Kalistan

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Empress makes surprise visit to Institutional Forces in Etxea
First Kalistani Monarch to set foot on Etxea since Empress Pavlina
Jildrati City, Etxea
March 18. 5737 (backdated)


Her Imperial Majesty with newly promoted Brigadier General Jesus Martinez (Brevet) in Etxea

Her Imperial Majesty made a surprise visit to visit the Kalistani forces in Etxea this week.  She has already returned to Kalistan via Luthori, but wanted to visit the Militia before they launched into Kundrati.  In the process, she also promoted the Kalistani Commander, Jesus Martinez to Brevet Regular Brigadier General for the duration of the conflict.

Her Imperial Majesty was travelling under strict cover and silence, and flew commercial to Luthori "to maintain cover." said private secretary and Imperial Spokeswoman Lady Marian Southern back in Eveari.  Lady Southern accompanied Her Imperial Majesty on the trip to Artania along with the Minister of Defense and about half a dozen security agents. "IBSI makeup artists used prosthetics and makeup to ensure that Her Imperial Majesty could travel safely and incognito, though of course, she travelled first class. She was also issued a passport for the trip by the Foreign Ministry that identified her as an investor, and featured a photograph of the Empress which employed the prosthetics." Her Imperial Majesty arrived in Luthori and then chartered a private flight to Etxea. In Jildrati City she debarked under the cover of night and was escorted without announcement to the Kalistani base camp.  Etxean Command was only informed of Her Imperial Majesty's arrival after she had safely landed and debarked the plane, while Institutional Militia commanders were given two hours notice of the visit.

Once at the base, Her Imperial Majesty stayed just over four hours.  She was primarily there to speak with the Kalistani Commander, now Brevet Regular Brigadier General Jesus Martinez, whom she promoted in a public ceremony just after sun up in Etxea, as well as visit with the men and women serving in the Militia.  "Her Imperial Majesty thought a little morale trip may be helpful," said Lady Southern.  "She acknowledged the danger that they were all facing but also stressed that this is the culmination of two generations of conflict and told them that she cares for all of them and will look forward to their speedy and successful return to the Empire.  She also paused the protocol and spoke with the troops directly, allowing herself to be photographed with the troops, and spoken with directly." 

The Lady Southern added "I think I even heard a few 'I's' in the conversations."

As the visit with the troops occurred just after morning formation, Her Imperial Majesty agreed to eat a meal with the Militia members.  She spoke candidly and openly with the members of the Kalistani Expeditionary Legion, and listened to many of them tell her stories about their homes and their loved ones.  The Empress reportedly did more listening than talking, and her visit greatly boosted the morale of the Kalsitanis in camp that morning.  "Its a shame we couldn't get the visit in place a few weeks beforehand," said Southern.  "Several regiments weren't in camp and have already deployed with the Kundrati Union forces.  They therefore missed the Empress' visit."

There is no record of what Her Imperial Majesty, the Defense Minister and General Martinez discussed during the on base visit.  "Nobody should attempt to speculate the contents of that conversation," said Lady Southern.  "Even I wasn't permitted to attend.  But there is oversight in the conversation as the Defense Minister was part of the talks."  Southern disclosed that the meetings lasted about three houses.

According to Southern, the Empress was only on the ground in Etxea for about four hours before returning to Luthori and then to Kalistan.  "There was no opportunity to attempt to find the old Ananto House on the Island," said Lady Southern.  "The Island is largely secure but it should be assumed that the place is riddled with spies who would likely have attempted to harm the Empress, according to their programming.  But additionally, Her Imperial Majesty believed that it was a far better use of her time to stay with the troops as long as she could and meet as many of them as she could before needing to depart."

Lady Southern said Her Imperial Majesty became emotional on her way back to Luthori, not only because she was thinking about the people she met were set to go into battle, but also because of the poor families who Kalistani Irregulars were going to slaughter on the battlefield.  "Her Imperial Majesty said she told Colo...  Excuse me, Brigadier general Martinez that no quarter was to be given if none would be offered.  She said she felt bad for the people of the Kudrati Mainland when the Militia is turned loose on them."

Her Imperial Majesty landed safely in Kaliburg last night, and immediately proceeded to Eveari to sleep off her jet lag.

@TheRepublic