On behalf of the Kingdom of Quintelia, I fully support Heyra to become an associate member of OPEN. While Quintelia and Heyra have very limited relations, we believe that Heyra can benefit from OPEN and vice versa.

Truly yours,
Fernando Ernesto Adartse,
Quintelian Minister of Energy

"I suppose that there's nothing Tamora could do to hasten support for the Merinan government. The last time we decided to support a foreign government during their crisis, a world power responded with threats and parked their navy right on our backyard as a show of power. Now, I have been restless for the past few months until their Empress steps down miraculously. Now that I recall it, it was you, Ma'am Safavid, who asked for help in supporting the Melos administration." Sofia took a deep breath before continuing. "I'm sorry, but like I said, only when the Merinan crisis takes a turn and directly threatens Quintelia, SANE, or any of our allies, will we consider to support Merina."

“I think that hourly manual test messages for a direct correspondence is too much, I think automating it would be better.” Minister of Science and Technology Antonio Tuazon budged in the conversation. “I’m sorry for butting in, but in my opinion it would be just overdoing it as there are cheaper and less time-consuming ways to do it.” The Minister took a sip of mead as a polite gesture to the host Empress.

“Now, say if we were to send our own astronauts with their equipment needed for experiments, how much would it cost us?.” Pedro de la Pena, the head of the Quintelian Space Agency, further asked. “Also, and let me get a bit ambitious here, how about if we add modules to the Adora. Say, a separate hydroponics module both for experiments and food sustainability, or even an additional habitation module.” De la Pena continued. “But of course, we should start with smaller cooperative projects such as a shared satellite or even joint manned missions. As for interplanetary missions, of course Nergal[1] missions would be a first step however we don't have any concrete plans for that as of now.”

1.	Mundus version of Mars

Chapter Two: The Town Plaza

Those workers do seem pretty much annoyed, justified, if I could say it. I was, after all, still in my uniform and supposed to be sweeping the floor and not shoving them away. As I gave a small glance back, I made eye contact with the Chief, who gave me a nod of approval to leave. Adriatico, meanwhile, let’s just say he wasn’t happy with working until seven. I then grabbed my rickety bicycle and dashed through the mud road. I passed through the main road with small shops scattered between houses, through the sparse town market, finally arriving at the plaza.

The plaza itself is paved with bricks originally masoned centuries back. At its center is the iron bust of Miguel Malong, commemorating his most famous skirmish in the mountains surrounding the town’s Poblacion[1]. Facing the iron monument was the three hundred year old chapel, constructed by Ecclesiastical missionaries on top of the shaman’s shrine when they violently took over. Its structure is mostly unchanged, standing the test of time. The coral-stone church still looks as elegant as ever and it is one of the few things I like about this town. On the back of the statue was the municipal hall, established by the same missionaries with the help of the then Datu Wagdu-an; whose descendants joined Malong’s revolt. The municipal hall, however, was initially a baroque structure that underwent renovation a few years ago. Now, it is a small blob of concrete painted with tacky murals and slogans, failing to hide the large crevices that creep from the ground up. Along the left side were a playground, covered by thorny vines and jungle brush that have been my childhood's bane; and a basketball court where endless curses come from kids, teens, and adults alike along with the sound of skidding flip-flops that never cease echo through the plaza. On the other side is a granite fountain that was a vanity project of the previous mayor and only turned on when the governor visited; and a tricycle shed, the only public transportation one could get to go around this town.

I chained my bike onto a streetlamp as I headed towards the rows of benches by the mossy granite fountain. This has been the hang-out spot of our group since fourth grade and will be until we all eventually move out to Lungsod. There [insert female name] has been sitting alone, probably for an hour or so, staring at the imposing mountains that would be barren within the next few days. I don’t know how she’ll take the news on the governor’s plan, let alone the fact that it’s now about to start. I walked slowly towards her, softly whispering out her name. She stood up and looked at me, a bit surprised.

“Tibs? Why-why are you here already?” Wait, she rarely uses that nickname to call me; that’s either great or bad “I thought you had overtime at the station?” She asked, raising her eyebrows. I did text her about that earlier this morning “Don’t say that you got away from work again just for me.” Now she unfurled her hair and crossed her arms at me. Oh she was just being playful as usual. Why did I even worry about it?

“Yeah, uhh, about that.” I scratched my head thinking for a response. “After fixing the jefe’s computer, he told me something. I then excused myself and he seemed cool with it I guess. Plus, I got Adriatico to cover for me just in case. So, yeah, there’s something important to tell you” I sat down on the bench while [insert female name] remained standing, seemingly annoyed. Was it something I said?

“You know he can’t do too much work, remember he’s got asthma and his salbutamol ran out last week.” Oh of course, I had to bring up her ex. “But what was that something the Chief told you that it’s so important? Are we going to finally have a decent road here?” She continued sarcastically while I silently breathed a sigh of relief as I won’t have to continue to talk about her ex.

“Ok well, remember the petition we filed against the governor’s plan to build Kanan Dam?” Her attitude changed from mocking to being curious at what I was saying. “Well, that shit is worthless now because that bitch of a governor will have Mount Kagulog cleared.” I pointed at the mountains she was staring at a moment ago. “That’s why I was supposed to be working overtime as laborers, I assume, are flooding the train station.”

“What? That’s where my family’s vanilla orchard is, that’s where your cocoa orchard is.” [insert female name] was taken aback by the rumor I told her. “Are you sure about this?” I gave an assured nod. “Should we call the squad about this?”

“Sure, let’s have a meeting about this,” I answered. “But I need to head back home first, you know with my Lolo and all.” I kissed my girlfriend on her cheek. “I’ll be back here in an hour. I love you.”
 
“Ok, I love you too” She replied back.

1.	The barangay/s representing the downtown area

King Lapu smiled at the Empress as he adjusted his Seleucid sword. “Well, it was a short flight so I thought I could use my blimp. I wanted to contribute my share to reducing my emissions, and I got a better look of Stolitsa and the surrounding landscape. The Uburzis do have a reason to be proud of their zeppelins.” The King, trying his best not to ogle and gaze at the golden domes and sparkling chandeliers. “If you may, I’d like to open our first proposition between our nations.”

“I believe that we shall start with a basic treaty between SANE members and Kodumaa, starting with basic diplomacy and trade:”

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) Either party may request a twelve hour extension upon receipt of the summons should a level of seniority be required due to the issue concerned.

(3) The parties declare that they shall act in a spirit of friendship and cooperation with a view to further developing and fostering economic and cultural intercourse with one another, each adhering to the principle of respect for the independence and sovereignty of the other and non-interference in their internal affairs.

(4) Should disputes or conflicts arise between the High Contracting Parties over problems of one kind or another, both parties shall settle these disputes or conflicts exclusively through friendly exchange of opinion or, if necessary, through the establishment of arbitration commissions.

(5) The parties shall allow citizens of the other nation to apply for a fast track visas aiding in travel between the two nations for purpose of trade, recreation, and business. These visas shall be available to anyone who meets the following criteria

(a) Has a stay lasting no longer than 100 days
(b) Has a return ticket
(c) Is able to fund the duration of their stay.
(d) Has no criminal record
(e) Is not deemed a threat to national security.
(f) All requirements have been fulfilled in accordance to local laws and procedures when conducting trade and/or business.

(6) The parties agree to the establishment of a system of extradition for persons accused of crimes in one country to the jurisdiction of the other. No extradition shall take place until compelling evidence has been presented and the country who would be granting extradition is satisfied that Articles four and seven of the Mundus Convention of Universal Rights will be met.

(7) Kodumaa is welcome to join the Southern Ardian New Electorate, or SANE, any time.

Section II - Trade

( The parties pledge to trade fairly with each other and to respect the lawful commerce of each party.

(9) Neither of the parties shall create taxes, limits, bans, or quotas on the goods or services of the other party on basis of their origin from the other party, with exception to such taxes, limits, bans, or quotas created by international organizations of which the parties are members thereof.

(10) The parties recognize the right of free commercial navigation through the waters and airspace of the other party, with adherence to local laws and procedures.

(11) The parties agree to build a passenger and cargo rail line connecting the capitals of SANE members, namely: Lungsod, Metria, and Nanjing, to the city of Stolitsa.

“Feel free to change any detail you may find that needs changing.”

The King took a sip of the fairly sweet mead, greeting his fellow SANE leaders before turning back again to the Empress. “While your proposition for us SANE nations to partner up with CSTO would be a step to ensuring peace in the region, I have a few major concerns that I would like to raise. Our outlook at foreign relations, specifically in Midaranye, are let’s just say not ardent to your and your allies’. Quintelia is part of OPEN and has strong ties with its members especially Tamora and has expressed multiple times support for the Clysperi government. SICR, on the other hand, I believe has ties with Tamora as well. What I’d like to address first is that we are at most on the same page or at least an understanding of our foreign affairs. If we don’t reach an agreement here, then I shall refuse an agreement with your other proposals.” He took another sip of his drink.

“Though even if we don’t reach an agreement, I’d like to buy a few bottles of these, or maybe even a regular shipment.

Yeah,WarGames behind a paywall and also not on Netflix in my country, though I could just pirate it if we pick one that's not available in the Philippines.

The train grinded down to a screeching halt by the platform, drowning out the songs of the jungle birds. This sleepy train station of Santa Maria, the only outside connection my town of 3,000 has to the rest of the country aside from a dirt road accessible to a limited number of trucks. The train station itself consisted of a small platform, covered by a wooden roof, and a reception area where the ticketbooth, a few benches, and a couple of vending machines were placed. The rails are rusty already, taking its toll from the humid environment. Today however, four trains have unloaded a few hundred people, unusual from it’s weekly trips coming from Bangued, mainly carrying the weekly supplies of goods and gasoline along with the occasional group of backpackers and those returning from out-of-town trips.

My boss and the station manager, Chief Magnos, called me this morning to work overtime due to the influx of arrivals. His rash decision gave no regards to my schedule later. I may be “just a janitor” as most people will call it, but I still have standards in managing my time. Later this afternoon, I still have to help Lolo[1] in the cocoa orchard, then have my date with [insert female name] at the plaza by the chapel, and finally work on the assignment Ma’am Punso gave us on trigonometry. Oh well, I could always copy Laurel’s work on Monday just like everybody else; trigonometry can’t make me money anyways.

“Tadeo!” Chief Magnos called out from the other side of the platform. “You know computers right?” I answered with a nod. “Well then, hand that mop over to Adriatico and come here.” I gave my mop to Adriatico,who reluctantly took it from me. I headed into the small and messy ticketbooth, complete with a noisy fan and 90’s era computers; this stuff is older than me, I think.

“So what’s the problem now?” I asked, leaning my elbow on the desk, but the blue screen gave me my answer. I held on the power button and turned to my boss. “What’s the deal with the workers coming in? We’re finally getting a decent road?”

“Why would you want to know?” The jefe retorted back condescendingly, raising his foot on the desk.

“Why not? We have to deal with them for one.” I replied with the same arrogant tone he gave as I gave the monitor a few light hits as it booted up.

“Ok fine, but you owe me another joint.” Ah addictions, one of the easiest ways to bribe someone. Lucky for me I don’t have chemically induced addictions. “So, remember when Governor Manodok was under fire for proposing the Kanan dam?” I gave a nod, trying to pay no attention to the cannabis-smelling breath Chief has. “Well, he did drop the project, but is going to replace it with a quarry right in the middle of our town, San Isidro, and Danglas. Some say they might be mining gold or platinum or something there.” I stared, surprised and discontent with what he was spilling to me. “I heard that Dizon is involved somehow.”

“What a bitch.” I yelled, startling the Chief as he kicked his legs back to the floor. “What a fucking bitch. She can’t just do that, Dizon can’t just do that, that’s our land!” The computer seemed fixed, flashing the schedule of arriving trains, of which there were seven more. I stormed out of the kiosk and went over to Adriatico. ”Hey can you cover for me again? I gotta go help out Lolo now.”

“Wha- why me?” The stick-thin boy looked up, wiping his sweat. “Can’t you see how many people are here? You’re just going to go with [insert female name] anyways.”

“Well, yes that and I legit really need to go before he breaks his back from working too much.” He sighed at me disappointingly as I bolted through the crowded station, shoving a couple of the workers out of the way.

1.	Grandfather

Why don't we start with a movie instead of a show first? I mean, shows are aight but movies are generally shorter and it is easier to discuss movies, I think. Therefore, I propose either The Death of Stalin or Uncut Gems

King Lapu had been looking forward while having doubts for the meeting with the new Empress. While he reminded himself that Evanthe is not Beatrice, he still had his hidden frustrations with his two meetings with the former Empress Beatrice. While they reached some sort of agreement, it was still tiring to argue on and on, especially with his fellow SANE friends being not so discreet in their actions. Lapu hopes that this would be the last of the string of meetings between Rokkenjima and SANE he has to attend to.

Aside for the King, Antonio Tuazon and Pedro de la Pena, representatives for the scientific sector of Quintelia, tagged along. The two were preoccupied with their phones continuing their work: Anton was busy with approving grants for research being conducted by Dizon Farm researchers while Pedro was delegating tasks on a new project.

Lapu's thoughts escape as he takes the last sip of Cenneg whiskey from a flask as his helicopter touched down. He kept his flask in his coat pocket, donned his crown, fixed his sword, and walked to greet the new Empress. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you Empress Evanthe." He held out his hand to be shaken, with the two officials giving a short bow. "I take it that I am unusually early, maybe we can have an impromptu tour of your castle while waiting for my fellow SANE representatives."

24 HOURS NEWS SERVICE



BONDOL CITY, BULUBUN - Currently, members of the Pria-Makan tribe, which are numbered to have 198 members, have been the only people in Quintelia who are exempt from being charged with cannibalism due to their culture and faith. The ever-decreasing Pria-Makan tribe believes that consumption of the first-born son of the matriarchs coerce Pria, their god of destruction, to give a bountiful harvest. That is until today, when the supposedly-extinct Kaintao tribe was approached by a group of hikers. The Kaintao tribe was known to be more barbaric, with accounts from de Gama and Legaspi[1] detailing attacks and raids. Similar accounts also detailed how Ecclesiastical soldiers burnt down the forests surrounding the Kaintao village, ultimately leading to their deaths. However, rumors of their survival continued on for centuries.

Jaime Santiago, the leader of the hiking group, detailed their discovery. "We were following the trail as laid out by the maps on our guide when suddenly, we heard what seemed to be screams by that of a pig or a man. Andres insisted that we follow the source of the sound, maybe it was a trapped animal, maybe it was another hiker needing help." Jaime said in the interview. “Our group then approached the cliff overlooking a forest. What we saw next was an arrow shooting right past us. I decided to have my phone out to take a picture before running away back towards the trail. That's when we decided to call the park rangers to report on what we have seen.” All hikers involved in the incident are now being treated for their minor injuries.

"Studying the cultures of our indigenous people is important for promoting cultural and historical significance of our ancestors," Anthropologist and Head of the Cultural Bureau of Quintelia Felipe Jocano stated in an interview. "However, I think it is best if we leave them for now, use satellite imagery to cordon off the areas where such tribes live for the well-being of us and them. Until uncontacted tribes decide to approach us first, then these tribes shall remain isolated and be protected from any government or civilian interventions."

1.	OOC: Let's just say they are Ecclesiastical explorers for now

King Lapu listened quietly to the two more experienced leaders bicker on. He knew that what his Foreign Affairs Minister had done was precarious, but now is not the time to shift the blame, moreso that Tamora was involved in this affair. Taking some biscuits in front of him, he tensed forwad and finally answered. "While it is in my belief that Rokkenjima and Quintelia leaving Nueva Ardia on its own would be for the best, I just cannot agree to that." Lapu sipped some tea to moisten his mouth. "I have experienced first hand the effects of extremist ideologies clashing a decade ago, and it isn't pretty. What I fear is that militant activism would spread over to other nations such as mine. I am simply trying to support the brief status quo that is the Melos administration." He cleared his throat first before turning to the Empress.

"Now, if a fairer referendum with Rokkenjima supervising it is what you think would be best, then go for it, I won't stop you. However, I agree that you should pull out that fleet of yours from Quintopia Bay; it's a direct threat to our nation. I'd also like to hear what the princesses have something to say. You may not have lived in Nueva Ardia, but these are still your fellow countrymen." Lapu paused, taking another biscuit and downing it with tea. "Lastly, I believe it is best that there'd be a delegation from the Melos administration present when the final resolution is signed." The King said, incling back on his chair.

King Lapu arrived in the previously discussed location in Josai twenty minutes late. "Travelling alone, driving a rented car in the rush hour of the Josaian traffic was not the best idea." He thought to himself as he left the car parked in a lot, gazing at a supercar nearby. Lapu sped walked towards the meeting place, thinking about what he's going to say to the Empress. Approaching the building, he greeted the Josaian leaders. "Nice meeting you again, President Seiko, Madam Keiko." He shook their hands before continuing. "I take it that the Empress is here already?" Lapu asked.

Empress Beatrice,

First of all, I still personally stand by what the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has acted upon Nueva Ardia. And while I would commend the people for speaking out and condemn the president for his less desirable use of the military police, I cannot avoid being troubled by the protests. We fear the instability brought upon by the protestors and their ideologies could quickly spread to other nations in the region, including Quintelia. As someone who experienced a crisis magnitudes worse than the current one in Nueva Ardia, I have some semblance of worry. Of course, one cannot turn a blind eye on the possibility that President Melos might have had rigged the elections to his favor, but one cannot also ignore the fact that you mobilized and deployed your navy as a response to us offering to bring in some food. In the meantime, I'll save my ramblings on the matter for our meeting else I'd be stuck typing this letter all day.

I shall be travelling alone, personally piloting my own plane as they're preparing for my visit to Kodumaa. I would appreciate as much discretion as possible as to not garner the attention of the media and my allies on this meeting. My fellow SANE leaders, especially in SICR, have been restless when it comes to foreign affairs involving your nation.

I look forward to seeing you too in Josai.

Truly Yours,
King Lapu

The Habsburg sisters asking him for what he fancied was the first time in a decade someone treated him like the Prince he is. “Well, it's been almost a decade since I had some liquor, so a glass of whiskey on the rocks would suffice.” Carlos replied to the sisters, the thought of recently taking his medications escaping him. “No, I don't think it's a good idea to Plus I hate snow, it’s cold, it’s coarse, and it gets everywhere. Thank God it doesn’t snow that much in Quintelia.” He turned down their offer to go out and asked. "Also, if I may, do you know why your father wants me to stay here?"

Dr. Sison listened to the concerns and intimidations of the Habsburg Prince and responded. "Your highness, if I may call you that, there is no need for such worries and attempts to threaten me." He scoffed at the thought of Prince Ferdinand ruining his life. "Why else would you agree on treating a mass murderer if your life isn't already in a bit of shambles?" The doctor thought to himself as he continued. "The last time he had a mental breakdown bad enough to cause a rampage was more than five years ago, and that was due to the stress caused by being in solitary confinement. Of course, certain things may trigger him, which at worst will only give him a panic attack that any opioid can rectify. The chances of Carlos having another rampage is slimmer than me and you winning the lottery and being struck by lightning at the same time." He continued, adjusting his glasses. "Slight exaggeration aside, I assure you, everything will be alright. The only thing you'll have to worry about is where that arrogant mouth will bring you." He gave Prince Ferdinand a light tap on his shoulder before he entered the vehicle.