Lucinda would chuckle at the emotionless response, clearly her message was interdicted in transit. She thought for a moment, she could end it here or continue it and, while the Lucinda of years before would wisely see to end it, she decided to respond.

"I don't know who you are, but you're not Beatrice," Lucinda started, considering her next words, "and maybe my own Beatrice is not even my Beatrice anymore; I saw them there, her, and Alex, celebrating the death of Kyle and I felt a sickness in my heart, and it was directed towards them, as death is never something to be celebrated. I destroyed the TV they had been so joyfully cheering at moments prior with a swift punch to the screen. I'll only say that I feel as though I saw the real Kyle, and I can say without reservation that he was a caring soul, someone whose soul would weigh less than a single strand of hair torn from Sehkma's head, in respect to your own faith I can only believe he's in a better place and I'll hope that is fact. I'll mourn his loss as I have those of my countrywomen and men, and will carry his memory into the future with me and, perhaps, there's truly nothing to fix, maybe he actually fixed me in the end of our story together. Perhaps he healed me and for that, I'll truly live and each day that follows and I will thank him for that gift. I don't care if this ever reaches Beatrice anymore, do what you will with my message, I was but one officer of the premier intelligence agency of Rokkenjima at the time; I held no influence over official policy, but I had my orders to follow, one guiding objective: to save Asuna."

"And he saved her," her message paused, "and I'll always respect Kyle for protecting those most precious to me, and I'll mourn him as I would a fallen comrade just as I will celebrate just how he unlocked my heart to feel, and to embrace feeling, well, feelings. I didn't know who to reach out to so I sought out Beatrice but, whoever you are, relay to her that I will cherish memories of our dinner, the charming face of Baxter, and the dedication of Kyle to protect his people first, not his own life, when we came under attack during that dinner, for the rest of my life. Damn your ascription to my feelings, they're worthless compared to the memories I share with Kyle and I'll be damned if you seek to belittle them with your emotionless response. That's all, it's all I have the heart to say, bye."

She then tossed the burner phone into the fire and giggled as the lithium-ion battery exploded, a scene she'd seen play out so many times before. As she did she looked to the stars, fixating on a cluster of stars that she did not recognize, yet recognizing their beauty. "I'll call this constellation Kyle, shine on you crazy diamond," she finished with a smile.

To: Prime Minister Ralph Deschamps

Recent times have seen much discussion of Marseilles and Troyes yet we've yet to hear from the Republic itself on these matters. While I recognize that Rokkenjima's history with Marseilles has been, at times, complicated I pledge to you, as the Empress of a new era, that when I said I wished to see the territorial integrity of Marseilles restored through the reunion of your Republic with Troyes I meant it. Yet that goal has been obscured, first with the proclamation of the self-proclaimed "Republic of Troyes" and foreign vessels operating within your waters, without the sanction of your government, to "take up a role of maritime security for the new Republic until such a time as they can take responsibility for doing so" to quote the Empire of Aosta; responsibilities which would be within the formal and official remit of the Marseilles Navy. In addition to the Seaforthians already present in Troyes, exerting their own influence, we now see another navy foreign to Marseilles operating within your territorial waters on the behalf of an entity which is recognized to datey by two powers only, those being the Empires of Aosta and Abertone.

Prior to the First Empire considering additional measures I wish to seek your position on the self-proclaimed Republic, as well as that in regards to foreign navies operating in the territorial waters of Marseilles without the sanction of your government which is an aspect of this situation which increases the risk to all parties involved unnecessarily. At present, I have dispatched Evanthe Rhodes to Seaforth to pursue all diplomatic options with the Kingdom which, I hope, will see a graceful exit from Troyes by the Seaforthians. I firmly believe that the path of diplomacy, not that of reckless actions, will be the one which sees the swiftest reunion of Marseilles with Troyes and am pursuing all avenues to see that happens. As I've said this will require much of the Seaforthians, but we will also require partnership with Marseilles to see that this happens as well. It is my hopes that we may together see our shared resolution is realized, and I am prepared to utilize the full set of diplomatic tools the First Empire holds with the Seaforthians to see that end goal become a reality.

I will look forward to your reply.

Respectfully;


Empress of the First Empire of Rokkenjima
Princess of Littlebrook

IRN Cecelia Anselmo has joined Rokkenjiman naval forces operating in the Straight of Shaw in response to the unilateral actions of the Empire of Aosta  in regards to the situation in Troyes. "Without the explicit permission of Marseilles Rokkenjima will not tolerate foreign vessels operating within the sovereign waters of Marseilles, and we are positioning the fire power to see that such vessels leave within the coming days," the Empress shared with the RBC. "These vessels enjoy no protections under the Fair Seas Concordat nor do they enjoy any other international protections. They operate, in effect, as pirates in the waters of another sovereign nation and we will see that they are removed absent the approval of the Republic of Marseilles. They may parade the approval of the self-proclaimed Republic, which is recognized only by the two Empires, but until the Republic of Marseilles itself welcomes them to their waters their vessels aren't truly welcomed, we will act to prevent them from transitioning into the waters of Marseilles. They may challenge us under such circumstances but," the Empress paused, "it will be their sailors on the floor of the Shaw, not ours."

"Subscribe to the path of diplomacy or accept the consequences of the path of the sword," the Empress continued. "The Joint Statement of the ADSN united our military and diplomatic resources, your actions independent of that have rendered us not partners, but adversaries, and I will not turn my back on international norms nor our commitments to the Kingdom of Seaforth. See reason, see cause here, and do not proceed further than you already have. We can still be partners in peace if you dissuade from this path, and I hope that is the path you choose. Remove your vessels, respect international norms and standards, and do not inflame the situation beyond the present confines."

The Empress has dispatched Kōshaku Rhodes to the Kingdom of Seaforth to discuss the situation presently unfolding in Troyes. "Let me be clear in no uncertain terms that Rokkenjima stands by its security commitments to the Kingdom of Seaforth, and we thus urge all foreign powers to act responsibly in regards to Troyes," the Kōshaku shared with the RBC. "The Imperial Rokkenjiman Navy will be in position to monitor the situation and, if called upon, to assist our allies should the need to do so arise. We must also respect that any foreign presence in Troyes must be brought to an end, yet that goal must be accomplished through legitimate means. Propping up a self-proclaimed republic that lacks recognition from even Marseilles to accomplish that goal, and using that self-proclaimed republic to operate in Marseilles waters, likely in violation of the Free Seas Concordat, is not the path to a Troyes which is ultimately reunited with Marseilles, however."

Kōshaku Rhodes reiterated the irritations of Chrysanthemum Throne on how the situation has unfolded. "We were not consulted prior to the present actions being undertaken. When Rokkenjima joined with the other members of the ADSN to issue the Joint Statement on Troyes we expected a path forward which was unified; this, by definition, has not been the path we ascribed to in regards to Troyes. While Rokkenjima will continue to support the path toward a reunification between Troyes and Marseilles we will not turn our back on our treaty partners, nor will we set aside international norms and standards to reach the end of that path. Indeed, while I travel to Seaforth the Empress is seeing that business is addressed before the ADSN to rectify this situation and ensure that the peace and prosperity of the Dauntel-Shaw region is maintained."

"Whereas before the ADSN pursued this issue as a united front we've seen that front fractured due to recent events. My duties in Seaforth will be three fold: to ensure that we coordinate with the Kingdom to ensure the situation does not spiral out of control, to establish a path for Troyes to see an internationally monitored and endorsed referendum as to their future, and to reiterate Rokkenjima's position as a defense partner of the Kingdom. While much will be expected of Seaforth, likewise, we'll need to see actions from Aosta and Abertone which reaffirms a path toward a peaceful reintegration of Troyes, in line with the ADSN and the Joint Statement. I would suggest, for a start, that foreign naval vessels do not operate within the territorial waters of Marseilles without the explicit permission of Marseilles, who are the only ones who may legitimately authorize such vessels to operate in their waters."

Kōshaku Rhodes, aboard the Imperial Concorde, is set to touch down in Seaforth in the coming hours.

Kayumi Asami again rose to speak. "In the past few hours we've seen actions taken in regards to Troyes by local actors, as well as the Empires of Aosta and Abertone. The later actions have been taken without the consultation of this body which, some may argue, speaks against the spirit of Article 4.1 considering the defensive ties some members hold with the Kingdom of Seaforth. Furthermore, while the Protectorate of Troyes is illegitimate, the self-proclaimed Republic of Troyes is as well, with concerns being held over the conduct of "Real Marseilles". With no input, at the moment, from the legitimate government of Marseilles on either the self-proclaimed Republic and the actions undertaken in their name, and the Government of Marseilles has yet to green-light foreign naval vessels operating in their waters, we're at a most messy junction. At the moment these operations are seemingly illegal and, if one wished to argue it, against the spirit of the ADSN Charter, so someone," she said as she looked to the representatives from Aosta and Abertone before continuing, "had better begin explaining just how we got to this point."

As neither the First Empire, nor any other member of the ADSN was consulted prior to the actions undertaken by the Empire of Aosta and the Empire of Albertone my response shall likewise be public and independent of the ADSN framework. While the First Empire maintains that a return of the totality of Troyes to Marseilles is an event which must happen we are concerned that the events of the last few hours increase the potential for unforeseen consequences, greater instability and a potentially bloodier path to the objectives of the Joint Statement by the ADSN on the Troyes situation. The First Empire is disappointed that the Empires have involved themselves with a series of actions without consultation with the broader ADSN, which could have seen the utilization of our shared diplomatic resources to effect positive change. While we will continue to support a Troyes and Marseilles which is free of foreign occupation, just as the Protectorate is not a legitimate exercise of sovereignty, unfortunately, neither is the Republic of Troyes.

As this situation has brewed without consultation the First Empire is forced to remind the Empire of Aosta and Empire of Abertone that security agreements exist between Rokkenjima and Seaforth. Should harm befall any Seaforthian personnel, vessels or aircraft the First Empire would be in a position where those agreements could legitimately be called upon by the Kingdom of Seaforth, placing the First Empire in a rather difficult position. This is a situation which could have been avoided with discussions via the ADSN prior to this course of action being pursued.

In response, the First Empire is forced to deploy Task Force Vigilant Watch, centered around IRN Eleanor and IRN Beluga, to the Strait of Shaw to monitor the situation and, if necessary, respond according to the treaty obligations of the First Empire of Rokkenjima if necessary.  We will also be calling for a meeting of the ADSN to discuss these developments and, hopefully, see that the consideration of our neighbours as friends ensures better communications to avoid situations such as this in the future.

Respectfully;


Empress of the First Empire of Rokkenjima
Princess of Littlebrook

Mr. Relkin navigated Abstergo Industries through some headwinds in recent times, with troubles abroad in the Unitary State and the potential for anti-trust action back home. However, thanks to the successful launches of aOS, nexus and Lexa AI, as well as securing further contracts for the Defense Solutions Division, Abstergo has seen its market cap increase to र652.4bn ($1.2tn) with some analysts questioning whether Abstergo is on path to become the first trillion-Ducat company in Rokkenjiman history after this milestone. Abstergo stocks received a boost on the successful conclusion of the antitrust matter, while gains in the field of AI offset other challenges such as the loss to Rosa Shipyards to construct the Ryōshi Class Ordinance Ship. "We're still building the Gojira class," Relkin was quick to add, "and while Ryōshi will be built by Rosa her brains will be designed and built by Abstergo Industries."

"What led us to this point," Relkin paused, "is a combination of factors. Profits and revenues beating expectations is one part of the equation and, moving into the future, Abstergo is exploring options for periodic stock buy-backs as considered appropriate by the Board of Directors. While we took a bit of a hit during the unfortunate Mktvartvelo affair and antitrust action here in Rokkenjima investors have nonetheless remembered Abstergo's historic reputation as a safe investment in times of economic uncertainty. Add to this the fact that aOS has seen its marketshare in Rokkenjima increase to 64%, nexus reach 43% and, while that last number might be concerning we're largely competing against SyncOS, although the rate of adoption of nexus is most promising. Abstergo projects that nexus will overtake SyncOS before the end of the year, and we'll see aOS north of 70% at that point as well. We're doing all the right things, providing products that resonate within our markets, so that's why we've cracked the trillion-dollar ceiling. Naturally our next target will be the trillion-Ducat ($2tn) ceiling, though I can't accurately say when that might happen."

"We also have in Lexa AI a trailblazing, revolutionary AI platform which expands its capabilities with each day that passes. Much like the internet transformed the world around three decades ago AI is ushering in another revolution; it's already changing nearly every industry and is impacting our society in ways we're only just starting to understand. As this technology becomes more capable I envision it taking repetitive and dangerous tasks from human hands, freeing humanity toward those pursuits they're so much better equipped for; work that requires creativity, empathy and, yes, humanity. Just as the industrial age eased the lives of our ancestors, freeing them from spending countless hours toiling under the hot sun harvesting crops by hand while bringing the world closer together via the steamship and train, AI will bring us closer together by taking over menial tasks while freeing people to pursue more enlightened paths. Today, however," he paused as he produced an aOS phone, "everyone who has an aOS phone or nexus PC has their own digital butler, enabling them to be more present in their lives while leaving things such as making reservations, appointments, booking flights, hotel rooms, even ordering household deliveries and services in Lexa's capable hands."

"Continuing on Lexa, we've seen a shift in how Rokkenjimans search for information on the web. While previously one would open a browser, go to a search engine, type a query and hit 'search' we've instead seen people pulling out their phones and simply asking Lexa instead. Personally I can't tell you how many times I've been out and about, perhaps shopping and a song I haven't heard in years comes on and all I have to do is say "Lexa, who is this?" and, seconds later, she gives me the name of the song, the band, the album the song is on and when it was released. That's a simple example yes, but it's something that is only recently possible thanks to the work of Abstergo and other efforts abroad." Naturally at this point the RBC pointed to the Journey XR from Arasaka.

"We've got something in the works there," Relkin replied with a grin. "Similar concept, but on a different scale than what the team at Arasaka is aiming for. Imagine having a cinema experience wherever you might be, or a workspace that occupies the space around you, all controllable with your eyes, voice and hands. It's in the works at the Future Technologies Division and while they don't have a name for it yet I've been floating Abstergo Marvel might be appropriate for the vision we have in mind. We'll see what marketing comes up with in the mean time, naturally, though I think when people see this they'll truly marvel at the potential one can fit into a headset."

"If I may?" Akasha asked as she reached out, pulling a pen from her bag.

Following a meeting between the membership of COSNAT and the Kingdom of Clysperis the nations involved have agreed that they will, as and when considered appropriate by all parties, meet for discussions on major global events in order to present a more unified response for the betterment of all parties. Furthermore the parties are committed to ensuring all voices within the international community are given volume.

The parties, recognizing and wishing to address the cultural differences and, at times, lack of knowledge, will partake in an annual cultural exchange festival allowing for each party to introduce their cultures and learn from one another. This festival will be held in each nation in turn annually. Furthermore, the establishment of a student exchange program will be pursued, allowing students from the parties more expansive and diverse educational opportunities at both the secondary and university levels, further easing the present deficit of cultural understanding.

She presented the memo with her additions, "I figured that, as cultural differences have been mentioned, that is an area we should look to agree to tackle together. I would also wish to note the Kingdom's willingness to offer its assistance in times of disaster and, if others are interested in considering it, I believe that much could be gained for each of us if we considered a shared commitment to mutual aid between the Kingdom and COSNAT. Resources and volunteers standing at the ready should an unexpected crisis befall any of our nations, or any ideas any of you may have in that regard, I would be willing to explore such an idea if there is enough shared interest."

In coordination with the Rosari Church Empress Saisei has established the Global Citizen Initiative (GCI) which will "combine fundraising and donation efforts with a team of skilled volunteers in a variety of spheres to respond to challenges, both local and abroad. It is my hopes to see the GCI work alongside established forces, such as JET, in responding to crises when they arise while also addressing issues before they become crises. It has always been my belief that one does not need an office, a commission or a throne to make a difference in the world around them, no, the only thing one needs to make a difference is the will to do so. The GCI will empower those who wish to make a difference to do so, whether it be via donations or volunteering in the field. I did not require a Throne to go and feed people, an arrest I proudly wear and declined to scrub from my record, when a Rokkenjiman city decided that feeding the homeless should be a crime. I look forward to the day I'll again be free to engage in such direct means of supporting those less fortunate directly but, for now, directing funds and resources to those who are capable of doing so today is the next best thing," the Empress shared with the RBC.

The GCI moves forward in its operations with र527m ($975m) in its coffers, with Empress Sutāraito donating personally to "ensure the success of the vision proposed by the GCI and brighten the horizons of people through the efforts I'm confident this organization will excel at." Empress Saisei has already been coordinating with local issues prior to the announcement as well as discussions with the Clysperi Kingdom to address some issues which linger in the Southern Lands following the rebellion in the South. "There's a deal of rebuilding that hasn't yet been initiated as well as concerns about poaching as highlighted by the Pharaoh in a recent CSMC article. These are two causes which the GCI is geared toward assisting in and a partnership which I hope will bring brighter days to those we'll be helping," Empress Saisei added.

Rosari Crusaders will be assisting in operations in Clysperis due to the recent threat posed by Ramose to Rokkenjimans in Clysperis, an issue which Grand Maester Yuna addressed. "With the situation in Clysperis being tense for Rokkenjimans due to the unnecessary and unfortunate threats of Ramose, for the first time in over a century the Rosari Crusaders will be operating on foreign soil in Clysperis to provide security and protection for those representing the best of Islyna's teachings in Clysperis. While both the Rokkenjiman and Clysperi governments agreed that deploying forces of the IRAF to protect volunteers was out of the question both the Pharaoh and the Empress have granted sanction for the Crusaders, in liaison with the Royal Clysperi Armed Forces, to ensure their safety while in Clysperis. By the grace of Islyna and the will of Ma'lia, we'll see that no harm comes to those looking to make a lasting, good, impact for the communities in Clysperis where the GCI will be operating."

While the majority of GCI volunteers are presently Rokkenjiman Empress Saisei has not precluded foreigners from joining the Initiative. "Indeed, I would welcome their participation," she said with a smile, "this is not a Rokkenjiman initiative but one of people looking to better the world around them through service and selflessness. That's not solely a Rokkenjiman or Rosari trait, but one which we are all gifted with at birth. Sadly, some of us forget how to use that trait, but it's never too late to get back in touch with that goodness of the human heart which is universal. The heart is not drawn toward evil, let us show that through this Initiative."

The RBC can confirm that Princess Sophia has arrived for talks in Kusan to diffuse the tensions between the First Empire and the self-described People's Democratic Republic of Fusan. Speaking with reporters on the tarmac the Princess maintained an air of confidence. "The issues before us are great, but I believe we can overcome the challenges before us to see a peaceful trajectory between Rokkenjima and Kusan is not only possible, but inevitable. I can promise you that I will not return home without a successful result for this meeting, and we will see a day where Kusan and Rokkenjima may exist together in peace. I am honoured for the trust which the Empress has bestowed upon me and will not return empty handed."

When asked of the revelations that her mother is none other than Evanthe Rhodes, perhaps Rokkenjima's most accomplished diplomat, the Princess shrugged. "Thanks for turning this into a contest on our skills. It makes sense though, looking back," Sophia paused, "the Princess of Arovium was among the most important diplomats of Empress Saisei and here I am, serving a similar role for Empress Sutāraito. Like mother like daughter, I suppose in that regard? We're taking things one day at a time," the Princess continued, "and I don't wish to share anything more there than I've already shared. I do wish to convey the gratitude, on behalf of the entire Imperial Family, to the RBC and other reputable news outlets for your respect to our privacy as we navigate this chapter. I've long known Eva, I've known Count Emerson for a while too, and while we figure this all out and get used to the new reality that's something we can't quite share, but at least I think it's going well, I do have duties to attend to so if you will excuse me."

"I apologize if my words or tone has offered something different," Akasha said with a soft tone to her voice, "I recognize that when I was less experienced I sent much ire and anger their way, but in contemporary times we've seen opportunities for cooperation between Clysperis and East Moreland and I have welcomed them at every offering. It's in some ways different, our paths to the Crown," she paused, "in my lands it's historically expected that a man is Pharaoh, for the greater part of my reign I had to prove myself to those back home two times over just to be as good as my male predecessors because we, women, with our emotions and empathy certainly couldn't ever be seen as strong leaders of our Peoples. Unfortunately there are many back home that view women as weaker even if we both know that is not the case," she paused again.

"But I've won over the Nomarchs by this point, my Vizier stands as a stalwart defense in my absence, and in all manners I've no need to defend myself nor my rule as I had to in those earlier difficult times; I traveled here, a journey of thousands of miles, to find friendship and partnership, not to find pawns to dispose of at the most convenient moment. With the faith of the Nomarchs and holding an advantage with the church in being proclaimed divine myself, for the first time in my reign I have some breathing room. As to what such an understanding would entail, I apologize, but I would wish to surrender my voice here and ask what you would wish to see, indeed any of you seated here today for that point, as I do not wish to use any advantages, perceived or otherwise, Clysperis may hold here; I would rather constrain the position of the Kingdom than to impose as we move forward so please," she said as she lowered her head toward Aurora, "whether it is you, or any one of you," she continued as she motioned to the others present, "present a path forward and you'll find that I am able be most accommodating and adaptable."

"Allow me to begin with stating, fully, I do not wish for you to forsake your principles, and I do not desire to impose myself upon you," Akasha would reply after a pause, "I see, in you, what I have experenced with the community of nations. The Clysperi voice there has been received less so than nations like East Moreland, Rokkenjima or Seaforth. In that aspect you," she pointed to those in attendance, "and I," she said pointing to herself, "share much in common. I do not seek membership or special considerations, I would wish to see partnership as while Clysperis is not a small nation as you define it, we are a small voice in the modern international order. Our concerns are mutual," she paused, "and while I will accept if you don't wish to work with me, I hope the time comes we may work together because maybe," she again paused, "just maybe, we could change the world for the better through working together. I thank you all."

While many readers may be forgiven for believing in the Rokkenjiman deployment of a so-called "caterpillar drive" upon IRN Ambush, especially with editors failing to affix notations pointing to the date upon which the article was published, the Imperial Rokkenjiman Navy has nonetheless been at work on enhancing its submersible capabilities. While originally intended to be the eighth Serranidae Class Submarine changes made in her development resulted in a submarine which was larger, more capable and stealthier than her intended sisters, thus resulting in the IRN designating her the first Gojira Class Submarine. While Gojira utilizes an air independent diesel-electric power plant as her Serranidae cousins, she is equipped with lithium-ion batteries that enable longer operations underwater.

Working like a hybrid vehicle, with batteries being charged as the diesel engines run, she is capable of switching to battery power in deep water and in operational modes. When running on battery the engine is virtually silent unlike nuclear-powered submarines, as they are unable to turn off their reactors. Unlike her predecessors Gojira utilizes pump jet propulsion which is quieter than submarines employing screws for propulsion. This attention to stealth, combined with Rokkenjima's investments in underwater noise analysis, provides a significant advantage against near-peer navies which represented key factors in the modifications which resulted in Gojira.

Gojira's batteries not only grant extended endurance while submerged but, perhaps, may allow for higher underwater burst speeds. While much has been written about the Rorqual Class, a key work horse in the Rokkenjiman submersible fleet, investments in diesel-electric, air independent systems has allowed for developments not possible from a program born of the conflict between the First Empire and the Warsaw Pact. According to unofficial reports Gojira measures 276 feet with a beam of 30 feet and a 34 foot depth. She displaces roughly 3,000 tons surfaced and incorporates many notable enhancements over the Serranidae Class, such as a newer revision of the ICON Combat Management System, an enhanced suite of sensors and a stealthier design.

The IRN has not commented on the number of Gojira Class Submarines it intends to purchase, instead referring such questions to the relevant Committees in the Imperial Diet.

Imperial Liaison for Foreign Affairs McKenna has issued an official travel advisory for all Rokkenjimans cautioning against "all but the most essential travel arrangements to the Unitary State of Mktvartvelo. Radical forces within the Unitary State have seemingly been empowered following Rokkenjiman actions to protect Rokkenjiman consumers from compromised products, with one lawmaker calling for every Rokkenjiman to be "be deported as soon as possible." We would rather not one Rokkenjiman sits in the custody of the Unitary State so we issue an advisory now: leave, and if you're planning to travel there, don't. Unless you have a parent or child who is on theiir death bed in the Unitary State, you've no reason to go there," Liaison McKenna shared with the RBC.

"The First Empire has pulled back its diplomatic presence in Mktvartvelo," he continued, "so expected consular and embassy services might not be present. Get out, and get out now," he reaffirmed, "things will only get worse from here. The Unitary State sought to punch at Rokkenjima with their cryptic law and now, when Rokkenjiman law is enforced, the crazies threaten the safety of Rokkenjiman nationals within their borders. The entire situation is insanity," McKenna paused before adding, "additional diplomatic and economic sanctions upon the Unitary State will be considered as appropriate."

The First Empire is already confident that measures to seize assets of Mktvartvelo companies and government are well in development, while confirming that the impacts of Mktvartvelo banning Rokkenjiman firms from certain actions in Mktvartvelo are minimal. "Rokkenjiman business in Mktvartvelo is measured in the millions of dollars, our business in Rokkenjima and other foreign markets are in the billions, so we're not worried," a spokesperson from Abstergo shared with the RBC. For her part the Empress has frozen any Rokkenjiman assets held by officials in Mktvartvelo within Rokkenjiman borders stating, "those who hold a sword to our neck are not our friends, and they will be treated as the adversaries that they are. Mktvartvelo already tried to taint the name of Abstergro to protect their own domestic market, and when we retaliate in kind, they seek to paint us ad the bad guys? No, sorry, you started this. We'll finish it on our own terms, thank you. Naturally, Mktvartvelo is open to talking to me but it all starts with them recognizing they were wrong to unfairly target Abstergo when their own privacy laws don't meet the bare minimum of Rokkenjiman standards."

An Act proposed to the Imperial Diet restrictions against the development of export versions of Rokkenjiman military equipment for sale to nations which are not a part of the Cross-Straits System, or are otherwise considered Major Non-CSTO Allies, is being considered. If passed, the Act would allow for the development of export versions of non-capital ships in the Imperial Rokkenjiman Navy, export versions of certain aircraft and a lifting of the ban on small arms sales to nations which are not in the CSTO or are not Major Non-CSTO Allies of the First Empire. "Rokkenjiman shipyards produce some fine ships, and what this Act allows is for the ability of Rokkenjiman firms to produce versions which may be sold to foreign nations without violating current standing law," Speaker Katsuhiko Sugano shared with the RBC. "We should not hold back Rokkenjiman firms from expanding the business opportunities which other nations fully encourage; now we're not going to be selling Excalibur or Class Carriers, let me be clear, but certain other vessels could be of effective use to foreign navies and, so long as they are sold in a responsible manner I feel the benefits are plain for any to see," he continued.

Abstergo Industries has confirmed that work has been started on providing means to provide non-ICON software and equipment suites for the vessels and aircraft in question, whilst Rosa Shipyards has stated it is capable of building ships "while taking into consideration foreign needs for systems which best integrate with their national security needs. We can build any ship around any system with confidence," a spokesperson for Rosa Shipyards shared with the RBC. Some lawmakers, however, have shared their reservations at the development, stating that no matter the compromises involved Rokkenjima should maintain its reluctance to sell weapons systems merely to the highest bidder.

"There was a reason the Saisei Empress limited Rokkenjiman systems to only our closest allies; because we would not wish to see a Rokkenjiman weapons system employed in a manner which stands in contrast to our values," Councillor Koizumi spake on the floor of the House of Councillors. "While this Act opens new avenues for Rokkenjiman firms to increase sales it also opens the box of Pandora for those weapons to be used in ways they never would be used under Rokkenjiman, or Rokkenjiman-allied, control; essentially, once we give them the training and the keys whatever happens next is outside of our control. I, and the Centre Party, will urge caution and great reservation as this Act is considered by the Imperial Diet."

Speaker Katsuhiko Sugano countered the position of Councillor Koizumi, stating, "I don't believe anyone considers where a weapon utilized against them is made and, naturally, we will be seeking some sense of standards for who we sell to outside of the CSTO and our Major Non-CSTO Allies; states like Kusan or Centralia won't be benefiting from this shift in policy I promise my colleague. At present Rokkenjiman firms are precluded from considering continental neighbours for sales as well as responsible states such as Abertone, Paracambi and even the Fusanese. The world has changed since our initial policy on this matter was introduced, and we should evolve our position, not remain stuck in a mindset of the preceding decade."


Roadways across the Empire will soon lend some space to a fleet of autonomous vehicles traveling upon them. Following up on an initiative started in 2003, dedicated highway lanes between the Tri-City Megalopolis will host self driving semi-trucks during overnight hours in a comprehensive real life test for such systems moving forward.

Whilst the self-driving vehicle industry continues to promise systems capable of independent navigation in real-world environments, vehicle to everything systems offer a level of safety and efficiency beyond what onboard systems alone are capable of providing. On such roadways information from roadside infrastructure and other vehicles will augment what any individual vehicle can see on its own. The lane in question will span roughly 200km of highway within the Tri-City Megalopolis, a length which will be outfitted with roadside sensors that form a communications network which self driving trucks and centralized human road managers look after for the duration of the pilot program. These sensors will detect other vehicles on the freeway to assist with merging as well as any fallen objects to maintain safety. Should construction zones be required on the route they will be dispatched to the trucks ahead of time.

It is expected that the lanes are to open before early April.