Location: Kōshioka Naval Base, Fukadomari
Time: 10:28 AST

magicSpell.activate('unicornRainbowBlast')

Sophia looked over the line of code several times. Simple and brief, it wouldn't usually be of interest to the Imperial Rokkenjiman Navy let alone the Imperial Government, perhaps in other circumstances it would be a line from a game. Yet the implications of this line of code was known to many who had an understanding of the Hakken Program, a whimsical code for the protocol to handle an unmanned Hakken shuttle in which every other protocol had gone awry and a safe re-entry was deemed impossible. Naturally the explosive solution had been designed in a time before satellites which could manipulate other objects in space existed yet, to this day, the code remained, and on February 20th at 5:39 PM, it was transmitted to Ensei utilizing steganography to obscure its presence. "Are you sure, absolutely sure, that this is what happened?" Sophia asked with Kado at her side and <0 present via a video call. "It took some poking around, looking in places where others didn't think to but it's there, clear as day, in the carrier wave. It's not a physical imperfection or other complication which brought Ensei down, but an act taken with purpose," <0 replied.

Kado then took to his feet, with a series of graphics displayed behind him on a screen. "Certainly the ISEA team knew of the existence of unicornRainbowBlast," he began, "but then again, so did the Imperial Rokkenjiman Armed Forces. We're talking about a Republican-era space program," he continued, "and one of their objectives was the realization of, and I'm paraphrasing here, a platform with which to place massive experimental laser weapons into low-Mundus orbit to destroy enemy missiles from a distance measuring several thousands of miles. There was also concern that a competing power could utilize such an orbiter to essentially dive bomb nuclear weapons upon Pyrettania, fears which thankfully proved to be unfounded. In coordination with <0, the INIS is confident in its assessment that those who utilized the carrier wave to transmit that command originated in Imperial High Command." Kado could almost see the colour drain from Sophia's face as she mustered the words "...but by the Goddesses, why?"

"I'm not glad given the topic of discussion mind you, that you asked, but glad that you asked the question," Kado said as an image of the Empress filled the screen behind him. "Ten lives lost, a burden which the Empress has had thrust upon her; if you're looking to break an empathetic spirit what better way to do it than such a loss of life? It is my theory that someone within Imperial High Command hopes to "re-break" the Empress, though I think they failed in that aspect; she didn't break as I even I thought she would and has embraced the role of consoler-in-chief instead of focusing on how the losses personally weigh upon her, herself. This will, no doubt, frustrate those who sent the command in the first place and who knows how they'll act in this unexpected scenario. I make no exaggeration in stating this may be the most crucial period for Rokkenjiman security since the days of the Anselmo Restoration itself," Kado sighed as he concluded.

"I see, thank you both," Sophia said as she turned to Kado, "and when do we inform the Empress?" "We don't, not at this stage anyway," came his quick reply. "I will need your authorization to share these findings with the Achkaerinese, however and, while I don't enjoy hiding things from the Empress, she can't know of this subterfuge at this stage, that might be the key in breaking her and I'm doing all that is within my power to see her reign is successful. This information only goes to those who I trust to hold it, do I have your concurrence and support in that decision?" Kado asked, to which Sophia offered a nod. "Thank you, that's all I needed," he said as he effected the transfer of information to his Achkaerinese counterparts. "How did Rowe produce such an impressive officer given his own failures to the Crown he would otherwise serve?" he asked, mostly rhetorically.

"He taught me what I know," Sophia said with a stare, "but my conviction is mine and mine alone, it's something he could never hope to own. It's what separates us," she continued, "and I'm more disappointed in him than you are. I promise you, however, I know full well that the IRN has traditionally been the shield and sword of the Empress and, even if the threat is coming from within the house so to day, I'll dispatch them all the same. I stand on guard for the Empress, not for Rowe, understand?" she asked as Kado took to leave. "I won't forget it," he said with a partial bow, "and with that in mind I'm certain that taking this bastard down will be enjoyed equally by both of us."

"Good day, Kado," she simply replied as he made his exit.

Location: Imperial High Command
Time: 7:45 AST

She knew that a reckoning would be coming, and today was the day. Less than forty eight hours following the operation against Camp Taryō Rowe was looking for answers. "How did this occur without my knowledge?" he asked as he slammed his fist against the desk before pausing. "Did the years we served together mean nothing, the loyalty, the trust? Not even speaking of the disrespect of the Empress declining to meet with me, instead having me speak with the fucking Seaforthian," he struck the desk again. "I've been humiliated publicly, twice, not to mention the usurping of my authority over the Imperial Rokkenjiman Armed Forces. That's three humiliations," he trailed off, looking toward the sea, "at least two of which you've had a hand in."

"Grand Marshall," she began, "even you must realize that the SIS overstepped its boundaries in this case. What other action could Pyrettania do but see that the law of the land was enforced? At the end of the day the operation was legally sanctioned, done by the book, though if it makes you feel better I only played my role, as expected, when orders come from the Throne itself. I don't need to remind you that the Empress, not Grand Marshall, is the commander-in-chief of the Imperial Rokkenjiman Armed Forces. Would you have had me commit insubordination?" she let the last word hang in the air for a moment.

"No," Alex replied after a moment and a swirl of the whiskey in his glass, "I suppose I couldn't demand that of you. You did what you had to do to retain your commission, and in doing so saw that I have at least one friend in the Imperial Rokkenjiman Navy. I can't trust Admiral Fujioka, but you," he said as he placed a hand on her shoulder, "we've spilled blood together, shed blood together, I should be commending you instead of berating you for this. You play the game of being on a short leash rather well, and I thank you for that. Soon we won't have to play such games," he said with a grin, "you're relieved."

After she left his office she took the short trip back to mainland Azukishima where Kado was waiting. "So?" he asked as she approached him, "So," she sighed, "he's not the man I served with if that's what you wanted to know. He's there physically, his voice is the same, but he's holding back just enough from me that I can tell something is not quite right inside. That's all I can help you with at this stage, Director." "Maintain control of Camp Taryō for the rest of the week," would come his reply, "my people have been pouring over many reports that need to be reviewed, documented and duly investigated. I recognize this must be difficult for you..." he continued before being interrupted, "no, in fact, it's not. I swore my oath to the Empress, I'll remind you that she held her blade to my neck just as she did yours. If Sutāraito believes me to be her enemy then let her command me," she said as she placed her hand on the hilt of her sword, "and I'll take my life here and now."

"That will not be necessary," Kado said calmly, "you proved your loyalty to the Crown in Taryō. However I fear there will come a time when Rowe may issue orders that are in opposition to the desires of the Empress. Are you capable of seeing that the IRN does not dirty its hands in such a case?" he asked, to which she nodded. "I'll need Cole though," she said, "Rowe may be Grand Marshall but Cole's done so much for our forces even after his retirement, we had a sailor lose his grandmother and grandfather within the same week and he flew out to offer his condolences and comfort to them, he gets letters from the various branches and takes the time to answer each one personally; to many he's not viewed as their former commanding officer, he's Grandpa Henry. I know he was there for me when I left my husband after he had an affair when I was on a long deployment during the Themata-Warsaw conflict. He didn't know me from Adam but here he was, then Grand Marshall in the mess hall, his hand over mine as he assured me it wasn't my fault and that I deserved better, and that better was waiting for me when I got back home. If you want me to succeed in what you're hinting at, Cole is irreplaceable."

"Noted," Kado said, "and I'm sorry to hear that." "You shouldn't be," Sophia smiled as she revealed a locket from her necklace which had a photo of her current husband and herself displayed. "He writes me each day, gives me a look into life back home when I'm on deployment, and won't go to sleep if we have some silly argument, he makes it his mission to solve it before we both go to sleep. Henry was right," she said with a smile, "I deserved better and I found better." "I stand corrected, happily in this case," he said as he stood to leave. "If you have any relevant information for me in the future..." "I already know to provide it," Sophia finished his sentence. "Thank you, it makes my job easier," Kado would simply reply as he departed.

Location: Pyrena Castle, Residential Suite
Time: 1:53 AST

"Usually when such news is reported you break out of your shell, have a celebratory drink, yet today on the announcement of the death of one of Mundus' most prolific terrorists you find yourself sullen? It's hard to understand you at times, Luci," Beatrice sighed as she enjoyed a toast with Alex, which prompted Lucinda to rise from her seat and punch the television, incidentally where David's face had been prior to turning into an abstract art piece. "Luci!" Beatrice shouted with some confusion before being allowed to continue. "It's so easy for you, isn't it, to celebrate the death of the man who saw Asuna made it home safely? Did you sit down with him, did you see the plans he had for the Principality, did you sit in a tube with crying children and uncertain parents as all manner of uncertainty flew above your heads? "You can easily judge the character of a man by how he treats those who can do nothing for him," a quote you would find yourself to agree with, yes?" she asked pointedly, to which Beatrice nodded.

"Tell me what possibly a pygmy hedgehog, Baxter was his name, do for Kyle, let alone anyone beyond being yet another mouth to feed and water? Yet he couldn't bear the thought of him being homeless. You know me, I have little appreciation for pets as they're unpredictable and inflict their own emotions upon you, I digress though. Unlike you I saw his humanity, I saw the other side of the civil war you cast our lot in, and perhaps the world is celebrating the death of a terrorist because people like you, the Achkaerinese, the Dartfordians and every other nation accepted the Ironside narrative of the conflict without doing their due diligence. So no," she said as she turned her head to the broken television, "I will not be celebrating this death, but I will buy you a new television, sorry," she said as she rose to leave the room, stopping as she turned the door knob.

"In the most delicate debriefing I've ever given Asuna didn't give me any inclination of maltreatment while in Kyle's company, one of his own made sure she made the trek up the road to QAMB as, how did she say it, "I looked back and he wouldn't budge until he saw the guards at the gate had me in their arms." They did that for you, with no promises of alleviating their position, knowing they'd continue to be vilified, I hope you enjoy your celebratory evening. I wish you'd have remembered the reports I sent you, perhaps your heart would be a bit softer, and I'd have the Beatrice who held East Moreland to task for assassinating a new mother instead of one who takes such pleasure in death. I've killed countless people in your name so you wouldn't know the toll I've carried to this day, in the past I celebrated such deaths to keep up appearances. But this time?" she turned the knob of the door, "I'm tired of lying to everyone and myself. It wouldn't surprise me if they broke both the letter and the spirit of the MCUR before he died, but no one will bat an eye because, "terrorist." Goodnight, Bea," she said as she left the room, leaving Beatrice and Alexander to process her words.

As she walked back to her room she met her estranged husband in the hallway. "Are you alright? You seem troubled," he said, to which Lucinda would respond with a punch to the gut before finding herself on top of him punching his face relentlessly. "I told you to leave me alone and you couldn't even do that much?" she said in between blows, only being stopped when Kado pulled her off of him. "Lucinda," he said quietly, "return to your room, now," he added when she lingered. With a tear rolling down her cheek she nodded and made her way to her room, leaving Kado to help Lucius off the floor. "She is pushing her lu..." Kado would stop him mid-sentence. "You suffered a clumsy fall, necessitating you to take a few days off from work. Do you understand me?" he asked, and when Lucius opened his mouth to offer resistance Kado made a "tsk tsk" noise. "You saw what I did to Taryō, I trust. Don't fucking trifle with me," he said as he brushed Lucius' shoulders off. "You'll be as good as new in a few days, yes?" to which Lucius simply nodded. "Good," Kado said as he turned to walk down the hallway.

Without knocking he entered Lucinda's room, "I trust that felt good," he said as he sat next to her, placing his arm around her, "I'm sure <0 is already scrubbing the footage from that camera as we speak. I know you're conflicted with this news, you saw a side of Mr. Barren none of us have seen, but we must act in ways that support the Empress in such times." Noticing Lucinda was about to speak in protest he raised his finger to her lips, "I know what you're going to say and, while you have no official standing anymore, you're bound to protect the Empress and her interests, and we both know that she has a special admiration for the Ironsides, we won't be crushing that or her ambitions to restore things between our nations. You deal with this however you need to but, as far as the Empress is concerned, you have to keep this within your heart. You try to impart upon her sympathy for Kyle and you're consigning her reign to suicide, do you understand?" to which Lucinda would over a delayed nod. "Good," he said as he stood up, "just as with Lucius you suffered a fall, so you'll be confined to your room for the next week. Do what you must in that time, process your grief, but keep your feelings to yourself. I may not have the mandate of the Rosari, but I now have purview over your previous portfolio and I will ensure that nothing derails the Empress from success. Do you understand?"

"Yes, stop repeating your questions, by the Godesses," she finally spoke. "Just had to drive the point home," Kado said as he departed.

Location: The Imperial Palace
Time: 5:43 AST

"Can I do this, truly, it's not like I'm taking care of a kitten or a puppy, but an entire nation." "You can, and you will," came the reply.

"Will I succeed or will I falter?" "That is dependent on you and your actions, but you'll always have support even if things go sideways. We can't get it right every time, after all."

"Always so optimistic," she said as she turned to face Thomas, "it could be a rainy day here and you'd tell me "at least the sun is shining in..." that's where you insert "any other place than here", she said with a chuckle. "It's true though," he paused, "statistically, it's always shining somewhere so you just have to orient yourself toward that and then," he paused again to place a finger at the center of her chest, "it's shining here, too. How many people do you have out there, just because of your birth, looking to you for inspiration? The pain you have to endure without proper support, the weight you have to carry so they," he pointed outside of the Imperial Palace, "don't have to carry it?" "And of course you say that knowing you're right, I've no argument to provide to refute it," she replied.

"An argument isn't always necessary to a statement, especially one grounded in fact," he quickly retorted. "You're that confident in your position?" she snapped back to which he simply said, "find the error in my argument, it doesn't exist, and you know it. The light is always with you, you just need to know where to look." She sighed before locking her eyes with his, "I see the light, before me almost as if it were blinding, in your eyes. You might not intend it but you do give the best pep talks. Thank you," she said with a smile, "to quote a movie my mum used to watch on repeat, 'can I keep you?'" she continued.

Location: Vicheshire School, Jenka-Jenkinson
Time: 1:15 AST

"Promises made, promises kept!" Kikyo said as she displayed the exchange of tweets between herself and the Empress on a projector. "I know it has been a demand of our social studies programs to partake in an event such as the Youth Diet, I made contact, and we're going to Pyrettania on a plane used by the Empress herself. Shiroma couldn't of done that," she said of her dispatched opponent, "so, basically, pack your bags and get those permission slips signed, because we're going to Rokkenjima!"

The matter of her own permission slip would be a matter of unusual scrutiny, with her parents seemingly hesitant to sign it upon presentation. "You do realize the opportunity here, right?" she asked her mother, who simply shook her head and looked to her father. "It's not the opportunity that's the issue it's just..." he sighed, "you've never been outside of Dartfordia, and while air travel is statistically safer than traveling by car I feel like if you're in a plane that's crashing, your chances of surviving such a crash are rather grim. Just look at th...." "Dad, she's sending her plane to transport us. If it's trusted to carry the Empress of Rokkenjima I'm sure we can trust that it's safety rating far exceeds even the best Dartfordian airline's standards. Why are you two fighting me on this?"

With that he sighed, signed the paper, and handed it back to Kikyo. "You behave yourself, don't talk to strangers, and keep mind of the curfew, yes?" he said, which was replied by Kikyo with an enthusiastic nod. Once she had left he picked up the phone, dialed a number, and was soon speaking with someone at Imperial High Command who, in the collapse of the Anaúsa, had taken over their portfolio of operations before INIS could claim jurisdiction over it. "Yes, she's coming," he said. "I understand the risks but I'll trust you'll see to her safe return?" he continued.

"Naturally," the voice on the other end of the line returned. "We will see that Kikyo reaches her final destination in one piece, with not one hair upon her head harmed." Whilst the wording seemed awkward to him he shrugged it off as some cultural thing within the Imperial Rokkenjiman Armed Forces. "You have my thanks," he would reply before hanging up.

"Rowe," the other voice continued after hanging up the phone, "do you believe in fortune intervening at just the right moment?" to which the Grand Marshall grinned. "And what do you have for me...."

In the interests of showcasing the diverse cultural talents of the Association of Dauntel and Shaw nations (henceforth ASDN) the First Empire of Rokkenjima proposes to host the first musical festival between our nations, Association Fest 2024. We hope to see your artists mingle with those from your Association partners in a three day music festival to be held at the Pyrettania Stagecraft and Musical Facility in the heart of Rokkenjima, Pyrettania, at one of our largest stadiums. Some 500,000 tickets have been put aside for sale and, in addition to the music will be fair activities, comedy and a host of other cultural events as represented from the booths established by those in attendance. From food booths to anything and everything beyond, the talent of those across the Association will be on full display during Association Fest 2024!

---

Sign Up: [b]Name of Act[/b] If using a made up name please add the real life name as well please
[b]Nation of Origin[/b]
[b]Track One[/b] Post You Tube Link
[b]Track Two[/b] Post You Tube Link
[b]Track Three[/b]Post You Tube Link
[b]Track Four[/b]Post You Tube Link[/b]

Ideally your links will be to live versions of the song. What should happen is the first weekend in March I will  release the schedule and make YouTube Playlists for the stage for each day.

 If you claim someone and they've already been claimed in any of the below then expect to have your claim ruled out, unless of course that person has left then feel free.

Pharaoh Akasha Di-‘nh-mi-Re has demanded that a "fully independent verification of elections in Kalasin be conducted sooner rather than later." While highlighting her trust in the Holy Empire of Achkaerin, the Pharaoh said that "the fact that the election was conducted under the sole authority of the Allied Provisional Authority is unusual and duly invites outside scrutiny regarding the results of the entire process. Imagine you're the Fusanese, you've won the war and now the future of the nation is in the hands of the voters. What if they return a result which is not beneficial to your goals moving forward? We already have a Fusanese military facility on the soil of Aranye; they've clearly an interest in maintaining a presence on our continent and what better way to do so than to also add a vassal state of the Fusanese Empire to their portfolio of Aranye assets?"

The Pharaoh continued, "I raise these concerns because we've seen foreign presences across Aranye long beyond their welcome had grown old. First the Rokkenjimans in Rishiri and, now, the Fusanese in Preoria and quite possibly Kalasin as well. I recognize the reasons for the war there, the pains of those attacked, however ensuring the right to self-determination of the Kalasinese is of great importance as well. Given the wrongs committed and the interests of the allied powers themselves one would think they would do all they could to divest themselves of any questions as to whether the elections were, truly, a fair and free representation of the will of the People of Kalasin. That this step has not been taken is disappointing, and a matter we'll be raising with our friends in Valtheim."

On what is to happen next the Pharaoh shrugged, "We'll be forced to treat the results with suspicion until an independent verification of the results is complete by a party not associated with the execution of the war. This means we will have to reserve our recognition of the new government, that trade deals between Clysperis and Kalasin will not be considered, and any Clysperi diplomats in Kalasin will be brought home until such a time we are confident that the elected government duly represents the interests of the People and not the interests of the Coalition. While we would normally raise this situation to a cross-Aranye association, as one does not at this time exist, we cannot do so and as such this is a situation which the Kingdom of Clysperis will be looking to rectify as swiftly as possible. I will urge the Allied Provisional Authority to cooperate and provide unfiltered data regarding the elections in Kalasin to all interested parties and further urge them to invite outside scrutiny of the elections to ensure that no maleficence is at play at any stage of the process. There is one chance at defusing scrutiny, I shall trust it shan't be wasted by any of the Allied parties."

In a mission intended to begin the process of restaffing Space Station Rishiran Dawn, the former Spetsnaz Space Station, Space Shuttle Ensei exploded and broke apart  67 seconds after launch. All ten Rokkenjimans aboard the shuttle are expected to have perished in the disaster, marking the greatest loss of life in ISEA history. The disaster was broadcasted live, including here on the RBC, in what was meant to be a historic moment yet turned into a moment of national mourning. The Empress addressed the nation personally after many hours with the families of the Astronauts. Those lost are as follows:

Maebara Tomiichi
Kogane Shino
Haruta Kenji
Kaiba Yusuke
Fukase Ui
Sakai Ichino
Oishi Ayano
Yasui Hizuru
Ishii Orino
Wakuni Hina

"They represented the best of us," the Empress said to a grieving nation as she personally addressed the tragedy. "Boldly soaring into the heavens above us to forward our understanding of the universe around us, these ten brave souls may be lost to us in this life, but we will ensure that they are never forgotten and, in the afterlife, I am confident we will see them again to share the stories of our successes. I have spent the past several hours with the families of our fallen heroes, many hugs and many tears have been shared over those hours, and the Imperial Government has ensured that the families of the fallen are to be well looked after. Space exploration is dangerous, and every successful launch is not something which can be taken for granted; those who flew aboard Ensei understood the risks involved well, and while this is a most bitter picture to take in given ISEA's history in successfully placing Rokkenjimans into space and bringing them home safely, we all know that one thing, one little aspect, can quickly turn success into tragedy. A full investigation will be conducted, we'll find out what doomed Ensei and her crew to this fate, and we'll act to ensure that this does not happen again. The hearts and prayers of every Rokkenjiman stands with the families of those we've lost, and we'll ensure that their deaths are not in vain."

Answering a question from a reporter the Empress said that this tragedy would not deter Rokkenjima from continuing its exploration of space. "Due caution and consideration of the events will naturally take place, however, this is not the end of our ambitions toward the heavens. These brave pioneers will not be forgotten and, through a detailed investigation we'll be able to see that the chain of events which resulted in this terrible event will be addressed to ensure that future Rokkenjiman pioneers return home safely." ISEA has ordered the Hakken Project to be grounded with immediate effect until that investigation concludes and will fall back to the Akari Program to "complete the mission. We remain confident in the Akari Program and its record of safety, however, there is clearly much more to be done in ensuring the safety of Hakken before its next manned mission," ISEA Director William Nye said to the RBC. "I know that they would want to see us push forward and succeed, and succeed we will, in honour and remembrance for all that they represented, our brightest ambitions and our deepest of passions."

The Empress declined further questions stating "my focus must now be returned to those who have lost mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers. Thank you for your understanding."

Naser Safavid, formerly Pharaoh Seti of the Kingdom of Clysperis, announced his abdication from the Throne with the blessings of Pharaoh Akasha Di-‘nh-mi-Re as he takes on full management of the Royal Clysperi Wealth Fund. Utilizing his prior experience as Vice Governor of the Tamoran Central Bank, and as a rumored contender to head the Imperial Wealth Fund, Naser's indirect involvement to date has resulted in the Royal Clysperi Wealth Fund amassing a portfolio of Đ507bn (Clysperi Deben, equivelant to $507bn). Modeled after the Imperial Wealth Fund, the Royal Clysperi Wealth Fund sees vast investments in infrastructure, energy production, mining, agriculture, forestry, shipbuilding, fishing, nuclear energy and, more recently, has explored investing in foreign stock markets as well as foreign infrastructure projects due to the eradication of slavery in the Kingdom of Clysperis along with other developments which have limited the threats of foreign retaliation in the form of seizure of Clysperi assets.

"The RCWF is a vehicle," Naser said as he sat down with our reporters, "a vehicle which carries the dreams and aspirations of the entirety of the Kingdom within it, and represents our capacity to effect positive change for Clysperis and the world around us. I am presently in talks with the Rokkenjimans to take advantage of their Atoms for Peace initiative to aid the Clysperi effort to transition away from petroleum-based economics toward a more environmentally sustainable path, and naturally I remain open to working with many nations to take advantage of the uranium deposits here in Clysperis to forward the global movement away from fossil fuels. We're aiming to bring three new nuclear plants online within the next two decades, plants which will be capable of providing nearly all of the energy required to power the Clysperi Kingdom. These plants will be owned by the Royal Clysperi Wealth Fund, with an understanding that profits from their operations will benefit the Clysperi People first and foremost. I am happy to enjoy the support of my wife in this decision, her mind has always been of a more political understanding than mine, so it will be refreshing to show my expertise in a field I have a vast understanding of."

It is also understood, in light of new reporting, that Naser has been successful in persuading Pharaoh Akasha Di-‘nh-mi-Re to take a much softer approach toward Royal Seleucid, represented in her invitation for King Heydar to see a prime opportunity upon the completion of the Great Cube. "It has long been the designs of Pharao...excuse me, Naser, in seeing a successful relationship between Clysperis and Royal Seleucid," a member of the Royal Clysperi Government shared with the CSMC on the condition of anonymity. "We've seen Pharaoh Akasha Di-‘nh-mi-Re mandate that an apology from the Seleucid would be required for any cooperation to happen; that she has dropped that requirement without reciprocation from the Selucid and has approached King Heydar warmly points to the success of his efforts. As the mastermind who saw the suspension of tariffs upon food imports in an effort to lower food prices during the Seleucid food crisis of 2019  he has long been a voice for reconciliation between Royal Seleucid and Clysperis and, depending on the response to the invitation of the Pharaoh, we may just see if the many years of his efforts will finally bear fruit. He may have won his wife over, King Heydar's is another heart to win over to the cause entirely."

This has been a CSMC exclusive.

After some thought and consideration, please keep Clysperis and do not add Kusan, thanks.

Kayumi Asami, as the Rokkenjiman delegate, nodded in support of the proposed arrangement. "It seems only fair that something should be given up in return for what is being requested of the Association by Jiayuan. Each nation sat before the Association has seen issues, as we've witnessed during the Summit as well as events which came after it and it is in the currency of trust that we move forward together, to see that this once unforeseen vision succeeds. We should naturally be open to partnership, as we've seen a vision of how that can look from my friends in Abertone, a proposal I feel upholds the vision of our Association while never closing the door to cooperation beyond those nations of the Association itself. This proposal enjoys the full support of the First Empire of Rokkenjima."

The Imperial Naval Intelligence Service conducted an operation, with support from elements of the Imperial Rokkenjiman Navy, which effected the return of 12 individuals detained by the SIS as well as the arrest of SIS Commander, Shima Kijuro. "Following a failure for Imperial High Command to respond adequately to the demands I laid before them, and with the full sanction of the Courts, the INIS conducted an operation against Camp Taryō where our agents were being held. Supporting our operation were the Megitsune and her Carrier Group, including a detachment of Special Naval Landing Forces. At this hour, Camp Taryō remains under the control of the Imperial Rokkenjiman Navy and will continue to do so until a full and complete investigation of events at the Camp are established in an official investigation. As these operations have been undertaken under the prerogative of Chrysanthemum Throne, Imperial High Command has no authority over the units involved. As the individual trusted by Chrysanthemum Throne to direct this operation, I strongly encourage Imperial High Command and the SIS to cease and desist in any operations designed to interfere in the investigations of the INIS, or further punitive actions will be suffered by you."

A spokesperson from Imperial High Command called the operation "highly unusual and largely disappointing" and warned that "furthering down this paths risks rupturing ties between the various branches in the service of the Empress. All legal options and remedies are being considered in regards to the arrest of Commander Shima Kijuro, while Grand Marshal Rowe has requested an immediate meeting with the Empress to discuss this concerning turn of events. This is not the end of this affair, and we will seek all justices deserving for IHC and the SIS in this unnecessary action."

Returning questions from the RBC Princess Sophia, Grand Duchess of Josai, said that "the Duchy will limit its comments on operations of the Imperial Rokkenjiman Armed Forces, or those of the INIS. I must note that Director Kado acted with the sanction of the Supreme Court of Judicature, which allowed this operation to commence in the first place, and I place my trust in the Courts to render fair and impartial rulings. The Duchy will also be looking into activities at Camp Taryō, and we request the full and transparent cooperation of the INIS toward those ends." Director Kado has indicated that such cooperation would be rendered, stating that the INIS "has nothing to hide, unlike a select basket of rotting apples within the Imperial Rokkenjiman Army and their patrons at Imperial High Command."

Grand Marshal Rowe, currently in transit to Pyrettania, said that he "expected answers from the Empress as to how this operation was allowed to proceed without his knowledge or authorization. Imperial High Command stands as the supreme body of the Imperial Rokkenjiman Armed Forces, a status which has seemingly been undermined by Chrysanthemum Throne itself as the Director claims "prerogative of the Throne" as a legitimizing aspect to these operations. As I respect the Throne I will not question its authority in public, however, I will personally raise my concerns to the Empress and see that this situation does not spiral out of control."

Following lengthy talks with the adversarial power Respected Comrade Ri Sang-Hee has secured a win in seeing the talks will take place on Kusanese soil. "I feel it is important for Princess Sophia to see the lands her predecessors tried to annihilate, breathe the air that we breathe, and understand in that sight, in those experiences, realize the will that the PDRK has in preserving itself. Even here in Kosan, far removed from our capital, Rokkenjiman bombs rained down indiscriminately, you can still see the scars of the war to this day in fact. While this was not our first choice, as a neutral intermediary was desired by both sides, in the absence of such a force the need for talks between us is still recognized as important. The Princess will be allowed a security detail consisting of a load-out of small arms, with my own detail being limited to the same, as neither of us expect the talks to end with a shooting match."

Comrade Ri Chŏng-jun will be tasked with "ensuring the security of the PDRK and that of our visitors" for the duration of the talks, which are expected to be concluded over the weekend. The talks will take place amidst the backdrop of a joint Kusanese-Rokkenjiman investigation into the allegations levied against the PDRK. Respected Comrade Ri Sang-Hee has shared her "over-abundant expectation" that this investigation will clear the PDRK of the allegations levied against it, while "placing great faith that the prospect of peace is not but a mirage in the desert; we are placing perhaps misguided faith in the word of the Empress. But it is from a position of strength that one seeks peace, and a position of inner weakness that one seeks war. We will see where this path leads us either way."