alt text THE PURPOSE OF UNION - VERINGTON, DUXBURIAN UNION

"It's been a few days since the start of my campaign, and I've come here in person to the Duxburian Union since I feel its important that I outline something that's been lost in some of the candidates. The purpose of our union, something that Duxburians can remember from over a decade ago. Our union is here to make our collective wills as nations far stronger than they would be individually, but it is not to overtake the purpose of why nations exist.

The European Union is not a nation, but some of these candidates are treating as such, some candidates are even treating as if it is your local government. A good Europe is one you don't notice in your day to day life, a good Europe should be there to set the rules for governments to play around in, and set the table for governments to play on. Europe should not be moving the game pieces.

It shouldn't be a shock then, that those candidates who seek to make Europe the new power player in your life, are the ones driving partisanship across the region. The last time that regional politics were quite as nasty was maybe in 2012, but it certainly never reached the levels of toxicity we see now. I blame that personally on some the candidates trying to overvalue the Eurogroups. I doubt most Europeans care if a politician is EPA, ELDR, MEGA, PEL, etc. Why? Because these groups don't have a day to day impact on your lives compared to your local political organisations, and they should not have an impact. That's what I am afraid is happening to Europe, politicization through these Eurogroups who then treat themselves as if they are parties with

Stating which countries should have nuclear weapons, that's a Europe project. Making some region-wide 5G infrastructure, meaning your personal data is at risk to either control from other countries or some inefficient European bureaucracy should not be a European project. Declaring that safe drinking water is a human right, that's a European ideal. Making some EU-branded transportation network, with a budget not designed to handle massive transportation infrastructure, that really isn't a European project. Neither is universal standards for education, I would not want my kids to learn Duxburian history as a requirement to complete Vardic high school as much as I wouldn't expect any of you to want to know Vardic history.

Sometimes, we try to make a Europe project happen, and it doesn't go over well. For example the Commission spent years trying to get involved in Dromund Kaas, when the Coalition of the Willing almost always said no aside from specific partners such as Gallorum or Pax Aurea. The commission tried, and historically failed, and failing is okay for the right intentions. They didn't waste billions of Euros on their failure like some of the proposed projects would. One of my opponents condemned the EPA for not going to help refugees there, and I say to that....why would they do that? I'm glad the EPA spent time on more worthy projects of their time rather than another failure of getting involved in Dromund Kaas. The Kaasian Crisis is example of something that is a European event being handled perfectly fine by individual member-states on their own without European involvement.

I am not going to promise you a better life, that is not my job as a potential European Commissioner...I am not going to promise fancy internet speeds, fancy trains, or other bloated projects. I am going to promise you that I will keep member-states in line, following the same rules as everyone else, and ensure that Europe works towards tangible goals.

I am going to make sure the EU can pick its own fights in court if thats needed,I am going to make sure more of your nation's money stays at home before Europe gets it by lowering contributions for everyone across the board. I will ensure that we will work to not regulate Europe, but harmonise it such as the work done in the EAA, and the work that should be done in the ESA but is not. I am here for a realistic Europe, and an efficient Union in the background of your lives.

My dream and goal is for you to never think about what the Union does in your day to day life, you shouldn't curse out your internet connection dropping, or some EU ran train being late. No Europe should be working in the background.

To my well intention opponents with all these grand ideas, I say that you should go run for local office in your nations...there you will make the difference you want, but I don't think you will make that difference at the European level and it is not what Europe needs.

If elected I will work for what Europe needs, and Europe needs definitions on how to handle coups, revolutions, and civil wars with definitions and a proper set of regulations to guide it in trying times. Europe needs to include governments back in the conversation instead of dictating to them what to do. Europe needs to extend its protections of patents into copyrights, and update patents to reflect the ever changing landscape of the software development world, as well as work in genetics.

I am not here to be a superstar. I am not here to be a celebrity poltician like the rest of them. I am here to get to work...working to Make Europe Great Again.

Referendum Results

On the adoption of the new constitution:

59,2% in favor.
41,8% against.

On the decision to stay with the status quo:

All cantons in favor; avg. of 54,2% in favor.

7:55AM

CH: “Well, the moment we’ve been waiting for all night is nearly upon us. Terra Diutius’s count has taken all night, as they have a preferential voting system that involves first and second preference votes. If a party gathers enough first preferences, but more second preferences than other parties, as well, they could potentially walk away with both NIC seats.”

HS: “That’s right, Colin, and for that reason I won’t be able to simply tell you what percentage of people voted for what party. The general percentage you’ll see consists of first-preference votes, but it’s important to remember the second and third-preference ballots are at play here, as well.”

CH: “Thank you, Hermann. And let’s not forget that Diutians also voted to constitute their Provincial Assembly, and voted for their Duke, as well. We will obviously show you these results, too. Let’s hear the returning officer.”

The improvised electoral hall in Militarae is shown with the returning officer ascending the steps to the central stage.

RO: “Thank you, everyone, for your efforts tonight and over the last few weeks to ensure that this newly-established Imperial Dominion successfully held the first democratic elections in its existence. We have several rounds of results to get through, so I hope you’ll bear with me.

As Returning Officer for the Imperial Dominion of Terra Diutius, I have been tasked by His Imperial Majesty Emperor Artabanos and the Emperor’s Commissioner to report on the election of an Imperial Councillor for this Terra. The total number of votes cast was 3,701,160, a turnout of 88%. The number of first-preference votes cast for each pair of candidates was as follows:

Dilkes Ayla and Nazil Schout, Emperor’s Finest, 1,632,211 Sir Tom Rogers and Count William Barrington, Centre-Conservative Union, 732,829 Eva Gorring and Joseph Bauer, People’s Movement, 470,047 Simon Brindley and Lewis Lane, Diutius First, 362,713 Jamie Doubleday and Dion Saunders, Inimician Liberal Appeal, 177,655 Eleanor White and Hetty Hoef, Central Progressive Party, 162,853 Hort Wierings and Roald Yahal, United Green Front, 162,851

“Dilkes Ayla is therefore duly elected to serve on the National Imperial Council for Terra Diutius. The number of second-preference votes cast for each pair of candidates was as follows:

Dilkes Ayla and Nazil Schout, Emperor’s Finest, 1,430,688 Sir Tom Rogers and Count William Barrington, Centre-Conservative Union, 644,321 Eva Gorring and Joseph Bauer, People’s Movement, 622,521 Simon Brindley and Lewis Lane, Diutius First, 211,610 Jamie Doubleday and Dion Saunders, Inimician Liberal Appeal, 199,201 Eleanor White and Hetty Hoef, Central Progressive Party, 187,682 Hort Wierings and Roald Yahal, United Green Front, 191,120

“Nazil Schout is therefore duly elected to serve on the National Imperial Council for Terra Diutius. Now, I suggest we take a short break before we move on to the provincial results. I certainly know I need a coffee.”

The studio is shown again.

CH: “The onslaught of the Emperor’s Finest has persisted in Terra Diutius, where they have conquered both seats with a large volume of first and second preference votes. Unbelievable. Hermann, you have the figures for us.”

HS: “I do indeed, and what a steamrolling the other parties received from the Finest in this Terra. The people of Diutius certainly felt rewarded by the Emperor for the creation of their Terra, and have decided to return the favour. A staggering win for the Finest and their leader Duchess Simge, who, of course, was elected to her own seat in Terra Quaestoris.

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CH: “All Terras have now reported their results in what will go down in history as a monumentally momentous election, which saw a brand new movement conquer three out of the five NIC seats up for grabs, the Green and Progressive vote all but eradicated, and only the ILA and CCU stand as traditional parties against the populist onslaught. Hermann, I believe you have the final figures for us.”

HS: “That’s right, Colin. At the end of what is no doubt a hugely surpriseful evening, the total number of votes cast for each party across Terras was as follows:

Emperor’s Finest: 4,757,509 Inimician Liberal Appeal: 3,757,569 Centre-Conservative Union: 3,268,717 United Green Front: 1,380,002 People’s Movement: 1,693,327 Local Parties: 1,640,936 Central Progressive Party: 1,251,768

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“And in percentages:

Emperor’s Finest: 27.4% Inimician Liberal Appeal: 21.6% Centre-Conservative Union: 18.8% United Green Front: 7.9% People’s Movement: 9.7% Local parties: 9.4% Central Progressive Party: 7.2%

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“The new National Imperial Council will therefore be constituted like this (obviously the delegate to be appointed by His Imperial Majesty to replace Pro-Imperator Hugh Doyle is not yet included):

Non-affiliated (appointed or Executive): 8 Centre-Conservative Union: 5 Inimician Liberal Appeal: 4 Emperor’s Finest: 3 United Green Front: 1 Central Progressive Party: 1

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CH: “Excellent, thank you, Hermann. Well, there we are. This has been a truly momentous day and night, we are all in need of sleep and coffee here at Nuntius Inimici. To give you a short recap of the night’s events before we sign off: the Inimician Liberal Appeal and their candidate Alaina Kaach has managed to cling onto its Dominus seat, but narrowly lost the Centurio NIC seat to the Centre-Conservative Union’s Magnus Hern. The only People’s Movement representative on the Council was ousted (well, she was killed a month ago, but her party was ousted) and replaced with the Emperor’s Finest leader Duchess Simge Galanth (prompting, by the way, a Ducal election in Terra Quaestoris. The Finest also performed very well in Diutius, conquering both NIC seats.”

HS: “A truly momentous win for the cause of Imperial Support in this country, and a shattering blow to Quaestoris’s southern districts, which are so heavily pro-Movement. The ILA will be disappointed in its performance in Centurio, whereas the CCU will no doubt be celebrating its victory in the province. Remarkably, most left-of-centre votes seemed to have switched from the Greens and Progressives to the ILA and the Finest, which should be cause for worry in the CPP’s headquarters and Jeff Speller’s office. Speller, of course, remains on the NIC as Cllr for Terra Legatus.”

CH: “Indeed. Thank you, Hermann, for tonight’s results. Thanks also to everyone who appeared in the studio and to our correspondents, and, of course, to you, viewers, for sticking with us this momentous night. From all of us here at Nuntius Inimici – Inimicus Votes, have a great day, and enjoy this changed country.”

Christopher Strathclyde's thoughts about how the club owner's trousers didn't match his jacket, how he had his blazer sleeves rolled up, and how he had described the venue Christopher was now entering as the best "disco" in Spain were rudely interrupted by the mention of champagne. "The journey was most satisfactory, Sir, thank you. Now, as for this champagne...", Christopher began. He walked up to Mr Ferrer, put his hand on his shoulder, and led him to what he had immediately identified as the bar area, leaving Max Barrington to fend for himself. Perhaps tonight would finally be the night when the Strathclydes would present themselves as the superior Inimician diplomats.

Max Barrington had not said a word, and had watched with a raised eyebrow as Christopher seemed to immediately charm the establishment's director with talk of drinks. He watched the two men go off into the distance, presumably towards the bar, and for a moment he felt as alone as he had done in the preceding months, in the Imperial Palace corridors. No one to protect him, his closest ally Sir Augustus Barrington far away in Europolis. He was left to fend for himself. He looked around and discovered the Inimician delegation had presumably arrived immensely early, as apart from table attendants and security staff, the only other guest appeared to be a masked weirdo.

Awkwardness struck him. He shouldn't be here. He was out of place. What to do next? He wasn't made for this. He had looked forward to this opportunity so much, finally he would have a chance to redeem himself, the weaker of the two Imperial Consuls, someone now suspected of the worst crimes it is possible for an Inimician to imagine. And now this. He needed -- no, he thought. He would not admit he needed a drink. He was Marquis Maximillian de Barrington, Imperial Councillor, Imperial Consul. He did not need a drink. But he would very much appreciate one.

Juncker was confused. It seemed than no one understood they couldn't build anything along with the ESA if that insititution didn't make a report before starting to build that spaceport: "His Majesty, I'm afraid that the European Space Agnecy can't fund anything if there no previous report that is given to the Premier Commissioner and the European Council, which would both have to give their approval. This is very important to allow the ESA to fund it. If not, it's technically impossible. I will tell the elected director, but he needs to accomplish the law. Else, he could get petitioned by someone for not accomplishing the law". He said.

Juncker appraoched to where the action was, while looking at the news. He hadn't had much to do, but at least, he was having some fun.

"Seems like a good Caribbean destination to spend half of your life. About Lula, I saw her in the news when all of these revolutions took place here. I was very concerned about that, and I think she is doing great to get Nofoaga back in competition. I also seemed really severe when people knew me at first, and now, look, I'm just 'un cachito de pan', which in English wants to me something like reallu friendly. Abiut my security, don't worry. People will strugle, on thinking where I'll have moved to, but I don't think they will find me. If I need something, I will just tell you George."

The Nordstrand
Trondheim, Trøndelag
23h58 FST 4 August 2020

Erna stepped inside from giving her victory speech outside. She looked around the room: her friends, family, and colleagues had all gathered in her home to watch tonight’s results.

“Thank you all— I couldn’t have done this without the help of each and every one of you. There is still work to be done, but first: who’s thirsty?

Erna pulled out an absolutely ridiculously massive 8 litre bottle of Gallois champagne, and after some minor difficulty, opened it and overfilled everyone’s glasses.

The Nordstrand
Trondheim, Trøndelag
07h35 FST 10 August 2020

Erna was absolutely floored. She had spent the rest of the weekend pouring over the countless binders that filled the shelves of her home. Today was the first day of the rest of her life. She was to be the Statsminister of the Kingdom of Fremet. Even saying it out loud filled her with an unsettling mix of fear and excitement. Today’s agenda was long, but Erna was ready for it. She gave her beloved feline, Sir Cuddles, a snuggle before walking out the door.

As Erna got into her car, she realised that this may be the last time she actually drives herself somewhere for the next 4 years. As she weaved her way through Trondheim’s morning bustle, she jammed to some of her favourite tunes, including the Inimican EuroVoice hit “It’s Raining Men.” As Erna neared the Staatsrat building, she noticed the crowds of people already packing into Republic Square to watch the inauguration.

She passed through the barricades that had been set up by the Statspoliti and went to park in one of the Staatsrat’s subterranean parking garages. As she pulled in, she noticed Jermias Corbychov in stepping out of his camper van. He was supposed to be getting a co-op flat in the south of the city, but maybe he enjoyed the camper life? He had always had a screw or two loose anyways, Erna thought to herself. She pulled into her assigned parking space and was greeted by 4 members of the Statspoliti, who promptly guided her to upstairs to the great hall of the Staatsrat, where countless aides, party officials, and civil servants rushed about, preparing for the upcoming session of the Staatsrat.

As she was making the final touches to her speech, Erik approached her. “Erna, we are all so very proud of you. You have managed to do what too many thought was impossible. You have proven that Fremet has a future, and you’ve given renewed hope to millions.”

“Thank you Erik. You and I both know it wasn’t just me. You, Michel, mother, Hans, Skei— even the interns —we did this together.”

“You are right. Is your speech ready?”

“As ready as it is going to be.” Erna said as she closed her coloured binder.

An aide approached them “Ms Solberg, it is time.”

Erik turned to her as Erna walked towards the door to the podium, “Seize the time, Erna. Live now. Make now always the most precious time. Now will never come again.”

"Of course, we will have to include respect for the European Constitution and Acquis Communautaire when it comes to these agreements."

((OOC): Montenbourg, please look at our discord convo for the link to the agreement)

Election Night Special: Finale

The Nordstrand
Trondheim, Trøndelag
23h50 FST 4 August 2020

Erna stood behind a podium at her front door, correspondents from across the country skirting her

alt text

Good Evening. The rancor of the campaign is over, the polls have closed, and the people of Fremet have decided. It is with the upmost honour and humility that I accept this great task to which the Fremetian people have selected me for.

The Fremetian people have selected not only this person or this party, but they have selected a set of goals, dreams, and ideals that will guide this nation for the next four years. It is our duty to adhere to these, however lofty they may be. We will usher in a new era in Fremetian politics. One that sees Fremet defend its interests here at home and abroad. One that remains firm in its convictions. One that will not compromise on its ideals in times of hardship. One that will not squander the good days away in the name of the status quo. Fremet will stand a nation of equals, a nation of dreamers or it will not stand at all.

Each any every individual involved in this historic election poured their heart and soul into the future of our island, and this moment has proved, if anything, that Fremetians care about their future.

The time of inaction is over. No longer will Fremet isolate itself from the continent. It is time that we took a more active role in the future of Europe— and the future of this great nation.

And to all of those joining me in the Staatsrat: Let's get shit done. Thank you.

She walks back inside her home and the camera feed returns to the newsroom

KS: That's all for Decision 2020 here on SR1. Join us on Monday, 10 August 2020 for the Inauguration of Ms Solberg as Statsminister and the opening of the 22nd Staatsrat.

SR Election Theme Plays

Fade to Black; Return to Normal Programming

C.Husky: "Very well, thank you to Mr Lawson and Mr Gulles for their spirited debate on the topic of the Inimician House of Commons. We now come to what is potentially a topic of even more spirited and heated debate, namely the subject chosen by Mr Adolf Danube of the People's Movement: the abolition of the Imperial system. By random chance, Mr Danube's opponent happens to be Duchess Simge Galanth of the Emperor's Finest. I would invite both candidates to take to the stage."

alt text alt text

The Duchess and Mr Danube walk over to Husky, and though Galanth extends her hand to Danube, the latter refuses to take it, a moment perfectly captured by the Nuntius Inimici cameras.

C.Husky: "Mr Danube, you don't feel the need for courtesy tonight?"

A.Danube: "Not with a populist demagogue like Ms Galanth, Colin. No. I'll shake your hand, though." He gestures and Husky accepts the handshake.

C.Husky: "Very well, you may start to introduce your topic."

A.Danube: "Thank you, Colin. In 2012, Inimicus emerged out of a bloody civil war brought on by Imperialist factions against the legitimate Republican government. Everyone, even myself, realised the Teluminan Republic was inherently flawed, beyond repair, and as such I looked favourably upon the Imperialist forces that marched through the streets of my Quaestorian village in late 2011. Since then, though we were promised changed, nothing has materialised. Under the Republic, we were ruled by a corrupt financial elite that stuffed its own pockets, but left the general populace to enjoy civil liberties. Currently, we are ruled by a corrupt Imperialist elite that stuffs its own pockets and leaves the general populace to enjoy civil liberties. We are - to put it plainly - still the flock of a malicious shepard.

"The charismatic leaders of the Imperialist rebellion, the late Emperor William and Pro-Imperator Hugh, were not the ones pulling the strings. They never were. The current usurper, Artabanos, bought, plundered, and murdered his way to the Throne he now occupies, He ruined the lives of hundreds of people, families of political enemies, journalists, who did not speak favourably of him. What happened to Sophie Bierley of Nuntius Inimici? What happened to Rita Fortuyn and Gerard Sergent? To the dozen or so former Secretaries of State who resigned en masse in 2014? They're gone. They've "disappeared."

"This is not what the Inimician People deserve. At the Movement, we are all in favour of strong leadership. The Inimician People do not want elections every month or even every year. But what the People certainly do not want is an opportunistic sadist in the Imperial Palace who sells this country and its values out to foreigners and otherworldly guests like the bureaucrats at the EU. No. The People's Movement does what it says. We will throw off this Emperor, introduce a New Republican system of government, with one Leader, accountable directly to the People. Say NO to Artabanos and say NO to the Imperialists."

S.Galanth: "So, first of all, I can already tell a lot about you, Mr Danube, from your refusal to shake my hand ahead of this debate. Apparently the politics are inseparable from the person for you, which, well, is sad. In any case, I think my main rebuttal of everything you just spewed forth in your rather long and rather illiterate proposal can be summarised in a single word: evidence. There isn't a shred of it for anything you just accused His Imperial Majesty of. Even more, there is direct evidence to counter your accusation of Artabanos being an all-poweful control freak: He was just shot down. A direct attempt on the life of our most beloved Emperor yet was just made. This is where your dangerous fear-mongering talk leads.

"The Emperor's Finest recognise the huge good the Imperial System has done for this country. We have seen the size of our economy quadruple in the last eight years, our military has grown stronger than ever, we have become a regional player inside the European Union. So what if Artabanos influenced government policy from the start of the Empire? He was one of the main leaders and financers of the Imperialist Rebellion in the first place! Of course he would influence government policy. But the main point is and will remain: Artabanos's rule has vastly improved the wealth and quality of life of the ordinary Inimician citizen. The People recognise this, and they will continue to support Him."

A.Danube: "You're not even denying it. You're not denying that the Emperor has committed atrocities to get into power. How disgusting is that?"

S.Galanth: "A civil war was raging, Adolf. People died on both sides."

A.Danube: "You're completely missing the point here, I'm talking about after the war concluded. How can you be so deliberately inept?"

C.Husky: "Hang on, hang on, hang on. Mr Danube, you'll withdraw those words or this conversation is over."

A.Danube: "I'm not withdrawing anything, this woman is delberately lying about people's lives - not just people's lives, Inimician lives. Pure, Inimician blood has been spilled on Artabanos's behalf, and hers, and I --"

C.Husky: "I think we will leave it there for now. Return to your places. No, no, Mr Danube, I'm telling you to return to your place."

*The cameras capture how Danube rudely gestures and gesticulates to both Husky and Galanth while walking away from the podium. He does not return to his place, but instead walks out."

C.Husky: "Very well, thank you to all our candidates for taking part in tonight's debate, I'm afraid we'll have to leave it there. I turn to our audience and our viewers at home: we at Nuntius Inimici hope you have found this debate enlightening, that it has informed your choice next week, and has provided you with a better insight into the characters and personalities behind our candidates. From all of us here, we wish you a happy polling day and a good night.!"

The camera pans around the studio one last time before blacking out.

@georgeorwell said in Upcoming novel preview; set in Kgerland:

knob

A Message from the Chairman of the PEL Václav Kohout to the workers of Fremet

"Comrades! Brothers and sisters! Workers of Fremet! I can't stress my happiness to speak to you enough. I am speaking to you, because I feel the need to talk about the plukkedag. At first I did not plan to comment on this, but now, since I will be commenting on this I at lest use this opportunity to send you all warm and comradely greetings and wish you all good luck in your lives.
And what was it, that made me change my mind you may ask? It was the deployment of one of the reaction's most skilled soldiers, my colleague Edward Firoux from Inquista in Fremet. The need of his presence and his persuasive abilities, which I of course something I admire about him, shows us that reaction is in a truly dire situation in Fremet. It is important to note that Mr. Firoux praised not only the leaders of the Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives but also the leader of the Socialists. This just underlines the fact that the working class can't expect the Socialists to deliver any change. Mrs. Solberg may now promise not to renew the "Golden Coalition", but I believe you, the workers see right through the claims of the Socialist Party and know them as part of the establishment, never the bringers of change. And for those disgusted by the "Golden Coalition" and wat to vote for alternative, I believe that you see all too well that the Conservatives are no real alternative to this government.
I declare my full support for The Rødt led by Jeremias Corbychov, a briliant man who has dedicated his life to fighting for freedom and equality and the vote for The Rødt is a vote for freedom, equality and change. For the councillor elections I voice my support for the Stephan Hettinger, if he gets elected, the PEL party will be even stronger and a different, socialist Europe will be one step closer.
Some in Fremet are talking about lessons from the past, and Mr. Firoux talked about it too. They warn of the dangers that UNSR supposedly presents to Fremet. Well in these elections you can remind these people that those who focus too much on the past, will be crushed by the march of time! Say no to the bogeyman of the past and instead say yes to the friendship of the people!
Let me once again wish you well, and regardless of who will win the elections in Fremet, I hope for further development of the friendly relations in the EU and I am looking forward to work with the elected councillor. I thank you all for listening to me.

link text
Imperial Councillor James Cocx

"Were those his exact words?"

"Precisely."

"Jesus."

WIlfred Cocx had rushed like he had never rushed before after he was almost literally thrown out of the office of Max Barrington. Wilfred had, as was customary to him, seized the conversation skillfully, and Max had hinted in a fit of rage that he had caused the supersonic jet to have crashed, leading to the deaths of several of Wilfred's political allies and to the grave injury of Emperor Artabanos. Max had used the words "I should've put you on there and we'd have blown you all out of the sky". Most unwise. Wilfred had run over to his brother James's office on the other side of the Palace, and was informing him on what had happened.

Despite the decisive and grave nature of the day at hand, the sun outside was as bright as ever. The Inimician capital, Telum, had experienced an unusually warm Spring, and Summer appeared to have been no different so far. An absence of rain in the provinces caused the large river running through the capital to have almost dried up, sending various environment and government agencies into a panicked frenzy. Autumn would come soon, however - Inimician summers tended to last only a few weeks at most. Winds from the west would begin carrying rain and clouds from the ocean by mid-August, and the famously long Inimician autumns would begin.

"Wilfred? Wilfred?"

WIlfred was shaken up. "Yes, sorry. The way I see it, we have two options. We go public, or we go... non-public..."

James appeared to ponder this choice for a while - he always pondered by adjusting his tie, his suit buttons, or the small Imperial Councillor pin he wore on his lapel. Ever since both he and Wilfred were young, the brothers had been a closely-knit band; they both knew how the other worked, they knew each other's strengths and weaknesses, and, most importantly, they recognised each other's quirks and ticks. Entire conversations could be had between them without a word being spoken, an immensely useful trait inside the Imperial Council chamber, and beyond.

"We haven't the evidence to go public", James finally said, "We must take the other route."

"So be it", Wilfred Cocx answered, and extended his hand to his brother. The pair looked each other in the eye, hands clutched, when Wilfred said, "For the Emperor."

"That's perfect. Count Spain into that. Spain would like to talk about Free Trade. The Spanish proposal it's the following one:

1. Spain will eliminate all custom duties and tariffs between the Ottoman Empire.
2. Spain may apply value-added taxes (VAT) and/or goods and services taxes (GST) on goods and services imported from the Ottoman Empire, as long as similar Spain goods and services are subject to the same VAT or GST taxes in Spain.
3. Spain may search any cargo coming from Ottoman Empire that is deemed suspicious for, but not limited to:

Items that are (temporarily or permanently) blocked in Spain for various reasons Dangerous criminals wanted in Spain, suspect of hiding in the Ottoman Empire.

4. Any food product that is coming from Ottoman Empire must be analyzed and approved by Spanish Ministry of Health before their distribution around the country.

I hope Spain gets the same treatment than the Ottoman Empire gets, as also feel free to add anything you want to."

After the two leaders shared their words, members of the press began to ask them questions.

"My name is Kelly Stratham and I'm with the Inquistan Times," the first reporter began. "Your Holiness, Archbishop, you say that Inquista is 'committed to seeing all of Icholasen freed and returned to democratic rule'. Does this mean you would be prepared to use a military solution to restore Icholasen to democracy?"

Archbishop Kligenerg's eyes darted around the room, looking for Firoux or someone who could help give her either a cue or a clue. However, Firoux and none of the Archbishop's Inquistan colleagues were anywhere in sight, and the Archbishop didn't have a rehearsed speech to fall back on.

"Umm, thank you for that very important question, Kelly. Umm, so, you see, Inquista is absolutely resolute and committed to seeing Icholasen restored to freedom. We have currently been using diplomatic means to push for this, but, uhh, we're prepared to use all the colours of the palette. Like, would you paint a smokey eye without doing anything else to the face? No, you wouldn't. I am, uhh, prepared to use whatever tools necessary to finish up this make-over."

Kelly, the reporter, quickly retorted. "Isn't it true, though, that the communists have nuclear weapons? How would we ever be able to wage a successful war against a nuclear power? Won't we get blown up?"

"Well, Kelly, that is exactly why we are currently not engaged in an armed conflict. You asked me about a hypothetical option, and I'm saying I'm looking at all the hypothetical options. Diplomacy should always and will always come first. However, Inquista also has a really, really fine General. I mean, like really fiiiiiine. Like, he's really fine. If you think his combat maneuvers are really something, then I should tell you about his other maneuvers, but that's for another day. We also have an excellent Air Marshal. We are not a nuclear power, but our military is not to be underestimated - it is the second biggest in the region."

A second reporter stood up. "Hello! My name is Davie Kirk. I'm with the Economic Post. Your Holiness, you say that you're committed to standing by Icholasen's government in exile, but there are bishops within the Church who are pushing for the recognition of the communist government. The biggest person behind this push is Bishop Lallana, who has visited Icholasen just recently, despite the travel ban between Inquista and Icholasen. Is there a possibility that you might be overruled by the College of Bishops on this, and will Bishop Lallana be punished for her trips to Icholasen?"

"A great question, Davie. Our Church is absolutely and 100% committed to working with and recognizing it's only real and legitimate government, which is this one currently led by Korojaunu Terrace. Bishop Lallana is wrong to have visited Icholasen at this time, and our great Air Marshal, High Inquistor and Secretary of Justice, Bishop Hariett Copala, will see that the Bishop Lallana is appropriately punished. It is no secret that she and her bloc are pushing for the recognition of the illegitimate government. However, Bishop Lallana's trips to Icholasen were a blunder, and the candidacy of her preferred terrorist failed miserably, and so her efforts have now been curbed. The recent outcomes in Icholasen's illegitimate government's affairs has led to my cousin, Bishop Silas Kligenberg, and members of the Traditionalists, to reiterate their support to the rightful Nicoleizian government to me personally. I should not comment on these affairs further, because Bishop Firoux will give me an earful for talking about a government that does not exist in a country that is completely ruled by its rightful democratic government."

Just then, a member of the audience dressed up as a cow in drag stood up. "Moo! Terrace is massive cow! Moo! Whiteford is a cannibalistic, milk-drinking cow! Moo! Moooooooo!"

Security guards quickly grabbed the protester and dragged them out of the gallery. Archbishop Kligenberg blushed in embarrassment and quickly called the press meeting to an end.

"Thank you all so much for your questions, and thank you for giving a warm welcome to our Nicoleizian guest today. Have a good afternoon everyone!"

REPUBLIC ASSEMBLIES ELECTIONS

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SDV: Anne-Marie David has been elected as President of the Romain Socialist Republic. She is a moderate AÉN faction member, and is trying to unite both sides of her party within Romain. She has said she is willing to wor with Sanders on all matters, except dairy prohibition, citing camembert as her favourite spreadable cheese.

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SDV: In Rujonau, the most populous of the Socialist Republics, the AÉN came out on top -- just. They only have 4 more seats than the TANKIES, meaning that any number of things can happen within this socialist republic. Élisabeth Avril has been elected as President of this Socialist Republic. She is on the anarcho-communist wing of her faction, meaning that she is under attack from her more moderate colleagues in the Rujonau Socialist Assembly.

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SDV: Imelda Wuaulsh has been elected President of the Nuwnociluosoaulaunk Socialist Republic. The Assembly is dominated by TANKIES and it won't be hard for Wuaulsh to pass any legislation that she wants to. This is the traditional homeland of Socialism and Communism in Icholasen, and is the region that Chairman Jirluchuz was governor of before the Revolution. It is a sacred place for hardliners as it has been socialist controlled for decades.

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SDV: Laulw Forin has been elected as the President of the Kicrlaunk Socialist Republic, with her faction holding 55 out of 100 possible seats. Forin is best known for her unsuccessful attempt to become a European Councillor for the UNSR, being kicked from the Council by Speaker Firoux. She is a hardline TANKIE who will push forward her agenda of keeping Kicrlaunk industrialised, and has pledged to expand the exploitation of Rare Earth metals.

And so this is the last election, and the end of the 2020 UNSR elections. Tune in next year where the second half of the Ausnat will be elected and for other elections along the way. This has been Stephanie DeVey, peace out!