President Vaclav Kravec confirmed today that the Republic Of Slava Lavosk is indeed a nuclear power. Slavan forces detonated a device located in an underground test bunker in the Lavosk Mountains. Confirmed by several independent sources, the device yeild is estimated at 30kT. This marks the first overt test concluded by Slava Lavosk after Mundus was warned by Joshua Rhodes and the Seaforth Intelligence Service known as the Blackwatch and after much denial by the Slavan President.

"Today the Republic of Slava Lavosk has secured it's future. Has ensured it's freedom. This defensive weapon will allow us the independence to live in peace in a Mundus gone mad. No longer will we fear mighty Tamora, recently named the 7th strongest nation on Mundus...a list we were left off of entirely. If the Tamorans or anyone else come for our blood and treasure, we will scour them from the world in nuclear fire!"

"Neither will we bow before the proposed Mundus Atomic Energy Agency. Proposed and endorsed by rich and powerful nations...these nations do not fear immediate conventional attack nor do they use their considerable power and influence to end the stain of slavery that still exists in Mundus. We refute their moral authority. We deny them the ability to determine our destiny."


News of this test sent the security services of Mundus scrambling as the questions came fast and furious. How much much material does Slava Lavosk possess? How many warheads? How large a warhead can they make? Why was this test a simple device detonation and not some type of missile launch? Will this end the idea of MAEA or will the rest of Mundus now support it unequivocally? Time will tell.

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OOC: Nuclear detonation used with permission from the Roleplay Magistrate.

The Royal Navy has moved ahead with sea trials of it's newest innovation, the military application of armed underwater autonomous vehicles. Created by a partnership between several Seaforthian companies, the AUAV currently known as SMX-31, will be fitted to Exodus and Sovereign Class submersibles. The SMX-31 will employ various sensor and detection capabilities including active/passive ability, a towed array, deployable sensor pods and will be equipped with 4 Kestrel submarine launched missiles capable of targeting aircraft, ships and land based targets as well 2 Orca supercavitating torpedos. The SMX-31 will be able to coordinate targeting data with it's mothership and other vessels, fire on a target and allowing the mothership to remain hidden, deploy an active/passive sensor net and act as active/passive countermeasures and mimic the sonar profile of known vessels.

Should sea trials prove to be successful, the Royal Navy has plans to expand the program throughout the navy, including the possibility of commissioning a submersible drone carrier.

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The long awaited elections for the provincial legislature have come and gone and left a decidedly conservative mandate. Prior to the return of Seaforth the provincial legislature was fairly balanced with a centralist government and included the two extremes of Kayru Iksur representing the Socialist Party and Major (Ret.) Constantine Brady representing the far right. During The Fall, Kayru Iksur abandoned his post and fled back to his native Slava Lavosk. Major Brady remained and survived The Fall, though he later attempted to secede his Arc-Royal Province from the kingdom. Major Brady was killed during a speech by an unknown sniper from a considerable distance, later calculated and conformed to be 3540m.

Seaforth Province:

Rachael Notley went missing during The Fall. Her replacement nominee in the Loyalist Party (Center-Right), Andrew Scheer, was elected as Premier.

Scotia Province:

The former Premiership of Kayru Iksur, this provinces left was dealt a heavy blow with the election of Loyalist Party Nominee Rachael Harder.

Northumbria Province:

Jim Flaherty crossed the floor to the Progressive Party (Center-Left) and was re-elected largely based on his track record as the longest serving Premier and his personal integrity. Premier Flaherty acknowledged that The Fall had fundamentally changed his worldview and that he would continue to represent his constituents to the best of his ability while serving as the de facto head of the opposition.

Caledonia Province:

Naheed Nenshi of the Loyalist Party was re-elected in a landslide.


Strathcona Province:

Peter McKay of the Loyalist Party fell significantly in the polls from last election and barely managed to hang onto his seat.

Arc-Royal Province:

Though soured by the actions of Major Brady, Arc-Royal stayed true to it's long standing tradition of electing veterans. Loyalist Party Nominee Commander (Ret) Daniel Shaw won the Premiership of Arc-Royal.

To mark the momentous occasion of the closing of Queen Adriana Military Base, King Andrew will be partaking in ceremonies with both his closest ally, King David III of East Moreland and the Empress Beatrice as the final Rokkenjiman personnel perform their own closing ceremonies...a nod to the ghost of the former Tripartite Alliance.

Earlier today at a point in the middle of the Illumic the East Moreland flagship (REMNS King Robert) and Seaforthian carrier RSS Red Crown joined up as part of a show of Illumic Unity. June 1st marks the official closing of the QAMB military base and therefore the first time in around a decade that the Illumic is policed exclusively by forces from Illumic nations. This policy of "Illumic Determination" has been a corner stone of both the reigns of King David and King Joshua Rhodes, and was carried on by his successor King Andrew. In a show of solidarity King David has flown to the King Robert by the Ekrabadger, while King Andrew made a landing on the Red Crown via helicopter. The two took brief tours of their respective vessel before at midday swapping vessels having agreed to be simultanously Highline transfered the two meet midpoint to exchange handshakes before being safely deposited on the opposite deck. The two monarchs then had lunch with the crew of the opposite nations ship. During the early afternoon various dignatries were shuttled out to the ships and a short ceremony held on the deck of the King Robert presided over by High Priestess Skye Maddix.

"We ask Helus and Jekar to bless these ships and all those that now guard the Illumic and the nations that border it. We ask the Gods to grant the men and women of our nations navies bravery to do their duty, wisdom to make the right decisions and a long and happy life. We give thanks to those from Rokkenjima who when our nations stood in isolation policed these waters and wish Helus to give them a safe voyage home. Today we see two nations, devoted to Helus, ready to stand and do what is required to ensure the security and safety of a region and as both nations have shown repeatedly we are more than willing, perfectly capable and equipped to do such a thing."

Both King then gave a short speech, King David saying, "Under the reign of my father we had a navy that while capable was not permitted to venture far from shore, it was what I call a "just in case" navy, driven by paranoia it was bigger than we truly needed while hidden in our isolation.At that time we permitted Rokkenjima to venture into the Illumic to support nations we should have done and that lead to the awkward situation of when I became King and wished us to police our own backyard the Rokkenjimans no longer needed to fulfil the role they had under my father. We have shown repeatedly that we are willing to work with all Illumic nations to make this region one of, if not the, most secure, peaceful and co-operative regions on Mundus. Today that truly can be said that the Illumic is run by the Illumic nations and while the long standing East Moreland and Seaforth patrols and operations shall continue I invite the nations of Zimalia, Cyprix, Valokchia and Heyra to work with us to ensure the spectre of foreign intervention in our homes is never needed again."

It was then King Andrews turn who said. "The Seaforthian and East Moreland navies ten years ago or so allowed outside influences to create an atmosphere and situation in the Illumic that was not of our choosing. Since becoming allies, brothers in arms and brothers in Helus, we have discovered our true strength. Unity. That unity has seen us rid the Illumic of pirates several times, co-operate to keep the USR out of the Illumic on a permanent basis, fight the SCC at sea and possibly most impressively capture an enemy carrier. Our actions show we are people who will protect our yard, we will not allow ourselves to falter in this and today marks a new era in the history of the Illumic. The times of the great garbage fleet are over, today marks the start of the Illumic being run for and by the Illumic totally."


 The two monarchs then signed a joint declaration addressed to Rokkenjima.

Declaration wrote:

 To the People and Government of Rokkenjima

 Today marks the official ending of QAMB. While the more recent years in the Illumic may not have always been the smoothest the region is now in a strong place.

We wish to place on record the respect and admiration we have for all Rokkenjiman sailors who have served in the Illumic through the history of QAMB. While East Moreland and Seaforth grew to what we today are   QAMB fulfilled a significant role in the region but today those sailors may lay down this duty far from home and return to their home waters with our best wishes for a long, peaceful and happy life.

 May the Gods watch over them and their seas be calm.

 King Andrew and King David.

With the first ceremony over, King Andrew took the declaration signed by himself and King David and presented it himself to Empress Beatrice as well as awarding Cross of Valour, Seaforth's highest decoration for valour, to the Rokkenjiman Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in recognition of Rokkenjiman Armed Forces personnel that gave the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the Illumic. There the King and Empress observed the marshaling out ceremony and the official transition of QAMB to the Seaforth Armed Forces.

There will remain a Rokkenjiman presence on Somerset however. The twin cities of Urakawa and Elpidiana, collectively known as Rishiri, will remain Rokkenjiman under a 100 year lease as per the Treaty

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OOC:
 Post mostly done by Dave with slight edit by me.
 Big thanks to Dave for helping me out while I'm still crazy busy

Andrew found himself nodding in agreement with Peter's assessment of WAIT.


"I think it could be more that what is proposed. As is, I see little value in it so far. I have a rough draft here of our treaty. Owing to our long friendship both in and out of the CIS, I have added a mutual defense clause. Our brave men and women have fought side by side several times and I would see that relationship continue. Do you have anything else you would see added?"


With that, Andrew looked over his notes and presented a rough draft for Emperor Peter's viewing.

Section I - Diplomacy

(1) The parties agree to maintain active embassies with each other. If summoned an ambassador shall present themselves to the host government within twenty four hours of the summons.

(2)  Nations agree to visa free travel so far as the following conditions are met

a) The traveller has a pre-booked return ticket
b) The traveller does not stay more than 60 days
c) The traveller has no prior criminal convictions
d) The traveller is not deemed a threat to national security


Section II - Trade

(3) The parties pledge to trade fairly with each other and to respect the lawful commerce of each party. To that end, each party agrees to the removal of tarrifs, to be phased out over the period of one year.

Section III - Security


(4) An armed attack on one party shall be considered an attack on both parties.

(5) The parties agree to share military intelligence that is believed to be in the interest of the safety and security of the other, so long as doing so does not compromise the safety or security of themselves.

Alys presented her hand to Brassicus and allowed him to slip the ring on her finger. Kissing her now fiancé through an impossibly large smile, she whispered in his ear.


"You have made me the happiest girl in all of Albion my love."

King Andrew III of Seaforth preformed the rituals commemorating the Feast Of Helus for the first time. At the Temple of Helus in Eventide he was joined once again by Dr. Camryn Hopkins of East Moreland, granddaughter of Sir Charles Townsend and Priestess Jennifer Skye of the Temple of Helus. The feast, closing resembling the East Moreland celebrations for obvious reasons, included offering by the three branches of the Seaforth Armed Forces, the children and people of Seaforth.

Following the ceremony, King Andrew had a few words for the Seaforth people.

"My brothers and sisters. Today I was blessed to preform the rituals newly come to our shores, as my cousin Joshua did before me. We Seaforthian's are a people of faith. We believe hard. What we belive has changed over time. There was a time in our history when we gathered round to hear the Druids speak. We gathered round the Standing Stones of Arc-Royal. Many centuries after that and many centuries ago, Jocelyn Of Rhodes brought Catholicism to our lands from Vanora. That belief served us well for many years as a source of strength and humility. We all know how that ended. Now what is a faithful people to do when thier faith fails them? A worthy people needs something worthy to believe in. Now, maybe we were never meant for the christian faith. Maybe the Pantheon of Helus rings more true in our gaelic blood than the Holy Trinity ever did. When he converted, I asked Joshua why. His answer was that the Gods talked to him. I never knew whether he meant that figuratively or literally, but I do know he has been blessed by the Gods...and so have we all. When the Seaforth Catholic Church betrayed us, Jekar and Frossaj went to war with us. When Joshua went missing, Rolaf threw him back from the bowels of the earth. When Seaforth went dark, Melanar watched over us...

Andrew glances sideways at Camryn

...even Marissa has been known to show up from time to time. In all these things the Gods have given to us and it is time for the People of Seaforth to give back, to provide a place that the faithful may offer thanks and prayers to the Gods. Therefore, I am pleased to announce that the Kingdom of Seaforth, under the direction of Preistess Skye, will be contructing seven temples for the remaining principal Gods to join with the Temple of Helus."

The crowd erupts in applause. Andrew lets it carry on for a few seconds before raising his hands to quiet the crowd once again.


"As we look within, we must also look without. My thoughts are drawn daily to the Midaranye...more so since Duke Joshua published his analysis in the Free Mundus Network. The Kingdom of Seaforth has already established severe sanctions against the Tamoran Empire including freezing of assets. We will now be extending these sanctions to MCUR signatory nations that continue to do business with Tamora without the benefit of a Freestone Mark. Should the Tamoran empire cease to use slaves, The Kingdom of Seaforth is prepared to immediately lift these sanctions and invest in the Tamoran Empire. Similar sanctions now apply to Slava Lavosk until such time it is proven they do not possess or are attempting to develop nuclear weapons. I fully support President Kravec's desire to bring this matter before the General Assembly of the CTO."


"Today Seaforth is strong, in no small part due to the quality of it's friendships and the assistance we have received in our time of need. Today we find ourselves standing not a part of any alliance but on our own. We make treaties and build friendships with nations worthy of our efforts. We join organisations such as the Illumic Council, MICA and the CTO so that our voice may be heard and we can foster relations with those of a similar voice and bridge the gaps with nations who's voice is different. Today I hope to join one more organization. Though we have worked with them before, we have never been a member of the Joint Emergency Team. It is time to change that. I wish Seaforth to give more back to those truly in need. To that end, The Kingdoms of Seaforth will be officially applying for membership in JET. Should that application find acceptance, I will decommission the RSS Aid Ollain in the Seaforth Royal Navy and provide it, it's maintenance and payroll as part of Seaforth's permanent contribution to that organization. Lastly, but certainly not least, it is my pleasure to announce the 'Fill The Boat' campaign. In conjunction with Illumic Shipping and the United Farmers of Seaforth on this Feast Day we will be launching a campaign to fill a bulk carrier with food and supplies destined for Royal Seleucid, Socram and the Celtic Protectorate. The Fill The Boat Campaign website has a list of items desired for donation. Donations of cash will also be accepted and used to purchase undonated items, grain and seed grain."


"My final thoughts for the day are to spend them with your families. Thanks the Gods for the blessing in your lives and offer prayers for those going through difficulties. This feast day I will be praying for my friend King David and my Sword Daughter Princess Rhiannon as they once again face hardship and for the health and well being of all my brothers and sisters in Seaforth."


"The Gods Bless you and keep you safe."

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At the same time that King Andrew was giving his Feast of Helus Address, as part of his first duties as Governor Of Wellow, Joshua Rhodes participated in the Feast of Helus on the Island Duchy of Wellow. Joined by his son, Josiah Raiden Rhodes, the two preformed several of the rituals. Later, Joshua spoke on his great pleasure to be Governor of Wellow and good he hopes to accomplish here. Joshua's wife Evanthe was in attendance but did not participate as she remains a follower of Rosari.

"Of course I'm happy to see you!" Laughed Alys.

"Your tour sounds lovely. If you are wanting me to be spending more time here, I should know something of your country and people...and perhaps we can revisit a certain conversation we never finished."


With that, Alys kissed Brassicus on the cheek and slipped her arm in his.

King Andrew was shown into the gardens of Highwick. As it was his first time at the Achkaerin Imperial Residence he took his time admiring the home and grounds as he was led back to Emperor Peter. It was also the first time he had occasion to use Falkenrith Lodge since Joshua turned it over to him. As he caught sight of the Emperor he smiled and shook hands with the man warmly. As Emperor Peter offered him a chair, Andrew removed a box from under his arm and placed it on the table.


"A little of Somerset's best. No Imperial Residence is complete without it." Said Andrew, winking as he did so.

"Our last meeting was quite productive unfinished as it was. It's time to rectify that. Though before we get to the meat of it I have two mentions to make. The first is, Dear Cousin Harper has been racking up quite alot of frequent flyer miles to your country. I wonder why..." Smiled Andrew slyly.
"Our dossier on Mr. Lawson is quite complete and officially...The Kingdom of Seaforth has no issue or comment regarding the matter. Unofficially I have never seen her more happy. For that I am glad. The second mention I have is that it is my sad duty to report to you that that miserable bastard Brook is alive and well and is in excellent physical shape as per his last medical evaluation."


"Now with those two little tidbits out of the way I belive we were here..."

1) The Parties agree to maintain active embassies with each other and to make their ambassador available to the other within 24 hours of a request being made.

2)  Nations agree to visa free travel so far as the following conditions are met

a) The traveller has a pre-booked return ticket
b) The traveller does not stay more than 60 days
c) The traveller has no prior criminal convictions
d) The traveller is not deemed a threat to national security

3) The Parties agree to take all reasonable steps to settle disputes that arise between through peaceful means including third party arbitration.

4) The Parties agree to respect the commitments and obligations of each other in respect of multi-national treaties and conventions.

Tsar Viktor,

I am delighted to accept your kind invitation to Kislev. However, I cannot leave my nation under the current threat of war. My Foreign Secretary, Markus Bathory, will be representing me at this summit. I hope that, in the future, I will be able to greet you in person.

Regards,

Vaclav Kravec
President of Slava Lavosk

To the nations of the CNN.

I hear your words and they are empty and hollow. The Republic of Slava Lavosk is under threat of war and death. We are 47 million people alone against an empire of 250 million. That empire has declared war, it's religious leaders have declared a jihad. The Tamoran Empire gathers it's allies in Rokkenjima and Quintelia and we are surrounded. Why? because we spoke out against slavery. There are as many slaves in Tamora as there are people in Slava Lavosk. Where were you when war was declared against our little nation? Where was anyone when mighty Tamora declared war on Slava Lavosk?

We have no need to reassure the international community of anything, as the international community is apparently fine with slaves and sees no reason to aid Slava Lavosk in our time of need. I fear no action from the CNN. Why would I when Tamora is prepared to wipe us out? Two of the CNN nations are even signatories to the MCUR and your military does nothing about Tamoran slaves or an illegal war. Therefore your word means nothing. You ignore your own signature of one document and act to uphold another based on an "educated guess" by one General and the lies of our overt enemy. How very narrow minded. How gullible. I hereby deny any nuclear weapons program. General Rhodes is mistaken in that regard, though I very much applaud his recommendations regarding Tamora. So bring your planes and bring your ships. Peer across our borders and look on the nothingness. But please turn your cameras on, for someone should record the Last Stand of Slava Lavosk as we fall and are made slaves by the Tamoran Empire.

But be warned. We will not bleed alone. Slava Lavosk is friends with our neighbor Socram. We wish Royal Seleucid would choose better friends, but we offer them no ill will either. We will not interfere with CNN assets in neutral or international waters or airspace, but hear this: By your own classification Jekar's Shield Missile Defence is a military asset. Any attempt to arm a nation that has openly declared hostilities against us with any weapon system...from a sharpened stick to Jekar's Shield Missile Defence system...will be considered a declaration of war and we will act accordingly.

Vaclav Kravec
President of Slava Lavosk


To the Unified Iwi:

I am most disappointed in your silence. Your nation knows the sting of slavery. The horrors. How hard would you fight if Royal Seleucid came back? How hard do you fight now? Where would you find your limits? Would there even be any?


To King David of East Moreland:

You are a hypocrite. You signed the MCUR and would watch us die and be made slaves. Where is the honour in that? What does your Code of Canley say? Instead of the CNN issuing statements about us, you should be standing with us against Evil Itself.

It all started with a grasshopper. Or a locust as it is widely known. A plague straight out of the Christian Bible. In early December it was reported that a large swarm of locusts, several million strong, was predicted to weep down from the north of Royal Seleucid. A swarm this size had not been seen since the disaster of the 1950's and the nation was caught under prepared for the realities. The plague did indeed sweep through Royal Seleucid and threatened the neighbouring countries of Tamora, Slava Lavosk and has crossed the waters into Socram. Fear and famine continue to reign in the area fueled by cultural differences between the Seleucids and the Celtic Protectorate. With the Cultic Genocide fresh in many minds, the food shortages and the untimely death of King Akakois the area has reached a boiling point. Multiple foreign fleets are in the area.

To complicate matters, the long simmering Tamora/Slava Lavosk conflict is on the doorstep of a full on shooting war. The Slavan stance on slavery, backed up by the MCUR, and the Tamoran's tacit approval of chattel slavery has reached a breaking point. There appears to be little in the way of compromise. What's more, the stand off has cast a light upon how many nations interpret the MCUR. Many nations are looking at the actions of their allies and are baffled by their interpretation of the MCUR and stance regarding Tamora and Slava Lavosk.


In this article, I will be providing an overview of the issue nation by nation and providing recommendations and resolutions where possible.


Royal Seleucid


As previously stated in the introduction, the first flames of this current crisis started with the swarm of locusts. in Royal Seleucid. That the nation was underprepared for this is a major failing on the Seleucid government, seeing as the last MAJOR swarm was in the 1950's a mere generation past. From my knowledge there was not adequate monitoring of a reoccurring threat to the nation. There were not adequate stocks of stored food and water. There was not adequate stocks of species specific pesticides and those that were available were not deployed in a timely fashion. The recent Cultist Genocide and the formation of the Celtic Protectorate adds fuel to the fire as perception of stored food, hording and religious and cultural differences appear in the south. Multiple foreign fleets have moved into the area, also causing concern. East Moreland, Bakkermaya, Achkaerin, Vaguzia and Rokkenjima have all deployed tasks forces, specifically to the aid of the Celtic Protectorate, while UC troops attempt to maintain peace in the area. The Kingdom of Seaforth has deployed the RSS Aid Ollain in a humanitarian configuration and the Krimeon and Neu Ubruzis governments have made at least one flight into Royal Seleucid that was were with some hostility by a half starved crowd. Royal Seleucid also has a small cultural bias towards. The last contributing factor is the unseen and untimely death of King Akakois. In conjunction with the ongoing famine and current crisis in the Celtic Protectorate, it could lead to a prolonged and potentially chaotic transition of power as Crown Prince Hadi steps into his role as the next King of Royal Seleucid.


Recommendations:

1) You can't eat a frigate. There is entirely too much weaponry in the area. I reccomend that all foreign militaries be unified into a single task force under East Moreland's Admiral Briggs and that the total size be scaled down. Cruise missiles will not address the primary problem of mass starvation and a destroyed agricultural sector. The mission profile of this task force will be to provide security for the efforts of JET and the initial gathering place of foreign food aid before it is distributed throughout Royal Seleucid.


2) Foreign Aid. Royal Seleucid is facing mass starvation. They need to activey seek foreign aid. Bulk grain ships are available in Seaforth for example. I would recommend that the government use it's position in OPEN to temporarily reduce oil prices or engage in a decreased value for oil when traded for food and edible commodities. This includes seed grain as weel. The Royal Seleucid government must look ahead to the rebuiding of its' agricultural sector, specifically planting for the next growing season. Foreign aid must be delivered to both the Celtic Protectorate and the rest of Royal Seleucid...and in proportion.


3) Preparation. Royal Seleucid must plan for this ongoing problem. As part of the Agricultral Ministry, or the Seleucid equivalent, an organization to monitor the locusts is needed. They must also stock adequate stores of pesticides and employ them earlier when a threat is identified. Finally, it is demonstrated that Royal Seleucid must engage is some kind of food storage program. High nutritional value, long storage food items of the bar or freeze dried variety will provide the nation with a buffer zone where it's people will not starve before foreign food items can begin to arrive, should another plague happen.


4) Celtic Protectorate. At this point, I would declare martial law and curfew. A buffer zone is needed between the Protectorate and the rest of Royal Seleucid, maintained by Admiral Briggs' task force. Internally, UC Peacekeepers must fill the dual missions of agressive enforcement of the peace inconjunction with food distribution. Stop the violence with measured force and stop the cause of violence with food distribution.


5) Crown Prince Hadi. All national leaders who have deployed assets to the area should issue a statement in support of the Crown Prince. A stable government during this time will decrease the pain, suffering and deaths likely to occur.


Tamora

The Tamoran Empire has also been hit hard economically by the locust plague with the cost of some food items doubling in some places. The Tamorans face less of a long term problem with the locusts and their preparations seem to be adequate in dealing with the problem. The Tamoran Empire is however, in the middle of another crisis involving Slava Lavosk. At the heart of this is the issue of slavery, though it is by no means the only facet. The Tamoran Empire, by its own admission hold upwards of 40,000,000 people as chattel slaves. No nation has been louder in opposing this than Slava Lavosk. Despite its continue vocalization of the problem, results from wider Mundus have been slow in coming and indeed, the seem to be able to retain warm relations with many nations. Still others have issued sanctions against the Empire. With hostilities increasing in regards to Slava Lavosk, a shooting war seems to be on the horizon. The Tamorans appear to have a number of allies, some by default. Traditional good relations with Royal Seleucid have now been joined by nations who while perhaps not pro-Tamoran, appear to be solidly anti-Slavan. Rokkenjima falls into this category, as does the recent developments with Quintelia announcing that they would be sending a task for to aid in efforts against Slava Lavosk. Lastly is the long standing issue of the Medak Pocket. Geographically it is a continuation of the Tamoran lowlands and is indeed on the other side of the Lavosk Mountains. Primarily culturally Tamoran, the pocket has been under Slavan authority for decades. Slava Lavosk has, over the last 50 years or so, engaged in a “Slavation” of the area, awarding government benefits to those that slavans would move there.


Reccomendations:

1) Slavery. It is clear that no person has the right to own another and cannot and will not be tolerated by wider Mundus. This is reflected by the signatories of the MCUR. I recommend the complete economic and political isolation of the Tamoran Empire as long as they continue to practice slavery in any form. This includes the closing of all borders, revocation of VISAS, PNGing of diplomatic personel and a naval blockade established by the signatories of the MCUR. It has been argued that economic measures against Tamora will result in the creation of more slaves. This is false. Economics do not create slaves, other people create slaves. There are more than enough poor people and poor nations across Mundus who do not create, nor are slaves to reflect that. It is also important to note that slavery is a cultural institution rather than a precept of the Manist religion.


2) Freestone Mark: I urge the world wide adoption of the Freestone Mark to support the previous point.


3) Medak Pocket: By any reasonable measure, the Medak Pocket is and should be reflected as a natural continuation of Tamora. It is Slavan only at the mark of a pen on a map and an artificial effort to change the traditional demographic. As such, I recommend the ceding of the Medak Pocket to Tamora. Long term this will remove a continuing source of conflict and stabilize the region.


4) MCUR Signatories must also be held accountable in their dealings with the Tamoran Empire. I recommend a series of increasingly harsh economic measures against MCUR signatories that do not adopt the Freestone Mark and continue to do business with Tamora economically or politically as long as the institution of slavery remains.


5)Reinvesture. The transition of 40 million slaves from indenture to paid work will be rocky for a number of reasons. While slave owners are not paying their slaves, it is also true that the now freed slaves will work and pay taxes. While the Tamoran government is obligated to assist it’s people, slave and non-slave alike, I would encourage the nations of Mundus, especially MCUR signatories and the Mundus Development Bank, to invest in Tamora. This will help to alleviate some of the transitional pains and will encourage the stable and beneficial transition of the Tamoran economy.


Slava Lavosk

As mentioned previously, Slava Lavosk is the loudest anti-slavery voice in Mundus, barring the Iwi. However, you cannot take that at face value alone. I firmly believe that the Slavan stance is primarily to neutralize its large and aggressive neighbour. As mentioned before, Slava Lavosk is engaged in a directed effort to change the natural demographics of the Medak Pocket. By attacking slavery, Slava Lavosk is attempting to undermine the current economy of its enemy and attempting to garner allies. Such is the case with Socram. While overtly benevolent, the anti-slavery stance and the promised aid to Socram…I believe that there is a darker purpose afoot.

President Kravec is by all accounts a charismatic leader, full of passion. Photographic and corroborating evidence on the other hand show he is susceptible to manic bouts. I encourage you to review the brutal execution of Dilara Haghighi. With the manic bouts and his behavior during execution, I suspect President Kravec also has the dark depressive side of someone suffering from bipolar disorder. Historically, Slava Lavosk was closely allied to, but not subservient to the USR. This was done by Slava’s leader to maintain its own position of independence in the face of the power of the soviet bloc as well extend its own power base. President Kravec was a minor military official during that time and the fall of the USR elevated him into his current position. Intelligence indicates that though a mediocre army officer, President Kravec was a master politician. I see no reason to doubt that is still true.

I maintain that the ceding of the Medak Pocket to Tamora would be the best long term solution for Slava Lavosk, though what may be best for Slava Lavosk may not be the best for Vaclav Kravec. Indeed, I see a pattern emerging that shows the president becoming more aggressive and confrontational. The Medak Pocket is now a heavily fortified military zone with minimal civilians present. Any force entering the pocket will take catastrophic losses. The Slavan navy continues to mine not just their own waters, but continually violates the Fair Seas Concordant by mining international waters as well.

Recommendations:

1) Fair Seas Concordant. Slava Lavosk is in clear violation of the Fair Seas Concordant. The deliberate mining of international waters is a danger to all ships in the area. A task force not consisting of potential belligerents should be active in minesweeping operations.

2) Rokkenjima. I am at a loss as to why Empress Beatrice will not remove the Enterprise Task Force from the local area. Rokkenjima is not under threat currently and will still not be if the Enterprise retreats. Should the Task force be removed, talks can happen. If the situation changes, the Task Force can always be returned. I would encourage her to pull back the Task force outside of missile range. This will force the Quintelian Navy to also pull back and allow Slava Lavosk to feel less penned in by Tamora and her potential allies. With room to breathe comes room to talk.

3) Broken Alliances. Slava Lavosk is proving adept at driving a wedge between allies. Such is the case with LISA. Vaguzians have said they would fire on Rokkenjiman ships, Achkaerin has established an exclusion zone regarding Rokkenjiman ships and Rokkenjima has scheduled a referendum regarding continued membership in LISA. As LISA fractures, Slava Lavosk is actively expanding it's own sphere. Courting an ally in Socram, Slava Lavosk has provided pesticides, food and seed grain to the island. Should that relationship develop it could put the Gulf of Auraxis and all the waters in between Midaranye and Socram firmly into the hands of a Slavan/Socram alliance. As that deal is finished another arrives. Earlier this week, Slava Lavosk was invited to the Slavic Summit of Frienship and Cooperation. There is no telling what could develop in the Krimeon city of Kislev, but it merely underlines the fact that Slava Lavosk is not sitting silently or idle waiting for Tamora to attack but actively and aggressively strengthening their position while weakening the positions of others.

One final thought in regards to Slava Lavosk. The expansion of the Balkan Industries chemical plant includes several dual use technologies, including a gaseous centrifuge separation plant, a gaseous diffusion separation plant, and a chemical exchange separation plant. That combined with a recently reactivated nuclear reactor as well as unusual activity in monitored technology and some unexplained seismic activity in an area with no previous record of seismic activity leads me to believe that if Slava Lavosk is not already in possession of thermonuclear weapons, they are actively engaged in obtaining them.

In a joint release by King Andrew III of Seaforth and Duke Joshua Rhodes head of House Rhodes, that the Duke will be taking a new position in the coming days. In a precedent setting development, Duchess Anna Davidson of Wellow and the Lead Sword of Bakkermaya has officially appointed Joshua Rhodes as Governor of Wellow. With Duchess Anna's increased duties as Lead Sword it was felt that appointing a Governor in her absence was the right decision. Straying from the norm, Duchess Anna and the Ducal Council engaged in a recruitment search that identified Joshua Rhodes as one of a few possible candidates. With his previous experience as both an army officer and former sovereign, as well as being a practicing Cultist,  it was decided that Rhodes was uniquely qualified to preside over the Ducal Council and raise the international profile of the Duchy of Wellow. As a half way point between Rokkenjima and Seaforth, his family will be joining him on the island.

As Duke of Somerset and head of House Rhodes, Joshua had been serving as Military Governor of Somerset. Responsible for civilian rule and military defense of Somerset Island. King Andrew approved the appointment early this morning and in the same press release annouced Duke Joshua's replacement on Somerset.
Brigadier General Uilleam "Savage Bill" Prescott, a distant cousin to Field Marshal Ulysses Scott, Duke of Strathcona; will be elevated to Baron of Idylwylde and invested into House Scott and subsequently appointed Military Governor of Somerset.

General Prescott has a long and distinguished career in the armed forces and is a veteran having backed House Rhodes and his cousin Ulysses as far back as Operation Red Crown. It is expected that General Prescott will follow in the administrative footsteps of Duke Rhodes...one of his first duties will be to oversee the closing of Queen Adrianna Military Base and the removal or surrendering of Rokkenjiman military hardware stationed there as well as organizing an official "Stand Down" ceremony.

Holy Empire of Achkaerin


The specially formed team worked quickly but carefully. In the long years since the fall of the Sorority of Materna in Marseille, never had there been as many members of the Deck of 52 in one place at one time. It would make some Achkaerin beat cops day to pull over one of the two plain white panel vans as they headed to the coast. Marie-Thérèse Dembélé, the former Sorority Commander in Marseilles and current 9 of Spades mentally tallied her team. There was Aliénor Cellier,  a Sorority Cell Leader, her closest confidant, second in command and the 5 of Spades. Alexandra Barrande, another Sorority Cell Leader and the commander of the fire team that would provide muscle and drivers. She was also the 4 of Spades. Colonel Jérémie Beaufils, the 4 of Hearts. Jasmin Cazenave, expert Bomb-maker and the 6 of Clubs. Rounding out the team were the 6 and 7 of Diamonds, Edmond Boudet and Thomas Chéreau. Experts in scrounging, logistics and cyber crime, these men were most useful in the early stages of their mission. Even now Thomas continued to use the materials obtained from Justicar Julian Lawson to doctor hard gotten identification, forge a retinal scan contact lens and so on.

Eventually, the vans made their way to the cache at the coast. Hidden there was Edmond's masterpiece. It took three long years, but he had eventually managed to piece together a perfect replica of an Achkaerin Bureau Of Prisons motorized launch. Complete with uniforms, ID and paperwork it was their ticket into the Coral Rift Prison. Located 40km northwest of Avalon, the partially submerged prison was a virtually impregnable fortress. Indeed, if it wasn't for their quasi recent alliance with the remnants of the Seaforth Catholic Church, the opportunity to get in would never have happened. Even now, the ruse would not last indefinitely. For many of them it would be a one way trip, ending in death or their very own cell in the Coral Rift Prison. Each member of the team was committed to the success of the mission. There were many important members of the Sorority imprisoned there, but tonight...only one mattered...Dr. Patrice Manaudou, head of the Marseille ICBM Program.


As the motor launch sped away from the shore, it slipped into the normal traffic lane into and out of the Coral Rift Prison. The regular launch, courtesy of another Sorority member had suffered a mechanical malfunction and would be delayed for awhile, hopefully at least two hours...but probably less. As the launch approached the dock of Coral Rift Prison, Aliénor nudged Marie-Thérèse, knocking her out of her reverie. Noticing their position, she waved one of the fire team members forward. He bore a passing resemblance to Julian Lawson and was equipped with the forged altered identifiers. He was of course expendable, needed only to get them in the door. Marie-Thérèse wished of course that they could have killed Lawson. The Justicars had been particularly effective against the Sorority, both during and after the war. None more so than Rion Ayanami. Their SCC allies had agreed to provide a distraction for their mission and it was hoped that the death of Ayanami and the Justicars being unable to reach Lawson...that it would buy enough time to grab Manaudou and get out.

The fake launch docked at Coral Rift as the "arriving" Sorority members, dressed as replacements for various parts of the prison nodded greetings with the prison workers finishing thier shift and heading off of the island.

"Good morning, Sir." said the prison guard as he waved the fake Julian Lawson through the first checkpoint.

The time and effort going into the mission had payed off and the team was passed into the first level. From thier they went to thier assigned tasks. The fireteam became prison guards. Edmond and Thomas headed to command and control to be in a position to influence internal and external communications. Marie-Thérèse and "Julian" began the decent to where Dr. Manaudou was held. The quiet intesity felt by Marie-Thérèse increased as each subsequent ring of security was breached...finger prints, retinal scans...all were successful as far as they knew. Eventually they came to stand infront of Dr. Manaudou's cell. Escorted by a guard, "Julian" waved him forward to open the cell. As the guard did so....

"What's happening at 606?" Asked the Guard Captain, watching on a monitor.

"Justicars. They want to interview Manaudou."

"I didn't hear about this. Who are they?"


The guard tapped on the keyboard several times.

"Pike....she must be new. Aaaand...Lawson."

"Bullshit. I know for a fact he's....occupied. All this week." The Guard Captain depressed a silent alarm. Toggling another switch he spoke into a mic.

"Julian Lawson. Stand to."

On the screen, the Guard Captain watched in horror as "Pike", in a blur, pulled a hard plastic 'chopstick' hidden in her hair and drove it into the guards ear. As he fell, "Lawson" grabbed the digital key fob and swiped the door. Sliding open, Manaudou stepped through. Smiling wide he held "Pike's" face and kissed her on both cheeks. The three then trotted to the end of the halway and crouched down.

"What are they doing?" Asked the Guard Captain. "They have no where to go. They are trapped."

As "Julian" looked up at the CCTV camera and gave those watching the finger an explosion ripped through Dr. Manaudou's former cell. As the smoke cleared, the three infiltrators ran through the newly created breach into a maintenance corridor. There the three were met with Jérémie,Jasmin, Alexandra and the fire team.

"The others?" Asked Marie-Thérèse.

Colonel Beaufils shook his head 'no'.

"They went down in the control room. They managed to scramble outgoing communications but were quickly overwhelmed by the Rapid Response Team. I don't know if they are alive or dead. Internal security is still up. It's going to be a fight to get to the outer wall, but the Ablette is in position."

Marie-Thérèse nodded. The DMS Ablette, a rouge Marseille submarine, had spent weeks on electrical power slowly creeping along the sea floor and would provide the way out. Everyone here knew it came down to this. A dive team would attach a limpet mine to the prison wall, flooding the corridor. Marie-Thérèse and Dr. Manaudou would wait until the corridor flooded and swin out to the sub. Everyone else would hold off security until they got away. Tears in their eyes, the sorority members bid each other a fond farewell and a promise to see each other again in the next life. Marie-Thérèse held onto Dr. Manaudou as the limpet mine detonated and she involuntarily held her breath as the frigid water hit her body. Realizing the mistake, she forced herself to start hyperventilating as the corridor flooded.

---

Lieutenant Gloria Arutti, commander of the INS Alliance, was at her post sipping on her second coffee when the sonar operator shouted out.

"Captain! Contact! Explosion in the water! Sound of flooding! It's...it's coming from Coral Rift Prison."

Arutti wasted no time. "Come about 137 degrees, make for the Coral Rift. Ahead flank."

"Come about 137 degrees. Aye! Ahead Flank! Aye!"

"Contact the Coral Rift."

"Captain, no response....nothing at all infact."

"Damn."

---

Marie-Thérèse and  Dr. Manaudou were thrown shivering onto the deck of the Ablette as they were removed from the escape truck. Coughing and wretching up seawater, blankets were haphassardly thrown onto thier shoulders as they were half dragged half carried down the gangway. The Captain, a devout Maternist, explained quickly.

"There is a patrol vessel bearing down on us. Well, bearing down on the Coral Rift, but I can't risk them detecting us and forfeiting the mission."

The Captain slapped a young officer on the shoulder.

"Henri here will take you away in the SDV. I will fight my ship. I will come about as fast as I can and cavitate. I will also launch countermeasures and snap-fire my rear torpedos before I do so. The SDV is small and quiet and will get lost in the noise. Avenge us madame, Mother watch over you."

As the SDV detached from the Ablette, Marie-Thérèse wept for her friends and followers, but Marie-Thérèse was also joyful. The shivering old man next to her would secure the future of Materna...and a bright and radiant future it would be.

---

...elsewhere

At the time the Sorority team stepped foot onto the Coral Rift Prison, Rion Ayanami stepped out into the street. A satchel in one hand and metallic "Go Mug" of coffee in the other she tucked the satchel under one arm and dug in her purse for her car keys. Finally finding them she carefully set the coffee mug on the roof of the car so as not to scratch the paint. Opening the door, Rion slipped one foot into the car and half sat down on the seat, wanting to start the car before grabbing her coffee. She slid the key into the ignition and turned it. As she did she caught a whiff of what can only be described as "electrical fire" and the faint high pitched whine of a charge building. Whether it was years of training or a natural survival instinct doesn't matter, but in that moment, Rion knew she had a split second to react....

Seaforth and Slava are in.

From the Presidential Palace in Sarajevo:

The Republic of Slava Lavosk officially acknowledges the issue of a fatwa calling for jihad against our nation as well as the Emperor Abbas' comments in support of the fatwa and his unreasonable demands for the ceeding of the Medak Pocket. Slava Lavosk considers this an overt declaration of war by Tamora as a result of President Kravec calling out the Tamoran Empire for it's reprehensible practice of chattel slavery in the face of overwhelming apathy from the nations of Mundus as a whole. We believe that the invasion of Slava Lavosk by Tamora is imminent. Our people will not be silenced nor enslaved. We will resist.


Any nation believed to be supporting the Tamoran Empire in it's aims will likewise be considered a belligerent. This includes moving military forces from home waters to within striking distance of Slava Lavosk. To be completely transparent we are specifically referring to both fleets of the First Empire of Rokkenjima.
The combined assets of the Cultists, Celts and Achkaerinese are unlikely to require the unasked for 'assistance' of the Rokkenjiman Navy and due to Empress Beatrice's relationship with the Tamoran Empire, we consider the movement of vessels toward the Gulf of Auraxis as well the blatantly false assertation of 'support' for the Morelanders to be nothing more than the prepositioning of assets prior to hostile action.

To Empress Beatrice, you have 12 hours to turn around your vessels. At that time we will consider your continued advance towards The Republic of Slava Lavosk to be an Act of War. Should your vessels turn around, we would be willing to discuss our mutual concerns at a neutral location under the auspices of a third party. We will under no circumstances allow any of our dignataries or leadership travel to Rokkenjima.