Kalistan

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Catching up with the Prince Consort
"We are never apart," says Rosenfeld of Empress
Eveari, Grand Duchy of Ananto
July 10, 5725


Prince Consort poses for portrait in his Study at Ananto Estate

La Moda caught up with His Highness, the Prince Consort Lord Elliot Rosenfeld at Ananto Estate in Eveari this month. Our interviewer asked about the life of a man who has stayed largely out of the headlines and what life is like living with the most powerful woman in Terra.

(La Moda's) L(aurie) J(ones)- Good afternoon Your Highness. Thank you for sitting down with me.

(His Highness, Prince Consort) E(lliot) R(osenfeld)- Yes, I am glad we finally got this together. We were playing phone tag for a while, and finally, we got schedules to match up.

LJ: I am glad for that. Your scheduler was a very slippery person.

ER: Well, its kind of hard to keep appointments sometimes when you are married to an Empress who insists on having her way about everything. She'd get 20 minutes of free time and there goes my schedule for the day...

LJ: Do you two spend a lot of time together?

ER: We've never been apart, to be completely honest, but now that the kids are all out of the house and its just us two, its just really easy for her to come over from the office and hang out or whatever. I'll spare you the details. She has a lot of energy...

LJ: Well. Haha...

ER: Oh, well, it's all perfectly innocent... I mean... mostly anyway. Well part of the time... My wife may come off in public as this prim professional, with everything perfectly all together, but I assure you, when the cameras are not on her, and people are not staring at her, she is definitely the opposite of that. It's an act, you see: She's not naturally very outgoing. She's very erudite and kind of awkward and goofy, even after all this time, she's a real nerd who is trapped in the body of a supermodel. She's smarter than anyone in any room ever, and she knows it. So she will come home from her office, and she may bring her trivia book and talk about something in the book that she learned about, and then researched for three hours, and how its the wildest thing she's heard in a day, or she'll pour herself a bowl of cereal and want to play videogames with me. She's like a kid, and it feels like she's just hitting her stride. It reminds me of how old I am. But the proper act that she puts on when she leaves the house, she thinks that is how respectable people should be, and so that's what she does. I have given up trying to get her to stop and just relax--It hasn't made a bit of difference for decades now.

LJ: Do you two still play Go together?

ER: Most certainly. We try to set aside some time each week to play against one another. She's only gotten better. I can't say, even with my handicap that I've beaten her in years... But I still play, because I get such joy out of the challenge, and when she wins, of course, she's delighted, and that's the pay off for me.

LJ: It sounds like you two haven't lost the spark.

ER: How could you with that woman around? She likes to wrestle sometimes, can you believe that. How could a guy say no to that? She's a big weirdo. Love of my life, to be completely honest.

LJ: And how about you? Tell us a bit more about yourself.

ER: I have my diversions, of course. I enjoy going to the shooting range: We set one up here in Eveari, and that is great fun. I go golfing at least twice a week with my friends from the club. When Willy was here I would go to the skatepark with him to watch him beat himself to death on a half pipe. I still teach go classes three days a week when I'm back in Kaliburg, and I work at AYIC the other two days. I am proud to say that we will be beginning Redn classes in Valruzia I think next month. So I will go there to help set that up with the Valruzian Redn speakers in Chynberg. Carolina will of course be accompanying me: I don't plan on spending any more nights without her. We'll be there for maybe a week or two. I'm still so busy with everything. And my wife and I are planning to begin attending the Theater again regularly. We kinda stopped going when we had kids because there was always something every night we hardly ever got out.

LJ: What club do you belong to?

ER: I am at the Imperial Club now of course. It's a new one... there are so many new ones popping up nowadays here in Ananto. But I suppose it was about time really. The Ladies still run High Society in Kaliburg and Sulari. The Clubs could be seen as like another part of that. But Carolina is also a member there too. Before that she was just in the Garden Club, but, and no offense to their members, but they were just too old for her. She said if she wanted to hang around fossils, she'd go to the Natural History Museum.

LJ: Some are saying that there is talk of some of the clubs becoming men only. Have you heard about this?

ER: Not that I am aware of, certainly not the Imperial Club. All the clubs, the political ones like the Nationalist Club and the Democracy Forums, those are all fully co-ed. The new Orthodox Club is going to be co-ed too. Every club I can think of is co-ed. I don't even know why anyone would want a single sex club... Can you imagine how dreadfully boring it would be to be surrounded only by men? Hahaha.. I'll just say it, and I know plenty of people who feel this same way: Any place my wife is not welcome is not a place I want to be either. I'd rather just stay at home with her than pay a mountain of money every year to exclude her. Can you imagine? Any club that is just all men or just women isn't going to last very long.

LJ: I'd like to switch gears a bit and ask a question more geared toward your personal philosophy.

ER: Excellent!

LJ: Given your experience as Prince Consort, what would you say the proper role for a Consort during any reign should be?

ER: That's an unexpected question. Well, let me think about this for a second. I can speak for my role: I get fulfillment from helping my partner make our family what it is. Together we raised three wonderful kids. I can safely say, she was far more busy tending the affairs of state, but we shared the family things pretty evenly. We both spent time with our children when they were sick, or needed medical treatment. We have been there to support one another in the things we wanted to do that were above and beyond the things we had to do. So if my experience is instructive, I think the proper role of the Consort is to be a good partner to the Monarch. This was not what I saw myself doing as a child. Not at all. But I think my wife and I are good complements for one another. She has been the best wife to me that I could ever even imagine. She does so much for me just to show me she cares. The least I can do is make her life as easy as I can: She has so much stress and responsibility. So a Consort should be there to shoulder as much of that burden as possible.

LJ: Did she ever ask you to become Emperor?

ER: Oh goodness no. Hahaha. This is Carolina Ananto you're talking about. She may be everything I have ever said, and I still love her with every fiber of my body, but she is still very much an Ananto, and nothing I can do will ever change that. And she will let you know that the moment you attempt to demonstrate that you think you are better than her or smarter than her. She turns off the sweetness and light and turns on the lawnmower to cut you off right at the knees.

LJ: Yes, that was the image I had of her.

ER: Oh yeah, she's very forgiving, even to people who I would say probably do not deserve it. She is very humane, and she is very compassionate. But she is the most arrogant person I have ever met in my life too. She will agree: but to her the arrogance is her birthright, like she earned it from being born. She will not hesitate to inform you that you are not her equal.

LJ: Do you find this causes friction?

ER: No, I think I very early came to the understanding that it was just true. We've had this exact conversation several times. It goes: her, then her children, then all the Anantos, then everyone else--like in the whole world. I say her kids, because they are ours, but they are Anantos, and I merely married an Ananto. Lady Melanie was born Alvarez, but she was a descendant of the Gaduri Anantos, so she was always above me and now that she's been promoted and is part of the Kundrati Anantos, she's above me even further... haha. It doesn't bother me. It's just how they see themselves. I am happy to be the closest non-Ananto to her. That's a bit of a consolation. And unlike everyone else in the entire world, I'm her husband and we have kids together, so that's an easy win in my book.

LJ: But you're not intimidated by her?

ER: Why should I be?

LJ: I would be.

ER: Ah, I understand. No. She can be insufferable on occasion but she's harmless. There are like three spirits striving within her: She's an Ananto, but she's also a Brethrenist too. So as Empress Ananto is chopping you into minced shark bait, Friend Ananto is already planning on how to fully rehabilitate you. She is a very complex person. I know she is not mean spirited, but I also know she can't help it. Her superiority complex comes from being an Ananto and being from Kalistan. Her family had been Emperors and Empresses for centuries before my family ever arrived from Valruzia. How can anyone compete with that? But its nothing to be intimidated by. She just is what she is. A beautiful, playful, multifaceted bookworm who was unfortunately promoted to Empress and is now the most singularly powerful woman in the world. Most nations do not give absolute fiat power to a person whose arrogance is hard coded into their genes. But Kalistan did, so, we get what we have here today. She would have been happier, I think, as a librarian.

LJ: Well, Your Highness, it seems that we have spent more time talking about Her Imperial Majesty than we have talking about you?

ER: Well, I am a simple man. I am comfortable not being the center of attention. I get the blessing of not being under a microscope and not being the target of a bunch of corrupted idiots overseas whining about our system of government at entirely inappropriate moments. I don't have to put up with that, and I don't have to accept it as a personal attack. I really do live a very charmed life. I have everything I could ever possibly want. I do as I please, and am really very happy at home. My heart still leaps when my wife enters the room, even when we are fighting because I know making up is always so much fun. I have all the room in my life to do the things I find enjoyable-- I have plenty of opportunities to do things with friends. But I really just prefer her company to anyone else in the world, and my friends who know me well understand that. If I can make her part of what I am doing I try, not because I feel like I have to, but because I genuinely want to. So when you talk to me, and you let me talk about what I like talking about, I am going to be talking about my wife.

LJ: That's fair. I think your scheduler has buzzed you. I suppose that means we are out of time.

ER: Actually, it means Carolina wants to meet you. It will be the end of the interview, but you are welcomed to stay with us. Would you like to meet my wife Carolina? Off the record of course.

LJ: Oh lord... I don't think I... I haven't prepared anything... I don't... um....

ER: Fantastic. I will ask her to come in now. Thank you for the interview. Please stay put, you are a guest at our home, and she will tell you to ignore the protocol anyway.

@LaModa

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House Ananto announces that Crown Prince is Engaged
Cpl. Casey Leigh-Campbell, native of Spencer, is daughter of Count of Sulari
Yoshimi, Duchy of Suldanor
November 16, 5725


Leigh-Campbell, seen here with Crown Prince William Ananto-Rosenfeld at Fall Social in Yoshimi

House Ananto has announced that His Highness, Crown Prince William Ananto-Rosenfeld has gotten engaged. His betrothed is Ms. Casey Leigh-Campbell, 21 of Spencer is the daughter of Count Michael Leigh of Sulari County, and Countess Maisie Campbell, of Sulari. Leigh-Campbell was raised in Spencer and is a Corporal in the Regular Force, where she is attached to J Battery 3rd Bn 12th Regiment of Army South as a radio operator and squad leader.

"The Crown Prince was introduced to Cpl. Leigh during field exercises last spring," said new House Ananto Director Lady Melanie Ananto-McLinn. "Cpl Leigh is a decorated active duty service member with an exemplary record. She has earned the Order of Merit, an award usually reserved for senior enlisted and staff Officers, as well as the Regular Force Commendation Medal, and the Silver Lifesaving Medal for an incident which occurred when she was a Lance Corporal and was acting as Radio NCO on the KRS-634, a coastal patrol craft, in mid 5724."

According to Lady Ananto-McLinn, LCpl Leigh was attached to the ship in joint exercises, and was on radio watch at about 2:30am. One of the fuel cells failed and caught fire in the engine room, disabling the craft and killing the captain. Since the incident late at night, and she was the only other crew member awake, it being her watch, she immediately sounded general quarters, as she radioed other ships in the area. She then proceeded to assist several sailors who were incapacitated into life rafts. Her quick actions saved the lives of 16 sailors aboard the doomed ship: Had she not acted quickly and with a clear head, most of the crew who was off watch and sleeping below decks would have died from smoke inhalation. "Her meritorious medals were the least that could be awarded to that brave woman." Leigh-Campbell has also earned the Good Conduct Medal and the National Defense Medal.

"Since their introduction in the Spring," said Lady Ananto-McLinn, "the two have been in constant contact. They are now actively in the same artillery battery, and reportedly spend most evenings together. The news apparently was well received by the command, who discourages casual relationships between active duty members. But both will discharge from active duty this summer, and given their formal engagement, the command has given the ok to the relationship as well."

Following the announcement, His Highness, the Crown Prince and Cpl. Leigh-Campbell were seen together at the Regular Force Fall Social, one of two formal dinners and parties to encourage open to the Regular Force and recently separated veterans. "A lot of the time, servicemembers will invite civilians," said Lady Ananto-McLinn. "But if there are married service members, or in the Crown Prince's case, engaged servicemembers, they will bring each other." The Fall Social is a great opportunity for the Regular Force to dress up in their Dress Gray Bravos, have a fancy dinner and do some dancing. "The Crown Prince and Cpl. Leigh-Campbell reportedly enjoyed their time at the Social. Next time they attend one of these things, now that they are engaged, they will probably be mobbed by gossip columnists trying to take a photo of the pair together."

Lady Ananto-McLinn said House Ananto will release more details about the future Empress as the pair get closer to discharge from the service. "The Crown Prince still has 7 months left and Ms. Leigh-Campbell still has nine months left, and they both need to focus on their military duties for the time being." The Empress and the Royal Family reportedly approve of the engagement, and have had the opportunity to meet Leigh-Campbell late this last summer.

@TheRepublic

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"Window likely no longer open with Gaduridos" says FM
Disappointment as Gaduridos goes ahead with massive expansion of oil production
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
November 30, 5725


FM Ontiveros speaks with reporter at Foreign Ministry

Her Imperial Majesty's Foreign Minister Miguel Ontiveros no longer believes that Gaduridos has any intention to seek positive relations with Kalistan. "Moves on our side were limited and preliminary around the coronation," said Ontiveros, speaking with The Republic at the Foreign Minister in Kaliburg this week. "There was talk early last year of interest in a possibility of thawing relations, and then there was never any follow through. So we will just assume that that window is probably closed and will proceed as if Gaduridos intends to remain permanently estranged from Kalistan."

The Foreign Minister said that recent moves to aggressively expand the oil industry drilling and refining capacity in Gaduridos, as part of the PSSG's petroleum development program have done nothing but further alienate Kalistan. "We can tell what they are thinking by what they are doing," said Ontiveros. "The Empress was quite clear on her opinions regarding expansion of the oil industry, especially in Gaduridos, where one accident there could potentially foul Kalistani waters and beaches for a generation. And Gaduridos is going ahead with not only that, but extremely polluting refining capacity and petrochemicals development. Which is weird because they call themselves social democrats, but they are polluting their own environment directly, even if we ourselves never get any of the damage. They are polluting their own water and air and land first, when they claim to care about their people so much."

The Foreign Minister said the Imperial Government will consider steps to wind down any remaining Kalistani involvement with Gaduridos over the next few months. "Unfortunately this means we will be done importing those few things we had continued to import into Kalistan, things like coffee, some textiles and some steel. But if they are going to try to shift all the ecological costs of their development onto Kalistan, it will not be free to them to do so. This is tit for tat, unfortunately, but their enthusiasm for polluting downstream should not be a free choice for them. It should come with costs. And those costs should be severe enough to pay to clean up the environmental destruction that Gaduridos plans to cause in Kalistan."

Ultimately, the Foreign Minister says there is nothing Kalistan can do to compel Gaduridos to do the correct thing outside of war. "We can try to ask them nicely. We can try to threaten them with sanctions. We can try to hurt them economically, but at the end of the day, they are still going to do what they want, clearly with no regard to the thoughts on the matter of their neighbors. So what are our options? The worst we can do if we don't want to go to war is to treat them as we treat another gross polluting nation, Nadiya, which is as non-entities. It's a shame because we should be natural trading partners, as we had been for centuries. Kalistan has money to invest, we want to buy Gaduri goods. But we won't as long as they are waging ecological war against us."

The Foreign Minister said Her Imperial Majesty would be happy to discuss Kalistan's legitimate concerns with he Gaduri Government to come to a solution that can benefit everyone involved and keep our air and water clean of their pollutants. "But we have no evidence whatsoever that Gaduridos has any inclination to seek a new Modus Vivendi with Kalistan, and Kalistan will not be travelling back to Gaduridos any time soon. Put simply, Her Imperial Majesty is no longer holding her breath. She has more important things to do with her time than attempt to welcome people who do not want to visit with her."

He added in closing, "And Bentasur is not going anywhere. That was never on the table in the first place, so if that's what they are waiting for, they shouldn't hold their breath either. We use that base to protect not only our southern approaches, but theirs, and they don't have a navy, so they would not be in any position to take up that mission were we to abandon it. But Her Imperial Majesty would rather destroy that base and salt the ground that it sits on than hand it back to Gaduridos in tact. Because as soon as she vacates it, another imperial power will show up to claim it, and Gaduridos will likely hand it away."

@TheRepublic

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Sulari Hard Rock Quartet Engine release debut Album
Supermodel Maria Hanley graces cover, Video
Sulari, Duchy of Suldanor
January 27, 5726


Engine's debut, To Live and Die in the East, features hard rock and synthesizers

The Sulari based underground rock band, Engine, released their first album on ARC this month.  The album, which is called To Live and Die in the East, features the lead Single  "As Fine as You Are" and is accompanied by a steamy music video starring Dana-based lingerie model Maria Hanley.  The album also features Hanley on the cover, in a gritty charcoal drawn apocalyptic scene.

"Well, sex sells," said lead singer Don Johnson.  "The song is about a guy who is obsessed with a model, but he's only seen her in magazines and on billboards and commercials.  So, to make the video, we wanted to get some models.  We called up Kaufman, naturally and asked for recommendations and they said they have the girl."  Kaufman model Hanley, 23, who just landed a contract with the Sulari-based intimate apparel company Alicia Ganner Intimates, took the opportunity to try on some of the company's product for the video shoot.  "Originally there was a story in the video,: said Johnson,  "but after the first hour of shooting some B-roll of Maria, we kinda knew it was just going to be her in bras and panties all day.  That was a no brainer pretty quickly.  None of us objected, like at all."

The video was very expensive for a first effort.  "Well, we paid Maria about K$25,000 Pesos for the video," said Johnson.  "And I think they say the bill just for her outfits, if they can charitably be called that, was more than K$42,000 Imperial Pesos.  Our video producer was just like 'ok, I'll just give her my whole checkbook'."  Johnson said the band was kind of an afterthought.  "ARC, when they saw the video asked where we were, and I said we were all just off camera, watching Hanley do her thing to our music.  And we were cool with that, but the record company said we had blown the whole promotion budget buying underwear for 'some blonde'.  What a rude thing to say!"

Anchored by the video for "As Fine as You Are", which plays over arguably the album's best track, the record has already recouped the recording and video costs.  For their part ARC called the video gratuitous.  “Some would even call it objectifying," said the band's A&R rep Freda White.  "We wanted to tell them to go shoot a new one, but with what money?  We ended up with a video ARC didn't want to send to KRTVN which we had to send if we wanted to make any money on the song."

"Well, we must be doing alright," said Johnson.  "Because they are giving us more money to do another video next week."  Asked if he intends to bring Hanley back, Johnson said "The record company told me she is no longer in the budget--  She's far too expensive for this band on its debut outing.  But who knows.  We'll see.  The guys and I would obviously love to have her back."

The record, which is classified as hard rock, also features synthesizers and electronic drums.  "We wanted to give a nod to the New Wave of RF," said Johnson.  "Our guitarist, Brian (Johannson) kind of inherited this synthesizer from his uncle, who used to play in a local New Wave band, and Brian just let it sit in his garage for like years.  So when we were recording in Sulari, he brought it in one day and he plugged it in to see if it still worked, and it was this wild syntho sound that sounded like something at a disco on a alien space ship and we were like 'Oh, man, THAT's going on the record...'"  He also said that the record has some punk influences.  "Of course.  All four of us are from Sulari.  There's gonna be punk on the record."

To Live and Die in the East debuted at 65 last week on the Radio 1 Hot 100 Albums Chart, which is not bad for a band which has a more localized fanbase, and hasn't quite broken nationally.  "Well, I will say, their video for 'As Fine As You Are' was the 12th most requested video on the weekday call in show," said White.  "So it was a pretty big gamble, but we are starting to see movement for this record, and we can tell the difference in sales that the video debut made to broader audiences in the Nation.  I just hope its not a trend, where these rock bands are just putting super models in skimpy lingerie all over their videos, because that will get both expensive and played out pretty quick in this country."

You can buy Engine's new album To Live and Die in the East, now out on ARC Records, and check out the band's debut video for the the song "As Fine as You Are" right here or on KRTVN TV-7.  It's probably playing there right now, actually.

[Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wx_FEoDkKQ]
"As Fine as Your Are" by Engine, starring lingerie model Maria Hanley and not much else

@KalistaniRawkMonthly

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Spencer welcomes world back to Space Exploration
ISCA says they look for opportunities to cooperate
Spencer, Duchy of Suldanor
February 12, 5726


ISCA Director Nancy West, at the Imperial Space and Rocketry Museum in Spencer

The Imperial Space and Communications Agency (ISCA) applauded both the recent efforts to restart space program in Nadiya and the founding of the Dovani Space Agency. ISCA director Nancy West said "These developments are very encouraging for the future of both manned spaceflight and greater efforts to explore more of space and the universe around Terra. We probably know a fraction of what would should know by now, and with more nations working on it, human knowledge can benefit."

Asked if Kalistan, which has maintained an active space program for more than 150 years, has any plans to launch manned missions into space, West answered, "Sadly for science and for Kalistan's prestige, I don't think manned missions from here in Spencer are much of a priority. They are quite expensive, and they are still so dangerous. We did manned missions centuries ago, and there's not a lot of new technology which is available to be discovered in space which we don't already have access to from the now ancient space missions, and humans been everywhere that can be reasonably achieved already. Until we get access to stuff which is currently labeled as 'science fiction,' such as faster than light tech, missions to the outer planets are sadly still one way trips. So Kalistan has no intention of creating rockets with the goal of conducting manned space flight."

This is not to say that Kalistan wouldn't cooperate with others. "We don't really have the training facilities here to produce astronauts, as we have been focused on communications and surveillance with our space program, two emphases which are relatively inexpensive compared to even the most rudimentary manned missions. But if say Nadiya or New Verham were to welcome candidates from Kalistan into their space programs, there are, I am sure plenty of people who could qualify for their program, and would like to participate. We could also help support the program from Spencer, where we could provide additional communications from Kalistan, as well as launch facilities and fabrication facilities to assist in their programs. This kind of support role would be one that we would definitely be interested in being in, to help bear some of the costs and the burden."

West says the mission of ISCA includes advancing human knowledge, but it says nothing about prestige. "ISCA believes that scientific investigation is about increasing human knowledge about the natural world. As such our mission is not to get to Point X first so we can plant our flag and claim to be the first to do it. That's not important in our view. Because there is nowhere we can feasibly go, and safely return from, that some other human didn't set foot thousands of years ago. That said, there is still so much to learn about our earth and our solar system which, to be honest, we've only scratched the surface of. And if someone is interested in doing that kind of work, we are interested in helping, regardless of prestige."

West says formal telegrams have been sent to the Nadiyan Space Program as well as the new Dovanian Space agency in New Verham, with words of congratulations and stating the desire to cooperate in any way we can, including use of launch, fabrication and mission control facilities at Spencer. "Our calendar is not incredibly busy right now," said Director West. "We are doing maintenance work on our current in-orbit assets, and we may do one to two new launches each year. We have excess capacity that can be use to help others out and fulfill our mission of advancing human understanding."

@TheRepubic

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Empress announces imminent retirement
"We shall abdicate on July 1, 5730", says long serving Monarch
Eveari, Grand Duchy of Ananto
May 1, 5726


Her Imperial Majesty sits for a portrait at her home in Eveari

"Having secured our legacy, and placing our nation on a good foot, it is our desire to finally retire from office and hand the reigns over to a more energetic generation," said Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Carolina II Ananto, while speaking with The Republic over the weekend. "We have spoken with the Chancellor of the Empire, who does what all chancellors do and initially refused to accept our expression of our desire to abdicate in favor of our son, the Crown Prince William. And then once we got that formality out of the way, we informed him once more that we shall abdicate and phrased it as a Fiat, and at that point he ceremonially acquiesced to our will and informed the National Assembly."

The Empress said she would like to give her son the opportunity to get an education when he leaves the service in July. "He has served his Empire in the regular armed force, and will be discharged honorably. He should have the opportunity to obtain a formal post secondary education and start his family before taking up his birthright. We shall remain in office until her is fully prepared to take our place." Asked if she knows what the Crown Prince will study, she said the Crown Prince has learned an appreciation for trigonometry while serving as an artilleryman. "We think he shall be interested in studying mathematics. That should serve him at the helm of our National Economy."

The Empress was asked about her opinion of the future Consort, Sgt Casey Leigh-Campbell. "The Sergeant is a good for Willy. She is a very professional, serious soldier, and we believe, she motivates our son. She has been promoted over him in the Regular Force, and for the next few months at least, outranks him. He says he doesn't mind being outranked by his own fiancée, because, in his words, 'tens of thousands of servicemembers outrank me already, so what's one more?' But she was promoted to Sergeant due to her high scores on her performance and conduct reviews and her promotion scores--she was promoted faster than even others in her section. She is quite proud of her service, and she is a good person for our son." The Empress also said it was encouraging to her that Ms. Leigh knows how to surf. "She can teach him some things, for sure," said the Empress. "We look forward to formally welcoming her to our family and meeting hers when she is discharged from active duty."

Her Imperial Majesty was interviewed at Ananto Estate. "Our husband and we have decided to spend more time in this beautiful new home," said the Empress. "We are busy overseeing the rebuilding of the Museum of the Empire here on the estate, and we can be in Kaliburg within an hour for anything we are required for, but it is just quieter here in Eveari, and its where we Anantos belong to be totally honest. Our people are here, this land has been in our family for centuries, our ancestors are all buried here, and we are friends with the people of this town. It is very easy to get lost in Kaliburg." Asked if Cliff House will remain open, the Empress said, "We have to keep it open for certain functions, and the staff will of course be retained and kept employed of course. The lawn never tires of growing, the dust never tires of accumulating, and the place will soon be unfit for our habitation if we close it. We will still dwell there on occasion, but the main house will be kept up to pass on to our son when he leaves the service in a few months. And eventually he will take over the offices as well while we will remain here and in Athosia."

Asked how Lady Melanie Ananto-McLinn is fitting in at House Ananto, the Empress was relatively speaking effusive. "She's a natural fit. We needed her sort of no-nonsense mind in that position after Lady Christina retired. Melanie is a real screw about some things--she has already reorganized some of the departments which had been drifting in mission over the years. She's continued Lady Christina's best practices and have come up with some of her own, and has done nothing but impress since she took over in September." The Empress smiled, and added, "We think Lady Melanie is happiest when she is in charge of things and people are just doing what she needs them to do without constantly questioning her. We believe she would have made a fantastic Empress in her own right, if that had been her family's fate. Alas, she get to reign over her own domain and we give her the latitude to do so with an iron fist: We have made it absolutely clear that Lady Melanie has our absolute confidence in House Ananto's operations."

She was asked if Lady Melanie is enjoying life in Luxon. "Luxon is a bit more laid back than the capital," said the Empress. "We believe Melanie is living her best life. Returning her from virtual exile on the frontier has done very well for her self opinion. And there is plenty of nightlife to keep her busy in Luxon, and most importantly, keep her out of trouble. She will actually be visiting us here next week, of her own choice, we shall add. We are so looking forward to it. She said she would like to attend meeting with us here in Eveari. We want her to spend as much time with us as she wishes."

With the Empress' retirement set now, the machinery of both State and House Ananto kicks in to begin to prepare the nation for the transition to a new Monarch. Various protocols and standard operating procedures, not used in more than 30 years are being brushed off, and preparations are being made. "Well, first the Crown Prince needs to get out of the service," said the Empress. "We still have a lot to do and a lot of time to do it in. But retirement is something that every monarch looks forward to sooner or later. We have seen a lot of change here and hand our son a different nation than we inherited. But we believe it is still as strong and as unified as ever, and we have therefore managed our tenure on the throne as well as anyone could expect. And we leave healthy and happy, unlike many of those who went before us, who were miserable at this point in their reigns. This is good energy and will fuel us for the next four years until our time is over."

The Empress said she is working with House Ananto at the moment to begin planning for a royal wedding.

@TheRepublic

[Doc]

Kalistan to cooperate with Nadiya before Gaduridos?
As old doors close, new ones open over space and science cooperation
Spencer, Duchy of Suldanor
June 20, 5726


ISCA Fabrication Center at Spencer Space and Test Center increases workforce as new opportunities with Nadiya launch

The Imperial Space and Communication Agency announced that it is nearing a finalized agreement to begin cooperating with the Republic of Nadiya in northern Keris around space exploration. "The deal will include the opportunity for Kalistani astronaut candidates to complete training in Nadiya and then begin serving on joint manned space flight missions launched by the Nadiyan Space Agency," said ISCA Director Nancy West. "This is a new collaboration which is fairly unprecedented in Kalistan, and it is very exciting for us to contemplate." The association and cooperation will also include the building of modular rocket components to assist Nadiya with the development of launch vehicles for their space missions. "Kalistan has a long history of producing our own rockets domestically. We build them here in Spencer, and according to preliminary discussions, realize that we could provide the generic components for the Nadiyan engineers to more or less plug and play for their own domestic rocketry assembly, to serve the needs of their Space Agency."

The move to cooperate, she said, comes at a good time for the Kalistani counterpart. "We have a lot of excess capacity, and have been performing a lot of what are known as 'make work' programs here at the ISCA. With new cooperation with Nadiya, we can keep our people working, and will even need to hire more to meet demands, which will benefit Spencer immensely, given the town's focus on supporting the SSTC. We also look forward to the opportunity to meet our Nadiyan counterparts, and learn a little about them through this cooperation. I think we are most enthusiastic about this being the thing that breaks the ice between Kalistan and Nadiya, and is such a positive thing for all of humanity, not just our two nations."

Three years ago, West says, cooperation with Nadiya on anything was not on anyone's bingo card. "If we were going to cooperate with anyone I would have imagined, back then, that it would have been Gaduridos. That seems like a natural thing, almost a no brainer. But as the days go by and Gaduridos drifts further and further away, sometimes the most pleasant surprises happen which are entire unexpected. Working with Nadiya not only provides new opportunities to learn about and from one another, but it also opens new doors to possible other cooperation in other areas. If enough of these things happen, who knows? Maybe the Empress can move on from the ghost of the past and move more toward the bright light of the future?"

West said there are still a number of things to work out between the two nations. "Naturally, I think the Empire will want to make sure that it is specified explicitly that Kalistani cooperation is for peaceful projects only," said the Director. "This is not to say anything about Nadiya in this particular instance, but that our Nation has had a bad history with ballistic missiles, and while Nadiya, as a sovereign nation can pursue its own programs without Kalistani comment or objection just fine, I am fairly certain that the Foreign Minister and the Minister of Science and Technology, which handles ISCA's budget, will not want anything that Kalistan supplies to be used for military purposes." The director said that ballistic missiles and space rockets are much in the way of the same technology. "In fact, the first space craft were more or less unarmed missiles. The payloads they deployed were satellites, not bombs, but the principles are the same. And Kalistan won't be a part of that, because we believe in peace."

West said she expects the agreement to be fully signed within the space of a year, and after that, Kalistan will begin working with Nadiyan liaisons to set up a training rotation, and start filling orders from the NSA. "We're ready now, actually," said West. She also noted that Kalistan is willing to help other nations with their space programs. "We can cooperate and communicate around the advancement of human knowledge and not let national ego or ambition get in the way. There is a time and a place for that, but cooperation for the advancement of human understanding is timeless and borderless. And we look to be an active partner in that endeavor."

@Orthodoxo

[Doc]

Melanie Ananto finds a Second Chance at House Ananto
The fallen former Chancellor talks about her life after scandal and her friendship with the Empress
Luxon, Grand Duchy of Ananto
July 3, 5726


Lady Melanie Ananto-McLinn, with her Chief of Staff, Ms. Jane Sharpe, seen here having just told an x-rated joke about a nun in preparation for the photo

Her Highness, Princess Melanie Ananto-McLinn was once the second most powerful individual person in the world, behind Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Carolina II Ananto. Then a scandal and a subsequent conviction removed her from office and sent her into exile. She was re-enlisted into National Service as she neared 40, and was required to spend most of her own personal fortune paying restitution to victims, who spent her entire time out of power working to exonerate her. She got a significant assist from the incoming Chancellor, her replacement, Sir Johnathan Mickelson, who requested clemency on her behalf in honor of her long service to the Empire, and Her Imperial Majesty granted it, rescuing her from exile, and adopting her as a sister.

Ananto-McLinn, a distant descendant of the Fourth Dynasty, was initially unsatisfied with most of the policies of the Empress of the Fifth Dynasty. "I think it is fair to say that I thought the Empress made a good many missteps during her early years," said Lady Ananto-McLinn. "I didn't really make a big secret of my distaste for her policies, and did what I could to make sure that the damage I thought she was doing to our nation was contained. I was forced on the Empress, following the death of my predecessor in a car accident, and it was no secret that she didn't want me because I was a very outspoken nationalist and rather hard headed." With a smile, she added, "I did what most nations in Terra did--I underestimated her. And I am very sorry for that. It wasted a lot of time that could have been better spent working together for the people of her nation."

When Ananto-McLinn fell from power and was disqualified from public service forever, she thought she was finished. "I was using a lot of drugs around that time. I don't blame my actions on that, but lets say they didn't really help me out much. And when I was arrested and dragged out of my home out into the streets, in front of Kaliburg, I was so messed up I didn't even know what was happening. Oh god, that picture... its embarrassing to see it now." Ananto refers to the photo of her arrest published in The Republic at the time where she appears on the street in front of her home in handcuffs surrounded by KPD officers. Close inspection reveals that her eyes were almost fully dilated.

Lady Ananto said she was using a lot of cocaine and MDMA at the time, and was losing weight because she wasn't really eating well, and covers her face as she thinks of the photograph. "I remember waking up in a holding cell in Kaliburg after I had been arraigned. I remember a cop asking me if I was 'conscious enough to finally talk to my lawyer.' When he said the word 'prostitution' I knew I was done for. I plead no contest, because I didn't really want those people I knew exposed in the press. Our arrangement was based on trust, and I know I messed everything up, it was my fault, so I just took the rap and prepared to do the time."

Ananto-McLinn, then Alvarez-McLinn actually was re-inducted into National Service. She was not required to go to basic training, but instead spent her time as a laborer with the State Housing Construction crew in Southern Suldanor. "You aren't allowed to do anything in National Service," said Ananto-McLinn. "So I had to detox at the same time as I was doing labor at building sites in Sulari... It was miserable. But that sun helped me sweat all that junk out of my system. By the time the Empress granted me clemency, I was over the withdrawal, and had squared my mind to stay clean." She was returned to her sinecure on the edge of the Lucid Morass, and planned to spend the rest of her life swatting mosquitos and removing snakes from her house.

But the Empress had different plans for her. When Lady Christina Ananto-McKinley announced her intention to retire early and travel, the Empress called Lady Alvarez-McLinn. "It was very confusing for me," she said. "I had harbored such ill will toward this woman for so long, and throughout my entire career, she has only ever held the hand of friendship out toward me. And I went, prepared to slap it away once more, but she is a very persistent person, and she believes that if she can't do something, it is merely a matter of time and not of effort. She spoke to me not as an Empress and not as this annoying pollyanna who wants to be everyone's friend, but she reminded me that we are both Brethrenists. She takes her faith and practice very seriously: if the Brethren had nuns, she would probably become one," Ananto says with a laugh. "Anyhow, she reminded me of the testimonies and said that this was the basis of her forgiveness."

And this time, Lady Melanie said, it got through to her. "She was the only one who remembered me when everyone else forgot about me, and she said she thought about me everyday and missed me while I was back in Suldanor, and wanted to find a way to talk with me without making a huge problem for everyone. Me, a person who only checked my contempt for her because it is against the law to express it publicly. I was friendless and she reached out to me. And she offered me the opportunity to serve the Empire once more. And even promoted me to royalty, which was beyond my wildest dreams. I didn't know what to say, but then she showed me one last stroke of compassion and asked if her daughter could speak to me, because apparently, I was something of a mentor to her daughter and my loss hit the Princess hardest."

Lady Ananto-McLinn, having been granted the right to use the name of her ancestors once more said she went home and prayed for the first time in a very very long time. "I really did. I sat in silence and waited for the still, small voice that we Brethrenists listen for as we contemplate the Truth. And it spoke to me and called me an idiot for not jumping at the chance when I first heard it." Ananto rolled her eyes. "Yeah, duh. I went immediately to Cliff House and told Her Imperial Majesty that I actually prayed and that I want the job. And I asked her finally to forgive me for being a bad friend. She smiled, we hugged and cried together, and to be honest, this was really the first time I had ever felt even comfortable being around this woman." Lady Ananto said she was not sure which the Empress was more surprised to learn: "That I wanted the job or that I had been sitting in silence praying."

Brethrenism is a strange practice, said Lady Ananto-McLinn. "The Brethrenists don't really concern themselves with what happens to us after we die. Their faith and practice is for what we are doing while we are here on terra. They take the Book more seriously, I think than most Hosians, because the Brethrenists take the words of not only Elijahu, but all religious thinkers, as expressions of the same truth from different perspectives. And the Brethrenists will tell you not to worry about what happens after you are dead because you can't do anything about anything then anyway. You should focus on what you are doing here, how you are treating people here, how you are living your life. You should not hurt others, you should not treat others are means to your ends, you should treat all others as your equals, titles and protocols not withstanding."

She said she used to reject offers of friendship from the Empress, who she said made countless offers over the course of their relationship. "Her Imperial Majesty would tell me we were Friends," said Lady Ananto-McLinn. "I mean, yes, in the strict sense that we were both birthright Brethrenists, yes, we were technically friends. But I always thought that an Empress and a member of the nobility couldn't necessarily be friends because there is a power differential there, which perpetually sets one as the Empress, her obviously, and one as the subject. I was not her equal. I could not rely on her to do anything for me, because even though there is a little difference in rank between countess and grand duchess, there is an immense gulf of power between Empress and subject. And I always had to call her Your Imperial Majesty, even as Chancellor of the Empire. That is not how friends are around one another. So whenever she told me that she thought of me as her friend, I would correct her and inform her that I was merely a loyal subject, and nothing more."

But the new Director of House Ananto said this is not what the Empress meant. "She meant we are friends, in that we were meant to look out for one another. When she called me her friend, she was telling me that I was her sister, the sister she never had. I think the loss of her brothers and mother when she was a little kid changed her sense of family to be far more inclusive that most people really have. Her aunt adopted her as a daughter when Carolina was a small child, and raised her as her own. The Empress then adopted the King of Hutori as her brother, and she sees him regularly. She lost her birth family and was the only one left, and the nation almost lost the Royal Family. So she built herself a new one, with her adopted siblings and her own kids, she intends for the Empire to go on forever. She made her feelings explicit for me when she adopted me as her sister. At first I thought that was so strange. But after it was done, and she called me Sister rather than friend, all the animosity and resentment I felt toward her, all the jealousy, it left my heart in that minute."

Ananto-McLinn says the experience has given her a new lease on life. "Here at House Ananto, I don't have to worry much about politics." She says she still maintains her membership in the Nationalist Club. "But more often these days, I sit back and listen. I am under no pressure to lead any causes into the National Assembly. I am not the face of the movement anymore. I can have my opinions and I am allowed to keep them to myself. Its a real opportunity for me to become the kind of person who can listen rather than speak, and observe rather than be the center of attention. It is the kind of life I never knew I wanted for myself."

Asked if she still mourns the loss of the Southern Kingdom, she seemed far less animated over the subject that she ever was in the past. "Eh, they deserve the right to go their own way if they want, I suppose. We met their king when we went to Gaduridos for the coronation. He seemed like a serious fellow, and the nation is taking steps to carve its own national destiny out. As a nationalist, I can at least applaud that. But the sentimental attachments I myself felt for the Anantonese Empire's death have faded a bit. The Empress doesn't seem concerned about it: she's making new links in new places, and letting Gaduridos alone. If its not a problem for the Empress, why should I be concerned?"

The Director of House Ananto says she is too busy anyway to pay much attention to politics. "First of all, you would be amazed what you can get done sober..." she said with a laugh. "I've had lots of opportunities of course: this is Kalistan after all. But the only drugs I consume these days are in tea with the Empress. And then I only do that if I am not quick enough to abstain before she doses me. I think she gets kind of a kick out of that, like she thinks its funny. But it also helps me stay on my toes around her. She is a functioning opium addict, as every monarch of this nation eventually is, but she's been using it for so long that it doesn't really affect her much at all anymore. It's like how some people just put salt on their potatoes before they even taste them to see if they need salt. She does it out of muscle memory, rather than craving. I don't think she really even thinks about it anymore, but she never drinks coffee or soda, or water really, and never takes tea without opium. Never."

Politics take a backseat to administration, says the Director. "I have so much to do every day, I don't know how Lady Christina did this AND was the CEO at Miramar." (Lady Ananto-McLinn, who is disqualified as a penalty for her conviction, from ever serving in a position of public trust again, merely advises the board selected CEO of Miramar, as the representative of the controlling bloc of stock in the company. She does not actively attend board meetings or make executive decisions for the holding company.) "Right now, we are starting to prepare for a wedding between the Crown Prince and Ms. Casey Leigh-Campbell, and between then and the coronation, we may have two other weddings, and an abdication, and that's just the special stuff. Day to day House operations are a sun up to sun down matter."

Lady Melanie said she would be lost without her assistant and Chief of Staff, Ms. Jane Sharpe. "Jane runs a very tight office here: She is the best Chief of Staff a person could ever want. Organized as the day is long, and people like her and respect her. And she has the most vulgar sense of humor I have ever experienced. I found a kindred spirit in Jane." Lady Melanie Ananto-McLinn was a guest at Ms. Sharpe's recent wedding, and offered her and her new husband her home during their honeymoon, while Lady Ananto-McLinn visited the Empress in Eveari.

Lady Ananto-McLinn has received permission to move House Operations to Luxon so she can live closer to her work. "Well, I was deeded the Late Princess of the Empire Nicolette Ananto-Connor's home, where Her Imperial Majesty spent time as a child, and then Nicolette retired to. This home is such a beautiful home, with a view of the Luxon Swell as it rolls into Ananto. It's near everything, the nightlife here is fascinating, the people are beautiful and the Global Music Hall of fame brings tourists every week. I had no idea that Luxon was such an amazing spot, and the Anantos knew it all along. This is their island after all. Of course they know where everything is: they put it here."

She says she is eternally grateful for being given another chance. "I know I did not deserve it. I spent two decades of my life hating the one person who only wanted to be my friend. And yet it was she who stood by me, when I was at my lowest. When I had turned my back on her and everything she stood for. That makes me want to be a better person to those I care about, and care about more people than I ever did before." Lady Ananto-McLinn says she attends Meeting in Luxon weekly. "And I now make the effort to go visit the Empress at least once a month. Earlier this year she invited me to Meeting in Eveari. This time I had the sense to say yes. And despite everything that is known about me, those Brethren welcomed me and told me they were happy to see me come to Meeting with the Empress and the Consort. How gracious of them. They even called me Friend Ananto-McLinn. I almost broke down crying."

Lady Melanie Ananto-McLinn said she still occasionally has her fill of the Empress, despite their much improved relations. "Well, she is still both extremely intelligent and extremely arrogant," explains Lady Melanie. "I will give it to her: She knows her own faults, and always apologizes after the fact, but she takes pleasure at making it known that she knows something about just about everything. And knowing how everyone loves a pedant, sometimes when she gets rolling, you just sort of have to step out of the way, and let her go, because if you try to stop her, it just makes it worse. But. She always makes you feel very uneducated with a smile. I used to hate that smile. Now I find myself looking forward to seeing it as often as I can."

@Orthodoxo

[Doc]

Meeting the Future Empress:
Ms. Casey Leigh-Campbell looks forward to the Future
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
August 5th, 5726


Ms. Casey Leigh-Campbell, daughter of the Count of Sulari, sits down with La Moda to introduce herself to the Nation

Before a couple years ago, residents of Sulari County in Suldanor knew Ms. Casey Leigh-Campbell as the free spirited daughter of the Count. She was not a national figure, but was often seen as a bit of a troublemaker. Ms. Leigh was suspended twice from high school for various pranks, and regularly skipped classes. In fact, her disciplinary record was so bad that she was almost kicked out of school and denied graduation. But she began meeting with Regular Armed Forces recruiters mid way through her Junior year and her parents were relived when they helped the young hellion get her life together.

"My father and mother were so glad when I informed them that I wanted to enlist," Ms. Leigh-Campbell told La Moda in an exclusive interview taken this week in the Capital. "The Armed Services provided me the kind of rigid and purposeful discipline I had grown up without, and showed me that being 'uncontrolled' means that you are not in control of yourself. That's not necessarily always a good thing to be. I would follow what my friends wanted to do, and then when I would get into trouble, they would make themselves scarce. I was spending all day surfing and hanging out at the beach, and then I would get in trouble while they ran. It was not always the best feeling, but I kind of felt like I didn't really have any kind of future that I really had to put in any time or effort to achieve--it would all just be handed to me, and I took it all for granted. The military showed me that true freedom and self-control go hand in hand. I was hooked, instantly, I told my so called friends to get lost, and I began exploring what the Service had to offer me."

In the armed forces, Ms. Leigh-Campbell said she found the part of her life that was missing. "Its the feeling of earning something. For so many people, that sense of earning is missing- We have so much given to us, that we sort of don't really value it. But when you earn the thing, that thing becomes precious to you. I was shown what it was like to actually earn respect, to earn the right to lead and to be followed. That feeling is incredible. It's a source of immense pride that you take in yourself, in your accomplishments. The NSP also instills this in Conscripts, and really I could have gone either way, but the military got to me when I was 16, and so, that's the way I went."

And in the military, she earned meritorious commendations for her leadership and her example to others. And she then earned medals for her bravery and her clear headedness in a moment of danger and crisis. And then she was, by chance introduced to the future Emperor of Ananto and Kalistan, who was on his own quest to become a leader and build some discipline. The two hit it off instantly, over a love of music, movies, and sports, especially surfing and skating. "I really just wanted to be with him," says Casey of the Crown Prince. "He was my best friend, and together we pushed each other to do things, to be better. We would have push up competitions and trivia contests, and bowling contests and would schedule leave together and I would take him surfing while he would take me skating... I think we both knew immediately that we were compatible. He fed my competitive spirit, and I encouraged him to be more free and comfortable with himself."

Leigh-Campbell says that during leave last fall, His Highness proposed that they spend their lives together. "He gave me a small ring, which I was not allowed to wear in uniform, by the way, but which I still wear on a chain around my neck. It was very sweet. He introduced me to his family and it was very much like 'This is Casey, she's joining the family, it's what I want, I hope you like her'." The Lady laughs. "They of course were thrilled by his choice. I got to meet the Empress and the Prince Consort, and I eventually met Willy's sisters when they came home on leave, and of course, I love both of them. I was raised to believe that the Anantos were kind of persnickety with who they let in: they kind of keep to themselves. But nothing can be further from the truth. I was welcomed warmly and enthusiastically, and personally I think that House Ananto is just glad that the heir to the throne is getting married. But Willy's mom, the Empress, is a trip: she is always willing to mix it up on trivia or talk philosophy. She's a smart woman, and I see where the Prince gets his mind from." She said she learned how to play Go from His Highness, the Prince Consort.

The engagement settled, Ms. Leigh-Campbell's plans to make a career of military service were dramatically altered. "I thought I would retire from the Regular Forces," she said. "But life always has other plans. Now I am looking at attending college with Willy and learning something: I don't even know yet, but probably something with history or political science: those were the classes I paid any attention to in High School. And then, when I become the Consort, my life will change dramatically."

Ms. Leigh-Campbell was asked if she was prepared for her future role as wife to an Empress, and her answer was maybe a bit surprising. "No, honestly. My father is a Count, so I am pretty familiar with privilege, but I like to think that I have made some major changes in my life during my enlistment that taught me the value of self discipline and accomplishment. Its a feeling I love, and so I think I will not really fully fit into the role until I have something to do as Consort, like a mission or a passion project. I look at how other consorts have spent their time, and I would like a bit more active role in public, so I can put the title to use and do some good with it. And it won't be enough to just patronize the arts and look pretty in photos. I really love getting dirty and doing work, physical work is as good as mental work, but I also like staying fit too, so I want an active life." She said she and the Crown Prince have four years to create a role that satisfies her and makes her feel very useful.

Ms. Leigh-Campbell has contracted a public home in the Wilson neighborhood of Kaliburg so she can live close to Cliff House, which the Crown Prince has taken possession of, before the wedding. "Well, House Ananto is busy planning the ceremony, and all I know about it is that it will take place at the Brethrenist Meeting House in Eveari." She says she has met with Lady Melanie Ananto-McLinn, House Ananto's Director. "That meeting was intense," she laughed. "Lady Ananto-McLinn is a pretty tough woman, she has a very dominant, very screwed down type of demeanor--That part I could really appreciate, it spoke to my military side--and she asked me a millions questions about every single personal matter you could imagine... Luckily, Willy prepped me for the interview. I suppose they wanted to see if I had something in my history which might compromise the Royal Family. Some of it was pretty embarrassing, to be honest, but I am glad it is out of the way, and she gave me the Ominous Dominus, along with a clean bill of health." The hard part out of the way, much of the rest of it has been very easy. "They already treat me as if I am already married," she laughed. "It's kind of weird."

She says she looks forward to joining the Ancient Order of the Gray Smoke. "I have heard stories about what goes on in their conclaves," she laughs. "Some of the more unbelievable things are kind of lurid. While I hope its nothing like that, I have to admit there is a part of me which has been fascinated by the mystery and the possibility of being some kind of weird cult or something. I am eager to find out for myself, for sure." She said she will have to wait until she is married to learn the secrets of the Order, but added that once she does, she is not going to tell anyone, not even her own family. "No, you can't just share the secrets," she said with a laugh. "That will get rid of the benefit of knowing the secrets: They are only valuable to the degree that they are not accessible to just anyone. It's exciting, and also more than a little thrilling to think that I will get to see what happens on the other side of the closed doors in the Conclave."

Some basic details about the soon-to-be Princess: Her full name is Casey Diana Leigh-Campbell. She was born June 18, 5704 in Sulari, making her about three months younger than the Crown Prince. She is the daughter of His Excellency, Count Michael Leigh of Sulari and Countess Maisie Campbell. She has one brother and three younger sisters, one of whom is already enlisted in the Regular Forces, following in her older sister's footsteps while her brother has already completed his service and is working in County Government. She describes herself as a voracious reader, preferring science fiction and dystopic novels, and surfs for fitness and pleasure. She is a decorated Veteran, having been awarded the Order of Merit, the Regular Force Commendation Medal, and the Lifesaving Medal for heroic actions on the night of July 13, 5724 that saved the lives of 16 of her comrades, among other medals, as well as one meritorious promotion during her enlistment. She enjoys pizza and plans to buy a cat. She is also a movie buff, and has considered studying film in addition to history at Kaliburg Imperial University, where she is enrolled for the fall Semester. She and the Crown Prince are engaged, but will live mostly in separate homes until the marriage. A family get together that includes the Royal Family, selected members of House Ananto and the Leigh's is scheduled for fall in Eveari.

The nation looks forward to welcoming her.

@LaModa

[Doc]

Orthodox Chancellor hints at mission to Nadiya
"Science Cooperation creates possibilities" between two nations, Says Mickelson
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
September 7, 5726


Chancellor Mickelson speaks to National Assembly on foreign Overtures

"We have an interesting opportunity before us," said Chancellor of the Empire Johnathan Mickelson at the National Assembly this week. "Opened by the perhaps overly enthusiastic statements of the ISCA Administrator in Spencer, and the favorable response from her counterparts in Nadiya, we can now consider a future where there is normalized relations between our country and cooperation on a number of fronts, not just science." The Chancellor was speaking in favor of a foreign policy omnibus which included increased funding for cultural exchange with Utaristan, new funding for an embassy in Utaristan's capital of Cise, and formal invites to the President-Chancellor of Valruzia and the Governor General of Mordusia to visit Kalistan.

"The overture with Nadiya is certainly quite unexpected, given their long and undeserved history of animosity toward our nation and our monarchy that has existed for a very long time, but it does seem that we have the green light to follow through with new MOUs regarding opportunities to train Kalistani astronauts in Nadiya, with the Nadiyan counterparts, as well as the transfer of modular rocket parts to Nadiya, who will now be able to leapfrog their program and reimagine and enhance the parts to design their own rockets that are fit for the sort of missions they wish to launch. This cooperation is a very positive development and allows us to imagine additional cooperation and association on other fronts as well."

The Chancellor said that Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Carolina II Ananto approved of the cooperation because "She would like her son to inherit good relations with our neighbors. The Empress stated that her job in these last few years of her reign is to settle old disputes, improve relations where ever she can and leave the nation in as good a shape as she can for her son to take over with the best chance of success. Consequently, there will be a less hard nosed foreign policy coming from Kaliburg into the next reign, and more focus on cooperation and détente."

The Chancellor said that within a year, new delegations will be sent to Luthori to try, once more to attract a modicum of attention from the Emperor there, as well as both Xsampa and Gaduridos to attempt to restart relations with both of these nations. "The Empress said she does not plan to leave the nation again while she remains on the throne, for any reason, but she has required the Foreign Minister to reach out to these nations and attempt to resume contact. The goal of course is to get to something like neutral relations with places that our opinion has suffered in the last decade or so." The Foreign Ministry will also dispatch representatives to Lodamun, Baltusia, N&D, Dudorf, Kundrati, Egelion, Lourenne, Seko, Tukarali and Bianjie.

"Right now these are just good will missions," said the Chancellor. "An opportunity to engage and re-evaluate what the issues that are which are outstanding and to see where we can cooperate to work on things together. We are just trying to see if there is even any interest." Nadiya is also on the list. "The mission to Nadiya will attempt once more to achieve normalization between our two nations," said Mickelson. "We broke off talks over the security of Kalistani representatives years ago, but Her Imperial Majesty believes that the policy of the Nadiyan government has evolved to the point where they would no longer target representatives of an absolute Monarch were she to send them. At any point, it is worth a shot to finally normalize relations with Nadiya."

And then there is Amudim. "I can say that besides Nadiya, the only nation we do not have normal relations, or at least the potential for normal relations anyway, is Amudim." The Chancellor smiled and paused. "And in case you are wondering, no, we won't be sending a delegation to that state. There is one thing and one thing only that Her Imperial Majesty is waiting on before that happens, and that is a public acknowledgement on Amudim's part of their necessary and vital role in whitewashing the crimes against humanity committed by Sladek and his minions, including death camps, medical experiments, forced cannibalism, and the worst crime of all committed by that regime with Amudim technology and technical expertise, the chemical weapons attack against three Kalistani Cities in 5612 that murdered 40,000 Kalistanis. Until they formally, publicly and fully accept their absolutely essential role in those crimes, there is nothing to talk about. We've even worked out our issues with Kundrati decades ago, but the criminals in Amudim have never had to face any accountability for their meddling. So no, there will be no diplomats sent to Amudim without truth and a sincere and good faith attempt at reconciliation. This has been the policy of this Empire for more than 100 years. And it isn't going to change now. For any reason."

The Deputies present for the Chancellor's speech applauded Her Imperial Majesty's efforts to work with Nadiya on science cooperation, but were a bit less enthusiastic about broader communications. However, lack of enthusiasm by the legislature will, however, not be enough to deter Her Imperial Majesty's Government. The Empress has separately expressed optimism that normalization is a real possibility, and it will give Kalistan an opportunity to speak with Nadiya about high level matters like environmental pollution, and ways that both nations can cooperate to find a mutually agreeable modus vivendi to the question.

@TheRepublic