"The answer is quite simple," Beatrice sighed, "I had no other choice. At that time I was dealing with a government which had for all intents and purposes been hijacked, my best friend of all people threw everything she knew I expected of her out the window and acted on her own, I couldn't even trust that my communications were secure which was why I tried to reach out, utilizing little known protocols and backchannels throughout ICON in the hopes that I could reach someone who could then reach out to Northfort, Valtheim, hell I would have taken Stalin's assistance at the time had he been alive, just anyone who would have the power to act where I couldn't. While I give credit to Lelouch for eventually stumbling on the trail I left, by then, it was too late and I felt isolated, alone, resigned to what fate had thrown into my path."

"When it came down to it, what was more important to me? The lives of those I care about, the lives of my People, or my personal interests? It would have been selfish to pursue self-preservation, and while it placed me in a position where I had to choose hurting those I care very deeply for at least at the end of the day I knew it was for a greater force of good. I could sleep at night, and while my bridges were burned I took the malice Charles directed into the world and focused it on myself; not a perfect plan by any means but at the time it was the only thing I had."

"Lelouch has brought with him all files necessary for you to fully review the situation, electronic logs, government files, the paper trails, it's all there. Even trying to console myself with the fact that Lucy was trying to save Adriana brings me no joy, it was a betrayal of myself and my friends and denied a rare opportunity to kill that bastard Barren. She was dispatched for surveillance, not to speak on my behalf or make a deal with Fealhir himself. So much was put at risk for the wrong reasons, I maintained my faith in East Moreland only for her to put Adriana at an even greater risk. Charles' actions were unacceptable, hers I cannot see forgiving."

"I will always be sorry for the hurt I've caused, especially to you, but it was my only recourse: saying the wrong things could have set off a chain of events and we've both seen far too many people die because, whether it be the Republican cause, Charles' cause, Kadassa's cause; I had the ability to ensure one cause was denied its sacrifice of blood and while I considered that one day I would face repercussions I accepted that risk, because it was the right thing to do. Lives aren't replaceable: nothing of mine, no pursuit of mine nor my fate before a court is worth more than just one person still breathing today. Those are the thoughts upon which I took the actions I did, and while it may have been wrong sometimes you're forced into a place where you have to pick one wrong option or the other."

Beatrice looked to Lelouch, "Lelouch is under direct orders to provide you with anything you need, whether or not he's brought it with him today, though he also knows that I expect complete and thorough work of those in my employ. I want to make things right, why, all the milestones we've missed, all the memories, some because of my stubbornness but others robbed from us. I did none of this for myself, my heart free of malice, if it were not so Lelouch would not be so hard at work on my behalf." Nodding, Lelouch picked up where she had left off.

"When I took over the duties of Ms. Hadley I ordered a full review of the Rokkenjiman intelligence community, however, what should have been a routine occurrence in such a transition alerted me to the scenario which Beatrice has spoken with you about today. With the implications of these events I've briefed the Morelanders; I present to you the same body of information I brought before them including additional information as to the legal depth of the situation as well as the situation which faced the Empress personally. Do forgive the amount of paper involved, though I must say, Charles' penchant for paper records, having a physical object in his hands to pour over, has proven to be a blessing in some regards."

"In addition to that the electronic records, and those files pertaining to my investigation, have been transferred to the computers of the Austrana. It seems we will be putting somewhat of a test upon the ICON-SCION graft[1] today."

1.	General Resource Allocation for Files Transmission?

HMY Austrana has arrived in Avalon hours after the announced international arrest warrant by the Holy Empire of Achkaerin. Speaking through Tomeka Araya, Imperial Media Liaison, the Empress shared a short statement prior to docking in Avalon:

Following the announcement of an international arrest warrant presented by Crown Princess Serenity I ordered Austrana to make full steam for Avalon. Duty, honour and the very integrity of the Crown demand that I meet those responsibilities before me, for anything less would be an abdication of not only my official duties, but my personal honour and standing obligations. While our words have been tense in the past I have never known the word of the Azurewind Family to be weighted by malice, nor dedicated to the causes of iniquity. I trust fully in the process set forth by Crown Princess Serenity and am cooperating willingly and fully.

Should anything further be demanded of me, Crown Princess Serenity knows that I am at her disposal.

Pyrena Castle state that for the duration of the Empress' absence her duties and authorities would be discharged by the Vicegerent, Euphemia. Further requests for comment were declined, however, Imperial Media Liaison called statements from Vaguizia "irrelevant and requiring no further comment by this Imperial Government."

Austrana's arrival in Achkaerin was a sight which Beatrice welcomed. While the days ahead would undoubtedly be difficult one cannot weather a storm without first passing through it. "Knowing our friends in Valtheim I expect a welcoming party, in no way are you to intervene in those events which may transpire. The best way you may serve me is through your cooperation," Beatrice said as the Austrana completed its docking procedures. "Naturally I shall not protest the requests or orders of the Empress," Lelouch replied.

"What are our contingencies so far as Lucy is concerned?" she asked. "Well, as of this moment we're facing a court proceeding in Dartfordia. However, if I know Ms. Hadley, she won't run as a coward would for too long. She'll seek avenues to atone for actions which have harmed you, so it may simply be a game of waiting for her to make a move herself. Should this not happen, or should the court proceedings go awry, I need not remind you that Anauša are everywhere. If I desire her in our custody, I'll do what is necessary to see that happen."

"Very well, all present concerns are addressed as best we can hope for. In the mean time," she said as she finished her preparations for disembarking, "take care of my ship. We may be here for a while."

My People, Friends and Allies of the First Empire, honourable delegates from afar, I thank you for joining me here this morning.

As many of you are now aware the Supreme Court of Judicature has cleared me in any involvement with any nefarious ties with the Borlander Separatists, a taint upon my reputation which has proven to be false time and again. These results have been recognized by both the Imperial Council and the Imperial Diet as just and true, restoring legitimate rule over this First Empire. I thank the Princess of Arovium for her selfless service to the First Empire in her hour of need and her continued advice in this period of transition. With her duties to the First Empire having been concluded I look forward to enaging with her as the Respected Lord Protector of Somerset as we embark upon a new chapter in our shared histories.

Since the last time I sat upon Chrysanthemum Throne much has changed throughout Mundus, changes in which I have been fully briefed and prepared upon in my exodus from Pyrettania. As Chrysanthemum Throne returns to its rightful rule I have reviewed the actions and policies which the Princess of Arovium undertook as she tended to the responsibilities of Rokkenjiman governance. As a former Vicegerent of this First Empire she has performed her responsibilities well and I support the vast majority of her policies and endeavours in her time upon the Throne. Much of what she has set in place will remain, however, those decisions which were made in error shall be addressed and corrected.

The most glaring of these issues, the extension of official recognition to Bene Gesserit as a religion throughout the First Empire, is of most crucial importance. I share most closely the concerns of our Morelander allies who saw the theft of nuclear material which threatened most serious and dire consequences if this plot had succeeded. While I have long been a supporter of self-determination and the plight of the oppressed I cannot ignore the threat which Bene Gesserit, through the agents of the Truthsayers, pose to the civilized nations of Mundus. For these reasons, until such a time the Bene Gesserit have sufficiently proven that the links between themselves and any terrorist activity upon Mundus are an exception this First Empire cannot allow the seed of destruction within our borders, nor can we offer our protection to forces which have already attacked our allies and their interests.

I have been accused of many things in recent times, including providing aid and comfort to the mutual enemy of the Kingdom of East Moreland and the First Empire: the Borland Separatists. At no time did I, nor any legitimate operative of my Government, offer any assistance or offer to the Borland Separatists. To this day the First Empire remains aligned against Kyle Barren and his band of terrorists for a long line of crimes against the Rokkenjiman and Morelander Peoples. We shall remain dedicated to bringing justice to their door-steps, just as they were dedicated to bringing sorrow and destruction to the doorsteps of our Peoples.

In recognition of the actions of the Borland Separatists, in conjunction of sympathies extended towards the Separatists, I have ordered an international arrest warrant for Lucinda Hadley, former High Commander of the Anauša, for her crimes against this First Empire and her allies. This is not a decision which brings me joy, however, none are above the rule of law. I trust that our international allies and partners will assist us in bringing Ms. Hadley to face the full force of justice for her actions. Many lives, countless perhaps, were and are put into harm's way because of her decisions and that is a fact which cannot go unaddressed.

As always I have pursued the path of justice and the rule of law, and where I was precluded from acting I certainly attempted through alternative means. I may not be perfect but a criminal I am not, for the efforts of this nation in the international community prove our commitment to those Treaties we sign and the Principles which uphold them. Cowardice I may be accused of, but never have I soiled my honour nor my integrity; with my return those who betrayed this First Empire or her Allies will face the full spectrum of repercussions for their actions; my word is my bond.

The world before us is one most uncertain, perhaps to an extent unseen since the Era of Soviet Aggression. We must persist through this period and work together to strengthen international bonds and trust. Failure to do so, and failure to act in the presence of injustice, shall render that progress we have achieved meaningless. May we find the guidance and wisdom to cooperate to prevent great cataclysm from visiting Mundus yet again.

In partnership;

Beatrice Anselmo
Empress of Rokkenjima
Princess of Littlebrook

"You misunderstand, at the broader level all resources are sourced from standards set forth at the continental level. Resources are also sourced from this continental level. What the regional standards would focus upon is routes, efficiency between nations at the regional level, and cooperation between these regional levels and the continental levels. These regional levels would merely support continental efforts, not detract from them, and of course their focus would be on ensuring consistency the moment a carriage or transport passes boundaries."

Pyrena Castle
Office of the Imperial Media Liaison

---

For Immediate Release
Statement From Empress Evanthe On Bene Gesserit

Following a closed session of the Imperial Council it has been determined that the Bene Gesserit faith does indeed meet the merits for official recognition by the Imperial Government. This is a status which is extended to a plethora of faiths and allows the Bene Gesserit to rightly exercise the rights and protections afforded to recognized religions throughout the First Empire. I am confident that the responsibilities which come with this extension of recognition will be adhered to and welcome Bene Gesserit faithful to reside within Rokkenjima and pursue a life free of religious persecution. This extension of official recognition follows similar moves in the Eccleastical State, Achkaerin and Ui Cenneslaig.

While I understand the concerns presented by our Morelander allies we must recognize that the whole of the Bene Gesserit faith cannot, nor should they, be held responsible for the reprehensible actions of a few. Responding to terrorism with persecution and discrimination merely provides those who hold malice in their hearts valuable ammunition, furthering the cycle of radicalization which fuels terrorism. Much like the millions of peaceful adherents of faiths across Mundus it is my belief that the majority of Bene Gesserit faithful merely desire that which we all take for granted: to live in peace.

In times past the Rosari Faith was recognized as a 'force of insurgency which threatens the national unity of Rokkenjima', a position put forward by successive Republican administrations as they attempted the complete annihilation of Rokkenjima's native culture and traditions. Rosari Faithful ventured out from Rokkenjima finding refuge in nations such as Dartfordia, Seaforth and Elpidia, while many more remained in Rokkenjima and fought alongside the Free Rokkenjiman Army to bring Rokkenjima back under the control of her People. Just as foreign powers lent their aid to Rokkenjimans in their hour of need so too shall this First Empire open her doors to those fleeing persecution, pursuing the dream of freedom and a better life for themselves and their families.

I wish to claim R35 as an expansion for Somerset, please and thank you.

A planned phase out of the Reverence Class has been initiated by the Imperial Rokkenjiman Navy coinciding with new development and construction projects, according to Imperial High Command. The Ashinxao Class Frigate was selected as "an ideal candidate which fits the demands of the Imperial Rokkenjiman Navy for a more nimble surface fleet." The class will aim to field a vessel capable of speeds in excess of 30 knots, with a focus on affordability, automation and multi-mission capabilities. According to Rosa Shipyards the Ashinxao Class is expected to have a displacement of approximately 3,900 tons at a length of 130 meters and a width of 16 meters. Propulsion is set to be in CODAG arrangement with one Rolls-Royce MT30 gas turbine and two MAN diesel engines.

In terms of armament the vessel will be fitted with a BAE Systems 5 inch Mark 45 naval gun system, VLS cells for surface to air missiles (16 or 24), 8x anti-ship missiles, a Raytheon SeaRAM short range missile launcher on top of the helicopter hangar, torpedo and decoy launchers. Sensors are expected to consist of the ICON suite, electro-optic sensors, variable depth sonar and passive towed array as well as a hull mounted mine countermeasure sonar. The capability to deploy and recover unmanned underwater vehicles (UUV), unmanned surface vehicles (USV), helicopters as well as mines.

An agreement has been reached with Heyra which will see the purchase of four vessels at a cost of र262.7m ($486m) per vessel. The first and third pair of vessels constructed will be delivered to the Imperial Rokkenjiman Navy whilst the second and fourth pair will be delivered to the Heyran Navy, after which Rokkenjiman procurement of its remaining four vessels will resume. The Imperial Rokkenjiman Navy has confirmed that two Reverence Class Battleships would be preserved as museum ships with a third being retained for training purposes. The remaining vessels will be held in the Imperial Reserve Fleet pending a final decision on their fate. Re-purposing as artificial reefs is a proposal which is gaining traction, according to sources familiar with the discussions.

Cecelia Anselmo, Iona Azurewind and Josiah Rhodes have been confirmed as candidates for preservation, while the Imperial Rokkenjiman Navy has elected to confer the names Alexander Vaughan, Edward Truden and Eliot Quin upon future vessels of the IRN.

In further defense news Imperial High Command has joined several other nations in banning the use of fitness trackers due to a release of heat maps which reveal a great deal of information about military installations and other sensitive locations. "Until further notice the use and possession of such devices by members of the Imperial Rokkenjiman Armed Forces is prohibited," Marshal Admiral Cole proclaimed. The development has revealed the locations of two bases previously unacknowledged by the Imperial Government, one within an hour's drive of Bykrestan. No further response from the Imperial Government was available at press time.

To His Majesty Jacob O'Brien I;

I applaud your interest and initiative in forging an alliance of Celtic countries, drawing upon our shared heritage in the spirit of mutual defense and security. The Commonwealth believes it would be beneficial to pursue discussions and, pending support amongst the community of Celtic nations, would be interested in membership in any resultant organisation. Ensuring a strong cultural component of any such alliance would be an important factor to Somerset, such as broadening educational opportunities abroad amongst member nations of the alliance.

I look forward to your reply as well as the progress which shall be made in this endeavour.

In Friendship;


Evanthe Rhodes
Lord Protector of Somerset
Empress of Rokkenjima

Signed;

Grand Chancellor of the Independent Order

To Her Most Sublime and August Majesty, the Autárimë Emperor;

Prior to the Great Patriotic War of 1913 our two nations enjoyed cordial relations, a state of affairs which was torn asunder by the Federal Republic. Following the Imperial Restoration I see that my predecessor, Empress Emerita Beatrice, set forth a program to restore those ties which previously existed and build further from them, however, this program never saw full fruition. This has long troubled the Empress Emerita who saw the lack of relations between Rokkenjima and Arda Tuluva as a glaring void which should not exist. It is in the interests of rectifying this situation that I write to you today.

Having discussed my intentions at great length with the Imperial Council I wish to arrange with you a formal visit and talks to begin the path toward a strong, ever-lasting friendship between our Nations and Peoples. Whether hosted in Rokkenjima or Arda Tuluva, joining me shall be Crown Princess Adriana, Ordained of Islyna, in what shall be her first visit to a foreign nation in an official capacity. As my reign is of a more temporal nature I feel it is only fitting that the Heir to Chrysanthemum Throne should be present for this occasion.

The Imperial Restoration saw not only a return of Rokkenjiman sovereignty to her People, but also a reclamation of Rokkenjiman culture, traditions and beliefs. Throughout our history Rokkenjiman monarchs have ruled in fairness, executing the will of Islyna as wise stewards of Rokkenjima and her People. Recently the Rosari Church proclaimed the Crown Princess as the Ordained of Islyna, recognizing the fact that her mother, the Empress Emerita, remains the Blessed of Islyna.  Both are thus recognized as descendants of the All-Mother, with the Blessed remaining Islyna's principle servant and instrument of Her will until death. I wish for her to grow increasingly comfortable with the responsibilities and duties demanded by the Crown and Church, and know that she will prove a capable steward of the friendship we forge.

As two nations which cherish and hold true to their traditions and faiths I firmly believe that we shall establish a strong and true partnership, as well as a spirit of friendship which will guide our Peoples to tranquility and progress.

Respectfully;   


Evanthe Rhodes
Empress of Rokkenjima
Lord Protector of Somerset

As the assembly of vehicles set forth for Urakawa Evanthe took a glance outside, many times this drive had been taken but not since the days of Seaforth, before returning her full attention to Emerson. The words which would pass his lips would leave her fully enveloped in thought and emotion, on a day which was already rich with emotions competing for her attention and thought. At first she could not believe it, even with the ring in sight, yet at the same time she knew this was true. She opened her mouth to speak several times and while the words were in her mind they failed to be transcribed; blushing, she turned away for a second as she imagined how silly she must have looked in those moments.

Upon gaining full control over her facilities of speech Eva nodded, "Of course yes is my answer, though I apologize it took me such great effort to respond. This past year, all which has transpired, at times I know not what to say, but this may be the first thing I have felt certain and comfortable fully in confidence. Now if I were a Rosari I imagine I'd have asked you myself perhaps sooner. I should have known you'd find some way to make this day that much brighter."

As the moments passed Eva snuggled into Emerson's side, "We'll be to Urakawa shortly, but I wouldn't mind if the ride were a bit longer. Do tell me you'll be staying following the conclusion of the events today?"

There was little fanfare or media presence when the commercial jet touched down in Nakumi where the Empress Emerita elected to spend a traditional celebration of the winter solstice. Arriving at the Nakumi Community Centre, a charity which provides board and meals to less fortunate residents of the Nakumi area, the Empress Emerita assisted in the preparation and serving of meals while donating र250k ($462.5k) toward the Centre's budget. The Empress Emerita stayed on the Centre's grounds for the weekend, serving upwards of 347 meals over the course of the celebration.

"As Rokkenjimans celebrate the return of longer days we must make it a daily effort to remember that there are those amongst us facing struggles each and every day. While we have done much to focus on poverty abroad it seems, at times, we have a more difficult time addressing those issues which impact communities here at home. At times our response has been to shame the poor, as seen here in Nakumi three years ago when Nakumi's government enacted policies which made charities such as the Nakumi Community Centre nearly impossible to run. While an important victory we have more work before us in combating domestic poverty and ensuring Rokkenjiman prosperity benefits all her Peoples," the Empress Emerita shared in brief remarks to the press.

Following her time in Nakumi the Empress Emerita will take up residence in Exuperia Palace, Azukishima. No public engagements are planned with the Empress Emerita stating her intentions to "focus on my family, as well as charitable and philanthropic endeavours. I shall look forward to helping and serving those with less. If each of us acts, even if it is but one small action a day, we can all work together to make Mundus a brighter place to live. Let us all strive to be better neighbours."

Questions were not taken by the Empress Emerita, including those regarding the Emperor Emeritus in light of a DBC article highlighting his travel and lodging expenses. Empress Evanthe announced the issuance of new guidelines mandating frugality in the utilization of taxpayer Ducats for transportation and lodging, provisions which the Emperor Emeritus will be bound by. "It is absolutely shameful that the Emperor Emeritus is staying in fine accommodations on the back of the Rokkenjiman taxpayers. The guidelines implemented today will mandate that anyone lodging on the taxpayers' dime always utilize the least costly option for their accommodations. I shall expect the full compliance of all agents of the Imperial Government, as well as that of the Emperor Emeritus, in the implementation of these guidelines."

The action follows a YourVoice.rk petition which received 175,000 signatures within the first 24 hours, a record-setting rate, calling on Pyrena Castle to act in response to "the frivolous spending of Rokkenjiman's hard-earned money by the Prince of Littlebrook." The guidelines issued by the Empress state that compliance "is expected within two weeks of their issuance. Accommodations already booked beyond this window are to be cancelled with less expensive alternatives pursued. The Ministry of the Treasury will arrange for cancellations and rebookings should individuals fail to act during this window."

"Indeed," McKenna replied, "Right this way," he continued as they piled into the car before them. "We can discuss these matters on our way, though I have a fair understanding of what to expect. Know that I'll try to accommodate to the best of my abilities. So then, who would wish to begin?"