The Palace today confirmed that Archduchess Sophie Harrison-Ironside has completed selection for the Joint Special Forces Aviation Wing. The unit is considered an elite of the Air Force and provides logistical and protection support for members of the various East Moreland's special forces including Red Legion, the Royal Marine Commando's and Parachute Regiment Pathfinders. The 26 year old niece of King David is currently serving as a Force Protection K9 Officer in the REMAF where her responsibilities include providing security to Air Force establishments as well as providing security onboard aircraft such as medivacs. The JSFAW have strict entry requirements which include an individual to complete a run of 2.4km in 11 minutes 11 seconds, reach level 9.1 on the beep test, complete 20 press ups in a minute and then 35 sit ups in two minutes. There is then a break of an hour and then the test repeated. Those passing the test then undertake a two weeks of fitness training culminating in with candidates having to pass Red Legions basic fitness test of 2.4km run to be completed in under 9mins30 seconds, followed immediately by 45 press ups and 55 sit ups to be completed in two minutes each. The Archduchesses exact times are not known but with a track record of athletic excellence it is probably no surprise she has completed the requirements. While the work of some of the nations Special Forces are highly secretive much of JSFAW's work is common knowledge with the manning of the Royal Flights being a key priority. With her experience it is likely she will become an "Aviation Commando" which means she will be involved in such tasks as Air-Loadmasters, Winchmen and gunners who ensure the aircraft of all kinds can operate safely on operations.

The Archduchess has also confirmed for the first time that her lengthy relationship with star rugby player Rollo MacAllister has ended. Speaking during the launch of a new range of sportswear she was asked whether Rollo would be joining her in promoting the products to which she replied. "Myself and Rollo realise that we have spent very little time together over the past two years. With his rugby career, my military duties and the various projects we're both keen to be involved in maintaining an actual functioning relationship is going to be next to impossible. As such we've gone our seperate ways but remain on good terms. Rest assured at the rugby world cup I'll still be cheering him and the rest of the Honeybadgers on while wearing my No.6 shirt proudly." The Archduchess is now on leave for a month before reporting back to base for her new posting and has confirmed she will be using the time to help support several royal projects. She has also confirmed that her K9, a husky named Bandit, will also be joining the JSFAW.

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The Palace have today confirmed that in the days leading up to the Festival of Greenflowers the King and his 11 year old daughter Princess Rhiannon will undertake a symbolic hike. It is well documented that past and present members of Red Legion undertake an act of voulentary rememberance known as The Vigil the evening before. This sees the Legionnaires complete a hike in which they attempt to march just under 100km in 30 hours however some older Legionnaires take shorter routes with 67 year old Steven Holbrooke being the oldest to take part last year hiking 40km. This year however the King and Princess will walk the route with the intention of doing it in 4 days. The pair will aim to arrive at the battlefield where the Battle of Greenflowers took place on the 21st of May, two days before the festival. Explaining to the press Royal Press Secretary Malcolm Tucker said. "The Battle of Greenflowers is the birth of East Moreland and the possibly the most important moment in our nations history since. The King is a well documented history buff and that is rubbing off on Rhiannon. The King aims to help her understand what those men and women experienced. Naturally King David is not a Red Legionnaire and while Rhiannon is an honourary one I don't think either of them are up to keeping up with a Red Legionnaire of the modern day. They also do not want to interfere in the units tradition of hiking in the evening before the Festival and standing guard over the battlefield. As a result they'll take a little longer and complete it a few days before. The King hopes to be self sufficent and enjoy some wild camping with his daughter who is excited to be doing the trip."

The Princess has also had her first social media account established. Mr.Tucker explained "While I think King David would prefer her to stay off social media its a reality of the modern era. While the account will be in her name it has been made very clear that it will actually be our office running it until she's of age to be responsible herself however we will naturally be taking guidance from her on what to post. We will naturally be ignoring all personal messages. We've seen the poor use of social media by some others and hope to avoid those mistakes."

Andrew partly agreed with Serenity, "The idea of a referendum is one that will either never come to fruition as you all argue over the ins and outs of how it should run, who runs it etc. Even when it does eventually happen it will be impossible for it to be run in a way that both myself and the Marseille government agree is fair. This is why i've put forward the alternative that we'll hand over the city in return for concessions. I think though Serenity has kind of misunderstood what I actually want. The base will stay under Seaforthian control in order to protect the port there which will be our gateway to trade in Albion, tariff free. Not in Marseille tariff free but Albion tariff free. We are willing to say that we'll accept that any goods entering Albion will be tax free only if it goes through Troyes but what I don't want to happen is for our produce to hit the border with say Aosta and suddenly have to pay some kind of tariff. That way the vast economic input we made will have some tangible outcome." As he finished speaking the phone rang and he picked it up. "Hello.......good to hear.......yes we can begin whenever your ready." He hung up. "I've just authorised our first flight in, it'll take 120 members of the Bracorina Regiment and fresh equipment and supplies. They'll arrive in around 15hours. Once off loaded they will pick up families for evacuation, around 240 people. I'm asking Rokkenjima if they will, in order to allow faster completion of reinforcement and evacuation, to allow the following to happen. We would like to send the rest of the Regiment down to Rokkenjiman air bases, from there we can cut the flights down to 3hours in duration. So can we base around 400 Seaforthian soldiers and their kit in Rokkenjima for these flights. Then can we hire a hotel or something for those transiting back to Seaforth? This will speed up our operation to secure the safety of our base? In the meantime if your talking to Sauzee you know what I'll accept."

SmartWar have today released footage of one of their latest prototypes. The company that is based in Chamwick have been working on various robotic and autonomous systems for several years and today released a video showing a kind of four legged robotic device carrying a flame thrower. The device was explained by the companies CEO, Martin Dawson, who said. "We are working on a variety of products utilising the "dog" element of the project, everything ranging from medical evacuation to helping provide logistics support. One of the key military needs is the ability to move heavy weapons with small squads and clearly this is difficult for the men on the ground. We believe this, as of yet unnamed project, can solve that as it will be able to carry a variety of logistical loads and a remotely operated, or autonomous weapons system. For our demo we asked ourselves what is perhaps the most over the top system we could add and someone said flamethrower. As a result that's what we ended up with, I think it looks rather impressive."

It was however a civilian use that has potentially seen the most interest in the project. Rockhampton's Chief Fire Officer explained, "Every summer we end up having to establish spotters, patrols and various other methods to look for wildfires in the forests. We've talked for a while about utilising something like UAV's but often these don't see beneath the canopy. Its our belief we could potentially release several of these into the forest and they can wander around high risk and remote areas looking for danger. We could then utilise their flamethrowers to perhaps carry out controlled burns allowing us to ensure the safety of the woodland, the general public and private property. Its something I'll speak to Mr.Dawson about and we'll see what comes up."

The concept has however seen Minister of Defence, Sir Harry Samuelson, talk about his thoughts on "autonomous systems". "I will always back things that help our fighting men and women stay ahead of the opposition and I see a definite place for 99% of this technology. We sadly see that AI is, in many ways, replacing humans in many processes such as in the industrial markets. My fear is attempts will be made to remove humans from warfare and that's very dangerous. We've seen AI getting things wrong all the time, I mean they can't even draw a human hand without six fingers. If we are to take human life for a greater good the decisions to send that person to the great beyond can not be shirked, a human must take that responsibility." It is believed that Sir Harry is about to discuss his concerns with the monarch in the coming days.

David was only too pleased to accept the man's handshake. "Thank you for the warm welcome" David replied. "You must forgive me" The continued feeling slightly embarassed. "For once my usually ever dependable foreign affairs team have failed to keep me up to date on our neighbours. Perhaps I could then ask about your recent ascension to power or your platform. Perhaps as we make our way to wherever we're holding this meeting you could correct their error."

Today marked the first day of the Sisterhood of Helus first conference. The religion, considered by many to be an offshoot of the Cult of Helus, has been steadily growing over the last four years and as such its founder and High Priestess, Jinny Denman, organised a conference in Northfort to support the growing Priesthood, plan for future temple construction and allow the faithful to meet. The religion also announced that it has now got two million members however this is disputed by many. Opening the conference Jinny Denman addressed an estimated 800 members of the faith and said, "In just a short time many of you have come to realise the truth of what we are establishing. At first those of us who lead the vanguard were called cranks, morons, even troublemakers yet now we are seeing our numbers grow and grow every single day. This year we've just hit two million members of the Sisterhood, and thats just in East Moreland, we have handfuls in various other nations around the world too." In a statement later Denman explained that the number comes from the number of people who attended Temple during the Feasts dedicated to the Gods and then considered that many regions of East Moreland lack temples dedicated to the Sisterhood. While Denman puts the number of faithful at two million experts believe it is likely the faith have less than 1.5million members. The High Priestess also explained that she intends to try and expand that number in the coming year. "It is vital we do all we can to help educate those who don't follow the Sisterhood of Helus find out more about the religion and then we can welcome them. The dream is that one day the Cult of Helus is no more as they have all seen the light our faith involves."

The conference is lacking perhaps the most prominent member of the Sisterhood of Helus, Queen Stasya, who converted to the faith after moving to East Moreland. The Queen is currently visiting family in Lodja and had been joined by King David until the situation in Troyes had him recalled yesterday. Queen Stasya did however have a video message for those attending the conference saying "I'm delighted that we as a faith can now gather in such numbers to make important decisions. My role as Queen of East Moreland means I must help ensure the freedoms of religion for all within my husbands Kingdom however I obviously share Jinny's dreams. That is something I think I am not the best person to be involved, that falls to you all for you are the life blood of Helus." During the first day of talks it was revealed that the Sisterhood currently has assets worth around $300million, mainly due to donations from prominent members of the faith as well as gifts of land for constructions of temples. It was revealed that the first overseas temple, built in Semelberg is due to be completed within the next month and that two more foreign Temples should be constructed this year, one in Bakkermaya and one in Lodja. It is believed that these two locations can see some success as Bakkermaya has large numbers of followers of Helus meanwhile the appeal of a female deity who is a strong leader may appeal to some Lodjains.

Tomorrow the conference is expected to discuss matters relating to a further formulation of rules for the Priesthood.

---

The Ministry of Defence have today announced that they have given funding clearance to a project from the East Moreland Aircraft Company (EMAC) and Portworth Dockyard. The project, which has yet to be given a name, will see EMAC develop an unmanned amphibious plane capable of landing on water or utilising airfields. This part of a project may be considered relatively simple enough for a company with EMAC's track record however this project will have a rather unique capability. The project calls for the aircraft to be able to land, launch an unmanned underwater vehicle and then recovery it before taking off. The Kingdom's Minister of Defence, Sir Harry Samuelson stated "The project is one that at this time is focused on helping us maintain our systems designed to monitor the nations EEZ. Our military has utilised a range of unmanned technologies ranging from traditional air vehicles to our RoboGuard land vehicle. This aquatic role for such technology is perhaps a new pathway but it could be an interesting one. What we have in mind is the idea that several of these autonomous subs can be carried, the crew come round and release them at the edge of the EEZ and then almost like a week later come and pick them up and replace them. The project is in its infancy but we're hopeful of its coming to fruition quickly as the technologies already exist, its just finding ways of moulding them together." It is believed that while the system may at first be designed to patrol the EEZ it is likely that more offensive versions may be created in the years ahead. There is also oppurtunity for the system to be used to help special forces infiltrate hostile waters.

The amount given to the project has not been confirmed. 

There already exists strong partnerships between many of our nations within this part of Albion. I therefore think that this meeting would be a fantastic way of ensuring these relationships are further improved meaning that all of us can benefit. I am excited to come and take part in this meeting and hopeful of a positive outcome

Queen Natalya of Lodja

To: The Government of Fifeton

It is my understanding that your nation has just selected a new CEO to govern your nation. This being the case I think this is an excellent occasion to have a meeting between our two nations, especially being Illumic based nations. It is my hope that by meeting we can build a successful partnership for both nations and continue the stability of the Illumic region. If you are happy for such a meeting to take place I would be thrilled to have the chance to visit Fifeton at your earliest convenience.

May The Gods Watch Over You and Your Nation Know Peace

King David III of East Moreland

As was to be expected the phone of President Sauzee had been going non-stop since the Real Marseille siege had begun. Add to that there were telegrams and e-emails constantly coming in via his secretary. He had been a member of Real Marseille himself during the Materna conflict and considered him a friend. He was disappointed that he hadn't been in on the plan from the beginning but he had to admit it looked like they were achieving results. The only part of the plan he was perhaps not surprised by was the involvement of Aosta. They're had been well documented visits to the city by their Empress and she'd been very push in various meetings about the cities plight. Now however he was being drawn into the firing line and it seemed the first shots would be coming from Rokkenjima. He read the telegram a second time as he waited for his secretary to ensure the call had been connected and the translators were in sync.

"Hello Majesty" he began the conversation, "I'd like to begin by thanking you for your message of support regarding Troyes, we're keen to reunite our people and thought it would take much much longer, thanks to this situation it is our hope that we can have all of Marseille back together by Christmas." He chuckled, "Now as for the situation in with Aosta my next phone call I intend to make to Empress Serena. I want you to be aware that in that call I intend to thank her for the support they have shown and ask her ships to maintain their patrols in the waters of Troyes until our own naval Frigate arrives, that is likely to be 48 hours time for it to put to sea and reach the coast of Troyes. It will then be our intention to fulfil the territorial rights you and others believe already belong to us. We hope that you will respect this decision. I wish you to please remember the level of respect that people here have for the movement of Real Marseille and while they do not speak with the voice of our government they more than clearly represent the feelings of our people and it is them that I serve. Jean-Pierre Cantona may be an awkward rabble rouser at times but he is a friend and a hero of this nation......he also tends to get results. Now I hope this puts your mind at a little more ease and gives you some preparation for the coming few hours."

Lt-Col Freddie McCaul had been out for dinner with his wife and 12 year old daughter in Troyes itself. His phone had begun ringing and seeing his 2IC phone number her picked up, "Steven.......I see......I'll be there in ten minutes....." He stood and motioned for the waiter to come over at which point her handed over several bank notes and thanked the man. "We need to go" Freddie told his family, who sensing that something urgent was happening stood and followed. The car drive back towards the base was at first uneventful but then as he got closer to the base they began seeing crowds. "I'm guessing another silly protest." he said telling his daughter not to worry. Soon though the traffic was so backed up after hearing on the radio that this was slightly more serious he switched to a plan that the Blackwatch Special Forces had come into for various scenarios. He turned and headed to the nearby Troyes Celtic Rugby club and moments later he'd parked the car up in the clubs car park while a helicopter touched down on the training pitches. He helped his wife and daughter onboard and then the helicopter took them into the base. "Jim what's happening?" He asked his 2IC as he meet him away from the wash of the engines while his wife took their daughter away to their home.

"Sir, we've that Cantona chap declaring Troyes a Republic, gate guard have said they've blocked the loop road with several trucks that they've disabled, effectively turning them into road-blocks, which explains your struggle getting back. They've estimated about 100 people in total helping man the barricades and we've evidence of guns. Been several non-armed groups joining them too. In a simple sense we're beseiged but it seems more serious than previously." The base had quiet often been the focus of protests and had even found itself cut off for 48 hours before but this was something different. Within the next 30 minutes the various statements, first from Real Marseille then Aosta came out, and this gave the commanding officer the sense that this was something bigger and as such he contacted HQ back in Seaforth.

---

Over in Seaforth news had begun trickling through to King Andrew. The monarch was not too pleased. The two Albion Empires seemed like they could be a thorn in his side but at least the Rokkenjimans had his back. He was annoyed at the Achkaerin stance, they'd been there in Marseille and knew just how hard the Seaforthians had worked to first secure the city and then rebuild it. If the blood of Seaforthians soaked into the soil there and the billions spent reconstructing the place didn't make it part of Seaforth then what else would? For now though he had to work on what to do. He had several meetings with Ministers, the intelligence community and various others before coming to a conclusion. Once he'd made his mind up her phoned McCaul over in Troyes. "I'm authorising you to do whatever is needed to maintain control of that base short of carrying out action outside the wire. You will be authorised to only open fire once fired upon otherwise you may use non-lethal aggression to hold the perimeter. Should local law enforcement or councils request your support then it can be given with the same rules of engagement. I'm going to dispatch the Red Crown aircraft carrier and a support fleet with it. If you need anything let me know."

Max noted instantly the difference between Northfort and Çördük . The capital of his homeland lacked the huge towers of this city he was seeing for the first time. A local bylaw stated clearly that no building could stand taller than the 99meters tall tower of the Temple of Helus. As such the city skyline lacked the prominence of many buildings here. In fact many wondered if it was the reason why the city had not grown as fast as others such as Portworth and Roberton. Max thought his own King, David, would have enjoyed the Palace as he often took breakfast on the palaces rear patio when it was summer. The swordsmith thanked the driver and shuffled himself out the car. He bowed to King Timur. He was impressed with the Kings greeting "That is perfect...and May the Gods Watch Over You and Your People Know Joy" Max returned the greeting, "sadly I'm not sure how your people would greet each other Your Majesty" he said taking the seat he was offered. "Nice to meet you Muna" he said dipping his head towards the spiritual adviser. "Thank you" he added as he took an interesting looking pastry. "Well Your Majesty my role is quiet a simple one, I bash bits of metal into points" he smiled, "I make swords, and the occasional dagger or knife, to be used by the Royal family and other people they permit me to work for. That basically means their extended family so the Kade's and now I've even made a few for the Pelagiya family. I maintain and look after the blades owned by the King and his family and as King David is a collector of them....something his young daughter is inheriting the love of, I'm kept busy repairing and restoring them." He took a sip of the mint tea, it was nice but not the kind of beverage he would have ordered as it was far too sweet for his personal taste.

"Now as for the significance of the sword its linked to our nations religious stories. Our Cult of Helus says that at one point in the dark distant past of Mundus a battle took place between the forces of good, lead by the God Helus and the forces of an evil domain known as the Underlords. This battle went very badly for humanity as many refused to follow Helus teachings or thought they knew better. The Underlords, best described as kind of giant mutant humans, ran rampant slaughtering humanity. Helus therefore determined mankind was doomed as they refused to follow him. However the God of War Jekar wouldn't give up on us and so found the most devoted human to train and teach. This was Raimond Unasson. The problem was the Underlords with their giant spears always had an advantage in combat, not only where they bigger but the spears gave them extra reach. Jekar however slaughtered thousands of them with ease as he carried a sword, with a simply twist of his wrist he would turn the spear blade to one side and then once past the point found it simple to kill the Underlords. Several other humans had tried replicating this with stone, wood, even basic metals but the blades would shatter dooming their carrier. Jekar taught Unasson two things that changed the tide of war, first how to make the sword he carried, second how to use them. Unasson passed this knowledge on to his followers and soon they began to find success, the problem was non-believers still refused to accept Helus teachings and so the Underlords ended up taking out most of humanity, our homeland was all that was left and despite being great warriors Unasson and his followers were outnumbered. An epic last stand began and as Helus looked down he saw the devotion and bravery of Unasson and took pity on us. He returned and the tide of battle was turned, Jekar, Helus and Unasson won the day however in the last moments of battle Unasson sacrificed himself to save Helus from a spear blow and as such died but not before learning that Helus would watch over the faithful and ensure that no matter what they would be protected and that he would ensure Unasson's son, and grandsons etc would lead us in this world. As such the sword is a symbol of devotion to the Gods, it is a symbol of duty and love and it is almost like a contract. That contract is that you may carry it in Helus name if you follow his laws of Canley but by carrying it you agree that should the time come to defend others you will do what is required. As a result no one in East Moreland may carry a blade outside of practice until they have been through a religious ceremony."

It was now that the matter became a little more tricky. "This is why I have from King David an agreement with him I have made. I'm happy at the moment to make swords for you but there must be two conditions. "First is that whatever design you wish to be made can not include any traditional imagery from the Cult of Helus. These will not be sacred Morelander blades like I make for the royals but they will be simply worldly tools and decoration. The second is that it is made clear that these are not endorsed by the King of East Moreland, the highest honour King David gives to foreigners is presenting them with a sword and sadly in the past he's been burnt by who has received these. He wants it to be very clear these blades have nothing to do with him and its just a coincidence that its his swordsmith making them. But before I agree I have to know a little bit more about the symbolism of this as a gift to these....I think you call them hill tribes."

EM to all please

RS if needed

A trip to a fast food restaurant is used by many parents as a reward for school success, good behaviour or a whole host of different reasons. The royal family is no different and with Princess Rhiannon recently scoring 100% in a school History test a trip to KFC was planned by her father. The trip however has sparked calls from the Princess for a change in legislation. The 11 year old Princess took a photo of her chips and posted it, with her father's permission, to Twitter with the caption "I work hard to get 100% but get 25% of the chips. Not fair. Dad needs to pass a law demanding better chip ratio" KFC later posted that the Princess was correct and that there should be more chips in a serving and would "remind our outlets of our standards." The incident was also referenced by the King himself when he visited the People's Council for an introduction of a proposed new law. The King spoke on what will be known as the "Microchip Security Act 2024" saying. "When I came here today I was under a great deal of pressure to put before you a very different chip act and while my daughter may be interested in the potato based ones I am much more concerned about the silicone ones but we both agree there needs to be more of them." The King went on to explain. "We've been amazed to see over the last decade that our nation has established ourselves as a leading high tech manufacturer and that requires microchips and other components. It is my intention that we will look to ensure that we have a reliable and secure supply of the required components. It is my intention that this law will make it a requirement that the Royal East Moreland Mineral Company (REMMC) be maintained in order to acquire the raw materials to manufacturer the components that we need , be that extracting them directly or by acquiring things such as mines or mining licences overseas. The nation will then maintain a set stockpile as a failsafe in case the need requires. So much of national security is now about cyber space and online that we must be as diligent securing it as we are the rest of our lands."

The People's Council seemed responsive to the proposal with Lucas Blakeslee, the Chief Councillor, saying "The act seems sensible and will promote our nations security, interests and economy. It will have my support in principle but naturally this is the first introduction of the proposal and we know that there will be many debates, discussions and meeting before any formal proposal is put before us for our advice." The Chief Councillor also spoke out on the Princess' proposal saying, "I would vote in favour of Princess Rhiannons proposal of course. I would also suggest that a trip to Annie's Burger Shack gives a much better chip to burger ratio."

Princess Rhiannon is due to head to Portworth for a week during the school holiday which begins on Friday. She is due to spend time with her mother Matilda Osman and has spoken of her excitement about learning to kite-surf. Restaurants across the Portworth region are keeping extra chips on standby.

After the scene at the supposed "coronation" Giles Gedding had called for various leading members of the Borlander network to meet with him. Giles sat at the head of the table with the Borlanders Chief Priestess of the Cult to his right. Mary looked down the table where four other people sat. Closest to her was Alice Wallis-Campbell, the mother of the seven year old King, she was here representing both the crown and one of the more influential families. Next there was Thomas Edward, the cousin of Kyle Barren who had been very vocal at the coronation, he was here as he carried a lot of support from the rank and file of the movement and many considered him perhaps the actual heir to the throne. Next there was Roger Allen, he'd been a trusted commander of units within East Moreland and was considered to be the field commander of their forces. Finally there was Leo Kensington who was best thought of as the Borlanders media manager. "I've gathered you here today" Giles began, "because we need to formulate the future of the Borlander movement. At the moment we're on the back foot and the recent loss of our King and his inability to leave us a proper heir has made our situation even worse. However not everything is on such a downer." He said as he distributed a folder to each of them. "You see while I was not involved perhaps with the movement on a day to day basis I've been busy. While the rest of Mundus may know me as Giles Cameron and that I am a wealthy man that is far from the truth." He could see each of them examining a series of accounts, "You'll see approximately $38million in cash " he said proudly. "That is the arms chest I bring back to the movement, each penny of it acquired fair and square through my IT companies and their various investments. We also however have this" he flicked to the next page, "That's a series of shares in various companies that are the equivalent of some $40million. Next we have the deeds to property across Mundus. These assets and these funds will be the basis of the future direction I will take us in so that by the time young William turns of an age to take the crown he will, assuming we've not been victorious, have a sizeable defence budget of sorts and a network across Mundus that will allow us to put the Morelanders to the sword. Now for the time being none of your are to do anything to cause a problem. What I intend is for young William to gain a decent education. Kyle, as intelligent as we may have considered him, lacked real knowledge of Mundus and in the 21st Century rulers must have that sense of place within the world. So we're going to pack him off somewhere safe and somewhere he can gain a good education."

"We need to protect him." Alice protested loudly. "If the Morelanders know where he is then he's as good as dead."

"I know" Giles said calmly placing a hand on her shoulder, "and I'm working on a plan that will ensure just that. I have a meeting arranged with Charlotte Reensburg, the leader of the Charterlands. For some time I've dropped enquiries about a little village on their coast where I own a small villa. I've asked several times about acquiring the whole village. If I can persuade her and cut a deal it shall become Cameronville, on paper my own person fifedom from which my IT companies can operate under rules I establish, so long as course as they are compatible with the Charterlands. One of the things we'll do is bring in some migrant workers to help with my next project, that will include several of you" he gestured to the table. "It will also include a school, a place where we can essentially borrow the Bene Gesserit ideas of teaching our next generation. Cameronville will basically be a new version of Kyles Zimalian attempts at a community. I've learned the lessons of that and I think we need follow the Bene Gesserit approach." There were a few nods of support around the group. "For now you are to head back to your homes, stay hidden, stay secret and let me be about business." while some didn't look too happy they each agreed and soon headed back to their homes in hiding.

---

Next Day on a plane towards the Charterlands.

Giles Cameron and his business secretary, Corinna Fields, had boarded a flight from Northfort early that morning. They would be flying out to the Charterlands where the authorities expected the duo to visit Giles' lovely seafront property for a few days. While there he'd a visit with the Charterlord pencilled in and was hopeful of a successful outcome. His private jet, while nothing as luxurious as a royal or presidential flight, was comfortable enough and he had found himself snoozing as the phone located in the arm of his reclined seat went off. "Good Afternoon Roger" he answered seeing the details of Roger Allen appear. "What do you mean they've not checked in? Who the hell even are they?" he listened as Roger explained that one of his teams within Zimalia had gone missing. To Giles they were not important, they were part of the old system which was largely now redundant for the next few years at least. Losing a team of people up to Helus knows what in the backwaters of Zimalia was not part of his planning and even if something terrible had happened he wouldn't let it derail his new direction. "Well good luck finding them, if you need anything let me know" he said only half meaning what he said. His biggest concern was that he get this deal with the Reensburg sorted.

It was 24 hours later that he had the meeting arranged. He'd made his way to he Charterlords official residence and presented his credentials at the gate.

---

"Well isn't this lovely" Kelly Matthewson said as she lead the team into the room. "Where the fuck are they" she added as Graham, Amir and Michelle, followed her in pistols at the ready.

"Good question" Amir asked as he scanned the room. All the intelligence they had suggested they'd have found at least four of the Borlanders here but that now wasn't the case. They double checked their details as Graham kept watch at the door but after double, then triple checking, they were sure they'd found the right place. They then found the beaker. "Acid" Amir said rather quizzically.

"I bet its the same guy" Michelle said referring to how in the past they'd mysteriously found someone else hitting their targets. The Nightwitches may be secret but many of the people they went after where not exactly well liked.

"Got to respect someone who tidies up neatly after themselves." Graham added as the group began considering their next move.

"Have HQ post a thank you on the usual page." There existed a "Community Support Group" page on facebook that several of the intelligence agencies from East Moreland used from time to time and it was suspected that the group they believed responsible would see it too.

"Sending appreciation to those who aren't afraid to handle the tough stuff, like Uncle Boris and his secret formula. Your dedication doesn't go unnoticed. #BorisSolution #ThankYou" appeared that evening and Kelly would watch to see if anyone responded.

It had been two weeks since the assassination of "King" Kyle Barren, the figurehead of the Borlanders, the group committed to what they aw as the restoration of the official bloodline of the throne of Northfort and more importantly the truest heirs of Raimond Unasson the most beloved of Helus' humans. There had been tense meetings across the Alps between the various cells that Barren had so carefully arranged and managed over his time as their leader and while some living intermingled with the Morelanders the vast majority of Borlanders preferred to live in the cold Alps close to the border giving them an escape route made up of hundreds of zig zag alpine roads to escape on. Today though was special, today the group found itself at Maresbrook, a small village high up in the foothills beneath East Moreland's highest peak Highmoor. The large castle that was imposing on the hill over the village was owned, at least if you dug around, by a Charles Menworth, a businessman who owned several large properities across East Moreland that were holiday lets and spas. It was a useful front for meetings, just block out the ability to book for the general public and the Borlanders had a useful meeting place. They also had an income stream to help support their actions against the Morelanders. There today several of the high ranking Borlanders had already gathered and in the large dining room it was clear there were two factions forming as each huddled to their side of the large wooden panelled walls. At the head of one was Robert Wallis-Campbell the brother of Kyle Barrens third wife Alice. His sister was not there today preferring to mourn in her hiding in Zimalia. Across the room from him was Thomas Edward, a tall square shouldered man who was a cousin of Kyle Barren. As Borlander, and also ironically East Moeland tradition dictated at the death of a King an appointed Duke would ensure the coronation of the next King, in East Moreland this was the Duke of Ostlake, for the Borlanders this would be the Duke of Keepton (OOC- Borlanders maintain their own nobility and so for some places there will be a East Moreland (official) and a Borlander (secret) Duke/Duchess etc).

Today that job fell to Richard Hollins, the 70 year old had fulfilled this sacred duty on a previous occasion, today though was different to those as he had no Priestess here as so far the High Priestess of The Cult of Helus (OOC- Also different to the "official" one) had failed to arrive and any communication had to now been impossible. It was a situation though he had considered and now he was prepared to start without her which was already bringing protests from Thomas Edwards and his supporters. "No King may rule unless authorised by Helus, and that needs the Priestess." He yelled across the room to cheers.

"Needs must" Hollins said as he climbed the steps to what at one point, and soon would again, be where a throne would have sat. "I'm sorry but we must press ahead. Helus has more than enough power to stop us if what I do is not his will." He retorted which saw the Campbell-Wallis' nod their approval. "Today we must crown a new King to ensure the connection to our ancestors is kept unbroken. As the appointed Duke I name William Barren as the new King of Borland and the Borland Folk, Duke of Northfort and beloved of Helus."

"He's not a Barren" Edwards yelled. "He's a bastard". There was a smartly dressed 7 year old boy clinging to a womans hand, almost trying to hide behind her white skirt. "Look at the boy" Edwards continued, "He can't lead us and the Campbell-Wallis lot haven't picked up anything other than their skirts to help our cause in decades." Across the room the woman, Alice Campbell-Walls stepped in front of her son.

"He is the rightful heir" The room fell silent, it was Beatrice Barren, the first wife of Kyle Barren. She looked ill, her face was pale and there were large bags under her eyes. Since the news of her husbands death she had not been eating or sleeping well. While first the young girl Rebekah had become a wife also to her husband that was only ever to father an heir, after her execution by the Morlanders there had been Alice and that too had been nothing more than a loveless convenience. Beatrice though was a devout follower of their cause and knew the bloodline had to be preserved so had both relented to her husbands involvement with both women but also supported young Williams cliam. "The blood of Unasson flows through those veins full bodily, deep in the love of Helus. Yours..." she scowled at Edwards, "Is merely a poor polluted trickle" there was another chorus of shouting. This shouting however soon stopped when the sound of a bugle filled the air.

Mary Sutton, the lady whom the Borlanders considered the true High Priestess had entered the room backed by a group of around ten men wearing ceremonial uniform in Black. "This is why we lose." She pointed first at Edwards then at Beatrice. "When things go wrong we shirk away, we hide, we point fingers and we rebuild. Kyle knew that and did his best to create permanence for us, you failed him and now you fail Helus. Kyle will be watching us, once he has paid his penance for turning his back on some of our laws, alongside Helus united with Unasson and he will feel shame." The room this time did not erupt. It didn't matter what side of the metaphorical, and in this case actual, divide in the room you supported this was the High Priestess and her word in the absence of the King was enough for most. "Both of you are right, but for very different reasons" She walked forward dressed in a red dress a black shawl over it with the hood pushed back. She was just the wrong side of sixty but was still a woman you could say was beautiful. Her face carried a kind of stern elegance and her piercing pale blue eyes scanned the room. She walked slowly and deliberatley as though trying to make eye contact with everyone in the room at least once and in her wake came the Black jacketed men, each with a sword at their hip and an assault rifle on their backs. "I bring with me the Black Riders, the men most loyal to the Barren cause. Each has dedicated their life to the pursuit of getting the Morelanders to be nothing but history. Each of these ten men are more important to our cause than anyone in this room at this moment for they don't stand around talking, they take action. Just like Kyle did." Mary took the steps up to the awaiting throne and sat down. "Duke Richard" She said turning to Richard Hollins who was still in a state of uncertainty. "You're task is done, get down" she pointed to the floor and the man poddled down to stand with the Campbell-Wallis group. "My decision is this, while not a true heir in the sense of the word, William is of the bloodline. He however has no chance of being King while simply a child, and he certainly needs some toughening up looking at him" the boy was still peering out from behind his mother. "Therefore I will be ordering a regent until the boys turns 18 years of age. That regent will not be the Campbell-Wallis." her glare silenced the protests even before they began. "That regent shall be myself and Giles Gedding." The room began to murmour again but by raising a sword and clanging it on the throne the room once more fell silent. Giles Gedding was something of a myth among the Borlanders, he had once been inseperable from Kyle Barren but an arguement 15 years ago had seen him leave the group, only to resurface in Bakkermaya five years ago as Giles Cameron, a rich IT tycoon who was investing left, right and centre in business there. All filtering money back to fill the "royal treasury" In truth he had lead several hacking attempts and was linked to many of the major hacks of the 21st Century. The door opened and rather like a scene in a movie in walked the 40 year old setting foot in East Moreland for the first time in 15 years.

The Palace have confirmed that today King David has meet, in person, with the members of Red Legion who were responsible for the operation that killed terrorist Kyle Barren. The King meet the men of Red Legion at their units HQ in Aldfield and presented each of them with the nations highest military honour, the Kings Medal. The awarding of these four medals now mean that the King has awarded five King's Medals during his lifetime, all of them to anonymous members of Red Legion. It was also confirmed that several members of the National Intelligence Agency who had sourced the information which allowed the strike to take place have been awarded the Moreland Cross which is avaliable only the civilians who have done things considered "inspirational to Morelanders". In a statement released following the King's visit to Red Legion HQ the monarch said, "I am exceptionally proud of the Legionnaires who undertook this operation. They have demonstrated exceptional skills and courage and are an example to every member of the armed forces in terms of what a well trained and dedicated Morelander can achieve. They however are only as good as the intelligence they are given and our hats must be raised to those members of the Intelligence Agency who were able to put these men in a position to carry out their mission. This nation, and the rest of Mundus, owes everyone involved a debt of thanks."

The Palace have also confirmed that the body of Kyle Barren, the self proclaimed "King of the Borlanders", has been dropped from a naval maritime patrol aircraft into "the deep ocean" however say they will not confirm the exact location nor even the body of water. The bodies of the other Borlanders killed during the attack, another six individuals, have been similarly disposed of in unconfirmed locations. A spokesman for the High Priestess of the Cult of Helus stated, "The Cult of Helus is very clear that the deeds we do in life shall determine our place in the afterlife. I am firmly convinced that Barren and all those that follow him will have no afterlife of worth, just that they shall now know the eternal pain and torment that they have caused."