Island since liberation.

The judge who administered the oath was one of many judges chosen on a temporary basis, hoping to be kept on by Rowe. He had been chosen by the "Commission," the temporary governing body that oversaw the post-war reconstruction, pending an election that would happen statewide. They already supervised test cases: city and county elections that had recently produced the typical mixed bag of results. Some Social Democrats, some Reunion candidates, some Socialists, some Christian Freedom Party candidates, and a scattering of occasional Communists and Feminists. There was even a Green elected to a county executive.

Now, Rowe, a Social Democrat, was taking office as Governor pending the state legislative elections that fall, though it could be postponed if necessary. He had plans for sure, plans to implement as much of the consensus program acceptable to the Commission when he was appointed. As interim Governor, he wouldn't have the mandate for the kinds of sweeping changes that the state really needed, but he could make some real progress toward a broader social safety net and stronger protections for the working class and middle class. These would require some extraordinary funding measures, including new "relief bonds," an easier way to get people who could afford to do so to invest in the reforms and recovery of Rhode Island as good citizens in their community.

It wasn't time for higher taxes on the financial elites just yet. He would need an electoral mandate for that, he was sure. The bond measures would be a great start and easier to sell if presented honestly on the basis of the state's needs. Rowe knew that the task ahead of him was daunting and difficult, so his Inaugural Address was short on promises, long on vision and platitudes, because it needed to inspire commitment and devotion to civic duty, to the greater good.

He ended with the following phrase, "I earnestly believe that, while we have endured a great crisis and continue to do so, that there may never be a better opportunity to transform our society for good. Let us not throw that away, for it may be the last one in at least a generation, perhaps in our lifetime."

With that, he went straight to work, signing several necessary executive orders and appointing the rest of the Commission to his interim administration, to his cabinet. The time for elected cabinet officers would have to wait. They needed several executive posts filled immediately and they all knew it. The Commission had been a skeletal, ad hoc business, and that wouldn't carry them to the end zone, to use a football metaphor.

He was sure that he would catch hell for some of these orders, but so be it. The Commission chose him for the job, with his politics and priorities, and he would do it. If they wanted something else, they should have chosen another man.

by **Restored New England** » Thu Aug 10, 2023 8:44 am

Boston, Massachusetts

After some months of focusing on rebuilding infrastructure and other, basic survival and economic recovery measures, the cities and counties had at last taken the steps that they agreed upon. They sent delegates to a constitutional convention, in order to draft a new state constitution for the old Commonwealth of Massachusetts. That convention swiftly appointed former state senator Demetrios Zacharias as the new interim Governor of the state, pending statewide elections under the auspices of said constitution.

Zacharias now assembled an interim cabinet and administration, also sending formal notices to the ICON member-states and to the Commonwealth of New York, the Republic of New Jersey, and the Commonwealth of Canada, as well as the five Governors of the other five New England states. He officially proposed that steps be taken toward "confederation and association," code for reunification of New England, at the very least, if not more. In his Inaugural Address, he called for "not vengeance, but clemency, empathy, decency, truth, and justice. Remember that we were sold a lie and forced to swallow it at gunpoint. This is not the time for recriminations. It is the time for relief, recovery, reform, and reconstruction."

Steps were swiftly taken in the direction of proposing the various articles of said constitution in the meantime. Some proposals were insane and quickly defeated, such as requiring all male citizens to take a loyalty oath or swear that they didn't serve the Masculist regime in any capacity. That was highly unrealistic, given how many people initially served the regime, even some women for a short time, before its true nature became apparent. Besides, it violated the principle of full gender equality and it would be a bad, sexist joke in future generations.

A version of the ERA was ratified, along with other articles guaranteeing racial equality and demanding that "sensible efforts be made to prevent extreme income or class inequality as well." While the practical implementation of this clause might be up for debate, the objective had made it into an official state constitution of the former USA for the first time ever. The new constitution also required the state to "avoid permitting too much extreme ecological damages caused by man-made pollution and climate change." Public transit was acknowledged as a goal and as a right for the first time ever.

At the same time, the right to engage in private "and co-operative" enterprise was enshrined in the new basic law as well. The freedom of association provisions were reinforced, "except for any kind of fascist, neo-fascist, Nazi, neo-Nazi, Klan-oriented, or gender supremacist organization." This was a way of banning Masculist groups without giving too much away to the radical feminist types as well as preventing the use of other hate groups that often overlapped with Masculism. More skeptical delegates insisted that the language be gender-neutral, so as to outlaw female supremacists or those who might seek violent or repressive acts against men.

The right to suffrage would be for all adults aged 18 and above, the same with juries, public officeholders would have to be at least 20, and the Governor would have to be at least 25. The offices of Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Attorney General, Treasurer, Auditor, Insurance Commissioner, Agriculture Commissioner, Fisheries Commissioner, Labor Commissioner and Superintendent of Public Education were written directly into the Constitution as elected posts in the future. Secretary of War was left to the General Assembly (legislature) to create or abolish as necessary. There would be two houses of the General Assembly, namely the Senate and House of Representatives.

A seven-member Supreme Court of the Commonwealth was created, along with five circuit courts, fifteen superior courts, thirty magistrate courts, and sixty justices of the peace. Each of these was to be directly elected by the people as well, mostly for four year terms (except for the Supreme Court, which was to be elected for six year terms).

A referendum on the new Constitution would be held as soon as it was completed and approved by the Constitutional Convention. Massachusetts was back at last, even if a bit hobbled by the recent war.

by **The Great state of Joseon** » Sat Sep 23, 2023 9:04 pm

New York
LaGuardia Airport

Sergeant Park Han-gil participated in the war as a member of The 20th Mechanized Infantry Division. Unlike other units, his unit ended the 'war like a picnic' without casualties, but The 20th Mechanized Infantry Division remained in the New York and New England areas to help maintain security while other units withdrew to the mainland.

Sergeant Park Han-gil was annoyed with the overseas dispatch mission because he was soon discharged from the military, but his frustration disappeared after he started the dispatch mission. Unlike Joseon, the exotic scenery, New York's colorful skyline, and the kind, warm, and sometimes pleasant locals impressed Park Han-gil.

He will not forget that a resident who was wary of him when they first met became close friends with him later, and even brought a gift when he heard that Park Han-gil was discharged from the military. They exchanged contact information and promised to keep in touch often.

A child who often received chocolate and snacks from Park Han-gil was also memorable. The child asked Park Han-gil a question in an innocent way, and Park Han-gil answered in detail each time. The questions varied. Why planes don't flap their wings unlike birds, why roads are black, etc.

Many of Park Han-gil's memories in New York gave him valuable life experiences that he had never imagined. He will remember them when he returns to Joseon after being discharged from the military.

Park Han-gil's steps to the airport after receiving a plane ticket after completing his discharge report from the battalion commander were not light. He liked this place. And felt like New York was his second home. He will never forget this place.

His girlfriend was out to meet him at the airport. After a hot hug with his girlfriend, Park Han-gil got on a plane back to Joseon and looked at the skyline of New York for the last time.

JBS: Public Broadcasting for the People

The government has announced a military and economic aid package for the Commonwealth of New York

In an official announcement, the government said it would provide military aid packages and economic reconstruction aid packages to the Commonwealth of New York. The military aid package consists of a total of 672 armored vehicles, 152 aircraft, and 1,010 missiles, including 472 M60A3 main battle tanks, 48 F/A-18C/D fighters, and 32 F-15C/D fighters, which are stored in reserve storage. The government also said ships carrying the equipment had already departed.

The Ministry of Defense said each piece of equipment will be offered for $2 per unit, to avoid legal problems arising from the free delivery of military equipment to foreign countries.

The government also said it is willing to provide 8 - 20 fighter jets, some of the F-35A stealth fighters purchased from the U.S. government, if the Commonwealth of New York's air force grows sufficiently.

The economic reconstruction aid package includes funding for the construction of industrial and high-value-added industrial complexes. The government also said it would contribute to creating local jobs by supporting Joseon's companies to build businesses or factories in New York, if necessary.

Meanwhile, the government has called on the so-called "Dominion Party" regime in Virginia to "stop excessive suppression of individual freedom." The government has not yet announced any sanctions against Virginia authorities.

Regarding the communist regime in Ohio, the government briefly said, "We hope they make wise choices and don't threaten Canada, New York, and New England."

by **Restored New England** » Sat Oct 21, 2023 10:22 am

"Liberty and Union, now and forever, one and inseparable." - Daniel Webster

Augusta, Maine, was a location in much better shape than some other parts of New England, given post-war conditions, so it was not surprising that it was chosen as the site for the ratifying convention of a federal constitution. Delegates from New York and New Jersey were also present, but as observers for the present, evaluating whether or not to recommend admission to this new confederation. They were given an "opt-in" option of voting to fully participate if so instructed by their governments.

So far, the developments were reasonably encouraging, if imperfect. The chairman of the convention, former Congressman Brian O'Dell from Massachusetts, was a member of the Social Democratic Party, while the vice-chairman was Ellen March, a former president of the Connecticut State Senate and a member of the American Reunion Congress. They drafted a preamble first, which asserted the objective, "creating a better, freer, nobler, more just, more united, more co-operative, more enlightened, and generally a more ideal, more harmonious society and community of states."

The first articles created the offices of President and Vice-President of the Confederation of New England, along with a unicameral Congress of States, which had ten members elected from each state by district. The next articles created a Supreme Court, Circuit Courts of Appeal, and District Courts. The following article empowered the President to appoint cabinet members, but only authorized Congress to create such departments. Then there was the article establishing conditional supremacy of the federal union over the states, provided that such legislation complied with the constitutional limits of powers, said powers being clearly stipulated. No legislation which exceeded the authority and jurisdiction of the federal union could trump state legislation.

The delegates quickly reported back to their governments: reasonable autonomy will be preserved. That satisfied their superiors and the corresponding answer came: now you can participate and help ensure that nothing ruins this promising start. They promptly began to "opt in" and thus the six-member confederation became an eight-member one. The "eight star" flag was soon designed, even if a bit eerily similar to the one that Virginia had right after it seceded and just before Arkansas and North Carolina did.

The announcement was soon to send shockwaves around the region, as was the decision to place the capital of the new federal union at Hartford, Connecticut. Elections were scheduled to begin at some point in 2024, but in the meantime, an interim President was chosen by the Convention, which became the Provisional Congress of the Confederation. He was Warren Rosenstein, aged sixty-one, a former Solicitor General of the United States, a member of the American Reunion Congress, a devout Orthodox Jew, a widower, a father of four, and a grandfather of eight.

Who might emerge from the coming Presidential elections at the top was anyone's guess. The shift toward a less centralized system, with less power concentrated in the hands of the federal government and particularly the executive, would make it somewhat less consequential to the nation and the world. Even so, it was the most powerful office in the republic. Four parties, the Socialist-Communist alliance, the Social Democrats, the Christian Freedom Party; and the American Reunion Congress, competed for the Presidency, with each holding primaries for the post. Sixteen candidates announced their campaigns for the office as well. Election would be direct, with the Electoral College not making a comeback.

It was time to buckle up for a wild ride.

by **Alternate Canada** » Tue Dec 05, 2023 9:57 pm

To: Hon. Terrence H. Warfield, Secretary of State, Restored New England

From: Hon. David P. Glass, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Commonwealth of Canada

Mr. Secretary,

This is the initial memorandum pertaining to the decision of the federal Canadian government to formally recognize both your nation as a sovereign state and your government as the supreme legitimate central authority of the same. Please be advised that, quite naturally, there must be considerable following procedures and processes regarding the normalization and establishment of full diplomatic relations between our countries. It is, of course, the considered opinion of the Prime Minister, myself, and other principal civil officers of the federal Canadian government, that the recent actions taken by the respective state governments toward the creation of a new union of states, albeit more limited in scale than the defunct United States of America, constitutes the necessary resumption of sufficient constitutional and democratic institutions and norms to warrant the appropriate response on the part of Canada and cooperation between our two nations on the world stage.

Accordingly, it is the decision of the federal Canadian government to approve in principle the first efforts toward the appointment of the proper diplomatic officers, such as ambassadors, consuls, and charges de affairs in all mutually agreed locations. This, naturally, presumes that the usual diplomatic norms and practices will resume upon the completion of the normalization process. We thank you sincerely in advance for your understanding and agreement as to the desirability of such arrangements. Also, be advised that, due to continued tensions between Canada and New Soviet Trans-Ohio, there is a distinct possibility of a full military conflict between Canada and said successor state of the old American Union in the very near future. It is also, to be somewhat candid, desirable in principle to improve and strengthen relations with Meridon and Joseon as well as other recent wartime allies and partners in this common cause.

Sincerely,
David P. Glass, Minister of Foreign Affairs

by **Restored New England** » Tue Dec 12, 2023 5:45 pm

The Manchester Gazette
Alpheus Fester, Senior Writer

The 2024 Federal Presidential and Congressional Primary Elections have been scheduled for April 5, 2024, while the general elections have been scheduled for December 5 of the same year. The first freely elected President of New England will be inaugurated on February 5, 2025, and serve a five year term of office. The following political parties have been approved to hold Federal Primaries next year, and registered members will be handed paper ballots with which to vote on a First Past The Post basis: The American Reunion Congress; the Social Democratic Party; the Christian Freedom Party; the Socialist-Communist-Alliance; and the Feminist Bloc.

The following candidates for the Presidency have already declared themselves by the time of this report: former Massachusetts Congresswoman Katrina Chance of the Feminist Bloc; former Federal Judge Eustace Aubrey of Vermont of the American Reunion Congress; Dr. Orion Shark of New Hampshire, former chairman of the State Health Board, the candidate of the Social Democratic Party; former Augusta Major and US Ambassador to Canada Herman Schultz, the candidate of the Socialist-Communist Alliance; and former US Secretary of Commerce Daniel Gordon of Providence, Rhode Island, the candidate of the Christian Freedom Party. If no other candidates declare and file by the state deadlines, then each candidate, running unopposed, will automatically win their party’s primaries and nomination.

According to the initial opinion poll, published just three hours ago, Aubrey leads the field at 43%, followed by Gordon at 27%, Shark at 21%, Schultz at 5%, and Chance at 2%.

by **The Great state of Joseon** » Wed Jan 03, 2024 10:00 pm

The newly launched administration of Park Yohan, who succeeded former Prime Minister Jeong Dohyung, had to deal with various diplomatic issues. The most serious of these was the situation in North America. As the United States, which had the greatest influence on the international political stage, suffered internal strife, many countries sought the crown that had lost its owner. Coincidentally, quite a few of those countries were located near Joseon.

Joseon was keeping China, Russia, and Japan in check and preventing them from expanding their influence into the Pacific Ocean, which was seeking a vacuum of international political power due to the absence of the United States. Joseon's fleet, including many aircraft carriers, was blocking the seas so that the Chinese People's Liberation Army and the Japanese Self-Defense Forces could not go beyond their territorial waters, and the government was preparing a large-scale arms supply package for Poland and three Baltic countries to keep Russia in check.

At the same time, Joseon needed to quickly stabilize the North American continent, secure stability in the Pacific region, and secure a friendly force in North America.

Joseon's government proposed cooperation with Canada, which is now one of the most powerful forces in North America while attempting to make diplomatic contact with forces in California and Washington state. It also began to look at increasing the number of troops stationed in the Commonwealth of New York. This was to check the Dominion Party in Virginia and prevent the communist regime in Ohio from growing in power. At the same time, it aimed to secure influence in North America by securing Canada as a friendly force.

Out of concerns about possible internal interference, Joseon made no mention of The 2024 Federal Presidential and Congressional Primary Elections to be held in New England. Still, the government has privately launched an investigation into such matters as who will prevail in the election and how much candidate support they have in each region. This is because the situation in eastern North America may change depending on who wins the election in New England. This is also related to the stability of New York, where Joseon's military is stationed.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Great Kingdom of Joseon

To: Commonwealth of Canada
From: Choi Jong-Gu, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Great Kingdom of Joseon
Subject: Proposal for cooperation
Encryption: High

Greetings.

Our government hopes to work with the Commonwealth of Canada to restore stability in North America and respond to the threat of New Soviet Trans-Ohio. We do not want the chaos in North America to continue as it is, and we believe that Canada's role will be very important for this purpose. Currently, Canada is the only stable country in North America and has a strong power.

We would like to inform you that we are willing to mobilize our Air Force deployed to New York in case of emergency to support Canada. We can also provide Canada with military supplies such as ammunition and consumables, as well as information through satellites.

We look forward to working with Canada in many fields in the future.

Choi Jong-Gu
Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Great Kingdom of Joseon

O Beautiful, For Heroes Proved, In Liberating Strife.

This Is My Country, Land That I Love!

New York, New York's A Wonderful Town!

Major Callas Surrenders To ICON Forces After Coma!

O Brave New World, That Hath Such Creatures In It!

Split Decisions in Local Elections!

Those dark Satanic mills

His Truth Is Marching On....

Born On The Fourth Of July

Hell is other people.

Murphy's Law

Now A Response

The End of the Beginning

His Truth Is Marching On....

Liberty and Union, now and forever!

Elections scheduled; candidates declared!

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