Kalistan

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Her Imperial Majesty to travel to Mordusia
Believes Imperial Presence at Base talks essential for success
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
January 8, 5585


Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Carolina I Ananto visits a Commonwealth country for the first time in decades

Her Imperial Majesty Empress Carolina I Ananto did something that even one year ago would have been seen as unthinkable.  She has set foot in an active Commonwealth state.  The Empress has travelled into Southern Seleya to attend the base talks in support of Lodamun's efforts to keep its Southern Seleyan Bases opened.  Her Imperial Majesty briefly spoke to reporters before boarding her plane ahead of this Historic Visit.

"We have condescended to visit the Commonwealth of Mordusia in their own land, and have agreed to speak with their Queen's Government represented by the Governor-General Prince Louis Orange.  There has not been a sitting Ananto in a Commonwealth Nation since Empress Nicolette II Ananto visited Luthori in 5511, a whole 74 years.  We look forward to seeing if they truly are the monsters they are made out to be in Kaliburg.  This is a joke, of course.  We trust our Seleyan friends are not nearly as bad as their Artanian counterparts.

All jokes aside, we requested to attend this conference because, while we have complete faith that our Foreign Minister would be able to adequately represent Ananto's view point and strongly support Lodamun's advocacy, our Presence may underscore the importance that we place in this matter.  We wish to show Mordusia that Ananto is serious about our overtures to attempting to rebuild a relationship of trust and cooperation between the Anantonese Empire and Mordusia.  We fully understand and appreciate their skepticism toward the outreach, and we look forward to the opportunity to both push for Lodamun's rights in the matter, as well as take Mordusia's very legitimate concerns into account.

Kalistan will always step up for Andalay.  They are our brothers and sisters, and like Gaduridos, we count them as our family, who have been lost for so long but have mercifully found their way home.  We wish to be here to let our Lodamese Ministers know that we have their backs, and are committed to doing what we can to help them keep the bases that they negotiated in good faith, before ever rejoining the Empire.

And further more, Ananto wishes to perhaps think of starting a new era of cooperation between Northern and Southern Seleya.  Mordusia represents great potential to our south.  We recognize that they intend to stay with Luthori, and this is their choice of course.  They add to Luthori.  We appreciate this.  This does not mean that we also should not work together where our common interests overlap.  Mordusia has traditionally been close with Lodamun.  We strongly feel that this provides an excellent foundation upon which to build positive relationships with Greater Ananto as well.  The Anantonese Empire is making efforts, halting, but still existing, to repair relations once more with Luthori.  Friendship with Mordusia can add to that effort as well.

We will reserve comment about Likatonia.  If they were to ever decide to change their ways, we would be interested in finding ways to work with them as well, but as the saying goes:  You can't win them all.  So we will work today, with Mordusia to find a win-win solution to this problems, and perhaps it may lead to negotiations with others further down the line.

We look forward to travelling to Mordusia.  We feel perhaps we may be somewhat overdressed for the Southern Hemisphere, but we have brought a change of clothing for sunnier climes."

The Empress answered a couple questions following her statement.  She confirmed that Prince Consort and the Minor Prince and Princess are travelling with her to Mordusia for a family vacation.  She confirmed that she would meet with the Lodamese Secretary of State, as well as the Mordusian Foreign Minister, but was unsure whether Luthori intended to send a representative as well, and she confirmed that Foreign Minister Sir Christopher Bjorksdattir would be present as well.

She also stated that she hoped that she would be able to spend some time in the History Section of a university Library in Mordusia.  "We have heard reports that about 2200 years ago there was a Brethrenist movement in this country that worked with some type of socialists to form a government.  This would definitely be something we would be interested in researching.  The Brethren in Mordusia were of a different type than the way we grew up, but the notion that Brethren were involved openly in Government as their own political Party is of interest to us, and is something our Mother would speak about on a somewhat regular basis, in private of course."

Her Imperial Majesty said she and the royal family will remain in Mordusia for the early part of the Conference, and then return to Kaliburg and allow Sir Christopher to assist the Lodamese Secretary of State to work out details, keeping Ananto's interests on the table throughout.

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Imperial Brethrenism
Ancient Faith offers paradox among trappings of Empire
Eveari, Grand Duchy of Ananto
January 21, 5586


Ground floor of Eveari Monthly Meeting House, Eveari

How does a faith that talks about simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality, and stewardship continue to thrive in a nation like Kalistan?  Brethrenism is more than 1650 years old in Kalistan and throughout that time, has been the dominant confession of faith, first in the Republic of Kalistan and now in the Empire of Ananto and Kalistan, one of the three constituent nations in the Anantonese Empire.  While not spreading too far outside of Kalistan, for various reasons, it is still believed that about 3 out of 4 Kalistanis are members of a Brethrenist Monthly Meeting.  This seeming paradox is multiplied when you consider that perhaps one of the most powerful women in the entire world is a devout practitioner of the faith, and comes from a family of devout Brethrenists.

Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Carolina I Ananto is what is known as a "convinced Brethrenist," meaning she was not born into the care of a meeting, but became convinced to join through a process of discernment known as "clearness."  In Her Imperial Majesty's case, as with her mother, the former Empress Pavlina, she herself initiated the process by informing her home Meeting, which in this case, as with all the Anantos, is the Eveari Monthly Meeting, that she desires to become a convinced Brethrenist.  The Meeting then forms a Clearness Committee, made up of 5-6 trusted Friends (attenders or Members of the Meeting) who then had a series of conversations with her.  During the Clearness process, they asked her questions about why she wanted to become a Member of the Society of Brethren.  They also asked other questions like what sort of role the faith would play in her life, what some of her experience were that stand out, how she would contribute to her Meeting, and what led her to choose to become a member.  There is no defined set of questions:  The questions posed were often questions they themselves had been asked or heard asked, but some of them were prompted by answers that Her Imperial Majesty gave previously.

When the Committee decided that they had enough information, they met once more without Her Imperial Majesty and discussed what they learned, what they thought and how they felt about the Clearness Process.  At that point they reported to the Monthly Business Meeting the conclusions of the committee, and they felt that Her Imperial Majesty was clear about her decision to join, that the decision was a response to a leading of hers from God, and that they recommend that the Meeting accept her as a Convinced Friend.  There was a celebration to welcome her to the Community and then the Business Meeting continued as normal. 

Her Imperial Majesty has, as her parents had, asked the Meeting to refer to her as "Friend Carolina" within the Meeting and she routinely refers to others as Friend Johnson or Friend Smith or whatever in response.  The Empress is the only one who uses the appellation of Friend, to maintain the protocol, but to lessen the distance between herself and other members of the Meeting.  It is not incorrect for Brethren to refer to themselves and others in this fashion, it is merely considered old fashioned to do so, but it is something that the Anantos readopted when protocol rules became stricter under Nicolette I.

The Royal Family, due to their commitment to Brethrenism are notoriously conscientious about what they do and say.  It is a rare thing to ever hear an Ananto lie about anything, or take oaths, or swear.  Anantos are themselves notoriously sober people, though Her Imperial Majesty is known to partake in the national product on several occasions--The Brethrenists believe that excessive consumption interrupts people's link to that "still small voice" in their heads which tell them the correct way to live life.  

In addition, Anantos tend to dress extremely conservatively, and do not make ostentatious show of material wealth.  This is quite different from most monarchs, especially those clothed in absolute power in Terra.  The wealth of the House is shown only once in a monarch's reign, at the very beginning, and then is put away, often never to be worn again.  Emperors will wear a wedding band and perhaps a watch, while Empresses will only wear a wedding band, a single pair of earrings, and a pendant on a simple chain if anything at all.  As Empress Nicolette I Ananto once said "People know how wealthy we are--It is a shameful thing for us to flaunt it, especially when so many have so little."

Anantos tend to be driven by a desire and an obligation to serve others.  Most of them are taciturn, only speaking at important and consequential functions.  This is an affect however in public.  In private, like within their Meetings, Anantos are known as gregarious, humorous and friendly, and they love speaking with people about things that have nothing to do with matters of state.  Few know the Emperors and Empresses of Kalistan like the members of the Eveari Meeting who have the opportunity to watch them all grow up, to get to know them and to watch them turn from often unruly children into highly intelligent, extremely serious adults that they are required to be in the role that is set for them.

"We saw (Her Imperial Majesty) grow up from a little one," said Eveari Bretherenist Maurine Collins.  "She was a silly girl, to be completely honest, just an adorable youngster.  When we first welcomed her, she didn't speak a word of Vrassan, and was probably more than a little scared, but she fit right in with the other Friends under Nineteen, and learned a lot of her Vrassan from listening to the things that the other children said.  She would always point at things and ask 'This?' because she wanted the name for the things in her world.  She was such a bright kid, and we all fell in love with her and her Mother when they came with the Emperor, May he Rest in Peace, for the first time to our meeting.  We embraced them immediately and I think it made a great impression on them, to arrive and in the middle of all that chaos, to have a community that they could seek refuge and comfort and care in.  In a lot of ways, that is kind of our role, isn't it.  To take care of that family.  It is a concern we have taken up as a matter of regular order within the Meeting, and we have been so lucky to be where we are."

Her Imperial Majesty and the Prince Consort and their two children attend meeting every single "First Day" or Sunday in regular parlance.  Like clockwork, the family arrives in Eveari on Friday evening, and stays until Sunday Afternoon.  While in Eveari, the Royal family stays at Ananto Estate, which was in the possession of the Late Princess Pavlina until her passing.  It now fully belongs to Her Imperial Majesty, and she still uses the house for State Visits and receptions, besides living there on the weekends.  

"Oh the house is beautiful," said Collins.  "We've been there dozens of times.  Her Imperial Majesty likes to have social gatherings where she will invite the Meeting to come and discuss affairs of the state in a very relaxed environment.  I think in a way we get to kind of act as her barometer for the things the people want and need.  Do people come to the Meeting just to be close to the Empress?  We've had our share of attenders who do that, sure, but they realize after a while that its a mundane thing to see the Empress at our Meeting.  She has even served as Clerk of the Meeting for a couple years back in the late seventies."

Collins' attitude about the mundane aspects of seeing Her Imperial Majesty in the Brethrenist Meeting weekly echoes the comments of most other Brethrenists that were interviewed in Eveari.  "When her Imperial Majesty is the Ananto Estate we see her all the time," said Eveari Attender Allison Dougherty.  "She's come to my house probably a half dozen times, it's not a huge deal.  And when she can't get out of Kaliburg, she attends meeting there at the Yearly Meeting House.  When she's in Sulari, she goes to the Quarterly Meetinghouse there.  When she's in, I don't know, Port Swedes, she can attend meeting there.  It's not a big deal, and people know not to make a huge deal out of the Empress attending meeting, because when she walks through that door, she's just Friend Carolina, and I am Friend Collins.  And that's what it is."

When asked about the blazing contradictions between Brethrenist testimonies of Simplicity, Peace, Integry, Community, Equality and Stewardship, and the raw power and wealth possessed by Her Imperial Majesty, and in fact all of House Ananto, Collins was slightly bemused.  "Her Imperial Majesty lives simply:  I am wearing more jewelry right now that I have ever seen her wear all put together.  She has houses, yes, but much of Ananto Estate is not used:  The Family only keeps a small part of that house open, and the rest of it is either closed up, to be opened to house visitors, or is kind of like a museum to all her ancestors.  Wilson House is the same way:  Most of the House is office or reception area or quarters for all the people who work there on the ground.  Her Imperial Majesty's accommodations are actually rather austere when you really think of it."

Peace?  "Well, I think she does work for peace until she cannot any more.  At any rate, she struggles to avoid war, and many of the things she does is to prevent war from happening to Kalistan." 

Equality?  "Her Imperial Majesty is always the first to put others ahead of her.  I know she has to be forthright and direct, but that is her job, and we cannot fault her for doing what we have asked her to do."

Integrity?  "I don't personally know a more honest person.  Various of our Agencies might need to do dishonest things for a larger purpose, like peace, but if you ask Friend Carolina a question, she will answer it directly.  I have seen her be kind of snippy on occasion, but who among us could do her job with as much grace and patience as she exhibits?"  

And Stewardship?  "We can ask for a no better Steward of our Nation, of our resources, and of our people than The Empress.  She lives those testimonies every single day."

Collins herself was full of praise, but she was not the only one who offered adoring comments about the Empress within the Eveari Meeting.  "She is not perfect of course," said current Clerk of the Meeting Greg Huntsman,  "but who among us are?  And we kind of understand why she might not be perfect and it is an opportunity for us to practice forgiveness."

All in all, something Collins said summed the matter up perfectly:  "Out there she is basically a goddess walking around on Terra.  She utters things and they become real.  In the Meeting, among Friends, she is Friend Carolina, Her Husband is Bill, her kids are Freddie and Little Shelly.  In here, they are a family, just like mine.  In here, she and Bill sit in silence, just like we do, and participate contemplatively in Business, and sing songs when we do the singing program, and participate in discussions on testimonies, and bring quinoa dishes to Potluck, just like I do.  We hold her family in such high esteem, and I feel that other meetings in the nation feel the same.  If I can say we are proud of the fact that our Empress is a Convinced Friend, I will say that:  She's our Friend and we are very proud of her and all that she does."

Brethrenism in Kalistan is an ancient faith, but it is still very much alive.  Most Brethren aren't as committed to the faith as Her Imperial Majesty, nor those who preceded her in Office.  It is a well-known fact that Her Imperial Majesty is a fully Convinced Brethernist, while perhaps 2/3rds of those who count themselves as Brethren are only attenders.  But the young Prince and Princess are themselves born into the Meeting, or "Birthright Friends" as was the Late Fredrick II Ananto.  So it can be assumed that the close connection between the most powerful individuals in Terra and a religion and practice that preaches simplicity, equality and peace will continue for the foreseeable future.

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Tragedy on the Embargo Line
Two Privateer Ships lost as Kundrati Navy appears to protect shipping
Karzon Strait, Anantonese Ocean
May 18, 5586


Kundrati Frigate destroys two privateer Ships in short naval battle on Embargo Line

The Naval Embargo is holding for the most part, and yet occasionally, Kundrati Ships make it through. Recently, for example, as Privateer ships "Candy O" and "Sweet Leaf" made the move to interdict a Kundrati Merchant vessel attempting to cross into the Anantonese Ocean, both ships were mercilessly attacked by a Kundrati naval escort sailing with them. The two Privateer vessels were lightly armored to stay in accordance with the Privateer Authorization, and attempted to halt a 200 ton Cargo ship that sailed from Etxea. When the Ship refused to stop, the Privateers announced the Embargo Proclamation, and informed the Kundrati vessel that they intended to board it.

The Kundrati at this point cut communications at which the Candy-O fired a warning shot from its 50 Caliber machine gun that was mounted to its deck. The Privateer crew then began loading into the LAFA they had tethered to the hull, and began preparing a boarding party when a shot landed ten feet from the Candy O, from the west. Both Candy O and Sweetleaf swing around to take evasive actions, but the naval Escort, a Kundrati Light Frigate, fired again, disabling the motor of the Sweetleaf, and starting it on fire. Meanwhile the Candy O continued its turn when the Kundrati Navy put another round through its bridge, completely disabling its steering mechanism and also starting it on fire.

Before long, the wooden ships were both completely consumed in flames, and the Kundrati Cargo Ship continued on its voyage into the Anantonese Ocean. Meanwhile, a third Privateer vessel, the Hermione Marques, struck its colors in surrender. The remainders of the crew from the Candy O and the Sweetleaf were fished out of the ocean and taken captive on board the Kundrati Vessel, while the Hermione Marques was boarded, looted and set ablaze. In all 8 Kalistani Privateers died in the battle while another 13 were taken captive on board the Kundrati Vessel.

The disaster along the embargo line demonstrates the dangers of Kalistani Privateering, but it is a risk that the Privateers take, because it is an opportunity for them to earn a bounty for each ship they take. Usually, unarmed ships are the focus, but this is the first instance where there has actually been a naval escort present to help move the Kundrati ship through the Embargo line. Given the destruction of the three Privateers, news did not get back to Kalistan for more than a day, at which point, contact with the Kundratis could not be re-established.

Her Imperial Majesty's government could not be reached for comment, but it is a well known fact that Privateers will experience high risk for the very small chance of major reward, and so the news of the sinking of two Privateer ships and the destruction of a third will likely not deter those who seek to apply for Letters of Marque in Kaliburg or Sulari.

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FM makes announcements on Modrusia and Likatonia
"Moving toward Peace in Seleya," said Sir Christopher
Randworth, Commonwealth of Mordusia
July 19, 5586


Her Imperial Majesty's Foreign Minister, Sir Christopher Bjorksdattir speaking to reporters in Mordusia

Her Imperial Majesty's Foreign Minister broke major news from Randworth, the capital of the Commonwealth of Mordusia today.

"We are getting closer to a long term deal in Mordusia," said Sir Christopher Bjorksdattir.  "Nothing is official yet, but Mordusia seems to be taking a probationary approach to Lodamun, which, if Lodamun finds it acceptable, so can Her Imperial Majesty, and meanwhile, her Imperial Majesty has asked me to begin building a short list in the even that a new Ambassador to Mordusia might be needed to finally re-regularize relations with the Southern Commonwealth State.  We don't have a final deal in place, to be certain, but I'd say we are more optimistic than we were when we arrived."

Meanwhile, Sir Christopher also announced that a Kalistani negotiator would be flying to Clovisport Likatonia to begin talks concerning the Embargo.  "The Likatonian government have determined that they prefer peace in Kundrati to helping arm one side or another of the Civil War.  As a result it appears that they have more or less backed out of the military and economic cooperation deal they had recently signed with the fascist regime.  We are not sure about the specifics, but Her Imperial Majesty has determined that this move has met our precondition for talking with Likatonia, and she has ordered me to dispatch my most trusted deputy, Mr. Albert Betchel, the Vice Minister for Seleyan Affairs, to Clovisport to see what Likatonia has to say."

The Minister judged the rapprochement to be in its very early stages.  "As, in just starting, from a negative.  But when Her Imperial Majesty was informed of the change of attitude in Clovisport early this morning, she sent the Prince Consort to my suite to wake me up, and and she ordered me to have Mr. Betchel call me immediately.  It was just about 5 minutes from me snoozing to Her Imperial Majesty entering my suite and briefing Betchel.  I was so groggy I don't remember what was said, but for some reason, Her Imperial Majesty seemed wide awake, at 3:40 am local time.  The Prince Consort went back to sleep, but by 4 he was headed for Kaliburg international to take a Valruzian flight into Valruzia and then a train to Clovisport.  He will likely just about to be stopped at the Likatonian Border right about now actually, but he bears papers from Her Imperial Majesty asking them to speak with him, and that he speaks on behalf of Her Imperial Majesty.  I will join him when my work is done here."

Sir Christopher, who no doubt went back to sleep after Her Imperial Majesty's briefing, was more alert and active later in the morning.  "With the Mordusian deal getting closer, and the small opening in Likatonia, we are definitely moving toward peace, in Seleya at least."  Sir Christopher announced that Her Imperial Majesty is paying close attention to the developments in Kundrati, and personally called the families of each of the lost Privateers.  "She promised to do whatever she could to ensure the safe return of those who were taken prisoner during the attack of the murderous Kundrati Navy against men and women who were simply attempting to help enforce Her Imperial Majesty's law in the Karzon Strait.  The families, to the person, said they understood why their loved ones joined the Privateer fleet, and all hoped for a settlement of the conflict and the swift and safe return home of all Privateers and Sailors manning the Embargo Line."

Sir Christopher is unclear what to expect from the meeting with Likatonia.  "I don't even think they know we are coming, this is all very fresh news.  But we don't have communications with them, yet.  Mr. Betchel will need to work to re-establish a line of direct communications as one of his first orders of business.  But he understands Her Imperial Majesty's Line and has affirmed that he will hold it on Kundrati, so it is an equal possibility that setting up a line of communication may be premature.  It depends on the Likatonians."

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Breaking: Statement from Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Carolina I Ananto
Empress accuses Kundrati Government of Warcrimes under their own Law!
Randworth, Mordusia
July 30, 5586

Below is a a Statement from Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Carolina I Ananto, announced to the Press

"As a native Born Kundrati, we find it deeply disturbing to see the acts of the government of Kundrati under the current fascist administration.  As we are Kundrati of blood and heritage, we feel it is within our right to invoke the Kundrati War Crimes Act of 5315, which is still on the books in Kundrati, and is still therefore Law of that land. Specifically, we would like to charge each and ever member of the Kundrati Legion's Leadership with War Crimes, under Article 2.1.1,  Mass enslavement, deportation, systematic inhuman acts, or other persecutions, and Article 2.2 of the War Crimes Act, Murder or torture of hostages and prisoners of war

"We do assert that the publication in the Kundrati Press of Mass prison camps and enslavement of the inmates of those Camps constitutes a War Crime under Kundrati Law.  Also, the holding of 13 Kalistani Privateers who were acting under official sanction of the Kalistani Government, as hostages and no doubt torturing them, but otherwise refusing to release them, as well as murder and torture of civilians, but the police, for any or no reason, as described in their news paper, constitutes by Kundrati's Own Definition, a war crime, and therefore must be investigates, and those who perpetrated such acts must be brought to justice.

"We call upon the International Community to immediately act to acquire the individuals in this list who represent the Party leadership of the KL, as well as their militia leaders, their concentration camp guards and overseers, and their elected Politicians, and hold them responsible for their war crimes.  We do not trust the Ministry of Justice to hold the trials:  They are controlled by the criminals themselves.  We call for an international tribunal on Kundrati war crimes.  It is important to note that this law remains on the books currently and therefore can be applied to the KL."

http://classic.particracy.net/viewbill.p...lid=689629

Supplied with names

Her Majesty did not take questions, but announced that it was imperative to issue this Statement now, while the law remains on the books, and noted that currently the Fascist Government in Kundrati is trying to repeal this law to hide their crimes against the people of their own country.

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"The Damndest Thing I ever Saw"
Diplomat Albert Betchel recounts harrowing trip to Likatonia
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
October 10, 5586


Albert Betchel, ViceMinister for Seleyan Affairs, on his trip "to" Likatonia

"It was the damnedest thing I ever saw," said Mr. Albert Betchel, who is Her Imperial Majesty's Number 2 Man at the Foreign Ministry, and was to serve as Her Imperial Majesty's personal envoy to Likatoia. "I was sent [to Likatonia], via Valruzia, I took a train to the border, presented myself to authorities, and was promptly refused entry. I presented my papers, and that seemed to make the border guards go crazy. I came under a flag of truce, alone, under orders to try to negotiate a settlement to the blockade issue in light of Likatonia's change of attitude toward Kundrati, and was most certainly refused."

Mr. Albert Betchel said he has never encountered such strange treatment of a foreign diplomat in all his decades of service to Her Imperial Majesty. "I have been to Baltusia. They were kinder to me. I have been to Mordusia, I was welcomed in Valruzia of all places. I had no problem at all in any of these places. Even if they were not at all interested in hearing what Her Imperial Majesty had to say, whether it be this Empress or the other one, whatever, they at least greeted me, shook my hand and sat down with me. This is perfectly bizarre."

Mr. Betchel said he was not sure whether messages had gotten crossed between the Likatonian Government and the border, or there was something a little more sinister going on. "It was hard to get a read on those people," said Betchel. "I'd say it was amateurish, but I have a feeling that the Likatonians are so hostile toward Ananto, just unmitigatedly hostile, that this was their chance to slight our Empress. I can't think of any other reason they wouldn't just sit down and speak with me."

Betchel said that things got a little heated between himself and one border guard who was part of the group that refused him entry. "They kept saying that I should return and tell Her Imperial Majesty that she needs to end the blockade before they would even consider speaking to me. I tried to explain to these rustics that this was what I was here to try to do, to find some way to accommodate their concerns. While they did communicate this over the phone to what I assume was their superiors, the answer apparently was emphatic: I was not to be granted entry to begin to negotiate a settlement until Her Imperial Majesty capitulated to their Government's demands first. And I don't know what the Likatonians think diplomacy is, but that doesn't seem very diplomatic, especially when I was there to find a way to give them exactly what they were asking me to do."

Asked if he was to return to Likatonia at a later date, he simply said "No. Her Imperial Majesty was clear about this. I will reserve comment on her reaction. It was not very becoming of a devout Brethren, and it would be ill advised for me to repeat any of it here." Asked how the matter will ever be settled, Betchell sighed. "I think she is prepared to embargo Likatonia forever at this point. I don't know what they could possibly do now to make up for this very serious breech in diplomatic norms. If she has her way, Likatonia would be starved out of existence. I don't think she will have her way, but we won't be returning to Likatonia on any account. A Likatonian envoy, if it made its way to Kaliburg would likely be received at least. After all... We aren't Likatonia."

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The Republic climbs back into Album Charts for first time in 15 years
Her Imperial Majesty invites band to Command Performance at Wilson Hill Amphitheater
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
January 18, 5587


The Republic hits Number 18 with new album of modern Jazz inflected R&B

The Band The Republic, the jazzy neo-soul duo from Luthori, who expatriated to Kalistan nearly 20 years ago have been quietly serving fans of the band's alternative/jazz/soul fusion album after luxurious album for two decades now.  20 years ago, The Republic's debut album New Soul for an Old World, broke out on the pop charts and hit number one on the Radio 1 Top 100 Albums poll.  In doing so they broke the back of Noise Alternative's grip on Kalistan's music scene, and ushered in a new era of sophistipop, what has quietly and classily dominated the airwaves since.  And they gained new fans, including Her Imperial Majesty, Carolina I Ananto, who has been a fan since she was still in the NSP as the Crown Princess.

Their latest album, Her Imperial Majesty, is explicitly dedicated to their most famous fan.  It continues their trajectory of very lush production, that draws back to an earlier era of soul.  They bring back synthesizers on their leadoff single, the upbeat, massive wall of sound "Only a Heart Beat Away," and show bring a sound that is both familiar to their earlier fan base, but also very new sounding, keeping fully up with modern trends.  The discerning listener will be able to pick out about 5000 tracks in each production piece, but the frequent switch between electronic and analog instrumentation is quite exciting, and keeps the perhaps overproduced album from sounding plastic and boring.

"We made this album with Her Imperial Majesty in mind, obviously," said singer and the band's lyricist Kathy White.  "The songs were not about her specifically, but the record is a theme album in a sense:  With each song, we tried to ascertain what kind of music the Empress might enjoy... Connor (Overstreet, the band's keyboardist, chief song writer and arranger) would play these melodies with these sweeping chord progressions, and you could tell, he was always asking, 'Do you think that a She would like this arrangement?' and the band and I always knew who 'she' was.  It was a very fun process."


The Republic's Kathy White (center) and Connor Overstreet (Right) meet with Her Imperial Majesty following the Command Performance in Kaliburg

The effort earned the band a Command Performance at Wilson Hill Amphitheater, the new live music venue built adjacent to the Royal Grounds in Wilson Park, for Her Imperial Majesty, the Empress Carolina I Ananto and 10,000 Kalistani music lovers.  The band played many of their hits as well as some of their newer music, including "Forget the Way I Feel," and finished the set with their first and most loved hit "Listen Baby."  The entire crowd provided The Veteran Sophisti-pop artists a standing ovation and demanded an encore, and the band retook the stage to play "Only a Heart Beat Away" with the full Kaliburg Gospel Choir and the Kaliburg Symphony Orchestra, who had been practicing with the band for a month prior to the performance.

Following the Command Performance, Her Imperial Majesty Empress Carolina I Ananto journeyed back stage to meet the band, who she first met at the first Annual ODEN Smoke Out in 5569.  The Empress and the members of the band have had several interactions over the years, as The Republic was always once of the Empress' favorite bands.  The Empress greeted Ms. White and Mr. Overstreet gracefully, a far cry from the infamous giggling fan behavior of their first meeting.  Her Imperial Majesty thanked the band for their many years of music, asked them both to autograph her copy of their record, and informed them that she intended to make them knights in the Order of the Grey Smoke for their Contributions to Kalistani Music and Culture.

"This was far more than we could ever have imagined," said Ms. White, who still retains a significant Luthorian Accent.  "When we moved to Kalistan, we only wanted to make records, and Kalistan's thriving music industry was obviously the best place for that.  We never dreamed that we would be Knighted for it."

"Indeed, this is quite amazing," said Mr. Overstreet.  "As artists, it is nice to be recognized.  But this recognition from the Empress, who has only ever been a friend to us and supported our band, it really leaves me speechless.  I suppose this album was dedicated to the correct lady after all."

"Of course, Connor has always called The Empress his Celebrity crush," said Ms. White.  "I let him have it.  We're too old a couple to fight over something stupid like that.  Plus, she's way out of his league, which is why he's stuck with a torch singer instead." 

The Record has entered the Top 20 Albums Chart, the band's first top 20 record since their sophomore album.

You can listen to it in its entirety right here and check out the video for "Only a Heart Beat Away" either on M7 of right here.

[Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6ydQvUozAA]
"Only a Heart Beat Away" from The Republic's new concept album Her Imperial Majesty

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KalMilInCo teams with Gaduri Investors to begin construction of new Naval Shipyards
Aim to create largest Naval Shipyard in Seleya
Ciudad de Gaduri, Marlingantos
November 19, 5587


Gaduridos-based Asociados de Envío Gaduri (AdEG) begins building a new Shipyard in Ciudad de Gaduri

KalMilInCo is working with Gaduridos-Based investment group Asociados de Envío Gaduri (AdEG) to begin construction of a new Naval Shipyard. The facility, sited 4 miles southeast of the Gaduri Capital, expands on an old harbor which has been unused for centuries. Once constructed, the new Puerto Gaduri, as the site is tentatively called, will be the largest ship building facility in Seleya.

"Our goal is to put together a shipyard with between 16 Drydocks and full fabrication facility on site," said KMC Project Director Jaime Gutierrez. "KalMilInCo is putting significant resources and expertise into the project, and basing it on the National Shipyard in Kaliburg, which has served Kaliburg and the Empire for centuries, and is now Kalistan's primary naval construction facility. Building out Puerto Gaduri, will dramatically increase the ship building capacity of the Empire, and will herald Gaduridos' entry into large scale ship building."

The new Shipyard is expected to cost ₭125 Million in total, 65% of which will be supplied by Gaduri investors and the Gaduri Government, while the remaining 35% will be provided by KalMilInCo. "It is a small investment for a great return," said Gutierrez. "Kalistan is beginning to receive more orders for ship construction, and quite frankly, we need more capacity in the region. Gaduridos is an excellent place to invest due to our relationship. This will improve the employment situation as well as production output of Gaduridos, and will allow the Empire to accept more orders over all." AdEG will operate the port following its construction.

The New Puerto Gaduri is expected to take about 12 years to complete, with the first phase being dredging and expansion of the old harbor taking place over the next three years, and then the first drydocks being constructed within the following 4 years. Kalistani engineers are already on site and the first temporary facilities that will house port construction operations are being built.

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Kalistani News in Brief:  Port Swedes Holds Memorial Ceremony for Jelbic Emperor
Advance Consular teams sent to Zardugal and Mordusia; Mark Ananto is mourned in Sulari
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
March 30, 5588


A Riderless Horse is led through Downtown Port Swedes in memorial Parade for Emperor Bunjamin

Port Swedes Holds Parade for Jelbic Emperor Bunjamin
"Honoring our Friends" was the theme of the Memorial parade honoring the One Year Anniversary of the death of the Jelbic Emperor, Bunjamin. Last year, news was received in the Anantonese Empire that the Jelbic Emperor had died. At the time, Her Imperial Majesty was in Mordusia to assist in the Lodamese Negotiations with he Mordusian Government and nothing official was issued. But the event was particularly hard received in Port Swedes, which was the former home of the Jelbic Fleet who had, for 17 years operated from the Vrassan port city. A small memorial at the time was held for the fallen monarch, whose sailors had brought a very welcome cultural infusion to the coastal city.

This year, the Count of Jah, Lord Frank Lewis approved a city wide memorial celebration of the one year anniversary of Emperor Bunjamin's passing. All public buildings were closed, and most businesses also locked their doors as people turned out to honor the Monarch. The Count also passed a declaration which proclaimed Wiel to be Port Swedes' Sister City, and invited Jelbic tourists, cultural organizations and businesses to visit Port Swedes and consider it to be their second home. "Such was the impact of the Jelbic Navy on the lives of the people of Port Swedes," said Count Lewis. "The people of this city miss you and look for an opportunity to see you again, not as foreigners, but as brothers and sisters. We want the people of Wrnuke to know that they are welcomed here in Port Swedes." The Parade, held on a cold early Spring morning, drew more than 65,000 residents.

Advance Consular Teams dispatched to Zardugal and Mordusia
Her Imperial Majesty's Foreign Minister, Sir Christopher Bjorksdattir, announced that the Empire has approved the placement of consular services in Zardugal and Mordusia. "It is Her Imperial Majesty's intention to set up full embassies in both nations," said Bjorksdattir. "We have been invited to exchange ambassadors by Zardugal, and having an ambassador in Mordusia seems to be a surer way to reach the Luthorian Government than to have one in Ft. William, given that the Luthorian Empress sits in residence in Mordusia as Queen." Following the establishment of Consular services under an appointed Charge d'affairs in Fajroturo Zardugal, Sir Christopher said he hopes that Director Surfungo will sit down with the Imperial Reps and quickly hammer out an arrangement for ambassador exchange so that the Empire may regularize relations with the eastern Majatran Republic.

In Mordusia, the matter is a bit different. Her Imperial Majesty the Empress Carolina I Ananto expressed some moderate disappointment in the outcome of the Mordusian-Lodamese Base conversations, and has suggested that Mordusia has taken its negative feelings toward Kalistan out on Lodamun. "She said it was fairly petty for Mordusia to alter its arrangement with Lodamun, because they disliked Kalistan so much, but she also feels this is an opportunity for us to now move past that, and begin to repair relations. Her Imperial Majesty would like to send an Ambassador to meet with the Mordusian Queen slash Luthorian Empress, and to be shown the courtesy that Luthori would show to any sovereign nation, and is happy for that to happen in Mordusia or Luthori: it does not matter which." Sir Christopher said if this offer is rebuffed, Kalistan will simply give up trying to have any relations with any member of the Luthorian Empire. "We are optimistic. Fifth time is the charm," said Sir Christopher.

Lord Mark Ananto-Orleans has died in Sulari at 78
The venerable old Grand Duke, and cousin of Emperor Fredrick II Ananto has died of complications related to heart failure at his home in Sulari. He was 78 years old. Duke Mark Ananto-Orleans was the Long time Grand Duke of Kalistan, and the appointed manager of the affairs of House Ananto, including their estimated ₭568 Billion fortune. He also founded Miramar Holdings, the Private Equity Firm that manages House Ananto's many successful business ventures across Seleya. Though Ananto himself only took a modest salary, he was considered one of the wealthiest men in the Empire, and owned several homes in both Kalistan and Gaduridos, where his children spent much of their childhood. Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Carolina I Ananto grew up calling Mark Ananto "Uncle" but in reality, he was her second cousin once removed, by adoption.

Ananto made a little news recently when he passed his son Calvin over for management of the House Ananto in favor of his daughter Dana. It is widely believed that the decision came from Her Imperial Majesty herself, who considers Dana Ananto to be one of her closest Companions. Calvin, for his part was made Duke of Suldanor, acquiring a title his father had held until his retirement, while the Grand Duchy went to former Chancellor Sir Bradley Downs. Lord Mark Ananto will be transported to Eveari to be laid in the Family's Mausoleum with the other Anantos, and he is expected to have a small private ceremony which Her Imperial Majesty, the Prince Consort and the Minor Crown Prince and Minor Princess will attend, along with Lord Ananto's family.

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Sir Christopher Bjorksdattir Announces Reception of Ambassador
Ft. William Greets Lord Samuel Trelawny III
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
May 4, 5588


Sir Christopher Bjorksdattir announces the reception of Trelawny to Ft. William

A long sought after event has taken place following the announcement of the dispatching of Consular staff to Mordusia. Lord Samuel Trelawny III was welcomed in formal audience by Her Majesty, the Luthorian Empress Audrey at the Orange Palace. Lord Trelawny will represent Her Imperial Majesty to the Luthorian Empire as its singular ambassador.

Sir Bjorksdattir applauded the meeting. "This is an introduction that should have taken place years ago," said Her Imperial Majesty's Foreign Minister. "It would seem that the Luthorians have finally decided to begin working with the Anantonese Empire, and quite frankly, the change is welcomed." Foreign Policy analysts suggest that a few factors could have led to Luthori's change in posture: Kalistan's repeated efforts to place an Ambassador at Ft. William will have contributed, as would Kalistan's continued participation in the efforts to push back Kundrati fascism. "I think the final impetus was that Her Majesty, Empress Aubrey would rather talk with us in her home than having to speak with us through her representatives in Mordusia," said Sir Christopher.

At the end of the day, the continuous, if light weight pressure on Luthori is aimed at bringing the two empires closer after a long history of animosity and suspicion. "While Kalistan was just Kalistan, Luthori never felt the need to treat us as equals," said Sir Bjorksdattir. "The attitude of Luthori toward Kalistan did not greatly endear Kaliburg toward Ft. William. But when Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Carolina I Ananto was crowned, she became determined to improve relations between our two Empires, as now the Anantonese Empire sits in a place internationally that Luthori can no longer afford to ignore."

The acceptance of Trelawny's credentials in Fort William will not change Kalistan's interest in establishing a consulate in Mordusia. "We may not need to send an Ambassador to Mordusia after all. The Anantonese Empire be satisfied to allow the Luthorian Empress to speak for her entire Empire." Bjorksdattir has also confirmed that Her Imperial Majesty looks forward to building a strong relationship with Luthori over mutual security concerns in the Mad Dog Ocean and the Artanian Sea. "Kalistan's role in Kundrati remains small. Primarily, in country, it has consisted to date with ensuring that Ananto House is still standing in Etxea and delivering supplies to the National Coalition, but as Luthori begins to ramp up their own participation in the affair, we will need to liaison with Luthori, as we are finally on the same side of something."