Kalistan

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Luncasi Transfer is complete
The Kalistani Regular Navy leaves Keris after 35 years
Luncasi Free City, Kizenia
October 1, 5619


Last Ship Out: Logistics Tender KRLS-82 departs Luncasi Naval Logistics Center, withdrawing the last permanent personnel from Kerisian Soil

The Kalistani Regular Mission in Kalistan is finally at its end. At 11:59:59 pm local last night, the Imperial Standard that has flown over the Luncasi Naval Logistics Center was finally lowered, and was replaced by the flag of the Luncasi Free City and the flag of the United Kingdom of New Endralon, Kizenia and Kuzaki, signifying a formal end to Kalistani presence following the war in Kizenia which ousted the right wing dictatorship there more than 30 years ago. Over the last three decades, Kalistan has remained committed to supporting the Free City, has built and already transferred the Port of Luncasi, which is a major trading center on the southern Kizenian Coast serving Northern Seleya, and reconstructing the old port which was inadequate for modern ships, as the Luncasi Naval Logisitics Center. The lease agreed between the Empire of Ananto and Kalistan, and the United Kingdom gave Kalistan exclusive use of the Naval Logistics Center for thirty years with option to renew. Ten years ago, the Empire, dealing with the loss of the Southern Kingdom, opted not to renew that lease and moved toward retrenchment instead.

The Handover Ceremony followed the departure of the last company of Kalistani Imperial Marines earlier in the day back to Kalistan. Once all personnel had been cleared, and the final Logistics tender sailed away, the only thing left to do was to sign the documents to hand the base and all its operations back to the City Government, make a speech and lower the flag as the band played the National Anthem of the Empire of Ananto and Kalistan. Her Imperial Majesty's new Defense Secretary, Lt. Col Calvin Velasco was on hand the preside over the ceremony. Velasco spoke about the importance of the good will of the city, both during and after the war, the close and positive relationships that were built, and the true spirit of cooperation and fraternization between Kalistan, its expat community in Luncasi, and the Kizenian Locals who had been so welcoming.

He also noted that during the nearly 40 years of direct Kalistani tenancy, more than 650 new families had been formed between Kalistanis and Kizenians. "Many of the Kalistani men and women who found their partners here in Luncasi have returned to Luncasi to strengthen the Kalistani Expatriate Community, and it is something we are very proud of. You have welcomed our people among you for four decades, and we feel a sense of fraternity and genuine kinship, both implied and actual because of our time spent here in your beautiful city," said the Lt. Col. "You are a credit to your nation, and from the bottom of our hearts, we thank you and we are so proud of all you have accomplished for your City during our time here."

The Goodbye was both bittersweet and had a sense of finality to it. Much of the expatriate community had been important go betweens for the Kalistani and Luncasi City Government, and Luncasi has earned billions of Rubles during the 40 year Kalistani presence. "But it is sadly coming to an end now," said local Expatriate Leader William Ciobanu-Allen. "But Kalistan leaves us with a thriving and active community, where we Expatriates do not need to keep to ourselves, but feel welcomed and wanted across the entire city. We are happy to make Luncasi our home, and speaking for all 67,000 of us, I can say we will always look for your return as brothers and friends."

The tenure over the Luncasi Naval Logistics Center was largely without incident. Day in and Day out, logistics stores were supplied from the countryside, and that food, fuel, and materiel was used to supply Kalistani Regular Navy who regularly called at the port for resupply. In other situations, ships would fill up and supply Regular Navy at sea. It was considered a hardship tour for those who had families back in Kalistan, but for the Sailors and Marines who were single, the city was considered one of the friendliest and most enjoyable duty stations one could hope for. "It beats Bentasur," said one Regular Seaman in 5703. "Down there all you do is sweat and drink quinine. But here, there is nothing better than the company of a Luncasi National on a cool summer evening. I tried to get restationed in Luncasi as often as possible. The people love us here, the restaurants and dancing and bars are the best... It's like being in Kalistan but cooler because not everyone speaks Vrassan."

The lease on the base may be over, but Kalistan still anticipates that it will receive regular supply from Luncasi. "We continue to work with the Luncasi City Government on supply, and will continue to purchase their services going forward," said the Defense Minister. "We are continuing to cooperate with the Luncasi Free City Government, the responsible authority for the Base to allow us to continue regular operations of the 1st Fleet in the Northern Anantonese Ocean. This deal remains ongoing, and will continue until such a time that it is renegotiated. if that ever happens."

La revedere, Luncasi. Ne vedem data viitoare.

@The Republic