While it was true that the air which existed between them wasn't the best as of late Evanthe was, in some ways, glad to see Beatrice again. It had been the first time in a while for both of them, having enjoyed what could only be described as a sister-like bond before the difficulties which piled themselves upon Beatrice. Seeing Nettie came as more of a surprise, though Eva was pleased to see she had found herself in good company. With these later arrivals out of the way Evanthe considered the information presented, as well as those measures Rokkenjima was preparing.

"Rokkenjima shares the desire to prevent this from devolving into a war, however, the winds of conflict do seem to be finding strength as the days pass. In the coming days I will be clearing a deployment to Tienanmen, while forces at QAMB remain on heightened alert. Cooperation with Arstotzka will provide further avenues for action, though I pray they are not necessary. Still, to wade further into this situation without all options available to us would certainly tie our hands from the beginning."

"I am inclined to agree," Beatrice added, "though I hate to think President Kadassa would be so determined to cast aside all that we've worked for. There remains much promise in Rokkenjima and Lakhzovia cooperating, and I think he should be capable of seeing that avenue is the one most beneficial for Lakhzovia to follow." "However," Evanthe said before Beatrice could speak further, "the signs increasingly point to Kadassa's legitimacy being brought into serious doubt. Does anyone else here remember the release of the election results? I didn't think so."

"We need to pursue a renewed effort before the Commonwealth, bring ever greater light on the fact that the elections remain very much in doubt, and undermine yet further whatever credibility Kadassa may cling to. This is an aspect where I feel the assistance of Mr. Tsagarai should prove most crucial in achieving. Meanwhile, once our people are clear of Lakhzovia, I fully intend to revisit the Pyrettania-Nakim Accord."

A visit to the Marble Palace was always in Evanthe's plans, though perhaps not under these circumstances. Certainly the stakes were high, not only for the Utman and Lakhzovia directly, but towards broader stability in Cotf Aranye and abroad. She couldn't help but to think of those things which Beatrice could have done which may have yielded a different outcome but to think of such "what ifs" always returned her to the question of why those actions had not taken place. Why had she granted Kadassa the latitude which allowed conditions within Lakhzovia to fester to this point?

After an enjoyable ride to the Palace Evanthe prepared her notes for the meeting. Their discussions would be determined as the developments came in, and to this point it didn't give them much to look forward to. While it was a risk to challenge Lakhzovia's dedication to the Pyrettania-Nakim Accord it was one which had to be made; at times, the application of pressure could prove a most valuable tool. She had made clear that Rokkenjima's patience was not infinite, however, she had left the door open for Kadassa to redeem himself and engage towards a solution before conditions spiraled any further.

A year ago, not even, she couldn't imagine the tension which would hang in a room with representatives from Rokkenjima and Achkaerin. It was as much a testament to the strength of their alliance as it was to the skill and efforts of Count Emerson, with whom she had designs in mind upon concluding business at the Palace.

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"My thoughts," Eva said as she sat, "We've few options, and even fewer palatable options. We can both see just how easily things can easily deteriorate and, to be honest, I've little reason to trust Kadassa. I don't believe Beatrice fully considered conditions in Lakhzovia when she signed the Accord, though I'm hoping it can still provide some leverage as we try to find a solution. In any case we'll have to be determined and careful, though I know you already knew that."

The Imperial Space and Exploration Agency is proud to announce preparations for the first Space Station Adora and Lunar Missions of the Akari Program. These missions will each include one Rokkenjiman astronaut, and two foreign astronauts, one from the Kingdom of Dartfordia while the remaining seat has been left open for a foreign astronaut. In the coming days we shall contact our partner nations and determine whom shall take the remaining seat, however, any interested parties may make their interest known here for consideration. It is hoped that these missions will serve as an example for future international Akari missions, increasing our ability to work together under one Program.

Further details will be released over the coming week.

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One International Trade Centre:

In addition to hosting the offices of foreign institutions, businesses and governments One International Trade Centre also hosts the Exuperia Stock Exchange (ESE). The trading floor of the ESE, along with associated offices of the Exchange, occupy the first floor of One ITC.















International Trade Centre Two:



International Trade Centre Three:



International Trade Centre Four:





International Trade Centre Five:



International Trade Centre Six:

International Trade Centre Six (ITC 6), also known as the Rokkenjima Trade Commission Building, serves as the headquarters of the RTC. Charged with the promotion of consumer protection, as well as the elimination of anti-competitive business practices, the RTC was established through the Rokkenjima Trade Practices Reform Decree (TPRD) of 2014. Since its inception the RTC has enforced several key antitrust statutes, while seeing its duties expanded to include the enforcement of additional business regulation statutes and provisions. The RTC is an independent institution of the Imperial Government.

International Trade Centre Seven:

International Trade Centre Seven (ITC 7), also known as the Imperial Offices Building, houses either main or branch offices of the Imperial Government. These include:

• Office of the Attorney for the Crown
• Imperial Mail Service
• Food Standards Agency
• Rokkenjima Export Finance
• Imperial Savings and Investments
• Rokkenjma Meteorological Agency
• Nuclear Regulation Authority
• National Public Safety Commission

- National Police Agency

• Rokkenjiman Statistics Authority
• Labour Relations Commission
• Commission for Accountability

Oceania Residential Towers

The Oceania Residential Towers are purely residential; open to both foreign and national citizens who work or hold interests at the International Trade Centre. Options to purchase, or enter into a long-term lease, are available on suites and smaller apartments, depending upon the needs of the tenant. The buildings include their own shopping and entertainment facilities, as well as child care and educational services for children living in the towers. A dedicated, state-of-the-art medical facilities is housed in a separate building to provide for the health care needs of ORT residents.

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Overview:

The Exuperia Stock Exchange is the First Empire's premier stock market within Rokkenjima. Founded in 1750 the ESE has played a pivotal role in the Rokkenjiman Economy, spanning across three governments. With increased trade and economic activity following the fall of the Federal Republic the ESE has, once again, opened its floors to foreign corporations and entities.

The ESE's trading floor is located at One International Trade Centre, Onedari Square, Exuperia and takes up the first floor. Following its revitalization the ESE was redesigned from the ground-up to incorporate electronic and networked systems into the trading system. Annually the ESE Board of Directors reviews the operations of the ESE and determines if upgrades or other changes to the systems are necessary.

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How do I register with the ESE?

To register your corporation with the ESE, please use the following form:

[b]Name of corporation[/b]:
[b]Name of CEO[/b]:
[b]Nation of origin[/b]:
[b]Industry[/b]:
[b]Price per Share[/b]:
[b]Shares for sale[/b]:
[b]Total Number of Shares[/b]:

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To purchase shares, please use the following form:

[b]Name of Organization/Nation[/b]:
[b]Representative[/b]:
[b]Company[/b]:
[b]Shares for Sale you wish to purchase[/b]:

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To sell shares, please use the following form:

[b]Name of Organization/Nation[/b]:
[b]Representative[/b]:
[b]Company[/b]:
[b]Shares you wish to sell[/b]:

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If you wish to register your currency with the ESE, please use the following form:

[b]Name of Nation[/b]:
[b]Name of National Currency[/b]:
[b]Units for Sale[/b]:
[b]Total Units[/b]:
[b]Value of Currency[/b]:

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If you wish to purchase an available currency on the ESE please use the following form:

[b]Name of Nation[/b]:
[b]Representative[/b]:
[b]Currency You Wish to Buy[/b]:
[b]Total Units of Currency You Wish to Buy[/b]:

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If you wish to sell commodities on the ESE, please use the following form:

[b]Name of Organization/Nation[/b]:
[b]Commodity to Sell[/b]:
[b]Price per Unit[/b]:
[b]Total Units for Sale[/b]:
[b]Total Units[/b]:

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If you wish to purchase commodities on the ESE, please use the following form:

[b]Name of Organization/Nation[/b]:
[b]Commodity to Buy[/b]:
[b]Commodity Host[/b]:
[b]Total Units to Buy[/b]:

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OOC: I've based the ESE off of the stock exchange operated by Xanixi on the NationStates forums, who's granted permission. The ESE is open for business!

The Integrated Communications and Operations Network (ICON) is scheduled to undergo a series of upgrades, the first of which will see radar installations upgraded at JMF Tienanmen with additional installations to be installed along the coast of Aeternum and further inland. These upgrades are intended to increase ICON's global radar capabilities, with talks to be hosted in the near future for similar upgrades in Dartfordia. It is also speculated that Rokkenjima and Aeternum are nearing an agreement to construct at least one Century silo in Aeternum as part of Imperial High Command's strategy to "bolster the common deterrence."

The upgrades, which were planned prior to the increase in regional tensions, will be accompanied by a broader program to update ICON, the resources of which are shared by LISA signatories and, to a lesser extent, Major Non-LISA Allies of the First Empire. Imperial High Command has noted that upgrades to ICON satellites would be a move explored in the near future while not ruling out the possibility of coordination with partners such as Achkaerin, Aeternum and Dartfordia in respects to these upgrades. "As ICON resources are shared by our trusted allies Rokkenjima sees coordination as necessary to ensure the viability and continued interoperability afforded by ICON," a statement from IHC read earlier today.

In related developments Imperial High Command was considering further deployments to the region citing "a situation which is increasingly spiraling out of control." Such deployments are expected to be finalized following discussions amongst LISA allies. Rokkenjima maintains a military presence in the region in the form of QAMB which hosts the Imperial Rokkenjiman Illumic Fleet, assets of the Imperial Rokkenjiman Air Force, as well as 20,000 troops. Marshal Admiral Cole spoke briefly with the press, mainly addressing statements from Lakhzovian officials.

"Rokkenjiman policy towards Lakhzovia has been guided by the Pyrettania-Nakim Accord, and the spirit of friendship which exists between the nations. Military cooperation was suspended for a time in response to the Election Crisis, with the fear being that any tactic support for the Lakhzov military could worsen the situation; those concerns naturally remain as the results of the election have yet to see the light of day. The Empress has insisted on a diplomatic solution and presented several avenues for one to succeed; we've no desire for conflict and destabilization in Cotf Aranye, however, the present trajectory is most certainly not sustainable."

Asked if he had any advice for his counterparts in Lakhzovia Marshal Admiral Cole shrugged. "Unannounced missile tests are always a dangerous affair for many reasons, though I'm certain my counterparts would recognize that. Instead of provocative proclamations and actions they would find better results through engaging diplomatic channels. In the mean time our willingness to engage with our allies will not change, nor will our readiness or resolve. The Empress already cautioned President Kadassa to avoid the mistakes of Empress Emerita Beatrice and, sadly, it seems he is mistaking his friends for enemies just as she did; we all hope that he will not revisit that path of history any further."

The RBC will be following these developments closely.

As the crisis deepens in Lakhzovia Pyrena Castle has stated that the Republic of Lakhzovia is "in blatant violation" of the Pyrettania-Nakim Accord, with Empress Evanthe warning Kadassa that "the patience of the First Empire is not infinite; the clock will not grant President Kadassa countless moments." Citing the actions of Kadassa as weakening the free institutions of Lakhzovia and breeding instability the Empress made clear that Lakhzovia is in breach of Article II of the Pyrettania-Nakim Accord and promised that "should conditions not improve, the First Empire will be moved to consider all options available. We shall do all that is in our power to stand by Lakhzovia, even in a situation where we may be incapable of standing by its Government."

"Through weakening those free institutions that do exist in Lakhzovia we see not a vibrant and functioning democracy, but a de-facto dictatorship under Kadassa," the Empress continued. "Great patience has been shown towards the President in addressing the Election Crisis, further patience has been granted in the Embassy Crisis and, at present, yet more patience has been allotted for the Utman Crisis. While the First Empire remains confident that President Kadassa will act in the best interests of his People and engage the international community that patience does not spring from an eternal well. Eventually, should conditions not change, this well will run dry and we will be forced to re-evaluate Rokkenjiman ties with the government of President Kadassa."

The Empress is scheduled to meet with Emperor Peter on the crises, stating that "I have great faith in the ability of Rokkenjima and Achkaerin to work together on bringing a lasting resolution to the Lakhzov Crises. President Kadassa cannot be handed a blank check to openly deconstruct the Lakhzov democracy, nor is it tenable for President Kadassa to lay waste to his own People. I remain faithful that President Kadassa will see the wisdom in engaging with the international community and putting forth the best interests of his country in that process. However, we must be prepared for a situation where his voice no longer represents the will and interests of the Lakhzov People."


A Mk II thermobaric warhead was detonated at the Platform Testing Facility in Kavania Prefecture, according to a release from Imperial High Command. The Mk II warhead performed within expected margins and was declared a success, with Imperial High Command announcing the possibility of a long-range test of the Century missile upon which the Mk II is delivered. "While some actors are capable of throwing their toys into the Krimeon the Century possesses a truly global reach. Engaging us in a test of arms is a quest we do not advise at this time, for you shall fall short," Marshal Admiral Cole said in remarks to the RBC.

"Through Century we may strike any target from any direction, at any time of our choosing," the Marshal Admiral continued. "The Century Program, utilizing the Mk II warhead, represents one of the most capable conventional deterrent forces presently in existence. We saw these capabilities demonstrated in Thomradia and Themata, capabilities which helped to bring those conflicts to a more speedy resolution. Routine tests are necessary to ensure the continued potency and ability of these platforms."

The RBC will bring you the latest on these developing stories.

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