Kalistan

[Doc]

At home with the Minor Crown Prince
Minor Prince William-David Martin Ananto-Connor formally named Heir to throne
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
May 14, 5685


His Highness, Minor Crown Prince William-David Martin Ananto-Connor, seen here with his sister, Her Highness, the Minor Princess Carolina-Katherine Michelle Ananto-Connor in Kaliburg

His Highness, the Minor Crown Prince William-David Martin Ananto-Connor was formally named the Crown Prince of the Empire of Ananto and Kalistan this week in a small ceremony at the Imperial Seat in Kaliburg. The naming of the Crown Prince is the important first step in the young future Heir's transition to the Throne.

"Well, I'm almost 15," said the Minor Prince, "Both of my parents thought that it was time I began my studies in Government. I don't think they are in any hurry to retire though, so I will have a lot of time to learn."

The young royal was also formally introduced to Kalistani society last month. A party was held in his honor in Eveari where he began meeting the Peerage, all of whom wished him well, though one in particular seemed to occupy a lot of his thought. "I ended up spending most of the time talking to Lady Anantonia (Alvarez-Urquizo) about Gaduridos," said the Crown Prince. "She really impressed me with her details of the islands and their history and the music and the food and just everything. I haven't had the opportunity to travel to Gaduridos yet: the closest I've been is to Athosia, but I think maybe next summer, I may want to go spend a month or so there, just kind of touring around and meeting people, and seeing it all for myself."

The Minor Crown Prince was unable to shake his own shadow, in the form of Her Highness, the Minor Princess Carolina-Katherine Michelle Ananto-Connor. who is three years the Crown Prince's junior. "Well, she's always hanging around me," said the Minor Crown Prince. "She doesn't think its fair that I'm going to start training to become the Emperor, while she doesn't get to. I tried to tell her, you know, 'go do your own thing, this is my job now.' I can't baby her: she's old enough to have her own life. We aren't little kids anymore." The Minor Princess, who is not technically out in public yet, is reported, by the Minor Crown Prince, to be very creative, and always makes up make-believe stories with her dolls where she reads plays and has her dolls act out the parts. "She's kind of a weirdo," said the Minor Crown Prince. "Typical annoying little brat sister stuff. She'll probably grow up to be an actor or something."

The Minor Crown Prince did have kind words about his youngest sibling, His Highness, the Minor Prince Mark-Henry Joseph Ananto-Connor though. "He just had his 9th birthday, and to celebrate, we played some football. I got a bunch of my buddies and a bunch of his friends from school and had a great time. It was a lot of fun. He's really athletic. He plays soccer in school and loves football. We talk about it all the time. He's a great little kid, and I then when he gets a few years older, he's gonna be just a beast on the field. Marky has a drive in him that even amazes his friends... It's cool. We're into the same things."

The Minor Crown Prince isn't too worried about the change in his status affecting his relationship with his siblings or his friends. "It just means that I'm official now, that's all," said the Minor Crown Prince. "There's still the protocol and everything, even though its relaxed while I'm in school, and you know, my brother and I get along while my sister is just annoying. But it means that when my parents travel, I might have to go with them now, for example. To meet powerful foreigners who I am probably going to have to work with someday. To watch how my parents do things, to learn. If anything it will get me away from my stupid sister anyway. She's always in my room wanting me to play with her dolls, or wanting to read me some nonsense she wrote. I'll be glad to leave her behind once in a while."

The Minor Crown Prince is finishing his 9th grade and is expected to begin taking civic education as part of the normal curriculum in the fall. Meanwhile, he will also begin formally training with Their Imperial Majesties' the Emperor Fredrick IV Ananto and Empress Jennifer I Ananto this summer, to learn the basics of Government as part of the Imperial Curriculum.

@TheRepublic

[Doc]

Ancient Order of Grey Smoke Holds Annual Conclave
Empress spotted wearing Hulanevek Diamond at annual Elite Function
Eveari, Grand Duchy of Ananto
June 30, 5685


Their Imperial Majesties at the Ananto House in Eveari for Annual Order Day where Empress sports Hulanevek Diamond

Their Imperial Majesties held the Annual Conclave of the Ancient Order of Gray Smoke, at Ananto House in Eveari. The event is the annual gathering of those who have been inducted into the Chivalric order of Knights and Ladies Companion to Their Imperial Majesties, and consists primarily of the Extended Royal Family, their Spouses, important political figures in both Kalistan and Gaduridos, and foreign Monarchs who share a special affinity for the Anantonese Empire. Conclaves are secret, but the events surrounding them are very well publicized and are well photographed--A Who's Whom of Kalistani High Society are always present, and an invitation to an Order event in Eveari is considered one of the most important tickets in Kalistan for those who wish to have some influence in the Imperial system.

"Its really a surprise that more foreigners don't seek admission into the Order," said society columnist Kim Conway, of La Moda. "If you are even a Knight or Lady Companion, you receive the right to speak directly, and privately, I might add, with Their Imperial Majesties, Emperor Fredrick IV Ananto and Jennifer I Ananto. So few people have this opportunity, to speak to the mightiest sovereigns in Terra, in person, and unmitigated by any third party. For those wishing to have any influence in Kalistan this is almost a must."

Lady Ericka Donahue, fresh off her work in Egelion, was back in time for Order Day, which was delayed this year due to the extended negotiations in Norterra Egelion. "Their Imperial Majesties did not want to hold the event until we could be sure that we remained at peace with Egelion," said Conway. "Egelion's King Romulo once held membership in the Order, but Egelion has since not renewed that membership, and since it is not hereditary, it didn't simply pass on to the King's son Artemio. Needless to say, Egelion was not present this year, but Their Imperial Majesties wanted to ensure that Lady Donahue could complete her work on the Treaty."

In attendance were the expected cast of characters, including Their Imperial Majesties, Lady Donahue, Lord Craig Alvarez, Grand Duke of Kalistan, Her Excellency, Lady Anantonia Alvarez-Urquizo, Viceroy of Gaduridos, Her Highness, Princess of the Empire Mary Ananto-DeLaurentis and Lady Companion Victoria Jensen, Lady Commander of the Order, Queen Arianna Elizabeth Rosalyn Steuart-Carmichael of Hutori, Lady Amber Dawson, Their Imperial Majesties' Spokeswoman, Her Highness Princess Nicolette Ananto-Collins and Viscount Andrew Rohrbach, as well as much of the Peerage. Invited guests included Sir Henry Greene, Their Imperial Majesties' Foreign Minister, who was added to the Order as a Knight Companion, Queen of Art Rock Anne Jean, and Maria Jones and Alistair Carruthers, who will represent Kalistan at FOMAT next year in Valruzia, and Lt. General Walter Delgado, who is tasked with overseeing the beginning of Kalistan's withdrawal from Southern Kizenia this summer.

Also appearing, very unexpectedly was the Hulanevek Diamond, which was temporarily removed from the Crown Jewels exhibition on the Manor Grounds, set in a pendant of polished white gold and surrounded by 20 diamonds, one for each County in Ananto and Kalistan. "The Hulanevek Diamond is being displayed today upon the breast of Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Jennifer I Ananto, as a symbol of peace and unity here in the Empire of Ananto and Kalistan," said Imperial Spokeswoman Lady Amber Dawson. "She and His Imperial Majesty, Fredrick IV Ananto asked Reed Jewlers to provide a new setting for the Diamond to be worn in Public following the signing of the peace treaty in Norterra Egelion by her Chancellor, Lady Ericka Donahue, to celebrate the return to peace and the successful resolution of the Northern Conflict, to which Kalistan, unified and strong, committed more than 3 Billion Imperial Rubles in materiel and logistical support to Egelion. Their Imperial Majesties feel it is important now to contribute what this Empire can to the restoration of peace and security in the country, and feel that we will best accomplish that by staying completely out of the way of the Egelion driven reconstruction effort that is already moving ahead at full steam."

The display of the Diamond at Order Day was unexpected, because it seemingly reversed the Empress' stance on the diamond that she last expressed at her coronation. "The Empress herself did not actually believe that the Diamond is cursed, but she felt that she wouldn't wear it at Coronation because the Emperor himself believes it is cursed," said Conway. "I think she wanted to wear it out primarily to demonstrate that in fact it was not cursed: It's been on display in Eveari for a couple years now, and seemingly nothing horrible has happened to Kalistan in the meanwhile. If it truly was cursed, you would have expected to see something happen by now." The Diamond was last worn by Empress Mary shortly before stepping down from her office and on all accounts, even the now Princess of the Empire was surprised to see it around the Empress' neck on a ruby and gold rope.

"Well, I had to warn her about that gem," said Her Highness, Princess of the Empire Mary Ananto-DeLaurentis. "I obviously wore it several times in public myself, and handled it countless times, but there seems to be a strange energy around that gem stone. I don't know: My sister insisted on the science of the matter, and told me numerous times that there is no such thing as curses. But, well, she's no longer with us, because ALS took her too early. I'm still here though and I wore that diamond a hundred times, so who can say? Jury's out. I just wanted to warn the Empress about being careful, that's all. It can't hurt to be too careful: Even if it is not cursed, it is still a precious, priceless artifact." According to Lady Dawson, the Diamond will remain in the setting, even while on display in the National Museum, throughout the rest of the year to commemorate Peace in Kizenia.

Order Day, 5685 is now in the books, and now the Nation turns to welcoming the Kalistani Regulars from Kizenia and preparing to return to peace.

@LaModa

[Doc]

Maxwell asks Empress to return Diamond to Display
Daylight between AYIC and Monarchy on Hulanevek Diamond
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
September 27, 5685


AYIC is reported interested that Diamond remain on Display in Eveari

Director of the Anantonese Yeudi Interest Committee, or AYIC, Mr. Jacob Maxwell has sent an official letter to Her Imperial Majesty asking her to return Hulanevek Diamond to the display at the Museum of the Empire in Eveari. "We thought that once they agreed to place the diamond on display in Eveari, this was a sign of their acknowledgement of the Diamond's cultural heritage to the Yeudi people," said Mr. Maxwell at his home in Kaliburg. "We did ask the Office of Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Jennifer I Ananto to consider returning it to the display as soon as possible, but she insists on wearing it out in public, wearing our people's cultural history as an ornament. Many of our members, and Yeudis of foreign nations, have personally expressed to me that this is a source of some small irritation, and to smooth it over, returning it to the display would go a long way."

According to Mr. Maxwell, a response from Their Imperial Majesties' personal Secretary, Lady Amber Dawson, said that the Empress understands the sensitivity, but reasserts that the diamond was merely loaned to the Museum, and the Empress intends to keep wearing it in public. "The way she talks about the diamond, she more or less has undermined the collective efforts we made to get the stone displayed. It has been missing from the display for a couple months now, and its our concern that she will not eventually return it to the display for all to view."

Maxwell says he understands her attachment to the diamond. "Its obviously a beautiful stone, and she wears it well. I get it: There is not a Yeudi in Kalistan who does not like to gaze upon it to feel some sense of attachment to the homeland of our ancestors. But if she continues to wear it in public and does not replace it, the only folks who will get to see it are those who happen to be at the social events, the cultural events and so forth that she happens to be at, rather than her whole population at large. We would obviously like the diamond to be treated as a cultural artifact rather than an item of personal property, and be worn, perhaps in special events, but then returned quickly."

There are rumors, said Mr. Maxwell, that the Empress keeps the diamond in her room next to her bed. As far as the Monarchs are concerned, the Diamond does belong to House Ananto, and as far as property of the House Ananto, it is Their Imperial Majesties's property to do with as they please. The Spokeswoman for Her Imperial Majesty says that she does intend to return it to the museum, but not until her busy social calendar lets up near the end of the year. "Until then," said Maxwell, "she will keep wearing it. I just wanted to let them know that the soonest that they can return it to the display, the happier her citizens will be that they too can see the diamond in Eveari. The Empress has no shortage of Diamonds that she can easily wear, this one is special and should be not so cavalierly treated."

@LaModa

[Doc]

Lady Amber Dawson confirms Kundrati Visit to Press
"Historic Visit" by Their Imperial Majesties to include expanded aid to rebuilding Artanian Nation
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
November 15, 5685


Spokeswoman for Their Imperial Majesties confirm details of upcoming Imperial Visit to Kundrati

The gradual thawing of relations between Kalistan and their former nemesis, Kundrati has taken a major step forward. The preliminary visit by Their Imperial Majesties Foreign Minister, Henry Greene and the Government of Kundrati less than a year ago has opened the door for a full Official visit by Their Imperial Majesties, Emperor Fredrick IV Ananto and Empress Jennifer I Ananto later next month. The visit is expected to include stops in Etxea, where the Kalistani Monarchs will tour battlefield memorials as well as the site of the Former Ananto residence on the Island which was owned by Emperor Fredrick II Ananto and the Black Empress, Pavlina I Ananto. It will then include a tour of the countryside in Kundrati where Their Imperial Majesties will be able to visit several local villages and farmsteads that are recovering from the war, and finally a stop in Kasaema, where they will meet with President Alaiza Kubitchek, several members of the Kundrati Government, and, in an interesting sidenote, members of the Hulanevek family of Kundrati, to whom His Imperial Majesty is related.

"Also scheduled for the visit is Foreign Minister Greene, and I also believe the Minor Princelings will also travel to Kundrati," said Lady Amber Dawson, spokeswoman for the Monarchs. "Their Imperial Majesties both feel that it is important for their children to become familiarized with Kundrati, so that a bond with the nation may be begun, and they won't see Kundrati automatically as an enemy." Lady Dawson also confirmed that Her Highness the Princess of the Empire Mary Ananto-DeLaurentis will not be on the trip as she will be opening the House in Playa de Paz for the season, nor will Her Highness Princess Nicolette Ananto-Collins travel with the family, as her personal schedule will not allow it at this time of year. "The Princess said she fully intends to travel abroad to Kundrati next summer with her husband if this trip goes well," said Lady Dawson. She also confirmed that she too will be travelling with the Royal Family to Kundrati.

The Imperial Spokeswoman also noted that part of the goal will be to announce a trade and aid package to the Kundrati government aimed at helping them in their reconstruction and modernization efforts which have been ongoing for nearly two decades. "Besides the more than 1 Bn Imperial Rubles Kalistan has already committed to Kundrati in grants and credits, Kalistan also will be sending about as much in direct aid in the form of construction materials for houses and infrastructure within the nation, and additional aid in the form of a photovoltaic/Solar power foundation to begin producing green energy in the Nation. Not only will this provide solar power to Kundrati, but will also reinvigorate the PV industry here in Kalistan." The Spokeswoman also noted that Kalistan will be working with the government on a long term project aimed at reinvigorating the Kundrati telecommunications and internet framework, most of which was destroyed before and during the war.

"Kalistan genuinely looks forward to rebuilding the trust and affinity our two nations held for one another that predated the rise of the Legion in Kundrati. The Visit by Their Imperial Majesties will be a huge step toward that commitment. Not only in that it provides Kalistan with a new friend in Artania, but the mission is also personal for His Imperial Majesty, who seeks to close the circle with the land of his family's ancestry. His Imperial Majesty wants to teach his children to value and respect the Kundrati heritage in his family, as they do the Kalistani heritage, and sees that sort of diversity in his own bloodline as a strength for the Imperial Family. This historic visit is going to change the trajectory of history for our two nations forever." The aid package is expected to be approved in the National Assembly by the end of this month, in advance of the visit.

@TheRepublic

[Doc]

Royal Family Arrives in Kasaema
Minor Princess recovering from Flu in Luxon
Kasaema, Kundrati
December 21, 5685


Their Imperial Majesties and Minor Princelings depart Etxea for Kasaema on Historic Visit

The first leg of Kalistan's Historic Visit to Kundrati has ended with a full tour of the Island of Etxea, Kundrati and a flight to the Mainland to take a tour of the nation. On Etxea, Their Imperial Majesties, Emperor Fredrick IV Ananto and Empress Jennifer I Ananto, accompanied to Etxea by His Highness, Minor Crown Prince William-David Martin Ananto-Connor and Minor Prince Mark-Henry Joseph Ananto-Connor, while Her Highness, Minor Princess Carolina-Katherine Michelle Ananto-Connor needed to stay home because she contracted influenza and was running a fever of over 100 before the family departed.

"Her Highness, the Minor Princess, remained in the care of her Aunt, Her Highness Princess Nicolette Ananto-Collins, Countess of Luxon, who is sitting with her at Cliff House in Kaliburg," said Lady Amber Dawson, as Spokeswoman for Their Imperial Majesties. "Her Parents, the Emperor and Empress have received regular updates on her condition, and all reports are that she is beginning recovery from the effects of the virus and her fever has broken, but she will recover over the next few days and will rejoin her family when they return to Kalistan on the 26th."

The Royal Family, as they arrived in Etxea, were met by Matěj Hulanevek, who, the Emperor reckoned, was likely his fourth Cousin by adoption, with the common ancestor being the Emperor's third Greats Grandfather, or Empress Pavlina's father. "I had the opportunity to meet Emperor Fredrick Ananto of Kalistan," said Mr. Hulanevek through a translator. "I told him it was my pleasure to make his acquaintance, to welcome him and his family to our nation and to ask him to make himself at home." Hulanevek is a local official in Jildrati City was the guest of honor to give the Royal Family the tour, and show them to their lodging. "We drove past many war memorials where the brave fighters of Etxea were remembered, along with fighters from Luthori and Kalistan," said Hulanevek. "The Emperor himself was moved, while the Empress explained to her sons about the war and the long emnity between our two nations." The family also saw the location of the former home belonging to the Anantos before the war, which is now the site of a highrise apartment complex that houses 65 families.

The royals remained in Etxea for three days, meeting with city planners and regional governing officials, who explained the needs of the Island. "The Kundratis made it clear that they have plenty of money coming into the country," said Lady Dawson. "What they really need is building materials for homes for the people, and things that are not essential, but will help the people live much better lives, infrastructure, internet capacity, and commercial facilities. All very expensive, but all things that Their Imperial Majesties had committed to helping provide." The stop on Etxea was very restful, and the people of the Island were very welcoming to the visiting Monarchs, who hold a special connection to the Island, and many bonds severed by a century of war and alienation began to be reforced.

Earlier this morning, Their Imperial Majesty and the Minor Princelings departed Etxea for the Mainland, and have landed safely in Kasaema. They requested Mr. Hulanevek to join them as they met with the new Kundrati President Alaiza Kubitchek. Their Imperial Majesties' Foreign Minister Mr. Henry Greene is expected to join them in discussions and on tour of the Mainland. The thought of Kalistani Monarchs stepping foot on Kundrati soil, unthinkable just 30 years ago, is now a reality. The Monarchs and the President, flanked by several members of her own Government greeted one another at the airport and were promptly escorted to their hotel. A State dinner is planned for this evening, followed by music and dancing, while tomorrow, high level meetings are planned and then a tour of the Capital City. The final day in Kundrati will consist of a tour of the countryside, another dinner with members of the Kundrati business community and then a flight home in the morning.

Weather, which was a bit of a problem on arrival, due to the lateness of the season and the onset of winter in the northern hemisphere, is expected to be fine throughout the nation these next few days, with temperatures in the low to mid 20s., with colder tems further inland, but no rain is expected for the visit.

@TheRepublic

[Doc]

Their Imperial Majesties, Minor Princelings feared dead
Plane returning from Historic Kundrati Visit disappears over Mad Dog Ocean
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
December 29, 5685


Chancellor of the Empire, Lady Ericka Donahue makes a grim statement to Nation

Their Imperial Majesties, Emperor Fredrick IV Ananto and Empress Jennifer I Ananto are feared to be dead tonight. It is believed that the plane they were flying, an AeroKal 9100 Max jet leased to the Royal Family for visits of this nature, went down in a winter storm over the Mad Dog Ocean sometime around 7:15 Kaliburg time this evening. Search and Rescue elements from the First Regular Navy have been dispatched to the area, but so far there is no signal from the plane's transponder.

At 1:30 am, Chancellor Donahue took to all airwaves to announce the disaster.

"The Kaliburg Navy, which was tracking the progress of the returning Royal Family from their recent visit to Kundrati, reported that at about 7:15 Kaliburg time, they lost contact with the jet. There was a storm in the area, and the pilot had signaled that he intended to try to climb above the clouds to get out of the weather at about 6:29 pm this evening. The storm, which has been churning in the area all day was in the direct path of the flight, but only recently grew more severe, and caught the flight more than 1500 nautical miles from land. Once the monitoring vessel lost contact with the Plane, they began moving toward the spot where contact was lost and began search and rescue operations. About 12 minutes ago, I was telephoned and was informed that a section of the tail from the plane was recovered from the ocean, and it is believed that the plane crash landed at that spot. The ship will continue looking throughout the night for survivors, but the squall is not expected to let up for another 18 hours, and is severely restricting search efforts."

The Chancellor called an Emergency Session of the National Assembly, on her own authority, and briefed Institutional Party leaders, before contacting the Kalistani Ducal Council and Grand Duke of Kalistan, Craig Alvarez. During the emergency session it was agreed that the line of succession was not to be broken by the disaster.

"In the Event that Their Imperial Majesties, the Emperor and Empress have already perished, the House Law dictates that the title of Grand Duke of Ananto and therefore Emperor of Ananto and Kalistan shall fall to His Highness the Minor Crown Prince William-David Martin Ananto-Connor, and then after that, to Her Highness, the Minor Princess Carolina-Katherine Michelle Ananto-Connor. We fear that the Crown Prince has met the same fate as his parents whatever that happens to be, and the Ducal Council has advised me to begin making preparations to establish a regency. I will consult with House Ananto and the Kalistani Dukes as we move forward to identify suitable candidates for a Regency for the Minor Princess. The primary candidate will be Her Highness, the Princess Michelle Ananto-Connor, Countess of Luxon and aunt of the Minor Princess, but her regency will depend upon whether she accepts the task."

Her Highness, the Minor Princess is 12 years old, and is incapable of accepting the Crown for the time being. If Princess Michelle accepts the regency, it is expected to be a long regency, and the Princess will have an opportunity to shape Kalistan in a major way. Long seen as a free spirit, the former professional surfer has, since marrying, become content to reserve her surfing for her classes in the summer, and otherwise, enjoys her peaceful life in Luxon. It is unclear whether she will be willing to give that up to take up a position as Regent. If she opts to not accept, it is likely that another member of House Ananto will be required to take up the helm of state.

While there is much talk about the succession, understandably, it is still not clear whether or not any members of the Royal Family survived the crash. On the flight, besides the Emperor and Empress and their two sons, were Foreign Minister Henry Greene, Lady Amber Dawson, spokeswoman for the Royal couple and personal secretary to Her Imperial Majesty, several major investors from Sulari and Kaliburg who were in Kundrati to get a better understanding of what Kundrati needed, a whole pool of reporters covering the trip, three flight crew members and 15 service staff members, and a half a dozen of the Imperial Family's personal staff.

At press time, no additional wreckage has been recovered, while one body has been recovered at the surface. Search teams from the Regular Navy are expected to enter the zone by midday, and then the search for survivors, if any can survive the high waves and near freezing water temperatures of the Mad Dog, will begin in earnest.

Given the time of the announcement of the disaster, it is likely that most people in Kalistan will awake to this news. Lady Donahue has suspended trading in the KalSiE for the next two weeks, to ensure that markets have a chance to even out and the succession can be ironed out before reopening.

More news to follow

@TheRepublic

[Doc]

ignore

[Doc]

Update: One recovered in Mad Dog Ocean identified as Crown Prince
Mission changes from Search and Rescue to recovery as all others believed dead
Northern Mad Dog Ocean, 1470nm west of Dolgava
December 31, 5686


Poor weather still hampers search efforts as Late Crown Prince identified

Over the last 24 hours, Members of the Regular Navy have braved wind, ice and sometimes 20-30 waves on the high seas to look for survivors from the believed plane crash of Their Imperial Majesties' passenger jet returning from Kundrati to Kalistan. 13 bodies have thus far been fished out of the ocean, and it was confirmed this afternoon that among them was the late Crown Prince, the Minor Prince William-David Martin Ananto-Connor, 15, of Kaliburg."

"The chances of finding any of the passengers on that flight still alive after nearly two days in this freezing water are growing increasingly small," said Regular Navy spokesman Lt. Carl Doganuk. "For that reason, we have re-desgnated the mission to be a recovery mission rather than a search and rescue mission. Our job will now to be to remain in the zone until we are certain that we will not find more wreckage or remains of the passengers."

Of the more than a dozen bodies recovered, 8 of them were either members of the Service Staff or the flight crew. "We were able to recover the remains of the late Crown Prince," said Lt. Doganuk. "He has been positively identified, and we have prepared him to return to his family in Ananto." The Lieutenant confirmed that the other members of the Royal Family have not been recovered.

When asked what the cause of the accident was, the spokesman said "Without the black box flight data recorder, it is impossible to know for sure," he answered. "It's too early to speculate on the cause of the crash itself, but what we do know, from pilot reports is that the flight was proceding normally, and then they ran into this storm which is, unfortunately just starting to let up this afternoon and in an attempt to correct for it, they appeared to have attempted to climb over it." The Lieutenant said that no further communications were received with surface repeating stations who were tracking the flight as it arced north to make Kaliburg from the direction of Dolgava. "The disappeared from the radar about twenty minutes later, and we assume that was due to the transponder cutting out from sea water contamination." The Lieutenant said it likely they will never find out what happened to the flight, and it is possible that the remaining passengers and crew will never be recovered.

"This stretch of the sea is notoriously difficult throughout most of the year," said Lieutennant Doganuk. "Its constantly seeing storms rage across it and it is almost always terribly cold. But it is also the most direct arc between Northern Ananto and Artania." The Lieutenant said if the people aboard the plane survived whatever brought the plane down, they likely would have contracted hypothermia within minutes. "All of the people we have recovered appeared to lungs full of air, and froze to death on the sea, likely because they fell asleep when they went into hypothermia and never woke up. There was no sign of injury to any of the bodies."

The Navy was not able to locate much of the plane on the surface. "We found the tail section initially," said Lt. Doganuk, "and we found some of the portholes which had been lodged free, likely upon impact. And there is a oil slick we saw on the surface. And we also found one of the suitcases, we think belonged to one of the Flight Attendants. But most of the plane went to the bottom of the ocean fairly quickly."

He said if there is an attempt to recover the rest of the plane, it likely will not be before next summer, when divers can get to the site to try to relocate it. "This part of the ocean is also particularly deep and almost completely inaccessible except by submarine. We will drop a sonar buoy in this location and will try to return in the summer with a cold water diving crew, some pressure suits, and a submersible." The Navy reported they intended to stay in the area at most four more days so they can take advantage of the good weather they anticipate, before another set of storms is expected to roll in by the beginning of next week.

House Ananto has asked the Nation for prayers and well wishes for those who were lost at sea in this tragic accident. In related news, now that it is essentially guaranteed that Her Highness, the Minor Princess Carolina-Katherine Michelle Ananto-Connor Lady Ericka Donahue shall now become Empress in Waiting, Chancellor of the Empire Lady Ericka Donahue is expected to announce her choice for Regent by January 5th of next year. Private services for the family will be scheduled soon, and a public memorial service is also in the planning stages.

@TheRepublic

[Doc]

In deep Mourning, Princess Nicolette Ananto-Collins accepts Regency
Minor Princess Carolina-Katherine Michelle Ananto-Connor becomes Empress in Waiting
Eveari, Grand Duchy of Ananto
January 31, 5686


Her Highness, Princess Regent Nicolette Ananto-Collins formally accepts role of Princess Regent

As soon as the private family memorial for Emperor Fredrick IV Ananto, Empress Jennifer I Ananto, the minor Prince William-David Martin Ananto-Connor, age 15, who was to be the Emperor's heir, and Minor Prince Mark-Henry Joseph Ananto-Connor, age 9 was concluded last week, the Chancellor of the Empire, Lady Ericka Donahue called a meeting in the National Assembly between the Dukes of Kalistan, the Viceroy of Gaduridos, Her Highness Princess Nicolette Ananto-Collins, Princess of the Empire Mary Ananto-DeLaurentis, and herself. As the highest ranking members of the peerage, the Princess of the Empire, the Dukes of Kalistan and the Viceroy, with one voice, pleaded with the Princess Nicolette Ananto-Collins to accept the Mantle of State and serve the Empire as the Princess Regent until a new monarch may be crowned. After more than 10 hours over two days, the Chancellor announced that the Princess had reluctantly accepted the role of Regent.

"The Princess Regent has agreed to serve her people and her Empire as Regent until we may crown a new Sovereign," said the Chancellor in an announcement to a joint session of the National Assembly. "She will work with the Dukes, the National Assembly, and the Peers to play the role of Caretaker and Guardian and Protector of the heir apparent, the Minor Princess Carolina-Katherine Michelle Ananto-Connor, until such time as she reaches her majority and completes her National Service. She will see that the Minor Princess is educated and will receive training by both her grandmother, Her Highness, Princess of the Empire Mary Ananto, and through the National Assembly, where it will be our task to teach her public administration, civics, and institutional order. We will name an official tutor in that case."

The Chancellor then asked for acclamation of the National Assembly, both the House of Deputies and the House of Peers to grant the Minor Princess the official title of Empress in Waiting. The request was granted by acclamation. The Chancellor said it was the will of the Dukes and the Regent that the Minor Princess shall be able to claim her throne at any point after she reaches her Majority on her own volition, rather than relying on the regent to surrender power or the National Assembly to strip the regent of authority.

Henceforth, until such time as she reaches her majority and claims her birthright, the Minor Princess shall be known as Her Imperial Majesty, Empress in Waiting Carolina-Katherine Michelle Ananto-Collins. She shall not possess other titles until she becomes formally Empress Carolina II Ananto: the Regent shall hold all titles in trust, and may neither aggrandize nor destroy them. The Chancellor noted that the title Empress in Waiting also causes the Protocol to apply to the Minor Princess as if she were fully within her sovereignty. This includes prohibition on first person singular pronouns, as well as rules around audiences with one small change. The Formal Audience must include both the Chancellor of the Empire, as it does normally, as well as the Regent, who will represent the Empress in Waiting. All informal audiences will be held with the Regent, rather than the Empress in Waiting.

The Imperial Protocol will not be extended to Her Highness the Princess Regent. Rather she shall retain her rights and Privileges under the House Law as Princess. When she leaves office, she will be entitled to use the title Princess of the Empire, as Princess of the Empire Mary Ananto-DeLaurentis does today. The Princess Regent will retain entitlement to use first person singular pronouns.

When Emperor Fredrick III Ananto died in office, also of a plane crash, his sister, Princess Michelle served as regent for about seven years. The Empress in waiting being much younger, the regency is expected to be far longer. The Princess Regent spoke briefly following her acclamation to the office:

"I never wanted to be in this role, and I would rather have my brother back than have to bear this burden alone. It is with great sorrow that I take up this role. I intend to hand it off as soon as my niece, the rightful Empress of Ananto and Kalistan, is prepared to take it up. I will need a lot of help and a lot of patience. But I want to continue my brother and sister in law's legacy. I don't want to make any major changes at all. I do not have a legislative agenda of my own. I... I am a surfer--I teach kids how to surf, and how to play music. My husband, as Director of ODEN-K is what a lot of people in this world would call a drug dealer. We're not really cut out to rule, and I am certainly not trained to rule. So as I take up this very important job, I will make a lot of mistakes. I will try my hardest, you know, but I am also going to rely on you all too. My Chancellor and I have, I think an understanding. She's going to help me. We're gonna work to keep this train on the tracks long enough for my Niece to complete her National Service, and we're going to do all we can to help her get ready. But... you know, she's just a little kid, and she's grieving the loss of her parents, the Emperor and the Empress, and her wonderful brothers... I'm so sorry. Madame Chancellor. If you would please."

The Princess Regent stepped from the podium in tears.

The Chancellor helped the Princess Regent to her seat next to her mother the Princess of the Empire and Former Empress, who embraced the regent to comfort her. Meanwhile the Chancellor of the Empire ordered all to stand, and then to take a knee as she read the Oath of Fealty, naming Her Imperial Majesty, Empress in Waiting Carolina-Katherine Michelle Ananto-Collins as "Empress", and leading all members and peers to swear or affirm loyalty to the Empress in Waiting.

The entire affair lasted only a few minutes, and then the Assembly was put into recess for the remainder of the week. The whole nation has been on pause this entire month. The Chancellor has wisely kept the KalSiE closed for trading until Her Imperial Majesty the Empress in Waiting could be officially named to the position and until the Regency was accepted. It is lkely therefore that the KalSiE will open again Monday of next week. Futures appear to be steady on the news of the Regency, and investors are bullish on growth in the midterm.

Meanwhile The Royal Family will continue grieving for their lost family members for as long as they think they will need, and Princess Mary and Her Imperial Majesty, the Empress in Waiting will return to Luxon. It is unsure whether the Regent will remain in Luxon going forward or will relocate to Kaliburg. But Her Imperial Majesty has been withdrawn from school for the time being while the family figures out the living situation. As the Princess Regent has no children of her own, these are things she has never had to consider before.

@TheRepublic

[Doc]

Chancellor moves Kiezenian Treaty past a reluctant National Assembly
Nationalists call treaty a "sell out" of Kizenia; Treaty is narrowly ratified
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
February 15, 5686


Chancellor of the Empire tackles first major legislative hurdle in Regency period

The Chancellor of the Empire has successfully obtained the ratification of the Kizenian Peace Accord, over the staunch opposition of some nationalist Deputies in this first test of her grip on the Legislature following the death of the Emperor and Empress and the establishment of the Regency. The Bill passed 53-25, with one abstention after an all night, marathon arm twisting session that saw the entire Institutional leadership brought in, and included at least two phone calls from Her Highness, the Princess Regent herself.

"I don't particularly care for the heavy handedness coming from the Government on this question," said one nationalist holdout, Deputy Nathan Rodriguez, of Eshar. "You negotiated this, Madame Chancellor? This is all pro-Egelion, all what Egelion wants. All what Egelion gets. Any concessions to Kizenia or Kalistan appear to be afterthoughts. This is what we put so much money behind? Building a Kerisian Empire out of whatever is left of that Continent that Egelion doesn't already manipulate into its service? And now you insist that we pass this garbage? Seriously?" Deputy Rodriguez went on to vociferously oppose the passage of the Treaty and was a solid no vote in the final tally.

Other Deputies spoke in favor of the Treaty. "Our goals were clearly stated:" said Deputy Ingrid Southern of Dahriel. "We were there to remove the illegitimate Government of Kizenia, restore a legitimate government there, and protect Kalistani citizens and property which make a significant portion of the residents of the cities of Luncasi and Deltabor. That is what we did, and now its time to bring our troops home. Its what the Emperor and the Empress sought, and what the Chancellor obtained. Its a complete win for Kalistan."

The Chancellor herself appeared to try to balance the two sides during the debate, acknowledging the anger of the ultra nationalist factions, while still pushing for ratification. "Look: If you had been in those meetings, it was literally Egelion saying, 'No, this is what is going to happen, and you need to sign here because you are derailing the peace process,' Trigunia, for obvious reasons standing behind them saying 'Yeah, what they said. We agree 100% Egelion, Kalistan is bring a brat,' and the Kizenian revolutionaries saying they had no opinion and were cool with whatever Egelion put forth. I got the very distinct opinion that Kalistan was never wanted there to begin with, and so we got the tiniest possible concession for our side, the promise of a base lease at some point in the indeterminate future, as well as explicit language ensuring an independent Kizenia, and this was our opportunity to at least not lose on every point we were raising and then get out of Keris and leave them to their fate."

The statement was not well received by those who opposed the treaty who called the Chancellor a "Sellout" and stated that the promises of the Egelians weren't worth the paper that the Treaty was printed on. "You saw in their paper about how they compared you to a child, who they are bribing with candy so you'll stop throwing a tantrum, Madame Chancellor," said Deputy Martin Zimmerman of Sulari. "Just the height of condescension from the Egelian Crown, and it drew no response whatsoever from you, or from the Late Emperor or Empress. And in that very same article, while they bragged about bribing you, they were also saying they 'might' have to already modify the terms of the treaty. Who knows what THAT means, but it clearly shows that they don't take you, Kalistan or that Treaty seriously, and mark my words, Madame Chancellor, this Empire is going to pay dearly for that sellout when Egelion is too powerful to stop and too full of their own disdain for this Empire to wring any additional concessions from."

The Chancellor listened to this sandblasting calmly. It was clear that her mind was elsewhere. "Deputies," she said as she rose to speak. "It's time to bring the troops home. That's what... That's... That's what our Emperor and Empress told me to do, and this Treaty does it. Whatever else you all want to add to it or take away from it, we have accomplished our mission. Even if we have to take fifty such humiliations from an aggressively expansionistic Egelion, our Emperor and Empress ordered it, and it is my job to turn their word into our law. And now our New Empress' Regent has ordered me to... obtain ratification of this treaty, and that is what is going to happen here, that is our business. Believe me, nobody is more furious than me that Egelion treated us this way. But the Egelian councilor did have a point in their statement: It was never about Kalistani interests. Egelion made it repeatedly clear that they do not consider Kalistani interests further than they can throw them. It wasn't really about Kizenian independence either, because if it was, that concession wouldn't have been so incredibly difficult to get out of them. But the treaty is about peace in Kizenia, whether it be through a free and independent Kizenian government as we fought for, or one that will very soon find itself as the junior member of an Altean controlled Empire. I know all this far better than anyone sitting in this room. I don't care. Ratify the god damned treaty."

When the vote was finally taken after an exhausting 15 hour debate that stretched from the Assembly Chamber to the offices of many deputies, to countless side rooms and coat closets, ultimately the argument that won out was "Ratify because the Regent required it of you, in Her Imperial Majesty, Empress In Waiting Carolina's name."

"We live to fight another day," said one Deputy after the vote. "Now it is our job to ensure that under no circumstances will Kalistan let Egelion out of the terms of the Treaty, and our job now becomes checking Egelion rising power in the region." The Deputy spoke on condition of anonymity, saying that she was one of those who held her nose and voted to ratify the treaty. "Egelion lost an ally over this debacle, I fear. But its clear that this is not at all important to them. We have bigger fishes to fry than worrying about the contents of an ultimately meaningless peace treaty that was forced down our throats." The Deputy hinted at discussions already percolating about expansion of the 1st Regular Fleet in the Northern Anantonese, and the fact that the word "missile defense" was current among some Deputies.

@TheRepublic