Kalistan

[Doc]

Her Imperial Majesty Addresses National Assembly
Government shakeup in the offing; proposes political and educational reform
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
February 20, 5696


Her Imperial Majesty announces new fiat for the next Administration

Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Carolina II Ananto went before a Joint Session of the National Assembly as the Chamber of Deputies were joined by members of the Chamber of Peers to make her long-anticipated first major address to the Legislature.

Her first order of business was to announce that she has required the Chancellor of the Empire to form a new Government. "It is our decision to retain the Chancellor of the Empire, and our Ministers at Foreign Affairs, Infrastructure and Education. We have asked the Chancellor to provide us a list of potential candidates for our other ministries that we may put the people in office who most closely represent our vision for the future of this nation." The announcement will likely lead to a nationalist dominated cabinet going forward, as it is hardly likely that Lady Donahue will propose more moderates for the various ministries, however, the maintaining of moderate-to-left ministers named during the Regency at Foreign Affairs, Infrastructure and Education ensures that moderates will retain a voice in Government and can signal a desire on the part of the Empress for a fresh start and a move away the more staunchly arch nationalist position held since the end of the reigns of Fredrick IV and Jennifer I.

It also puts to rest the debate around what course the Empress would take. Most nationalists spent the final years of the regency blasting the Regent for undermining what they viewed as the potential preferences of Her Imperial Majesty. But the Empress' expression of confidence in both Sir Thomas Harney at State and the socialist Mr. Johnson at Infrastructure, as well as the centrist Dr. Caballero in Education and Culture shows that the Empress herself is more sympathetic to the center and the left than was previously suspected.

"Her Imperial Majesty is still an Ananto, so you are not going to see her down in the streets marching to overthrow the monarchy," said political commentator Jack Lucas, of KRTVN's TV-1. "But there were a number of commentators who were assuming that the new Empress would be completely closed minded to any possibility of change in this nation, and it looks like she's at least willing to dip her toes into the water of modest reform and more political plurality, and that the appointments and decisions made by the Regent that so angered so many nationalists and conservatives in this nation, especially toward the end of the Regency, were being done under the direction of the Empress."

Other major changes the Empress expressed as her will in the National Assembly was that, while not open to accepting a multiparty system in Kalistan, she may be somewhat interested in permitting caucuses once again in the Institutional Party. "We have seen enough demand for the opportunity to represent different points of view within the Party of late, and it is our desire to obtain advice and ideas from as many varied sources as possible. Institutional Orthodoxy is comforting, but it also leads to stagnation, and we would like our Empire to become a vibrant and multi-facetted place for our people to dwell in." She squashed the idea that factions would have independent policy powers within the National Assembly, but said if the Chamber of Deputies were to represent the ideas and the cries of her People, it should represent all of them, and not just those who fall in line with the Institutional Party's political agenda.

"We will leave it to our Chancellor to propose new rules under which the Institutional Party may entertain and accommodate heterodoxy within its ranks and within its legislative representation," said the Empress. "But it is our desire that they should begin doing so as soon as is practical, to better serve this Empire and to better represent our people to us. Our Chancellor has already discussed some preliminary ideas with us, and we will take it all into consideration before we approve a plan of her design."

The Empress also expressed her desire that philosophy become part of the cannon of education starting in grade 7, but did so in a way that would shock many reformers. "As soon as our children may be exposed to different ideas about eternal concepts like ethics, beauty, politics, logic and rhetoric and understanding of our place in the world and in the universe, we shall begin to introduce them to these valuable and socially reinforcing ideas. It is our desire to expose our children to systematic ways of not only thinking about things, but questioning things that are in place, as they are. Not everything needs to be deconstructed and analyzed--We are not advocating for the sort of moral nihilism or totalitarian ethical subjectivism you find in most postmodern liberal societies, where they argue over the definitions of words in an attempt to win debates and assert dominance--but we would like to have our students and young people have access to the tools to do that for the systems of thought and action that no longer serve our nation or our people."

After what seemed like a statement in support of the modern notion of efficiency and liberal education if not liberal ideology, in the very next breath the Empress immediately undermined the dreams of thousands of liberals in Kalistan with a restatement of her own ultraconservative world view. "And to demonstrate our commitment to this project, we would even welcome an analysis of our own Imperial regime, and believe that, if measured by objective, rather than foreign, often liberal titled, criteria, we can certainly stand up our system against anything devised by liberals anywhere in the world and come out favorably in comparison. But we can not do that well, as a people, unless we have the tools already inculcated from a young age, to resist liberal propaganda and judge things on an even, morally neutral, and ethically objective ground. Our goal is to provide the method of philosophic inquiry to steel our people against the perniciousness of liberalism and its attempts to encroach upon our national identity with its corrosive ideology aimed at undermining traditional social, economic and political organization."

While some sections of Her Imperial Majesty's 45 minute address to the National Assembly were warmly greeted by reformers and caused palpitations among Orthodox Intstitutionalists, other parts were gratefully welcomed by conservatives, who breathed a sigh of relief to learn that if a hint of liberalization was inevitable, at the very least it would be more than offset by strict and formal conservative education for at least the next generation, so that, though people may have the option to select centrist and leftist Deputies to represent them, they will be less likely to select that option over the conservative option. Some deputies praised the balance struck by the Empress. "She is a mere 22 years old," said conservative deputy Veronica Jennings, from Python, "yet she talks like Empresses of old. It is really very comforting, and I will certainly sleep better tonight." Meanwhile, Deputy Wallace Holmes, who is part of the Socialist Club movement in Kaliburg and who was elected in last year's general election from Ananto stated, "There's a glimmer of hope here that socialists can actually openly caucus together and really influence the agenda. It's small but its not insignificant and we thank the Empress for the grace and poise, and I will add, wisdom, that she presented from the Rostrum today. Her program is certainly one we can get behind."

Her Imperial Majesty's address was also widely praised in the Press, who all said she spoke clearly, eruditely, and eloquently. One open skeptic, Shauna Fernandez of Radio Kaliburg, even has some qualified praise for the Empress. "Look, I am no fan of the Empire. You all know that. I think the sooner it goes out, the better off we will all be. And of course, she's going to speak well. I mean, that's like the basic. She's from the best family, she has more money than most developing nations, she goes to the best schools and she speaks a half a dozen languages. I would be surprised, frankly if she went out there and used less multi-syllabic words and spoke to people on a 3rd grade level, the way our newscasters do. But--and this is a qualification-- she did give some people something to cheer for. She has a positive vision which she communicated well, something to get our country moving again, and for that, I have to give her two... no... three snaps, in a circle."

The Chancellor is expected to formalize her cabinet proposal by the end of this month and present it to the Empress.

@TheRepublic

[Doc]

Kalistan Experiences the end of an Era
Princess of the Empire Mary Ananto-DeLaurentis dies in Eveari
Eveari, Grand Duchy of Ananto
March 30, 5696


Mary Ananto-DeLaurentis in Eveari last summer (left), and Mary and her sister Margaret planting trees in Odufaray in 5636

Kalistan mourns the loss of Princess of the Empire Mary Natalia Ananto-DeLaurentis today. The late Princess was found unresponsive in her home in Eveari a day ago and was declared dead after being rushed to Eveari Memorial Hospital at 10:36 pm Eveari time last night. She was 85 years old. The cause of death has been officially ruled as heart failure, but doctors have noted that she suffered from cardiac arrhythmia and heart failure from the effects of prolonged opium usage, and doctors said that she had recently tried to stop taking the narcotic with more or less success. Doctors definitely ruled out overdose. "At the time of death, a blood test as part of the autopsy revealed that the Princess of the Empire had a lower than her baseline amount of opioid metabolites. In fact, her heart failure may have been catalyzed by her decreased opium usage in the days leading to her death," said Eveari Chief medical examiner Dr. Candace Knight. The Princess was not in any other way injured.

The Princess was born Mary-Elizabeth Natalia Ananto-DeLaurentis to Fredrick III Ananto and Monica Ananto-DeLaurentis in Kaliburg in 5610. An early event in her life was the destruction of her family's home due to gas attacks launched during the Artanian War rendering Wilson House uninhabitable. Her earliest memories were from Cliff House on the western slopes of Wilson Hill in southwestern Kaliburg.

Growing up, the Princess was very introverted and shy, and preferred to spend nearly all of her time in nature, where she loved to hike alone and learn about trees and plants. Her sister once described her as a hippie who preferred trees to people. Mary especially took an interest in the endangered Kalistani Redwood, the giant conifer that used to blanket the North Facing Slopes of Ananto, Vrassa, and some of Odufaray, but was, by the 5630s, only protected in a small grove East of Eveari, some small groves in Northeast Vrassa and in the northern tip of the Dragon Hills in Odufaray. Mary was part of the last generation to have had the opportunity to personally know Carolina I Ananto, where she spent many hours as a teenager visiting with her grandmother at the Ananto Estate in Eveari and wandering the forests directly adjacent to the Estate, which she eventually purchased so she could have a grove for her own solitude and protection.

When she went into National Service, the Princess learned forestry and tree planting, and after national service, became the Redwood's largest supporter. In 5633, soon after being crowned Empress of Ananto and Kalistan, she set as a personal life's mission the planting of 10 million new Redwood saplings, with help from volunteers from across the nation. Over the next fifty years, her replanting program more than surpassed that number and now approaches six times that many trees planted in the more than 65 years since the program as begun. She said the restoration of Kalistan's forests, while she knew she would not live to see it, was one of her proudest achievements throughout her entire lifetime.

Mary also saw an initially tumultuous reign when she rose to the throne, taking over for her father who died in a plane crash in the mountains between Odufaray and Nevaras at an early age. "I never went to college," said Mary in an interview after retiring. "I wanted to make it so my sister, who was always far more intelligent than I could go for as long as she possibly could, because it only seemed right that one of us should get education. I went to work right after I got out of national service, much like my grand daughter will sadly have to do."

Mary said numerous times throughout her life that she had always admired and tried to promote her little sister, born Margaret-Carolina Nicolette Ananto-DeLaurentis, who was three years younger than her, and who preceded her in death in 5680 after losing a five year long battle with ALS. "Oh yeah, she was my hero," said Mary. "She was always so pretty and so smart and so put together: She liked people and she had this old soul and she loved football. And I was always so grateful that she put up with me for so long. I am so happy to have got to be her big sister and to have her by my side for all these years. I miss Meg, so much every day. But I know also she's not in any pain anymore, so that is also a good thing." She and Margaret became inseparable as adults, with Mary visiting her in Dulnerstaad frequently after retirement and even promoting her to the director of IBSI position and then making that position part of the Government so Margaret could help govern the foreign policy and security of the State.

Mary had many other major accomplishments. She was known for her uncompromising Nationalism and he deep-seated hatred of fascism in the world, to the point where she ordered Kalistani militia to Kundrati as part of the last set of offensives against the Kundrati Legion. She patronized Kalistani music and culture, and with the help of her mother, was largely responsible for promotion of the fine arts across the Empire. Another project of hers, what she called the "Glittering Empire" saw major beautifucation efforts in Kalistan's cities, the acquisition of uncounted gemstones, the promotion of conspicuous opulence and the movement of aesthetic conservatism and beauty to the front of Kalistani fashion and culture.

Mary also famously purchased more than a thousand acres of land in Athosia and became the first sitting Kalistani Monarch to take residence in the Duchy since the 1800s. She was also instrumental in helping the kingdom of Baltusia appoint an Alvarez as King, witnessed the formation of AYIC in Kalistan, greatly strengthened personal ties with the Monarchy in Hutori and the Republic of Valruzia, and was the first Ananto to be valued at more than 1 Trillion Imperial Rubles. Following her reign, she oversaw the transfer of the Hulanevek Diamond to Hutori, where it remains today, as the family believes it to be cursed. Her reign was consequential, conservative, and for the most part clean, and her shadow has loomed over the Empire since her abdication, both during the truncated reign of her son Fredrick IV Ananto and daughter in law Jennifer I Ananto, and then her Grand Daughter, the current reigning monarch Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Carolina II Ananto.

Her Highness has been interred in the Ananto family Mausoleum in Eveari. A private memorial service for the late Empress will be held at Eveari Brethrenist Meeting House, where she was a Convinced Friend over the last few decades. The Service will be for her remaining family members, her friends in Eveari and members of the Eveari Meeting. She is survived by her commonlaw wife Lady Victoria Jensen, also 85, her daughter, the Princess of the Empire Nicolette Ananto-Collins, and her grand daughter, Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Carolina II Ananto. She was preceeded in death by both her parents, Emperor Fredrick III Ananto and Monica Ananto-DeLaurentis, her sister, the Princess Margaret Ananto-DeLaurentis, her former husband Count Martin Collins of Sulari, Her son, Emperor Fredrick IV Ananto and her daughter in law, Empress Jennifer I Ananto, and her two grand sons, William-David Martin Ananto-Connor, who was Crown Prince, and the Minor Prince Mark-Henry Joseph Ananto-Connor.

Condolences and best wishes may be sent to House Ananto in Kaliburg.

@TheRepublic

[Doc]

Chancellor announces formalization of Institutional Party rule on Caucuses
"I think that we have quite enough pluralism in this country," says Chancellor
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
June 2, 5696


Lady Ericka Donahue answers questions following contentious Caucus Vote

The Institutional Party has agreed to permit the formation of three identified caucuses within the Party. "This represents a major change in the direction of our Party, and could possibly open the door for more democracy to creep its way in through the cracks," said Lady Ericka Donahue, who is not only the Chancellor of the Empire, but also the Institutional Party's Chairperson. While there is significantly more democracy within the Institutional Party than in the National Assembly, the Party has frequently accepted dictation from the Party's Chair. In this instance, however, the adoption of the caucus rule within the Institutional Party is over the Chancellor's objections. Donahue, who is known for her staunchly orthodox positions within the Institutional Party and her often vocal commitment to single Party government argued that the rule as stated could undermine unified leadership and make it more difficult for the National Assembly to do its only job, which is turn Imperial Fiat into National Policy.

"Well, there is some pressure for the Party to innovate," said the Chancellor, "and this particular effort got a major assist by the Empress, but as I took it, she meant that we should encourage different viewpoints within the National Assembly, not within our own Party." She attributes the movement to permit caucuses within the Party to "a handful of rogue moderates who believe democracy is a good thing, and it is something that should be increased rather than decreased." The Chancellor lamented the ideological heterodoxy within the Institutional Party, given a recent law that was passed to allow for Deputies to identify their factional alignments, and her new Government proposal that contains open moderates alongside traditional Nationalists, and even a person who identifies as a socialist. "I think that we have quite enough pluralism in this country," she scoffed to reporters. "For that we have our Empress to thank."

The Chancellor dismissed questions about if this vote signifies that she has lost control of her Party, and said she is not worried about losing her position as Chairwoman for the Institutional Party. "I serve at the pleasure of the Empress," said Lady Donahue. "If she is not pleased with me, she may dismiss me for any or no reason at all. I have always understood, that my tenure is until she tells me otherwise. That's not really the issue." The real problem, said Lady Donahue is that now she will need to put up with organized factions endlessly debating over minutia, rather than solving problems. "Very quickly this will lead to gridlock and the sort of endless procedural nonsense that democracies are so well known for," she said. "Especially if factions are not willing to work together. Soon there will be fighting over who has what offices, who sits where in the Chamber. Democracy is such a horrible idea, on every single level. And here we are, embracing it. Have we learned nothing from just looking at the democracies around us? They are procedurally all ridiculous circuses. And we want to be like that?"

The measures, which provide Institutional Acknowledgement of the Nationalist Caucus, the Moderate Caucus and the Socialist Caucus, have also reaffirmed their support for the Single Party Law. "It is clear that on 90% of all issues, we will agree with one another," said new Moderate Caucus leader Ryan Ansel, a member of the National Central Committee of the Institutional Party. "On the core policies of support for the Crown, international neutrality, and all the other major issues, we are all right there. We wouldn't be Institutionalists if we didn't support those things. But the Socialists may, and actually do have different priorities than I do, and why shouldn't they be able to organize to perhaps soften the nationalist bent of the hard right wing? Kalistan is so much more than just the orthodox Institutional Party Line on everything."

The measure to permit formal caucuses was amended before it was passed to provide for only recognized caucuses within the Party. "Obviously there will never be a liberal caucus," said Ansel, "or a fascist caucus. But there is room for other caucuses who want to represent specific viewpoints that aren't covered by the main three here. The Institutional Party needs to be more inclusive if we, among the non-orthodox, are ever going to get to see our candidates make it onto the ballot and into the Legislature." The Chancellor, as well as much of the Party's leadership, voted against the resolution in the Party meeting, and found their position being outvoted 260-147.

The vote is significant because the Party itself approves all candidate slates for elections, and since most Deputies run unopposed, the Party's choice is almost always the winner of the elections (a few independents who did not initially threaten the Party's candidate have historically made it onto the ballot, but on at least three occasions, the independent squeaked out a win over the Institutionalist and were seated in the Chamber of Deputies.) This new Caucus rule will not only provide a greater measure of internal democracy in the Institutional Party on policy questions and direction, but also requires the National Leadership to place at least two names, from different caucuses if possible, from their respective constituencies on all ballots across Kalistan Proper. The exception of Ananto was made in the rule, and the only place pluralist elections will be held is in Kaliburg-Port Davon Free City.

@TheNational

[Doc]

Alice Bjorksdattir makes appearance at Kaliburg Summer Society Gala
Celebration of Empress' Birthday is Social event of the Summer
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
July 27, 5696


Her Imperial Majesty often is accompanied by Bjorksdattir at formal Society Events

The talk of the Social scene in the Capitol is the very public friendship between Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Carolina II Ananto and Kalistani supermodel Alice Bjorksdattir. The Dynamic Duo were spotted again hanging out together at the Kaliburg Summer Society Gala, which was the most prestigious Society event of the summer. The Gala also happened to coincide with Her Imperial Majesty's 23rd Birthday on July 23, making the event far more important for mavens to try to get a very exclusive ticket.

"Alice Bjorksdattir and the Empress appear to be having a lot of fun together in social settings," said society columnist François L'Étoile, who writes about society gossip and fashion in Kaliburg. "One of the best things about being in the press is you occasionally get to be a fly on the wall at events like this, and so often you don't know where to look. Here's a Duke here, here's a Dame there, oh look, here's the worlds most famous supermodel. Oh look there's the Empress... You know... sometimes you don't even know where to focus, it's all about who is talking to who, who is avoiding who, and most importantly, why?"

The birthday celebration, which featured singing, a cutting of a Birthday cake and a champagne toast to Her Imperial Majesty's Health, was attended by many prestigious members of the Kalistani peerage, as well as social scene movers and shakers. "Oddly enough, we did not see any musicians at this Gala, which is different from most years," said L'Étoile. "But I really don't know if you'd notice them anyway. Not with those two ladies just megawatting the entire room..." Also absent was Her Highness, the Princess of the Empire Nicolette Ananto-Collins who was in Luxon this summer surfing.

His Majesty, the Minor King William XVII of Hutori did make an appearance, because Her Imperial Majesty wanted to introduce the 16 year-old Hutorian Monarch to Kaliburg Society. "That was a treat, to see the Hutorian King come to the Gala," said L'Étoile. "He takes to it naturally, and stayed for cake and champagne, and after chatting with a few of Kaliburg's Society women, who thought he was just adorable, and some of the young nobles from Kalistan who were just a few years older than him, he made his exit and returned back to Cliff House."

L'Étoile noted that the two young women were inseparable the entire evening, getting drinks for one another, dancing together, and meeting Kaliburg's glitterati together. "Wouldn't it be fun if they were like secretly in love?" said L'Étoile with a giggle. "But no, that's all fan fiction stuff meant for the weirdest corners of the internet. Luckily for Kalistan's men, these two ladies are both very single and very straight. No, this is just a wonderful friendship that these two beautiful people have built. The Empress is kind of a very conservative and quiet book worm and Bjorksdattir brings out the social side of her, while Bjorksdattir is this bubbly extroverted fun girl and no doubt the Empress encourages moderation in her behavior, at least when they are out together. They're kind of opposites in a lot of ways, and I think this is what they find so interesting in one another." Bjorksdattir has been linked to several actors and musicians over the last couple years, but none of her relationships lasted more than a few months. Her Imperial Majesty's dating life is more or less non-existent.

It would not have been a proper event without some entertainment. This year, part of the travelling company of the National Theater came to the Gala and performed a collection of comedic and pastoral sonnets by the Kalistani Brethrenist poet and playwright Alexander Bufford. "It was a very wonderful performance," said L'Étoile. "The Narrator read the sonnet as two, three or four of the actors of the company performed them in silence. The funny ones often involved light physical humor, but the pastoral ones focused on themes of family, and romantic love, as well as the Brethrenist virtues of simplicity, equality, peace, honesty, and stewardship. It was truly very special and delighted the Empress very much." The performance was organized by Dame Natalie Ryan-Kirk, who was also the Gala's host, and herself a major patron of the National Theater.

Events like the Summer Society Gala reinforce the social hierarchy in Kalistan. For the upper crust, they are the opportunity to reconnect with others of their class and be seen, by each other, for sure, but also by the lower classes. Being disinvited to social events like this is not the same as declining an invitation. If a person were ever disinvited, they have committed some sort of serious faux pas and violated the social order somehow. Most people will never attend one of these events, and yet many follow them like they watch soap operas and scripted nightly dramas.

"Let me tell you, if you are here, its because you belong here. If you aren't here you dream of being here" said L'Étoile. "Some people will always be invited--The Royal Family making an appearance always boosts the prestige of any social event. They can't go to every one every time, so when they do show up it is always something for the fashion and gossip papers. There is a very rigid hierarchy within this high society, very rigid. And the Empress is always on top of it. And being seen with the Empress moves you up the ladder."

@LaModa

[Doc]

Kalistani Linen takes Center Stage
Kalistani Linen Textile Industry reaches 40,000 tons a year
Springfield, Duchy of Odufaray
September 12, 5696


Modern integrated Computerized weaving mills like Spring Fabrics in Springfield help Kalistan keep its people clothed

It is no secret that the textile markets in Kalistan are dominated by natural fibers. During cooler months, wools are almost universally worn to protect agaisnt the cold and damp of Kalistani winters. But during the spring, summer and fall months, you will see more cottons, which are largely imported from Dovani and the southern hemisphere, or hardier more durable rougher weave hemp clothing, especially if you are working.

But the star of every Kalistani summer wardrobe is linen. Not only is linen fairly ubiquitous between May and September, especially in Ananto and Suldanor, it is also a domestic industry that employs tens of thousands of farmers, millers and weavers across the nation. Annually Kalistan's linen production has topped 40,000 tons of finished fabric per year for the first time this year, and Kalistani mills say they have the capacity for more. "Kalistani Linen is a growth market," says David Greer, of Spring Fabrics, one of the most modern state of the art linen mills in Odufaray, the heart of Kalistani linen production. "More of our own people are buying linen each year as popular tastes refine and the fabric becomes just 'what one wears' in the summer months, but also there is increasing demand for it on the international market which presents opportunities for entrepreneurs like me to sell globally."

Kalistan cultivates about 2 million acres of flax annually, with about two thirds of that acreage in Odufaray and another third in the Central Valley in Nevaras. The flax plant itself produces both fibers for linen and seeds which are converted to oils to contribute to biodiesel and cooking industries. The plants are first sewn in March after the frost is out across Kalistan Proper, and is harvested in July. By September each year, the flax is ready for milling, spinning and weaving. From there, the finished textile goes out to fashion manufacturers for sewing.

Industrial sized flax farms produce most cloth, but farmers also produce flax on a small level for local weavers

"Most people love the lightweight feel and texture of the cloth," said fashion writer Allen Morrison. "While you aren't going to ever see couture linen, it outcompetes more expensive cotton for dress shirts, as well as casuals and just clothes to wear around the home and out on errands. You can wear it anywhere and fit in: it has a classy, slack look that can't be beat and always signals that someone is either ready to lounge at home, or go out for drinks and dancing, or head to the beach to sunbathe, surf or watch people. Linen is comfortable, breathable and lightweight, and has the unique property of getting softer as it is broken in, which means that it is durable and it is held onto. Many people who buy linen swear by it. And almost nobody wears synthetic fiber in Kalistan unless we are talking about wetsuits or bikinis--We don't have the oil industry to support that. So linen is the go to choice of tens of millions of Kalistanis every year."

Casual dailywear is not the only thing made of linen: Both mens' and womens' suits are also made out of the natural fabric. "You know you've hit the warm weather when the linen suits and skirts come out," said Morrison. "People are often very reluctant to wear wool after a certain time because linen just feels so much lighter and comfortable, and it is certainly softer against the skin. And it looks as sharp as any expensive silk suit you will see." Morrison explained that linen is not only found in both formal and casual clothing, but is also in Kalistani upholstery, drapery, bedsheets, table cloths, and multiple other uses in both artistry and industry.

Not to mention, it is less expensive for everyone. "We produce a lot of linen in this country," said Greer at Spring Fabrics, "and it is certainly the most affordable of all fabrics, even edging out wool because of the cost of production is so inexpensive. It doesn't require irrigation, or hardly any chemicals to grow or process; anyone can grow it in their back yard, and we source flax from all over Odufaray, from large scale operations and small. And every part of the plant has some use, even if its just silage. It's almost completely ecologically neutral and really only requires water to mill. It is completely biodegradable, does not destroy the soil, and is easy to grow, harvest and process. It's an amazing plant."

Alice Bjorksdattir models her Linen outfit from Del Valle Casuals

As Kalistanis prepare to bring out their heavier cottons and wools this winter, most of them look forward to the spring when the linens can come back out. Meanwhile, the Kalistani linen mills are just firing back up now, getting ready to turn another year's harvest into more than 40,000 tons of linen once more. They will process the flax fibers over the next year, slow down production in August and then start the cycle once more. "We expect next year's production run will be larger than this years," said Greer. "We are already getting orders from around the world for our linen, and we still have to meet growing domestic demand first. So, we will stay busy, which is something the workers love to hear." He smiled broadly as he looked out across the mechanical computerized looms. "And our investors."

@LaModa

[Doc]

Empress visits Luncasi and tours base
"We seek to build connections to the people of Kiezenia," said Empress
Luncasi, Tripartite Kingdom
November 15, 5696


Her Imperial Majesty speaks with Maj Gen James Howard, CO of Luncasi Naval Logistics Center during visit to Kizenia

Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Carolina II Ananto flew to Luncasi in Kiezenia, NEKK last week to visit the base and review progress on the Luncasi Commercial Port. She was accompanied on the trip by Her Imperial Majesty's new Defense Minister Nav Cmdr. Jane Smith, as a representative of Her Imperial Majesty's Government. Lady Ericka Donahue could not make the trip, as she is in budget talks. While on base the Empress spoke with the commanding officer of the bases' permanent contingent, Marine Maj. General James Howard, about operational needs and ways to increase engagement with and through the Kalistani expat community located at Luncasi. She sees the base not only as a service port to the elements of the Imperial First Regular Fleet who are stationed there, but also as a doorway for shared values and cultural diffusion.

"The Kalistanis who live in Luncasi make up an important part of the population of the Free City," she said in a speech in a speech to not only the Marines and Sailors who were previously inspected, but also to tens of thousands of citizens from Luncasi who came out to hear the Empress speak, both Kizenian as well as members of the Kalistani expatriate community. "They retain nationality in both the Empire and in Kizenia--they have lived here, worked here, and died here for generations and as such have a foot in both nations. They are true cosmopolitans, and we should do whatever we possibly can to strengthen that spirit while also strengthening ties with the home country as well. Our friendship and cooperation stretches back generations, and we are about to begin a new chapter in that relationship."

The Empress conducted a command wide inspection of all facilities, operations and personnel over the course of a week while on base, and met with local civic leaders and civil engineers to view the progress on the Luncasi Commercial Port, which is being constructed about a mile east of the Logistics Center. "We are pleased with the progress our builders are making to the port, and are happy to announce that construction is on-schedule to be completed in two years," said Her Imperial Majesty. "The main work of deepening and widening the old channel east of the River here in town has been completed, the foundations of the dockyard is laid in and the work remaining over '97 and '98 is to bring the facilities online. The Port's rail head is connected to the nation's railroad infrastructure, and this has been a godsend with regard to moving building material and supplies into the Port yard to speed construction. We expect to hand the fully completed commercial port over to the Free City of Luncasi in early 5699, in time for the season to begin, and meanwhile, Kalistani port operators will be working with Kizenian longshoremen to train on the new fully modernized and computerized equipment."

The Empress said she was very proud of the cooperation between Kalistanis and Kizenians living in the Free City. "We have far more in common than we have different," she said. "We may speak different languages, but as a matter of fact, we know the concepts of hard work, of that feeling of accomplishment, and of friendship and comradery radiates above the language barrier. Luncasi is a significant outpost for Kalistanis living abroad, who came here for business or family, or whatever reason, but on this foundation we have been able to build ties with the larger community of the Kizenia's Southern Coast in both Luncasi and to a smaller extent, in Delatbor as well. The building of this port by our two people will improve the economy for more than a quarter of a million people in the region and we should all be very proud of this accomplishment."

Kalistan's lease for the Luncasi Naval Logistics Center continues for the next 23 years, so during this time the Empress said would like to use the base to foster deeper cultural interaction between Kalistanis and Kizenians in the Free City of Luncasi. "We have communicated our desire to Major General Howard that the base will house a number of cultural facilities that are open to the citizens of Luncasi as well as Kalistani regulars who are stationed on base," said the Empress. "We are working with Kalistani expatriates to develop a new Cultural complex which features a Kalistani-Kizenian Friendship center, that will include meeting rooms for comparative cultural classes, language learning, especially for our Regular Marines and Sailors, and social spaces where Kalistanis and Kizenians can meet and mingle." The Complex will also feature a new auditorium for plays and concerts, as well as a new post exchange that will feature items from both our nations, so that both Kalistanis and Kizenians may be exposed to the elements of soft culture including food, music, fashion, and literature. "Last but certainly, not least," added Her Imperial Majesty, "it will also host a radio station affiliated with KRTVN which will produce programming for both Kalistani and Kizenian listeners. All these efforts will be made with the desire to more fully integrating with our hosts in Luncasi, and bringing a more cosmopolitan flavor to the town as a result of repeated interaction between our two people." The Empress also noted that the Egelians would be welcomed to participate, given their expansion of culture throughout northern Kizenia and New Endralon, and she would also like Dolgavan influences to be celebrated as well.

"The future of Luncasi," said the Empress as she finished her speech, "even more so than Deltabor, is one which merges Kalistani and Kizenian into a new, and fused culture. The goal, of course, is that the City's cosmopolitan makeup, which consists primarily of Kizenian and Kalistani parts with admixtures from other nations in Keris, will represent a truly international city, where all people from around the world are welcomed to come and see everything our region is and can become. It is wonderful to be a part of this journey and as a promise we make, this will not be our last visit to Luncasi. We will come back regularly, to encourage progress and to celebrate Luncasi's truly unique culture here in Southern Kizenia."

The Empress' very forward leaning and optimistic speech was very welcomed by the crowd of some 25,000 Kalistani expatriates living in Luncasi who attended, despite the cold and damp of the day. Her Imperial Majesty, in all, spent a week on base and travelling around Lucasi, meeting with the Kizenian Lord Mayor of the Free City, important members of the city's government , and regional business leaders who told her what the opening of the Commercial Port would do for business, not only in Luncasi, but also across the region. Kalistan has invested hundreds of millions of Imperial Rubles into the development of both the Naval Logistics center, as well as the construction of the Commercial Port, and businesses suggested that the Commercial Port could earn Kizenia as much as ₭150 Million annually in cargo handling fees alone, as it will represent the first major port along Kizenia's southern coast and a major conduit for Anantonese trade into and out of Keris.

@TheRepublic

[Doc]

Lady Ericka Donahue announces her intention to retire in 5701
"28 years is long enough" said long serving Chancellor
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
January 30, 5697


Lady Erica Donahue, who will turn 50 this year reflects on her tenure in office

"Well, I've been in this office now since 5673," said Chancellor of the Empire, Lady Ericka Donahue, who announced that her retirement is set for February 1 5701, immediately after the next regular elections. "I think I will have given 28 years of service to the Monarchy and to the Empire, and it is time for me to return to Eshar." The news was created a minor earthquake in the Kalistani political press as speculation began immediately around who would replace the Chancellor. Many attribute the Chancellor's desire to retire to the fact that she has been unable to overturn the caucus rule in the Institutional Party, and has decided to step down rather than work with moderates and socialists within the Institutional Party of Kalistan. She, for her part denies that and says she has served long enough. "Retirement age for the working classes is 55 years of age in Kalistan. I think working up until 54 will get me close enough," she said.

"Lady Donahue has certainly made a significant mark on Kalistani Politics," said Dr Jay Marques, of the University of Vrassa's Political Science Department. "Starting out as a political theorist, she is a staunch nationalist, and is certainly more of one now than she was when she became Chancellor. She is certainly more politically reactionary than she was before taking office, and that's saying quite a bit." She was initially appointed by Emperor Fredrick IV Ananto and Empress Jennifer I Ananto as an internationalist, but her nationalist bent quickly emerged and contributed to the Emperor and Empress' abandonment of Internationalism in their foreign policy. She was also a fierce critic of communism, at least as vocal an opponent of Metzism as she is of fascism, and is often quoted as saying they are essentially two sides of the same bad cent coin.

"Well, I have always endeavored to encourage the Sovereigns, be it the Emperor and Empress, or the Lady Regent, of now Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Carolina II Ananto, to take Kalistan's national interests seriously," said Lady Donahue in 5696. "Most nations on this planet would do whatever they possibly can to reduce Kalistan to an invisible state- We know they wish we'd just go away. So it is incumbent on Kalistanis to push our interests to the forefront of every single discussion we are even tangentially related to. Nobody else will, and if we don't keep Kalistan centered in all conversations, nations of this world have demonstrated time and time again that they are more than happy to walk all over us and do whatever they want as if we weren't even there."

This very aggressive promotion of Kalistan's national interests earned Lady Donahue a reputation for unwillingness to compromise on any point relating to Kalistan's interests. "Nobody else is required to compromise, so Kalistan should not be either," she said. "And for us in Kalistan, our nation is the most important nation. Others may not see it that way--I wouldn't expect them to. But they don't live here. The classical realist knows that nobody can be counted on to defend you from others: The strong do as they will and the weak suffer what they must. I have fought my entire career to ensure that Kalistan is not a nation that needs to put up with other countries' disrespect and disregard for our nation's sovereignty."

In many ways, the Chancellor's hard nosed attitude has not won Kalistan many friends, says Professor Marques. She has, in the last few years, stepped back from international affairs to allow more moderate members of the Government to be the international voice and face of Her Imperial Majesty. The people who do so, she has made clear, are occasionally irritating to her. Marques points at Sir Thomas Harney, who, despite his positive work relationship, is known to be personally loathed by Lady Donahue. And yet, Lady Donahue is nothing if she is not a person who does as she is commanded--The Chancellor makes it a point of personal pride that she religiously performs her duty to the Empress and to the Empire.

"Look: People, individuals... they are a dime a dozen," Chancellor of the Empire Donahue said. "We make more people every single day. Humans do it without even trying... But individual dreams, desires, wants, ambitions, etc... First of all, when they run contrary to the needs and benefits of society, you gotta make a choice. I could promote my own interests, or I could fight for what is good for my society. When I fight for my own dreams and win, I may win for myself, while countless others may suffer. When I fight for what's good for our society, even when I have to put my own individualistic goals on the back burner... then everyone, including me, wins. I get something out of it either way, but the question is: do I help or harm society? And harming society is harming the only thing that allows me to pursue my own individual dreams and goals in the first place, so this hyper individualized culture a lot of liberal nations fetishize like a sexual kink at the expense of what is good for the society is like trying to live your life by cutting your own throat."

Lady Donahue has often done things she was commanded to do though she made it clear that she disagreed with the decision herself. An excellent example was the temporary measures to allow cops to effectively fight organized crime in Sulari at the beginning of this decade. She brought a qualified immunity bill to the floor in the National Assembly, and when it was clear that it could pass without her vote, she publicly voted against her own proposal, because she said it was her duty to put the question before the Assembly, and having done so, discharged her duty and was free to vote her conscience. The bill passed, and the Undzer Shtik mob was decapitated by often brutal police tactics that would have, under a number of other circumstances, violated civil liberties and due process, but when the mob war had largely ended, the Chancellor was front and center to roll back the police powers. She has said repeatedly that she was proud of both votes.

Though she still has four years left before retirement, she was asked what she thinks her legacy will be. "I can hold my head up and say I governed with integrity and with a sense of duty," she said as she began writing her own political epitaph. "I did not compromise my own beliefs or morals, I carried out their Imperial Majesty's fiat to the best of my ability, and I was not corrupt. I think this is a reasonable ask from our government. I spent my time making life better for our Empire and Her Imperial Majesty's Citizens."

She also joked a little with reporters, "And I think both I, and Kalistan, can pat ourselves on the back. It would appear that even Trigunia has taken a hint and could soon elect a Tsarina named Carolina if their news sources are to be believed. Maybe in tribute? I am sure the Empress would be very flattered, if that was the case. I think she is about seven years older than Her Imperial Majesty, so there is that. I almost wish that Trigunia would go a step further and actually empower their version even half as much as Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Carolina II Ananto, but they are unfortunately stymied by their regrettable obsession for formal democracy up there, so I don't think the people of Trigunia will ever be so lucky.

"But, far more seriously, we are also seeing the rise of conservative movements in other places in the globe, and this is very promising. I know anything can happen. We live in a world where the most random political things happen on a daily basis. But I am very optimistic about the direction this world is headed. Away from liberalism and its accompanying chaos, which some countries seem to wallow in, and toward more sanity, stability and peace. So I feel confident about handing the Chancellorship off to someone younger who can take Her Imperial Majesty's Government into the next era. Our nation is more peaceful, more stable and more prosperous than when I was appointed Chancellor, and that is a success far greater than any election or string of formal but completely meaningless elections ever could be."

The Chancellor still has four more years left, but will not stand for re-election in 5701, and instead intends to return home to her manor home in rural Vrassa County, just outside of Eshar. "I will be able to be just the Countess of Vrassa then, and spend my days with my husband, and maybe write a book. And that is comparatively a much easier job than being the Chancellor of the Empire," she said. She says she has no opinion on who should replace her. "Hopefully it is a member of the intellectual class in this society, who knows what is at stake when it comes to the promotion and defense of our National Interest, and one who can therefore serve the Empress in the best way possible," she said. "We'll see- Her Imperial Majesty will select the Chancellor she wants, so it is impossible to say who that would, or even if they are in government yet."

@TheNational

[Doc]

Vanessa Alvarez signed to be official Spokesmodel of Reed Jeweler
Alvarez is "diamond in the rough" says Royal Jeweler
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
January 31, 5698


Alvrez and Jeff Reed in Kaliburg at Winter Fashion Week, last September, before she signed with Kauffman

Reed Jewelers of Kaliburg has announced that they have hired Vanessa Alvarez, 23, of Sulari as their exclusive House model, and have offered her a 5 year contract to model for the company. Alvarez has never done modeling before and Reed is her first contract. Company owner and Royal Jeweler Sir Jeff Reed said Alvarez was a great discovery and is pleased to bring her on board to represent his company. "She's really a diamond in the rough," said Reed. "She was introduced to me by my Sulari Manager, who met her when she came into the store to purchase a pair of stud ear rings. Jessie (the Sulari manager) knew we were looking for a new full time model, and she thought Van would be perfect, so she flew her up to Kaliburg last September and we met at the Fashion Week."

Reed said he would have signed her immediately, except for one problem: Alvarez was not a model. She began working as a mechanic after getting out of National Service, and had no modelling experience at all. "But she is a beautiful girl, and her last name also helps open doors for her that others may not so freely walk through. I knew she would be perfect, but I couldn't do any business with her without her agent. Which she didn't have. So I called up Kauffman (Modelling Agency). Their director of talent acquisition also happened to be in town for Fashion Week, because, where else would he be. And after some arm twisting, and a promise of a contract, he agreed to have the Agency represent her. Poor Van, her head was on a swivel, but we all got all this together for her, and the contract is now finally done, and we've already put her in an ad."

Vanessa Alvarez is, of course, a member of the Alvarez family in Suldanor, and as such, is distantly related to power. "I didn't really grow up that way," she said to Radio Kaliburg earlier this month. "I mean, how many great great greats is it. But of course, that also means that somehow I am also related to Alice Bjorksdattir. But no, my father is a car dealer and my mother is a school teacher. We work for a living, which is why them picking me to be a model is kind of bizarre. It sure pays a lot better than turning a wrench and getting covered in transmission fluid at least once a week. And I get paid to take pictures wearing pretty jewelry, so, it wasn't even a hard choice."

Alvarez is already rapidly growing into a favorite among other models. "She's so unassuming," said Michelle Walters, who models for Casa Gran Cultura in Sulari. "She's this punk rock chick who comes in with this cherry red hair and is like 'this is who I am'. She's definitely got Kelsey Ryan vibes." Bradley Shock, a buyer for Del Valle said "Yeah, she got recruited. Who even does that? Who gets recruited in this business, and by Reed, no less? Van Alvarez does, that's who."

"I think she is a natural in that position," said her agent Grant Wilfing of Kauffman. "She's got this kind of girl next door look about her, if the girl next door played electric guitar in a Noise Alternative band after she got done dropping a transmission in her garage. It's not to say that there's not a model under there. But I think Reed is perfect for her because she's not exactly the most glamorous girly girl, and she's definitely not gonna fill out a Dah wetsuit. She looks great in photos, but I honestly don't think she's ever worn a pair of heels in her life, and putting her on a runway would be a disaster. She knows it, and is glad Reed is the one that made a deal with her. She can put on a ₭65,000 Imperial ruby and diamond necklace and a set of diamond ear rings, and wear jeans and combat boots out of frame and still look fabulous."

This spring Van Alvarez will help Reed market their new line of deeply and richly red Pigeon Bloods, marking the first new batch of Xsampan stones to be retailed in Kaliburg and Sulari in more than a decade. "We have a number of one of a kind pieces that we will be selling," said Reed. "Yes, they will be expensive. Yes, we will also have many more modestly priced pieces also for sale from this recent collection. Of course, our ads with Van will feature the one of a kind pieces. But I do want to say also that these gems were released from House Ananto, which makes them infinitely more precious, and we know our ladies across the Empire will certainly want to acquire more than one of them. So. I would advise our customers, that if you wish to buy these beautiful gems, start saving now for April."

Alvarez is signed with the Jeweler for 5 years and will be the exclusive face of the company during that time. She remains free to work with other companies during this time, but her agent says she wants to gain more experience modelling with Reed before trying to get additional work. "She is very happy with the terms of her Reed deal," said Wilfing. "She says it is a lot of money for almost no work and she would be an idiot to pass up the opportunity."

@LaModa

[Doc]

Empress Shifts focus onto domestic agenda
Approves more than ₭250 million for rural infrastructure
Playa del Paz, Athosia, Baltusia
June 15, 5698


Chancellor Donahue sits with Her Imperial Majesty as Playa de Paz in Athosia

Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Carolina II Ananto, who is on extended residency at Playa de Paz along with her ward, the Minor Hutorian King William XVII, 17, met this week with members of her Government at the Athosian estate to set out an ambitious domestic agenda. The most important meetings were between Her Imperial Majesty and the Chancellor of the Empire, Lady Erica Donahue, who is set to retire in three years, and involved the formation of a large scale strategic investment in infrastructure across Kalistan Proper.

"Her Imperial Majesty has had the opportunity to tour the four Duchies of Kalistan Proper last winter," said the Chancellor, at a brief press conference upon her return to Kaliburg after the visit to Athosia. "She was in the company of her Infrastructure Minister, Mr. Michael Johnson, who was very interested in showing her the poor quality of many of Kalistan's rural roads. On one such outing in rural Vrassa, the jeep she and Mr. Johnson were travelling in actually got stuck in axle deep mud, as if to completely underscore his overall message that many roads often become impassable during the rainy months in winter. The point was adequately made and after they were able to get their vehicle unstuck, she committed to the people of Vrassa that she would give Mr. Johnson the resources he needed to begin remedying the longstanding issues people in rural Kalistan face annually."

The Chancellor added with a smile, "Sometimes all it takes is a first hand experience with consequences to open a person's eyes. The Empress can be forgiven in a sense for not knowing: she has never had to push a stuck vehicle out of two feet deep muck before and now she has." The Chancellor outlines the policies which the Government will begin promulgating starting next week.

"We have been authorized to spend up to ₭250 Million Imperial in this first round of construction," said the Chancellor. "Most of that money will be earmarked for rural transit, including large scale road improvements and paving, ditch clearing, and bridge building. There is also some money for deferred maintenance for existing infrastructure. The Empress will also consider plans for additional high dam construction in Kalistan Proper for the purpose of flood control in the Central Valley and rail service expansion, but these programs are a long way off yet, and will probably be taken up by my successor."

The Chancellor of the Empire said Her Imperial Majesty's Infrastructure Minister is taking the lead on planning on how best to divide the infrastructure money. "Right now, Mr. Johnson has identified rural transportation and connection to the metropoles in each county as the most pressing matter, because improved access to transportation infrastructure has been shown to increase a number of related outcomes, such as rural health and education. We can't do everything all at once, but improved transportation networks will allow up to ease some of the pressure until we can do additional things like building rural clinics and schools. He is also focusing primarily on Vrassa, Odufaray and Nevaras to start with, as their infrastructure needs are more acute than Suldanor's."

The Chancellor says that the Empress plans to remain in Athosia until July 1, after which time she and the Minor King will return to Kaliburg to sit out the heat of the summer. The two had been vacationing in Athosia since May at the royal estate. Her Imperial Majesty has decided that this will be her last vacation until the young Hutorian Monarch hits his Majority and returns to the Northern Kingdom. "His Majesty is finishing the Kalistan part of his formal training as a Monarch and will be taking not only his experience, but Kalistan's perspective on institutionalism back to Hutori with him," said the Chancellor. "He has been an excellent and astute pupil during the last five years since he was taken in by the Anantos, and has been a very eager learner. Not only has he excelled at his formal training, but he has also been very successful in Secondary school, attaining high marks in all his subjects. He will be a true credit to the Hutorian Regime when he returns to Bekenial next year to take his crown and his throne."

The details of the Kalistani Infrastructure program will be formalized by the time Her Imperial Majesty and the young king return to Kaliburg.

@TheRepublic

[Doc]

Empress takes tour of Military facilities across Empire
Orders audit of Regular Air Force
Sulu AFB, Dahriel, Grand Duchy of Ananto
July 10, 5698


Empress and Her Imperial Majesty's Minister of Defense Cmdr. Jane Smith visit Sulu AFB

Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Carolina II Ananto began a comprehensive tour of Kalistan's Military Installations this week after returning from her extended vacation in Athosia in May and June. She was accompanied by her spokeswoman, Lady Renee Houston and Her Imperial Majesty's Minister of Defense, Naval Commander Jane Smith. The two started their tour in Kaliburg, where they visited the Kaliburg National Shipyards, the Port Davon Naval Recruit Training Center, and the Kaliburg Arsenal. They then went to Dahriel to visit Fort Henry Allen and Sulu AFB.

At Sulu AFB, Her Imperial Majesty announced her desire to begin Airforce modernization and redeployment to better adjust to imperatives of Fortress Kalistan. "We would like to see Sulu AFB's role in Ananto expanded," she said. "We rely on the Naval Air Station in Dulnerstaad primarily for early detection and interception, and we would like to dramatically increase the contingent here at Sulu in support of the NAS' role in threat detection and inception." The Empress announced her intention to relocate multiple AWACS units from the Mainland, who are stationed at Fort Bjorn NAS in Eshar to Sulu, along with multiple wings of multipurpose fighter/interceptors. "Dulnerstaad's mission will change from interception to purely early detection, and their will be supported over the Northern Anantonese Ocean from Fort Bjorn and Port Swedes Naval Air Station in Swedeport."

According to Lady Houston, Her Imperial Majesty has also ordered the Regular Airforce to conduct a full audit of Kalistani air assets, both in the Regular Air Force and in Naval Air. "Kalistan certainly has more shore-based air attached to the Navy than to the Air Force, whose primary mission is to conduct operations over land. It is Her Imperial Majesty's desire to increase the size of her Air Force to something closer to parity between the Air Force and the Navy. It is her belief that as other nations increase the sizes of their navies, not only should her Air Force prepare to provide an important second wave of air in and over Kalistan and Ananto, but also to prepare for much heavier air combat over our nation.

"To this end, Her Imperial Majesty felt that it is important that Kalistan take inventory to see what we have, what we need, and how it fits into Fortress Kalistan. We are still awaiting news of potential missile defense technology from Lodamun to complement the missile defense we have on board several of the joint Hutori-Kalistan built frigates known as Bekenial III, but meanwhile, she will also want to beef up air assets, to continue preponderance of force in our immediate neighborhood."

The tour will continue in Bozo River and Dulnerstad, before travelling to Vrassa for a tour of the major installations in Kalistan Proper. Her Imperial Majesty and her Defense Minister also intend to travel to Bentasur Naval Base in Gaduridos to tour the outpost which is home to the 3rd Regular Navy that guards the southern approaches to the Empire. "Her Imperial Majesty also wishes to visit the OTH radar sites on Marlingantos and will meet with Her Excellency, the Viceroy Lady Anantonia Alvarez-Urquizo to talk about Gaduri defense needs. It is possible that during the visit, the Empress will propose the addition of a small naval air contingent to Bentasur--At the moment, there is no Kalistani air in Gaduridos, and the Empire relies exclusively on wide ranging naval patrols in the central Anantonese Ocean. Any air contingent would be designed to simply delay until units could be deployed from Kalistan to respond to any threat, but it is also possible that Lady Alvarez may ask Her Imperial Majesty not to station air units in Gaduridos at all, and merely continue presence with the 3rd Fleet."

Lady Houston said that Her Imperial Majesty is pleased with the high level of professionalism in the Regular Force that she has reviewed so far. "These young men and women are among the most highly trained, more efficient fighting forces we have seen so far in this Empire. It is generations of attention to professionalization and technical proficiency that was stressed by Empress Mary, and Emperor Fredrick and Empress Jennifer that is now paying dividends for Kalistan. For what we are, an explicitly non-nuclear fighting force, which focuses on defense rather than the extremely expensive force projection, we are a premier defensive force in this region. Our ancestors who had to merely tolerate with the the incredibly disrespectful impunity of foreign states, would be very proud of what our Empire has accomplished in the way of national and regional defense, and Her Imperial Majesty acknowledges this with talking to the men and women of her Armed Forces."

@TheRepublic