Beatrice acknowledged Emerson's gesture though took a moment to rise to her feet, "If you would excuse me, I feel the Vicegerent shall be capable of representing the interests of the First Empire in my absence. I do wish to take some air," she said, following Dentar's path.

Joining with Dentar Beatrice smiled, "I take it there are topics on your mind which do not fit the agenda presently being discussed?" she asked, straight to the point. "I trust Emerson shall conduct my affairs in my absence, thus should any reconciliation be required we may reach that at a later time. What is it you should wish to discuss?"

Beatrice rose to her feet following the King. "History is often said to repeat itself, yet it always seems to catch us by surprise does it not? Nearly six years ago Mundus found itself around the peace table in Ecclesiarreich where the United Soviet Russia wished to impose upon Mundus its version of order, order enforced via the weaponization of GR-3. In a monumental display of unity and perserverence the international community, save the allies of Stalin, opposed and condemned the visions of a madman. In a voice of unison we said no to this world and, in the end, forced the United Soviet Russia to abandon the path it so strongly fought for and ensured that these most dangerous and unpredictable weapons did not become a daily fear for the Peoples of Mundus. Looking back at some of my words on that day I am reminded of an exchange in which I stated:"

If there must be two 'sides', it would be on the issues of biological weapons and international norms; those who have developed them and those who have not, as well as those who have come together to forge such norms and those who have cast them aside, trampling the rights of several nations in the Great Northern Sea. It is, thus, our responsibility to see these weapons consigned to the dustbins of history while not allowing precedents to be set which would damn us all to a future of chaos.

"Woefully, we could not have forseen that the Kingdom of East Moreland, the Holy Empire of Achkaerin and the First Empire of Rokkenjima, Mundus' sole nuclear powers until most recent events, would bring about a historic disarmament, bringing a nuclear-free Mundus just within view, only for it to be torn asunder by a new madman, this time hailing from Slava Lavosk. One must ask 'why', what purpose could President Kravec hold for this move when the nuclear powers had implemented programs to consign their arsenals to the pages of history? Why did he tear the vision of a nuclear-free Mundus apart?"

"Perhaps regime preservation, it's logical and the easiest to assume, although I can only assume that he did not consider that Rokkenjima would design its disarmament with such a contingency in mind. For when all nuclear powers agree to disarm, only the most malicious of intent may give birth to such a pursuit. To allow Slava Lavosk to trample upon the collective security and rights of the international community is quite simply not an option this First Empire is willing to consider. Wheras Mundus once possessed the facilities and will to stand up to a most obvious threat to the entirety of civilization, today we hear calls that the 'concerns' of Kravec must be addressed, all while ignoring the fact that had he not embarked upon this course we'd have seen a complete global disarmament of Mundus' collective nuclear arsenals."

"Have we lost touch with all semblance of sensibility that we find ourselves today faced with the dictator of a nation, who houses tens of thousands of people in a network of detainment camps across his nation for the sole crime of their heritage, who employs as a means of execution for a girl just shy out of secondary school crucifixion while lobbing her father through the air with a trench bucket before her very eyes? Not to speak of his beheading. This is a man Mundus has called "reasonable" and worthy of trust in good-faith negotiations?"

"Instead we have those amongst us who view blockading such a nation as morally wrong, and would rather rush to the defense of this dictator, in essence appeasing him for whatever reason. I will say this before you today, in crystal clear language: the First Empire does not negotiate with terrorists, and this is the crux of the matter before us. For it can only be called what it is when one nation, against the grain of prevalent winds, proclaims for itself the most destructive weapons known to humanity. To reward him, to appease his desires or concerns, allows him victory by default; it establishes the precedent that the entirety of the community of nations may be held ransom to the whims of one man; I shall not establish that precedent."

"A Mundus free of the most destructive of weapons was within reach, the 'concerns' of those without weapons of mass destruction would have been solved without issue, yet here we are today because of one man, however, who saw an opportunity to extract concessions from the community of nations. He detonated a weapon of his own, and sits back in laughter as nations see those who stand to act against his path of madness as the problem. President Kravec is the problem, his budding nuclear arsenal is the problem, and either he shall disarm of his own accord, or he shall be disarmed. The free peoples of Mundus shall not be held hostage, nor pay ransom, for a future free of this madness."

"These are the stakes; we either stand united in face of this collective threat, or say to the despots and terrorists that the Peoples of Mundus can be held ransom, and will pay that ransom with a smile on their face. Once, and only once, Slava Lavosk has disarmed may we entertain the idea of negotiations. A man such as Kravec is not worth the benefit of the doubt, his intentions are already laid bare before you, and the precedent which negotiating on the terms of his nuclear bullet will command the steepest of prices in the future. We cannot afford to set the standard that one man may hold the whole of Mundus in the palm of his hand."

"Produced at Pyrena only from honey harvested from the work of the bees of Pyrena Castle, there's none like it anywhere else," Beatrice replied. "Now as for any response to a nation which borders Rokkenjima joining SANE we saw two-thirds of what would become SANE mobilizing their armed forces against Rokkenjima; since then, there has been no progress between our nations on any front, diplomatic or otherwise. Thus, erring on the side of caution, an advance of SANE toward Rokkenjiman borders was thought to be an aggressive action itself."

"Then again," she took another sip, "That's why we find ourselves here. One party acts, the other reacts, with nothing to guide their expectations as to motive. I don't desire to see any manner of conflict between Ardian states, by force of arms or otherwise, which is why we find ourselves drinking casually around this small table before us. I don't think any of us truly desires conflict, but we had nothing to establish such faith with certainty. Likewise, Rokkenjiman actions were seen in a light which I can be fairly certain is most different than what was intended. Eliminating such gray areas can go a long way to building trust where it once had no chance of existing, wouldn't you agree?" she asked while motioning for one of her staff to refill both his and her glasses.

"I am pleased to hear that," Beatrice said in reply to Emperor-Admiral Jinduming. "But please, the floor is yours first as my guest, and I shall not entertain questions of my own until you've asked yours."

Turning her attention to Ebston Beatrice sipped her mead, "To properly answer your question we must first consider the context of the situation. The Committee which leaked details to the press is headed by the former Premier, a man who was stripped of his office following a referendum of the People who no longer believed that he represented their views. The Imperial Rokkenjiman Navy operates thirty-five Ruby Class submarines, many of which are conducting routine operations at any given hours throughout the oceans of Mundus; that one was operating in the Ardian Peninsular Region is itself not unusual; that it came at a time of crisis is likewise coincidental. If these Members of the Diet had studied their geography, they'd have taken note that a third of their nation lay upon the Ardian Peninsula."

"Thus this 'Ardian Peninsular Region' includes the Strait of Shaw, the Strait of Arovium, and even the Rokkenjima Sea itself. Now had I read that we had a submarine operating in Quinntopia Bay I'd have been more concerned, as that could be viewed as being clearly aimed at two of SANE's members, not operations in what are for all intents and purposes Rokkenjima's home waters. Having reviewed the materials shared with the Committee, however, we find ourselves with a group of Members of the Diet with vivid imaginations, connecting dots that wouldn't form a picture if my daughter were trying to play connect the dots when she was younger, led by a man with an ax to grind, damn the consequences in the process. As I stated publicly, and as I state to you now, at no time were the Imperial Rokkenjiman Armed Forces moved in response to any actions by either the SICR or New Derusmia, and while I can only speculate as to the motives of these Committee members, I believe they saw an opportunity to sow distrust and it clearly had the reaction which they sought in that pursuit."

Sanction Name: Slavan Nuclear Activities Sanctions
Target: Republic of Slava Lavosk
Imposer: The First Empire of Rokkenjima
Type: Diplomatic, Trade (active), Targeted Sactions (toward all government officials and major businesspeople)
Motivation: In response to recent nuclear tests disturbing global stability whilst derailing global nuclear disarmament efforts.

Adriana almost spoke before Beatrice as their hosts approached, "Your Imperial Highness," she did in fact say before her mother, "I thank you for your welcome." Beatrice stood silent, acknowledging her daughters words. "So pleasant to be in Xaeth again," she followed, "I have wondered how you'd been since our time together," she continued.

Governess Niru,

While you seem of well intention on this matter I do not believe you understand the full gravity of the situation, nor the very fact of Slava Lavosk introducing nuclear weapons is itself the direct aggressive act. With the mutual disarmament of Rokkenjima, East Moreland and Achkaerin we, in effect, were on the cusp of realizing a Mundus finally free of nuclear weapons. As such there remains no just cause, nor reason, for the pursuit of nuclear arms by any state, save those with nefarious intent. I recognize both the unique responsibility our three states have, as well as the responsibility of all states, in the realization of that effort. Slava Lavosk has seen the global march to disarmament and cast Mundus back into a dangerous era, for which maximum pressure must be brought to bear to ensure the destruction of Slava Lavosk's nuclear program and show that the cost of the pursuit of nuclear arms, with the shared desire for a nuclear-free Mundus, is most certainly not worth it.

Thus the anxiety of which you speak is one which would only be held by a state paranoid of its own future. Slava Lavosk is a state which holds one of the worst human rights records in Mundus, having crucified a young girl whilst simultaneously catapulting and beheading her father before her very eyes. This is in addition to the extensive system of detention camps and systemic persecution of Slavans of Tamoran descent. President Kravec is not a reasonable man who enjoys the benefit of the doubt; if he is capable of such cruel inventions with a mere trenchbucket, I pray we do not see what he is capable of with nuclear arms added to his arsenal.

We stand on a precipice, a crucial juncture in the history of the world we share, and the decisions and actions we take today shall shape Mundus for generations to come. Either we realize a Mundus free of nuclear weapons and all the horrors which may be born of them, or one where the future of our world hangs always upon a line drawn in a mushroom cloud. We already saw a Mundus free of nuclear arms coming into full focus; that path, that Mundus, must not be smothered to appease the whims of a most dangerous sycophant.

Later today we shall see various moves to address the concerns some have raised, and to ensure the future free of nuclear arms we have worked greatly to ensure.

Respectfully;


Empress of Rokkenjima
Princess of Littlebrook

It is my unfortunate role to today confirm that Rokkenjiman monitoring has confirmed a nuclear explosion occurred as announced by Slava Lavosk. Seismic data, combined with satellite surveillance of Slava Lavosk and increased levels of radiation being detected, show that Slava Lavosk has plunged Mundus into a new crisis. After the historic disarmament, led by the example of East Moreland, a scenario many of us had planned for but hoped would not transpire is now taking place before our eyes. Thankfully, in prudence and in preparation for such a contingency, the First Empire took actions to ensure the disarmament program presently underway would not leave us in a position where we could not answer this threat with equal and determined force.

In response to Slava Lavosk's test of a 30kT nuclear device the First Empire has given due notice to the Kingdom of Seaforth that it is suspending transfers of Rokkenjiman nuclear arms to the Seaforth Energy Reserve, a program which has removed 10% of the Rokkenjiman nuclear arsenal for the purposes of peaceful energy production. I have ordered deactivation operations to cease while authorizing Imperial High Command to re-arm Rokkenjima's Millennial Class Submarines, along with silos across the First Empire, with their nuclear deterrent as swiftly as they may carry out my orders. This is not a decision I have made lightly, and I promise the Kingdom of Seaforth that this program will be resumed once this egregious threat to the peace, and perhaps the very future, of Mundus has been subdued.

While Slava Lavosk has demonstrated they have a device we do not know how many devices they have, nor the materials they have on hand to construct more. However, this very act, taken after our mutual pledge to the complete disarmament of Mundus' nuclear arsenals, is itself an attack on the collective sovereignty of the community of nations. In response, I have ordered the Kyne and Home Fleets to enforce a blockade of Slava Lavosk, while implementing the strongest of sanctions possible against the Slavan regime. Assets on routine operations in the Sea of Kyne shall be working to implement the first stages of this blockade. In addition to operations originating from the Rokkenjiman homeland and QKNB, I have issued an official request to the Achkaerinese Government to permit Rokkenjiman forces stationed at QCMB should our air assets stationed there be required.

President Kravec, your actions have been witnessed and acknowledged; if you believed that acquiring these weapons would cause Mundus to bow in deference to you, you believed wrong. The utilization of a nuclear device against any foreign power, regardless of their present standing with the First Empire, will be met with a response in kind. We've seen a Mundus on the path to consigning these weapons to the pages of history once, our determination to again realize that reality will persevere through these times.


Empress of Rokkenjima
Princess of Littlebrook

With the closure of Queen Adriana Military Base the 'Referendum Front' has seen an increasingly vocal presence in Rishiri politics, demanding the Governor to open talks with the Government of Seaforth to implement a referendum provision in the Treaty. "The principle of self-determination is well established throughout Mundus, and it is a right we, the People of Rishiri, should be able to exercise. We must protect the future of our People and the lands which they call home which may only be guaranteed through allowing a referendum on the status of Rishiri, on or shortly before January 1 2119," reads the site of the Front.

Governor Marino has called for "patience and rationality" as the calls grew louder, with some Rishiri citizens demanding a referendum sooner. "The language of the Treaty is clear," the Governor stated, "however, at some point, it is a question which will naturally need to be answered, especially as Rishiri sees strong growth projections moving into the future. I do not believe that the Kingdom of Seaforth will cast its back upon the long-standing principle of self-determination and feel that the level of concern is out of proportion for an event which will happen when every present Rishirian is dead. At the same time, it's a topic which will be raised to ensure the future of our People is indeed secured by that long-standing principle."

At times scenes grew tense as Rishirians protested against what they call the "tightening noose of Helus," a reference to the majority religion of East Moreland, Bakkermaya and increasingly Seaforth. "Rishiri can only exist free of the influence of Helus and his children, who now demand joint dominion over the Illumic Channel. Let us remember it was not Morelander and Seaforthian solidarity that cast off the USR and maintained order, but the Imperial Rokkenjiman Navy which blasted through Stalin's blockade. You're lucky to not be speaking Russian!" one protester said at a recent rally, directing his later words about Russian at a passing group of Seaforthian tourists. Others were even more critical, claiming Seaforth had "sold [us] out to Paracambi."

For her part Governor Marino again sought to bring calm to the situation. "No one is doubting Rokkenjman contributions to the Illumic, and notions such as these are not helpful to the larger discussion. Patience and collected thoughts are the best tools with which our People can assist their government in navigating this period. Share your concerns with our elected leaders, direct your letters to me, but conduct yourselves with civility always." At present there is no word on the status of talks with Seaforth, or if any presently exist, but it is a topic which is certain to come up increasingly in the foreseen future.

The RBC will bring you the latest on this developing story.

"Prior to the continuance of our schedules, perhaps we may take a moment to raise an issue Imperial High Command has impressed upon me for our meeting today," Beatrice said, shifting gears. "With the scheduled closure of QAMB approaching there is a concern within IHC that there may be a gap in Rokkenjima's ability to provide ample air power in certain regions it has enjoyed that capacity for years now. For this purpose IHC seeks an air base, and north western Lakhzovia would prove to be a most suitable location. Naturally, any arrangement for such a base would be covered by standing protocols which would see operations presented to your Government for a green light for offensive operations, however, as our policies are aligned I do not foresee a situation which would see Rokkenjima conducting operations which would raise the ire of the Lakhzov Government."

Beatrice then handed Sachim a piece of paper with the aircraft which would be transferred, and awaited his decision.

20 RKB-73 Citadel Aircraft
20 RAC-130 Spectre Aircraft
10 RKB-71 Ravenous
2 FR-15 Replenishment Aircraft

RK-80 'Vindicator': Three Squadrons (x12 to a squadron) Operating from proposed Lakhzov Base

Having received various responses already I invite those attending to depart for Pyrettania and arrive no later than the 5th of June. From there we shall begin to lay a mutual framework for the RSCU, with a Treaty acceptable to all parties being produced by the end of this summit. I look forward to our mutual success in bringing forth a level of organisation and cooperation which has thus far not developed in our region.

In friendship;


Empress of Rokkenjima
Princess of Littlebrook

---

A Private Reply to the Governess:

There is nothing I feel you must apologize for, these things happen from time to time and it is only through communication that we avoid those scenarios our advisers present to us under the heading 'worst case'. That we'll have representatives from across the Rokkenjima Sea region sitting around one table allows all of us to set aside the notions of competition which hamper economic liberty and produce a Rokkenjima Sea which is, for lack of a better term, open for business. Be it developing joint infrastructure to removing barriers to more open trade, the benefits are most certain to outweigh those any could hope to gain in hindering their neighbours.

Until we shall meet;


Empress of Rokkenjima
Princess of Littlebrook

A review of the Empress' remarks at QAMB:

"Over the past several months preparations have been made to return to Seaforth QAMB in the manner which it was received, leaving a space which may be dedicated to many possibilities moving into the future. With many of our vessels and their crews, and those who support them, moving north to QMMB their mission, to stand by and be ready to act should they be called upon, continues. As we have seen throughout history when one chapter closes we find ourselves at the beginning of a new chapter, and just as Rokkenjima was invited so many years ago I feel we're seeing the pages turn to a new chapter in Rokkenjima's role as an Illumic power. We look not to the past today, but to the future."

"In the Rishiri Imperial Overseas Dependency we see a People, as industrious as their counterparts in Rokkenjima, creating perhaps the most pro-business entity save for the Conglomerate itself. With a vigorous program of friendly policies, tax incentives, and a ship registry which confers the benefits of a Rokkenjiman registry at costs vastly reduced, Rishiri is positioned to punch above its weight as an economic entity. I've already heard our Governor is eager to learn from her Conglomerate neighbours and perhaps make some business dealings, and I fully support these endeavours of the Rishiri People."

"I would also wish to thank one People who remain here with us to this day, the People of Elpidia, who call Elpidiana home and extended their initial invitation for Rokkenjima to the Illumic. The bond which existed between our nations, represented in those vessels built of Elpidian steel which still serve in the Imperial Rokkenjiman Navy to this day, lives on. It was in the spirit of our mutual bonds which was represented by QAMB, and with the loss of Elpidia to the pages of history, it's fitting that this incarnation of QAMB should pass there as well. Rokkenjima has never imposed itself upon her hosts as some powers have, and should the call be raised again, wherever that may be from, we shall be ready to heed it."

"Most fitting with Rishiri's future we see the United States, the fastest liner to work the seas, which shall operate a Northern Route for the next several months. This shall see People from across the Great Northern Sea enjoy the luxury of the Blue Star Line while also allowing them to visit Rishiri for its facilities of leisure, business, and trade. I look forward to the many successes Rishiri shall enjoy under the wise stewardship of her Governor, my dearest friend Lucretia Marino, as well as their interactions with the broader Illumic. This new chapter, one of prosperity and realignment, sees opportunity for all."

To receive such a receptive reply has been a most pleasant surprise. Indeed, I had wished to reach out personally about concerns you had raised regarding the Rokkenjima Sea, and I believe that this proposal for the RSCU is an action which shows where Rokkenjima intends to focus her energy. Prior to the period of aggression unleashed by Toshindai our region of Ardia had regained its stability, creating centres of economic prosperity with few rivals throughout Mundus. Hopefully, in a new spirit of cooperation, we may see a Rokkenjima Sea which remains calm and tranquil for those who rely upon her, guiding trade, tourism and opportunity for all while steering us clear of the currents of conflict and adversity.

I shall look forward to welcoming you to Pyrettania and forging a union which cements a spirit of cooperation in the Rokkenjima Sea to stand for generations. Whereas some would see cause for competition between our respective economies Rokkenjima has always striven to hold cordial relations with her neighbours, especially those with which we share a border. Should it please you I would certainly wish to discuss matters of a more bi-lateral nature during your time in Rokkenjima. I am certain opportunities will present themselves and shall look forward to taking advantage of them.

Until we shall meet;


Empress of Rokkenjima
Princess of Littlebrook

Empress Beatrice has personally invited the Tytorian Government to relocate its embassy from Sakura Square to the Mount Shizuka District, which offers more direct access to Pyrena Castle. The Mount Shizuka District is located at the base of Mount Azukishima, upon which Pyrena Castle was built, and offers access to the amenities of Pyrettania. "Moving the Tytorian Embassy to the MSD signifies the trust we hold in the Kingdom of Tytor, and it is an offer which I hope they shall accept. The plot of land which is available is a blank canvas, and I'm certain Tytorian architects would produce a design most pleasing to fill it," the Empress said in remarks to the press.

Rokkenjimans continue to hold Tytor in high regards and news of the engagement has taken public discourse with great interest, with Crown Princess Adriana herself posting 27 times last night about the engagement of Prince Charles on various social media platforms. While happy for the couple the Crown Princess confessed that Prince Charles later became her first crush. "The way he was so gentle and took my concerns to heart, it stuck with me. I mean here I was, a child crying because I broke a ceramic model of a flag, and the Prince took that to heart and made me smile. I wonder if the King still has it," she said in one post. "All I can say is I hope I'm on the invite list!" she said in a later post.


The Imperial Rokkenjiman Navy has confirmed plans to the RBC which will see the Megitsune Class Helicopter Carrier converted to an aircraft carrier. The Megitsune Class, in its configuration as an aircraft carrier, will see reinforced decks to support the increased weight of the jets, as well as the heat and forces from them during landing. The Imperial Rokkenjiman Navy sees the conversion as a program which increases the options available in approaching any potential situation. The converted Megitsune Class will not carry as many planes as the other classes of carriers which the IRN fields, however, they may present an option for forward deployment in regions which are adverse to nuclear-powered vessels.

"The rumblings from the SDP shall not dictate my course," the Empress said to our reporters. "Those issues between the First Empire and the SICR, revolving around the ability to purchase human life, were resolved before the Assembly of Ardia. Thus, at present, the First Empire quite simply has no quarrel with the SICR, a state of affairs which shall continue. There are members of the Imperial Diet who, in outbursts, stated policies which are best described as insane. You'll have this in any representative body, especially the more people you bring together; there's a nutter or two in every bunch, but you find that more sane minds usually prevail over their noise."

While noting that no retaliatory actions would be taken the Empress stated that "naturally we'll have to keep these developments in mind, perhaps increase satellite surveillance and ensure our defenses are capable of withstanding any attack, especially one which calls for such widespread death and destruction. The SDP would do well to learn that such threats belong to eras of the past; indeed, any nation which would indiscriminately kill countless civilians and render large swaths of territory contaminated for centuries would soon find themselves in a most untenable position, not to speak of the retaliatory capabilities of their intended target."

On Ardian conflicts and the need to prevent them:

"In the Thematan Revolutionary Conflict, one which is woefully forgotten in this modern age, upwards of 50 million civilians died over the course of the war; 120,000 alone in Starry Harbour; this is before including those lost in the fighting on both sides. We must all work together, as Ardians, to prevent that level of death and destruction from ever revisiting our shores. To retreat behind militarism, paranoia instead of knowing that which you fear is one cause of conflict we are all capable of avoiding. Even the worst of words can be taken back, lives, are a much different matter and reflects a gravity all leaders must confront."

On Nuclear Weapons:

"Congressman Erich Huoying shall be pleased to know that we're actually working to see a non-proliferation agreement to preserve the gains we've seen in the historic disarmament of the three nuclear powers. It's not just former nuclear weapons states that can help in that effort either; all nations can do their part to ensure that these weapons truly are a thing of the past. Rokkenjima's arsenal, for example, will be powering things from industrial plants to humble toasters on kitchen counters. In fact, I should say former arsenal as half was purchased by Seaforth, and the second donated, for the joint power scheme."

On 'Queen' Beatrice:

"I don't know who this Queen Beatrice is, but perhaps that's appropriate for a political caricature," the Empress answered with a chuckle. "If history is any indicator, we saw relations between Rokkenjima and East Moreland dramatically improve after Mr. Carpenter's effigy made its debut. Sadly, we find Mundus is still stuck in terms of internationalism when we should really be looking to move beyond such concepts; mutualism comes to mind: 'Members of the Association shall not impose their cultural beliefs on another state, nor shall they disparage the cultural beliefs of another state. Not one cultural standard shall be adopted by the Association, nor shall any one cultural standard be held above any other.' It's still a draft to be certain, but I think it's a step in the right direction."

"I'm certain that addressing this fear of the unknown or, more accurately, the perceived, is something which could be arranged, perhaps via Quintellia should they feel inclined. I've a stock of Quinntopian vodka I've been waiting to tap into, and I've never seen two people walk away angry after experiencing it. Or walking period for that matter, it really separates the lightweights from the professionals."