Nearly one month ago I issued a call to the Oil (and Gas) Producing Exporting Nations (OPEN) to "address the continued existence of slavery in the Tamoran Empire and work together to see that slavery is either abolished, or this organization disavows slavery fully and brings the Empire to account for the continued perpetuation of slavery." I called for a summit of OPEN members to "discuss these issues, to bring about a resolution on the matter, and make a firm decision on whether we, as an Organization, are comfortable with harbouring the largest supporter of slavery amongst our ranks." These calls have thus gone unheeded, with no communication from another member of OPEN on the matter in the aforementioned period of time, something which the Kingdom considers wholly unacceptable. As a nation guided by the wisdom and principles of Ma'at, and Ma'at herself being incompatible with the institutions of slavery and servitude, I am thus forced to take unilateral action in response to the deafening silence of the OPEN nations.

Should my calls not receive a response by the 31st of May the Kingdom of Clysperis will be forced to tender its resignation from OPEN. From such a date the Kingdom shall be open to cooperating with oil producers outside of OPEN to wholly and utterly undermine OPEN, and to ensure that the shared stain of slavery and servitude they have adopted through inaction is duly reflected upon each of them. The Gods are most clear: slavery is a sin which leaves a stain upon the very soul of those who engage, perpetuate or enable it, and I shall not allow our continued membership in OPEN to stand in stark contrast to our values. OPEN must make a decision: either it ties its fate to that of Tamora or it stands up and does what is right in confronting the scourges of slavery and servitude in all their forms. There is no middle position on this issue: you either stand for justice or you support the oppressors. Sometimes, it truly can be as simple as that and the Kingdom shall stand for justice against the oppressor regardless of what nation they hail from.

While this decision may be one which brings temporary hardship to the economic headwinds of the Kingdom I am confident that our cause is just, and as such I shall not relent, nor shall I choose that path which is easier. Either OPEN confronts the sordid conduct of the Tamoran Empire and addresses it with the full and due attention it deserves or it casts its lot with the Tamoran Empire, absent the membership of the Kingdom of Clysperis. My lines shall be open to those nations who choose freedom and the liberation of the human spirit over those who would constrain it in any manner.

Akasha Di-‘nh-mi-Re, Sovereign of Sovereigns, Divine of Appearance, Beloved of Amun, Chosen of Ra, Lord of the Three Lands, Ruler of Justice like Ra, High Priest of Every Temple, the Eye of Horus, Voice of Ma'at, Satisfied is the heart of Ra.

To our allies, international partners and global neighbours,

We have seen reports in recent years and have shared concerns that the actions of humanity are playing a driving force in the rise of temperatures across Mundus, in addition to other environmental damages which impact every living being upon the surface of Mundus. A primary driver of these changes, the release of greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere through the use of non-renewable energy sources, has long been a challenge many of our nations have sought to overcome. With such sources of energy often being cheaper to utilize than cleaner and renewable sources of energy this has most certainly been an uphill battle. To date we have seen the producers of "dirty" energy group themselves together in OPEN, a cartel which operates to ensure not only the profitability of oil and natural gas, but also their continued preeminence as the primary sources of energy across Mundus.

Renewables may yet be the greatest of innovations in the field of energy within our lifetimes and while there may be downsides which must be addressed, such as the utilization of staple food crops for the production of bio-fuels, I believe that when, not if, those nations which see a more green and sustainable future pool their resources together we may realize a date sooner, rather than later, where renewable sources may compete and out-compete fossil fuels to meet the energy needs of Mundus. Certainly the deployment of nuclear energy is a cruciual component in transitioning Mundus from a fossile-fuels based energy infrastructure, which is why Rokkenjima has invested in a vibrant and capable domestic nuclear industry. Through investing in a basket of biomass, solar, tidal, hydrogen and aforementioned nuclear, the Rokkenjiman economy has not shriveled, it has thrived as its dependence upon fossil fuels has waned. I believe that this is a story of success which can be replicated across Mundus, and to support that initiative I wish to invite those nations who share a focus on renewable energy to the Imperial Palace to form alongside us the Organisation of Sustainable Energy Producers - OSEP.


Through OSEP our nations will be able to pool our collective efforts to advance green, sustainable energy while acting to ensure these sources are capable of competing in all fields where fossil fuels hold a foothold in international energy markets. By working to ensure stable prices, especially should fossil producers seek to undermine renewable sources, we can act to secure a future for the next generation; a future where the environment is not mined, drilled and sold for temporary gains against the interests of the future. Through OSEP we may also pool the resources of our universities to further research into solving the myriad issues which face a warming Mundus and, perhaps, act together to ensure those who are most endangered (such as island nations) may be spared the worst impacts of a warming Mundus through our action at this Summit. Let us not drown our children and their children in rising seas, raising their heads above the waves to only find poisoned air to choke upon. Join me in taking action so that we may hand the future a Mundus which is perhaps just somewhat better than the one we, ourselves, were handed.

We inhabit this space for but a short time, and while some believe that time is ours in the present age we are borrowing time from future generations to fuel profits today. Let us work together to bring an end to this most viciously destructive cycle. I look forward to your replies, and to hosting you at the Imperial Palace to tackle these challenges together.

In friendship;


Empress of the First Empire of Rokkenjima

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Logo is a derived work from Vectors by Vecteezy.

Honourable President,

As we've seen in recent days Rokkenjiman-Lakhzovian cooperation, coordination and collaboration can result in some truly remarkable results. It is true in recent times that Pyrettania has not been as good a friend to the Lakhzov Republic as the Republic has been to the First Empire and it is my hopes that we may begin to rectify that. In addition, I hope to solidify Rokkenjiman-Lakhzovian cooperation and strengthen our bonds of cooperation. In these interests I invite you to the Imperial Palace, the first foreign leader to enjoy that honour and, pending coordination with the Kingdom of Tytor on my part, to extend to you an invitation for Lakhzovia to the Cross-Straits Treaty Organisation.

I firmly believe that Rokkenjiman-Lakhzov cooperation in the Krimeon is key to ensuring regional stability and our joint economic interests, and I hope to see Rokkenjiman economic success transcend into Lakhzovian success as well. There is no reason why the Lakhzov Republic should not have greater reach beyond her borders, so I will seek to discuss with you an exclusive deal regarding rare Mundus minerals. While I will have a request of my own I am certain that our paths align, that our goals are shared, and look forward to welcoming a friend to the Rokkenjiman People with the welcome he is duly deserving of. Let us make 2023 the year when Pyrettania-Nakim stands for friendship, international peace and stability, and sets a standard which the whole of Mundus will seek to emulate.

Your friend;


Empress of the First Empire of Rokkenjima

As the First Empire continues to seek to diversify the capabilities of the Imperial Rokkenjiman Armed Forces there have been discussions in recent days considering new acquisitions. The AS-60N has come up several times, as has the AS-60 Raven, with Imperial High Command seeking the agreement for a licensing deal which would see our CATOBAR carriers field AS-60Ns, while a squadron or two of AS-60s would also be produced under this agreement. If there is interest for this agreement we may hammer out the details of cost at your leisure.

Respectfully yours;

Yabūchi Ikumu
Imperial High Command
Office of Procurement

The situation playing out in the Rokkenjima Sea is one of utmost concern to me and one which threatens the very stability of our region. I wish to assure you that Rokkenjiman assets acting in anger against the Empire of Daitō are doing so without the sanction of Chrysanthemum Throne and that my Grand Marshal is doing all within his power to limit the loss of life and destruction presently before us. Under my authority, assets of the Imperial Rokkenjiman Armed Forces are moving to assist and bring this crisis to a resolution. On behalf of the Rokkenjiman People and Empire I offer my sincerest of apologies that things have escalated to this point, however, rest assured that you have a committed partner in the Throne in bringing this crisis to a swift resolution.

The First Empire, while it can never make up for any loss of life, will do all within its power to rectify this situation and ensure that the designs of a madman aren't what defines the Rokkenjiman-Daitōjin relationship. I, like the Crown Princess, hope that our nations may find a path to friendship and mutual prosperity, and that dream is still alive so long as an Anselmo sits upon this Throne and is willing to make the difficult decisions towards that which is just, right and true. Let us make this occasion the first, in so long, where we both set aside our pride and preconceptions and work together toward a solution. Let us make this the moment where Rokkenjima and Daitō realize that, despite different names and paths, we are both Ōnishi. We share the same blood and, when one of us are hurt, both of us are hurt. Let us not allow the designs of one dangerous man to undermine the potential we can both share in, and let us bring to a close the madman scenario he's forced upon us.


Empress of the First Empire of Rokkenjima

On the behalf of Her Imperial Majesty, the Crown Princess Asuna, I am pleased to invite dignitaries from across Mundus to the Imperial Palace for a housewarming gathering. Dignitaries can expect a weekend of fine cuisine, music and dancing, and an opportunity to meet with the Crown Princess and the incoming Imperial Government which will assume power upon her ascension to Chrysanthemum Throne. We look forward to welcoming both our friends and allies, and those who are presently on difficult terms with the First Empire, to this gathering to further our diplomatic engagement with the community of nations. Travel arrangements should be made through Pyrettania International Airport, after which ground transport will be provided to the Imperial Palace.

I, and the Crown Princess, look forward to welcoming you to Rokkenjima!


Princess of Azukishima
Duchess of Pyrettania

I don't believe that either of us were done with our exchange of ideas. While the events we've both just witnessed are unfortunate I would wish to continue with our exchange and have secured the Imperial Council Chambers for continued discussions, should you be interested in joining me. I understand the positions raised by our Tytorian allies especially as the First Empire has, throughout the reigns of Saisei and Ōkami placed the Cross-Straits system at the centre of its foreign policies and endeavours. I gave my word that I was interesting in seeing the "blank slate" route through to its conclusion before making any decisions. Transport to the Castle will be available outside of the CSC Headquarters should you accept my invitation.


Princess of Azukishima
Duchess of Pyrettania

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Kyōko had brought to a close the first day of the Cross-Straits Summit, "it will be easy" they had said, a friendly gathering that should go without issue. Kyōko could not have expected the competing viewpoints or, despite the best of her efforts, her inability to see some harmony between them. She thus made her way to the Imperial Council Chambers and made an additional call for Grand Marshall Rowe and Tsuji Makoto, chair of the powerful House of Councillors Committee for Foreign Affairs, to join in.

On behalf of the Abstergo family I am pleased to see our nations begin moves toward a normalization of relations. With that comes a removal on restrictions upon Rokkenjiman firms doing business in Samantra, an opportunity which Abstergo believes we may both take full advantage of in this new chapter. As you may be aware my Division, the Financial Group, is looking to expand its offerings and services across Mundus and we would be pleased to begin operations within Samantra following the necessary approvals of the Samantran Government. To quote our previous release:

"Offering services which range from traditional banking, financial planning, lines of credit, loans, wire transfers, currency exchanges and a host of other financial products and services to harness the full potential of your money. When you open an account with our banks, which shall honour the heritage of Abstergo Industries under the name "Orchid Bank and Trust", you're entering into a partnership not only you can depend on, but one which your family may depend on for generations to come.

The AFG will also be a fitting partner to businesses across Mundus offering a robust array of services while opening the door to the world of international commerce. Utilizing the robust Abstergo Payment and Posting System (APPS) you may be confident that doing business, whether it be domestic or abroad, will not inure headaches. With a team of advisers and experts at your back you will have the tools and foresight to enable you to make decisions in situations where precious seconds may count. Furthermore, with Abstergo's expertise in Investments and Holdings you can rest assured as the same team which transformed Orchid Capital into a corporation which is today valued at र1.6tn ($900bn) will be looking out for your brighter future, helping you along the way to write the next great success story."

I am also aware of interest from Abstergo to establish an assembly line in Samantra to produce Abstergo electronics, specifically new models of phones running the AbsterGO operating system. These will be more reasonably priced models tailored for markets across Cotf Aranye, thus we would be looking to hire individuals in the region to hone these models to their intended markets. This represents another partnership, and one we hope to be able to move forward in.

Respectfully;

Iseri Norio
President
Abstergo Financial Group

Friends, allies and partners across the Cross-Straits nations;

As we continue to move forward into this year it is my privilege to invite you to the Headquarters of the Cross-Straits Community for a Summit which will set our agenda, reaffirm our bonds, and address a variety of issues before the Community and Mundus at large. As Cross-Straits affairs have been added to my purview, along with an attache who is well versed with the Community, I look forward to getting to know you all as well as working together on issues which face all of our nations. The first issue we shall be tackling is slavery, both states who practice slavery and those who aid and albeit them in the continuation of this barbaric and reprehensible institution. Secondly, it is the indication of several people I have spoken to to see a broad spectrum military exercise to gauge the interoperability of the Cross-Straits Treaty Organisation, and we believe that the Rokkenjima and Dauntel Seas make the perfect area for such exercises to occur. In addition to any topics our Cross-Straits allies and partners wish to approach ISEA will be present to address our mutual space-fairing endeavours, whilst a representative from the IOAA will be on hand to talk about exciting new developments for the exploration of Mundus' oceans which we know much less well than even our own lunar surface.

I also understand that some representatives wish to discuss the future of the Cross-Straits Community, including the CSTO specifically, which shall be addressed at the Summit, together. I look forward to welcoming you all at the Headquarters of the Cross-Straits Community and making this meeting a rousing success!


Princess of Azukishima
Duchess of Pyrettania

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Princess Kyōko awaited the arrival of her guests at the Headquarters of the Cross-Straits Community. Evanthe had selected her to represent the First Empire of Rokkenjima as a test as the audience would be "friendlies", and she held confidence in her capabilities having worked with her during her tenure as the Governor of Rishiri. She reviewed her notes, both those given to her by the Imperial Rokkenjiman Government and her own, "Remember Beatrice's strengths, not her shortfalls," and rose her head when the first arrival was announced.

"I'm pleased to welcome you to this Summit of the Cross-Straits Community," she said with a respectful bow. "May our discussions today be productive," she continued with a smile.

To all the well wishers I have heard from across Mundus through private messages, to the People of Rishiri who have kept my spirits high through these times, and to the Rokkenjiman People who have been nothing but wonderful in their correspondence with me, I thank you all. To learn what I have in these past few days has been difficult, however, not all has been terrible. As we will all remember the Saisei Empress and I shared a close friendship, we often called each other sisters, and to know that was not by chance or mistake is oddly comforting in these times. Today, I stand in a position where I may best support my niece as she continues her path of education to assume Chrysanthemum Throne and reign in her own right.

It has been a difficult many days here at Pyrena Castle, overcoming all the thoughts and emotions which come with not only realizing your life wasn't what you thought it was, but also realizing the life and the relationships you never got to know due to that. It's something I wouldn't wish on the worst of my foes, but through my time at Pyrena Castle I have been made to feel welcome, my questions and concerns have been addressed, and I am starting to feel at home myself. I will always love the family who raised me, however, I have had a chance to learn of my biological family and they have welcomed me with open arms, with love and compassion, and I feel wholly welcome, wholly at home, for the first time.

Now that I have settled in I will be assuming official duties as Princess of Azukishima; I was raised to have a strong work ethic and I shall continue that in my duties as a Princess of Rokkenjima. Due to my background in international affairs and government I shall be sharing duties with the Vicegerent on the foreign policy of the First Empire, and I shall serve as an advisor to the Crown Princess and future Empress as she prepares for her Enthronement. I shall leverage the full depth of my experience in leading Rishiri, and as First Minister of Rishiri, to her benefit. Future announcements shall be made available as time passes as to the full depth of my responsibilities and duties to the Imperial Government, the most immediately impactful at the Enthronement as to my understanding. Following that date I look forward to engaging with the community of nations on behalf of the future Empress of Rokkenjima.

Yours in Friendship;


Princess of Azukishima
Duchess of Pyrettania

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OOC: This should be seen as taking place one month after the Princess' reunion with the Imperial Family.

To the Community of Nations:

I am pleased to welcome you to Pyrena Castle as we mark the enthronement of Crown Princess Asuna, marking the begining of the Sutāraito Era and the true end of the Saisei Era. Accommodations shall be provided in the residential wing of Pyrena Castle, while festivities shall include an Imperial Ball, a dinner, a concert featuring various Rokkenjiman acts, as well as various activities for international leaders to interact with the future Rokkenjiman Empress and her present representatives in Imperial Government.

I look forward to welcoming you all in Pyrettania.

Respectfully yours;


Empress of Rokkenjima
Princess of Arovium

I recognize that the actions of the former Empress have placed us upon a path of confrontation and strife, and this is a equation I wish to change between our Peoples and Nations. I do not share the beliefs of my predecessor that Zimalia is a harbour for terrorism, and I wish that our Nations and Peoples could walk forward from our previous path of conflict toward one of cooperation, discussion, and harmony.

If you would accept my invitation for talks in Pyretannia, at Pyrenna Castle, I would be pleased to host you and to find ways forward from our current state of affairs. I look forward to your response.

Respectfully yours;


Empress of Rokkenjima
Princess of Arovium

I write to you today to state, unequivocally, that I got it wrong and take full responsibility for our failures toward Lijiang. I apologize to you, and your People, for my words and actions toward you, your People and your nation. I believe that, in friendship, we could be a force of stability and prosperity upon the Ardian continent and, in partnership, working together on international concerns of security and securing a future where the atom is decidedly a symbol of international peace and cooperation. It is perhaps my greatest failure that these paths were not followed and, in hindsight, I can see where my actions unnecessarily politicized the MAEA and that the words levied against Lijiang were wrong. If there was ever a moment I wish I could go back and take the paths not taken I would certainly use it on these matters.

I was wrong, and while I cannot take back those actions which have transpired I can give my full faith commitment to working toward a better future between our states. As one who has, time and again, professed his belief in the vision and mission of the MAEA I hope to overcome past failures in our interactions, to right this historic wrong. As we both know the MAEA only works if nations join the Agency and work toward fulfilling its objectives. We cannot again allow Mundus to reach the dangerous era we've placed behind us, and Lijiang would be a magnificent partner in ideals I feel we likely still share.

Should you see it as acceptable to grant me your graces in rectifying these issues I promise my full and undivided attention in a meeting between our nations and I would be humbled by those graces as well as the opportunity to overturn this historic wrong between our Peoples and Nations. I can, of course, understand if you should say no to such a proposition, but I place my faith in your graces that such an opportunity may be possible under your terms.

Respectfully yours;


Empress of Rokkenjima
Princess of Arovium

Fellow Rokkenjimans, Friends and Allies of the First Empire, honourable delegates from afar, I thank you for joining me here this afternoon.

On April 22nd, 2014 the Saisei Empress stood before you in this very Chamber to deliver the first Imperial Address. In the years which have followed it has been customary for the Empress to come before the whole of the Empire to present her assessment of the preceding year, her goals for the year to come, and to reflect upon the challenges, concerns, hopes and aspirations of the Rokkenjiman nation in that moment. In her first Imperial Address the Saisei Empress touted the strength of the Rokkenjiman economy, as well as that of the Imperial Rokkenjiman Navy, in her opening remarks. This year, however, I wish to look back upon history to highlight the challenges we have met, and the remarkable success of Rokkenjiman unilateralism in meeting the challenges before the international community.

We may recall that when the United Soviet Russia enacted a blockade of the Great Northern Sea, while at the same time pursuing an expansive biological weapons program, this First Empire broke through the Soviet blockade with the might of the Imperial Rokkenjiman Navy while the intense pressure brought upon the Soviets forced them to bring their weapons program to a halt. With this success over the Era of Soviet Aggression, the First Empire in its benevolence established the Covenant of Nations, an institution with which we could ensure a lasting peace and ever expansive international stability. Then, when the Thematan Corporatists embarked upon a campaign of genocide and brutal oppression of their very people Rokkenjiman pressure, combined with the full might of the Imperial Rokkenjiman Armed Forces, overwhelmed the Corporatist Regime, and liberated the Thematan People, restoring to them a liberty and freedom which had been stolen from them decades ago.

I can see the bewilderment on your faces and please have faith, my faculties have not taken flight. Naturally, we all know that when the United Soviet Russia embarked upon its era of aggression that the Imperial Rokkenjiman Navy, joined by our allies of Quinntopia, worked together and broke the blockade imposed by the Soviets; through a concerted campaign of international pressure which built consensus between Rokkenjiman allies and independent partners which brought the Soviet program to a halt. Likewise, the partnership which the First Empire built with nations across Mundus resulted in the formation of the Covenant of Nations; and when the cruelty of the Thematan Regime was delivered to the forefront of global attention by the Saisei Empress this First Empire, joined by our allies and partners from across Mundus, rose to the occasion and acted with swift and decisive determination to hold the regime accountable for its actions while seeing a free Themata rise from the ashes of the corporatists.

Considering the alternative version of history I presented to you, we must likewise recall a recent Rokkenjiman history which is not alternative in nature: that of a reliance upon unilateral capability and actions which alienated longstanding Rokkenjiman alliances and friends. This highlights clearly how every Rokkenjiman success has been born of the close cooperation between Rokkenjima and her allies which built international consensus to address the issues of the present moment. The might of the Rokkenjiman nation has never been represented by her solitary military, diplomatic or economic power but by her capacity to build consensus, to act with others, and to impart our strength upon the cause of the powerless. In each success we have seen it was never a naval base in our possession which brought about results, but our coordination with a concert of nations to address issues which, at their heart, speak to the common values and principles held with our allies and partners.

It is in the spirit of partnership that I share with you the results of work which started under the Saisei Empress; a rapprochement between Rokkenjima and East Moreland, the restoration of friendship and cooperation between Pyrettania and Valtheim and, finally, the multilateral effort which has seen the genesis of the Cross-Straits Community. These are crucial links which will further foreign policy objectives of the First Empire, strengthen Rokkenjiman abilities in working toward addressing crises and ensuring stability, while leaving in place an infrastructure from which our Crown Princess may work upon her ascension to the Throne. You will note that these developments do not see the First Empire acquiring military bases, nor are they instruments which would provoke the ire of Rokkenjiman allies and partners. These diplomatic developments are undertaken as the First Empire looks well into the future, rather than with short-sightedness and spite.

While these developments proceed, we must also be mindful of the present challenges which face the community of nations. Tribalism, a breakdown in the institutions of international diplomacy, and an increasing trend to look inward toward echo chambers threatens a split upon Mundus. Fears of religious competition have also presented themselves in recent times and it is upon all of us to address these issues before they establish themselves as insurmountable challenges. Over the coming weeks I will be collaborating with the Vicegerent to have honest conversations with many nations, focusing upon rebuilding those links beyond the Cross-Straits System and fostering an international conversation in which we may address mutual concerns, areas of cooperation, and concerns which some may feel have been ignored by Rokkenjima. This constructive dialogue is long overdue and is one which I look forward to holding with our neighbours in the community of nations.

We must also be mindful of the impact our actions have upon our neighbours and should act, always, as good neighbours, always working to foster understanding. We have seen the winding down of Operation Typhoon in the Kyne, the Imperial Council is at present reviewing Rokkenjiman sanctions upon the Emirate of Royal Seleucid in relation to the breadth of their practices and, by extension, policy toward Samantra, and we are seeing the nascent revival of the Mundus Development Bank. With the resources available to the Bank the capacity for effecting good in the world around us is quite remarkable, yet quite tragic if those funds continue to sit unused. Seeing the MDB return to normal operations and become a partner to peoples across Mundus in improving living standards and constructing essential infrastructure, is just one way we may all work together to transform lives and bring hope to communities.

We also find ourselves in a time of transition. One day, in a future which is no longer quite so far away, Crown Princess Asuna will ascend to Chrysanthemum Throne, ushering in a new era for the First Empire. She is surrounded by people who will continue to help her to grow into her role as Empress, continuing a tradition of service to the Rokkenjiman People. Already we have seen her not be shy to share her opinions on current and past Rokkenjiman policy with her words resonating with Rokkenjimans from her generation and even beyond. I am confident that she will continue to learn the skills to best utilize her passion in the governance of Rokkenjima.

While we have not always had the right answers, we have always tried to do the right thing, approaching difficult moments and critical decisions instead of shirking from them. We should never avoid such moments; however, we should take the time to discuss our approaches with involved parties to reach well-rounded approaches that provide for lasting solutions to problems before the community of nations. When solutions do not come from us, as a nation blessed with resources and capabilities, we should lend our strengths to those solutions. We must return to a strategy of building consensus and partnership which has proven itself repeatedly in the past as opposed to strategies which see just one viable way forward. The latter is a strategy which is destined for failure, and one which we must not repeat moving into the future.

Indeed we must remember that mistakes will be made, yet that is not what defines us as a nation or a People. What we do with these situations is what defines us, and on that note we can certainly do better, and we shall do better. Initiatives being formulated between myself and the Imperial Government will address the issues I have shared with you today while positioning the First Empire for a more engaging relationship with nations beyond existing ties. We have, in many ways, isolated ourselves from ideas and opinions which may not align with our own, we have not discussed these differences, so we are left without the understanding necessary for successful diplomacy and the capacity necessary to come together with neighbours to resolve pressing issues. I am pleased to bring this era of semi-isolation to a much needed close and to engage once again in the spirit of international cooperation.

Our immediate future sees many opportunities if we are courageous enough to take them, and to trust in the common compass which is in the heart of all toward that which is true, just and good. I pray that we have the wisdom and foresight to avoid missteps in those moments, to work with our allies and partners in harmony while also engaging with nations outside of that sphere to find answers and solutions we otherwise would be oblivious to. Yes, we must also remember that because a nation may be different or may hold beliefs which aren’t quite understood, they are not worrying and, with just a bit of conversation, most differences can be reconciled, and in that the spirit of cooperation is most often born.

We, as a Nation and People, once again renew our commitment to cooperation with the community of nations, not fearing what may be but working together to shape what shall be. May each day which follows be brighter than the day which we saw before, and may we keep misapprehension at bay.

Thank you all for your time. May the All-Mother continue to bless this First Empire, and may we all work together to foster a more understanding and harmonious future.

Evanthe picked up her secured line with the Lakhzovs and, once the signal that the line was indeed secured sounded, she proceeded.

"Yes, this is Empress Evanthe. I would wish to speak with President Kadassa, should he be available." With that she waited, as she was quite certain that a recent endorsement was by now well known within Lakhzovia's halls of power.