Kalistan

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Empress Mary visits Fort William
Three day informal trip goes unmarked in Luthori
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
August 25, 5641


Her Imperial Majesty takes in the Sights in Luthori's Capital

Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Mary I Ananto, visited the Empire of Luthori this week ahead of her September wedding. The informal visit lasted for three days, and consisted mainly of a meeting with the staff of the Kalistani Embassy in Fort William and then sight seeing in the capital. She was greeted at the airport by the Lord Ambassador, his Excellency Joseph Alvarez, who had recently taken up the post in the Artanian Capital, but no Luthorian officials were present for the visit.

Once there, the Empress made a stop at the Embassy to greet the diplomatic staff, and to see operations in the Embassy. She then visited the Consulate downstairs in the Embassy, and was provided with a tour guide for the City.

While in Fort William, she travelled without any significant security or official staff present. According to the Embassy, this was what the Empress preferred, saying that she just wanted to blend in to the population. According the Embassy spokespeople, she went through most of her day visiting landmarks, sampling food and drink from the Artanian city, and taking in a live music event. "For the most part, nobody recognized the Empress in Fort William," said Ms. Diane Connelly, of the Anantonese Embassy. "She was apparently stopped on the street by some older women who mistook her for an actress, but when she introduced herself as Mary Ananto, the women politely but abruptly ended the conversation out of incredulity."

The Empress also took a tour of the countryside. "For this, Her Imperial Majesty was advised to rent a car, but she decided to take a bus instead." The Bus was on a regular route, and travelled to a nearby town and then back again. "It was an eventless trip through the countryside, but Her Imperial Majesty loved the jaunt nonetheless."

On the third day, She stopped by the embassy one last time and said good bye to the Embassy staff and then returned on a commercial flight via Lodamun to Kalistan. In Lodamun, she was greeted by a small group of people who were very cordial and polite to her, and reportedly still referred to her as Madame while she waited for her flight out to Kaliburg. She landed in Kalistan at 8:45 local where she was greeted by personal security and escorted back to Cliff House.

"Her Imperial Majesty said she wanted to make a trip to Luthori just because," said Connelly. "The Lodamun issue is still fresh for her and her wedding is coming up very soon, and it seemed like she just wanted to get away." The Spokeswoman reported that her favorite part of the trip was in getting to know the people of Luthori and listening to live music. "The Empress is a great admirer of Luthorian music in general, and it was a real treat for her to get to see some in person."

@LaModa

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Empress is Married in Eveari
Martin Collins-Ananto to be named Emperor-Consort
Eveari, Grand Duchy of Ananto
September 15, 5641


Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Mary I Ananto and His Highness Emperor-Consort Martin Collins-Ananto

Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Mary I Ananto has been married.  The long awaited event happened in Eveari Grove in the northern foothills of the Green Mountains in Ananto.  The event was a civil ceremony, held at the Eveari Grove Outdoor Pavilion, which is a favorite spot for the Empress when she is hiking in the Grove:  She loves the rusticness and the deep woods feeling of the old growth Redwood grove in this area, and wanted to share it with those who came for her wedding.  The Ceremony was conducted by the Baron of Northridge, Baron Carl Overton, who is one of the Empress' direct vassals.  At 12:47pm, the Empress and Mr. Martin Collins were pronounced Husband and Wife, and their lives as a married couple began.

The Empress opted not to engage in a Brethrenist Ceremony, as she is not a member of the Practice, however, many members of the Eveari Brethrenist meeting were invited, and Her Imperial Majesty and her new Husband were nonetheless presented with a Brethrenist Wedding Certificate as a memento of the Service, given her status as a Birthright Brethrenist.  The Wedding ceremony was short and official, and both the Empress and Mr. Collins wrote short statements of commitment and read them during the ceremony.

Following the ceremony, there were wedding photos, where not only the wedding party took photos, but also the family, and all guests.  The photos were then published in an official souvenir wedding album, a copy of which was provided to each guest during the reception.  After the photos, the royal couple went to the reception, where they greeted both members of the Kalistani Government and Peerage, The Gaduri Viceroy, and foreign dignitaries.  In attendance were

• His Excellency Chancellor Szymon Nowik and longtime partner Mateusz Gawryś of Valruzia, who were the first foreign guests to arrive at the Wedding,
  
• His Excellency, Premier Ngawang Delacroix the Custodian Wangdue Tenzin from Xsampa, who offered Her Imperial Majesty two Xsampan Yaks that will graze freely across the Nevaran Plateau
  
• His Majesty, King Romulo, Her Majesty Queen Nicole, the Prince of Amateria Artemio, Princesa Carlota, High Councilor Formoselle, and Royal Councilor Montalivet from Egelion, who presented the royal couple with a custom made silver broach of an owl wrapped in laurel leaves, engraved with diamond and citrine,
  
• Her Highness Queen Jaanika and Prince Kristiāns of the Empire of Dolgava
  
• His Highness the Grand Prince of the Crown Tommaso and Her Highness Princess of the Crown Melissa from Istalia who offered to make a generous donation to the Redwood Fund to continue planting trees on the Northern Slopes of Ananto for wedding gift,
  
• His Majesty King Alexander III and Her Highness Queen Madeline, Ambassador to Kalistan Prince James, Prime Minister Rosalyn Woodbury and Crown Princess Arianna from the Kingdom of Hutori, who donated 25 million Lira to the Dulnerstaad Ocean Wildlife Center, and presented to the Couple a gift of a very large, uncut Hutorian Ice Diamond from the Isle of Sutton on behalf of the Owise Nation of the Mashacara.  As a personal matter, King Alexander III also gifted the royal couple a bottle of Skyhold Reserve Whiskey from the Royal Family's personal stock.
  
• Dr. James Forrester, Administrator-General of the newly independent Commonwealth of Lodamun, who graciously and cordially accepted Her Imperial Majesty's invitation to the wedding last month
  
• (The Luthorian Emperor Richard II and Empress Valeria were delayed when they boarded the wrong train in Kaliburg, and ended up arriving in Eveari an hour after the reception began.  They were welcomed nonetheless, and Her Imperial Majesty made a special effort to welcome them and tell that that despite just completing her second visit to Luthori a month earlier, she had been looking forward to finally meeting the Luthorian Monarchs at long last.)
  

Lady Anya Waltrip, who greeted the foreign dignitaries with Her Imperial Majesty and the Emperor-Consort said she was thrilled at such an excellent assemblage of dignitaries and expressed regret that more nations could not be represented. “The Important ones are here at any rate,” Lady Waltrip said. “That’s really what matters.”

Her Imperial Majesty and the Emperor-Consort take the first dance at their Reception

After meeting with all the guests, dinner was served.  Her Imperial Majesty, a long time vegan, was served tofu stir fry with a side of garlic seasoned rice noodles and fresh greens, while the Emperor Consort had red snapper over rice pilaf and a side salad.  The guests themselves had several options for their meal, and the kids had their choice of various kid friendly foods, including chicken alfredo personal pizzas.  Desert was either fresh fruit (which of course, the Empress opted for) or artisan gelato brought in from the Eveari Gelato specialist Enzio Gorlami.

The cake cutting followed.  Her Imperial Majesty had two cakes prepared, a smaller one for those who wanted a vegan option, but the main cake was several layers tall, and was shared by all.  Following the cake cutting and toasts to the newlyweds, there was dancing and general conviviality.  The rules of the Protocol were officially suspended during the reception, and for many Kalistanis, this was the first time they were welcomed to come and speak directly to Her Imperial Majesty without a formal audience.  Most Kalistanis still observed the protocol nonetheless and spoke primarily to either His Highness the Emperor-Consort, or the Her Highness, Princess Margaret to ask them questions, refraining from speaking directly to the Empress herself, though taking the opportunity to ask questions about her.  The Empress graciously accepted their deference, and acknowledge their salute with respect of her own toward them.

Finally, the band arrived and began by playing a waltz to which the Empress and Emperor Consort claimed the first dance.  It turns out that both of the couples are excellent dancers, and people allowed them their space.  The dance ended with the Emperor Consort bowing to kiss the Empress' hand.  Then, as the royal couple returned to the head table, the dancefloor was opened to the guests who danced and drank and stopped by to wish the Empress and her new husband well.  The Empress, for her part watched the festivities, but opted to remain at the table, where she greeted guests and spoke with her Mother, Her Highness Princess Monica Ananto-DeLaurentis-Morrison, her Sister, Her Highness the Princess Margaret Ananto-Westmoreland, and her Aunt, Her Highness Princess Michelle Ananto-Sandoval.

Mother to the Empress, Princess Monica, together with Her Imperial Majesty and Princess Margaret

The Empress also spent a significant amount of time speaking with her cousin, Nicole Reina Montalivet from Egelion and caught up, as well as her long time family friends, Queen Jaanika of Dolgava and Prince James of Hutori and Chancellor Szymon Nowik of Valruzia.  Meanwhile, the new Emperor Consort took the opportunity to dance as the band played mostly modern tunes.  At about 7:45, the Royal Family and several royal guests were driven back to Ananto Estate about a half a mile away to retire for the evening, while the band was replaced by a local disc Jockey, DJ Evi, who spun dance tracks in a super extended mix until after midnight.  As the open bar closed, and guests boarded shuttles to Eveari, which was just a few miles away, the wedding was declared a success, and almost everyone there had a fantastic time.

The next day, the Empress invested His Highness in the Ancient Order of the Gray Smoke, as a Stranger Knight Companion, the title fitting the Spouse of the Mistress of the Order.  She also granted the Emperor Consort the County of Sulari in Suldanor for his demesne.  The Emperor Consort will move into Cliff House where he will maintain a personal office, and says he would like to continue his journalism.  He also said he would like to be involved in professional sporting ventures on some level.

All those who turned out for Her Imperial Majesty's Wedding are thanked most graciously for their attendance.  As royal weddings are important events, the Empress considers the attendance an affirmative statement of comity, if not outright friendship, and she is truly appreciative of those who were kind enough to take the time to attend and celebrate the occasion with her and her new Husband.

@LaModa

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KalSiE Continues 35 day streak
Finishes November up more than 4 percent over October
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
November 27, 5641


KalSiE opens up for 35th trading day, to mark significant gains into mid fourth quarter

"Capitalists in Kalistan are ecstatic," said market analyst Joan Phillips of the Kaliburg brokerage SJDM. "This rally, which really began in mid August, seems to be picking up some steam, and has already put us into positive territory for the year." Investors, speaking with their money, say they have cross-sector confidence in the Kalistani economy, going into 5642 and have together pushed the market up 4% over October, and are going into December 2.3% in the black over 5641.

"Investors began moving money back into stocks in June, actually," said Phillips. "The Empress' declaration that Kalistan was in retrenchment mode and would be focusing on addressing budget shortfalls created some motivation for private capital to start investing for private securities, which has largely been dragging along at a sluggish pace for the last few years." But Phillips said this announcement was a drop in the bucket compared to the news in August that Kalistan and Lodamun were parting ways. "That decision was essentially a flood gate opening for Kalistani investors. Not only did it resolve uncertainty around Lodamun's in/out status over the last six decades, but it also signaled a serious focus on domestic development by both the National Government and Major institutional investors like Miramar." If the Empress is willing to put her money behind Kalistani enterprise, others gained confidence that they would too.

"The main reason however is that it works kind of like mergers. When one company buys another, its own stock price goes down as it assumes the fiduciary responsibilities of the other one. When companies break up, it almost works in an opposite fashion: Kalistan shed any perceived imperial responsibility for Lodamun. In Lodamun this would have a depressing effect on their stock market, and they have apparently mostly been able to absorb the cost of taking up the responsibilities they had previously shunted off to the Empire, but in Kalistan it's like a weight is being lifted from the shoulders of the nation, and the positive response is palpable."

As new money comes flooding in, major investments are being made in infrastructure, consumer industries like KalMD and MoCo, and commodities such as food, textiles and fuel. "It's pretty much been green across the board for a few months now," said Phillips. "The divorce is forcing Kalistani industries to be leaner and more efficient and the government has indicated a real willingness to begin looking for additional sources of imports and markets for exports in Northern Seleya as the ability to just trust that Lodamun will always be there is slowly fading from institutional memory. This means we will continue to trade with Lodamun, but won't just automatically assume anything, but it also allows us to consider other partners, whether it be to increase trade flows to and from Gaduridos through a newly opening Baltusia, or to divert a significant portion of formerly Lodamese locked trade to emerging markets in Baltusia and Valruzia. We are also increasing trade to and from Dolgava, and are seeing increased demand as Artania re-emerges from decades of destructive warfare.

Phillips said that the Imperial Bank will likely let the growth in the market continued unchecked into 5642, but will eventually put the clamps on the growth, if human nature doesn't do it for us. "The Imperial Bank will want to protect against both inflation and speculative bubbles. If one appears to be growing in any sector, expect the Imperial Bank to take steps to discourage further investment in that sector." Even if speculation is not immediately evident, the Imperial Bank may try to tinker with fiscal policy to slow growth of the Stock Exchange. "We usually don't know when a speculative bubble is happening until it has happened," said Phillips. "But for now, the bank would like to see more individuals take money out of storage in the bank, and start putting it back into the economy."

As an indication of the growing sense of prosperity across the economy, new car sales are up 2.5% on the year and local developer Sun Coast has reinvigorated plans to begin developing south of Sulari as a resort destination. Not only does Sun Coast have buy in from Miramar, but Miramar is behind a ₭120 Million Ruble plan to expand Sulari International by including an additional 30 International gates, as well as a new Commercial hanger. The airport expansion will take about 5 years and is currently nearly done with purchasing property around the current airport for the expansion.

Deputies of all political stripes praised the developments.

@TheRepublic

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Princess Margaret Travels to Baltusia
Proposes normalized diplomacy, open trade and free movement in Northern Seleya
Lucid City, Duchy of Suldanor
February 12, 5642


Her Highness Princess Margaret Ananto-DeLaurentis returning by train from San Luis, Baltusia

Her Highness, Princess Margaret Ananto-DeLaurentis, in her capacity of Special Envoy of Her Imperial Majesty Empress Mary I Ananto, returned this week from Baltusia after visiting the nation and speaking with the Government at Johnston. The Princess becomes the first member of the Kalistani royal family to ever visit Baltusia, and said she made the most of the opportunity.

"When I left, I first stopped in San Luis, to see the Duchy for myself," said Princess Margaret, "and I am pleased to report, despite the long neglect of the land by the Syndicalists, San Luis is more beautiful than we have always known it was. I am so privileged to have gotten the opportunity to stay there for two nights and meet with many of the people of what they call the State of San Luis, and talk to some local leaders. Everyone was so welcoming and they all kept asking when they would have the opportunity to visit Gaduridos and Suldanor. My response to them was invariably 'soon'. Everyone was very friendly and turned out to see me off to the Capital."

Upon arriving in the capital, Princess Margaret met with the newly elected First Minister Gabriel Barrett of the Constitutional Reform Party. "During our meeting, I expressed to the First Minister Kalistan's desires vis a vis Baltusia: We would like regular rail service on the Trans Seleyan rail line into Gaduridos restored, we look forward to the opportunity to buy and sell goods and services from and to Baltusia, and we would like fully normalized diplomatic relations. I was able to express to First Minister Barrett that Her Imperial Majesty was interested in letting past animosities go completely, and sought friendly, productive and mutually beneficial relations between our two countries. I raised the topic of increasing trade with Valruzia through Baltusia. Finally I noted that Her Imperial Majesty would like for Baltusia to be prosperous, stable and most importantly independent (emphasis hers) in their domestic and foreign policies, and offered any assistance it was in Kalistan's ability to provide to promote those goals."

The Baltusians listened politely to the Princess, but one thing that was deliberately not mentioned by her was the word "Athosia." The First Minister raised that issue with the Princess instead during the meeting. "It was a touchy subject, and a tense moment" said Princess Margaret, "and when the First Minister said the word Athosia, even though it was only being referred to as something that Kalistan says, you could really feel much of the air leave the room. It was a tense few minutes. I answered that I knew how sensitive the issue is on both sides of our border, and it will take longer to resolve that we have in this meeting, but just that Her Imperial Majesty can neither give up the claim or take it, so if it was all the same, the status quo appears to be working for now and we could feel free to leave discussions about that for a later date. I did not get the sense that the First Minister was prepared to seriously discuss it, and so I am grateful that we opted not to."

Princess Margaret said she did not come home with any specific action from Baltusia. "I was kind of there to let them know we are following their process very closely: History may not really show this, but Baltusia has been the number one issue for Anantos for basically ever, and we follow developments in Baltusia as closely as we follow developments in our own nation. So of course we will watch how they respond. Her Imperial Majesty has an Ambassador to the nation already selected. We just need them to give the ok, and investment, tourists, and Imperial Rubles to help development and stabilization will flow into that country like nobody's business."

Upon returning yesterday, Princess Margaret drove to Lhasa on personal business. Tomorrow she will fly from Sulari to Kaliburg to meet with the Empress. As for us, we look forward to very positive relations with Baltusia.

@TheRepublic

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Breaking News Kalistani FM strongly condemns Luthorian Aggression in Beiteynu
Pulls Ambassador to Luthori
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
March 1, 5642

Her Imperial Majesty's Foreign Minister, Lady Anya Waltrip issued the following statement today regarding Luthori's invasion of Beiteynu:

"Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Mary I Ananto, strongly condemns the unprovoked attack and unmitigated assault on Beiteynu by the Luthorian State. While Beiteynu has been a general offense to the rest of the world since their Government coddled and enabled the fascist menace in Artania, Luthori's attack against the Sovereign Beiteynese state is an offense the likes of which we have not seen in an age.

"Without prejudice, The Empire of Ananto and Kalistan is withdrawing our Ambassador to the Luthorian State in protest, ordering Embassy operations to cease, and will also be cutting consular staff to a minimum until we have been able to contact all Kalistanis living and working within Luthori and provide them assistance in returning home should that be their intention. We are also asking Luthori to recall all of their diplomatic staff within the next 30 days or they will be expelled from the nation.

"Her Imperial Majesty has issued a travel advisory to Artania and Majatra. She has not listed economic sanctions to Artania, as they would be ineffective given our extremely low trade volume with that continent. She also expresses deep disappointment in the Luthorian State, because she was looking forward to improving relations with them and with the Continent, plans which have now, of course been entirely scuttled.

"Finally, Her Imperial Majesty would like to point out that it is amazing to her that Luthori could not show the slightest restraint when it comes to imperial conquest, and would like to offer as an example for imperialists of the world Kalistan's continued heroic restraint toward pushing our far more legitimate claims in our region. She has called the action "pathetic" and would invite the Monarch of Luthori to "grow up and stop acting like a child." Those are her words. And these will be her last words to Luthori until this offense to sovereignty is undone."

More news forthcoming as we get more details.

[imperialpearl]

Harrington Times: Menkyn, Wexler in Kaliburg to reaffirm AE relationship

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Empress Mary flies to Lodamun, Hutori and Dolgava
"We're visiting friends," said Empress
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
March 26, 5642


Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Mary I Ananto at Kaliburg International

Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Mary I Ananto left Kaliburg this week for a major tour of Lodamun, Hutori and Dolgava.  Her first stop will be to Kensington Lodamun where she intends to meet with the Government to reassure Lodamun of Kalistan's friendship and mutual interests, and to offer any support to the newly independent government in their efforts to calm investors who have been concerned about the changing political landscape in Northern Seleya since August.  From there she will fly to the Ananto holding of Icehaven and then travel to Axeminster, where she will meet with the Hutorian King Alexander III to confer over naval defensive matters.  Finally she will travel to Aikums Dolgava to visit with Queen Jaanika and discuss trade and security in the Anantonese Ocean.  She will be joined in Dolgava by her husband, Emperor-Consort Martin Collins-Ananto for a two week vacation that will serve as a honeymoon for the newly married couple.

Our reporters were at the airport to meet with the Empress, who agreed to do a short interview prior to leaving in her private jet to Kensington.

(The Republic's) J(oan) Y(orke):  Before we begin the interview, I need to state that for this interview, Her Imperial Majesty the Empress Mary I Ananto, has stated that this is an informal audience, and therefore we are conducting this sit down with her over tea at the airport.  I am joined here by my colleague Katheryn Bradshaw, who will, for the purpose of observing protocol, serve as my interlocutor, though of course, Her Imperial Majesty is perfectly free to interject answers to my questions.

(Her Imperial Majesty, Empress) M(ary I) A(nanto):  This is correct and we thank Ms. Bradshaw for serving in this role.

JY:  Would Her Imperial Majesty tell our audience about the purpose of her trip to Lodamun, Hutori, and Dolgava?

MA:  This is a trip to visit our friends.  All three nations have been long standing friends to our Empire, and it is time we made a house call to visit them and reaffirm our commitment to them, each in turn.

JY:  What will Her Imperial Majesty discuss with Lodamun when she arrives in Kensington?

MA:  As you may recall, not long ago we were visited in Kaliburg by President George Menkyn and Merchant General Hank Wexler.  This visit was very positive and we are quite appreciative that they decided to visit us and make clear Lodamun's position regarding our relationship.  If anything, we can say that in the nearly eight months since Lodamun and Kalistan dissolved our formal political ties, Lodamun has struggled a little, and we felt it absolutely necessary to stress that we have not turned our back on the Commonwealth.  Much like Gaduridos and now Baltusia, a strong, stable, and prosperous Lodamun is good for Kalistan.  We offered initial assurances that our fondness and affinity for Lodamun has not decreased, and we stand ready to do all we can.  Since their visits, we have been able to reassure investors on our side of the Jah River that Kalistan is still open to Lodamese markets:  the AESA remains in place as it did before accession, and the jitters they saw in their market were based on a perception that our fundamental relationships were going to change.

Now, we are flying to Kensington not only to return the visit of March 3, but also to reaffirm our commitment to a larger Northern Seleyan identity, which includes Lodamun as a primary player.  We want to remain open to trade cooperation and free capital and personal movement that we have enjoyed for more than a century between our two nations.  The separation changed things, but we want to stress that those changes were superficial, and the very positive relationship that our two nations enjoyed before we took the steps toward union remain in place.  We want to applaud Lodamun's willingness to continue to associate with us, and the steps they have taken on their own to stabilize their markets and intervene to begin to ensure confidence in their own markets, and we want to make ourselves available to assist where they think it may do the most good.  We also wish to acknowledge their military and aerospace developments, specific missiles not withstanding, and discuss whether the current Anantonese Security Community treaty adequately addresses our mutual needs, or if it should be replaced by a new bilateral agreement that focuses more on Northern Seleya specifically.

Plus it is our desire to see the Lodamese Capital.  As long as we have been associated with Lodamun, we do not believe we have ever been for a visit, and it is well past time for us to put Lodamun's reputed hospitality to the test.

JY:  Does Her Imperial Majesty expect a warm welcome in Kensington?

MA:  We would be surprised if it was anything other than this.  We were warmly greeted by our friends here earlier this month, especially our former Administrator General Dr. James Forrester, who was gracious enough to attend our wedding in Eveari, and whom we have come to know as a very serious intellectual whose opinion and voice on Lodamese matters we have come to value greatly in the short time that we have known him.  We have nothing but a positive impression of the Lodamese Government and we have so much optimism that they are taking their rightful place in our region.  The economic jitters they appear to be facing are certainly temporary and ephemeral, and we stand by to do our part to help calm the uncertainty by reaffirming our commitment to our mutual relationship.  We believe that message will be well received in Kensington.

JY:  Moving to Hutori, would Her Imperial Majesty offer a preview of talks there?

MA:  Most certainly.  Hutori is one of Kalistan's longest standing friendships.  Primarily, we bonded over cultural affinities, though we have also then cooperated on a number of defense related points over history as well.  We maintain a ducal title in Hutori, the Duchy of Icehaven, and His Majesty, King Alexander III holds a Baronetcy in one of the prettiest parts of our Island at Ravenhead in Green County.  Though we do not maintain familiar ties, nonetheless, the Royals in Hutori are treated as family in Kalistan.

In early April we will travel first to Icehaven for a couple days to rest, and then will continue to Axeminster where we will meet with King Alexander to discuss defense matters.  We were informed earlier this year that the first Bekenial III Frigates had passed sea trials and have rolled off the lines.  These state of the art frigates will find their way into our naval arsenal as we continue to produce them in both Hutori and Kaliburg.  These will be major improvements over our current Daniel Guzman Class Frigate which are scheduled for decommissioning.  This frigate will possess greatly improved Hutorian subsurface detection and mitigation technology, and will integrated with Kalistan's very sophisticated subnet tech links.  The ship designs were primarily of Hutorian origin, while materials and naval artillery for the vessels were provided by Kalistan.  However, it was important to design these in Hutori because they rely very heavily on Hutori's ASW technology, which on naval units is second to none in the world, and now will enhance Kalistani defense in the Anantonese ocean as it is integrated into Kalistan's subsurface intel network.

JY:  Does Her Imperial Majesty envision a larger role for Hutori in Anantonese Affairs?

MA:  As we see expansion of the Egelian naval presence in our Ocean, whether we support that or not, we have also noticed that they intend to invite Luthori into the region.  Given Luthori's recent militant aggression in Majatra, they have more or less sacrificed any potential cooperation with the Anantonese Empire, regardless of whoever else they are able to trick into supporting them.  Luthorian presence in the region would be provocative if their impact at sea was in any way measurable, but regardless of if they make it into the region or not, we do intend to invite at least one Hutorian fleet to consider regular and ongoing joint patrol operations with the Kalistani Navy in the Northern Anantonese.  As Egelion spreads itself out in its quest to become just another Lourenne and rebuild the Canrillaise Empire 2.0, except under their flag this time, they become less concentrated in waters that are important to us, and picking up that slack is certainly not a job that Luthori is capable, on any level, of handling, so, welcoming Hutori will only enhance regional security, for everyone's benefit, including Egelion.

The basing agreement would likely be limited to refuel, refit and resupply in both Port Swedes Naval Logistics Center in Vrassa and Bozo River Combined Air Ground Training Center in Ananto, as Hutori has mentioned that they do not want to permanently station a fleet away from their homeland, but we can expect regular visits from Hutori if they are willing to accept the deal, again, to help pick up the slack that a rapidly expanding Egelion is less able to carry now that one of their three naval squadrons will be preoccupied on the other side of the world.  Kalistan will likely get two or three major training exercises each year out of the deal, which we will certainly invite Lodamun and Dolgava to as well, and given Kalistan's closeness with the Kingdom of Hutori, we will see more convergence between Hutori's elite regular tactics and technolgical edge and Kalistan's high degree of tactical flexibility that will certainly benefit both forces.

JY:  Does Her Imperial Majesty intend to accomplish all of this in a week in Hutori?

MA:  "Accomplishing" it is a mere formality, Ms. Yorke.

JY:  Onto Dolgava, is there any business that Her Imperial Majesty intends to conduct there?

MA:  Yes and No, that visit is primarily personal but we would like to eventually raise the topics of trade and security between our two nations given the changing situation in the Anantonese basin.  We have informed Her Majesty, and our close personal friend Queen Jaanika and her husband, the Prince Kristiāns of our intention to honeymoon in country.  Our husband intends to join us there, and we are looking forward to relaxing and spending time together outside of the duties of the crown and official Kalistan.  While there we wish to tour the country, as well as do some hiking and skiing in the upcountry.  We would also like to spend some time in the company of the Queen, on a personal level.  She was great friends with our late Father and our mother, and we think very highly of her ourselves.  We would also like to spend time with her Children, including the Crown Prince as he transitions into adulthood.  It is possible that at some point we will need to deal with him on some level, and would like to make a very positive impression on the young man.

JY:  Is it correct that Her Imperial Majesty will be in country for about two weeks?

MA:  That is correct, yes.  We will return to Kalistan the fourth week of April.

JY:  Will the Her Highness Princess Margaret Ananto serve as your proxy while you are gone?

MA:  We have asked our aunt Lady Michelle to serve in that capacity.  She will work with Chancellor Koenig and keep the government running.  She has served as regent while we did our National Service, and is very familiar with the duties of Viceroy.  Lady Margaret is finishing her dissertation and we would prefer to see her focus on completing this incredibly important milestone in her education, and then we will return with more than enough time to celebrate her inevitable doctoral investiture with her.

JY:  At last, would Her Imperial Majesty care to share with our readers what sort of music she enjoys?

MA:  Oh wow... that's an excellent question...  We used to listen to primarily alternative artists, however, we have recently taken an interest in quieter tunes.  There is a certain alternative country musician we are listening to from Vrassa City at just this moment, her name is Carrie Hill.  She has only recently been signed to Plateau Records, but she has released a lot of her music independently so far.  She did a lot of that recording herself, and its very peaceful.  We like to listen to her music as we wander about in the forest during the weekends.  So we hope that answers your readers' question about our music tastes.

JY:  We would like to thank Her Imperial Majesty for giving The Republic so much of her time in this informal audience.

MA:  We are happy to talk to reporters.  Our husband has made the case for independent journalism, though obviously, the Republic is not that.  But since we have known him his argument for journalists has made an impression on us, and so we would like to begin supporting the press more than we have in the past.

JY:  I certainly thank Her Imperial Majesty for that.

MA:  We wish you well in editing, and hope you will wish us well in our travels.

JY:  Absolutely.  I wish Her Imperial Majesty a very productive and safe trip.

MA:  Knock on wood.  Inshallah, we will return to Kalistan in one piece.

With that Her Imperial Majesty waited.  Both Katheryn Bradshaw and I stood, and as Her Imperial Majesty rose, we lowered our heads, and she left.  By the time we figured it was ok to raise our eyes again, she was already on her way out the door, followed closely by a single woman, who was likely her secretary, Lady Southern.  Both Ms. Bradshaw and I commented on how odd it was that the Empress was not constantly surrounded by security, but then again, she is the Empress, and despite her family's history, exists in the complete certainty that no Kalistani would ever approach her close enough to lay a hand on her, let alone harm a single hair on her head.  At least in Kalistan, she walks among us more as a spectral apparition or an untouchable deity than as a mortal human being. 

Such is the poise and dignity of the Empress.

@TheRepublic

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Carrie Hill releases Debut Album on Plateau Records
Vrassa City Folk-Country Artist said to be Empress' Favorite Musician
Nevaras City, Duchy of Nevaras
June 1, 5642


Carrie Hill's "The Love Letter" provides very approachable Country to an Alternative Nation

Vrassan newcomer Carrie Hill released her debut album The Love Letter on Plateau Records last month. The album actually got an assist in March when Her Imperial Majesty Empress Mary I Ananto said she was looking forward to the debut and called Hill her "favorite" musician.

"Oh, when I heard that, I had mixed feelings about it," said Hill in an interview after the mid-May release. "On the one hand, its completely an honor. Her mentioning my name in an interview with The Republic was worth a million rubles of PR for the album, and sales have definitely been, one might say, excessive? But on the other hand, it's a lot to live up to, and I was under so much stress about whether I could live up to that kind of hype. So, I mean. It's kind of a double edged sword in that sense."

The hard drinking, dah smoking alt-Country musician from Vrassa City recorded dozens of singles, mostly with her brother Nate Hill and neighbor Ronnie Albertson over the last five years. "When Nate died in a car accident last year, Ronnie was really the one who pushed me to go to Nevaras and try to make this into a career," said Hill. "then when I finally got signed at Plateau, I had Ronnie come in and play percussion for the record. It was really Nate's dream that we are living here, and I wish he could see us now."

Hill's music is primarily bluegrass inspired country. But she has borrowed a lot of sensibility from Indie and Alternative. "I obviously don't sing a lot about trucks or partying all the time," said Hill, in comparison to several other recent Plateau artists who have put out songs about frivolousness or excess. "I try to keep my music a little more conscious and personal. Some of the songs I do will try to tackle some social issues, but most of the music on this record is about kind of different phases of a relationship, and kind of staying true to who you are. I wanted to honor Nate's memory too, and included a couple of his tunes, and those are the more rockin ones."

The consensus review is that the record is a very gentle album, especially against a back drop that is generally characterized by loud guitars, mammoth drums, and multi layered sequenced synths. Hill has none of that: She relies on acoustic guitars and banjos as often as she relies on electrified instrumentation. And even though she has a very unique voice that sets her apart from her peers, she leans more on melody than volume, to give a tender nuance that is missing in a lot of radio music in the Empire.

Hill said she is going on tour to promote the album in July. "I think the label booked me into the National Opera House in Kaliburg," she said. "I kinda hope the Empress comes, but I also kinda hope she doesn't, because I might get too nervous."

The full album, The Love Letter, produced and distributed by Plateau Records, is available on Streaming right here and you can watch the lead single "Straight and Narrow" from Carrie Hill below.

[Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQ8xqyoZXCc]
Carrie Hill's "Straight and Narrow" on her debut LP The Love Letter, produced at Plateau Records, Nevaras City

@KalistaniRawkMonthly

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Kalistani News in Brief: Her Imperial Majesty announces Baby on the way
Princess Margaret named IBSI Chief; Luxon Swell Competition announced for August
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
June 1, 5642


Her Highness, Princess Margaret Ananto-DeLaurentis graduates with a Philosophy Doctorate in Political Theory

Her Imperial Majesty Announces Baby on the Way
Crown Watchers Empire-Wide breathed a sigh of relief this week, when it was announced that Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Mary I Ananto and Emperor Consort Martin Collins-Ananto were expecting their first child. "The Office of the Empress released a statement yesterday that said the Anantos will have an heir," said Kaliburg based Crown Watcher Genna Hauser. "The statement said that her personal doctors verified that the Empress is about 12 weeks pregnant. The pregnancy was suspected when Her Imperial Majesty cancelled a couple public events in early May and announcing that she was feeling 'under the weather'. She was able to make it to Order Day events in late May in Eveari, but even then, she seemed quiet and reserved unlike in past years, and left the event early."

The Peerage was quick to send their congratulations to Her Imperial Majesty. There was some consternation among the Royal family over pregnancy: The Empress, who will be 32 this year, did not seem to be in any hurry to produce an heir, and was content for her sister, the Princess Margaret, to remain Crown Princess. "The announcement of an heir is a cause for celebration, and it is believed that no one is celebrating more than Princess Margaret, because this means that under all normal circumstances now, she will not inherit the throne" said Hauser. "She has said several times in the past that she has no desire to govern, and has shunned official duties as often as she is able. Once an heir is born, she will not quite be out of the woods, but the chances that she will end up as Empress are much slimmer at that point."

The new baby is due in early December. The soon to be parents are reportedly very happy, and also a little apprehensive about what is to come.

Princess Margaret Named IBSI Chief
Her Highness, Princess Margaret Ananto-DeLaurentis-Westmoreland successfully defended her dissertation in May, a month ahead of schedule, and filed the necessary work with the Graduate School of Kaliburg Imperial University by the May 30th deadline. She subsequently was allowed to dress and walk in the summer commencement ceremony held earlier today in Kaliburg. The Princess now holds a Philosophy Doctorate in Political Theory with a certificate in Artanian Languages. No sooner was she fully minted a Ph.D. then she took up her official post at the Imperial Bureau of Security Information, where she will serve Her Imperial Majesty as Director of National Intelligence.

"This is a new position that replaces the former Bureau Director title held for four years by Henry Martel," said Bureau spokesperson Donna Boca. "The Princess has been working with the Bureau as a liaison between the Intel Community and Her Imperial Majesty since she got out of the NSP. Her naming to this new position that aims at overseeing and coordinating all of Kalistan's intelligence, including military intelligence and aerospace intelligence, is not a surprise. It was previewed by Chancellor Koenig in April." The Princess has taken probably the most active role of an Imperial Sibling that Kalistan has seen in a long time, and is very close to her older sister.

"Princess Margaret is very sharp," said Boca. "As the two Ananto sisters gain more experience in government, the Princess' Expertise becomes more valuable year after year, and it is believed that the move is designed to best employ the Princess' analytical mind to foreign policy issues since it appears that Kalistan may be shifting direction away from major power politics to a more regional focus at long last." The Princess is a known nationalist, but is far more pragmatic than ideological and her influence is already being felt in Kalistan's moves since the end of the Kundrati conflict. Margaret has already ordered that the IBSI directorate shall be moved from its secret-not-so-secret operations center in Lhasa to Kaliburg and new offices will be set up under the Princess' supervision near Kaliburg Polytechnic on the east side.

Luxon Swell Competition announced for August
Luxon in Southern Ananto is known for its beautiful beaches and its surfing. And now a group of professional surfers have gotten together to sponsor an annual contest known as Luxon Swell, to be held in August of every year going forward. Kelly James, who holds the Ananto Men's Surfing Championship, said that the founders thought it was time to officially determine who is the best. "There's a lot of sh-- talk when were out on the water," said James. "And we always thought we could like have a surf off, but we were all coming to Luxon from different places in Kalistan, and so we couldn't agree on the rules. But now, we've basically just adopted Luxon rules, and decided to make this an All Kalistan competition."

James said the first competition will have sixteen entries in it. "The only rule is that you are sponsored. This one is pro's only. Those waves are pretty gnarly sometimes, and I don't think any of us want to see some dude going out there and getting killed." Judging on how well the first competition goes, he said the competition may morph into a pro invitational. "It's really that right now, but the invitational is not official. We're just getting some pros together to carve up some waves." James also said that the first competition is only male surfers, but next year they want to make it a co-ed event. "You can't say you're the best if half the surfers ain't even allowed to compete. We're thinking of one contest, one set of rules, one title. And you know as well as anyone here that there are ladies who can outsurf us all. Just not this year, but definitely next."

The competition will be held on Sunset Beach in Luxon County and will be a three day event. All are welcomed to come out and watch. Television drones and broadcast will be provided by KRTVN Sports, and the finals of the Competition will be broadcast both in Kalistan on KRTVN and worldwide on KalSat.

@TheRepublic

[Doc]

Foreign Ministry addresses Mordusian Comments
"We look forward to increased trade and Security in Southern Anantonese" say Waltrip
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
September 1, 5642


Lady Anya Waltrip optimistic for increased Commerce via Mordusia

Her Imperial Majesty's Foreign Minister, Lady Anya Waltrip, addressed the developments in Mordusia this week which included a new basing deal between Egelion and Mordusia to allow Egelion's navy to conduct extended patrols in the Southern Seas.

"Her Imperial Majesty absolutely welcomes the deal," said Lady Waltrip in a brief Q&A with reporters. "It's long past time, actually. Since Mordusia rejected basing offers from Lodamun following the Commonwealth's accession to the Empire, there has been virtually no body with a credible force in the region to protect maritime shipping routes to and from Temania, Vascania and Southern Dovani. Mordusia's focus was correctly on their Western coast, where they could support Luthori, and they more or less took the security provided by the Anantonese Navy for granted in the East, in ensuring that shipping in the region was secure. But now that Egelion is finally willing to carry some of the burden, and Mordusia is automatically more open to Egelion, Kalistan looks forward to to benefits of increased trade and security in that region."

Lady Waltrip noted that the Empress is encouraged that Mordusia is finally taking security in the region seriously, and welcomed the basing of Egelion in Mordusia as being fully in Kalistan's interests. "The Empress thinks this will absolutely turn out to Kalistan's benefit, probably even more than Egelion, who is footing the bill now, or Mordusia, who doesn't appear to gain much out of the deal at all. In this deal, dictated to Mordusia by Luthori, Kalistan, which wasn't even part of the negotiations but may as well have gotten everything we could possibly ask for from the deal anyway, basically gets something that is very valuable to us for nothing. A strong Egelian presence in the South Ocean creates greater security in and around the Anantonese Ocean, protecting trade and offering a buffer for the Kalistani Regular Navy, without Kalistan having to pay for it. That's a win win for the Empire. Anyone seeking to come at Kalistan from the south now has to go through Egelian naval units first, and we can reserve our Third Navy for whatever is left after Egelian ships get done with them."

Lady Waltrip also added that it was wise for Mordusia to turn to eastern forces rather than putting their trust in Artania to defend them. "It;s sure that Luthori, a nation which can invade majatran countries at their leisure, is a force to be reckoned with. But what is more certain is that Eastern powers like Egelion are far more reliable, and I would add, far more ethical in their actions, and will certainly come to a Seleyan nation's aid far more readily than any Artanian nation would. We can only applaud Mordusia's foresightedness in this matter, and encourage them to see the cause of Seleyan security as their own as well, as they are part of Seleya, and not Artania."

Lady Waltrip said Her Imperial Majesty would be happy to meet with the Mordusian King to iron out whatever disagreements the Mordusian Economic Minister was referring to. "Whatever the Commonwealth is doing, our business is with another Seleyan nation. Her Imperial Majesty would like to focus specifically on improving bilateral relations, Empress to King, because Kalistan and Mordusia should naturally be friends, rather than allowing some ridiculous western conflict to keep us divided. Our two nations, in and of themselves have far more in common than we have apart, and Her Imperial Majesty would be happy to speak with the Mordusian King, who she first met at her wedding recently, any time or place of his choosing, whether it be in Seleya, Keris, or Dovani. All Mordusia need do is accept the invitation and there will be no more 'rocky relations', as the Mordusian Government chooses to characterize them."

With Egelion now based in Mordusia, Anantonese Constituent States can sleep a bit easier at night, knowing that both State and sub-state actors will pose fewer threats to the Empire, its security, and its trade. A pleasant side effect of the deal has been an improvement in Kalistan's import prospects in the coming year, both overland from Gaduridos via Baltusia, and via sea lane. Several securities in the KalSiE continued registering gains on the news, and it was generally lauded among Kalistan's secondary Bond market as investors look to begin sending money to Baltusia and increasing flows into Gaduridos. "This agreement goes a long way to helping Kalistan maintain its internationally acclaimed status of being Terra's 'perfect nation'," said Waltrip.

@TheRepublic