McKenna listened as Kakashi spoke, jotting notes at times. "We've seen stories like this before several times, haven't we? The causes may be different, the players, the plots of land, but it's the same arc that reaches across our history, forming a constant tie to even the earliest of our ancestors. Now I've spoke with the Lord Protector throughout this situation, and she has stated her support for whatever course of action I decide upon."

Pausing, McKenna nodded to Kakashi with an outreached hand. "Somerset is prepared to offer whatever is requested in this matter, though we can both see where this would place Somerset in a difficult position should unforeseen developments present themselves. I'll need some assurances to bring back to the Grand Council, however, I think we'll be able to have a plan forward in hand in swift order. Furthermore, there is the old Joint Forces Base on the Island that may be of some use in operations moving forward, though such use can be discussed later."

As Evanthe and the delegations prepared for the drive to Urakawa she motioned to her vehicle. "You have twenty minutes," she said warmly."

(OOC: On my way out to work, but wanted to catch up a bit beforehand. ^^)

Following consultations with Imperial High Command I hereby authorize the following deployments to assist Commonwealth operations in Lakhzovia:

• An initial force of 2,500 Service members has been authorized to be deployed in ground operations. Further deployments may be made as necessary from QAMB depending upon conditions within Lakhzovia.
• Assets of the Imperial Rokkenjiman Air Force and the Illumic Fleet shall be at the disposal of CTO operations in Lakhzovia. Vessels presently operating in the Peniche will remain in the region should they need to be called upon.
• Coordination between the Imperial Rokkenjiman Armed Forces and the Rosari Church will be undertaken to supplement humanitarian operations.

As I understand discussions are presently underway with Governor McKenna in regards to Somerset I shall await his word before declaring any intentions of the Commonwealth.


Evanthe Rhodes
Empress of Rokkenjima
Lord Protector of Somerset

"This is indeed a fact I'm aware of," Evanthe nodded, "and I'm sure an agreement will be something which my Government will wish to pursue. In addition to any agreement which would see a lease of vessels I have another proposal for your consideration. As you know these lands were once home to businesses which possessed impressive capabilities for innovation in their fields; Seaspan, Scotian Metal Works, Ocean Volt, and Raytheon for example. My government will be looking to encourage partnership and investment in these firms in exchange for joint projects and licensing agreements. From armour to hull technology I am certain where you could see these advancements could be of benefit in exchange for a measure of assistance in returning them to their feet again."

"If it pleases you I would wish to talk more, there's so much which Somerset desires as we step out into the world on our own feet. I've made it a priority of the highest order to see diplomatic relations between Somerset and Ui Cennselaig strengthen, while also seeking a strong revival of the relationship with East Moreland. However, I've a speech to deliver and we've two more stops after, so it's best we get moving. I will look forward to an opportunity for us to lay the groundwork for agreements before your departure," Eva said warmly.

As she took her place upon the stage which had been assembled a hush overtook the crowds.

"Friends, allies, my fellow Clansmen. Today we join together in celebration as the Commonwealth of Somerset proclaims its independence from the First Empire of Rokkenjima. While we will be thankful of the assistance rendered by the First Empire to our People in times most difficult this is a period of history we shall be most pleased to leave behind us. Joined by our friends both near and far, today Somerset rejoins the international community subservient to not one power, but as a sovereign nation of equal standing.

Many tasks stand before us as we embark upon this new chapter for our Nation and People, and while challenges await us our People has never been one to bend in the face of any challenge. The Grand Council has laboured upon a fine agenda for our Government which will see our economy rebuilt, our military reformed, and our historic commitments to working with the international community in building a better world will resume. The road before us is long, but if history has proven anything our People have the endurance and perseverance to realize any goals which we establish for ourselves.

"Already Somerset has concluded negotiations with the First Empire which sees a renewed lease of Queen Adriana Military Base and a new lease tied to the Rokkenjiman Office of Illumic and Tripartite Affairs. These leases will provide Somerset with funds as well as jobs, as the First Empire has pledged at least half of all civilian positions at both of these locations shall be comprised of local workers. Furthermore the First Empire will be subject to informing the Grand Council of any operations originating from QAMB, and shall hold the power to veto any operation which is not tied directly to self-defense or humanitarian pursuits. Force amounts at QAMB shall continue to be governed under existing Rokkenjiman commitments to the region

"Work shall continue to see the Somerset Defense Force rebuilt and ready to defend not only our borders, but to work with the international community in humanitarian and peacekeeping operations abroad. We shall work with our Illumic friends and neighbours to support the work which has been undertaken in ensuring an Illumic which commands its own destiny, a pursuit which our People have been engaged heavily in the past. We shall look to rebuilding our ties with East Moreland as a sovereign nation while looking to build new friendships near and far from our shores. To those who would question our independence I can say with confidence that our actions shall put to rest any doubts you may hold.

"I would like to thank those who have joined us in our celebrations today from near and afar, it shall be remembered and I hope that before your departures we may work together on forging new ties between our Nations and Peoples. The People of Rishiri await us in Urakawa City where we shall witness the end of a separation; Somerset shall, once again, stand whole as the last vestiges of Rokkenjiman rule are cast aside. I thank the People of Bethesda for proving to be gracious hosts, and stand proudly with you all as a proud and free citizen of Somerset!"

McKenna awaited the arrival of Ms. Taylor following rounds of discussions with Somerset officials, and Evanthe herself. Though she had made clear she would not have a decision-making role in this matter he still felt it was important to gauge her position while keeping her up-to-date. "Yes, the plane is rolling to a stop as we speak, no, there's nothing further I require of you right now. That is unless you're jettisoning your Rokkenjiman baggage early?" Gregory asked, "I know, not a topic you like to joke about," he continued, bringing the awkward silence to an end.

As he concluded his conversation with Evanthe he quickly reached out to the Ui Cennselaig mission to request their presence at the discussions. With Ui Cennselaig forces within Somerset he felt it was important that they should be fully informed of the discussions at hand.

As the representatives arrived Lord High Steward Koizumi was on hand to greet, and direct them, to their seats in the adjoining room. Detail had been paid to ensuring a selection of refreshments were available from those nations along the proposed routes including Gowu which, while not connected via rail, would form an important sea link to the broader network. Upon allowing the representatives an opportunity to converse amongst themselves Evanthe took to the head of the table to begin the work ahead of them.

"What a pleasure it is to see you all," Evanthe said as she took to the head of the table, "Today marks the start of a new page for Ardia, one which sees nations from all corners of our continent joining together in a project of unprecedented scale. Many generations have sought to shrink the distance between our nations, allowing for a more swift and efficient transfer of people and goods across our borders. These dreams, this vision, is represented before us today in the proposal for the Trans-Ardia Railway, a centrepiece of a broader Trans-Ardia Partnership which will see economic growth and opportunity spread across Ardia in a way we haven't seen in the modern era."

"The Trans-Ardia Railway will link not only nations, but various ports across Ardia which shall grant nations in the interior of Ardia a viable and efficient link to international shipping. Transport within our continent will see many benefits as well, especially when one considers that just one train is capable of hauling the equivalent of four hundred trucks. Not only will Ardia see increased efficiency, we shall also lay the foundation for environmentally friendly transport. In addition to the environmental benefits of the TAR Peoples from across Ardia will gain access to a cheaper method of traveling within Ardia, fostering greater competition throughout many markets across the continent."

"Supplementing the Trans-Ardia Railway shall be the Trans-Ardia Partnership, an agreement which shall see reductions to trade barriers across Ardia while promoting economic growth in the various markets it shall encompass. Greater economic opportunities will lead to more jobs for our Peoples, greater access to Ardian markets for our businesses, and an opportunity to improve standards of living across the board. It is my belief that the TAP should very much be a product of our joint vision, thus the drafting of the Partnership shall begin following completion of the routes and details of the Railway itself."

"A general proposal for those routes sits before each of you, now that we are joined here together we may begin the enjoyable task of planning viable routes whilst coming to an agreement as to the funding of each leg of the TAR. Furthermore, contracts for those companies to construct trains will have to be considered, and while Dartfordia has established a strong name, I believe that we should pursue domestic companies and builders first. With that being said, I leave the floor open."

It had been a long, sometimes confusing road which they had followed and even to this day Lelouch found it hard to believe they had reached this point. Just a few short years ago it would have been unfathomable, even with the occasional flare-up in the Illumic, for there to be a wedge in between the First Empire and the Kingdom, but here they were. Equally unfathomable was a Rokkenjima without Beatrice Anselmo upon the Throne, however, with the web of events which had transpired this was very much the new reality. To say that he and Hanako felt a measure of scrutiny and attention would be an understatement, thus when the opportunity to speak directly came it was most relieving.

"Straight to business then," Lelouch said as he opened a notebook, flipping the pages before him. "During the lead-up to the Andean Genocide I served as Prefect of Domestic Intelligence within Anauša, leaving me in a position to notice a series of irregularities within Anauša itself. Diversions of funds, channels of communication separated from the chain of command, operations at home and afar centred around the High Commander. When I was appointed High Commander by the Empress I was charged with completing a full review of Anauša, during which I was able to form a more complete picture of the situation we were dealing with."

"Shutting down the alternative chain of command and cutting off their access to resources has placed many of them on the run, though the possibility remains some may have been embedded deeply so as to enable 'reprisals' in the situation Mr. Ofdensen's primary objectives failed," Lelouch continued. "If Mr. Ofdensen could not succeed in Toshindai then the weakening of Rokkenjima's diplomatic links, especially those held with East Moreland, was seen as a justified secondary objective, while having elements in place to strike at the Anselmo Family was intended as further insurance. With Mr. Ofdensen off the board there remains the chance these elements could act of their own volition. These concerns, coupled with the offers made by Ms. Hadley to Kyle Barren in regards to the Crown Princess, leave the possibility that threads connected to those operations she intended to conduct remain dormant. This is why securing her transport from Dartfordia to my custody in as silent a manner as possible are so crucially important to ensuring our mutual interests remain unharmed."

"The stumbling block as to rooting them out remains that they know who, and what, to look for; I have them on the run to a degree, but my resources are recognizable to them. While unorthodox, I need to hit these bastards with something they're not expecting if I wish to fully cleanse Anauša, something they wouldn't see coming. I would be open to any suggestions you may have in this regard," he said, after which nodding to Hanako.

"As for the Empress Emerita I expect neither a swift nor easy solution, though we are following up on leads as to certain actions the Empress Emerita took in the later days of her reign. This includes an ICON transmission to QAMB which included a string of code which was initially disregarded as some form of corruption, raising the potential that the Empress Emerita was exploring discreet measures to reach out which wouldn't have been picked up upon. It's nothing concrete at this point until we can decipher the code and the files to which it links, spread across four ICON clusters."

"Such authorization may be found with McKenna, as I hold not the power to make such a call so long as I sit upon Chrysanthemum Throne. He will be inclined to seek the opinion of Ui Cennsalaig as well, seeing as they hold a front row seat at present," she replied, mindful of Ui Cennselaig's presence in Somerset. "Even Rokkenjima will be required to seek the approval of the Commonwealth before transferring forces from QAMB to the mainland. It is a delicate position, but one we are forced to work with."

"While I hold out faith in peaceful resolution we cannot hold great faith in Kadassa. I am prepared to ensure Pyrettania-Nakim is addressed, while also moving to bolster our support for the Utmen. A red line has been crossed, and while I had hoped Kadassa could see reason, his actions speak volumes. We cannot get this wrong, for there shall be no second chances."

We already have a mechanism of recall which would naturally be carried over. 

President Kadassa,

As previously announced the Imperial Government conducted a formal review of the Embassy Siege focusing in great part upon the leading role which the Hand of Emet militia played in the siege. Due to the actions of the Hand of Emet militia four Rokkenjimans were killed, a further twenty were injured, and the Embassy Complex itself was destroyed. Recognizing these facts, as well as the countless allegations of attacks and campaigns of voter suppression undertaken by the Hand of Emet, the Imperial Government has designated the Hand of Emet as a Terrorist Enterprise.

Recognizing the operations which the Hand of Emet has engaged in against Rokkenjima this First Empire hereby invokes Article V of the Pyrettania-Nakim Accord which states:

Each Party recognizes that an armed attack against either Party in the territories under the administration of Lakhzovia or Rokkenjima would be dangerous to its own peace and security and declares that they would consider action to meet the common danger in accordance with their existing domestic and international commitments.

Each Party shall agree to share military intelligence that is believed to be in the interest of the safety and security of the other signatory.

Each Party shall host annual military exercises, held in Rokkenjima and Lakhzovia on an alternating schedule.

Each Party shall agree to consult upon matters of common security and interests, whether they concern Ardia and/or Cotf Aranye, directly or abroad.

The terms of this Treaty shall not supersede those commitments already existing to the Cross-Straits Treaty Organization or other such international accords.

As I have declared all measures shall be brought to bear upon the Hand of Emet militia in order to neutralize what is quickly becoming not only an enemy of the Lakhzov People, but also a threat which has set its sights upon the First Empire and her People. The Siege of the Rokkenjiman Embassy was an ambitious act of terrorism which targeted Rokkenjima's diplomatic presence in Lakhzovia, while also seeking to drive a wedge further between the First Empire and the Lakhzov Republic. This attack saw the Hand of Emet incite chaos, rioting and, once the Embassy had been evacuated, the militia proceeded to loot anything of value they could find.

The sum of the actions undertaken by the Hand of Emet demands a forceful and determined response, the date and time of which is soon at hand.

The First Empire thus requests the full cooperation and assistance of the Lakhzov Republic as we meet this growing threat to Rokkenjima and her citizens in the region. To effect this, I would wish to invite you to Bethesda where we may discuss the steps which must next take place, as Rokkenjima is resolved to bring the threat which the Hand of Emet poses to the First Empire to a most permanent end. The First Empire will not stand inactive as those who employ terrorism to accomplish their objectives set their sights upon Rokkenjima and her Citizens, nor those who employ violence to silence the voices of those exercising their democratic right.

I await your response.


Evanthe Rhodes
Empress of Rokkenjima
Lord Protector of Somerset

President Thurinson,

Earlier today I called upon the Imperial Council and the Imperial Diet to discuss the circumstances presently facing Stĺl as well as any measure of assistance the First Empire is capable of providing. Rokkenjima has long believed that Ardian states have a responsibility to look out for the well-being of their continental neighbours, rising to the call for action and enabling them to stand upon their own feet. To these ends the First Empire recognizes your present situation and is prepared not to disperse aid, but begin a partnership with which Stĺl may build from.

Rokkenjima possesses assets in the Krimeon region, such as vessels and aircraft, which have been authorized to engage in operations geared toward the dispersment of food, medicine, as well as temporary housing solutions which are being provided by Abstergo as a bridge to rebuilding that infrastructure which has been lost. Furthermore, Rokkenjima has long maintained an emergency fund known as the Developmental Assistance Fund which increases the access to capital for those states in need. These funds are often used to rebuild critical infrastructure such as roads, schools and hospitals. Should such assistance be requested I can direct you to our Ministry for Foreign Affairs to work out the terms for a long-term, low interest loan which may be repaid once Stĺl has recovered from its present difficulties.

Women and men based from Tienanmen may also be made available to assist with efforts on the ground. Of course, only that which is necessary to place Stĺl on a firm footing will be sent. I am certain that these joint efforts will enable a lasting recovery. Upon your reply we shall be preparing to develop a package of aide which best meets your needs.

In friendship;


Evanthe Rhodes
Empress of Rokkenjima
Lord Protector of Somerset

Pyrena Castle
Office of the Imperial Media Liaison

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For Immediate Release
Statement From Empress Evanthe On The Pyrettania-Nakim Accord

While the Pyrettania-Nakim Accord has certainly faced several challenges in recent history thus far we have seen neither the First Empire nor the Lakhzov Republic rescind the Accord. This gives me hope that, together, we may work to rebuild relations between our nations while working together with concerned international parties to bring the crisis in Lakhzovia to a peaceful and lasting resolution.

We have seen certain states threaten the Lakhzov Republic, such as Arstotzka, with unilateral military action. This is a development which the First Empire views with great dismay and disappointment, as well as one which threatens ongoing efforts to diffuse the situation within Lakhzovia.

I strongly encourage our Arstotzkan partners and allies to disavow any intention or policy which would see Arstotzka commit to unilateral military actions against Lakhzovia, as such a development would bring Rokkenjima into a position where it would be bound to honour the Defence clauses of the Pyrettania-Nakim Accord in all but very few circumstances. Arstotzkan threats against the Lakhzov Republic introduce an unnecessary element of instability in an already inherently unstable situation and increase the risks for miscalculation.

If Arstotzka wishes to be a partner in a lasting solution I guide them to the ongoing efforts of the international community, which Lakhzovia is engaged with at present, as the best path forward to resolving the crisis in Lakhzovia and ensuring lasting stability throughout Cotf Aranye.

Just a friendly nudge.

Feel free to arrive, look around the City if you wish, and make your way to the Castle. Looking forward to some constructive and engaging talks! ^^

OOC: This will be reposted at some later date.

Émilie Poincaré was the next to arrive. As Leader of the Socialist Party she had been forced to maintain a balance each day, weighing the ambitious policies and platforms the Socialists had always wished to pursue whilst working within the system to effect what policies she could through the Green-Red Coalition. With a Centre Party victory looking increasingly likely she had one card she had yet to play remaining up her sleeve to, hopefully, de-rail the hawks of Pyrettania from setting Rokkenjima on a collision course with Kaitaine. Though it would be in the form of an unexpected accomplice she had learned to work with those opportunities afforded to her.

Joining her was Shinjirō Koizumi who could very well become the next Premier of Rokkenjima. He had spoken against the sanctions which were hastily implemented against Kaitaine, calling for bi-lateral dialogue and being one of the Councillors who voted against the Genocide Recognition Act, the younger Koizumi had shown a desire to bridge the divide. If all worked out well he would get an opportunity to pursue that path, whilst the Socialist Party would gain the opportunity to further its ties with the international Left and build toward claiming a majority of their own in the future.

"Don't look so stressed, it's not a look that fosters cooperation," Émilie said with a gentle nudge of her elbow. She still couldn't believe the odd bedfellows this visit had resulted in for her, though remaining focused on taking advantage of the ray of light offered by Koizumi helped her out immensely. "I'm not stressed," Koizumi muttered, "It's just, I wasn't expecting the first nation I would visit to be Kaitaine. Dartfordia, Achkaerin, East Moreland most certainly, but to think I would be on Kaitaine soil? There's too much at stake for me to make any miscalculations today."

"You will do fine I'm sure," Émilie said with a reassuring smile, "....and here we go."

"Mr. Vice President," Émilie said with an outreached hand, "I am Émilie Poincaré, Leader of the Socialist Party of Rokkenjima. This is a day I have been waiting for quite some time, to see Kaitaine with my own eyes, and it hasn't disappointed. You may recognize Mr. Koizumi, and I assure you that his presence with me is not some sort of fluke. He, too, views the folly which Rokkenjima pursued against Kaitaine and wishes to make sure that never happens again. He's one of the good guys, even if we have our disagreements."

Koizumi followed Émilie's lead in offering his hand for a handshake. "Vice President Pasternak, thank you for your hospitality and this opportunity. After an introduction like that I can only hope that I do not disappoint," he said with a light chuckle.

---

OOC: I liked the name too much to relegate it to a future-less existence with Aquitaine, so she's being re-purposed as the Leader of the Socialist Party. We can find a different name for Aquitaine's Grand Duchess if need be. Plus, points with Nemerie, but I guess her being a Socialist kind of negates said points. OOC rambling over. ^^