Show Posts

This section allows you to view all posts made by this member. Note that you can only see posts made in areas you currently have access to.


Messages - Achkaerin

Pages: [1] 2 3 ... 133
1
Diplomacy and Events / Re: The Plot To Destroy Rokkenjiman Democracy
« on: March 26, 2024, 10:27:11 PM »
"I prefer the kick to the groin area." Rion said "Works wonders." looking down at the man disguised the inner workings of her mind, they had Seagull, Groves was contained and Stanley was under arrest. That just left Rowe, in one respect it was a good thing they'd managed to isolate him but as far as the bigger picture went an isolated Rowe remained just as dangerous and just as capable of fulfilling his part in this conspiracy. Time was something they were now running out of, whatever move that was intended to bring Mieko Anselmo back to Rokkenjima had to be made soon and Rion knew that not only did she know that but so did Alex Rowe, this was still a fair way from being over.


"If I may." Liosa said "Rowe isn't the immediate concern, there are very qualified people dealing with that and they're more than capable of handling it. Your focus needs to be on what's coming up. Your aunt Kyoko has taken action on the legitimacy of the Addendum to the Sakura Umeko Accord, I've not had the chance to take a detailed look at it because I haven't found an office yet but from what the lawyers are telling me, I think it has a reasonable chance of being successful. If that happens then there are good and bad consequences." she took a breath "There's a legal reckoning coming for the likes of Alex Rowe, that will need to be navigated, that's what I'm here for, the diplomatic fallout from this... that's your ballgame."


Peter's next stop was Pyrena, likely people would view this as him visiting Beatrice as her biological father but he wasn't here for her well not directly. No he was here for something else, walking the castle's halls he chuckled when he spied Beatrice and Lucinda sat there, when Beatrice looked up in his direction he waved "May I borrow her for a moment?" he asked indicating Lucinda.

2
Diplomacy and Events / Re: The Plot To Destroy Rokkenjiman Democracy
« on: March 17, 2024, 12:34:47 AM »
"What?" Rion asked over the phone about an hour later, she was talking to Hazel
"Someone tried to kill Lucinda." Hazel said "She nearly beat them to death but I stopped it. That isn't the thing though."
"What is?" Rion asked
"This Lucinda isn't the same Lucinda we know." Hazel said "I don't know what to do."
"Leave it with me I do." Rion said she hung up the phone and proceeded to send a text message before turning her attention to the scene before her Kado was organising his teams, laying his trap. Rion had two of her best at distance in the background, one covering the lake the other covering the town. Walking over to Kado she checked the cyan coloured ARC-SP1 she carried before priming her combat pistol. "Less lethal we need him alive right?"


There was a discernable mood in the Imperial Palace and it's name was fury and it was directed against Lucius Stanley, were it not for the lack of any credible evidence things could be significantly worse than they were but it smacked of an overplayed hand and now Lucius would feel the full fury of the very institution he'd served for many years. Emerson stepped into Asuna's office and found the Empress laying down on the sofa "Don't tell me you and Lucinda were up all night listening to music or something?" he teased, sometimes he had to remind himself that Asuna was still a nineteen year old girl "Or is it her idiot husband giving you a headache?" he sighed and put something on the table next to the sofa "Can't do anything about you listening to music but I can do something about him." he tapped the paper "He's a liability, he's casting aspersions and falsehoods and acting contrary to his job responsibilities. This is an order terminating his employment, sign it and sack him before he does anything more serious. I've got a potential replacement at least for the short term outside"

Emerson waited a moment before walking to the door and showing a woman in "Asuna this is Liosa." he said introducing Lìosa Càidh "You may recognise her from various CSU things. I trust her, she's on our side of the equation. She's more than qualified. Short term contract and if you like what she does it's up to you if you want to keep her." he smiled and left the two women alone.


Even to Peter and Renee the tension in the Imperial Palace was palpable, and if that wasn't bad enough another bombshell was about to drop, the Achkaerinese pair waited in one of the reception rooms until they were joined by firstly Evanthe and Sophia and then fresh from his conversation with Asuna Emerson.
"Officially I'm here visiting family." Peter said "But I'm not actually here to see Asuna." he took a folded piece of paper out of his jacket pocket and handed it to Sophia, waiting for her to unfold it "As you know Euphy's been in hospital and in the last few hours has undergone a transplant. Prior to the operation members of your family were tested as possible donors, now according to doctors they would have expected you to have the closest match Sophia being the sister, but you didn't. What you're holding there is the DNA comparison between you and Euphy, it's not even close to sororal." he took a moment "You're not her sister, you're her cousin."

As silence reigned in the room Peter's eyes drifted to Evanthe, as if watching the wheels inside her head turning as pieced it all together, the searching look she gave Peter told him she'd got there "Yes Eva." he said "She's yours... and his." he smiled at Emerson
"Jokes really?" Emerson asked
"I did a lot of raising Evanthe I'm allowed to be funny around her." Peter said "But it's true the child you two thought you'd lost... she's right there in front of you."

3
Convention Centre / Re: Bride of the Emperor - IC Thread
« on: March 13, 2024, 11:41:19 PM »
While others may have been a little disappointed the two Achkaerinese girls were quite elated with their results, after all the task hadn't really been completely in either of their wheelhouses so they'd been forced to adapt to the circumstances and it appeared they'd both come out of it fairly well, Catrin may not have ranked close to the other favourites but at least she was still there, Poppy meanwhile had reread the ranking list about fifty times just to make sure she wasn't seeing things, placing twenty second was a pretty big deal and was a meteoric rise from where she'd been previously. The pair had celebrated their success by spending some time in Poppy's room, reading through the social media reactions to the rankings and replying, making sure to thank everyone for their support. Poppy's music box watch seemed to have generated a fair amount of interest to the point where she started seeing comments saying 'oh I'd love one of those playing...' or 'I'd like one that looked like...' having seen them, Poppy was soon taking orders via social media initially and then a website that Catrin helped her set up, and Poppy wasn't going to charge a single coin. At the end of the day this was a popularity contest and Poppy knew she had to try and capitalise on her surprise success. She knew she could make them between challenges and get them shipped which hopefully would help her further down the road.

But still that was one challenge safely negotiated by the pair of them, now they just had to wait and see what the next one brought to them.

4
Diplomacy and Events / Re: The Plot To Destroy Rokkenjiman Democracy
« on: March 13, 2024, 11:19:59 PM »
Rion rolled her eyes as they headed for the car, with a bit of luck they'd have one of their problems off the board before the sun set. Settling into the drivers seat she looked at Kado "So where are we laying this trap?" she asked she was just as keen as he was to finally find out just who was whispering things.



The one thing about Achkaerin was that it viewed the Northern Ocean as it's back yard, in much the same way that East Moreland viewed the Illumic so when a non native decided to ruffle feathers, just as Rokkenjima had seemingly chosen to do, it was always going to get a response. However if there was one thing that assisted the 'shadow war' going on within Rokkenjima at that point it was eyes being drawn elsewhere and with the eyes of the IHC firmly fixed on their stroll into the north it meant that they weren't paying that much attention to things closer to home, against such a backdrop a single warship sailing around the Rokkenjiman Sea likely seemed nothing special. But that was just what helped the Achkaerinese out. So it was here moving into the area around the Tokara islands that the INS Rhyth Icerider sailed, stood on the bridge her captain Fiona Baines stood, this was going to be an interesting bit of ship handling to get the vessel properly aligned but Fiona was more capable of doing it when she had to.
"Helm eta?" Fiona asked
"About two hours." the officer steering the ship said
"Contacts?" Fiona asked
"Nothing military." came the response. Fiona half smiled if they truly were on their own then this was going to be a whole lot easier than they'd expected.

5
Diplomacy and Events / Re: The Pyrettania-Valtheim Line
« on: March 13, 2024, 09:01:02 PM »
SCION Communique
Authorization VC881-AS2
Admiralty Square, Admiral Abigail Martin
March 13th, 2024/20:30 VMT
TO:

On behalf of the Achkaerinese Crown and Government I've been instructed to advise you of how disappointed we are in the actions of the IRN and personnel thereof. Firstly Rokkenjima is obliged by treaty principle to inform the Achkaerinese government of any planned military movements or operations in the Great Northern Ocean, the time for that to happen was before Rokkenjiman vessels crossed into the ocean not days after they did. At a time when security concerns are of the utmost importance to place such things in jeopardy is counter intuitive not to mention akin to petulant teenage behaviour considering the reckless nature of it. We expect the Excalibur Strike Group to be issued orders to withdraw from the Great Northern Ocean within 24 hours and that the same orders be issued to Hunting Girl. Rokkenjima is not a northern nation it is not at war with a nation in this region and the presence of a carrier strike group and submarine for the purposes of carrying out covert operations over something as trivial as a tribunal decision is wholly unjustified.

We will further inform you that upon departure from Setri both the Edward Truden and the Hinagiku will be expected to comply with a stop and search measure carried out by the Achkaerinese Navy, this pertains to investigations concerning matters of which you are aware. Do not mess around in our back yard again without prior notification and justifiable cause.

Should the 24 hours pass without action being taken then we reserve the right to take further action.

6
Diplomacy and Events / Re: The Plot To Destroy Rokkenjiman Democracy
« on: March 10, 2024, 10:47:36 PM »
"You spend too much time in the office." Rion said rolling her eyes as she headed for the door, by comparison she pretty much operated from the field, "Come on I'll hold your hand and maybe let you try out one or two of our toys. I'll drive." as she headed for her car she half smiled Kado didn't know it yet but this was borderline an audition.


At the Royal Valtheim Hospital Serenity was settling into a hospital bed, in the same room as Euphy. Peter was stood there as Serenity handed him the letter that gave him back the authority, temporarily, that he was well versed in wielding. "Don't do anything cool while I'm out of it." Serenity said
"It's not like I'm going to be able to do much in twenty four hours or so is it?" Peter said he looked from Serenity to Euphy and smiled "Now the pair of you focus on yourselves and I'll see you when you're recovering."
"We will." Euphy said

Putting the letter in his inside jacket pocket Peter walked out of the room and down the corridor where his close friend Celine Tyler was waiting for him, stepping into the lift she waited for the doors to close before looking at him "There's one thing we haven't really thought about." she said
"Which is?" Peter asked
"If Mieko is in Kusan then the plan that Rowe is working to involves bringing her back to Rokkenjima." Celine said "So how exactly is that going to be accomplished?"
"I don't know yet." Peter said "But Rowe's pushing hard for military action, and if he doesn't get it for the nuclear material then he's going to do something else isn't he?"
"Yes he is." Celine said "He's going to force hands if he has to."
"Suggestion?" Peter asked
"Be ready to act so your granddaughter doesn't have to." Celine said

As they walked out of the lift Peter's phone rang "Yes Emerson?" he asked answering it
"When she gets out of surgery tell your daughter she's brilliant." Emerson said
"I already tell her that a lot..." Peter said "Why's she brilliant this time?"
"I just read a memo coming to the Imperial Government down here about a case being filed with the SCJ." Emerson said "It may not have her name on it but it's got Serenity's fingerprints all over it."
"Is Lucius Stanley locking himself in his office over it?" Peter asked
"He's not happy that's for sure, he's a little tetchy that it's Kyoko's name on the action." Emerson said
"I'm sure he is." Peter said "Look I need to come down and talk to you, Evanthe and Sophia."
"About?" Emerson asked
"Better to say that in person." Peter said
"Ok." Emerson said then there was a slight pause "Amy just handed me a note, another thing for Serenity when she comes round - she gets to address the youth diet."
"She's smarter than I give her credit for." Peter said "Ok I'll be down there as soon as I can be." he hung up, he'd never planned on this whole being the patriarchal figure in not just his immediate family but his whole family but maybe fate was weaving its thread, maybe this was always where things had been going. He'd never asked why Cecelia had asked him, but he'd known the reason why it could never be spoken and now that reason was intending on coming home to roost. But then again just because time was ticking closer to midnight didn't mean that the clock had to strike twelve.

7
International News Networks / Re: Achkaerin News Service
« on: March 06, 2024, 10:02:27 PM »


TRANSPLANT TO HAPPEN IN THE NEXT 24 HOURS


By: Niamh Roberts Royal News Correspondent

Princess Euphemia of Rokkenjima is to receive a new liver within the next twenty four hours, the Princess who is presently in the Royal Valtheim Hospital with a parasitic infection of the liver is in need of a transplant. According to Royal Physician Doctor Maddy Dale the operation will be "a live liver transplant, this is a routine operation in which Princess Euphemia's liver will be replaced with a portion of a donor's in this case Empress Serenity's. I know someone's going to raise an eyebrow at that but that is the situation, the Empress is the donor. We believe the operation will be successful, once again it's a routine operation. Following the operation both the Princess and the Empress will need a few days to recover."

A statement from the Marble Palace confirmed the details announced by Doctor Dale in a press conference Royal Press Secretary Hannah Cartwright provided further information in respect of decision making authority saying "The Empress has signed a letter addressed to the Noble Moot and the Speaker of the Senate, this letter delegates the Empress's authority, normally this delegation would be to the next in line to the Achkaerinese throne however both Princess Astrid and Princess Lisa are underage and Prince Simon is presently serving overseas so in this instance the delegation will transfer the authority to the Emperor Emeritus Peter Azurewind. It will be in effect from the moment that the Empress is taken to be anaesthetised and will last until she comes round following the surgery. Upon which point a second letter will be sent and she will resume her duties with the authority returning to her."

8
Convention Centre / Re: Bride of the Emperor - IC Thread
« on: March 05, 2024, 09:12:25 PM »
If truth were told getting their hands dirty so to speak was just about the best thing that the Achkaerinese pair could have hoped for, this was what they were trained for to think, to craft, to come up with something different. Catrin headed straight for the warehouse with fabrics to pick up what would amount to being her canvas and then went in search of the art supplies she required, she was certainly in for a long few hours of work. Finding the silk was fortunately straightforward, getting it to the correct size was a little trickier but the advantage of being a medical student was that she had developed the necessary attention to detail to get the fabric to the correct size and shape. That was the easy part, the hard part, the time consuming part was about to begin - first the dyeing process to get the silk to the right texture, once it had dried she went to work with the silk paints she'd acquired, it was always going to be colourful and have a pattern after all the process pretty much guaranteed both of those things, carefully she marked out the outlines for the shapes and made sure to neatly mark where the colour would change. Next Catrin filled in the blocks of colour, her movements with a paintbrush were not too dissimilar from how she'd wield a scalpel in medical school, cleanly, neatly and precisely. She smiled when it was done, the finished article looked as bright and stylish as she'd hoped it would.

Poppy may have relished the principle behind the challenge but she wasn't what would be called a fashion follower, yes sure she had some very fashionable dresses for when she played the piano in a concert or went to an official event, but she wouldn't have ever described herself as a fashionable individual. Still the point here was to showcase her skills, to show who she was and for that she was drawing primarily on all the times she'd watched her father doing his work, he was a watchmaker, and while what Poppy had in mind was different the skills were transferable. Notebook in hand she first sketched out and planned what she was going to do, then she went in search for materials first the precious metal required to make the chain and the casing, once she'd found those in a warehouse she went into crafting mode and forged the casing, the shape she had in mind was that of a pocket watch case, though ever so slightly bulkier than the norm because she was being a little more ambitious than just a simple pocket watch. While the metal cooled Poppy went in search of the tools she'd need and the further materials, some like the metal and glass were easily found, the hardest things to find was a metal cylinder of the right diameter, but she eventually found that hidden away in a small storehouse and the sheet music which she found in a secluded shop.

The next step was perhaps the hardest because in the twenty first century what she was going to have to do manually was more usually done by a computer, first things first she got out her laptop and inputting the variables of the cylinder and the music notes she mapped where she needed to place the pins on the cylinder, putting on her safety goggles she went to work, positioning pins on not one but five cylinders. She took a breath before placing each cylinder in turn into the mechanism and listening as the sound came out, she'd designed each cylinder to play a different traditional folk song of Neu Uburzis and a small door on the back of the casing would allow the owner to easily swap the cylinders around if they wished, for the moment she fitted one cylinder in place and put the other four in a small silver case lined with velvet on the interior. Now she carefully crafted the partition layer of the item, making the sound holes look elegant before placing it over the music box element and fixing it in place. She was back on better known soil now as least as far as her knowledge went, putting together with great care the mechanism for the watch, piece by piece she put the timepiece together making sure it kept the right time, that it could be wound and that the sound from the music box floated through from the back and was triggered when the front of the watch opened. After finally fitting the transparent cover over the hands she fixed the lid in place and tested the catch making sure it could flip open and stay securely shut. She etched a small poppy onto the clasp, it was her makers mark, and then engraved a pattern onto the outside of the lid. Sliding the safety glasses up onto her forehead she smiled, it was done.

9
Diplomacy and Events / Re: The Plot To Destroy Rokkenjiman Democracy
« on: March 04, 2024, 11:43:04 PM »
Rion looked at Kado "We're not going to need twelve guns trust me on that." she said "At least not all inside the van at any rate." she took a breath before smiling "Let's go pluck ourselves a Seagull."


SHIELD Law's main office was located in Valtheim, it was part of the so called 'Justice District' which was to say the area of Valtheim where the Supreme Court, Uppsalla Court Building, JAG Headquarters, Ministry of Justice and various law firms were all located. SHIELD Law itself was born out of an international law department from a now defunct firm, it had grown since then but it did retain it's specialism in the international field. The man behind it all was David Wheeler, he stood in his very professional suit in his very modern and very professional looking office and he wasn't alone Gary Newton and Nell Foster both in their navy uniforms stood to one side while David's friend and colleague Elecktra Hope was perched on the edge of David's desk, it amounted to quite a lot of legal brainpower and experience being in the room and that was just what the circumstances demanded. The quartet waited until a secretary came and escorted the person they were waiting for - Princess Kyoko into the room.
"Your Highness thank you for taking the time to make the trip, please have a seat." David said greeting her "I'm David Wheeler I'm the managing partner here at SHIELD Law, this is my colleague Elecktra Hope and I believe you know the two Lieutenants." he waited as Elecktra shook Kyoko's hand "This is a bit of an unusual meeting but I'll let Elecktra explain."

"Normally in our line of work we don't go proposing lawsuits, that belongs firmly in the realm of ambulance chasers not us, but thanks to the Lieutenants we've been made aware of something that we would like you to instruct us to pursue." Elecktra said "In simple terms we have reason to believe that the addendum to the Sakura-Umeko Accord which is to say the Mentorship of Toshikawa was never legally valid and we want to test that before the SCJ."
"However we need a client which is where we're hoping you come in." David said "We can't act on this without a client and from what we're told about present circumstances you are just about the only person who fits the bill." he put a standard letter of engagement in front of Kyoko on the desk.
"What they mean is this if the Addendum is invalid then the Mentorship is invalid." Gary said
"Do understand this may sound too good to be true but it isn't." Nell said "Legally speaking this will set off a chain reaction if it's successful. It also carries a huge political and diplomatic consequence for your niece to deal with. This can right a wrong done to your family but in turn your niece will be left to right a wrong that was therefore done to another party."
"We're advising you to instruct us to do this and slay this vampire already." David said "But it's ultimately up to you."

10
Map / Re: Claiming Your Spot on the Map
« on: March 03, 2024, 04:04:12 PM »
My apologies this took longer than originally planned, a couple of rl issues

New Map:



Removals

The following nations have been removed:
  • Azarath
  • Dietsland
  • Vynlandia
  • Skalvia
  • Bahia
  • AUS

Additions

The following nations have been added:
  • Jiayuan
  • Kaimaya
  • Tanith
  • Tetlahtōlcah Nahua
  • Matthelon
  • Kopsje

11
Character Guides / Re: Achkaerin Who's Who
« on: March 01, 2024, 04:19:14 PM »
David Wheeler
Titles
EducationFirst Class Honours Degree in Law & International Law from Valkyria University
High School Qualifications from Valor High School
Positions HeldSenior/Managing Partner SHIELD Law LLP
FamilyWife - Iris Wheeler
Son - Oliver Wheeler
Son - Christ Wheeler
Daughter - Helen Wheeler
Links to Important events?
BiographyExperienced lawyer. He has worked mainly on the corporate side of the equation in civil law. In 2000 he made partner at the firm he was at - Hall and Hall. In 2014, while David was head of the international law department, the firm downsized axing his department in the process. David took the staff and founded SHIELD Law.

12
International News Networks / Re: Achkaerin News Service
« on: February 29, 2024, 10:36:07 PM »


PRINCESS CERYS CELEBRATES "SIXTH" BIRTHDAY


By: Niamh Roberts Royal News Correspondent

Princess Cerys has celebrated her "sixth" birthday, the Princess born on the 29th of February 2000 usually celebrates her birthday on the 28th of February however as a "leap child" every four years she can celebrate it on the actual day. A birthday party that is rumoured to have been organised by Princess Cerys's brother Prince Jack and his girlfriend has taken place at the Marble Palace. The Princess spent the day, prior to the party opening a new water sports facility in Djana-Ville, Princess Cerys is a Mundus Games gold medalist in the surfing events, speaking earlier in the day she said "It's always fun when we get to a leap year because I get referred to as being a quarter of my actual age and things like 'the youngest Azurewind' trend on twitter and Jack gets to act like he's the older one of us, but it's all in good fun."

13
Diplomacy and Events / Re: The Plot To Destroy Rokkenjiman Democracy
« on: February 26, 2024, 03:21:18 AM »
The corridors of Coral Rift prison were nothing new to Gary Newton though this was perhaps the most unusual visit he'd ever made to the facility, making his way to the visiting room she sat down and waited a few moments before a guard opened the door and brought in Sumire Abruscato, Rokkenjiman nobility, former Imperial Councillor, former Mentor of Toshikawa and now if the theories were right just another sacrificed piece in whatever game was being played. "Ms Abruscato." Gary said slowly "Have a seat."
"Lieutenant" Sumire said "Why does my counsel want to see me?"
"I'm authorized to offer you a deal." Gary said, it had been a hell of a conversation to have with Lt Foster but the situation being what it was she had agreed to it, "We need information about something we believe you know about."
"And in exchange?" Sumire asked
"You get moved to a lower risk prison, somewhere with more privileges." Gary said "And that's just for starters." he put a piece of paper in front of Sumire "All spelled out for you."
"What do you want to know?" Sumire asked

"On the 20th of January 2007, Beatrice Anselmo underwent a medical procedure at Pyrena to repair an internal bleed in her uterus resulting from a recent miscarriage." Gary said "Footage of that surgery shows that the doctors involved not only repaired the bleed but without good reason harvested Beatrice's eggs. The implication of that is the same as was the case fifteen years earlier, to create a 'break glass in case of emergency' heir. But while in the case of Kyoko it was done with noble intentions, not so in this instance this time it was with malicious intent. I think this is another thing chalked up to the group of conspirators you're part of." he took a moment to look straight at her "Are you the birth mother to this other Anselmo? Yes or no."
"Yes." Sumire said after a moment
"Give me a name." Gary said
"Kikyo Hase, she was born on the Abruscato estate, I was 'ill' for a few months of 2007, two Anausa agents that Charles had in his pocket took her and moved to Jenka -Jenkinson." Sumire said "The agents pose as her parents and I assume have done their job of grooming her for the throne."
"Why?" Gary asked
"To correct a near sixty year old wrong." Sumire said "At least that's what Charles told me."
"What wrong?" Gary asked
"I never heard the full story." Sumire said "Look I'm not a vindictive person, and despite what people may think I never acted with ill intent as an Imperial Councillor or as Beatrice's friend, that was all genuine not duplicitous, my job was done the moment the birth happened. You can't offer me absolution I know that but I'll point you to what you don't know." she took a breath "The child of Tairo."
"Thank you." Gary said "I want all that in a statement."


The study at the Marble Palace was a little fuller than usual as the latest meeting on this took place Serenity was present, with every intention of running back to the hospital once it was over, around the room the various advisors and officers sat and stood and then Gary walked in.
"Please tell me you've got a name Lieutenant." Serenity said
"I have Kikyo Hase." Gary said "Had a quick bit of research done she attends Vicheshire School in Jenka-Jenkinson, sixteen years old."
"She's also the girl who just got invited along with her class to the Youth Diet in Rokkenjima." Nettie said
"Rowe's moving his pieces." Serenity said
"There was something else." Gary said "Sumire says this is about a sixty year old wrong and pointed us at the child of Tairo whatever that means."
"It's not a what it's a who." Peter said
"You know what it means?" Nettie asked

"Yes." Peter said going over to a whiteboard that sat in the room and drawing up the Anselmo family tree "This is what we usually think of, work it backwards you have Asuna, Lucius and Kikyo going up to Beatrice married to Alex and Kyoko as a sibling and then up again to Cecelia and Kichiro and of course biologically myself. That's the main branch, then if we do Euphy's branch you have her and you go up to her parents Usagi and Aaron, then on Evanthe's side you have Evanthe and you go up to her parents Mieko and Madara."
"Do we know where Sophia fits in to this yet?" Serenity asked
"Yes we do." Maddy said "Based on DNA comparison and further testing we believe Sophia is Evanthe's daughter."
"Wow." Serenity said "She was born in late 2001... the picture."
"Yep." Peter said putting Sophia's name on the tree "And we know that Emerson's the father because there's no way in heck you forget a younger Emerson Ravenswood spending the night of the Constellation Ball in Wyvern Castle and then sharing looks with Evanthe over breakfast."
"No one tells them yet." Nettie said
"Exactly now that's what we normally think about when we go at the Anselmo family tree." Peter said "But Cecelia, Usagi and Mieko are sisters if you go back a further generation you get the then exiled Empress Kikyou." he took a breath as he drew the line and put that name up. "Now watch what happens when I put the birth years up for those three sisters." he put 1970 next to Usagi, 1966 next to Cecelia and 1964 next to Mieko.

"Hang on a minute that would mean..." Nettie said
"That by convention Mieko not Cecelia should have taken the crown?" Peter asked "Yes."
"Why didn't she?" Nettie said
"Because it was decided otherwise, but that's only half the story." Peter said "Anyone want to ask the other obvious question?"
"Madara." Sakura said "Is a Rokkenjiman name."
"Yes, but Evanthe isn't entirely of Rokkenjiman heritage." Peter said
"I get the implication but what's that got to do with the child of Tairo?" Serenity asked
"I assume Alex has had time to look that up by now." Peter said looking at where Alexandria Savage otherwise known as Alex was sitting looking at her tablet.

"Mieko Anselmo is the child of Tairo" Alex said "Damn this is ancient, in 1964 Kikyou Anselmo visited what was then called Daito, on the return trip her yacht was boarded by what were at the time believed to be pirates but were later discovered to be Toshikawan militia I'll give you one guess which clan."
"Nekhaga." Serenity said
"Bingo." Alex said "Anyway the Toshikawan's subdued the crew and took the yacht and Kikyou to the nearest Rokkenjiman military port which at the time was Tairo. What the Toshikawan's didn't know was that Naoko Ryoma the companion soul to Kikyou got off a distress call to Autumn Wood Fort in Gowu, the ship was tracked to Tairo and a Justicar team sent in with Achkaerin Special Forces in support... The Justicars bribed the port commander to release Kikyou but this was four days later and in that time..."
"Kikyou had given birth to Mieko." Peter said "Officially Kikyou gave birth on the return trip, the Federal Republic were knee deep in Kusan at the time they weren't going to risk a war with us."
"Why did the Toshikawan's even do that?" Sakura asked
"We didn't know that for another thirty years." Esme said "The 1960's were the very beginning of what would eventually become the Bute movement, they were hoping that delivering Kikyou to the Federal Republic would get the Republic's support in terms of Gowu, the Bute element viewing that as Toshikawan soil which of course it isn't. That all came out at the Cherry-Lotus negotiations."

"I get it." Serenity said "Mieko is born on Rokkenjiman soil, she's pure blood, she's the blessed of Islnya according to the standard Yuna would set. By all accounts she should have been next on the throne so what happened?"
"The implication around Evanthe happened." Peter said "And it couldn't have happened at a worse time."
"Around the time that Mieko became pregnant in 1984 Kikyou fell quite seriously ill, Mieko was still traumatised from her ordeal so Cecelia was making the decisions, just after Evanthe was born Kikyou died but Mieko was still traumatised it wasn't clear if she'd ever recover so the Grand Maester made a decision and Cecelia was proclaimed as the monarch."
"And over time all that trauma, all that hatred turned to resentment." Nettie said "But she died in 2004."
"And we thought Cecelia died in 1997." Serenity said
"The question is where's she been?" Peter said
"That doesn't matter." Serenity said "But we can probably guess where she'll turn up."
"Kusan." Alex said "Rowe's angling for a fight, he's pushing hard for it and that's the trap. Kusan's innocent and when that gets discovered Asuna's either going to break if she hasn't already or she'll be forced out."
"Exactly." Serenity said "Push the button repeatedly, push it hard enough and it doesn't matter that the international community is saying 'no proof of complicity' because payback is expected and Rokkenjima will eventually demand it."
"And the Diet can vote for it." Nettie said "It would basically be a motion calling for action but Asuna can't ignore it she'd be hugely unpopular if she did. It only needs a fabricated smoking gun."

"I just had a rather disturbing thought." Peter said looking out of the study window "What if the reason Rowe knows Kusan is innocent is because he is guilty?"
"As in he orchestrated the Pyrettania..." Esme said "If that's true..."
"How?" Sakura asked
"There's one other plant." Serenity said "Nemphis."
"But opportunity?" Mark Sharpe the national security advisor said
"There is one." Peter said "Sobernakht's little uprising, Achkaerinese forces fought a running battle in and around the Nemphis compound, they could have stolen it then and delivered it. That could have been the whole point of the exercise."
"But when would they have made contact to set that up?" Nettie asked "We'd have known we were in country."
"In the middle of the Clysperi civil war Rokkenjima offered aid." Mark said "Which we declined because the situation was in hand but it's not beyond the realms they put people in anyway."
"Rowe's not the type to leave things to chance." Nettie said

"No he's not." Serenity said with a hint of anger in her voice before walking over to the whiteboard "Me and Euphy recently started reading the Harry Potter books to the girls in the Chamber of Secrets just before Harry fights the Basilisk there's a moment where the form of Riddle uses a wand and writes his name." she wrote TOM MARVOLO RIDDLE on the whiteboard "Which is an anagram of..." she wrote I AM LORD VOLDERMORT underneath the name
"So?" Sakura asked
"So what happens to this?" Serenity asked she wrote RAMOSE on the whiteboard "If you flip the M and do the same thing you get..." she wrote A S ROWE underneath Ramose "A.S Rowe, Alex Sebastian Rowe."
"Vanity." Nettie said "Could it be that simple?"
"It makes sense Ramose hasn't been heard from in a long time, no one's ever seen him, no one's ever met him, the guy may not look like Rowe but one rogue Anausa for appearance purposes and Rowe as the voice?" Mark asked
"Who does this guy think he is Palpatine?" Kumiko asked
"Apparently." Serenity said "But if that is true then you all know what it means he is responsible for, and if it is true then we will have him for it."

"So how do we stop him?" Alex asked "Because he's making his move."
"We've got just a few days." Serenity said "Alex you bring Rion up to speed, Kikyo is her ball neither Rowe nor any of his people get to her first, that plane does not fly direct to Pyrettania."
"Understood." Alex said
"Sakura you're going to Clysperis." Serenity said "We'll get some soldiers to provide an escort, go and see Sobernakht, cut him a deal and see what he gives you."
"Ok." Sakura said
"I'll go and see Emerson and Evanthe." Peter said "It should be me who tells them, Mieko was distant and cold when Evanthe was growing up and I'm the closest thing she's got to a father."
"Agreed." Serenity said "Kumiko you get onto the admiralty I've got a special job for them."
"I'll get them on the line." Kumiko said
"We take away Rowe's leverage, we neutralise the threat, let's get it done." Serenity said

As the room cleared it left only Serenity with Gary and Nell Foster, after having a drink of water Serenity looked at them "Ok." she said "Let's talk about what Kado found."
"It doesn't change anything." Nell said "All those records were sought in discovery and handed over in 2017 in the run up to trial, it's highly convenient for something new to turn up even more so because it says what it says. And even if the court let it in the date on the order is March 25th 2016, so Beatrice is still liable for the atrocities committed between February 14th and March 25th and she's already got the lightest possible sentence and then some."
"And if we're honest that order isn't the most interesting bit of what Kado found." Gary said "It's all the nonsense orders. Why have Beatrice sign them?"
"Go on." Serenity said
"We think and it's a leap." Nell said "That it's about source material specifically Beatrice's signature. She needs to sign things because she's Empress and the functioning of Government in Rokkenjima required it... but if she's got the awareness to recognise the events around her and react by for example giving that countermand order would you as Charles or Lucius Stanley put that which is critical in front of her?"

Serenity smiled when she saw what Nell was getting at "This can't come from our end and it can't involve your department." Serenity said
"It won't." Gary said "We've set a meeting for Elecktra Hope."
"SHIELD Law?" Serenity asked "I'll get Kyoko there. Let's get Lucius Stanley spinning."


At the Imperial Palace in Rokkenjima Kayleigh walked into Henry Cole's office "Don't ask me why just trust me." she said putting a piece of paper on the table "That needs to be the flight crew for the Imperial Ryusei going to pick up those kids from Jenka-Jenkinson in a few days." the two names were Achkaerinese military. Rowe was making his move so Kayleigh knew that there was no way that Rion was prepared to allow that plane outside of their control.


In Jenka-Jenkinson Maki Hamer, picked up her phone "Yes Rion?" she asked
"Correct me if I'm wrong but you're half siblings go to Vicheshire School?" Rion asked
"Yes, Sora's in her final year there and Colton's a couple back." Maki said "Why?"
"Kikyo Hase." Rion said "Know anything about her?"
"She just took over as Student Council President, succeeding Sora actually I think Colton's in her form." Maki said
"She just managed to get her social studies people a flight on the Rokkenjiman Imperial Ryusei to attend the Youth Diet in a few days time." Rion said "But here's the complication she's the lost Anselmo, she's Rowe's endgame."
"What do you want me to do?" Maki asked
"Get yourself on that plane." Rion said
"I'm listed as a chaperone with the school so that's not a problem." Maki said
"I'm getting Miku down there as well." Rion said "Kayleigh's liaising with Cole, we're getting control of the plane and going to beat Rowe to the punch. Only risk factor is Kikyo's parents, they're likely rogue Anausa so if they're on the plane watch yourself."
"Understood." Maki said


With the phone calls to Kayleigh and Maki done that only left one problem for Rion to deal with and it was something Kado could do. She wasn't doorstepping his office, no she was doorstepping his apartment. "We need to talk." she said quietly when he opened the door and let her in, once they were in the main room she looked at him "In a few days there's an Imperial Ryusei bringing a group of children over from Jenka-Jenkinson for the Youth Diet. On the day of that flight I need you to find a way or reason to shut down Arovia Air Traffic Control, don't ask me for details just know this is the future of Rokkenjima right here right now. You cannot risk using the INIS, because we cannot flag this, but if you can do that then it will mean that Brianna Azurewind ATC in Gowu takes over Arovia's remit during the outage and that is what we need to happen. Are you up for it?"

14
"I agree." Isabella said slowly "If we're pursuing a Jiayuan-ASDN deal then that's something that can be supported however I agree with Mr Ferraro that any deal cannot be a copy and paste of the ASDN's existing commitments, it must be different and would from our end have to be something that the membership of the ASDN is agreeable with."

15
Diplomacy and Events / Re: The Plot To Destroy Rokkenjiman Democracy
« on: February 22, 2024, 12:53:06 AM »
22nd February 2024

Hospitals weren't Serenity's favourite place, she'd had a couple of operations, had a few visits with the girls and of course now Euphy was on a hospital bed waiting for treatment for a parasitic liver infection, the treatment in question would be a live liver transplant, which was why members of the Anselmo family had been contacted and DNA tests were being done. It was one of the weirder family settings - Astrid and Lisa were sat doing their homework on the bed using the trolley table as a surface while Serenity sat in a chair talking with Euphy. Then Joe Naylor, one of the Royal Medical Team, put his head around the door "Your Majesty can we have a word?" he asked
"Sure." Serenity said, she got up and walked out of the room and found that Joe had been joined by Maddy Dale who was the Royal Physician "What's going on?"
"As you know we have security clearance so we get to see certain things, we get to be aware of certain things." Maddy said
"Yes." Serenity said
"Were it not for that we wouldn't raise this with you but we've got the DNA results back for Euphemia's potential donors" Joe said "Any of them would be a suitable and we'd recommend Sophia just based on age and health."
"So what's the issue?" Serenity asked
"I don't think that Sophia and Euphemia are sisters." Joe said "The DNA markers aren't there, there's enough to say they're related but they're not siblings. I ran them past Maddy and she agrees."
"So Sophia is an Anselmo but isn't Euphy's sister?" Serenity said "How hard to find out just who she is?"
"We've got all the DNA samples so we'd have to run a few comparisons." Joe said "Might take a couple of days."
"Do it in house and let's not advertise it." Serenity said


At the Marble Palace the latest meeting on the issue was going on "It just doesn't make sense." Rion said from where she stood looking out of the study window at the gardens.
"What doesn't?" Peter asked
"Any of it." Rion said "Last time around with Charles I'd have bought a power play all day long. But with what we know now? It doesn't add up."
"Reason?" Peter asked
"Lack of motive." Rion said "If we're going to say that Charles Ofdensen, Alex Rowe, Groves, Lucius Stanley, Sumire Abruscato, Lancaster etc were all party to the same conspiracy then where's the motive? Power? They already had it - Charles was Lord High Steward, Rowe was a prominent and highly respected military officer and is now the Grand Marshall he's the most senior rank in the Rokkenjiman military, Lucius Stanley is the Empress's lawyer. They're in positions of power or would be, consider what happens if the Andean Genocide doesn't happen - Henry Cole is still going to retire at some point so Rowe still gets to be Grand Marshall, Lucius Stanley retains position, Ofdensen is probably still Lord High Steward, Evanthe's viceregent, Asuna's Crown Princess, Beatrice is Empress and most critically she's still likely doped up to the eyeballs the perfect puppet, that's the position you want if you're these conspirators so why throw it away?"

"You mean why sign the Mentorship?" Peter asked
"Yeah." Rion said "Too much of a risk, why expose yourselves like that? Because you're either going down or you're putting Beatrice down either way you're losing the position of power."
"Have you got an answer?" Peter asked
"The only answer that makes sense is that all of them are expendable pieces in someone elses game." Rion said "Kado and I had this figured at four individuals I think there's a fifth, I think there's someone pulling all the strings and we don't know who that is, but we do have a good bet on the endgame - put this blank canvas, this sibling, on the Rokkenjiman throne and presumably influence them."
"Where are we on finding them?" Nettie asked
"We haven't pulled anything off of the hard drive about it but we may not need to." Rion said "If we've only been looking at pieces then each piece has a purpose..."
"Sumire Abruscato." Sakura said "Surrogacy?"
"You don't exactly let this Anselmo's existence be known outside a tight circle." Rion said
"And it's going to be military doctors loyal to Rowe or it's going to be Anausa loyal to Charles." Peter said "There's not going to be a record of Sumire giving birth anywhere."
"No there isn't." Rion said "But there will be a birth certificate for whoever that child is."
"Ok I'll have a word with the relevant authorities and see what we get from Sumire if anything." Peter said "Rion you stay the hell on preparing for the next step here because if there's an Anselmo sibling out there who's a piece in this puzzle then you know that means probably former Anausa in play."
"I know." Rion said

"Ok now tell me about this legal stuff." Peter said
"If Lucius Stanley wasn't already involved in this I'd be questioning whether he ever went to law school." Kumiko Arkwright, the Chief of Staff, said "It's pressure application."
"Yes it is." Adam Sheppard said "Alex Rowe is a soldier, he knows how to recognise stress and he knows how ill prepared Asuna was for the throne, so he piles on the pressure because he knows that if he can make her snap then he invalidates her, he discredits her and she's no longer Empress and that opens the path to the mystery sibling."
"It's more than that, if the perjury thing ever got to appeal the first question Beatrice gets asked is did she have a phone conversation with Barren?" Nettie said "She answers yes then it's not perjury but then you have the Morelanders likely wanting a word or two about it they might even take a shot at extradition. And that's before we question the perceived influence Barren could have over Asuna, it's non existent in reality but there's enough to start the rumours."

"And the thing with Kado?" Peter asked
"Asuna's ill advised press release didn't name names but put people on notice so a reaction had to happen that's why the INIS arrested people. There was always going to be blowback which is the SIS arresting twelve INIS agents, now I'm hoping that Kado actually showed the SCJ evidence of the twelve agents whereabouts that proves they were nowhere near the scene of the crime on the night in question because otherwise it looks a whole lot more shady." Rion said "It allows Rowe to play the victim and he's playing a blinder."
"So what's his next move?" Peter asked
"He needs to pick a fight and I think he's already picked it." Rion said
"Kusan right?" Adam said, Rion nodded
"Complicity where it's not proven." Nettie said "Would have been enough ten years ago."
"That may be true but I don't think Kusan is party to this." Rion said "It doesn't add, they're the fall guy and I think Rowe and these other conspirators need to cover something up."
"You know what I'm going to say." Peter said
"I'm on the next flight down there." Rion said
"What's his next move now the evidence has failed to convince?" Peter asked
"If it's a fight with Kusan he wants he'll find a way to force one or at least try to force one." Rion said "I've got an idea of what I think the play is and I'll liaise with the MDI to counter it."
"Ok you work on stopping their end run, take their legs out if needed." Peter said

16
International News Networks / Re: Achkaerin News Service
« on: February 19, 2024, 11:11:51 PM »


EMPRESS'S PARTNER RUSHED TO HOSPITAL


By Roisin Shaughnessy: Chief Correspondent

Princess Euphemia of Rokkenjima, the partner of Empress Serenity, has been admitted to the Royal Valtheim Hospital, the Princess is understood to have felt ill during the day and was advised to go to the hospital by the Royal Medical Staff. In a press conference at the hospital Doctor Maddy Dale, the Royal Physician, said "Princess Euphemia has been admitted to the hospital upon medical advice, she has been diagnosed with a parasitic infection of the liver and we are in the process of coordinating with members of her family in regards to next steps. The Princess is in good spirits and we'll make sure updates as to her condition are released in due course and in accordance with her wishes."

17
Diplomacy and Events / Re: The Plot To Destroy Rokkenjiman Democracy
« on: February 14, 2024, 05:20:34 PM »
It was harder to tell who was more surprised to see the near mass arrival at Pyrena, Beatrice or Lucinda, about ten minutes and one raid on the drinks cellar later they were sat around in one of the larger reception rooms. "This isn't an update on the whole matter so to speak." Rion said from where she sat next to Kado "Because we're still just scratching beneath the surface in that respect, we do think we know what the endgame of these conspirators is. And before you ask what it is, we're going to tell you because of what it concerns but let me clear we're telling you because it concerns you, we're not going to tell you specifics of what action we're going to take in response." she looked at Serenity and nodded

"One part of this investigation turned up a cache of various documents, photographs and so on. We're still ploughing through them but one of them was this." Serenity said putting the medical consent form on a table in front of Beatrice "That dates from the 20th of January 2007, it concerns the complication you had after your miscarriage, we presume the emergency nature of the surgery is why Alex signed the form. Nothing unusual in that respect, the oddity is that it was in this document cache so it was investigated further and in the security archives for Pyrena we found the footage of the operation." Serenity paused to allow Rion time to put an electronic tablet in front of Beatrice so she could watch the relevant part of it. "Everything prior to this part was exactly what would be expected of an internal bleed repair, however and there's no easy way of saying this that's not all they did, after they repaired the bleed the medical team harvested some of your eggs."

"It gets worse I'm afraid" Rion said "Everyone involved in carrying out that surgery is now dead, I call that a little suspicious. As for why this was done, well this is their endgame." she took a breath "Just over a year ago we were all operating on the assumption that what we called the Ofdensen plot worked on the premise of discredit and invalidate each Anselmo to roll back the clock twenty years to a Rokkenjiman Republic, however with what we now know I think different. If you're going to play puppeteer in Rokkenjima then the easiest way is to have an Empress who is easily influenced and not sure what they're doing, now despite what I would call several high profile howlers from the various Rokkenjiman Empresses in the room none of you were or are easily led, you know your own minds. That harvesting of your eggs carries an implication, it means there's the possibility of another Anselmo out there, a sibling for Asuna but more significantly someone who would be next in line to the throne who would also be a blank page."

"It takes a little to sink in." Serenity said "But it makes sense, if you want to run an Empire from behind the scenes you need someone easily controlled on the throne, among other things but that's the main one."
"I won't ask the question that I would like to, because it's immaterial and that's something for behind closed doors." Rion said "As for what we do next, if there is another Anselmo out there my people will find them meanwhile Kado and his people are, mainly because of one ill advised press release, going to end up in a game of tit for tat that's going to look like it belongs on the school playground. These are the things we need to do, just because we think we know where they want to go doesn't mean we know how they plan to get there and the longer Kado can keep them in knots the more time I have to dig and then when we have what we need we trap them."

With that Rion stood up and left the room with Kado not far behind once they were out into the gardens she let out a huge sigh of relief and ran her hands through her hair, now for what she'd thought of that she couldn't say in front of Asuna "Kyoko's existence." she said looking at Kado "It was a secret with a very small circle, I know who all the involved Rokkenjimans were and I know none of them now work for the INIS. They had to put Kyoko on the board so we couldn't." she smiled a little "Find the INIS agent who discovered that Lucretia Marino is Kyoko Anselmo and you'll find Seagull." she sighed again "And you still owe me dinner."

18
Diplomacy and Events / Re: The Plot To Destroy Rokkenjiman Democracy
« on: February 11, 2024, 04:23:05 PM »
"That's the plan." Gemma said pulling Asuna up "Though tomorrow we may start with teaching you how to kick a soccer ball." it wasn't that much longer before the pair were climbing up into the treehouse for the night.


In Valtheim Elena Walsh sat in her flat watching the security footage that Hazel had sent over, she was reading over her notes according to all information so far found and that which was archived this was a routine operation to repair an internal bleed in Beatrice's uterus it wasn't an eyebrow raising complication, what was odd was the consent form turning up on the laptop in Rowe's storage unit. Suddenly she leaned forward "What the..." she said looking at the screen "But that's... nothing to do with an internal bleed. You've got to be kidding me." she picked up her phone and called Rion.


When morning came around Gemma and Asuna rowed back from the island, Serenity was waiting for them "Your dad's here." Serenity said looking at Asuna "And when you're done Michelle wants to assess you and then with a bit of luck we can breathe a whole lot easier." she giggled as the smiling Asuna practically sprinted inside
"Such a daddy's girl." Gemma said following after Asuna.

That, as far as Serenity was concerned, really should have been that Asuna hopefully back on the straight and narrow, focus could shift back to dealing with the threat posed by this conspiracy but then Rion walked through the door.
"You need to see this." Rion said
"Ok." Serenity said following Rion into the kitchen "What is it?"
"My people went through some security footage from Pyrena last night." Rion said handing Serenity an electronic tablet "What do you see?"
"What's the surgery?" Serenity asked
"Emergency repair of a bleed in the uterus." Rion said
"She had a miscarriage so that sounds like dealing with a complication." Serenity said
"I agree but keep watching." Rion said

Then Serenity saw exactly what Elena had seen the previous night "Holy..." she said "Is that?"
"Harvesting Beatrice's eggs?" Rion said "Yes."
"But why?" Serenity asked
"Remember the question we asked a year or so ago about Kyoko?" Rion asked "Why out her?"
"Because if they didn't we would." Serenity said "Charles didn't want to expose Kyoko he was forced to because once Rokkenjima had no heir apparent we pull Kyoko out. And with Cecelia back it would have been substantiated."
"You wanted to know their endgame I think we've found it." Rion said
"You know what you need to do then." Serenity said "Anything else?"
"Every doctor, nurse and orderly involved in that procedure is dead or presumed dead at least according to records." Rion said "I call that suspicious."

Serenity sighed this was going to be a rough day she could feel it "Euphy." she called
"Yes?" Euphy asked coming into the kitchen
"We need to go to Pyrena." Serenity said "Val can watch the kids."
"Are you taking Asuna and her dad?" Rion asked, Serenity's eyes went to where Michelle was making her morning cup of coffee
"If I drop the metaphorical bombshell on Asuna right now how's she going to react?" Serenity asked
"She's tough, despite her own self doubts, give her a demon she may run a mile, give her something to look forward to and she can take it." Michelle said
"How bad is it?" Euphy asked
"When it comes to bad it's not her I'm worried about." Serenity said "But I can't ignore that this impacts her, so she's got to be told."

"Do I tell Kado?" Rion asked
"You tell him to get himself to Pyrena and you don't promise him dinner." Serenity said
"I do not flirt with Kado how many times?" Rion said
"For you intellectual debate is flirting." Michelle said

19
Diplomacy and Events / Re: Intent To Appeal Perjury Conviction
« on: February 10, 2024, 11:39:39 PM »
Serenity sighed "It's practically eight years on and Achkaerin still has a naval operation in Nueva Ardia working to catalogue and identify every dead body from the genocide, estimates say thirty three million people died, it happened not just on your watch but Evanthe's as well she was CTO secretary general at the time. But despite all of the recriminations we'll never know how many died before the mentorship and how many died during it. What I do know is that in 2017 you, Lt Foster, Commander Conway and myself sat in a room together and you changed your witness statement and that the prosecution then used that statement to expose the extent of Charles's involvement and due to that Charles, Sumire and Lancaster got life sentences.

I'm not your lawyer but I can predict the first question you get asked if the Court agrees to hear the appeal and it's 'did you have a phone conversation with Kyle Barren yes or no?' If you're not able under oath to truthfully answer 'yes' to that then you need to tell that attorney that Lucius found for you to stop right now and if you're telling me you can't remember then this has to stop now otherwise you are lying to a court and you're risking punitive measures against you for wasting a courts time, Asuna got told this when we negotiated your house arrest conditions we're gearing up to prosecute war crimes related to the Kalasin affair time is at a premium and the last thing we need is it getting bogged down in hearings that won't go anywhere. And if you can answer 'yes' truthfully then you need to be able to explain and substantiate why the Imperial Decree differs from your 2017 statement."

Serenity took a moment before stretching in her chair "I can't be seen to help you because I am likely to get called as a witness in the event of a hearing, so I can't advise you to get Lucinda or Hazel to make an appointment for Melissa Bird to go down to Pyrena. I can of course as your sister recommend you see your daughters therapist."

20
International News Networks / Re: Achkaerin News Service
« on: February 10, 2024, 05:12:38 PM »


ADMIRAL RANKIN SPEAKS ON LATEST ANSELMO APPEAL


By Olivia Moore: International News Correspondent

Admiral Rankin (pictured above), the Judge Advocate General, has given an interview, while much of the content concerned the upcoming war crimes trials relating to Kalasin which were described as "still in the evidence gathering stage, it's always tricky when you have multiple parties involved, accusations hurtling everywhere and to try and see what the case was pre conflict in some instances but above all we need to get it right we're looking at prosecuting new ground. But we've been here before and we have the most professional and best trained legal staff working on it."

The Admiral was then asked about the latest appeal lodged on behalf of Beatrice Anselmo to which he said "Everyone has the right to appeal, however that's not how appeal processes work if you're going to appeal something then you have to show relevant grounds for the appeal. Kanda Takeo has not done so, the perjury matter isn't about what happened between February and May in 2016 it's about a sworn statement given by Beatrice Anselmo in August 2017 which she later contradicted in February 2018 and when asked stated that the February statement was the truth that is textbook perjury and if memory serves she got a hefty fine for it which is an appropriate sentence for the crime of perjury. The verdict is sound, the conviction is sound and trying to shoehorn a second rerun of the Andean Genocide trial into what is an open and shut procedural matter is an absurdity."




GOVERNMENT TO INTRODUCE AI BILL


By David Woods: Political Correspondent

The Achkaerinese Government is to introduce a bill concerning Artificial Intelligence to the Senate in the coming days, the much anticipated Bill named the Artificial Intelligence Regulatory Act (2024) will detail the laws regarding AI, the focus was explained by Minister for Science and Technology Katherine Deed (pictured above) who said: "Our focus with this legislation is around how artificial intelligence is used rather than what we use it for, we're phrasing it that way because the nature of the beast is that AI reacts to a task it has been set, if I ask an AI to generate an image it'll do that within the parameters I set, if I ask it to write a sermon for my dad to preach it'll do it, point is there is a person inputting the query and that is the person with the guiding mind. So at this point the intent of the person doing the data inputting is what's important, they may have innocent or malicious intent but it is their intent not the intention of a computer entity, hence why we're focusing on how AI is used rather than attempting to limit what artificial intelligence can do."



THREEPEAT FOR THE VIXENS


By Mark Watson: Sports Correspondent

While the Achkaerin's mens team succumbed to penalty shootout heartbreak in the mens final the womens team came from a goal down to beat Rokkenjima 2-1 in their final and achieve an unprecedented threepeat in the history of Mundus international sporting competitions. Falling behind to a shock goal ten minutes in, the Vixens rallied and under the watchful gaze of manager Clarissa Quinn they went on the attack, continued to play their possession style of football and asserted themselves on the game - the equaliser came with twenty minutes to go, a well timed through ball from Ciara Ryder found Sandy Lane and the winger fired home into the roof of the net. The winner came with two minutes left on the clock, some intricate play saw Prissy Salem break clear through the Rokkenjiman defence, she got the ball around the keeper and while she was brought down in the attempt striker Holly Swift was there to put the ball away and seal the victory. Speaking following the medal presentation Clarissa Quinn spoke with the press saying "It was one of those games, you could feel it through the whole match it was going to be a whole lot closer than we'd have liked, credit to Rokkenjima they set up well, they got us on the counter and then made it very difficult to break them down, but we stuck at it we kept trying to run them and we started to create the space that we needed to get our goals."


21
Diplomacy and Events / Re: The Plot To Destroy Rokkenjiman Democracy
« on: February 10, 2024, 02:14:19 AM »
"For?" Gemma asked twirling her wooden blade "I'm not some overconfident amateur, we train with these day in and day out." she blocked the first swing Asuna sent her way, and then another and then another "Not bad but you're just swinging you're not fighting." she parried another strike "I can read your strikes, you're repeating the same moves over and over again that's just lashing out. Cool head is what you need" she sidestepped, tripping Asuna with her foot and knocking the wooden blade from the Empress's hand with her own "A fight is about more than just the sword, it's about your body, your opponent and your surroundings." she had the point of her wooden blade at Asuna's throat "Food and then bed I think."


At Pyrena Hazel was making her way down into the medical wing of the Castle, it was another disused room with plenty of covers over things but it wasn't anything hidden under the sheets that she was looking for no she was looking for something else and upon seeing the small black dome on the wall she smiled and put her phone to her ear "Found it, now let's hope the digital records are there." she said before heading back up the stairs and going to what had been the security control room once upon a time, entering the access code she had she brought up the archive and input the date - 20th January 2007. To anyone who had been there at the time this would undoubtedly be nostalgic as familiar figures could be seen on the various security footage images from that date, finding the one for the operating theatre she brought it up and took a quick look at it "Ok I've got it, Beatrice Anselmo in the operating theatre at Pyrena. Sending it over to you now."


At Commonwealth House Serenity finished doing the washing up and looked at Michelle "So what do you think?" she asked
"She's got an identity crisis that's for sure, she doesn't know how to be the Empress of Rokkenjima so she's struggling with all the moral issues." Michelle said "She wasn't ready and the responsibility for that lies at her parents door. Beatrice had seven years of learning and experience, taught by your father before she restored Rokkenjima's monarchy, you had nine years active royal service before you were crowned, David's started Rhiannon young, she's got years and she's not a teenager yet. Point is you, David, your dad, Beatrice, Eijiro etc all were prepared for the moment the crown was put on your head, Asuna has had none of that. Think about it how many times did you go to a summit and it was always Beatrice or Evanthe?"
"No future planning." Serenity asked
"More the shadow of giants." Michelle said "Asuna's got a rough deal to be honest, her mother's always going to be this pivotal figure in Rokkenjiman history, restoration of the monarchy, rebuilding a country, huge diplomatic figure. Add in Evanthe's international record and Emerson Ravenswood's record as Viceregent and that's three people she'll never measure up to and that's playing on her subconscious. Normally I'd smash the illusion but we're talking about her mother."

"So what are you going to do?" Serenity asked
"Help her figure out who she is." Michelle said "She's got to break free of the shadow or it's all for naught."

22
Diplomacy and Events / Re: Intent To Appeal Perjury Conviction
« on: February 09, 2024, 11:35:10 PM »

I remind the Appellant that all convictions pertaining to Beatrice Anselmo were handed down by the Uppsalla Convention Court and that appeal of such convictions requires leave of that court, the appellant may seek that if they wish. However as the Prosecuting Authority I urge the court to refuse to grant leave. The Appellant is confusing two separate matters and no new or credible evidence pertaining to the specific matter of perjury has been presented. The facts of the case do not support the argument of the appellant they hinder it, I suggest the appellant either present evidence specific to the matter of perjury or abandon the appeal attempt.

Lieutenant Nell Foster
Judge Advocate General Corps

23
Isabella Watson sat back in her chair, thinking over what she'd heard so far and she wasn't impressed.

"Miss Giana is correct, with rights come responsibilities what you're essentially asking for is to be included in our trade and travel arrangements but not to be included in the security arrangements because you don't trust us with that. Why then should we trust you to you have access to a market without any responsibility thereof? Trust is not one way it is mutual. When this organisation was founded it was founded on the foundation of friendship, mutual trust, mutual cooperation and a shared desire to do something to foster goodwill in the region. At present there is no observer membership status, the creation of such a status would require a vote of this council and this Mr Ambassador is your opportunity to convince us to create that status, so far I'm not inclined to do so. The security arrangements are very simply a commitment to do all that is reasonably possible to avoid armed conflict with other members - this is something every nation on Mundus does in respect of every other nation on a daily basis it affirms that military force is a last resort. The intelligence sharing is standard fare and has the caveat as Miss Giana explained, no member is required to share intelligence if they believe so doing would compromise their own national security for example. Agreements to comply with the Fair Seas Concordat is again standard practice because there is nothing to very little that any nation could do in their own waters that runs afoul of that document when acting as the coastal state. The final point makes very clear that the members will not allow another nation to use their territory as a launchpad for a first strike or similar military operation.   That you are prepared to say that you cannot rule out a circumstance where you would be prepared to allow another nation to use your nation in such a manner is concerning. That implies you bear ill intent toward nations in this room, I don't see where the problem lies, it smacks of you wanting access to trade and travel without wanting to give the guarantee. You're in effect asking us to make a decision on faith, the very thing you're saying your nation doesn't do, so perhaps Mr Ambassador you could tell me why we should trust you on faith when you are clearly not reciprocating?"

24
Diplomacy and Events / Re: The Emperor and the Regent (Tanith & Daito)
« on: February 07, 2024, 02:52:29 PM »
OOC- just for clarification Tanith is being asked to mediate between Rokkenjima and Kusan, not Fusan which is Daito’s new name. I believe there’s a little confusion here which is likely down to names sounding similar but Daito’s nation isn’t party to the dispute that Tanith has been asked to mediate.

Hope that clears things up.

25
Diplomacy and Events / Re: A Letter to Matthelon (Ach and Matthelon)
« on: February 06, 2024, 04:28:33 PM »

To: President Daina Testruvial of the Matthelon Confederation

The Achkaerinese Government is delighted to accept your invitation and looks forward to a bright future of friendship between our nations. Our delegation will consist of Empress Serenity, her cousin Princess Cerys and Minister of Foreign Affairs Richard Chambers. The Empress has expressed great interest in attending the football match between Loyalsenn FC and Aristaqua Athletics and plans to be joined by her two young daughters and partner for that event.

From

Cheryl Holmes
Minister for the Diplomatic Office

26
Diplomacy and Events / Re: The Setting Sun (Open RP)
« on: February 04, 2024, 10:15:50 PM »
Forty five minutes, Sakura's mind raced as she recognised the opportunity that had landed in her lap, she'd expected to see Rokkenjima show up she hadn't expected to see President Kaikaew and General Okuda there. After making a quick phone call she approached the two men "While I imagine it's expected that these what are we now... thirty five minutes are used to talk with our hosts, I thought it wise to take the opportunity to say that on behalf of my cousin I'd like to have a conversation with the two of you, well at least partly with the two of you. However I suspect it will take a little while longer than this time before our walk. Perhaps some point later?" she inquired.

27
Sporting Hub / Re: Cycling season 2024 OOC
« on: February 04, 2024, 09:52:53 PM »
Team name: Phoenix Cycling Team
Nation: Achkaerin
Gender: Womens
Riders:
1. Sammy Lawson [All Rounder]
2. Zoe Carpenter [Time Trialist]
3. Melanie Parker [Domestique]
4. Niamh Fernley [Climber]
5. Chihaya Lei [Sprinter]
6. Maria Cairns (U25) [Puncher]

Team name: Embers Development Cycling
Nation: Achkaerin
Gender: Womens
Riders:
1. Lina Lei [Time Trialist] (U25)
2. Aveline Lei [Climber] (U25)
3. Jennifer Porter [Climber]
4. Evelyn Lane [Climber]
5. Primrose Collins [Domestique] (U25)
6. Sabrina Pacer [Puncher] (U25)

Team name: Sparks-Phoenix Cycling
Nation: Achkaerin
Gender: Womens
Riders:
1. Bronte Mariner [Climber] (U25)
2. Ada Carson [Sprinter] (U25)
3. Helen McKenna [Time Trialist] (U25)
4. Abigail Barnes [Time Trialist] (U25)
5. Georgina Miller [Domestique] (U25)
6. Vivian Adams [Domestique] (U25)

By way of explanation the three womens teams form part of the same family - With Embers and Phoenix-Sparks being development teams and by implication feeder teams for the Phoenix Cycling Team


Team name: Phoenix Cycling
Nation: Achkaerin
Gender: Mens
Riders:
1. Andrew Mason [Puncher]
2. Daniel Longbridge [Climber]
3. Timothy Coulter (U25) [Sprinter]
4. Paul Newcombe [Time Trialist]
5. Luke Riley (U25) [Climber]
6. Dean Carter [Domestique]


28
Diplomacy and Events / A Letter to Matthelon (Ach and Matthelon)
« on: February 04, 2024, 01:13:00 AM »

To: President Daina Testruvial of the Matthelon Confederation

I hope this letter finds you well. I'm writing this letter on behalf of the Achkaerinese Government in the hope that you may be interested in a meeting between our nations, we are both nations of 'the north' so to speak and I believe there's a love of certain sports that our nations also share. It has always been Achkaerinese policy to seek out friendship and cooperation with our fellow nations, and we hope we can make another friend in Matthelon.

We are quite happy to send a delegation south to your nation or if you wish we are happy to make the necessary arrangements to host a visit from your nation. Do please let us know your preference.

In friendship

Cheryl Holmes
Minister for the Diplomatic Office

29
Convention Centre / Re: Bride of the Emperor - IC Thread
« on: February 04, 2024, 12:16:58 AM »
The two Achkaerinese candidates, Catrin Waterstone and Poppy Locklyn had had a surprise waiting for them as they'd settled in, their primary reason - their orders so to speak for even being involved in this contest had mainly revolved around keeping a safe eye on Sophia Anselmo from within the contest, in short undercover work, however that was no longer their job as the Princess wasn't there so a minor adjustment had been made, they didn't have to think as much on the security mentality they could in fact now proceed with their secondary things and actually see how they fared in the contest, the odds of winning were the same as anyone else, if they won then this was the shortest job they'd probably ever have, if not then it was nothing ventured nothing gained. They did have one advantage, they were used to working together, they had a team ethos and while they were fairly certain that this was a contest that had the potential to get nasty albeit that depended on individual personalities they weren't about to stick the knife in each other.

30
Quote
The ADSN Declaration (Dunwich Declaration) Dunwich, 16th November 2023
[/b]

The nations of the Dauntel Sea, Rokkenjiman Sea and Strait of Shaw

MINDFUL of the existence of mutual interests and common problems among countries of the Dauntel and the Straight of Shaw and convinced of the need to strengthen further the existing bonds of regional solidarity and cooperation;

DESIRING to establish a firm foundation for common action to promote regional cooperation in the Dauntel and Straight of Shaw in the spirit of equality and partnership and thereby contribute towards peace, progress and prosperity in the region;

CONSCIOUS that in an increasingly interdependent world, the cherished ideals of peace, freedom, social justice and economic well-being are best attained by fostering good understanding, good neighbourliness and meaningful cooperation among the countries of the region already bound together by ties of history and culture;

CONSIDERING that the countries bordering the Dauntel and Strait of Shaw share a primary responsibility for strengthening the economic and social stability of the region and ensuring their peaceful and progressive national development, and that they are determined to ensure their stability and security from external interference in any form or manifestation in order to preserve their national identities in accordance with the ideals and aspirations of their peoples;

AFFIRMING that all foreign bases are temporary and remain only with the expressed concurrence of the countries concerned and are not intended to be used directly or indirectly to subvert the national independence and freedom of States in the area or prejudice the orderly processes of their national development;

DO HEREBY DECLARE:

FIRST, the establishment of an Association for Regional Cooperation among the countries bordering the waters of the Dauntel, the Rokkenjiman Sea and the Strait of Shaw to be known as the Association of Dauntel and Shaw Nations (ADSN).

SECOND, that the aims and purposes of the Association shall be:

1. To accelerate the economic growth, social progress and cultural development in the region through joint endeavours in the spirit of equality and partnership in order to strengthen the foundation for a prosperous and peaceful community of Dauntel and Shaw Nations;
2. To promote regional peace and stability through abiding respect for justice and the rule of law in the relationship among countries of the region.
3. To promote active collaboration and mutual assistance on matters of common interest in the economic, social, cultural, technical, scientific and administrative fields;
4. To provide assistance to each other in the form of training and research facilities in the educational, professional, technical and administrative spheres;
5. To collaborate more effectively for the greater utilization of their agriculture and industries, the expansion of their trade, including the study of the problems of international commodity trade, the improvement of their transportation and communications facilities and the raising of the living standards of their peoples;
6. To promote shared Dauntel-Shaw studies;
7. To maintain close and beneficial cooperation with existing international and regional organizations with similar aims and purposes, and explore all avenues for even closer cooperation among themselves.

THIRD, that the Association represents the collective will of the nations which border the Dauntel Sea, Rokkenjiman Sea and Strait of Shaw, to bind themselves together in friendship and cooperation and, through joint efforts and sacrifices, secure for their peoples and for posterity the blessings of peace, freedom and prosperity.

FOURTH, that the Association is open for participation to all States which border the Dauntel Sea, the Rokkenjiman Sea or Strait of Shaw who subscribe to the aforementioned aims, principles and purposes.
(a) Any prospective member of the organisation must be admitted by majority vote of the membership

ARTICLE ONE: THE COUNCIL

1. The Council shall consist of ambassadors representing each of the member nations, each member shall have one vote on any matter.

2. Any member may propose a matter for debate, all votes on resolutions are by majority vote unless determined otherwise by the Council.

3. Only a resolution of the Council may amend this document.

ARTICLE TWO: TRAVEL

In order to ease the movement of citizens throughout the ADSN region members of the ADSN agree to the following measures.

1. There shall the the establishment of a four path system for visas. These shall be the Short Term Visa, Business Visa, Educational Visa, and the Temporary Worker Visa.

2. The Short Term Visa shall be available to any individual who books return or onward passage via any means at least 30 days before the date of travel. So long as these dates are no longer apart than 60 calendar days then the individual may enter visa free so long as the receiving nation do not believe that the person poses a risk to the security or good order of the nation. Holders of this visa may not undertake any work while staying in the receiving nation.

3. The Business Visa shall be available to any individual who is travelling on business purposes. To obtain this an individual must have a guarantor from a business within the receiving nation. This visa shall allow an individual to remain in the receiving nation for 180 days and they may undertake paid employment while based there. This type of visa may not be renewed for 90 days. Should the receiving nation believe the individual is a risk to security or good order of the nation then entry may be stopped.

4. The Educational Visa shall be available to any individual who has obtained confirmation of the offer of an educational course within a receiving nation. This visa shall cover the entire duration of the course and will permit the holder to a maximum of 20 hours per work employment during their course. Should the receiving nation believe the individual is a risk to security or good order of the nation then entry may be stopped.

5. The Length of the above visas may be increased at the discretion of the receiving nation.

6. Any individual breaking the conditions of any of these visa programmes is liable to deportation and may be banned from travel to the receiving nation indefinitely.

7. The home nation shall take all reasonable steps to ensure anyone deported and banned from travel is prevented from returning.

8. In the event of an individual traveler in one nation being believed to be responsible, whether individually or as a conspirator, for criminal actions within the jurisdiction of another member state, the individual shall be extradited subject to the following being provided to the visited nations relevant authority.
a) Evidence of the wrongdoing
b) An understanding that the individual will receive a fair trial in a court of law

9. There shall be no obligation for the visited nation to extradite an individual to the death penalty.

ARTICLE THREE: TRADE

In order to effect more prosperous trading oppurtunities the nations signed as members of the ADSN agree to the following measures.

1. Any export to a member nations shall be accompanied by a declaration that the export abides by all local laws. To ensure compliance the receiving nation may carry out any non-destructive test on any product arriving at their nation. Any product deemed to be not incompliance with local laws or not accompanied by a decleration shall see a fine of non more than 5 times the value of the consignment paid by the exporter.

2. On the anniversary of the signing of this document each member nation shall produce a list of tariffs to be paid by all member nations. Those tariffs may be set on any goods or items the nation wish. The tariffs set by each nation must be at a level lower than for any nation with which they do not have a current trade agreement with.

3. This agreement does not prevent member nations making their own trade agreements.

4. Any item with a value of less than $1million exported to a nation for temporary use shall be permitted to enter tariff free so long as it is for a period of less than 30 days.

5. ADSN nations agree to allow operations by businesses from other ADSN nations on condition that those businesses operate following local laws concerning taxation, employment, health and safety and environmental matters.

ARTICLE FOUR: SECURITY

In order to make the region a safer place for all nations members agree to the following.

1. That they shall first and foremost consider their regional neighbors as friends and as such shall do all that is reasonably possible to avoid armed conflict with them.

2. In order to protect citizens of all nations any intelligence gathered by one nation that would indicate a likely threat to another is to be shared in a speedy manner. Should a nation believe that by revealing this intelligence it would place its own safety or operations in jeopardy then they are excused from sharing this intelligence.

3. Each nation shall maintain in their embassy a military attaché who shall share relevant military details with their host nation so long as doing so does not infringe on the attaché's own nations security.

4. Nations hosting military exercises shall, so long as it is safe to do so, advertise via the attaché system the size, scope and nature of these exercises at least 3 days before they begin. They shall ensure all relevant notices to shipping and airmen are made in good time.

5. Nations agree that they shall take no action to prevent or interfere in exercises or movements of another nation so long as it does not impose on their own waters as laid out in the Fair Seas Concordat.

6. Nations agree that under no circumstances will they knowingly allow a third party nation to utilize their territory, waters or airspace to conduct a first strike or similar operation against another member nation.

DONE in Dunwich on the 16th of November, 2023.

Signatures

Members
  • The Empire Abertone
  • The Empire of Aosta
  • The Empire of Daito
  • The City Gowu (Snowflower Hold)
  • The First Empire of Rokkenjima


OOC - thread for any required internal ASDN communication and any further ideas, discussions, membership applications etc.

Pages: [1] 2 3 ... 133