"Just between you and me", Artabanos whispered to Reiserová out of hearing of all the aides gathered in His office, "I'm planning to have Nesto--- I mean, the next President of North Diessen... organise a small party for some selected international guests when this new Canal opens, so that might provide us with a fantastic opportunity to hang out a bit more and see some of the Diessenar countryside too. Not to mention the men." He had it all planned out, and had done since October last year. His personal luxury yacht (provided it would not get impounded by yet another rebellious Diessenar state), lots of whisky, some of His chums from abroad, and they'd simply sail up and down the Canal to inaugurate its use.

Artabanos took His gold-encrusted fountain pen from His chest pocket (making sure to grab the pen rather than the two hip flasks He carried around, although the temptation was certainly there), and was about to strike the word 'friendship' from the Treaty title before Reiserová beat Him to it. "Perfect", He said, "And I very much appreciate your offer of moulding Czech media coverage ever so slightly -- I know how pesky journalists can be when they're completely not reined in. You'll see much the same in the next edition of Nuntius Inimici... Anyway, I think we've accomplished a lot today, Albina. To celebrate, and because all this gossip and walking around has made me thirsty, I propose a final drink before we part ways -- for now, that is. I'm sure we'll see each other again very soon, or at least I hope so."

"Oh!", exlaimed Artabanos just has He poured the last round of drinks, "We have completely forgotten about our joint photo op. I know we've had a few, but a quick picture couldn't hurt, right?" Before Reiserová could really object, the Emperor mustered a troop of journalists and reporters waiting outside and ushered them in, before posing for the official photographs with Reiserová.

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"There we go, I think you can frame that one and put it up above your bed. Anyway, Albina, I think that concludes our business here today, doesn't it? I must say, it's been an absolutely amazing pleasure having you over, I've learned so much about Czech Slavia and yourself. You're welcome anytime, just give me a ring beforehand so I can, eh, well, clean up. And I hope to see you this summer for the Canal opening party, right?"

The General Secretary and Secretary of State touched down at Santa Cruz Airport from a private charter flight courtesy of Yosai Airlines. They both made their way to the terminal awaiting their delegation both of them spoke casually. "Why are we here Jun ichi?" Asked Yuichi Matsuda.

The General Secretary replied "To see if we can at least try and resolve this crisis."

Yuichi Matsuda replied "I feel like we're wasting time. The President said that he doesn't want to accept the status quo and wants to resume the whole claim of the strait gradually anyway. He clearly doesn't see anything less that Spain's whole claim of the strait and the enforcement of taxes as legitimate."

"Yes I am aware, he'll probably try to bribe us and to get him the equal stake of the tax benefits, which we don't need. And of course he will probably try to spin it in the media as us being unreasonable if we do not agree to the tax in some form."

Secretary of State Yuichi Matsuda sighed "Of course, well like I said we are here to say that we have at least tried. Honestly I don't expect much of anything from this summit."

"Yes well...We ready?"

"As we'll ever be."

"Ok well I guess we'll get this over with then."

“Madam President, good to see you at this hour.” Moriarty said with a cunning smile.

Mouri-Kudo rolled her eyes, she knew how much of fox that Moriarty is. Moriarty was so good in the art of manipulation in Leagioan politics that she knew that it was how he managed to unite the Left on the issue of Socialism for all.

“Good to see you too, Moriarty. And you as well, Councilor Philpe.” Mouri-Kudo said as her husband began to lead her and the others to a table to begin the discussion of today.

“As we all know now, the situation over the straights is critical and it has began to take a toll on my Cabinet and the coalition with the Civil Populists, who have refused to pass anything until I ask Congress for a Act of Sanction on Spain and cut off all foreign ties to Spain. I am fearful that soon that they might be plot to see if they can get Impeachment going over this. The Constitution Convention on revising the Constitution is almost done and will from what I hear will soon to be sent to the National Congress; so we need the votes for this to go through and need to think on after it passes ratification.” Mouri-Kudo explained to the gentlemen in the room.

“I see and what are you offering to the United People’s Front for those votes?” Moriarty asked in knowing way.

“In the revised constitution, I will have the power to suggest a Prime Minister and that Prime Minister will form a government. I will provide a candidate of the Progressives that is the most left and the Socialist Unionists along with the Green party will be placed into the Government with cabinet positions until the coming elections this December.” Mouri-Kudo offered.

“I find that offer very fair and appealing but one condition, I get to choose the Cabinet positions for the two parties.” Moriarty said as his red eyes sparkled at the offer. Getting the cabinet positions was important to Moriarty as he knew that it would allow the United Peoples Front to rise in popularity and in the polls for the coming election this December. Something that would make his platform of Leagioan Socialism more appealing to the common Leagioan voter.

“And what do you wish to speak to me about in here then Mouri-Kudo? With Moriarty, you have the votes needed at that point.” Philpe asked.

“Well, Councilor, the Progressives will planning to hold a convention inviting various political parties to challenge the threat of a possible Civil Populist and Conservative Reform Party. I was wanting to offer your party the opportunity to join the Progressives in a electoral alliance for this election season?” Mouri-Kudo explained.

Philpe thought on it for a moment. Such a alliance would be beneficial for the Social Democrat Party as they still were trying to recover from the fallout of 2020 and the Civil Populists have not really provided as much as they promised back in the 2020 National Congress election. This alliance would help rebuild the Social Democrats back into national relevance.

“I have no problem with that proposal at all.” Philpe announced.

“I do have a proposition as well.” Moriarty requested.

Mouri-Kudo nodded for accepting to hear his input.

“If the United Peoples Front wins a majority or plurality of the seats in the House of Councilors then the Prime Minister must be someone who is of the Alliance.” Moriarty said.

Mouri-Kudo nodded as she knew that she did not hold much leverage in that if such a situation would happen. She could dissolve the House if it happened but it would not end well for the Progressives at all.

“Very well. Now, when election season rolls, I would like to propose that none of our parties attack each other with attack ads and focus on the Conservatives as well as the Civil Populists.” Shinichi suggested.

Moriarty nodded in agreement with a grin, while Philpe nodded plainly.

“Good, then let us keep this conservation silent for now as leaders of our respective parties.” Shincihi suggested as everyone nodded and walked out except the President of the Commonwealth, who reminded her husband that their anniversary was coming up.

Those in agreement signed, bindingly, tentatively, or otherwise, the proposed treaty. The meeting then came to an end.

VP: I'm very flattered but we can revisit this another time.

The environment minister for Strathae Mallaidh Máirín MacCùga arrived at the conference to represent Strathae. She met with the counterparts from Duchies who had just arrived. She had been told to try to advocate for carbon Neutrality by 2040, Single Use plastics ban by 2030, and Diesel and Petrol ban by 2030(excluding bio-fuels). She was also asked to advocate for funding for nations to convert to renewables or nuclear fully by 2035 with enough for even poor nations to do so. They hoped these goals were achievable.

"That would be great," Mr. Rudd said. "We welcome all help in that regard."

"Yes, that is right," Ian said. "On behalf of the prime minister, I thouroghly apologize."

Election to the European Council Main candidates Dominic FERRY Anton RAABE Leonore DEMEER Bjorn SCHNEIDER PHOTO PHOTO PHOTO PHOTO Parti Réformiste Arbeiterpartei Democraten Vaterland Supported by Supported by Supported by Supported by VkP, RuF AO, Adp, E/LV GI MR Polling figures

Simon was impressed with Ineland's choices and rather surprised with the enthusiasm on having the most powerful surface vessel since the battleship era ended.

SB: "I'm happy with your choices Cyril, and I would do my best to persuade Parliament to approve whatever is necessary for this deal to get through. On the manufacturing aspect, I believe it's better if you inquire with the manufacturers on the requirements they wish to meet and also the process for manufacturing such as where they see it more suitable to construct the vessels and the aircraft. Especially because our country is landlocked and only a canal in the United Duchies allow our products to directly transit from the Caspian to the Atlantic and vice versa. Other than that, is there anything that Ineland is interested in for a deal?"

Imperial Palace, Telum
17th March

"You've done so well."

"Thanks, Artie. Now let's see if anyone buys it."

On the insistence of Emperor Artabanos, Nestor Karaman had revealed what happened in North Diessen at the end of last year. Well, in part. Karaman had not lied, not at all -- he had merely failed to tell the full truth. Was Diessenar President Mueller a murdeous, illegitimate autocrat? Yes. Did he grab power in the face of internal instability which he helped orchestrate? Yes. Did this happen in complete secrecy from Inimician authorities and come as a surprise to Special Envoy Rosenfield? No. Not in the slightest. But that was not appropriate for extensive interviews in the Hilverbode.

The two men sat down with sighs on a 19th-century sofa in Artabanos's private quarters. The pieces had been set and the opening move had been made, the Emperor thought. Soon enough, He would have His Foreign Officer issue a strongly-worded statement, which is what she was good at, and start pressuring Ekrem to leave, or be dragged out. He might even fly some drones over the North Diessenar capital, that might be fun. It would certainly please Boris Mancov.

"Within a week, we should see Ekrem gone and elections called", Nestor said, turning to Artabanos, "And then, well, I'll have to rely on Your expertise."

"Making sure the outcomes of elections are what I want them to be is my specialty, Nestor. Don't you worry one second."

There had been a strange kind of mutual comfort between Karaman and Artabanos ever since they had first met. For once, the Emperor had not extensively planned what was going on, and He had not even heard of Karaman until his flight into the Empire. But -- and this, He believed, was what set Him apart from His predecessors -- He knew how to use opportunities that arose around Him. Ekrem Mueller had clearly served his purpose. Artabanos had, He fully admitted, misplaced much trust in him, and he was far more difficult than the Emperor could ever have imagined.

Indeed, following Mueller's coup - which was, incidentally, fully sponsored and orchestrated by the Imperial Armed Forces, a detail which Nestor skillfully managed to avoid disclosing in his interview - the first signs of Mueller's "delusions of independence" started to show extremely swiftly. The new Diessenar president had insisted it should be Diessenar companies that took the lead on constructing the Artabanos canal. He had refused the Imperial Air Force unrestricted access to Diessenar airspace. And, finally, he had made a fuss about Karaman crossing the Inimician border. And Artabanos hated people who made a fuss.

"We'll see how everyone around responds", Karaman said, pouring himself a drink. "Hopefully there will be actual pressure on Ekrem to leave."

"If there isn't, we'll design this pressure ourselves", Artabanos said confidently. "Rosenfield is still out there, and we're still in contact. His Imperial Guard training is unmatched, and his skill for applying 'pressure' is, as well."

Artabanos and Karaman stared out the window. Life seemed to be taking a turn for the better, in more ways than one.

General Secretary Junichi Watanabe touched down at Trondheim International Airport. He was wearing a conventional navy blue business suit as well as a matching 3 piece overcoat and gloves. The weather was cold, but not cut to the bone cold, but still rather brisk. He was accompanied by Secretary of State Yuichi Matsuda wearing similar attire. Both of which made their way to the tarmac. They both saw the welcoming delegation and Whoopi Gaarder and waved politely. They both made their way to her direction until face to face with the Frenetian Republic's leader.

Both men politely bowed in usual polite Yosainese fashion. "It's nice to see you Madame Gaarder. I have to say this is my first time in this country. "

"I guess we are finished then! What a productive summit this one has been" - Aguilar smiled, standing up from the sofa were he had been seated for 2 hours staight, so had his guest today - "Ms. Gillard, it has been a huge pleasure to welcome you to Moncloa, to the Treaty of Telum and establish huge cooperation with our neighbour, which I have to point out are very important for us. Thank you very much for the compromises you adquired today, ands well as for the proposals you brough to the summit".

Aguilar then accompanied the Australian Prime Minister to the main door, where both said goodbye to each other. Julie left Spain some time after the summit ended, and Aguilar was back at home, just a few steps away from the building the meeting took place. He thought on what had happened on the summit today: "we are making new friends and gaining new allies, and we are winning the battle. Step by step Jesús, this year will be amazing".

The summit ended for the Spaniard, who spent the rest of the afternoon playing with his children and his wife.

LIVE FIRE DEMONSTRATION AND EXERCISE

Moreland Desert Range, March 12 2022

PA: "Ladies and gentlemen, we are about to begin in a few moments. Please keep yourselves seated as we wait for the show to begin. We also advise you to wear your goggles, ear mufflers, and other gear only when instructed. Food and drinks are not allowed to be consumed during the show, so please finish your snacks and drinks as soon as possible. Thank you."

The audience finish filling all seats from the covered temporary bleachers set-up in the desert. The show was set at the right environment, at the right time. It was spring, and so it was not yet too hot at the sand-filled area compared to summer and fall. The guests arrive one by one and are announced by the MC. When the King came, everyone stood up and the Royal Anthem was sung. The program is ready.

PA: "Good day ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to the Live Fire Demonstration and Exercise here at the Moreland Desert Range as part of the celebration of the 2nd Remembrance Day. Before we officially begin, let us all stand for the National Anthem."

The band begins to play the National Anthem as everyone stands and begins to sing. Troops salute on command by their officers and the colour party proceed to raise the flag on the pole. After which, everyone takes their seat.

PA: "Everyone ,you may now take your seats and wear your specialized headseat ear mufflers and goggles. Please be advised to guide your children on the gear and also refrain from standing up or walking around during the show. We hope you will enjoy the show."

Everyone wears their goggles and ear mufflers, including the Royal Family and other guests. The troops start marching to their positions and clear the way for the acts. Challenger MBT-10 Tanks start to roll in and their engines are heard from the earphones built into the ear mufflers and the sound system around the bleachers. They speed up through the obstacles and proceed to a hull-down position over a ramp. Each tank races to aim their turrets to the targets and successfully hit their marks, something confirmed by the small screens set-up near the seats to show what's happening more upclose. They roll back and raise their turrets as a form of salute, Contender IFV-11 Infantry Fighting Vehicles then move in for their part of the show. To showcase their agility and great mobility, they race through a course while targeting small dummies scattered across the field with their small turrets. Each of them fire their turrets quickly to eliminate the targets and the audience gives a round of applause, then the IFVs move back to give way for the infantry. A truck pulls a makeshift shooting range target wall to the center across the audience, snipers of the SAS then move in with their camouflage outfits to lie down and begin shooting. To make things more interesting, each soldier only has 3 shots available to take down the three targets a kilometer across, the winds wasn't a problem so that should be easy for the snipers. Each of them line their scope crosshairs to the targets and simultaneously fire with all troops taking their targets, the same went for the second and eventually the third. The hits are all verified by the screens that display a close-up view of the targets, the excited audience gives a big round of applause while the snipers move out in a tactical way. The truck carrying the temporary targets move out and clear the way, a pair of Pirate GA.3 ground attack fighters fly in from the left and shoot missiles at old tanks placed as dummy targets giving a big explosion. The two jets go around and start firing their cannons hitting the targets and completely destroying them in a huge fireball, both dump their flares and exit in a dramatic maneuver.

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When the jets clear out, everyone focuses on the screens as a Felon F.15 stealth fighter move in to intercept and kill five drones. One by one, the Felon releases its loads while drones rain down over the field crashing. Another pair of drones follow and a simulated dogfight ensues, it kills the first as it drags its nose quickly to fire guns. The other drone was proving a bit of a challenge due to its maneuverability, but the fighter went on to a controlled flat spin and killed the other drone. It escapes from the flat spin and dumps flares while exiting the view, while a Swan B.10 heavy bomber start to come in from the other side. Old equipment and diesel cars are then lined up as targets over the field, the bomber flies in and releases its load. The cars and old trucks went on a fiery demise as the bombs hit them one by one, then the plane exits the field at a supersonic speed leaving behind a loud sonic boom. Back on the ground, engineering trucks clear the field and dispose the destroyed trucks quickly as Cardinal PH-8 self-propelled artillery move in. Each of the howitzers keep position and aim their guns to delete the targets, one by one they fire and completely eliminate the dummies and trucks in a beautiful explosion.

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The self-propelled howitzers clear the way and let the Slingshot TH-15 towed howitzers take on their part of the show. One by one they quickly take positions and fire as many shells as possible within a minute while completely deleting the targets on the other side. When the minute timer has stopped, they clear out the way for another act. From the screen, Arrow BM-30 tactical ballistic missile launchers are shown raising their missiles ready for launch to target a small concrete bunker in a distance. At a count of 5, the missile launchers fire one by one and their missiles travel up and to the targets reducing the heavily fortified bunker into dust. Near the bleachers, Meteor RA-12 multiple rocket launchers move in and completely delete the all the remaining targets which excite the audience. The dummies and concrete targets are left to ashes and fly away, the rocket launchers then exit while the audience gives a round of applause.

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Helicopters then start coming in, starting with the Viper AH.3 attack helicopters. Each of them fire their missiles at the ground targets while dumping their flares in a dramatic show. They then leave while an Atlas C.17 flies in with paratroopers jumping off to land on the field. The paratroopers land successfully and fire flare signals to complete their short mission, they are brough out of the field by military trucks immediately while Merlin HC.5 helicopters come in to deploy a large assault squad.

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After the Merlin helicopters finish deploying its assault squads, they leave the scene quickly and the troops clear the way. Circus MC-5 Self-propelled mortars follow and start firing, they then hit their targets successfully. All then move back once again for the final act.

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From the horizon, all the vehicles that participated appear and roll towards the audience. The helicopters also fly in formation with the vehicles, while fighter jets fly overhead with the Red Arrows. They come closer and closer and eventually stop in front of the bleachers, while the planes break formation while dumping flares and coloured smoke and the helicopters land after dumping the confetti. They salute the king and the show ends. Everyone gives a big round of applause with standing ovation for the performance.

PA: "What a very magnificent performance from our Armed Forces, thank you everyone for your attendance to the Live Fire Demonstration & Exercise show here at the Moreland Desert Range. The show has ended, and have a great day."

The audience stands up and proceed to the exit, the VIP audience like the King and Prime Minister leave via helicopters. Some of the audience go proceed to have a closer look at the equipment while some go to their homes. The band starts playing to provide music for the proceeding showcase.

"This is most intriguing", said Artabanos, preferring to dismiss Whoopi's apparent jab at his relatively long tenure in power -- and near-absolute power at that. "I very much agree that a council of 100+ politicians cannot rule a nation. I find it hard enough to get a council of 20 people to agree on the simplest of things. Fortunately, I've got some very skillful whips who do that job for me. Have you ever met Wilfred Cocx? No, I thought not. I'm sure you'd get along well."

The two leaders brushed past the mural Artabanos had installed, showing Himself leading the Barringtons into the capital in an Ancient-style triumph -- He suspected the Czech president had not understood the humour behind it, and could already imagine Whoopi's facial expression the moment He would start explaining. "Ah, well, thank you for your kind words, Whoopi", He said, not knowing whether her kind comments were in fact another jab at His reign, "It most certainly took some time to get peace established in this realm of Mine. I'm sure you will be aware of the trials and tribulations of 2012, 2013, and indeed, 2014. Possibly 2015. 2016 at a stretch. And let's not forget the 2020 assassination attempt. In any case, Inimicus is prosperous like it has never been before, our economy is booming -- and we would be more than keen on expanding our economic relationships with nations such as Fremet."

Flanked by aides and household officials, the duo emerged on the other side of the Imperial Palace, where a parade ground had been laid out and a contingent of the Imperial Guard were awaiting inspection. "Now, Whoopi, restrain yourself", Artabanos joked, "These are members of the Imperial Guard Investigation Unit, and they'll find out literally everything about you if you so much as speak a word to them... Goodness knows, I speak from experience here."

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Artabanos and Whoopi took position on a small dais overlooking the contingent of troops. A military band started playing the Fremetian Anthem, followed by the Imperial Anthem of Inimicus, after which the duo walked along the front row of troops and saluted both nations' flags. "It's f*cking freezing out here, Whoopi", Artabanos could contain himself from saying, "As much as I'd love to look at these fine men and women some more, I'd also love to have a drink in the warmth inside."

So He said, and so it was done. "We can always take a longer tour of the Palace later on, if you'd like", the Emperor said as He led Whoopi to His private quarters. The aides left them outside another heavy mahogany door, behind which a small yet richly decorated sitting room had been laid out with small sandwiches, different types of drinks, and two neoclassical chairs. Gesturing Whoopi to a seat, Artabanos took a plate of sandwiches and, stuffing His face with one, positioned the tray on a small end table in between the two leaders. "Drink?', He said, pouring Himself one.

"Now, Whoopi", He said, having sat down, "Thank you again for coming, this truly is a historic occasion. Is there a specific topic you'd like to start off with?" Swallowing a piece of sandwich before continuing, He said, "Truly, I'm happy with anything."

Moira listened and then considered. Military bases at least for now would be off limits unless they got into ECON. She said "I will admit military bases without ECON would be problematic for us and it might be down the line we want to join ECON though we could maybe convince parliament that now would be a good time but unfortunately there is a debate between Kiresile non-alignment and ECON.

On Natural Gas we honestly don't know how much natural gas is there as we have never actually tested to see how much there due to or low use of it and the potential environmental costs . We are in advanced talks with another on natural gas but we could allow Reitzmic companies a proportion of contracts subject to the strictest of standards that includes planting enough trees and donating in enough additional renewable energy projects to offset any emissions from the natural gas sales and production. The question is how to get it to you , it perhaps could be liquefied in Brickston. We'd certainly prefer people to be using gas than coal or other more harmful fuels in all honesty."