The helicopter carrying the HQ Element of the relief effort touched down at what was left of Tansei Airfield, the local forces all but washed away and being in small number anywhere they had agreed to international aid. The outfield was slightly boggy and the runway littered with a variety of flotsam and jetsam ranging from the silt of the ocean to a few broken vehicles. A large groove down the centre of the tarmac showed the scars of where something heavy had bounced its way past. The effort was headed by Brigadier Pate who was accompanied by a four captain escort made up of Captains Boyer, Winters, Carmen and Gilchrist. They surveyed the damage and then watched as men from their unit unloaded a large tent from the rear of the helicopter quickly beginning to erect it as the five men made their way towards the air traffic control tower, a wet line around the cement showing where a waist high flow of water had passed by. Pate picked a tip toed route through the boggy ground until he was inside the mud strewn staircase. By the time he'd climbed the steps to the top he was beginning to feel his heart pounding in his chest. From the top he had a 360 degree view of the surrounding area and while it wasn't a total loss, after all they were someway inland the scene was one that would mean anything other than helicopters would have no where to operate from for the foreseeable future. A large map was pinned to a board. "Who came up with this" he asked as he took out a thick black marker from his sweaters arm pocket. He quickly resketched the boundaries. "Communicate them to those offering aid" he snapped at Boyer who began making various radio calls.

"Listen to me now" Pate waited until his teams gathered round the board. "The situation is as follows. The tsunami has now passed and it has done considerable damage to the outer areas of the island chain. Here in the centre we have damage but it should be more superficial. We face several issues, many freshwater stores will be contaminated and infastructure such as the sewers will be overflowing. We are looking at likely outbreaks of cholera in places such as Voltox and Hakae-Shima unless we get word to locals quickly. We also have no electric and many of the roads are impassable." He noted several men jotting things down on their notepads. "The mission is very simple and three fold, first our primary mission is to preserve life. That means finding anyone injured and treating them in the first instance, that may mean evacuation to the mainland of Heyra, or also to Portworth in East Moreland which has been offered. The secondary mission is to provide neccessities to residents, that means shelter, food, water and heating. While we're lucky this hit in summer and the weather will be mild people will have lost everything and will be wet, hyperthermia is a big concern. The tertiary mission is to begin clean up, the sooner we get the place tidy the less chance of infections and the sooner things go back to normal." There were nods around him.

"So this is how we shall execute the mission, island chain has been split into zones, all command decisions will be taken by a Heyran officer who will be working alongside those nations who have called offering support. Therefore zones assigned reflect three things, first who can get here with the most support, second where that support is best allocated and finally the nations likely Geographic support. Ourselves and a contingent from the Ecclesiastical State will hold the centre, it is likely to be the least badly damaged and therefore reflects the fact the Pope's men will likely be here in 36 hours.  The Morelanders will take the Western flank, the have begun landings with that weird plane ship of theirs already and can bring supplies in within a few hours. They also have experience rebuilding airfields and Voltex will require some work. I am asking them to reopen the airfield, this shall become a casualty collection area, from there planes should soon be operational based on their results in Mavrosia and Lakhzovia. That will act as a funnel for bringing large supplies in and getting people out.

"The Rokkenjimans will take the island chain at the North and North East. They will be using their naval and aviation assets to search the villages of these islands and find casualties. Any they find will be either evacuated for medical treatment or a base camp established where they can be housed. Seaforth will undertake a similar operation in the East and South East. We expect the first Rokkenjimans to arrive in 24 hours and the Seaforthians to be not too far behind. I will be asking the Lodjains, who will get here in 48 hours to set up at Tansei Naval base, they have a smaller navy but we can utilise their aviation assets for searches and evacuations to Voltex.

Achkaerin already have a small naval force of two ships near Hakae-shima. My understanding is these crews had served at Grunwald when the Alanders tried to help Uppsala, they will conduct similar operations here and aim to filter people either to Tansei Naval base once the Lodjains have it re-opening or by moving them to Voltex Airfield. Finally supporting the same mission as the Rokkenjimans and Seaforthians will be Ui Cenneslaig, the Cennegs will have two carrier units arriving one in 36 hours the other in 48. While these assets are arriving we shall be using what assets we have and the Morelanders will utilise to try and identify just how much damage has been done and issue priorities for search and rescue operations. Any questions?" Pate looked around and saw nothing but shakes of the head.  Captain Boyer will attach himself to the Morelanders, Winters to the Rokkenjimans and Seaforthians, Carmen to Achkaerin and the Cennegs and Gilchrist will oversee operations at Tonsei Naval Base. I shall remain here which we'll begin cleaning up within the next few hours. It is my intention once we've got things running to ask for some of the Morelander engineers to come here and see if we can use that temporary airfield of theirs here, I believe at present though we may have big issues with that runway gouge. You have your orders, relay them to the forces sending aid."

"Yes sir" the room echoed as each set about what they knew had to be done. Boyer boarded a helicopter and headed off to find the Morelanders field hospital while Captain Carmen waited for a seperate ride to  Hakae-Shima in search of where the Achkaerin forces had begun working.

Tim went quiet for a moment, it was well known he'd almost been married, after all there was the mega breakdown he'd just recently got over where he'd actually formally invited the whole of the CTO to a BBQ to meet his daughter and fiancee. It had been 10 years ago now, he remembered it everyday though as it happened just a month after the arrival of his still born daughter Jessica. He saw Jessica often, she never aged past the age of about six but she was happy there in the after life with Jekar watching over her and Marissa teaching her everything a young girl should know, she had friends too including Prince Caspian and the two often played close by in the daisy strewn fields as Tim and Jekar chatted. It was Jessica's arrival and Chloe's combination of grief and post-natal depression that lead to her taking her own life only weeks away from their marriage. She'd written a note and slit her own wrists because she couldn't stand the thought of Jessica being alone. In the days following Tim had thought of following her and Jessica and on more than one occasion since he'd been close. It was then that his meetings with Jekar had begun, the God telling him of his special "mission" but never actually telling him what it was.

"Nearly" Tim said finally after he was sure he'd seen the leather skinned giant in the corner of his eye. It had been weeks since he'd seen him, Tim hoped that his action in Seleucid at the start of the Cultist genocide had been his mission, but it seemed that it hadn't been and in the aftermath the visions had only intensified. "I got close" he added, "My fiancee...Chloe....she died" he said quietly.

Silverhills was a city that didn't feature all too regularly in the diplomatic tours of East Moreland. That wasn't because of any negative reason but rather because it featured no real property that belonged directly to the royal family. Northfort had the beautiful palace, Rockhampton the majesty royal retreat, Portworth even had a small Penthouse the King had brought when he'd been courting Matilda Osman but the less said about that the better. Meanwhile Silverhills was the hang out of the rich and famous, it was home to some of the most exclusive bars, restaurants and celebrity hangouts as well as the centre of the East Moreland casino and gambling industry.

Freya was missing out on an inspection parade with the 2nd Light Scouts, that was in her mind the only positive thing about this diplomatic task. She hated it when her brother handed some of his duties down to her and while she bore no ill will against Adriana she couldn't think of anything worse than trying to iron out matters between their two nations. She'd meet Adriana before of course when the teenager had done a pilgrimage through East Moreland and they'd got on along decently enough and she suspected that was why David had instructed her to meet the young Rokkenjiman royal. Two people stood waiting on the tarmac of Silverhills with her, to her right was Rebecca Jarrett, the Princesses Head of Household and NCO in the 2nd Light Scouts whose uniform she was wearing. On her left was the flame haired Amelia Merriman, the nations Minister for Youth dressed in a formal black suit with a HoneyBadger pin badge stuck to her lapel. The three waited patiently for the Rokkenjimans to arrive, a small handful of media had been permitted to attend and other than a small contingent of Royal Logistics Corps soldiers providing a small honour guard the only others on the tarmac where a squad of rather dishevelled looking Red Legionnaires who lingered behind their armoured civilian SUV trying to look inconspicuous. Upon hearing the approaching aircraft one of the Reds stubbed out his cigarette on the bonnet of the vehicle before watching the plane touch down and Freya approach the group. "Welcome back to East Moreland" the Kings sister addressed Adriana, "A pleasure" she extended a hand to Evanthe, "Mr. Cole" she shook his hand too. "Let me introduce you to Corporal Jarrett, she's my head of household so any arrangements or needs you have while here please address to her, she's amazing and can usually lay her hands on most things." As she was in uniform Rebecca saluted their royal guests, meanwhile Amelia approached. "We figured seeing as this is giving you an oppurtunity to see international diplomacy you wouldn't mind us doing the same so this is Youth Minister Merriman, a post given traditionally to our youngest Representative Councillor. You may remember her from her organising Pride 2.0 and the CNN creation campaign" Freya had no idea if they did but she was trying to build Amelia's confidence up not that it was needed as the tall ginger haired girl extended her own hand.

"Welcome to Silverhills" She smiled as she completed the round of handshakes.

I'd class that as fictional tech and have no issue with that approach however I'd take into account things like who it is and stats they give it. So for example if East Moreland were doing it then I'd see no issue as we have EMAC who I've RP'd as having a great tech pedigree. On the other hand if say Nemerie had done it I'd be saying no as a micro-nation with no industry of that sort claimed it that would be unreasonable.

It had been several months since Alex Redfern had been at Red Legion's HQ, his unit had been involved in a few "discreet" operations on behalf of Rokkenjiman intelligence but it seemed that was now over and so Redfern had been rotated back to Aldfield along with his Hunter Team. The Hunter's were the base units of the elite Legion, Alex's was made up of his faithful Sergeant Olly Thomas one of the most experienced operators in Red Legion, and therefore as far as Redfern was concerned one of the best on Mundus. There was then Corporal Thomas Barks, a man who firmly believed there was no problem on Mundus that could not be solved by the correct application of High Explosives, and he'd solved many a problem in exactly that way. The final member of the team was Legionnaire Tom Saxby something of an oddity in Red Legion that he had at one point been an Airmen in the Air Force rather than taking the usual Red Legionnaire route of Army or Marine service. The problem was they were a man down, James Gillespie the lieutenant that Redfern had firmly believed would one day fill his shoes had turned out to be a Bene Gesserit, a traitor who had probably helped those Truthsayers attack East Moreland. He'd not been seen in months now and his name had just a week ago been removed from the roll of honour listing those who had passed what was considered Mundus' most challenging Special Forces Selection test. Brigadier Kelly had called Alex into his office as he'd seen him stroll through the gate, his customary duffle bag slung over his shoulder. "Prince Alex," the Brigadier teased using the fake title his colleagues gave him since marrying the King's sister. "Office"

"Yes boss" Alex dropped his bag in with the guys on the front desk and made his way through to the Commanding Officers realm. He took the low seat opposite the grizzled old veteran without being asked and waited for Kelly to hand him the cup of coffee that always came with these chats.

"We've binned Gill....he never existed, he never will exist if I get my blood hands on him." the Brigadier had, just as Alex had, believed that Gillespie would be a future leader of the unit, the man had won medals for bravery for Helus sake so how could he have been such a traitor. It was a matter that had provoked a lot of soul searching among many in the Legion's ranks. "So you're a man light, you've also been busy so I know you need to get your shit back together. As it stands then I'm making your team the oversight for the next round of selection, as you know its a double edged sword, it'll mean a lot of physical stuff, but frankly you're looking a little more tubby....all that married Palace living taking its toll?" Kelly was in on the joke the men where that since being married Alex was getting soft, following Freya around to royal functions. In truth Alex looked as fit as he had ever done. "So you'll get chance to get back in shape, and you get the pick of the litter.....well from the officers anyway."

"Oh thanks" Alex knew Selection Oversight was an important role but he didn't particularly like it as it meant sitting around and missing out on lots of potential action. Yes you were the standby unit for any emergency or things like hostage rescues but it meant no day to day deployments. "We got any good ones coming in?" Alex asked knowing the Brigadier would have scanned the applications himself.

"A couple at least." He said dropping a sugar cube into his coffee adding some cream and then swirling his spoon to mix them. Alex leaned for the sugar bowl and found the old man's surprisingly quick reactions slid it just out of reach, "You need to cut down on sweet stuff.....its not done you any favours" he shook his head disapprovingly. "I've taken the liberty of having Thomas, Barks and Saxby assigned to help you out, figure they can help you get in the gym a little" Alex was about to protest but bit his tongue, he knew raising to the bait would only egg the lads on more but he was surprised that Kelly was in on it he generally rose above such childish mockery. The pair chatted about a few of the candidates and then Alex headed back towards his room, he passed one of the mirrors up in the halls to allow Legionnaires to check their uniform and found himself stood side on checking his profile, had he put weight on? He couldn't tell but heard sniggering from the far end of the hall and spotted Barks and Saxby, knowing what lay ahead he walked across the parade square to avoid them.

"YES....THE ANSWER IS YOUR ASS DOES LOOK BIG IN THAT......COS IT'S FUCKING HUGE!!!" He heard Barks yell from a window, Redfern carried on walking and just flicked the V's over his shoulder as he entered the corridor on the far side. "LOVE YOU TOO SIR" Barks voice drifted across through an open window. Alex unpacked his gear, put his picture of himself, Freya and their hopefully soon to be adopted little girl Evie on the wall before settling down to look through a selection of the officer candidates. It was getting dark by the time he'd finished and as he was considering what to do he heard a gentle knock on his door.

"Evening Al" Robbie Peacock one of his fellow officers was stood there, spotted you were back, fancy a beer" he asked. Alex indeed did and the two men headed back towards the gatehouse to sign out and stroll the short distance to the small towns local pub. It was a regular hang out for all the Legion and the owner, a sixty year old bald man, was a former Red Legionnaire himself who'd lost a leg to the Borlanders, on particularly rowdy nights he'd even challenge people to neck a leg full of beer but tonight the pub was quiet. "Howdy Tom" Robbie slid into a bar stool and began to order as the proprieter walked over only a slight limp giving away his injury. Robbie ordered a couple of beers and was informed that two of the customers sat by the fire place where heading for Selection the next day. All new recruits were ever told was that the Red Legion Barracks was in Aldfield, its exact location never given out, it was in essence the first test of a recruits skills of intelligence gathering. The locals of Aldfield, all of whom were fiercly proud to be the home of the unit and many of whom were veterans or widows, never gave the location out either.

"It's ok" Tom whispered leaning over the bar, "I told them its hidden away on that new industrial estate." the new industrial estate to the town did indeed look like a military complex, that was because at one time there had been talk of establishing a regular army training centre here that could also make use of the facilities in the local area Red Legion had but the plan had been scrapped and the site turned into small industrial units. The three men chuckled wondering whether the two men would indeed make it by the 8am deadline to be inside the base. Every selection a handful didn't make it, some missed trains, some got lost, one year they even had a lad who had turned up three minutes late because he'd been helping with a car accident, all of them were denied entry and sent home. After a few cheeky beers Robbie and Alex made their way back to the barracks. As they approached the guard house there was a shape slumped by the first guard post.

"Evening gents" the Legionnaire on guard duty grinned, "Keen and eager to join your merry band in the morning" the Lance Corporal pointed to the shape which was a man wrapped up in a sleeping bag on a camping matt. "Turned up about an hour ago, presented his joining instructions and was told he's too early and to piss off until tomorrow, proceeds to say he doesn't want to be late and so curls up here."

Alex poked the man with a boot. "Piss off" was all that came back, followed by an intake of breath as the cocoonesque shape slithered round, "Oh shit" the face showing in the bags hood exclaimed recognising Redfern. "Sorry Sir" he said. Alex squatted down to be at the same level.

"Name?" Alex asked in a rather stern tone.

"2nd Lt Joe Wolfe...Sir" the man was trying to undo the drawstrings of his sleeping bag to get out. "Sorry sir" he apologised again as Alex waved a hand telling him to not bother.

"You coming on selection? Your a little old for an officer" Alex observed

"I'm joining Red Legion yes sir" he said rather more confidently than he felt, "Was frightened I'd be late, or overlay or something so guessed if I was on your front door step then I'd got woken up by people coming past and wouldn't miss the deadline." he explained his situation. "And as for being old sir, thats because I worked my way up from the ranks so to speak. Was a little dumb in Seaforth and well, found myself at Officer Training, did good so figured why not see just how good I am." A broad grin spread across the mans face. "I can go away if this isn't allowed" he added sheepishly not wanting to make a poor impression.

"Nah" Alex stood up again. "Let him in" Alex instructed, "He can sleep in the brig" the Legions jail cells had never been used, except for when drunk officers not scheduled to be on base had turned up and needed somewhere to crash. The man followed Alex and Robbie inside and was shown one of the cells, they were old fashioned, still bars rather than a solid door, a wooden bench attached to the wall with a gym mat for a mattress, a silver metallic toilet in the corner. "It's not the Hilton but it's better than outside, you'll get a good nights sleep and you'll need it." Alex flicked the light off for the man as he settled down. "Well if we get a batch like him then I just may have something to work with. " He mused to Robbie as they headed back to their own rooms.

"Yeah....it'll be good you doing selection, safe pair of eyes.....and the exercise will do you good" he playfully tapped Alex in the stomach as he shut the door to his own room leaving Alex feeling once more a little self conscious.

	Tristan Rowe
Roles	Lieutenant in the 1st Air Cavalry Regiment
Year of Birth	1995, Silverhills
Positions Held	2013-present Officer in the Army
Education	Morelander Highers in Classical Literature (A) Literature (B) and History (B)
Family	Father is a former commander of REMNS Portworth Aircraft Carrier Mother is a patron of the Legionnaire Legacy Has a younger sister Katie (b.2002)
Links to Important events?	WHat have they done
Biography	Was unsure what he wanted to do in life and so figured he'd get National Service out of the way quickly, he came from a military family and so it was probably no surprise that within weeks of basic training he had been earmarked for Officer training after asking to commit long term to the military. He saw action in the evacuation of the Cultist Genocide during which he got to see Red Legion in action. He figured having worked beside them he had what it took to work for them and so upon return began preparation for selection.

King David has today announced the 2nd Phase of the "Kilotonnes to Kilowatts" project which has been turning part of the East Moreland nuclear arsenal into fuel for a nuclear power station. As part of the announcement the King has confirmed that he intends to have all East Moreland's nuclear weapons decommissioned by the end of 2021. The announcement means that Alba Karinya will become the only continent on Mundus to be confirmed free of nuclear weapons. With only East Moreland, Achkaerin and Rokkenjima being in possession of nuclear weapons it also means East Moreland becomes the first nuclear power to commit to ending its arsenal. The King made the announcement at the Represenatative Council saying. "Alba Karinya is the only continent on Mundus that does not see a non-native military presence. We are therefore fully in charge of our own destiny. At one point there was a time when we feared the threat of the USR and nuclear weapons helped keep them at bay, that shadow has now gone and the only reason to keep our nukes would be to target any enemies around us. East Moreland has none, especially on our island continent. As such we must set an example to our fellow AKO members by showing trust in them, we therefore commit ourselves to complete and verifiable disarmament within the next three years."

The move was welcomed by some, including High Priestess Skye Maddix who said, "Weapons of Mass Destruction are horrid and have no place in a civilised world. We live in a day and age of high technology that creates super accurate weapons. The threat of indiscriminate killing brought by nuclear weapons and other WMD's should be eradicated and I am proud that my homeland is leading the way. It is my hope that other nations now commit themselves to ensuring they remain nuclear free." The High Priestess went on to say "The Code of Canley says we should protect those who can not protect themselves, therefore nuclear weapons are as anti-code as it is possible to be."

However Chief-Councillor Thomas More said, "East Moreland have always prided ourselves on developing cutting edge military technology. As such we should not be giving up our military advantage so easily. I will be asking the Council to vote in an attempt to stop this programme. It is my hope that should that be successful the King would reverse his decision seeing it as the will of the people for our nation to be properly able to defend itself against any and all threats."

Should the disarmament actually take place it would produce as much nuclear fuel as East Moreland would need for the next 30 years. The King has also not ruled out selling the nuclear fuel produced to "trusted, respected and close neighbours". The King also said, "It is my hope this move we are making today is supported by the nations of Alba Karinya who will continue working with us, and each other, to keep Alba Karinya the only continent on Mundus fully looking after its own security." 

As Abbas talked about the Iwi situation Akakois could see his new wife glance down as their host mentioned her homeland, he suspected Abbas was right that the backing of these nations through the CNN had emboldened the Maori of the Iwi however he also felt a need to support his wife. "I think you'll find the Lodjains are not like that, out of the various CNN nations they will be the voice of reason, after all my Mother-in-law occupies a position of influence there as a Duchess and me beloved here was until recently a Mayor of a pretty little town. The Lodjains certainly know how to pick good leadership material" he hoped his words had pleased his wife as he did wish her to be happy in his company despite suspecting her was more thrilled with their marriage than she was. "Expansion today is different" Akakois suggested, "It is discreet, it is more economic, you get your nations interests represented abroad. One of the benefits of my marriage....apart from the obvious, is that it opened up the Lodjain market to my nation, what with their silly little habits of society" he explained, "Now we have the ability to trade their unhinded, and I am sure that my wife here could seek to open up similar doors, especially if you can help her family out." He suddenly burst out laughing, "Why Oksana here even has a younger sister that is unmarried, we could have matching Lodjain brides and be related through marriage" he chuckled before apologising the Abbas' wife, "Sorry just the thought amused me for a moment"

Akakois wasn't one for performing arts of the kind Abbas had arranged, however back home Oksana had sought to turn her little Mayordom into a centre for art, music, the theatre and other such practices. The King therefore was happy to attend, if it pleased Oksana then he'd happily sit through the performance and almost as soon as Abbas had informed him of the tradition of clapping until he waved he did so urging Oksana to do so to. He bowed graciously to the audience thanking them for their kindness before taking his seat. The King however was used to feigning interest in such things, his beloved daughter Thekla was a musician at heart and he often went to her performances and accompanied her to shows. Oksana however found it fascinating and joined the Emperor in clapping and embracing the performance, "Its so different to Lodjain dancing" she said warmly as the performance came to an end.

As they returned to the Emperors home he wished them a good night, "It is us who should thank you. A chance to relax a little somewhere away from the gossip of home, away from children and with luck make a few more" he smiled broadly as he and Oksana made their way to their bed chamber where Oksana resigned herself to one of the King's brief attempts at fathering yet another child.

The following morning the King slept in rather late than he did at home before meeting their hosts for breakfast only too happy to let the women venture off. "I do not doubt your support friend" the King said in response to the Iwi situation, "You do what you can when you can, I have no doubt we shall prevail in the end." he said confidently

Major Bradbury left one of her unit with the injured man while they made their way to the creche area, the unit had served in Uppsala and before that Safraen so they were used to scenes of human suffering. The plan would be simple, the officers all of whom were doctors would set up a base of treatment, meanwhile the senior NCO's who were highly experienced nurses would move between those injured and who were being brought in. They had pouches on their webbing with stringed cards on, they would take each casualty, check them over and give them a card tied to their right arm, it would have a code written on it. A letter "A" indicated that the person was walking wounded and needed limited medical care meanwhile at the opposite end of the spectrum was letter "F" which formally meant the persons chance of survival was minimal, or in a way many saw it "F" stood for "fucked".

As the Doctors began setting up their base of operations the 100 or so members of the unit hurried over with backpacks, crates and various other bundles of equipment. They rolled out plastic rolls and plugged battery operated pumps into them inflating a series of tents, some of which hadn't even completed raising before teams unfolded treatment tables and trauma equipment. Even as the first of those with letters "D" were being carried into the tents to have treatment around 30 with "E"'s on their arm were being loaded into the back of the Ekra-Badger.

An hour after they'd hit the coastline of the island the Ekra-Badger had been refuelled using its internal stores and was now loaded up. "Major Bradbury we'll be back in around three hours" Sgt.Major Castledine radioed in as the GEV began its take off. En route to the mainland five of the patients died, it was to be expected with the extent of their injuries and no sooner had they reached the mainland than they began unloading the vehicle, the 100 or so members of the Royal Medical Corps quickly helping remove the injured. There was little time to clean the back as the second wave of Morelanders carried four rucksacks each onto the aircraft one on their back, one on their front and one in each hand. Each rucksack was stocked with equipment they'd need for while on the island and even before the rear doors had closed again the Ekra-Badger headed back towards the stricken island making landfall again three and a half hours after it had left.

It was announced today that Princess Freya will once more host a visit by the Rokkenjiman Crown Princess Adriana. The 14 year old Princess was a visitor last year after she undertook a pilgrimage following a scandal where she was seen with a Borlander attired teddy bear. The visit comes in the wake of recent deterioration in relations between the two nations following Rokkenjima cancelling the Tripartite treaty between East Moreland, Rokkenjima and Dartfordia followings claims that East Moreland declared Empress Beatrice guilty of some crime, this was according to Rokkenjiman news behind the  "decision to terminate relations". In statements following the Empresses announcement King David indicated that East Moreland remained co-operative with Rokkenjima in a number of fields but that this would be under review. Recent YouGov polls in Rokkenjima have indicated a desire for the Tripartite to continue, a statistic however not shared in East Moreland where support of an agreement such as the Tripartite is not supported. A recent poll said 67% would be happy to see an end of the Tripartite while 22% believed the Tripartite had been a fair agreement. It is therefore unlikely the visit from Adriana is likely to be seen as highly productive.

One Morelander who was interviewed about the Crown Princesses proposed visit said, "This is rather insulting, Rokkenjima are essentially sending a child to determine the future of relationships between our two nations. What if the talks go late into the night? Will they be past the Princesses bedtime?" The move was also seen as another sign of disrespect by Chief Councillor Thomas More of the National Traditionalist Party saying, "Any foreign treaty from our nation must be endorsed by the King, we now have a child coming who couldn't even vote in her homeland coming to potentially determine foreign policy, if she's not politically savvy enough to vote then why is she politically savvy enough to handle what have become very sensitive talks between our nations. I understand the King was the person their request was addressed to, however he is currently very busy and I would have advised in cabinet sending a lower ranked official to match the political weight of the Crown Princess.....I believe my teenage niece is at a loose end."

Others however have welcomed the visit, including Youth Minister Amelia Merriman, "We've seen young people taking on a more active role in politics. I personally don't believe any deal or agreement should come of this visit. After all the Princess carries no authority in a legal sense as far as I am aware. What can happen however is she can be shown the human face of the nation that her future Empire seem intent on throwing away. Many Morelanders feel the East Moreland and Rokkenjiman relationship to have been one that at some times was one sided, and other times  taken for granted. Statements made complaining at the Office of Tripartite affairs about Rokkenjima making press announcements ahead of even our own ambassadors have been frequent and then we had statements about relative contributions to the CTO. All these things have been filed away by many Rokkenjimans and now we do have a royal who must address them."

The visit is likely to take place at Silverhills and use the Duke of Silverhills estate. The Duke is a long time friend of the Ironside family and a major supporter of the Cult of Helus. The Royal Press Secretary Malcolm Tucker explained the reasons behind the choice of venue. "Crown Princess Adriana is coming as one who understands Moreland culture having been one of few foreigners to undertake a traditional pilgrimage, as such the big formal welcome may be unneccessary, furthermore the glare of media attention on places like the Palace in Northfort, or the Royal Retreat at Rockhampton may overwhelm a 14 year old girl. She has been sent with a rather large responsibility and that will require her focus. We do not wish to overburden her and as this meeting could not possibly produce a formal agreement it seems more appropriate to move it to a more informal and relaxed venue to help put the child at ease."

David was next to speak. "I am happy to support Manius, but I will not do so by standing. I have long internationally said that East Moreland will always support the people of a nation to make their own decisions. I wrote our nations first formal constitution and within it there is even a clause that allows the people to replace me if need be. I therefore can not in good conscience stand if even symbolically to determine the leader of another nation. I therefore apologise and understand if you wish myself and Freya to make ourselves scarce during the ceremony."

DAY TWO RESULTS











Overall Standings After Day 2

1. Neu Uburzis 99 pts
2. Hunter 92 pts
3. People 87 pts
4. Cyber 72pts
5. Air Force 65pts
6. Duke 64 pts
7. Seaforth 63 pts
8. Royal 58pts
9. Nya Aland 56 pts
10. Pegasus 52 pts
11. Navy 40pts
12. Red 30 pts

Ostlake is a word that causes confusion for non-Morelanders, it is a lake, a city and a complex of four military bases connected by tunnels and waterways across the Lake. It is the central hub for the East Moreland military as the lake connects to the sea by the river Ost which is navigable by river even by aircraft carrier. Every year it hosts a kind of inter-military Olympic Games, known as the Ostlake Military Games, this sees teams drawn from the five East Moreland Army Legions (Royal, People, Duke, Pegasus & Hunter), the Air Force, the Navy, Cyber Legion and Red Legion. In recent years these teams have been joined by visiting teams, this year Neu Uburzis, Seaforth and Nya Aland join the games.

The Games sell tickets to all events and as well as the sporting events themselves the city hosts nightly entertainment in addition to the many bars, cafes and clubs that exist. The competitors stay at Ostlake South, the largest of the bases in a mixture of barrack blocks and tents, no spectators are permitted at Ostlake South unless invited by an officer from one of the competing forces.

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It was for the Morelanders a familiar walk, the small cross lake Ferry station to Ostlake old market square, take the right back to the lakeside and into the Ostlake West barracks where the majority of the Games would take place. A large grandstand had been erected at the base at their rugby pitch which would later in the day host the Rugby 7's. The 12 teams began amassing themselves in what was usually the large car park and down the road, the competitors each arranged behind their units standard and then behind various regimental banners from within the Legions. Red Legion as always would lead the way being the oldest of the East Moreland units, the legion wasn't usually represented by serving members but rather those who had left within the last five years and where technically still liable to be called up, there were a handful of "desk pilots" too, Red Legionnaires who had been injured and told their front line days where done. Among them was Cpl. Paul Abrahams, first he'd damaged his throat on active duty in the Alps all but losing his voice, that hadn't stopped him serving a further three years until he lost his lower leg in the Eugenics War, now he was in an armourer and shooting instructor. He checked his famous Red jacket and removed a small feather that had drifted down in the wind.

"PARADE!" A loud voice filled the air as a tall flame haired Sergeant Major yelled. Instinctively thousands of ears listened for the next order, "PARADE 'SHUN" he yelled and with one loud sound that echoed off the hills everyone came to attention. He issued a series of instructions and in no time 12 squads of around 150 people each where formed up. "PARADE! BY THE RIGHT, QUICK....MARCH" The parade began to move off down the road passing the various crowds that had gathered to greet the teams, many spectators wore off duty items of regimental attire showing their support for their mates competing. The Combined Forces band played a variety of marching tunes as they wound their way through the city streets and past the market square. There in the centre was a giant statue of Jekar, each unit gave an eyes right as they passed and one representative from each Morelander unit smartly placed a wreath in their units colours at its feet. As the gates of the base came into view some of the crowds where left behind as only those with tickets and invites could pass beyond this point.

Once on the base they filed into the Rugby arena and formed up. In the VIP box the King would normally have accepted the general salute but he was with Pegasus Legion as he was representing them in the Legionnaire Legacy events, that would mean Princess Freya would fill in, but she was two ranks behind her big brother. That would leave Archduchess Sophie to represent them, but in the second to last Morelander unit the Air Force Pilot Officer was marching with her new friends. That then meant Prime Minister Henrietta Quinn was left to accompany Princess Rhiannon who accepted the salute with well rehearsed slow bow which once completed turned into a wave as she spotted her father.

Various other VIP's from across Mundus had arrived to watch the games which were a major event in the East Moreland calender and as soon as the parade was over and the games declared open people began to mingle. Morelanders looked for old friends among the Alanders and Seaforthians as the team from Neu Uburzis gained their bearings. Some of the competitors with no events that day made their way towards the nearest beer tent while others headed back into town. King David made his way to his daughter as he planned on taking her to watch the football, a sport not massively popular in East Moreland but one she seemed to have some interest in at least. Within the hour the rugby arena was full of fans as the first game got underway.

The Games are East Moreland's annual inter-military sporting event featuring both military skills and sporting events. This year the three visiting teams are Seaforth, Neu Urbuzis and Nya Aland.

For team events nations enter one team. For individual events nations enter three athletes. Points are awarded for where you finish in each event ranging from 12 for those that win, to 1 to 12th place.

DAY ONE RESULTS














CURRENT POINTS STANDING[/u]

1. People - 46pts
2. Neu Uburzis - 39pts
3. Duke - 33pts
4. Hunter - 22 pts
5. Pegasus - 20pts
5=Royal - 20pts
7. Seaforth - 16pts
8. Air Force - 14 pts
9. Navy - 9 pts
9=Cyber - 9pts
11. Nya Aland - 4 pts
12. Red - 2 pts

 

The King was pleased to meet his old friend and shook his hand warmly using both his own, "Good to see you old friend" he beamed, "We missed you at the wedding but, well I was so keen to marry Oksana I just couldn't wait. Speaking of which allow me to present my forth Queen, Oksana" he took hold of her hand and guided her forward to meet the Emperor, she gave a small bend of the knee as a sign of respect but said very little. "I couldn't have thought of a better place for her first official visit as my Queen." Akakios greeted Alya with a bow of his head before allowing the two female royals to greet each other respectfully, all for the view of the watching media.

As they made their way to the waiting car the King didn't let go of Oksana's hand who followed half a step slower than her husband. She'd been Mayor of a small town back home in Lodja, but that wasn't a difficult role to have acquired seeing as the town was practically owned by her mother. Official occasions as mayor had seen some pagentry but nothing such as this, it made her feel a little awkward, it was a marriage of convenience for both parties but her new husband had shown her warmth and care which was as much as she may have got from any other wedding her mother contracted for her.

"Oksana and myself meet at the Jewel of the Desert festival, there among all the pretty diamonds I found the most precious one of all" he gripped her hand gently, "Any man's dream, a beautiful young wife and the added bonus that her mother will now open up the Lodjain trade markets to our people, a win all across the board" he smiled. "Since then I've been leaving most of the day to day running of the country to my two boys, about time they took on some responsibility. They've been dealing with those savages from the Iwi mainly." Oksana shifted uneasily in her chair as her new husband began a whole rant about the Maori being savages using some rather appalling racist terms for them. "Still they are an insignificant spot on Mundus, unlike our two nations, so what about yourself. We have heard very little from yourself in recent months. I mean we missed you at the festival in the desert. I know many of our jewellrey traders missed you too" He suddenly realised something and called on one of the slaves who he whispered to before the hurried off returning a few minutes later. "Give it my wife" he pointed to Oksana who was given a small wooden box. "Go on dear" he urged.

The Lodjian stood nervously and made her way towards the Emperor, Akakois gave her an encouraging tap on the backside as though urging her to go on in the same manner you may encourage a horse. "This is a gift from ourselves as a thank you for your hospitality and a mark of friendship between our families" She spoke in heavily accented Seleucid, a language she had intensively been learning only a few months now since moving there. She handed the slim wooden box over, it contained two watches, one male and one female each almost identicially made from gold. "We hope they please you" she returned to her seat and her husband kissed her on the cheek.