Angeliki Papadimitriou had joined Princess Freya at the airport to welcome her own monarch Queen Atalanta. Angeliki had of course heard rumours and gossip about the frequent discussions between David and Piripi but had no idea what the exact nature would be. The Kings announcement of "historic crimes" interested her, she had fought against the Junta in Cassiopeia during her Air Force days and like her Queen she hated the fact that several of its leaders had escaped abroad. The Queen arrived and having spent some time talking with Freya embraced her ambassador to East Moreland. The two had a long history and were close friends and now hoped that the once finalised "Trials of Betrayal" could begin again to ensure all those who had committed horrors on behalf of the Junta faced trial.

Atalanta though held some concerns, this could potentially be another organisation trying to dictate to the world how matters should be managed. They'd seen enough of that and their friends in S.U.N stood as a testimont to perhaps there being others sharing concerns regarding these intricate "global" matters however the Queen believed that King David was a man that Cassiopeia could work with and so was happy to come to East Moreland. Now as they arrived at the ancient battlefield she was a little puzzled by the King's choice of venue. "Good morning King David" the Queen approached and shook the Morelanders hand. " I understand this field recently had a great celebration, but it is a little less grand than that Palace in Northfort, I wonder what brings us all here?" she asked perhaps more directly than she'd imagined.

It's been nearly 50 days now with nothing to show for things other than people leaving. Lets drop the pretence of governments and nobles etc. We're a group of people who come online because we like to write. At the moment a significant number in the region have reached the point where they think why bother. We either get gamed, things have to be done in such a way as to favour the "superpowers" of Mundus and no newer nation can have a serious impact on Mundus. This isn't a laws or constitution thing this boils down to two things we can all do now to make it better.

1. We can refuse to accept the narrative that gets pushed and RP our own perceptions. This though is going to see an actual split in the region when people don't want to accept that people don't see them as powerful as they imagine they are.

2. People can stop Mary Sue-ing their nation.

Atalanta was of course sad to hear that Tielin saw S.U.N as provocative. The organisation was set up to try and protect each other from the influence of masses of nations but there was a glimpse of hope as Tielin seemed to be supportive of parts of the treaty. "For my part I'd be delighted if we can come away with a treaty that would promote trade. I have though a proposal that may influence this, and it would require the support of my S.U.N friends. I've read that you are building a network of what you're calling a vertebrae port. What would you say if we built one in your nation. In return any products from our nation entering your own through that port can be tariffs free. We'd naturally also allow your own ships to use it for much reduced rates, however should a vessel flagged in either a non-SUN nation or not carrying the flag of Lijiang it would pay its port fee to us. I think this would help you develop your project you've begun and help your local economy while we get the benefit of a facility that will help us open up trade with you. I think its an idea that shows our commitment to being good friends and partners." There would now be two barriers to overcome, the first that of the others agreeing to build a port in the region of $1.5billion and the second the Dragon-Emperor agreeing to let them carry out such a project.

The Zarptica prototype today conducted simulated training strikes against static targets in the Cassiopeian countryside and then in the Ardian Gulf. The simulation saw the Zarptica undertake the same test runs as a F-35 Alecto from the Celestial Air Force. The pair of jets scored similar scores on the test and the test pilots explained that the Zarptica handled well. The final hurdle is now simulated air to air combat and then a simulated strike mission carried out by a pair of Zarptica. It is expected this will happen in the next few days.

Today the fighter project known as Zarptica took another step towards success. The aircraft had previously undertaken several ground tests and runway trials today however marked the crucial moment when the aircraft first took to the skies. The Konitsa Air Force base is home to the Central School of Aviation Engineering and is based in Southern Cassiopeia. The aircraft took off, climbed to 1000feet and completed three touch and go landings before the test ended. A spokesperson for the project said, "While this is a very basic test it marks a key milestone as we now have seen the aircraft complete flight in its own right. We'll now undertake longer, higher and faster tests before beginning combat testing."

One of the great things about being host of the SUN HQ was that when occasions such as this happened the Queen herself could attend. Atalanta was looking forward to meeting with the ambassadors as she didn't often get chance to get out to the HQ building. She was not really a fan of BBQ but she did enjoy social events at the Complex of the Queen. She arrived and greeted Mari and handed over a couple of bottles of wine that she had brought along with her from the families vault. She was hoping by the end of the day to have a fifth member of SUN but failing that leave with the idea that Lijiang could be a good friend to the Realm.

Cassiopeia votes for Keepton

Konitsa has today welcomed technicians and engineers from across the membership of SUN. The town in Southern Cassiopeia is home to the Air Force's central school of Aviation Engineering and will be used by the seven companies involved in the future fighter project to construct the first full scale prototype of the Zarptica Multi-Role Fighter. The Queen of Cassiopeia welcomed the foreign visitors saying, "This is an ambitious multi-national project that I'm excited to see the results of. The parts I've seen from here in Cassiopeia so far make me happy. I've read about the other parts and I hope they find our facilities welcoming."

The project began after Drenovia expressed an interest in developing a carrier capable modern fighter however it is also now confirmed that a non-carrier version will also be produced. The initial design featured folding wing tips for carrier storage however it is now expected that the non carrier version will feature a solid wing. The full scale prototype will conduct a series of milestone tests before the aircraft can go into full production. It is expected that each nation will be given an initial license for a set number of aircraft with any going above that quota seeing additional fees paid to the companies developing it. The exact nature of the final arrangement though has not been confirmed yet.

To:- His Majesty King David of East Moreland

Following my response to you regarding the honour of being a Sword Mother to Prince Llewellyn I would be thankful if you could dispatch someone, possibly your ambassador, to the Complex of the Queen to help educate me on the requirements and more importantly responsibilities of this position. In addition to this I would like to speak with your ambassador regarding another matter. To my understanding you have stated that at some point early this year you have a proposal that would seek to ensure no one responsible for historical crimes against humanity find it easy to escape justice. We ourselves find many members of our once controlling Junta have fled across Mundus and would therefore believe some of heir crimes may fall under the umbrella of what you propose. I would therefore appreciate an insight into what you propose.

With Thanks

Queen Atalanta II

---

With issues in the Kyne and Matilda's brewing Atalanta considered cancelling the meeting with the East Moreland ambassador however that wouldn't do. In the coming days having some friendly connections could be useful, especially with the Morelanders having a vested interest in the neighbouring Commonwealth. The Complex was not as pleasant in winter as it had been a few months earlier. The place was largely made of stone and so was a nightmare to keep warm. Large faux fur throws covered many of the floors and log burning fires could be found in many of the working spaces. The more residential parts of the complex had been more modernised by the people seemed to love the Complex as it was, and as many parts of it were open to the public on organised tours it was unlikely to change much anytime soon.

The Queen had arranged for lunch to be served in the small suite that gave a view across the valley to the Complex Of Olympus. She had picked the location for two reasons. The first was because she thought the view was awe inspiring and she hoped to impress the ambassador. The second was as a reminder to herself. She was surprised to be offered this honour by the King of East Moreland and she understood it perhaps contained some religious element. While she was a firm believer you could follow whichever faith you wanted she herself was believed, according to her nations Priesthood, to be a "Celestial" , touched by the Gods and naturally if she was expected to give allegiance to Helus or some other foreign God that would be a deal breaker. She also saw this as an oppurtunity. If she understood things correctly the Morelanders offered this position as a means of a political gesture and so Atalanta believed she may be able to secure help for something she wanted much more than a relationship as a kind of "aunt" or something to a foreign Prince. The fire place had a small pot bubbling away with the aroma of a light vegetable stew while on the table sat some bread, cheese and salad. A newly opened bottle of red wine sat waiting for the ambassador to arrive.

Downstairs the Palace's security handled checking the ambassador in and escorted them into the Queen's prescence with a bow and announcement of their name.

In a recent Press Release from the Imperial Rokkenjiman Press Office the following statement was released "Given prior threats from the Heyran Republic Imperial High Command shall be establishing an exclusion zone around Rokkenjiman vessels operating in the region specifically in regards to foreign naval vessels. Vessels of the Heyran Republic are hereby warned not to approach the exclusion zone."

This concept of an exclusion zone in peace is incompatable with the very document that Rokkenjima are claiming to protect.

While in times of war such zones are sensible and neccessary we are currently unaware of any war being fought in the region. It is stated in the FSC that a nation has every right to enjoy the rights of exploiting its own EEZ and also to have free access to navigation on the high seas. By sticking a massive naval contingent in the region of one of the worlds most used trade lanes and thus attempting to enforce such a zone they are preventing free access and potentially stopping Heyra and other states in the region from exploiting the EEZ. As explained by D.Mundis (see spoiler) Rokkenjima must "demonstrate due regard for neutral rights to legitimate uses of the seas." A blanket exlcusion zone around their vessels which are spread across the region is not giving that regard. Furthermore as they have not complied with the normal procedures of  well established legal guidance which states a need for "public declarations and notifications concerning the geographic and temporal dimensions of the zone and safe passage through the zone under certain conditions. The establishing State must ensure that due regard is given to to the rights of neutrals to enjoy legitimate uses of the seas."  I believe they are also acting against the spirit of the document they claim to be acting in defence of.

So long as they remain in international waters and international airspace, Rokkenjiman warships and military aircraft enjoy the full spectrum of the high seas freedoms of navigation and overflight, including the right to conduct naval maneuvers, subject only to the requirement to observe international standards of safety, to recognize the rights of other ships and aircraft that may be encountered, and to issue NOTAMs and NOTMARs as the circumstances may require.

While we also believe the Iwi to have acted contrary to common decency in dealing with their rightful grievences this does not give a single nation the right to impose upon others. While a nation may attempt to impose a exclusion zone or safety zone around their vessels "Ships and aircraft are not required to remain
outside such zones and force may not be used against such entities merely because they entered the zone. Commanders may use force against such entities only to defend against a hostile act or demonstrated hostile intent, including interference with declared military activities.[1]

It is therefore our hope that Rokkenjima shall clarify the terminology it is using and adopt procedures that will ensure they do not interfere with commercial shipping or the activities of the Cassiopeian Navy. While our Realm does not recognise the current attempts at authority within the document of the FSC we do respect the spirit of it and believe the document could be a great foundation for international co-operation. From statements issued historically by Rokkenjima we believe they share our hopes of international co-operation and therefore we hope they take our concerns onboard and do not interfere with nations in the region until such a time as acts that run contrary to good order are actually taking place.

Signed

Queen Atalanta II

1.	https://www.marines.mil/Portals/1/Publications/MCTP%2011-10B%20(%20Formerly%20MCWP%205-12.1).pdf?ver=2017-07-11-151548-683

Following recent talks between Queen Atalanta II and Dragon-Emperor Tielin II it was brought up that the Majestic Empire of Lijiang would like to seek a potential trade arrangement between ourselves and their nation. With this in mind the Queen has provisionally put forward the following as a potential agreement. Her Majesty now calls upon the rest of the SUN to review this and upon inviting the Dragon-Emperor to our HQ prepare for discussions.

The following arrangement is in place between Lijiang and the Sovereign Union of Nations.

a) Lijiang is recognised as a preferred trade partner.

b) As a preferred trade partner they are to face tariffs at a lower rate than non-member nations. These tariffs will be set on a reciprocal nature.

c) So long as an item complies with local laws it may enter any other nation covered by this treaty with no limits.

d) Companies may offer investment in any other nation on the same conditions as local ones. These companies will comply with local employment and taxation rules. No taxes will be charged on top of local taxes on funds taken out of the nation.

e) Lijiang will be permitted to have a non-voting representative on the FTA of the Sovereign Union of Nations.

Atlanta was encouraged by what she had heard. "In terms of trade I can offer you perhaps a huge step forward. As you will be aware the Sovereign Union of Nations has a section of its charter dedicated to cutting tariffs and trade barriers. We would be happy to put before you two options. The first is that we take this part of the charter and have it applied to just the two of us or we could of course seek to put together an arrangement where Lijiang gains recognition to allow it to access the SUN arrangement."

The Queen took a moment or two to martial her thoughts before answering. "It is not so much as limiting global impacts, we welcome the interest and involvement of other lands within our nation. That is so long as they seek to do so as equals and friends. The various big treaties have a nasty habit of putting power over certain situations into the hands of a select few. Take for example the issue with this Cartier character involved in the Marseilles conflict. It would seem as it is presented that he has murdered Alanders and citizens of Marsailles during the war there. Now he currently is in the hands of Achkaerin while they determine what should happen. The Uppsala Convention is currently stopped those from Nya Aland and Marsailles to be denied justice or to have justice on the terms of Achkaerin or the Uppsala nations. What right do they have to tell people of Nya Aland their sons don't deserve justice? This may be a simplistic view of that situation but it explains why I mistrust these treaties. Now should the two of us agree between us something then that is no problem. If you then go and join something like the CNN that still would be no issue between the two of us, you have made your choice and we have made ours. The relationship that would follow can still be determined by ourselves and that is how the world should be. We are keen to be part of Mundus but on our terms, not the terms of those who seem to think they speak for an international community which several years ago was the majority of Mundus but is now a clear minority. The question is therefore is there anything to prevent our two nations striking an agreement to our own making and if not where should we begin."

To: Dragon-Emperor Tielin II

It has been brought to my attention that over the last few weeks the so called "International Community" has attempted to strong arm your nation into a position on various issues that you may not wish to have taken. This is a concern we ourselves have and have taken steps towards attempting to limit the impact such a "community" can have upon our nation. If you would be prepared to allow a delegation from my nation to come and visit you I would like to discuss closer co-operation between our nations. I believe we are both capable of putting together an arrangement that would be beneficial to our homelands.

I look forward to your response.

Blessings of the Gods

Queen Atalanta II

To:- Emperor Bensen

At present the Realm of Cassiopeia has no relevant information on the East Moreland activity in your region.

Following the conclusion of your meeting with the Morelanders we would, if given more context, be willing to consider utilising our assets in the Matilda regions to monitor potential traffic heading to Albion via their Maori allies or the channels. We believe it is vital nations are permitted to make the best decisions for their own regions and should be included in all such decision making.

We look forward to hearing what you discover.

Blessings

Queen Atalanta II