Saint Helene

Outside the Tonga embassy in London Proper a demonstration was taking place. Protest by Sunatra community and her allies in London. They protested the growing ties between Tonga and the Kingdoms due to the Kingdoms supporting the tyrannical government in the Hondo Dominion. Chants to remember the Trell Massacre, chants to remember those who merely demonstrated for equal rights with the Toi majority. The demonstration was not, large a hundred people at most. They had the rights to such a demonstration even without the government’s approval, the less than a dozen police officers simply milled around, violence was not expected.

Galway sat in the Kingdoms most western island. A rather empty island had been the last stop for crusaders in the 13th and 14th century on there way to Fusea to protect the Trinitist Kingdoms from heathen invaders. Some would set out for what was now the Hondo dominion instead. At the height of the Kingdoms empire it had been a large port city, the gateway to the far east. Now, it had shrunk, by the 1940s the city had lost over two thirds of its population at its height. Much of the new town had abandoned left to rot and overgrown by nature. One of the attempted government work programs of the 1960s would see much of the new town demolished, yet the nation lacked the funds to build the new city it had planned. It would be a royal led and funded program in the later 1990s that see the town revitalised. Reconstruction in the old 19th century style with all the amenities expected in the late 20th century. Now with its old cathedral dating back to the 15th, small population and the large Royal owned manor house overlooking the western coast made it a good place for foreign meetings like this one.

It had begun to rain when Her Majesty Queen Lavinia Mana Tupou XVIII pulled up on the Royal Manor. The lack of any press was interestingly, she had seen a handful at the airport but not the masses she had expected. She stepped out and was greeted by Edward who was holding an umbrella above her.
“Welcoming your majesty.”
He bowed slightly and smiled. This caused some of the rain to get past the umbrella and hit her, just a few drops. They were both then led inside the warm late 18th century style building. They past the oak stairs to lounge. They all talked as they walked. Edward was focused on the weather, apologising that they had picked a day with such bad weather. When asked about the lack of press coverage he shrugged, he said there was something happening in south Fusea that had all of the media attention. It was probably for the best he argued, the press can really be annoying, always looking for the next big clip rather than actually reporting on the wider story. Miss Jackson added, how the Kingdoms government had gone to great lengths to keep this meeting quiet, it was important for the kingdoms hence keeping the press away.

They all warm up in the lounge over some warm wine, good tea and a good plateau of cheeses. The small talk was in Her Majesty boring. Edward had a poor grasp about what was going on within his own nation and just as poor understanding of hers or the rest of the world. Though not rude he clearly was just a face. The lunch, a classic Sunday roast was good but the company remained less than stellar. He had a few good things to say about her farther, he once again sent his and his nation condolences for her loss. He did ask a few questions about Tonga and at least seemed interested in the response. When asked about the Kingdoms he gave good answers yet she was growing confident that she perhaps knew more about what was going on in the nation then he did.

At last the conversation would turn towards the treaty. Here Edward did show some shine talking about it, he rather simplified it as,
“We get you expertise and another market to sell into. You gets all the markets we have accessed which is a good slice of the world. Not to mention how us both get leverage over both the Germans and the Hinterferre chaps up north. Though I get mutual concern over the later, I thought we where friends with the former?”
Edward turned towards Miss Jackson who seemed a little flustered, before she spoke
“We are still your Majesty, we are simply seeking other partners, just as Tonga should. Relying on the region hegemon can leave us all weak, stagnate under a false sense of security. Something which we have found out during different crisis weather it be the League or Listovia doesn’t always have the exact same alignment of interests.”
Edward blinked a few times before turning back to Her Majestry. “Translating that I think it means we are seeking a stronger hand just in case something goes wrong and they won’t bail us out.”
Miss Jackson kept a polite face, but Lavinia could tell that lack of tact rubbed her the wrong way.

The final interesting topic before the end of the dinner was Edward late brother, the last King. Edward, who had been happy, polite yet seemingly always ill informed grew cold on the topic. He talked about it sparingly. His brother had been rather involved in the Kingdoms politics, seeing himself as a defender of the poor and forgotten of the nation. He had been caught siphoning funds into the now defunct socialist party. The scandal had forced him to abdicate, before going into self imposed exile. He, his wife and Edward only nephew would die in a home invasion. It explained Edward ignorance, he was keeping himself distant from politics to avoid meeting a fate similar to his brother, he seemed truly shaken. Edward had kept some of the charities his brother had used as fronts to siphon funds going but to actual use helping the poor and the sick. If all royal charities and organisations linked to healthcare were combined they would be the fourth largest healthcare provider in the Kingdoms. The largest for the bottom third of income earners, never profitable but important keeping much of the nation healthy.

The dinner would end, Edward would see Her Majesty off. Giving her a lovely set of teas and a particular rare 17th century pistol, it had been one used in the last Civil war the Kingdoms had. On the drive back, she rode with Miss Jackson. Miss Jackson spoke.
“That was lovely, no?”
She was clearly tying to press for the treaty, but it was Her Majesty choice if this had been enough to win her over.

Date: ██ | ██ | 20██
To: British Foreign Minster, Ms. Jackson
Subject: Official Request for Membership in the Commonwealth

Dear her excellency, Ms. Jackson, the British Foreign Minister.
I have the honor to write to you on behalf of the Kingdom of Puspapore to formally express our intent to join the Commonwealth. Puspapore deeply admires 5 Britainnia's enduring commitment to the values of monarchy, customs, rights, the rule of law, and economic development. We believe that our shared values and national priorities closely align with those of Britannian's and the principles of the Commonwealth.

Furthermore, we look forward to actively participating and contributing to the Commonwealth's common goals. We are eager to collaborate on global challenges, including mutual security, economic cooperation, and cultural exchange.

We kindly request that the British Foreign Minstry initiates the formal assessment process, to evaluate our candidacy.

Please find attached a comprehensive dossier detailing our country’s Overview for your review.

Sincerely, Adit I
King of Puspapore

Puspapore, officially the Kingdom of Puspapore, is an island nation in Southwest Fusea. Puspapore is bordered by the Fusean Empire to the north, west, and east, and by the Ostartic Ocean to the south. Puspapore has a population of nearly 150 million people and covers an area of approximately 922,500 km², 20% of which is water. The capital and largest city is New Albion.

Puspapore is mostly plains with many rivers; at its center its mostly forests, hills and largest volcanic lake in Fusea with an island in the middle of it that serve as the national park. Puspapore climate is tropical with an average of 25°C-27°C and percipitation of 3200mm. It has diverse biodiversity of plants, insects and animals; some of which are endemic to Fusea such as Corpse Flower, Death's-head Hawkmoth and Komodo Dragon.

Archaeological evidence indicates that humans have inhabited the area for at least 50,000 years.
In its early history, Puspapore began as a confederation of inland farming settlements and nomadic headhunter tribes; subsequently, it was a major tributary of multiple nations such as the Fusean Empire, Duswya, Lungha, and 5 Britannia. Through it all, Puspapore remained as the only country in Fusea to avoid colonisation by foreign powers, although it ceded resources, trade rights, and legal privileges through several unequal treaties.

During the Great War, Puspapore sided with 5 Britannia and became free of its tributary status in 1900, at which point it became the Kingdom of Puspapore. Post-handover, severe ideological differences, political turmoil, terrorism, and social unrest led to a period known as the "Decade of Lead." After its early turbulence, Puspapore rapidly developed to become a Fusean regional economic powerhouse.

Puspapore has the oldest continuous hereditary monarchy with the same ruling royal family for more than 2,500 years. Puspapore is a semi-constitutional monarchy and its legal system is based on 5 Britannia common law. Puspapore government is divided into six branches of government with functions of executive, legislative, judiciary, civil service commission, audit and security.
Puspapore ideology is Pancamarga, consisting of five core principles such as Faith, Livelihood, Nationalism, Democracy and Rule of Law; that unite the nation's diverse population and the main principle of Puspapore constitution.

It is constitutionally a one-party state where Puspapore Association Party maintain continuous political dominance despite free elections being regularly held. The PAP's longstanding control has resulted in limited political pluralism and a highly centralised governance structure over national institutions. One of the founding members of Non-Aligned Association, Puspapore is also the headquarters of Association of Fusean nations and is the host city of many international conferences and events. Puspapore is also a member of the Organization of World Nations and the Global Trade Organization.

As a highly developed country, Puspapore has a high PPP-adjusted GDP per capita and an 'A' sovereign credit rating from all major rating agencies. Identified as a tax haven with business-friendly reputation, it is a major aviation, financial, and maritime shipping hub and has consistently been ranked as one of the most visited tourism and retirement destinations.

Puspapore GDP is 5,68 Trillion SCU (Standard Currency Unit); which make its GDP at Upper-Middle Tier Globally.
Puspapore economy system is State Capitalism with Humane Capitalism as its main philosophy. Puspapore's main exports are foodstuffs, drinking water, beverages, textiles, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, semiconductors and biofuels. Its economy is also highly diversified, with sizeable exports in industrial spare parts and tools, construction materials, petrochemicals, consumer electronics, home appliances, small arms, munitions, jeweleries, and steels. Puspapore's products are often regarded as the best middle ground for price, quality, and longevity compared to its competitor, making them very popular with the middle class and small to medium enterprises.

Puspapore’s economic sectors by employment are divided into 5% in the primary sector, 10% in the secondary sector, 84% in the tertiary sector, and 1% in the quaternary sector. Once a predominantly extractive and agricultural country on account of its abundance of natural resources and arable landscape, it is now considered the Rice Bowl of Fusea due to its high export volume of foodstuffs that contributes to regional food security. Puspapore manufacturing, once focused on processing agriculture and natural resources; now is highly diverse and competitive in global market due to its commitment to mutual free trade. Service sector fields the largest employment and largest GDP contributor and often cited as the best example of hospitality & tourism. Research sector mostly focus on agriculture yields and renewable energy sources.

Puspapore ranks highly in key social indicators: education, healthcare, happiness, public order, personal safety and infrastructure. Puspaporeans enjoy one of the longest life expectancies, fastest Internet connection speeds, lowest infant mortality rates, and lowest levels of corruption in Fusea.
Unemployment is totally unknown and its social-welfare utilize workfare system that ensured dignified welfare through constructive labor and training to make its recepient able to effectively re-enter workforce.

Puspapore is organised into five regions, 25 provinces, and hundreds of subzones.
It has high population density, although there are numerous green and recreational spaces as a result of urban planning. With a multicultural population and in recognition of the cultural identities of the country's major ethnic groups, Puspapore has five national languages, namely Albish, Xian, Kiswan, Vindi and Nusanesia. Albish is the official, national and common language, with exclusive use in government and business. Multi-racialism is enshrined in the constitution and continues to shape national policies.

The Kingdom of Puspapore is rated as a regional middle power that holds significant economic, diplomatic, and military influence within Fusea.
Puspapore is classified as Authoritarian democracy, although it leaned heavier toward Authoritarian.
Its armed forces are, on average, a tier 4.5 power (Tier-5 Ground Force, Tier-4 Naval Force, and Tier-5 Aerial Force), with an estimated 1 million standing troops and 3 million reservists. While it possesses WMDs, it has not disclosed their quantity or type.
It's Tech-level had been confirmed as Post-Modern, to be precise Mid-PMT.

The good things of Puspapore for The Commonwealth are the following.

• Puspapore is located at an important and busy shipping and aviation hub between the South Osea and Usonea continents. Its road and rail networks are robust and well-connected to Fusea's regional transport systems, all of which easily ensure transit, trade, and resupplying.

• Puspapore government is consistently ranked among the most efficient, meritocratic, and corruption-free within Fusea. The Puspapore Association Party that's pro-Britannia has governed continuously since the handover, providing decades of policy continuity, a strong rule of law, and a pro-business regulatory environment. This make Puspapore a reliable and predictable partner for unforseen future.

• Puspapore armed forces (Puspapore Security Force) maintains armed neutrality and a well-trained experienced military that's active in peacekeeping operations. This means an ally gets a country that will defend itself and can help them but will not drag them into a war.

• Puspapore has heavily fortified both its exterior and interior with thousands of hidden military installations, artillery positions, and bunkers. Puspapore also built over 500,000 nuclear shelters with enough capacity to house more than its entire population, and these shelters are inspected and stocked on a regular basis. This combination of terrain, fortifications, and deterrence makes the country very hard to conquer.

• Puspapore's free and active foreign policy means it does not pick sides between great powers and maintains diplomatic relations with nearly all nations, making it a good mediator with a long-standing, cooperative approach to international affairs.

• Puspapore has an abundance of natural resources and high soil fertility. This means that some natural resources and agricultural produce can be procured in large quantities at lower prices without sacrificing quality and longevity.

• Puspapore has a strong economy dominated by financial, trade and services alongside the manufacturing of its agriculture produces, textiles, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and semiconductors. Its overall trade volumes exceed three times its annual GDP, it has a free trade agreement with nearly all countries, and it is a major two-way investor, which gives any nation involved a large market and a platform for mutual economic benefits.

• Puspapore is energy-sufficient; it has diverse power sources that are mostly renewable. The most notable renewable source is waste, which functions so well that it is willing to accept all sorts of waste to generate its own power. Which is a win-win as we know that Waste Overload is everyone issue and Puspapore can help Commonwealth solve said issue.

• Puspapore has reputable tourism and hospitality sectors, being a favorite destination due to combination of wide variety of entertainment option, accomodating amenities, relatively cheap price and beautiful scenery. It will be easy to host various events or meetings with all of those combined.

• Puspapore's currency is valued at 0,01 SCU. Through a monetary policy of managed depreciation, the country aims to maintain a low currency value, thereby making its goods and services more competitive for foreign buyers

• Puspapore has very low tax-rate, strong intellectual property protection and ease of starting businesses. Combined with its highly discreet and neutral bank that will never disclose its client information, made it one of the safest place to store money.

• Puspapore operates the world's largest trans-shipment port and a well-connected international airports. Its telecommunications network, public transports, and utilities are modern and reliable. Puspapore also spends more per person on civilian emergency preparedness than most nation, and its infrastructure is built to withstand invasion, which adds a layer of physical security
  All of which supports fast and secure operations for any partner whether in peace or war time.

• Puspapore has many educated and skilled workforce that's both dutiful and low cost. Which meant that its workers are very flexible regarding payment while remained productive more than average workers.

• Its current age-group also lean closely to working age adult population with low elderly dependents. Which meant, there will be huge trend of increase of its working adult population alongside continuous demand for housing, education, healthcare, and goods for decades to come.

• Puspapore has very low crime rate thanks to its well-funded police force and progressive social policies in healthcare, education and social-welfare. The amount of youth related delinquency is also close to non-existant, making it a great option for family-friendly tourism destination.

• Albish is nearly similar to English language, which lowers communication barriers. The population is multi-ethnic, blending Xian from Lungha, Nusan from Fusea, Vindi from Duswya, Albish and Kiswan from 5 Britannia; and many other communities, which gives the country broad cultural reach.

• Puspapore ranks highly in education and healthcare, which supports long-term people-to-people ties and workforce mobility.

• Puspapore doesn't discriminate based on species, race, ethnic, culture, religion nor sexual orientation. It's also inclusive on its treatment toward various vices or substance consumption which is regulated responsibly.

• Puspapore's multi-ethnic and bilignual society can act as a intercultural liaison between various business norms. Its deep ties to its former suzerain and other nations globally can help its ally in diplomatic relationship.

  Overall, Puspapore passed all of the background checks, in addition of being very cooperative and passed the requirements to join the Commonwealth.
  The Decision of its acceptance however, is fully not ours to make.

  Signed
  ██████████
  Senior Inspector, OWN Oversight & Advisory Board
  

To: Ms. Jackson

I believe the inspection result might be partly biased.
There are some issues within Puspapore that I personally believed must be addressed outside of OWN official report. Some of which are concerning.

• There are multiple alleged signs of patrimonialism, which have continued from the reign of the previous King of Puspapore.

• The previous King of Puspapore, Rizi (now Chancellor Vikrama), is still in a position of power; The OAB suspects Adit I the current King of Puspapore, is a puppet king. The reasoning is that the heads of all government branches are still from the old regime and Chancellor Vikrama close proximity with the current King.

• The Puspapore Association Party isn't as pluralistic as it appears. Whether they belong to the Nationalist, Constitutionalist, or Reformist factions, they all follow the same baseline and had to passed same test from their civil service commission. No true Democracy would thoroughly vetted its public servant as deeply as Puspapore did.

• There are signs of subtle guiding and voter engineering. What we could find with circumstancial evidence is that all voters must served at least 6-months into either military or non-military duty. While it looked normal, we suspect indoctrination occured at those places.

• Puspapore OWN Peacekeeper is allegedly testing out experimental weapons and equipment, and is behaving much closer to a mercenary and businessman than a genuine peacekeeper. This also coincide with circumstancial finding that Puspapore Peacekeeper often ended up legitimizing and supporting Pro-Puspaporean or aligned autocratic rulers.

• Puspapore is allegedly legitimizing certain organized crime families into what we refer to as 'State Sanctioned Mafia Inc.' There has been a suspicious amount of routine coordination involving either entire emergency services or parts of the military with alleged gangsters.

• Puspapore previous legitimization of Jianist Brotherhood and its absorbtion into the military. The same Jianist that's infamous for its widepsread terror attack during 'decade of lead' period of post-handover are now majority parts of Puspaporean Foreign Legion.

• All of its citizens have ID-chips and have had their DNA stored in a government database since birth. OWN suspected that foreigner are exempt from this, there are allegations that those wealthy enough to buy citizenship or being foreign residents are skipped from this ID-chip requirement.

• Suspicious amount of unexplained mental breakdown, voluntary resignation and self-exile that all came from dissidents across all parts of society. This had began since previous King reign and suspiciously at the same time when it welcomed alleged exiled intelligence officers from AGU after the end of Cold War.

• Surveillance in public places is subtle but near-omnipresent. The CCTV cameras with complete recording functions are all carefully covered and mostly inconspicuous. It also suspected that Puspapore government has complete backend access of all its electronic products and in extension all of its espionage tools.

• Alleged unrestricted live experimentation toward living human, we suspect they used illegals, death row prisoners and some dissidents as test subjects for various purposes.

• Mobile Execution Van, in which its targets (Those whom wanted Euthnasia but, can't afford it or Criminal Illegals) are executed through lethal injection after being physically restrained. While executions are all approved and recorded in legal manner, its simply inhumane.

• Corporal Punishment that's quite widespread in its usage. I personally saw someone that littered chewing gum during the OWN inspection, that individual was dragged to the alleyway before being beaten down by a group of police officers, mobs and gangsters. What happened to alleged illegals is even worse and that's all i can say for now.

• Alleged organ harvestings. While we did know about Compulsory Organ harvesting post-mortem, we suspect that there's some case of dissidents whom disappeared and had their organs harvested.

• No minimum wage, no minimum age of working nor minimum age of retirement. This is borderline slave labor, even if with all the benefits and coverage it provided. It's simply against human rights and must be addressed as soon as possible.

• The primary and secondary education systems basically turn students into obedient workers who can double as militia members. Their curricula for primary and secondary education focus on vocational trade skills, home economics, and basic survival skills. There is no real democracy that mandates its first graders to work part-time in various small businesses based on their tested aptitudes, do their own chores, and assemble and disassemble firearms.

• Parental licensing, while having its requirements loosened from tertiary education to secondary education, is still against basic human rights. Even if its managed to successfully reduced the amount of domestic abuse and child neglect to a historic low.

• Subtle discrimination regarding economic class; Multiple sign of condescending compassion and widespread postive discrimination belief that its duty of the rich, strong, smart and civilized elite to guide the poor, weak, stupid and uncivilized masses. While nobles helping the poor is admirable; the wealth inequality is simply unacceptable with 10% richest earning 100 times from the 10% poorest.

• Gender equality isn't truly equal, basing it under Biological Realism. In a modern time where men and women should be equal, Puspapore government has thoroughly indoctrinated its women and lured them with the benefits of motherhood and subtly limiting their job opportunities.
  

However, there are a few details that would be better discussed in private especially its Information and Census Agency and Chancellor Vikrama himself.

- - -
A group of Sargassian analysts sat outside on foldable chairs that was about fifteen feet in front of what was clearly a vehicle with a really long barrel and covered by a large white tarp. A man dressed in a black suit stood between the analysts and the vehicle.

"Ladies and gentlemen, why are you here? Well, that's your job!"

The crowed chuckled at that.

"Seriously though, you're here to determine what we think is the next step in Sargaz battlefield tactics: The Gürz!"

The showman raised his hand to signal the tarp to be removed. After a few seconds he turns to realize his assistants weren't there and were instead off grabbing cold refreshments. He huffed and began tugging the tarp off himself with an attendee helping him. It was about half way off when the actual team came rushing to the rescue.

"The Gürz!" Under the tarp was a massive gun sitting on top of a tank chassis.

"This... assault gun, is unlike anything you've seen in modern combat: a 155-millimeter artillery gun built for direct-firing first. It sits on a raised pedestal, full remote control, 197-degree view with a slew rate of 32 degrees a second and an autoloading carousal." the tank would roar to life and demonstrate the facts given.

"Since there is no casemate, the turret is lighter- but it still needs some protection. The gun is encased in a lightweight high-strength titanium and Kevlar composite shroud to easily deflect or shrug off incoming small arms fire and shrapnel should this baby be spotted. As you can clearly see its shaping is of the faceted, high angular, stealth variety."

An attendee raised their hand, "You talk about the casing but what about the chassis and active protection?"

"The Chassis is, if you couldn't tell, our new MBT: The T5... official designation is still in the works. However, the crew consists of only three: Commander, gunner, driver. They sit side by side and safely housed within an armored citadel capsule.

The Armor Protection System provides 360 degree tracking and anti-tank guided missle interceptors. Deployable smoke can be included.

The hull is a modular composite armor with Explosive Reactive Armor on the front and skirts."

The showman does another signal and the tank drives out a reasonable distance for a firing demonstration. The audience is handed ear muffs. The showman begins before they put the muffs on, "This is a large gun. Bunker busting, building destroying, fronline dugout and trenches clearing... a pure overmatch tool of war."

Out in the distance, what looked like a concrete building, bunker, and trenches with about twenty or so marked mannikins.

It aimed directly at the building and fired. It was deafening and fire shot out of the sides of the muzzle. In seconds the building exploded and plummed a firey white cloud into the sky. THe bunker was next, same resault. It was clearly destroyed. But the next target was the trenches.

The round didn't make impact with the ground, no, it exploded mid-air, decimating the entire area with a massive fireball about the size of a three-story house and five pickup truks wide.

The autoloader whined and the gun aimed high. It fired a three-round salvo in nine seconds. The rounds landed farther away. Way away. Around twenty... thirty kilometers away. The showman studied their faces at the demonstration.

"Again, a heavy and devastating gun. To help mitigate the recoil, a double baffle muzzle break. It is a dual-purpose vehicle capable of BOTH direct and in-direct fire."

After the audience was done clapping he asked, "Next question?" and he was nearly overwhelmed by the sudden interest.

OOC notes
- - -
The chassis is the Altay's.
The Artillery gun is the 155 Pantar Howitzer.
Gürz is an Ottoman mace that is either flanged or spiked.

Caenadia - Black October
For decades the Serene Peoples Republic continually announced its government for the unity of Caenadia. Under its iron fist leadership Serene Premier Olena Tkachenko the government presented and taken care of the Caenadian political system.
Within the fields of the homelands there was a growing voice that has rejected its governments junta style rule.
Within the city of Oloniagrad within the industrial sector the growing movement has called themselves The National Reclamation Front.
The Former party leader of the NRF now known under the title Secretary-Commissar Ivan Boranbayev, has called upon its Reclamation Front to break its iron chains seeking to cut all ties to its former government. He also argues that much of the time within Caenadia is spent on only solidifying the political system and its own government rather then the sustainment of its own people.
| We shall not be moved back from where we are |
On a wooden stage with a hastily made podium to the side in the crowd stood a valiant leader of the former party behind the stage was a large black banner with a woman holding a star on her right hand and a sword in her left
NATIONAL RECLAMATION FRONT
"CAENADIA SHALL BELONG TO THE CAENADIAN PEOPLE."
Boranbayev approached the podium.
SECRETARY-COMMISSAR IVAN BORANBAYEV:
"Citizens of Caenadia."
“For many years we have continually been told that are nation has been for us and reclaimed to us. That our institutions belong to the people, with the inclusion that our communities are soverignly controlled.”

He took another breath
"A nation that is sovereign shall not exist merely because a government controls that narative.”
"A government changing its name on a building is not a nation reclaimed but a new government merely reocupying a former building.”
"The National Reclamtion merely deems that Caenadia shall return its lands to the people who work, sustain, and continue her future.”
The crowd remained silent.
Boranbayev continued.
"Therefore, tonight, the National Reclamation Front formally declares that the question of Caenadia's future can no longer be decided exclusively within the offices of the Serene People's Republic."
"We demand a national determination of sovereignty."
"We demand that Caenadia's people determine whether they shall remain governed by the present republic or establish an independent Caenadian state."
"And we address this demand directly to the Serene Premier."
He looked toward the crowd
"Serene Premier Olena Tkachenko."
“You have continued to call yourself the protector of Caenadia”
"If you say this let Caenadia take a breath of fresh air release her of your governments chains ."
"Do not answer our demand with arrests, censorship, or declaring our people incapable of self determination.”
"Answer with peaceful negotioation"
"If not, we will use any means necessary to demand and force your hand"
"The National Reclimation Front demands that the Reclimation of Caenadia belongs to the people and the establishment of an Independant Caenadia should be determined by its people not from its government. The Sovereign will of its people is and will be demanded by any means necessary by its people"
"We are not asking to exist"
"We are asking Caenadia to decide what she shall become”

Government District — Serene People's Republic of Caenadia
Hours later the demand reached the offices Serene Premier.
Her Advisors rushed to give the printed copies of the declaration.
Olena Tkachenko was sitting behind a desk and behind her hung a map of Caenadia with all the Sectors and cities.

“Premier Tkachenko…. The NRF Secretary Boranbayev has officially declared the National Reclamation Fronts demand for independence”

Tkachenko picked the copies up
She read and skimmed through it and her face became more stern with a look of calm rage
She then starts speaking with strain
"Independence."
She turned towards the map
"And he calls this reclamation"
She sat back and settled into her seat
Another official spoke.

“The Front is demanding to be free”
Tkcahenko slowly turns back around and puts the documents down
“Then we must decide weather Boranayev demands are of challenging the government or of our serene republic itself.”
Outside the government buildings in Viacheslavagrod there was a growing crowd. First time in history of the Serene Peoples Republic of Caenadia that the revolution isnt about any purges, but an extended revolution against the government itself.

The first time an organized movement has started arming itself for the case of the right to self determination.

“Leudegaire– who is he?” The Squire waits in the hausselin for a moment, glancing outside at an unassuming lodging of stone-brick nestled into the cold, reddish-brown plateau which could have been mistaken for ruins had there not been a massive, steel landing pad marking the only sign of life in this valley of wilted flowers beneath the first snow; the birds had already left, but smoke billowed from the chimney and the amber of candlelight was visible in the fogged-up windows. A solar panel array sat directly across the house, near the greenhouses, covered in a blue tarp which had pooled water in its crevices from the oncoming winter: although did it really ever leave in these mountains?

The Knight shuffled back inside the hausselin and pulled its door shut again. “Leudegaire Aldricourt is a man who has carefully cultivated relationships with every institution in Linnedu; the Comterrole, the Ferrecloistre, and even the foreign chanceries which no imperial man wishes to come near. In Linnedu, it sometimes can be said that the Penwald Emperor journeys to the winter capital for four months each year just to see the ultimate power-broker of the western departments. Leudegaire is ostensibly in an early retirement, but really the man spearheads the westernward expansion of the imperium. The Longeterrine is his child, as are most of the expeditionary projects of the past fifteen years. I’ve never met him.”

The Squire nods and follows the man outside the flying car, towards the house. The Knight stops at the base of the steps, knocks on the unassuming front door. Leudegaire opens, smiles, and invites the pair inside.

“I’ve just finished cooking stew: it’s deer which I caught today, noticeably skinnier than the previous few seasons, but still delicious. It was very auspicious for you to have arrived today, as the deer would’ve spoiled had I not cooked it today– the cost of isolation, I conclude, is the severe ration of electricity. I was forced to unplug the freezer in the basement several weeks ago, but it’s better than the ceaseless kerfuffle of Linnedu. I raise a few cattle here, make cheese and butter from their milk, and hunt the occasional game.” Leudegaire extends his arm into a firm handshake, and the smile does not falter once during his ramblings; in fact underneath the soft glow, it would even appear as if the dimples were getting deeper.

“I assume you are enjoying your retirement, Mr. Aldricourt.” The Knight began, but was swiftly interjected by the man.

“Leudegaire– no need for the formalities of ‘Mister Aldricourt’ and former ‘Chancellor’. I should be calling you Ser, if anything, for you outrank me.”

The Squire notes that for a man with the political stature of Leudegaire Aldricourt, the home appeared especially destitute whereas the normal aristocrat of the imperium would not spare a penny on the expenses. It was small, save for the hall with the fireplace which centered upon a mahogany coffee table. A hide lay across the boards by the hearth, feline-shaped, barred black and the colour of old brick down the flanks in a pattern so regular that the boy took it at first for dyework; the head had been left on and flattened out, the jaw propped, and the four long teeth in it were each the length of a shiv.

Leudegaire notices the boy examining his home, “I find material austerity to be an ideal workspace. I still hold an appreciation for the exotics, but mendicancy in the monastic tradition is where my heart belongs— I’ve found, at least, having spent decades surrounded by the worldliness of my peers in the ancient royal households.”

The Squire finds this statement mildly offensive; destitution was not a choice for the wright-families, rather a condition of life imposed unilaterally by forces which he had never met, at least not until now. It was puzzling for him to witness this veneer of poverty when a man such as Leudegaire Aldricourt very likely regularly had provisions flown in via imperial Tiltform Mk. VI, arriving with its set of jet columns settling sideways into a hardstand where the whole plateau would go pale and dust enveloping the circles scorched into the floor where the grass had burned to ash and laid flat, brown, in the span beyond that. The Squire immediately caught wind of that detail, and deducing from the quantity of these marks, could surmise the excessive frequency of such provision deliveries.

The Squire did not eat the deer stew, which Leudegaire finds particularly bewildering, but regardless he attempts to rationalize.

“I can never eat after the ride in a hausselin either, m’boy. It’s worse than being seasick, but the aerostats are glacial in their speed and the steerveihes are shoddy at best: the price we pay for convenience. I will fetch for afternoon tea.” Leudegaire smiles and pats the Squire’s knee, standing up and staring into an uncharacteristic corner of the room which seemed to disguise a doorway within the jade-ochre wall, bellowing: “TILDE– the afternoon tea, at once!”

A stout old woman ran out carrying a multi-layered assortment of pastries, sandies, and a silver samovar which appeared to have the face of a youthful Leudegaire engraved into its design: parallel to an iconographic image of the Penwald Emperor and the brown bear wielding a shattered spear. Leudegaire dismissed her promptly, paying no attention.

The Knight speaks first: “I am sure time is precious for you. Let us discuss the matters which you invited us here for.”

“I assure you I did not have you trek here for a few scones with apricot jam and chamomile tea. I am encumbered with a variety of parish-scale issues littered across the new frontiers. Longeterrine primarily has been a delicate issue. I am relieved that Strallé manages the enrollment of the marshes into the imperium, but the vast empty wilderness poses its own unique set of challenges which I must defer to men of integrity such as yourselves. A rough-draft brief should have been delivered to you in the hausselin which you took to arrive here, courtesy of the Kingdom of Bergaine, but as you may know: the Jenovachi are not the first to settle the frontiers. The Barillé, or the Sömbaril as the indigenous call themselves, are a semi-nomadic confederation of various clans on horseback who have herded the enormous longhorned bison of the region for centuries. As we issue eager, displaced households their new assignments in the frontiers which are to eventually become a Landerne away from the Landerne, we have run into the problem of the Barillé. Jenovachi villages struggle to cohabitate with their strange neighbors and the buffalo herds are ravaging the nascent attempts at agriculture and water surveys.”

Leudegaire pauses, lights a cigarette and savors the draw, ashing it directly into his chamomile tea.

“The Barillé are buffalo herders, but most of all: politically-educated. The Hinterferre has seldom attempted to sedentarize their society simply because their legal counsel is intimately familiar with the cosmological substrate of imperial code. The Ferrecloistre’s pale courts in Linnedu have consistently ruled in their favor much to the dismay of the powers that be in Strallé, but perhaps it is the millenarian sympathy in the winter capital which procured this political victory for the nomads.” Leudegaire Aldricourt said, staring plainly out the window. “The Imperial Family is eager to see the land reappropriated, so your quest is exceptionally simple: Lenteur hydro-engineers have been unable to properly gauge and survey the land, impeded upon by the spontaneous buffalo stampedes– around five dead, with absolutely no evidence which connects these freak accidents to the activities of the Barillé. I need you to ensure the safe travels of the Lentraie, and secondly I need you to find that evidence.”

The Knight nods, begins to leave the room, when Leudegaire audibly clears his throat, lifts an eye, and points to a stack of documents on the coffee table. “I must ask a personal favor. The Barillé are clever solicitors. I’ve procured a written grant for another suit against the nomads, but also the necessary warrants for you to conduct your duties. I would like for you to deliver this to the leader of their clan– I’ve heard little, but she apparently wears the fur of a woolly mammoth which had been imprisoned within the permafrost and a cybernetic eye, but not hers. It’s extremely uncanny to look at.”

The Longeterrine was the newest province of the imperium, and evidently so. Leudegaire bid them adieu quickly but when it came to arranging the transport to the western fringes, the Knight and the Squire waited days before finally negotiating with the operator of an aerostat freighter by the name of Warimbaut to climb aboard a container as stowaways; the operator had a particular knack for foreign accessories, so stripped the Knight of a fine Gramm & Lursch watch from the old Kingdom of Wardency, although the arrow had stopped working decades ago so the Knight found a sliver of solace in that. It was still a bitter loss and when the pair finally arrived in an unnamed junction-town on the frontier, the operator essentially dropped the shipping container from fourteen feet in the air, which was filled with various agricultural products, and called upon them to hoist the airship to the wooden tethers in the makeshift port.

Warimbaut was a fat, grubby man and espoused certain ideologies that the Squire found exceptionally outlandish and upon asking the aerostat operator about his knowledge of foreign racial theory, he simply replied, “Centennial War, Coalition.”

The Knight would raise an eyebrow whenever the operator spoke anything that implied his connection with the various underground smuggling apparatuses of the frontier, but a quick ‘Centennial War, Coalition,’ would patch over the number of inconsistencies in his stories; at least in the mind of the grubby aerostat operator, and the Knight could care less for his illicit side-hustles at that point, wishing his companion would cease indulging Warimbaut’s rants.

A young woman sat upon a crate near a makeshift wooden shack that the authorities referred to as a station, directly beneath the mast upon which the aerostat freighters moored at; everything in the village was arranged by how far it sat from the mast and past the station, there were homes made of shipping containers with the depot stenciled over loudly denoting its location.

The Knight approached the young woman and she had headphones in with a shoddy recorder playing back while she penciled something into her notebook; she did not look up, simply said: “seventeen kilometers northeast, follow the railway past the ruined mast with the wire down— you will want to leave now for the herds move at four and there will be no going through them.”

The Knight had not asked her anything, “I am looking for the leader—“

“I was told,” she replied coldly, not looking up, penciling something else in as he spoke. It appeared to be notes. “A spring will be left of you should you follow the railway— it is not safe to drink, wait until the campground where there are water filters.”

The Squire felt the need to make a comment, “thank you!”

“I am very interested in you arriving,” she responded and looked up at him with a subtle smirk.

It was much longer of a journey than initially had been anticipated and the railway was much less of a path than the conceptualization of where a railway would be; the steppe was unforgiving and in the dry months, particularly unbearable in a manner which the Knight had never grown to become accustomed to.

“I am looking for the leader of this clan,” the Knight mumbled to the nearest person when the pair arrived, but it seems that the deeper he walked inside the campground, the people dispersed into the comfort of their yurts, even leading the buffalo away from the sight of the foreigners. A young woman, the one who had provided them directions at the aerostat station, was standing in the center with her arms crossed and a silk, patterned weave covering her hair. A clad-white flying squirrel perched on her shoulder, its black beady eyes staring seemingly at the pair but also nothing.

“I am Salicorne, but to my people I am known simply as Ösna. I am the legal counsel for the Barillé families in this region and unfortunately for the imperium, we understand the instruments. The Barillé formally, unequivocally, and in the politest of words recommends that your merry band of mercenary-envoys piss off to the most-desolate corner of the world. Let the record state plainly–” Salicorne impatiently gestured at the holo-recorder fixed to the Squire’s belt, continuing: “The Imperial Family and its office says that our land is not held, but my clans’ recitation was entered into the records in the eleventh year and it was never struck out; the question whether a historic route constitutes a parish is a matter of covenant and the office upon which you execute for– that of Mr. Leudegaire Aldricourt– is not competent to rule upon this. I’ve referred this matter to the cathedral in Plennes.”

“And when the cathedrals answer?” The Knight pressed; clearly this woman had struck a nerve, unearthed a primal, brainless chauvinism within the aging warrior.

“I expect to be dead by the time the priests have come to a verdict, but until the Ferrecloistre differentiates the question of route and parish, the Barillé will not cede the pathways upon which our bison graze.”

A muscular older woman stepped out from behind the veil of a yurt, adorned in a massive fur that was dirtied and coarse and appeared incredibly uncomfortable, but she scanned the campground with her eyes; one was horrifically undersized and almost faced inwards, but with every blink could be heard the adjustment of optical shutters inside the mechanical eye as she bowed her head towards the ground. Salicorne noticed and paused, handing the documents which the Knight had given without a word. A whisper in their mother tongue here and there, while who the Squire assumed was the leader examined the papers; she reached into the empty socket of her eye and extracted the misshapen mechanical eye out which was preceded by jumbled wires running back into her head through the hole, the iris extending into a microscope-like barrel that she used to read and scan; the barrel came up off the page. It travelled once across the Knight, who did not move, and stopped on the Squire; lower than his face, at the height of his belt, where the holo-recorder sat in its bracket; shutters inside the thing worked twice, small and dry, adjusting to something. As she finished, she collapsed the barrel into the socket with the heel of her hand, blinked once to seat it, and said something short to Salicorne in their own tongue. Salicorne did not translate it, instead took the documents, fished out the warrants, and held them out to the Knight.
_{The Lentraie are the millenarian hydro-engineering cult of the Ferrecloistre.}