Kalistan

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Suldanor seeing more Athosian Refugees following return of Communists
"We thought we were safe from them" says families
Lucid Valley, Duchy of Suldanor
June 2, 5582


Migrants take to crossing Lucid River to avoid Communist attempts to prevent them from leaving

Representatives from the Duchy of Suldanor have noted that they are seeing a dramatic uptick of immigration coming from Athosia following the reorganization of the United Labor Party of Baltusia.  Since April, more than 6,000 migrants have been met in and around Lucid Valley from Baltusia.  Almost all of them say that they are looking for asylum in Kalistan, because they fear what the reactivation of official Syndicalist Political Organizations will mean for them.

"We have gotten used to life without the communists," said Henrietta Gonzales, of Campana in Athosia.  "The last time they had any role in government was in 5575, and then they all just went away.  We lived in abject fear of their oppression, and then were free.  For seven whole years.  We thought the nightmare was over.  We began locally ignoring their oppressive laws, and trying to recover from the constant oppression.  And when two of those Parties reformed in the Capital, we knew it was time to leave.  It will be three years until the next elections, but we decided to get out while we still could, before they start stepping on us again."

Most migrants coming into Kalistan tell similar stories.  One group of migrants mentioned that there was a sense of growing hope earlier this year, when Her Imperial Majesty mentioned that Kalistan might be looking for ways to finally reacquire Athosia.  "People of Santiago look at how good things are in Suldanor and how good they are becoming in Gaduridos," said David Allen, of San Luis, "and we compare that to how Baltusia has forced us all to become international pariahs, in a country that trades a high quality of life for some strange ideological concept that has nothing to do with the reality of people or workers in our state, and we find that we would prefer to be a part of the Empire.  When the Empress started talking about us, it sparked a little hope.  That hope was completely dashed by the inexplicable reformation of the United Workers Union.  So my family, and a lot of families, decided that it was time to leave."

A lot of families also made their way into northern Gaduridos, including primarily Egelian speakers.  One family, led by Guillermo Diaz, said "Mucha gente de nuestra ciudad de San Fierro se va a Gaduridos. Aquí podemos ser libres, podemos participar en nuestro gobierno. Y la vida es buena en Ciudad Oriente: hay mucho trabajo aquí en la fábrica MoCo y en las acerías. No como en Nueva Egelion, donde los comunistas arruinaron la economía y luego nos abandonaron. No tengo ningún interés en volver a Baltusia, y puedo decir que cientos de personas en mi ciudad también piensan lo mismo. Los comunistas son malas, independientemente de lo que digan."

The Duchy of Suldanor so far has welcomed the arriving migrants and are working on resettlement in the Empire.  His Grace Duke Ignacio de Silva, Duke of Suldanor, said that homes and jobs are being found for the arriving Baltusians, and the Bank of Suldanor has extended about ₭15 Million in credit so far to Gaduridos to feed, shelter and integrate arriving Baltusians.  "Most of the resources we have used so far is in providing temporary housing until more permanent housing can be found for these individuals.  We are expecting a lot more to come, and we are expecting there to be retaliation from Baltusia sooner rather than later, so we want to make sure that as many people as want to come to the Empire, whether it be to Suldanor, or to Cuernatecas, we want to make sure that those governments have enough resources to welcome our new residents, whether they want to stay temporarily and then return sometime, or to stay permanently.  All Althosians are welcomed in the Anantonese Empire, and we will also welcome all Baltusians fleeing communist oppression in Baltusia."

As the migrant flows will likely increase over the next three years, the NSP has sprung into action to begin to develop Migrant welcoming centers in both Lucid and in Yoshimi Free City, Kalistan's two main border towns.  The Migrant Welcoming Centers contain temporary housing for up to 1500 families total, and Ducal Government representatives to begin processing migrants for either long term visas or for naturalization depending on the preferences of the families.  Following in-processing, permanent housing and work is located across the rest of the Empire.

"We welcome all to Kalistan and the Anantonese Empire," said Duke de Silva.  "Especially for those longing to be free from returning and unwelcomed communist oppression in our southern neighbor."

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Her Imperial Majesty makes visit to Migrant Processing Center in Lucid
Takes unscheduled tour and speaks with elected Camp Mayor
Lucid Valley, Duchy of Suldanor
July 1, 5582


Her Imperial Majesty meets with Señora Francesca Olivera near Lucid

Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Carolina I Ananto made an unscheduled visit to the newly opened Migrant Processing Center outside of Lucid Valley in the Duchy of Suldanor.  Her goal in the visit was to ensure that migrants were being treated well.  The Empress made some brief comments where she addressed some of the issues that migrants are facing as they enter the Empire from Baltusia, and shared some of her hopes for the future.

"We want to join the chorus of Kalistanis who welcome you to our land.  We understand it is not an easy decision to leave one's home, and we know you wouldn't have done it if you were not more concerned about your safety and wellbeing, and that of your family, if you had stayed in Baltusia than if you packed up what you could carry and made the journey into Kalistan.  But here, we may assure you, you are safe and you are welcomed.  We are currently expecting many more of you to follow you into Kalistan, and so we ask that you cooperate with our officials as they get you processed into the country, and begin to move you to more permanent housing further on into the Empire.  There is plenty of land here in Kalistan, and we are revitalizing our cities and opening up new housing units everyday.  We look to fully integrate you within our population until such time as you are ready, if ever, to return to your homes.  And until that day arrives, we can feed you, we can house you comfortably, and we can ensure work for all those who wish to work, in the service of your community.  Once more, we welcome you to Kalistan, and please know that you are our first and last concern until you are resettled."

To date, more than 9,000 Baltusian refugees, fleeing from the returning Communists in their homeland, have arrived in Kalistan.  The National Assembly has called for a new outlay of money in an Athosian Resettlement Fund, aimed at providing Baltusians who arrive in Kalistan with a home adequate for their family, access to the Kalistani National Foodbanks, and basic social services that Kalsitani citizens have access to.  The bill will also provide worker protection for Baltusian migrants while they remain in Kalistan so private sector employers cannot take advantage of the new arrivals, and access to public transportation and infrastructure.

"The measures we are considering are aimed at protecting the Athosians as they arrive in Kalistan, and ensuring that they have as easy a time in transition as possible," said Chancellor of the Empire Sir Bradley Downs.  "The crisis is likely to grow more accute as time goes on, and it seems that mutual dislike for the relaunched United Workers Union in Baltusia is one thing that the Orthodox and the Nationalist Wings of our Party seem to have in common, so the measures, when placed on the Floor, should have no trouble sailing through the National Assembly.

Meanwhile, the Empress met with the Lucid Migrant Processing Center's elected spokeswoman and Camp Mayor, Señora Francesca Olivera, who gave her a tour of the camp.  The houses there are two room small houses, built quickly by NSP Conscripts the last time there was a migrant influx from Baltusia and have been rehabilitated and have been serving as an expeditionary camp for NSP conscripts who were working on the Lucid River train bridge.  The camp can house more than 1500 comfortably, but currently more than 2000 Baltusians are awaiting processing in the camp.

"The camp, it is becoming overcrowded," said Sra. Olivera.  "The houses are meant to hold a family temporarily, I suppose.  But you see, some of them have two or three families in them now.  The processing is steady, but is not fast enough, and we hope that Her Imperial Majesty will see fit to either expand our camp or open a new one near by to relieve the pressure."  Sra. Olivera also said Baltusians are not used to the communal dining facilities in the camp, and lots of them are complaining about not being able to cook in their own homes.  "I think this is something they will get used to, but Baltusians like their food a certain way, and well, this is simply not possible when you cook to feed two thousand, rather than just your own small family."  Portable stove tops are forbidden in the camp, but some residents have built makeshift grills outside the homes to be able to prepare supplemental meals.

"We have enough to eat, the medical and sanitation facilities are adequate and you may even say good," said Sra Olivera.  "I think that Suldanor has really worked hard to make this place as clean, safe, and efficient as possible.  But, these are habits of Baltusians, especially those fleeing from Communists.  We don't tend to think in terms of communal arrangements, though the Union Party tried very hard to drill this into our skull.  It didn't take and we have spent much of the last decade undoing what they had done.  So it's a little hard to go back to it, like we have to here.  We look forward to moving further into the country to our permanent homes and getting back to a semblance of a normal life."

Sra. Olivera, who has been appointed Camp Mayor, said that the Yoshimi Migrant Processing Center is very similar in terms of quality and overcrowding.  "The Weather is more tolerable here, I think," said Sra Olivera, who notes that in the Lucid Morass, temperatures are higher on account of it being at a lower altitude, and the morass is a swamp.  "We are luckier than they are."  When asked about the fact that some Kalistanis are referring to Baltusian migrants as Athosians, Sra. Olivera was noncommittal.  "Well, if this is what Kalistani's want to call us, we are guests in their home.  Who am I to tell them no on this matter?  It certainly doesn't hurt us any, and we are being welcomed here.  We do not live in fear of totalitarian dictatorship in Kalistan, and look, see?  I spoke with the Empress today and showed her around the camp.  I feel better heard and treated like a human being here in Suldanor than I would had I stayed home.  I've heard they held snap elections, and so, there is no stopping them now.  If my new home wants to call me Athosian, to me, that is saying Sister.  I welcome the name."

Her Imperial Majesty asked Sra. Olivera to convene a camp committee to begin addressing local security, the needs of the residents of the Processing Center, and any issues that may come up.  The Empress assured Sra Olivera that she will have everything she and her committee needs from the Duchy of Suldanor to maintain good order, sanitation, and health and morale of the residents.  She also committed to bringing processing time down from 4 weeks to 2 at the most, and will focus otherwise on building new transitional housing across the Empire for those who wish to move north after processing.  Sra Olivera thanked Her Imperial Majesty for her government's attentiveness to the plight of Baltusian Migrants.

Following her trip to Lucid, the Empress returned to Sulari to fly to Gaduridos, where she intends to consult with Her Government in Ciudad Gaduri about administrative changes relating to the establishment of a new Office of Viceroy to Gaduridos and replacing the Governor General with a proper Prime Minister.  Upon recommendation of Her Imperial Majesty's Government in Gaduridos, the Empress is expected to confirm Magdalena Sarmiento as the first Viceroy Extraordinary and Plenipotential of the Kingdom of Gaduridos.  Her Excellency Lady Sarmiento will take up Viceroyalty duties as the direct Representative of Her Imperial Majesty in Gaduridos, allowing for the Congreso del Reino de Gaduridos to create the role of Prime Minister, who will then govern Gaduridos in Her Imperial Majesty's Name and under the direction of Lady Sarmiento. Her Excellency will reside permanently in Gaduridos, and will remain in post for life, or until she is removed by Her Imperial Majesty.

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Prince Consort earns PhD in Agronomy
Dissertation covers New growing techniques for dryland farms
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
July 31, 5582


His Highness Prince Consort William Ananto-Sandoval Graduates with Honors from Imperial University

His Highness, the Prince Consort William Ananto-Sandoval has earned his Philosophy Doctorate from Kalistan Imperial University in Kaliburg.  He graduated with honors from the Agronomy Department following the successful defense of his dissertation titled, "Modern Growing methods for Dry Land Cereals".  The Prince Consort enrolled in the department soon after getting married to Her Imperial Majesty, the Empress, and conducted research in association with ODEN and his former colleagues at the Ananto Grower's Syndicate.

The achievement was celebrated by Her Imperial Majesty, the Empress, who was on hand to congratulate him.  The University asked the Empress to give a speech but she declined the offer, preferring to simply congratulate the Prince Consort on his accomplishment.  House Ananto did, however make a generous ₭3 Million donation to the Agriculture Department to encourage students to study both agriculture and agronomy.  The School intends to use the money to build The Sandoval Center for Advanced Ag Studies.

When asked how he feels now to be Dr. William Ananto-Sandoval, the Prince Consort simply smiled and said "I'm glad its done, and I hope my research contributes to better methods and increased crop yields, both in cereals and in other crops which are useful to the Empire."  The Prince Consort said he would like to begin working with the Ananto Growers' Syndicate again, and feels that his royal duties are not so great a burden that he can't have a job.

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Her Imperial Majesty Responds to Baltusian Threats
"We are not amused," says Empress
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
October 1, 5582


National Assembly prepares to pass Athosian Protection Act as war of words heats up

There has been a large shift of momentum in the National Assembly over the last three months since the Athosian Refugee Crisis began this summer. So far, more than 12,500 migrants from Baltusia have crossed into Kalistan and have been processed in one of three temporary camps in Southern Suldanor. More come every day, though their numbers are expected to slow due to cooler weather.

Meanwhile, the Baltusian Government, such as it is, has lobbed veiled threats at Kalistan and others who help their people flee from the menace of international communism. "The Government in San Luis is making threats against the Anantonese Empire and we do not find their behavior amusing in the least," said Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Carolina I Ananto last week during her weekly radio address. "The people of this Empire stand with those in Athosia who long to be free, but find themselves daily stepped upon by the merciless boot of the totalitarian machine. We will not falter in our protection of the Athosian people, and encourage them, one and all to make the trek to Kalistan so that they may indeed experience the fresh air of liberty."

The Imperial Government has invited journalists from around the world to come to Kalistan to document the stories of the Migrants who fill the processing centers of Suldanor. "Yes, by all means. Come to Kalistan. See for yourself whether there are Migrants streaming daily into our Processing Centers. See if they complain to you about the existential dread they feel that was introduced by the inexplicable return of totalitarian communists in Baltusia. See for yourself if they ever intend to return to their homeland while that land labors under a system which asserts that it knows better how people should live, act and yes, even think, than the people do themselves. We invite you here to document it."

The Imperial Government has also stepped up its efforts to let people in Athosia know that Kalistan welcomes them with a subtle advertising campaign that is going up on 45 billboards across Athosia. "We do not expect our advertisements to remain in place for long. It is only a matter of time before the Communists take them down. But if one person sees them before they can, our money is well spent."

As tensions with the communists heat up, Her Imperial Majesty also noted that diplomatic efforts with other non-communist states are beginning to spin up as well. "Communism is a world problem. Not just an Athosian one. We stand ready to assist in rolling it back where it is being fought," said Her Imperial Majesty. The radio address was carried on KRTVN and is now being broadcast globally, via ISCA SatCom.

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IBSI releases New Propaganda design
Efforts to welcome Baltusians to Kalistan Go Forward
Lucid Valley, Duchy of Suldanor
November 1, 5582


New Billboards in Kalistan to be visible from Baltusia

IBSI briefly unveiled new Billboards to be pointed toward Athosia.  The Ads welcome Baltusians living in Athosia to Kalistan, and encourage them to bring their Families.  "We want to make sure these stay on the north side of the River, but they are big enough to be seen more than a mile away in Athosia," said IBSI Public Information specialist Lori Guerrero.

The signs, printed in Vrassan, say "When Communism is the Problem, Kalistan is the Solution.  Visit Sunny Kalistan and Bring the Family" and include an artistic portrait of Her Imperial Majesty.  The signs are primarily Orange and Purple, and represent a colorful design that is difficult to miss.  "We want to convey the simple message that those fleeing Communism in Baltusia are welcomed here," said Guerrero.  "There is plenty of space in the Empire, and it is our hope that the people of Baltusia do indeed take us up on the offer to protect them while the Governmental situation is sorted there."

The Billboards are already in place and have gotten positive notes.

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Kalistani Marine Units oversee Base Transfer in Gaduridos
Bentasur Naval Base, former home of Lourennais 4th Fleet, handed to Anantonese Empire
Bentasur, Duchy of Manzamal
January 4, 5583


Kalistani Marines stand in Formation at start of Retreat of Colors in Bentasur

A rare Military ceremony took place this week at Bentasur, Duchy of Manzamal, Kingdom of Gaduridos as the Flag of The United Kingdom of Lourenne was lowered and returned with full honors to representatives of the Canrillais Imperial 4th Fleet.  The Base was officially transferred to administration by the Anantonese Imperial Regular Navy, ending an 80 year long presence by the Lourennais Navy.  The Kingdom of Gaduridos agreed to the transfer to Imperial Administration as part of new focuses on the Central Anantonese Ocean.

"Devolvemos los colores del Reino Unido de Lourenne a sus legítimos dueños, con todos los honores, y agradecemos al Reino Unido de Lourenne por su administración pacífica y cuidadosa de esta base naval", said Her Imperial Majesty's Viceroy, Her Excellency, Lady Magdalena Sarmiento to the retiring Lourennais Base Commander and Admiral of the Lourennais 4th Fleet. "El Imperio y el Reino de Lourenne siguen siendo amigos y en paz entre sí, y daremos la bienvenida a nuestros amigos aquí y en todo el Imperio, para siempre."  Lady Sarmiento represented Her Imperial Majesty at the hand over, and delivered a short speech before the ceremony began that primarily had good things to say about the Lourennais Navy.

Following the Viceroy's Speech, The Lourennais National Anthem played on the base for the last time, as all uniformed military personnel in attendance, Lourennais, Gaduri and Kalistani saluted.  The Kalistani Marine lowered the Flag of the United Kingdom, folded it ceremonially, and presented it with a full salute to the Lourennais Admiral, who received the Colors and returned to his formation.  The Marine Color Guard then unfurled the Flag of the Anantonese Empire, attached it to the lanyard and raised it, followed by the Flag of the Kingdom of Gaduridos.  As new banners rose up the flag pole, the Anantonese Imperial Anthem was performed by the band, and once more all military personnel present saluted, while civilians stood in reverent attention.  As the base transfer ceremony took place at sunset, as soon as the Flags were at the top of the pole, the band played "Evening Colors" and the colors were lowered for the evening.

[Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7KH7YLOU_mo]
Evening Colors plays following Base Transfer Ceremony in Bentasur

The base transfer signals Kalistan's expansion into naval operations in the Central Anantonese.  It had previously been conducting submarine patrols as far south as Marlingantos, however with the acquisition of the Bentasur Naval Base, the Imperial Navy will now be able to extend its reach to the shores of Indrala.  As a player in the Central Anantonese, it is possible that the Empire will come into contact with Tukarali, Aldegar and Mordusia in the Anantonese as well.  Currently, the base will host forward elements of the 3rd Fleet, but it is entirely likely that at some point in the near future, Kalistani assets will shift south, so the entire 3rd Fleet will be based in Bentasur, while the 2nd Fleet departs Port Swedes for Yoshimi.  This may open Port Swedes up for other countries to begin utilizing the facilities, giving the Empire some flexibility and opportunities for increased international cooperation in the Northern Anantonese.

Also expected at Bentasur is a request for refueling and refitting privileges from the Commonwealth of Lodamun, who is itself currently expanding its patrols into the Anantonese.  "This will provide more training opportunities for the Anantonese Security Community in the Central Anantonese Ocean," said Navy Lieutenant Allen Conway.  "Kaliburg is beginning to take orders from Lodamun to build naval vessels as it aggrandizes its fleet, and we stand ready to continue to cooperate with Lodamun going forward.  The Kalistani-Gaduri-Lodamese-Lourenne partnership remains strong in the region, and all opportunities to work with Lodamun or Lourenne will be taken."

For now, the Lourennais 4th Fleet will begin closing down operations and returning to Lourenne, possibly to be decommissioned, though the exact fate of that fleet is unclear.  At any rate, the Viceroy said she is expecting a drop dead date of March 31, 5583, for full Lourennais withdraw.  "Deseamos que esta retirada de Bentasur sea ordenada y completa," said Her Excellency, the Viceroy.  "Las oficinas administrativas serán lo primero que ocuparán las unidades navales de Kalistani, que comenzarán a llegar en gran número a partir de abril. Instalarán la infraestructura imperial, incluidas las oficinas para los enlaces de Gaduri. Elementos de la Tercera Flota comenzarán a llegar a Bentasur en julio. Entendemos que durante el primer año serviremos principalmente como base de submarinos de Kalistani y como puerto de reabastecimiento y reacondicionamiento para las unidades de ASC que transiten por la zona."

The Imperial Government has agreed to transfer a sum of ₭6 Billion a year for base upkeep and maintenance costs, but that cost can be renegotiated as time passes.  If Lodamun or Lourenne intend to use the base on a permanent basis, they will be asked to contribute to the maintenance fund for the base.

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Her Imperial Majesty gives birth to Second Child
Difficult pregnancy kept Empress out of public eye during last month
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
April 24, 5583


Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Carolina I Ananto, together the Prince Consort and Princess Michelle-Renee Pavlina Ananto-Sandoval

Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Carolina I Ananto and His Highness the Prince Consort William Ananto-Sandoval welcomed their second child to the Royal Family.  Her Highness, the Minor Princess Michelle-Renee Pavlina Ananto-Sandoval was born at 2:10 am Ananto Standard on April 21 in Kaliburg.  The baby girl weighed 6 pounds 7 ounces and was considered 2 weeks premature.  Doctors kept the new Princess in the NICU for three days while they monitored her for breathing issues detected at birth, and suggested that the Princess was not able to fully clear her lungs when she was born.  After three days of close monitoring and assistance with respiration, doctors gave the little princess a clean bill of health and released her to her parents.

"It was very scary for us," said His Highness, Prince Consort William, who was fielding questions about the Empress' release from the Hospital.  "Little Michelle was in trouble from the start, and the doctors said that she had accidentally inhaled some of the amniotic fluid, and it was causing her distress, which is why we had to come early to the hospital.  But we are so thankful to the doctors who saved our little child's life."  The Prince Consort told of other issues that Her Imperial Majesty faced while carrying the child, including being briefly hospitalized for severe anemia and early labor which had to be stopped while the Empress went onto bed rest for about a month.  "They always say the first child is harder, but this time it feels like if it could go wrong, it did for Carrie.  So we are going to treat this baby very specially:  It took a lot more effort to make sure she arrived safely than we anticipated."

Doctors will continue to monitor both mom and baby for any additional complications, and have provided the Minor Princess with light therapy to reduce the jaundice that she developed in the NICU.  "Jaundice, yes, she is pretty yellow right now," said His Highness the Prince Consort.  "But the doctors say that is because her liver isn't fully processing the bilirubin in her blood yet.  Her liver isn't fully up to speed.  They say it will go away in about two weeks with the light treatment.  We still have some restless nights ahead, but we kind of know what we're doing by now, and Carrie is so strong.  We'll get through it."

When asked what her brother, Minor Prince Fredrick thinks of having a new sister, the Prince Consort smiled, "Well, I don't think he really fully understands what it means.  He asked if she could read him stories at night, because that is one of his favorite things we do.  And he said he wants to share his cheerios with her, and we had to say, 'Well, maybe in a few months, but she won't have any teeth yet.' and that concept left him speechless.  It is a very funny thing to watch a little kid who only knows those around him, begin to comprehend what adding a new sister into the mix will mean.  We had to tell him that we will love both of them the same, and that we will take care of both him and his sister, but I have a feeling that I'll be spending some more time with Fred for the next few months while little Michelle gets used to being home."

Welcome to Terra, Your Highness.  All of the Anantonese Empire welcomes you into our hearts.

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Nightclub Magnate Edwin Bob killed; N&D Minister implicated
Apparent club promotion gone wrong turns out to be a lot dirtier
Bannerhafen, Narikaton & Darnussia
June 30, 5583


Edwin Bob, (Right) seen with business partner Jens van Kuillenberg and Adult Film Star Magda at High Life in Bannerhafen last winter

Kalistani expat Club promoter Edwin Bob, who has been living and working in the Dual Republic, has been killed in an apparent organized crime hit over a "deal gone wrong.  At least one high ranking member of the Dual Republic's government has been implicated in Mr. Bob's killing, and other political figures are already starting to distance themselves from the entire affair.

Mr. Bob was shot to death by private security agents last Tuesday night outside of the club he helped found in the Republic's capital, High Life, following a very public altercation with Mr. Heinrich Maximilian Fentje, who is the 2nd Vice Director for Majatran Affairs with the Dual Republican Government.  Witnesses reported that Mr. Bob was very upset about permits for a new club that Mr. Fentje was apparently blocking, and a verbal altercation between the two individuals turned into a physical fight between Bob and Fentje which spilled into the street, where the Director's security detail shot him fatally.

As people mourned the death of Edwin Bob, some of his business associates, led by Jens van Kuillenberg, from Bannerhafen, who was Bob's partner in High Life and worked as operating manager went to the police and filed reports that have subsequently been released to the Narik press.  The Bannerhafen Nachrichten printed the report, but buried it on page 6 in an effort to lower its profile, reported that van Kuillenberg said that the reason Bob and Fentje were arguing was because Bob was trying to obtain permits for a new club in Freiheit on Jorgen Island.  This club was meant to feature Bob's main features of dancing, DJing and Live Music, but also an off track horseracing establishment and a full service casino.

Van Kuillenburg explained that Fentje had called in favors with the various permit offices to prevent Bob from opening:  Delays in permit submission, inexplicably failed inspections, building delays and unreasonable work stoppages all combined to ensure that Bob's new club would not open.  As a result of its ultimate failure, Bob lost the equivalent of ₭28 million Rubles in sunk costs that could not be recuperated.

Van Kuillenberg said that, in a last ditch effort to get the club opened on time, he approached van Kuillenberg about releasing very sensitive information that Bob had on Minister Fentje, which involved drug trafficking from Kalistan, as well as scandalous sexual activity, including prostitution, involving adult film star Magda, who is a regular at both of Bob's clubs Sin and High Life and three other individuals who Van Kuillenberg said he did not know.  (Magda herself died under suspicious conditions last April, and her death was ultimately ruled to be a result of drug overdose.) 

Van Kuillenberg said he advised Bob not to do anything stupid, but Bob was adamant about approaching Fentje, which resulted in his death.  Van Kuillenberg said that he believed that Bob's new Club would be in direct competition to a club venture that Fentje himself had heavily invested in, which has subsequently been tied to organized criminal activity.

The Bannerhafen Nachrichten said Bob's computers were seized by police, but they had received an email file sent by Bob just an hour before his death, with several photographs attached that also seemed to implicate at least four other ministers, though the names or positions have not been released in public, due to the presumption of innocence and the ongoing investigation.  Whoever the other public officials are, or whatever their participation in the scandal, what is clear is that Bob's killing now appears to have been a hit by associates of Mr. Fentje who believed that they could get rid of Bob and keep a lid on the scandal.

"I'm guessing they were waiting for him," said Van Kuillenberg, speaking to the Kalistani Republic this week.  "I think that Eddie kind of forced their hand when he was gunned down, and what was supposed to be something that was done sub rosa was instead done in the street outside of High Life.  Eddie was a weirdo, and he was into a lot of stuff, but he wasn't linked to organized crime and I think that was what did him in.  He was at least clean..."

Van Kuillenberg and Michael Levine, Edwin Bob's partner, have left Narikaton and Darnissua to seek asylum in Kalistan, where Bob and Levine are from originally.  "I don't plan on staying in Kalistan," said Van Kuillenberg in Kaliburg, " and I want to continue to cooperate with my own government in the investigation, but I really don't feel safe right now in Bannerhafen, given that I think Eddie was killed by assassins.  When the investigation closes, I will make my way back home because Kalistan may be Kalistan, but its no Narikaton."  Edwin Bob's assets in N&D have been frozen by the Government and his clubs have been closed while the investigation is ongoing.  If Edwin Bob is exonerated of any crimes, his clubs will likely be sold off to Republican investors and Bob's share of the proceeds will be repatriated to Bob's Holding Company, Pleasure Unlimited, which is currently been put into receivership in Kalistan.

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Her Imperial Majesty Speaks at ODEN Smokeout
Warns against Political Extremism; Introduces Headliners
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
July 7, 5583


Her Imperial Majesty makes a guest appearance at public Rally in Kaliburg

Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Carolina I Ananto was on hand at the 5583 ODEN Smokeout on the Mall in Downtown Kaliburg.  She was there at the Smokeout to promote the Organization of Drug Exporting Nations, of which Kalistan is still a member.  Her Imperial Majesty was asked to introduce this year's smokeout headliners, Kaliburg's Neolithic Empress, but was welcomed to give a short speech on political matters during the introduction.  While on stage, she applauded Kalistan's welcoming attitude toward Baltusian refugees, and their willingness to continue Kalistani support for the various institutions of the Empire.  Below are Her Imperial Majesty's comments, delivered amid wild applause by the mostly well behaved but mostly intoxicated crowd.

"Thank you.  Thank you.  We are sincerely grateful for the opportunity to be here with you today.  We are a long time supporter of the Smokeout...  Yes, yes, yes... We were at the first one...  Yes...  Thank you.  Now, we will get to the music, that's a promise.  But first...  Yes, We have been asked to make a few comments about ODEN and our place in the world.  As you all know, ODEN has been with us for a very long time.  In this whole time, ODEN has served as a cornerstone in our Nation's Economy.  Whether in the time of the Republic or during the Empire, ODEN has long served as an integral institution in Kalistan and a key player in the trade of various recreational and pharmaceutical drugs in the world.  We do not need to point out how ubiquitous the neighborhood ODEN dispensary is in Kalistan's cities and towns.

Yes...  Thank you...  ODEN is not only an important part of our economy, but an important part of the world's economy.  And ODEN products are around the world too, but whether other countries join us or not, it does not matter:  ODEN-K's International Warehouse, just over that way about a mile and a half, remains the single most important entrepôt for storing and selling the world whatever people who seek to use recreational drugs and inexpensive but effective pharmaceuticals want to buy.  Other nations have a black market, we have a supermarket, and for every pound of anything sold in the world's black markets, 10 of those 16 ounces, on average, originate here in Kaliburg.

Just keep in mind that the only way we can maintain an institution like ODEN, or any of the institutions that we maintain, is because we, here in Kalistan, welcome the world.  We are not plagued by extremist attitudes or ideologies.  Around the world, we see the perennial scourge of Communism.  Whether in Istalia, where communist aggression has led to unprovoked attacks on other Majatran nations, or right here in Seleya, where the sudden reappearance of a communist government in our southern neighbor has led to a refugee crisis that has given us the opportunity to welcome more than 20,000 Athosians to date to our Empire--Communism is on the march in Terra, and it threatens those who love freedom, and wish they had the sort of freedoms that we have here in Kalistan.

But an more dangerous threat than even international communism is the ever present menace of fascism.  Clearly, the fascist specter looms, even in free countries like the land of our birth, the Kundrati Union.  We watch the developments there and the horrific rhetoric coming from the Kundrati Legion and we are reminded of Kalistan's own history, where fascist parties like the Liberal Patriotic League have menaced our own people, with a lot of the same hatred and fear that the KL is currently trading in.  And what's worse, many in Kundrati will probably go to the polls to support that hatred, not because they acually agree with it, but because they are stupidly attracted to the shiny and the new.  And who will suffer?  Well, it will be the Kundrati people who will suffer.  The fascists who could very well win in the upcoming elections will not suffer one iota because they are the source of the misery, not the target of it.

Kalistan's Institutions, like ODEN, like the Monarchy, like our National Industries, like our National Service Program, like our Social welfare programs, they serve to protect Kalistan from the horrors that our former co-nationals are about to experience.  Kalistani Institutionalism is what protects Kalistani people from the twin and equal extremes of Communism and Fascism.  To our view, Communists of the Far left and the the Fascists of the far right, represented by people, and we don't even know if that's the correct term... of organizations like the Kundrati Legion, are equal.  There is no daylight between their ideologies--they are one in the same.  And it is Kalistani Institutionalism which will stand in the way of their advancement across the globe.  Every.  Single.  Time.

Now:  We have some good news for you all.  Yes, Yes, we know you are all waiting...  One more Kalistani Institution that brings brightness to the world.  Yes, it is the Kalistani Music Industry!  It's what you all are here for right?  Kalistani Music is the bright sun in a dark night sky of International Culture.  Our nation is the single greater exporter of popular music on the face of the Planet, and literally nobody comes close.  And just like so many other things, ODEN is here for you too!  Over the centuries, ODEN has played a pivotal role in promoting live music here in Kalistan:  From the GanJams of old to the Smokeouts of today...  Haha.  To the Smokeouts of today, ODEN is one of the largest and most robust supporters of the Kalistani Concert Scene, and we just love them for it!  We are so proud of that fact, and it is such an honor... Yes. yes..  we know... Just...  Yes  Alright...  haha...  Yes... Alright... Alright you guys...  Well, you have to let me say it!  Ha ha...

Now:  You all have been jammin to the heaviest music playing right now anywhere in Terra, all day long.
You're probably pretty tired, right?  No?  What's that?  Haha...  No?  Well, then maybe they got one more band for you...  Yeah...  Ok... Yeah, you've been waiting for these guys all day...  Right...  Alright, without further ado, let us present to you, recording with KMI, our close, personal friends, Brothers of the Herb, if you know you know... Right...  ha ha ha...  Yes.  Alright.  We want to see you all go crazy... here they are-- Kaliburg, Your very own Neolithic Empress!!!!"

With that, Neolithic Empress, who had been taking the stage as Her Imperial Majesty finished speaking, launched into a hyped set opener and current number 10 single, "Gift that you Give to Me" and for the next hour, Neolithic proceeded to deafen everyone with the pure sounds of Kalistani Alternative, closing with the scorcher "Holding the Noose"  Her Imperial Majesty remained in the wings the entire set, joined by His Highness, The Prince Consort William Ananto-Sandoval and held a short informal audience with the band following the set.

Here's the Set Opener "Gift that you Give to Me" and Show Closer "Asleep at the Wheel" from the 5583 ODEN Smokeout.

[Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMC8R8NII_Y]
Neolithic Empress opens their set with "Gift that you Give to Me"

[Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2H3x_kMJtg]
Neolithic Empress closes the Smokeout with "Holding the Noose"

[Doc]

Nationalists gain Edge in National Assembly
Orthodox position declared to be "Out of Fashion" in Institutional Party
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
November 19, 5583


Dame Dianne Bolton, of Addisjah, in line to become next Chancellor of the Empire

In a stunning election, the Nationalist Faction of the Institutional Party of Kalistan has gained a majority of the National Assembly.  This faction, led capably by Dame Dianne Bolton of Addisjah, Duchy of Vrassa, is set to ask the Empress for the Right to form a new Government that will help it promote proposals preferred by the Nationalists.

"Since this Athosia refugee crisis has happened, very little has been done by the Downs Administration to pursue legitimate Kalistani interests in that poor country," said Dame Bolton.  "How long will we continue to serve as a safe place for their refugees, fishing people out of the stream, without addressing why they are being thrown in the stream in the first place? That old position is oout of fashion: it's out of fashion at Wilson House, and it's out of fashion here in the National Assembly."  Dame Bolton's comments were widely applauded by the Majority, who individually all agreed that she is the person for the job. She also noted a looming potential crisis with rising fascism in Kundrati.

Sir Downs, for his part, agreed to abide by the election results which swept his faction out of power and saw more than 30 seats shift from the Orthodox (or internationalist) faction to the Nationalists across the Empire, most notably in Ananto and Suldanor, which is facing the brunt of the Immigrant Crisis.  "We have done as our Empress has commanded us in all aspects," said Sir Downs.  "And for many, it appears that this was not enough.  We will continue to work to move Her Imperial Majesty's Fiat into policy along with the Nationalist factions, and will serve where they need us."

Changes to the government are not common in Kalistan, especially after the passage of the Single Party Act, but they are not unheard of.  "I feel confident that most of us will keep our jobs," said Her Imperial Majesty's Minister for Science and Technology.  "We serve at the pleasure of Her Imperial Majesty, and it is Her Imperial Majesty's decision whether to replace us or keep us in place.  I stand ready to work with the next Chancellor, whether it remain Sir Downs or Dame Bolton."

The Gaduri Delegates, who had been in coalition with the Orthodox faction, will likely continue to work in Opposition, though the two Minister seats occupied by Gaduri delegates, Internal Affairs and Food and Agriculture, are expected to remain with the Gaduri faction whatever happens with the rest of the Cabinet.

Her Imperial Majesty is expected to make a decision by the end of December.


Breakdown of new National Assembly after recent elections, with Orthodox on the Left and Nationalist on the Right.