Kalistan

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FM Ontiveros says Bentasur handover on "pause"
Gaduri Navy have not ordered new ships for Navy
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
February 8, 5740


FM Ontiveros speaks to The Republic on Bentasur

His Imperial Majesty's Foreign Minister, Sir Miguel Ontiveros, stated that the process to return Bentasur to the Kingdom of Gaduridos is officially stalled out. "The Handover of Bentasur is now on pause for the time being," said Sir Ontiveros. "We were making progress and have completed two Frigates and three corvettes, but the Government of Gaduridos neither appears to be building any ships at Puerto de Gaduri, nor has ordered any new ships through the Kalistani procurement program, and until the Gaduri Navy is stood up, we cannot reduce our own foot print in the region."

The Foreign Minister said the plan was always to work on Gaduridos' schedule. "When we went into talks around Bentasur, they were understandably hesitant about whether or not they would be able to take on the financial cost of building and maintaining their own Navy," said Ontiveros. "There was a lot of excitement around Bentasur, but the area remains of high strategic importance to His Imperial Majesty, and the goal was to return sovereignty over the base once Gaduridos was stood up. However long that would take. We still intend to return the base to Gaduridos--that policy has been decided upon. But it will be delayed until Gaduridos is ready to begin taking up its portion of the security responsibilities in the region."

The Foreign Minister did not characterize the delay in negative terms. "No, there is nothing that Gaduridos did or didn't do which is affecting the time table. We have completed about a half a dozen ships for the Gaduri Navy, but we are waiting for Gaduridos to begin building ships of their own and/or ordering more from Kalistan. As it is, these completed ships will simply be incorporated into the 3rd Imperial Fleet at Bentasur and the Gaduri officers and sailors who are currently sailing on Kalistani ships will begin patrolling in these ships. They will sail under the Gaduri Flag, but will be attached to the 3rd Imperial Fleet Command Structure for the time being, until the Gaduri Navy formally takes them over." He also noted that procurement in Kaliburg for the Gaduri Navy will be put on pause until Gaduridos asks it to resume. "These ships are not free, and if they are not to be used, they are just wasted money for the Kingdom of Gaduridos, so it is important that Gaduri sailors begin using them. We are more than willing to continue building ships in Kaliburg, and look forward to Gaduridos joining us in the effort at their facilities in CdG, but won't do so until the Government of Gaduridos requests more ships."

The Foreign Minister said that the base division will continue on schedule. "We still have set a return date of November 12, 5741 as the return date for the Seaward side of Bentasur, also known as East Camp. That transfer remains on schedule. We continue to work with representatives of the Gaduri Ministry of Defense to make sure this transition remains on pace. The fact is, we promised to hand it back over, and even if the docks there only host five ships under Gaduri Flag, there are barracks, offices, and supply depots located there for them to do with as they please." The only thing that is delayed by the pull back by Gaduridos is the transfer of sovereignty over West Camp, or the Kalistani portion of the base. "That phase is on indefinite hold, until Gaduridos stands up its navy." The Foreign Minister suggested that be believed budgetary issues to be the main driver in the delay and expresses hope that those matters are ironed out in Gaduridos sooner, rather than later.

The Nationalist contingent in the National Assembly cheered the delay calling it an act of providence, while the Foreign Minister played off the celebration. "Bentasur is going back, that part is not up for debate. The only question, now, is when. And for the time being we shall remain committed to keeping our word and returning East Camp, while maintaining West Camp now becomes an ongoing concern once more." The Royal Family, currently at Playa de Paz, issued a comment suggesting that His Imperial Majesty, Emperor William II Ananto would prefer West Camp be restored to Gaduridos sooner rather than later, but also acknowledged the obvious security deficit which would be created by a restoration of sovereignty over the full base without corresponding Gaduri step up in security capacity.

@TheRepublic

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Emperor formally names Minor Princess Nicolette Heir
Princess Jennifer designated Regent until Crown Princess reaches Majority
Playa de Paz, Athosia, Baltusia
February 20, 5740


New Crown Princess Nicolette laughs at a joke told by her father the Emperor in Athosia

His Imperial Majesty, Emperor William II Ananto has formally named Her Highness the Minor Princess Nicolette-Mary Ericka Ananto-Leigh as his designated heir, making her one of the youngest Crown Princesses in Kalistani History. The nomination was announced by Her Highness, Princess Jennifer Ananto-Rosenfeld last week. "His Imperial Majesty regretfully knows the history of Male monarchs in our family," said Princess Jennifer. "He therefore feels it is important to begin the Minor Princess' training to replace him sooner rather than later. The first step in this process involves formally naming her his Successor and bestowing on her the title of (Minor) Crown Princess."

The title, according to Lady Jennifer, is a formality at this point. "The Minor Princess is just beginning her earliest civics lessons in Athosia this year--She is only barely 10 years old. She will not be expected to know anything about what her parents do, and yet, the Emperor and Consort will begin letting the Crown Princess come to work to observe the Emperor when school lets out for the summer in May." Meanwhile, according to Lady Jennifer, the succession is settled for the next generation.

"The Emperor feels that I might make a good regent should the Crown Princess need it," said the Princess, who also serves as Head of House Ananto. "My position as regent would, however, need to be confirmed by the National Assembly, as the Chancellor technically names regents with consent of the National Legislature. A regency is the only time that body actually has any real power, and my job would be a seat warmer and enunciator of the Minor Empress' fiat, in that instance, rather than an independent monarch in my own right. So, its usually just a lot of work, with no real independent power. And that's suitable, as I am not qualified to rule this nation on my own."

The Princess said the Minor Princess is excited to begin training in her role as future Empress. "The girl is still very spirited, as kids tend to be, and more than a little hyperactive. I personally think her mother gives her entirely too much sugar. But it is not really my place to dictate how the future Empress is raised. The Minor Princess seems to enjoy a good story and is very imaginative, and enjoys to write plays." The Crown Princess has also recently taken up surfing, and has gotten quite proficient. "My great aunt, and the Princess' namesake Nicolette was once a championship surfer, and I think my niece has taken some inspiration from Princess Nicolette Ananto-Collins. My brother, who was himself once a skateboarder, is encouraging his daughter, despite protests from her mother about the danger of surfing."

The Princess expects it may be a couple decades yet before the Crown Princess accedes to the Opium Throne. "The Emperor is only in his mid 30s. He still has about 20 years before he is expected to retire. This won't keep him from retiring earlier in favor of the Crown Princess, but if all goes as expected, he may be a grandfather before he is Prince of the Empire." The Princess also said that before anything, the next milestone the Minor Crown Princess has to look forward to is her society debut at 16. "Again, its a long time off. We only permitted her photo to be published after careful consultation with her parents, and only because she was named Crown Princess so early." The Princess says it is not customary to permit photos of minor Princelings to be published before their society debut simply because the Royal Family requests privacy for the children to grow up outside the media circus. "The Princelings are not public figures, and they are entitled to an expectation of privacy as any citizen is who is not under the public spotlight."

But, the Princess said, "When the Emperor informed the Minor Princess that she would be in the newspaper, the Minor Princess was very excited, saying that she planned to frame the news article." Princess Jennifer feels that this will certainly not be her last photo in the news paper, but "that is hard for the kid to understand... She is going to eventually become the most photographed woman in the entire world. But not for a few more years."

@TheRepublic

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Luxon Surfer Heidi Richards appears poised to dominate
24-year old said to be most promising surfer of her generation
Luxon, Grand Duchy of Ananto
May 30, 5740


Heidi Richards on Crusher Bank in late April, and at Sunset Beach this May

The 24 year old Luxon native, Ms. Heidi Richards, has formally entered the 5740 as the odds on favorite to win the Luxon Swell Invitational. The young daredevil took first place over at at the Dana Open in Suldanor and has already won two smaller surfing completions in Sulari and Port Treacle. Having already secured her spot at the Luxon Swell Invitational, she now faces the first major competition on the Luxon Swell at the Kali Pipeline competition.

"Richards exploded onto the scene late last year," said surf writer Karen Marshall, for La Moda. "While she did not qualify for the Luxon Swell Invitational, she did take second among the women at Pipeline, and made a name doing incredibly daring surfing ahead of the Luxon Swell competition, during a major storm out at sea. This year she has dominated ever contest she has entered, winning by sometimes as many as 6 points, as she did as Dana earlier this year. She is a phenom and really has been untouchable so far this year. So we will see how she does at Kali Pipeline and by the end of June, we might be talking about another Triple Crown Winner."

To be clear, there has not been a winner of the Triple Crown of Surfing, which is first overall in the Dana Open, the Kali Pipeline Open Competition at Wilson River on Ananto, and the Luxon Swell at Luxon Beach on Ananto. The last person to win it was Princess Nicolette Ananto-Collins seventy years ago. Several have gotten close, but most serious contenders took first in their gender but not overall in each of the three competitions. The last close call was Guillermo Blanco of Yoshimi in 5734.

"Most of those aiming for the Triple Crown set up camp in Luxon and just stay there the whole summer, surfing the Swell over and over and over to try to learn how the reef interacts with the waves," said Marshall. "But Richards has been doing all kinds of other surfing as she goes out and dominates these competitions. She has been surfing the waves off Crusher Bank in the Anantonese, for example. For a world class contender, that sort of activity seems unnecessarily dangerous, but Heidi seems to have no fear. She charters a boat to take her out there, and just surfs these fifty, sixty foot killer waves. I really think she's an adrenaline junkie." Crusher Bank was the site where pro surfer Mike Lewis set the world towed record for the largest wave surfed in 5720. It's a site known for massive ocean waves often exceeding 60 feet tall.

Richards herself is rather humbled by all the attention she is suddenly getting. "No, I'm just a kid who grew up in Luxon, watching all these kids grow up around surfing, while my father is a fisherman and my mother is a music teacher. I got my first surf lesson, like actual surf lesson, in a contest at my school: Someone raffled it off and I won it. And my parents were really supportive. But I think the thing that held me back was both kind of being afraid of the water and also I wasn't a really strong swimmer." Richards said that all changed during National Service. "I got put onto a crew and we were building this... well, its the building that changes wave energy into electrical energy further up toward Kaliburg, and we worked next to the ocean all day, and so on weekends, of course my friends all wanted to go surfing, and I got into it, and they kind of showed me the things I really needed to do to stand up on the board and to catch waves and balance and all that. I mean, I just fell in love."

She said she surfed every time she went home on leave. "I knew the Luxon Swell is super hard, but I didn't have anything else do surf, being from Luxon itself, so when I would go home I would immediately go to the beach, and then would surf up by Sunset Beach, and those waves were like far more chill..." Upon her discharge from the NSP, she picked up surfing full time, tending bar at night to pay her bills and surfing by day. "The Swell is not an every day thing," she said. "For much of the year, the ocean is going the wrong way, and the water is pretty flat. But come March through about mid September, the southern currents push up this way. When the Swell is really pushing, especially if there is a storm out to sea, we can get some really gnarly waves here, and they are all pointed directly at Luxon Beach. That's why this surfing is some of the hardest, and really most dangerous surfing in the world."

But as thrilling as the Swell is in Luxon, Richards said surfing out at Crusher Bank is definitely more challenging. "Since that bank is whatever is left of an ancient volcanic island, its kind of like a sand bar way out there, and as the ocean rolls over the top of it... My god, those waves out there, when the Swell hits it just right, are like riding down the face of a 7 story building. And if you wipe out, there is nothing between you and Ananto like 100 miles away... so... its very dangerous to surf the bank, you gotta bring a rescue crew out there, and pray like hell that you don't get smoked." Richards says that surging on the Bank is how she intends to prepare for the Luxon Swell Invitational later this summer. "Yeah, even if I don't win the Pipeline, I think I want to prepare on the Bank because its a mental thing. If I am used to surfing those waves, Luxon will be a cake walk."

We'll keep a close eye on Richards' progress through the season. Currently, futures contracts on her winning the Triple Crown are going for 51 cents in Sulari, meaning that bettors believe she has a slightly better than even chance of taking home the very coveted, and very rare Triple Crown Trophy this year. That will change if she wins the Kali Pipeline next month as she is expected to do.

@LaModa

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Heidi Richards takes Triple Crown
First Surfer in 70 years to win prestigious award
Luxon Beach, Grand Duchy of Ananto
July 25, 5740


Heidi Richards, 24, of Luxon wins Luxon Swell Invitational and completes Triple Crown

The first surfer to win the highly coveted, but rarely obtained Triple Crown designation is crowned in Luxon this week. Heidi Richards, the 24-year old phenom has taken the professional surf world by storm this season in absolutely dominating the competition, winning overall at Dana, Kali Pipeline and now Luxon Swell. Her score, a commanding 19.3 for the competition included a full ten points from one judge on her final round as she amazed the crowd--Even after the 10 was dropped as per scoring rules, she still turned in a performance that was clearly the best in the field of great rounds.

"The surfers at this year's Luxon Swell were all top notch," said sport reporter Greg Martel, who covered the event for The Kalistani Republic. "But none matched the technical excellence of Richards, who has just clearly shown herself to be the surfer who wanted it most. She took chances most of those surfers would never have dreamed of, and her daring paid off bigtime this year. She is the most daring surfer out there on the water this year, and I think whether or not she will repeat this feat next year, she is going to change the sport for a long time into the future."

Her fellow competitors all acknowledged her clear victory as well. Brad Carrol, who won the Men's category with a score of 18.1, but lost to Richards by a full point, said, "I think she has a deathwish, to be honest. But she went out there with no fear and just attacked it. When I started surfing at 12, I think I was taught, you know, avoid the reef, like watch out for this or that. You know, that stuff gets ingrained in you, and in the moment, you may second guess yourself and then its' too late, you know? You miss that wave because it doesn't look like it's gonna break soon enough or whatever. But man, she goes for it, she just does it, like she doesn't have that voice in her head, and I guess this year was just hers. Like the whole year."

Others said Richards encouraged them to be a bit more courageous. Runner up in the women's category, Lakiesha James said, "I watched her from the start and even, you know kind of asked her how she overcomes her fear. She gave me some really good pointers earlier this year and you know, we went surfing together out of competition here on the Swell, and I think I was just really inspired by how hard she went on these waves, and at the Invitational, I just went all in and took a lot of chances, but... yeah, she's the queen, so..."

Richards herself remained humble about her absolute dominance of this year's circuit. "I am just really lucky to have the chance to surf this year. Because you know, well, first of all, like when you think of how like fine tuned you have to be to even win one of these competitions, and like all these folks have all won their competitions in their categories, so it is such an amazing feeling to just be among such amazing athletes. But a lot of it has to do with luck too. I happened to get into a good time out on the water when these awesome waves were coming in from just the right angle to just build and build into something I could really shred up. It's a lot of luck and I am very lucky to be here. And who knows? The average career of a pro-surfer is three seasons... after that it just is too hard to surf against people even just a few years younger than you. But that means I still have two years before I have to get a real jobby job... nobody wants to do that..."

Maybe not, though: Ms. Richards begins her reign as the new Queen of Surf with an endorsement offer from Dah, and another from ODEN-K. "Well, the Dah deal will be modelling their gear, of course, and then they will pay me to surf full time next year. The ODEN stuff, I think... I thinks its a little funny. I guess word got around that I smoke a lot of dah. Hahaha... I don't think ODEN has like, spokesmodels, so I still have to talk to them. They told me to get an agent, but they would really like to work with me. That would be a really cool thing, you know to be the face of ODEN around the world..." She said she has received congratulations from people in the surfing community in Kalistan and the world, including past winners of the Luxon Swell Invitational.

Richards said she plans to keep surfing until the Swell rolls back out for the year and then explore her options. "I earned enough money this year to buy a little bungalow on Luxon Beach," she said. "So I don't have to hitch out from the city. Surfing has really changed my life for the better, and made a lot of stuff possible that maybe I wouldn't have had the chance to do otherwise, and so I think this is a pretty good accomplishment." On winning the Triple Crown, she said, "I'm in good company now with actual Royalty. I think winning it now, after 70 years since it was held by the Princess back in the day, I think that is something I am very proud of. So I'll dedicate it to everyone who believed in me and helped me, and hopefully I can pay that faith and dedication forward to the next person who might just be getting into it, and may someday win this crown for him or herself too."

Congratulations to Ms. Heidi Richards, the new and now reigning Queen of Surf, as she completes the Triple Crown of Surfing.

@TheRepublic

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Kalistani News in Brief: Duchess Alvarez seeks to curb Democrats in Suldanor;
Kalistan reiterates its position on the South Anantonese; House Ananto announces 5th Child for Empress
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
November 10, 5740


Grand Duchess Maria Alvarez-Jarvis looks to slow momentum of Democrat faction led by Dr. Brandt

Duchess Alvarez seeks to curb Democrats in Suldanor
Her Grace, the Grand Duchess Maria Alvarez-Jarvis has formally launched a bid to counter the growth of the New Democrat Club in both the Duchy of Suldanor and in Kalistan in General. The Grand Duchess is His Imperial Majesty's formal representative to the Grand Duchy of Kalistan, and is the chairwoman of the Kalistani Ducal Council. The move comes as the New Democrats have had some modest success gaining endorsements from important Sulari Unions, including the Port Elga Dockworkers Association, who are affiliated with the National Longershoremen's Union.

"In her capacity, the Grand Duchess has asked the Ducal Council to pass a formal resolution calling on the Institutional Party of Kalistan to make all elections non-partisan, in accord with the Single Party Act," said Mark Winters, a political scientists at the University of Suldanor. "Duchess Alvarez feels that the continued growth of the membership of the New Democrat Clubs across Kalistan represent a growing undercurrent of republicanism and therefore need to be strongly countered before they get out of control. Many analysts consider her concern to be overblown, as polls heading into 5741 show support for the Democrat faction to be in the low teens ahead of the 5742 general elections."

"Any democracy provides a demonstration effect," said the Grand Duchess in a speech before educators last month during Sulari Literacy Month. "We cannot teach kids that democracy itself, which undermines centralized Imperial authority as its mission, can or should succeed." The Ducal Council passed the nonbinding resolution directed at the Institutional Party, but the Chancellor of the Empire, Sir Johnathan Mickelson, said the Institutional Party will likely only take the matter under advisement. "We would like to avoid offering this faction, if they are truly as dangerous as Her Grace says they are, the opportunity to charge credibly that we are suppressing them. The only thing worst that a convincing argument is one offered by a martyr. What is more important is that their constituents feel respected and listened to, and that they too can see their own voice in the legislation passed in our National Assembly." The Grand Duchess said she plans to bring the matter up to the Emperor, to impress upon him the rising danger of creeping republicanism.

Kalistan reiterates its position on the South Anantonese
Kalistan has finally gotten around to comment on the ongoing discussions by Luthori concerning the formation of an Eastern Armada. "Our agreement concluded that Kalistan agrees with Luthori's right to defend its colony in Mordusia," said His Imperial Majesty's Foreign Minister, Sir Miguel Ontiveros this week. "That hasn't changed. Also, it has not changed that below 15 degrees South latitude, Kalistan doesn't have much interest in what happens . This line roughly corresponds with the southern Aldegarian border and the northern point of the Island of Meriath, and the northern coast of Yingdala. What happens below that Latitude is none of Kalistan's business."

The Foreign Minister said the Luthorian statement about building an Eastern Fleet specifically for Eastern Seleya seems to be a bit overblown and at the same time, quite confusing. "Luthori appears willing to commit to major naval procurement, even to the point of major deficit spending. Similarly to Egelion, we are never sure why they feel it is necessary. Luthori has no interests in Seleya north of Mordusia, and since Kalistan has security between the Schismatic and the shores of Keris fairly locked down, His Imperial Majesty cannot fathom why Luthori would drive itself into debt to build and then deploy a fleet to a sea which is already secure."

The Foreign Minister says there is nothing which precludes Kalistan to cooperate on security around the 15deg S line. "Its not clear from their statements what their goal is with procuring and then deploying an entire armada in their antipodes, unless their goal is to bankrupt their nation for no purpose. Luthori has projection abilities, for certain, as they demonstrated during the Schismatic Crisis. But global projection is extremely costly, and quite frankly, its simply horribly fiscally irresponsible to adopt for one's self the mantle of global superpower without having any real means to pay for it. So what would be better for Luthori, if their goal truely is to help Kalistan maintain security in the Anantonese is to perhaps cooperate with us on missions where we can work together."

According to the Foreign Minister, cooperation with Kalistan makes far more sense for Luthori than projecting brute force into its antipodes. "This makes far more sense, it is a position our Emperor wants Kalistan to be in, and it would certainly go to forward the goal of security, even in the strangely presumptuous claim that Luthori has a security mission in the Anantonese Ocean. We stand ready to cooperate with Luthori, as we are also ready to cooperate with Mordusia. We want to cooperate with Luthori. But of course we have our own security concerns as well which will have to be acknowledged. That's a small price to pay for eager cooperation on security for the Anantonese Ocean."

House Ananto announces 5th Child for Empress
Her Highness, Princess Jennifer Ananto-Rosenfeld has announced that His Imperial Majesty Emperor William II Ananto and Her Highness, the Princess Consort Casey Ananto-Leigh are expecting their fifth child. "The Consort said this will likely be the couple's last child," said Princess Jennifer Ananto-Rosenfeld. "As it stands now, they will see their last child off to National Service right about the time the Emperor is retiring. But both the Emperor and the Consort are happy to have the opportunity to welcome another Ananto to Terra."

According to the Princess, the new baby will be expected in late May or early June. "Its still quite early in the term," said Princess Jennifer. "The Consort is seeing her doctor regularly, just to make sure both mom and baby are doing well. According to my sister in law, all is proceeding well, and the Princelings are excited about the news that they will have yet another sibling." The Princess was also happy too: "So many kids means that one of them will eventually take my job when I get ready to retire."

The Royal Family is wintering in Athosia this year, and the Princess Consort is reportedly "taking it easy" but is an old hat at having kids and knows she can still do almost everything throughout most of her pregnancy. "No jet ski riding for her," said Princess Jennifer, "But she can still swim in the Anantonese, as well as hike and every other thing she loves to do at Playa de Paz. And there really is no better place for her to be this winter, where she is surrounded by clean air, can do yoga without the stress of spending the dreary winter in the capital, and can eat fresh fruits and vegetables grown in the House Garden and on the orchards." The Royal Family will be in Athosia until mid-March when they are expected to return to Kaliburg.

@TheRepublic

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Princess Consort Discusses Motherhood
"Life has taken interesting turns for me," said Princess Consort in Athosia
Playa de Paz, Athosia, Baltusia
February 8th, 5741


Her Highness, Princess Consort Casey Leigh-Campbell talks with La Moda on the domestic life

Her Highness, the Princess Consort Casey Leigh-Campbell agreed to sit down with La Moda at her winter home at Peace Beach, also known as Play de Paz, Athosia for an interview on how her first decade as the Princess Consort is going. The interview meandered through a host of domestic topics, as well as her view of the role of the Royal Spouse. Not much is known about the Princess Consort outside of the small circle of crown watchers and tabloid columnists. We found the Princess Consort to be very down to earth, witty and, for the most part, just cool. And, she is very much what she is: the wife of an Emperor and a person accustomed to privilege and deference in all things. The interview was conducted by Ann Mendoza, of La Moda.

(La Moda's) A(nn) M(endoza): Thank you for welcoming me to your beautiful home here in Athosia, Your Highness.

(Her Highness, the Princess Consort) C(asey) L(eigh-Campbell): Well, it is a real pleasure to meet you. You know, my secretary told me a lot about you before you got here.

AM: Is that so, your Highness?

CL: Sure. You grew up in Sulari, you have a degree in journalism, and your piece on why cottons are superior to linen won you an award for journalism based opinion writing. Though I do say, I disagree with your assessment about linen: Not only does Kalistan produce flax naturally, but I find a flax and silk mix to be far more enjoyable than a flax and cotton blend. I think I'm not really alone in that assessment either: Though cotton sales have skyrocketed, linen is still the preferred lightweight fabric in Kalistan, and its really what we wear during the summer in Ananto. I think you make some good points, but the ultimate judgement is still out.

AM: I am impressed and honored that Your Highness read my work.

CL: I did find the facts of Kalistani linen production in your article to be fascinating to me. But of course I read your work. When La Moda asked if I would be interviewed, I said only if its by an excellent journalist. I know you will treat me as I deserve.

AM: I hope to represent you honestly, Your Highness.

CL: That's what I mean. I think we have enough sycophants in journalism, don't you?

AM: I will defer to your Highness' opinion on that question.

CL: (laughs) well played, Madam.

AM: So I wanted to ask how Your Highness is feeling. You're about halfway through your fifth pregnancy. Do you have any plans to slow down?

CL: I am sure you know how anatomy works: I am going to have to slow down, at least on the getting pregnant front, whether I plan to or not. Ultimately nature will make that decision for me.

AM: Did you always want a large family?

CL: No, Willy (His Imperial Majesty, William II Ananto) and I, neither of us came from large families. He has his two sisters and I just have a brother. So this was a surprise?

AM: Did you and His Imperial Majesty plan to have a larger family?

CL: No, not really. Nature sort of gave us an assist there too. I'm actually sort of surprised we don't have more kids, to be honest: It certainly isn't for lack of trying. I think initially, we wanted maybe one or two kids, but they just sort of kept happening... So it is what it is.

AM: Will you have more children?

CL: Sadly, for us, this is the end of the road. My doctor has told me that as I get into my late thirties, and already have five kids, the risks to my health go up with each additional child, so we're going to stop here. Five is enough, Don't you think? Just blanks from here on out.

AM: Seeing as this was not your original plan, has any of your earlier plans had to change as you became a mother?

CL: Well, life has taken several interesting turns for me. I intended to make a career out of military service. I would have liked to become an officer. Who would have known that I would have been introduced to my husband in those circumstances? Nobody could have predicted it. I will tell you, if people do have a type, he wouldn't necessarily be mine. But, that said, in love there is no accounting for taste. The heart wants what the heart wants, and the mind takes a back seat. And here we are.

AM: You mean you didn't much like the Emperor when you first met?

CL: Oh, well, how do I answer that? He was probably one of the more undisciplined soldiers in the Regular Force. I had more medals than him in like my first 8 months. He did alright: he kept his nose clean and followed the rules, but I wouldn't exactly call him a model soldier. I wasn't into him smoking dah with his stupid friends, his music tastes were, kinda weird. He definitely is his mother's son. But... You know, kind of like a lost puppy that you take in, I think there was something of that when I first met him. And very quickly I knew that he was the one. Like after two or three dates, it was obvious, there could be no other.

AM: Did he feel the same about you?

CL: I should hope so. He was kind of oblivious to me at first. He was drinking with his friends one night and I went to his barracks to find him and we hung out all night, and then the next day I saw him at the mess hall and he acted like we didn't just spend the entire evening together. It was a little frustrating... I think once he got some responsibility after he got promoted to corporal, and we spent more time together, he began noticing me.

AM: So you were into him first.

CL: I wouldn't say just that. I think if he didn't have a bunch of jerks constantly surrounding him, he would have noticed me long before he did. As it was, we danced around for a little bit before we finally got into step with one another.

AM: Because you were something of a hero by that time?

CL: I was locked the f--k in. This was my life. I was decorated for genuine lifesaving. There's an old photo, taken I think at the Fall Social. You can see my rack, you can see his. I wear Rifle expert, he is only a sharpshooter. There's a real difference. I had perfect physical fitness scores, he barely hit third class back then. I knew you weren't, aren't supposed to say anything negative about the Emperor, but that dude was a real... Oh, how to put it. He was a great artilleryman, but a terrible soldier. He is far more fit to rule the nation than to defend it. If you follow my meaning.

AM: So alternate universe time: If you had never met the Emperor in the service, would you still be there?

CL: Absolutely. Going Career is the only thing I wanted to do with my life. I love the honor and the glory and the bad ass dress grays... Service to our nation, military service included, is an honorable way of life, and I am a creature who loves honor. I like to be able to hold my head up high and know I am a citizen of this great nation, and as such I serve this state as I serve myself. But, becoming the Princess Consort and the mother to our nation's next empress is service of another kind, which is equally noble. By god, I actually feel sorry for those citizens of other nations who do not require service form their citizens.

AM: Does Your Highness participate in Society?

CL: Sure. I hold a lifelong membership in The Garden Club of Ananto and Kalistan, and we have the opportunity to do civil service in Kaliburg all the time. I don't really get into the gossip stuff though. Who's dating whom, who gets to sit next to whom, what would happen if I didn't get invited to this or that party and what is the secret meaning behind that... I never spent much time worrying about that... Although, I suppose that is because there would never realistically be an occasion that I would be deliberately disinvited to something. I do have privilege in this sense.

AM: Just in this sense?

CL: Well, in many senses.

AM: In all senses, Madam.

CL: In all senses, you are correct, Ms. Mendoza.

AM: Are you a member of the Ancient Order of the Gray Smoke?

CL: Of course. I am the Emperor's wife.

AM: Can I ask a question about them?

CL: Sure you can ask. I can't promise I can answer.

AM: I heard that they have a pool filled with polished gems that people can swim in. Is there any truth to this?

CL: I can't comment one way or another. (She Laughs.) I can't give secrets away. Besides: Can you imagine how people would take that if I admitted that is does and we do. There'd be a riot.

AM: So is that a yes?

CL: You're sneaky. Actually its a "I can't give secrets away." The same goes for ritual disrobing, copulation for an audience, ritual sacrifice, and all the other scandalous rumors the Press likes to claim they know one way or another for that organization. Haha, that would be a real scandal if any of that stuff was ever admitted, especially to a member of the press. As far as you know, its a dinner and social hour. It would be easier for all of us if it just stayed that way.

AM: Very well, let's change subjects. Do you and the Emperor plan to raise your children as Brethrenists?

CL: I think its better for us to let them decide what they want to do themselves. I was raised a Hosian, but I've kind of stopped believing that, and Willy was raised a Brethrenist, of course, by his parents, and we've been to the meeting often, but I wouldn't really describe our home as particularly religious or anything. I think its important to let the kids decide for themselves whether it is something they want for themselves. If they want to go we will of course support them, but its not something either of us want to really push. It's just not important for me or my husband at the moment. We are working to raise our children to be happy and strong, not carry a stone of guilt around like the Hosians want you to, as if that is something God demands, and not necessarily to second guess your own natural inclinations as Brethrenists encourage you to do. So as they grow up and if they have friends who would like to take them to the meeting, we will support this.

AM: But you have no intention to raise them in the Aurorian Church?

CL: None whatsoever. And Luthorianism isn't much better. I think that sort of repression that comes with Hosianism just makes people worse people, and I don't think this is what Eliyahu had in mind when he taught people how to live a better life. I certainly am not about to do this to my own children.

AM: Since you are clearly quite experienced at motherhood, do you have any advice for expectant mothers?

CL: Hahaha, I wouldn't call myself an advisor for expectant mothers. I just happened to be pregnant for a significant amount of time in my adult life. I read the books like everyone else. But ok... let's see. I think get plenty of sleep because you will not sleep for about two years after baby is born. Be indulgent to a fault with your kids, but don't skimp on discipline. I don't mean punishment. I mean discipline includes things like keeping your room cleaned and not wasting food or energy, that kind of stuff. It will make it that much harder when you actually need to tell a kid what they need to do. Be gentle and kind to your children, and guide them, don't push them. But also provide concrete options and challenges that are age appropriate for them to complete. It makes them self confident. I would say, take vacations, but... obviously...

AM: Sure. Its not for everyone.

CL: No, and thank you for stopping me. I mean, take time to just be with your family, with your kids, with your partner, with your parents, all of it. It doesn't have to involve having, you know, an exclave that belongs to your family in a foreign country. But you can go for a visit and have dinner together and it does about the same thing for you. It all pays off in the end. I really love my family. I love my husband and my children, and I am really very lucky. I have been so fortunate in this life. It makes up for the fact that I don't have the life I thought I would have now when I was a kid. But I wouldn't trade it for all the commissions in the world.

AM: You sound truly happy, Your Highness.

CL: Of course I am. Growing up the daughter of a Count, who himself had such extravagance that I was used to, I never could have imagined all of this. Indeed, I am truly blessed.

AM: The entire nation is very happy for you, Madame.

CL: Would you like to meet my children, Ms. Mendoza?

AM: May we conclude the interview first, Your Highness?

CL: Oh, I thought we had... My apologies. Ask away.

AM: No, I'm actually done. I want to thank you for speaking to me.

CL: It was a joy, indeed, Ms. Mendoza. I will have Krista bring in the children, and then I hope you will stay for dinner. We are having tacos pescados con refritos and fresh sorbet for desert. You are welcome to eat with us.

AM: How could I turn down the request?

CL: You cannot.

As the interview ended, the Consort called in the Children and Mendoza said was given the opportunity to shake the hand of and speak directly with the future Empress of Ananto and Kalistan.

@LaModa

[Doc]

Kristen Brandt strongly objects to label "Republican"
"That smear cannot derail our efforts," said leader of New Democrats
Sulari, Duchy of Suldanor
May 3, 5741


Dr. Kristen Brandt meets with supporters at Sulari's New Democrat Club

The leader of the New Democrat faction of the Institutional Party of Kalistan and Deputy from Sulari Free City, Dr. Kristen Brandt, strongly rejected the appellation of the term "republican" to the movement she helped found and now represents in the National Assembly. "We are nothing of the sort. The New Democrats fought for years to earn a spot on the ticket as steadfast members of the Institutional Party, loyalists to the Crown, and conservative populists. Calling anything we stand for 'republican' or suggesting the taint of liberalism in our platform is outrageous and must be answered."

The charges of creeping republicanism into the ranks of the New Democrat faction were leveled by an independent online newsletter which charged the leader of the New Democrats of switching over to a more Artanian position with regard to the monarchy. The charges suggested that she harbors deep conviction for liberalism and constitutional monarchy, and seeks to advance that ideology in the National Assembly. Some authors have come to Brandt's defense, suggesting that the author of the article, who was later revealed to be Alberto Rivas of Lucid, is working on behalf of the Grand Duchess Maria Alvarez-Jarvis. One commentator suggested that Rivas was on the payroll of the Grand Duchess, who very publicly opposes the continued participation of the New Democrat faction within the Institutional Party.

Brandt, for her part, dismisses the accusation as a slur, and vowed to fight it. "This slur against me personally and against the New Democratic movement in general, cannot derail our efforts to increase democratic representation in the National Assembly. We are going into this next election with a strong head of steam as people are looking for alternatives to the old Nationalist pugilism and the Orthodox 'Middle Ground'. Neither pays much attention to the legitimate requests of the people of our nation, and quite frankly, the Democrats offer a different way forward. But nothing we stand for, let me repeat this, nothing we stand for seeks to alter the current regime structure. We just want to change the focus of our government to the needs and requests of the people, rather than the goals of self serving politicians who see being a deputy that only does as he or she is told as a life long vocation."

The Grand Duchess of Kalistan, Her Grace Duchess Maria Alvarez-Jarvis of Suldanor, sees things a different way. "It's a slippery slope, really," said the Duchess. "You let these democrats do as they will, and next thing you know, they are voting to put in a constitution, and next thing you know, they are saying the Fiat is not the final word, but instead an act of the National Assembly. What's next? Abolition of the Peerage and the monarchy, that's what. This movement needs to be stopped in its cradle, while it is still too small to stop, and we need the Institutional Party leadership to step up and nip this menace in the bud before it gets too large."

For his Party, as Party leader, Chancellor of the Empire, Sir Johnathan Mickelson, said, "I'm not quite sure what the Duchess would like me to do. The New Democrats are legitimized by the rules of the Party. You can't be an institutionalist and then say the institutional rules don't apply to cases you don't particularly benefit from. That's not how it works. In other countries, in dictatorships for example, of in liberal democracies, they usually do stuff like this, where there is one rule for thee and another for me. In fact, liberal democracies do that all the time. But Kalistan is not like that, and establishing that sort of precedent, where I kick out the New Democrats, who have all, to the person, fully affirmed that they are abiding by the rules of our Party, and are doing everything possible to remain solidly within those rule, that precedent will be dangerous to our institution, this Party, and to institutionalism as an ideology. I won't be taking action, because I take the Doctor (Brandt) at her word when she says she is a loyal Subject of His Imperial Majesty. That affirmation means something in this country."

But Brandt has no intention of simply resting on the rules of the Party to retain her faction's legitimacy. She has requested an alteration to the New Democrat program to explicitly state that within the New Democrat Movement, there is no room for liberalism or republicanism. "We will not support anything that seems to move this Empire toward constitutionalism, toward liberalism, or toward majoritarianism and limited Monarchy. In making this pledge, we fit ourselves squarely within the long standing tradition of the Institutional Party. We merely wish to do a better job at representing the views of our constituency to the Chancellor of the Empire and His Imperial Majesty, and to contribute our time and energy to ensuring this Nation remains the greatest nation in Terra. We disavow regime change, revolution and liberalism, firmly, explicitly and irrefutably."

The New Democrat faction's clarification on republicanism is likely to bring in new support, that was withheld because of lingering ambiguity around the question. Snap polls show a more favorable view toward the New Democrats among conservatives and moderates, with slight declines in support among leftists and progressives. The word "betrayal" came up in some word clouds after the comments by Dr. Brandt, while other words used were "relief" and "strong." It is likely that the statement did more good than harm for the faction ahead of the upcoming January 5742 elections, but it is unlikely to silence the critics of the New Democrats, who are connected with the Grand Duchess and are actively campaigning against the faction's candidates already, before a new slate is even released, calling them "radicals" and "bombthrowers." New Democrats are expected to be on the ballot in every Kalistani Duchy and all four Kalistani free Cities, though remain relatively unorganized in Ananto and in Kaliburg, where union activity and Brethrenism tends to monopolize the more populist spaces, and the New Democrats have had little luck actually finding a space who will host a New Democrat Clubhouse.

@TheRepublic

[Doc]

Kalistani News in Brief: Fifth Child of Emperor and Consort born in Kaliburg
Heidi Richards Models for Dah Calendar; New Dems surge six months out from elections
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
June 4, 5741


Reigning Queen of Surf Heidi Richards poses for Dah Calendar in Bianjie

Fifth Child of Emperor and Consort born in Kaliburg
The fifth Princeling, the Minor Prince Robert-Ross David Ananto-Leigh, was born to His Imperial Majesty, Emperor William II Ananto and Her Highness, the Princess Consort Casey Leigh-Campbell in Kaliburg in early May. The baby was born on time, but spent the first three weeks of his life in the NICU due to a rupture in his lungs which kept him from breathing properly after birth.

"When the Minor Prince was born, he had a small hole in his left lung which prevented him from drawing breath," said Princess Jennifer Ananto-Rosenfeld, speaking for the Royal Family. "Quick intervention by doctors saw the baby placed on a ventilator, as operations were planned. The doctors worked on the Princeling for more than 4 Hours to repair the damage, and to help the child breathe properly. The surgery was minimally invasive, and involved the use of remote devices that allowed the doctors to go through the child's abdomen without damaging any bones or cartilage. The surgery that saved the Minor Prince's life was successful, and Prince will heal properly with no complications as he grows."

The Consort and Empress remained in the Hospital with their new child while he recovered from his traumatic birth. The Princess Consort accepting counselling for the experience and mother and baby are reportedly doing well. The Minor Prince was discharged from the Hospital with a clean bill of health three days ago and mom and baby are catching up on their bonding. "The quick intervention of the doctors saved the Minor Prince's life, and earned the entire team a debt of gratitude from the entire Royal Family," said Princess Jennifer Ananto-Rosenfeld.

Heidi Richards Models for Dah Calendar
The Reigning Queen of Surf, Heidi Richards flew to Bianjie for a week after winning the overall score at Dana. There she began her modelling work for Dah Surf Company's 5742 Catalog. "We picked Bianjie because it was somewhere that apparently has no surf culture whatsoever," said Richards. "It's a very pretty country though, and has beautiful beaches. We took, I think, August and December there, and had the chance to meet with the locals and sample some of the cuisine. All in all, I have to say, my favorite part were the people we met: We were welcomed warmly by every single person, from the people at the airport, the cab drivers, the people running the shops on the beach that we got to shop at, and the kids hanging out on the beach, most of whom knew me, and showed me clippings from La Moda when I won the Triple Crown. Apparently me earning that honor was huge news here. I definitely think I would like to visit someday for a lot longer. Maybe do my part to spread surfing to that nation."

Richards signed with Dah after taking last year's Triple Crown honors at Luxon Swell Invitational. The 25 year old Luxon, Ananto native is a favorite for winning a repeat, becoming the first surfer in history to take back to back Triple Crowns, and already has a good start, winning her first three competitions easily, including the Dana Open, which is the season's first major competition. She also took the overall at Sunset and at Sulari, two very important competitions that usually separate the serious surfers from the rest of the pack. She next competes at the Kali Pipeline in mid June, and then will do smaller competitions on the mainland before returning to Luxon for the Luxon Swell Invitational. Whether she wins or not, Richards has been invited to Kaliburg to receive the Most Excellent Order of the Anantonese Empire, which will make her officially a Dame of the Order, in honor of last year's achievement.

Meanwhile, she says, she has a lot more pictures to take. "On the last day in Bianjie, Dah told me they were sending me to Nadiya next," said Richards. "Yeah, I know-- Crazy! I was like, first, 'its too cold to be anywhere near the sea there. Second of all, their laws are so f-d up and weird in that nation that we would spend more time trying to figure out how to visit than we have left before the calendar has to go to press.' Then they let me know that they were just joking, and that no Kalistani modeling company would ever shoot in Nadiya under any circumstances." Richards said instead, they will visit Xsampa and Gaduridos before the Pipeline, and then will go to Mordusia, Tel Bira, and Valruzia ahead of the Luxon competition. "I'm not too worried about being ready for competition. I basically have to put on underwear, and stand next to a surfboard for a few hours. It's like the easiest job I ever had." She also intends to surf when not in front of the camera, so she can stay sharp for her next major competitions.

New Dems surge six months out from elections
Dr Kristen Brandt's New Democrat faction of the Institutional Party showed a sharp uptick in support during the most recent poll taken in mid-May. The faction's candidates are gaining name recognition and support from moderates who would like something other than the Nationalist and Orthodox factions. "We are making a strong move to increase our seat count in Suldanor and in Odufaray," said Brandt this month in a short press conference. "And we are seeing new energy in Neveras and Vrassa. Its all moving in a very positive direction, but it is still a bit early, so we will need to keep this momentum into October, and then we really have a shot at picking up some major seats in Kalistan Proper."

Ananto remains a frustrating challenge for Brandt's faction. "Well, our internals suggest that it is the name Democrats which is making life difficult," said Brandt. "We have had the opportunity to have civil society clubs in Kalistan for more than 10 years now, but our recruiting just goes nowhere in Ananto, because people are hostile to the name Democrat. They may agree with the things we are trying to do, but we can't get past the overall antipathy for democracy that is ingrained in every aspect of daily life in Ananto. So it will be an uphill battle there."

Brandt said a large part of her movement's success has to do with the Grand Duchess of Kalistan, Duchess Maria Alvarez-Jarvis' unrelenting attacks against the New Democrat Clubs on the Mainland. "She's probably hurting her cause more than helping it," said Dr. Brandt. "She's keeping us in the headlines, and we are able to counter a lot of the anti- side with direct reaching out to the people of Kalistan. I think until we do something that actually demonstrates that the people of Kalistan have something to worry about, they are going to continue to give us the benefit of the doubt. Meanwhile, we continue to promote honest and active conversation with the people through our clubs and public forums and we continue to show that we are representing the voice of those people we represent, and the people can see these."

Brandt said he only concern is that people will forget the support they express for the New Democrats by the time the January elections come along. "So our goal, my goal, is to not let people forget. We are hoping the people join us and put Dems in office all across Kalistan Proper. So we actually have the chance to show people that we mean to carry the people's agenda to the Chancellor and to the Emperor. But: January is a long way away in political terms, so we just have to keep working, and not give up."

@TheRepublic

[Doc]

Richards fails in bid for Second Triple Crown
Queen of Surf still finishes season impressively
Luxon Beach, Grand Duchy of Ananto
July 25, 5741


Heidi Richards stands with Luxon Swell Overall winner, Collin Apton

The reigning Queen of Surf, Heidi Richards has failed to repeat the Triple Crown designation by finishing a close second in the women's category and third overall in the contest. She had previously won the Dana Open and the Kali Pipeline earlier in the summer and was a wide favorite to win this competition. But a combination of nerves driven by a small injury and a series of lack luster waves during her first round at Luxon combined to sabotage her ambitions. The winner of the competition, Dana's Collin Apton meanwhile turned in an exceptional performance, and accepted the victory in Kalistan's most prestigious and challenging surfing competition very graciously.

"Heidi pushed us all to be better this year," said Apton. "I took chances this year on waves I would have never even tried before. I think she had really moved the sport ahead and I am really honored to not only have the chance to surf against her, but also to be able to call her a friend and a colleague." Similar sentiments were also expressed by the Women's category champion and contest runner-up Megan Weiss, who said she spent the summer studying Richards methods on the wave and trying to emulate them. But nobody can do what she does on the surfboard. Nobody. I happened to get better waves, and that's all. If she had my waves, she would have repeated the Triple Crown this year."

Richards was also gracious in defeat. "I know these guys. The professional surfing community is pretty small, after all. We have the opportunity to meet each other, surf with each other, and in a lot of cases live with each other while at competitions... I crashed on Collin's couch in Dana. I mean, any of these guys and girls could have won. But really, the ones who did win, simply gave a better show and chalked up a better score than the rest of us. They went out there and they earned their wins. And nobody can take that away from them."

Richards attributed her defeat to her wave set on her first round. "Well, this morning, the sea was just not rolling in for me. I drew third round, and had maybe two or three good waves, and the other ones were either going too slow or just had the wrong angle on them. And there was one good one I missed because I couldn't make it to where it was starting to build... It was just not a very good morning for me and so I had catch up to play in the afternoon, but Megan had two good rounds, and I couldn't catch her." In fact, Heidi Richards earned a 7.2 in her first round, her lowest score for the season, but her second round was 9.6 including a perfect 10. Her score of 16.8 was just edged out by Weiss' 17.3 and Apton's 17.4.

Richards also suffered an injury in practice for this event. She wiped out a week ago over the reef and received a serious gash on her ankle. Over the week, she spent time healing which could have been spent practicing, and stated before the competition that her heel was a bit stiff going into the competition. It's not certain that the injury played a major role in her third place finish at Luxon, but it was possible that it contributed to Heidi Richards' more conservative first round performance.

Despite her third place finish at Luxon this year, Richards ends her season with a very impressive record: Three major competition overall wins, and five additional wins in local competitions along the circuit and three victories in women's categories. In fact, this Luxon competition was the first competition where she has not place either first or second place in two seasons. But in case anyone is concerned that she is losing her edge, Richards said, "No I don't think so. I'm coming back next year and we're going to do it all over again. Megan and Collin are just awesome competitors, and did so well today, and I am so proud for them. It will be fun to keep competing against them next year."

Apton summed what he said is "every surfer's opinion. Everyone has a bad day. Today was only a bad morning for Heidi. And then she still came back and almost took it anyway. We are all lucky to be surfing with such a legend. She makes us want to be better, to push ourselves to be better. She is so kind, she's a ray of light, and she's such a good person to serve as an ambassador for our sport... our lifestyle really. She's great, and yeah, to even be up here with her is definitely just wild. We'll all be back next year. And speaking for myself, I can't wait."

@LaModa

[Doc]

Sulari Nationalists launch new Campaign for Athosia
New Posters invite Athosians to return
Sulari, Duchy of Suldanor
August 1, 5741


Sulari Nationalists seek to make Athosia an election issue

The Sulari Nationalist Club has released a series of posters, both in hard copy and in online form, aimed at encouraging Athosians to rejoin Kalistan. The campaign, called "It is time to come home" aims to make Athosia a campaign issue in the upcoming General Elections in January of next year. "It's time to see where candidates stand on the question of reunification with Athosia," said Gina Caballero, leader of the Sulari Nationalist Club. "This Empire should not elect politicians who do not stand for return of our lost Duchy. Athosia is Kalistani territory, and only when we build a national consensus around that concept will we see settlement of this issue.

The different posters feature Athosians in everyday scenarios. "We showed Athosian workers, families, city folk. We tried to show Athosia as a modern, developed, and yet also verdant and pristine territory" said Caballero. "Baltusia has long neglected our territory, the jewel of the Northern Seleyan Coast, a veritable garden spot, perfect for industry, tourism, and agriculture. And it is time that Athosians decided for themselves who they want to be with: A nation which neglects them and ignores them? or a nation who will cherish them, invest in them and welcome them home. The choice is obvious from our perspectives."

And yet Caballero said she doesn't think there is sufficient attention being paid to the question of reunification by the Institutionalists or the National Government. "We nationalists ardently support our Emperor," she said. "But we also would like him to lean a bit more into the Athosian issue, to make it absolutely clear that Kalistan wants Athosia to come back home. We want to live and be happy with our brothers and sisters on the other side of the Lucid River. All would be much better off if our ancestral duchy were returned to Kalistan, where it belongs."

The claim to Athosia cannot be enforced by war, according to Kalistani law. However, if Athosia were to return home voluntarily, the Emperor could welcome them and reintegrate them into the Nation. "There are tens of thousands of Kalistanis who live in Athosia currently," said Caballero. "Most moved there to open the land to agriculture and industry. Baltusia has neglected that territory, despite it maintaining that Athosia, or as they call it, "Santiago", is important. The neglect is criminal, most certainly, and it would stop if the Imperial Standard flew over the territory. As of now, all we have is Playa de Paz. But we hope that putting Athosia on the ballot, indirectly, by encouraging voters to ask politicians about Athosia and then only support those who are pro-annexation."

Nationalists are putting significant money behind the campaign this fall. "The Sulari Nationalists are working with Nationalist Clubs across the nation to bring the posters out across the nation. We are not allowed to directly advertise politically, but each Nationalist candidate for Deputy will make Athosia an issue in each of their speeches. We want to emphasize the Duchy and to let everyone know that a vote for a Nationalist is a vote for Athosia." Caballero said the posters therefore are as much for Athosians as they are for Kalistanis. "We want to make it explicit- Kalistani Nationalists are the only ones out here calling for Athosia's return. And if you care about that, then the choice in January is clear."

The posters will go up across the Empire and in selected places abroad to promote Athosian reunification. They will also be sent out across Nationalist Club social media across the nation.

@TheNational