From the capital of Montaulon, the Royalist Party of Marseille has officially formed under interim leader Alexandre Cassavant. The Royalist Party's main goal is the restoration of the Monarchy to a form of Constitutional Monarchy complete with a House of Commons and a House of Lords. Cassavant ponts to the fact that in the latest entry by The Defense Journal, it is pointed out that all the members of the "G5" are Monarchies, including Seaforth who has undergone it's own restoration of the monarchy.


"A Monarchy is not a bar to success for a people. In fact it's a system that rewards service to the nation. Our own monarchy was doing quite well. Normandy, Orleans and Aquitaine thrived under the rule of Marseille. You know who brought us low? Communists and Religious fanatics. The communists killed thier own people and the insane fanatics of the Sorority Of Materna killed everyone else. Even now, Aquitaine and the Trojan March have recovered at a much faster rate than the rest of the nation. Our President has done the best he can, but a President cannot be a benevolant inspiration to the nation. A President has to play too much politics to ever truly get things done in the nation."


Cassavant and the Royalists do not champion a return to an Absolute Monarchy, realizing that too much power in one hand is not healthy either. The Constitutional Monarchy they desire would put the day to day running of the county in the hands of the common people in partnership with those exceptional citizens elevated to the nobility, a path open to all by way of merit. The head of state would be a figurehead with some Royal Perogatives, powers and authority. Cassavant has stated that the next few months will be dedicated to vetting and endorsing candidates and holding a leadership race prior the the upcoming Republican elections.

Emperess Beatrice,

You have threatened my nation with deadly reprisals. There can be no discussion while your fleets and strategic missiles threaten the lives of my people. For discussion to take place I will require you to stand down your Strategic Rocket Corp. Beacause of your threats, I will also require your fleet to not only leave the vicinity of the Gulf of Auraxis but return to its home waters, either your base in Dartfordia or Rokennjiman waters. If you do this, I would be willing to enter into discussions with you.

Kravec.

Mundus Lost: Post 1
2719



Marcus Rhys Rhodes strode confidently towards the bridge of the IHS Idylwylde,[1] his duty boots tapping along the metalic floor. His confidence was bolstered by the fact that he had just turned twenty four years old and his collar points bore the shiny new devices signifying the bearer as a full Leftenant in the Imperial Navy of the Helus Star Empire. His promotion and further assignment as Weapons Officer of the Idylwylde had come just in time for his ship to set sail on a pirate hunting and patrol cruise on the outskirts of Empire space. When the Empire's founders had fled doomed Mundus, their old enemy the Borlanders had tagged along and even now continued to plague the Crown. Hiding among asteroid belts and endlessly riding their caravan ships on the fringes of settled space, the Borlanders attacked any ship or station they thought they could get away with.


Mundus Lost...sometimes referred to as Doomed Mundus. An ancient tale by now, but one worth being told again and again. The old records did not preserve much of the time before the threat was recognized, but they do say it started with a cabbage. A minor nation with an obscure religion worshipping cabbages of all thing came into prominence in the early parts of the new millennium. A fragile ruler, mourning his dead wife, did fall to the wiles of a manipulative woman. The Duchess, as the story calls her, whispered into her husbands ear and steered the little nation to take great risks so that the ruler could provide his new wife with the style of life she has come accustomed to. In a desire to increase production of the sacred cabbage, the cabbage worshippers experimented with many fertilizers, chemicals and soils. They even delved into the biological manipulation of the plant. One such experiment was aimed at modifying chlorophyll so that the cabbages could grow in little to no light. Dreams of underground caves filled with cabbages came into being, but it was not long before the dream became a nightmare. The genetically modified chlorophyll blighted and that blight became rampant across the little nation. Then, to the horror of the peoples of Mundus, the blight mutated and crossed species, eventually affecting all chlorophyll dependent plants.


For many years the nations of Mundus worked together to combat the Blight, but it was to no avail. As one nation after another gave into despair, they turned their attentions to fleeing the dying planet, for surely it was dying. With the end of all plant life predicted it was the only recourse. It was during this time that self preservation took hold of the nations of Mundus. Some banded together to survive, some survived on their own and others, many others, fell by the wayside. It was during this time that the Helus Empire was born. The Cult of Helus was strong in spirit and so the faithful came together under the descendant of Raimond Unasson, King David V. The nations of East Moreland, Bakkermaya and Seaforth became one under Emperor David and still are to this day.


As Marcus neared the bridge he was joined by one of his division officers, jolting him out of his thoughts. On exchange from the Achkaerin Conclave, Ensign Haruko Silver served as head of the Point Defense Division. Haruko nodded a good morning as she fell into step slightly behind him her fox tail swishing in step, ears twitching.[2] "Good Morning, Ensign Silver. Eager to start?"


"Yes Sir." Smiled Haruko. "By my calculations we should be coming out of jump space shortly."


Almost as she said the words, they felt the Idylwylde shiver as the Sleipnir Jump Drive[3] started to bring them back into normal space.


"Well Ensign, we wouldn't want to keep Captain Ashland waiting, would we?" Said Marcus as they reached the bridge.


"No Sir-" Began Haruko before she was suddenly cut off as the ship violently jerked to the right.


Marcus shook his head several times to clear his vision as tried to make sense of what happened. The hall was dark and lit by emergency lighting, smoke pouring out of the overhead vent. At least it was smoke and not some other toxic gas. Ensign Silver staggered up, a shard of metal sticking out of her left thigh. It didn't appear to have struck an artery, but was obviously painful as hell. Behind them a crewman was dead from an unknown injury, his eyes staring straight up at the ceiling, while the bridge lay behind the hatch in front of them. The coloured light above the door indicated that the bridge was pressurized. Putting Ensign Silvers arm over his shoulder and grabbing hold of her belt, Marcus helped her to the door to the bridge. Waving his hand over the senor, it picked up the implant in his hand and opened. The two young officers left the hallway and entered...into...hell.

1.	Pronounced Idle-Wild
2.	The Holy Empire of Achkaerin settled in a dead end star system containing 3 habitable planets and an asteroid belt. Though still under an Emperor it is referred to as a conclave to denote its one system status. The Conclave is noted for heavy genetic splicing, specifically adding Mundus animal features. In the case of Ensign Silver she has the ears and tail of a Red Fox.
3.	The original Jump Drive developed by a team of scientists from Nya Aland has remained essentially unchanged for centuries, save for advances in efficiency.

"I don't know about cheaper Sakura...the cost of a building, maintenance, plus each nation stationing staff there and maintaining an office...it all adds up to more than a phone system. I will agree that it is more reliable and efficient when coordinating discussions among several nation and thus, in my estimation is well worth the cost associated with that forum."

Alys had not seen Brassicus fall asleep and was mightily annoyed he had done so. That annoyance was soon quenched with embarrassment as she turned bright red. Quickly she covered the box with her hand, closing it in the process and shoving it back into Brassicus' lap. Looking around quickly, she hope the actions had gone unnoticed. Leaning close, she whispered into his ear.


"Put that away you fool! As flattered as I am, now is not the time for this discussion...a discussion I am very interested in having...but here, during the ceremony? That's just a trifle...impolite."


Alys strightened back up, one hand slipping the box back into Brassicus' pocket while the other took the place of the box in Brassicus' hand. She gave it a reassuring squeeze and shot him a sideways wink before turning back to watch the end of the ceremony.

King Andrew, escorted by Camryn Hopkins made his way over to the reception line, pointedly ignoring Alys Arsenault on the way. Bowing politely to the Empress, Andrew presented her with a gift.


"A pleasure to meet you Empress. My condolences on your recent loss and please receive my best wished for a long and happy reign. May I present Dr. Camryn Hopkins of East Moreland."


Camryn makes her manners and bows before the Empress.


"Please allow me to present this small token on behalf of the Kingdom of Seaforth." Said Andrew as he presented a small rosewood box.

---

The traditional Seaforth gift is a silver replica of a Seaforth Warhammer about the size of a judges gavel. It represents Justice, which Seaforthians believe is the paramount virtue of a monarch.

"Tara McLeod, Seaforth News Netwok. My question is for the whole panel. With secular Mundus appearing to be on the decline and with the rise of the religious and religion influenced states what are you thoughts on what appears to be the budding Helus Empire? With East Moreland and Bakkermaya of course and Seaforth's continued conversion to the cult, not to mention the recent troubles in Royal Seleucid are we witnessing the beginning of a Cultish Empire stretching from Coft Aranye to the Sea of Alucard? Will the Illumic Channel, Mhorish Sea and the Karifan Ocean become, for all intents, internal waters? How do you see such a power bloc influencing the rest of Mundus?"

---

In a release from Seaforth Castle, King Andrew III of Seaforth unequivocally announced his support for Task Force Eloise. "I would support any initiative to protect people and prevent crimes against humanity. Now, the Kingdom of Seaforth has not been asked to join Task Force Eloise, but as my cousin Joshua said to me earlier...'East Moreland, Bakkermaya and Seaforth are the First Sons, Lost Sons and Born Again Sons of Helus'. He's right and it is our duty to support our Brothers and Sisters any way we can and wherever they may be, East Moreland, Bakkermaya or the Protectorate. 200,000 Cultists were killed in the First Genocide. There will not be a Second. Now, the Bakkermayan and East Moreland militaries are more than capable of accomplishing the goals of Task Force Eloise. I will state however that The Kingdom of Seaforth is at their disposal should they request assistance. To that end I am dispatching some assets to the area to be closer to respond. Included in that is the RSS Aid Ollain formerly of the Cennag Navy. The ship is currently outfitted for a humanitarian role.

Duke Raynald Lachlan, Foreign Minister of Seaforth strode purposefully into the venue. King Andrew was otherwise occupied but both men had their doubts about whether this latest attempt at a regional association would work. Just look at Ardia...and the fact NU walked out (justifiably in his opinion) of the latest MCUR party. Still, it was the first time Seaforth had participated in a West Aranye conference and the Duke was well aware that he, speaking for Seaforth, could likely tip the outcome one way or another.


"Prince Albrecht, a pleasure to finally meet you."

"Oddly enough, I do have Beatrice's phone number." Smiled Joshua. "Thank you for answering my questions. I am interested in the position and I think I can accomplish  your - now my - goals. I'm sure you and the council have questions for me, please ask them."

Raymond smiled in approval.


"Narcotics is a business, not a pastime. Frankly, I'm glad you don't partake. It always causes problems down the line. Yes Mr. Duggan, I think we are going to make each other very rich men."


With that, Raymond got up from his seat and crossed over to Duggan, offering his hand to seal the deal.

In the first meeting between the respective heads of state of Paracambi and Seaforth, a new partnership has been formed. Following the so called "Zimalia Crisis" that saw fighters jets from Nya Aland, Paracambi and Tamora standing off in the skies against yet another potential sovereign incursion by the armed forces of Rokkenjima, King Andrew and Emperor Benson came together in the hopes of cooperation. The meeting was, by accounts, highly successful with Andrew and Benson reportedly getting along very well and seeing eye to eye of many issues. The highlights of the new agreement between the nations are as follows:

Paracambi Free Trade Goods
a)Bauxite
b) Fruits & Vegetables
c) Rubber

Seaforth Free Trade Goods
a) Automobiles
b) Electronics
c) Refined Chemicals.

These goods are expected to provide each nation with significant boost to their respective economies. Also in agreement is the joint construction of a hospital in the Zimalian capital to be initially staffed by Paracami and Seaforthian personnel with a projected handover as soon as Zimalian staff can be trained and hired. Seaforth will also be home to a new Vodou Shrine courtesy of Emperor Benson bringing the religion to Seaforth for the first time. Lastly, an officer exchange program has begun, it's intent is to facilitate shared information between the two nations and encourage cooperation between it's two militaries. As part of the agreement, The Kingdom of Seaforth has restricted military operations out of Queen Adriana Military Base. Sources inside the Seaforth military indicate that King Andrew is currently inclined to the non-renewal of Rokkenjima's lease on QAMB. That would see the based closed and returned to Seaforth by no later than June 1, 2019. Seaforth's Gibraltar bases would then be also shut down in reciprocity.

---

The vacant premierships of Scotia and Arc-Royal have been set for the new year. These provinces have been without a premier for some time. Premier Kayru Iksur fled Seaforth for his native Slava Lavosk during The Fall and Premier Constatine Brady was assassinated shortly after the return of Joshua Rhodes. The murder is still under investigation. Of particular note is the rumours of malfeasance and impending inpeachment coming from Seaforth Province, which may lead us to a third election. The King and Royal Council have declined to comment on the matter.

Kravec smiled sadly.


"The condemned has already been tested and found wanting. She has no more say. No my dear, this was your test. Not hers. As a politician, I understand the need to sidestep, to leave yourself options. It's even more important when you become elected. That was a fine political answer, worthy of King Solomon, but a politician that lacks conviction, that lacks the ability or the fortitude to make a difficult decision...they sound hollow. They ring false. I wanted to see your will. Your conviction. Your morals. Why? Because Mundus is so concerned with "culture" and "feelings" they have lost the plot. Look how much effort was put into getting LGBT rights into the MCUR, the same MCUR that says slavery is illegal. They care more for Pridefest and political correctness than chattel slavery...the so called beautiful and unique Tamoran culture than the suffering inflicted on millions of Tamorans. You need not know a country and a culture to make a moral decision, neither Slava Lavosk nor Tamora. What I am about to do to this girl is brutal. It is wrong. I will do it anyway because I must. For the greater good of my people. I had hoped you would be stronger then that. I had hoped you would have the moral conviction necessary to tell me that what I am doing is wrong. The same conviction needed to tell the Emperor's, yours and Tamora's, that this ongoing slavery is wrong and convince Peter to stand against Tamora with more than words."


Kravec dropped his hands from hers and folded them behind his back. He slowly turned and walked back behind his desk.


"I must draw a line in the sand. The girl dies tomorrow. I will give her the mercy of a quick death. It is all I can do."

Treblinka Prison
Sarajevo, Slava Lavosk



President Vaclav Kravec descended the damp stairs into Sublevel 6 of Treblinka Prison. The walls were damp and cracked in places, single bulb lamps with wire cages barely illuminated the hallway lined with heavy iron doors. In the distance the occasional wail of misery or scream of frustration or pain could be heard over the dull drone of incessant Orwellian propaganda played over a shitty CCTV system located in every cell.

Kravec was in a decent mood, having just come from delivering the good news to that Tamoran Dilara that she was about to die. Well, strung up anyway. Death would still take some time to reach her. As he walked he idly wondered what Sakura Sheppard would decide. Coming at last to the end of the hallway he reached the door to his favorite cell... the occupant having been his close, personal friend for 13 years...and today was her birthday.

The cell door swung open at his command and a bright light bathed the cell. At times used for sleep deprivation it was now usually off, keeping the prisoner in darkness, save for the CCTV. With the assault on her eyes, the prisoner scuttled back into the corner of the cell covering her eyes with her hands. The cell stank of sour sweat and unwashed bodies, the once a week shower only keeping her from getting sick. Pale ,waxy skin almost glowed in the halogen light but no one would mistake that glow for health. Greasy hair hung down over her face in long hanks. As the woman blocked the light as best as she could, Kravec entered the cell. With him were three guards. One carried a small folding chair and table that he quickly set up. When he left, a second guard entered and placed a lovely strawberry shortcake on the table with a wax 21 candle on the top. Lastly, the third guard brought in a silver champagne stand filled with ice and containing a bottle of rare and expensive champagne.

Left alone with the prisoner, Kravec waited for several long minutes as her eyes adjusted to the light. When finally she peeked over her arm, he spoke:


"Hello Prisoner 11269. Do you know what day it is? That's right! It's your birthday! Well, not really your birthday, but it seems as good a word as any to describe it. 21 years ago today, you came to stay with us. I'm so happy that you have chosen to remain another year with us."

Silent tears began to stream down the prisoners face as Kravec lit the candles with a solid gold lighter and began to sing 'Happy Birthday'. The song finished he clapped and invited the prisoner to blow out the candles. The prisoner unmoving, Kravec 'Awwwed' sarcastically as he blew them out himself. Taking up a sterling silver knife, Kravec cut two peices of the cake. Using the knife he flicked one at the prisoner, scoring a direct hit. Laughing out loud Kravec set his peice on a china plate and took up a desert fork. As he ate he told the prisoner the news of the year.


"Things have been moving on quite well in Rokkenjima my dear. The Federal Republic continues to hold sway in the Krimeon and sits in a permanent seat on the CTO Security Council. Recently they helped to form the Trans Ardian Railway, linking all nations of the Ardian Assembly...of which you know they are a founding member. The traitor Alex Rowe was finally apprehended. The trial was swift and sure, just the same as the hangman. He was laid to rest next to your late husband and Henry Cole. Indeed, I think he was the last of the old guard. 21 years of hunting them down eventually pays off. President Ofdensen is quite the man. He was reelected this year and his support continues to grow. King James of East Moreland visited Pyretta Castle and purchased some of your families heirlooms...paintings and baubles mostly. Good riddance I say, and there was also some small flap in Seaforth when the Cameron line ended, but Good King John Branaghan put that Rhodes upstart to the sword so to speak. All in all, your homeland seems to be getting on quite well without you. I imagine the Federal Republic of Rokkenjima will be around for another century at least."

Finishing his cake, Kravec took up the champagne bottle and popped it open. As it bubbled out he poured himself a glass and drained it. Pouring another he took the glass and bottle and walked over to the prisoner and poured the rest of the bottle out over her head. Lifting his glass he gave a toast.

"To Alex Rowe! May he burn in hell. And may your daughter join him before your next birthday!"

Draining the glass of champagne Kravec turned and laughed all the way out of the cell, leaving the guards to clean up.

"I am well satisfied Emperor Benson. I believe this to be the start of a long and fruitful friendship."


With that, King Andrew had two official copies of the agreement made up and presented to himself and Emperor Benson. Sitting side by side at a ornate oak table the King Andrew signed both agreements and affixed the Royal Seal to them while official photographers commemorated the occasion. When he was finished, King Andrew invited the Emperor to follow suit.