In Free Icholasen, We Believe
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Archbishop Mikaela Kligenberg walked into the press gallery of the Archbishop's Palace alongside Samantha Terrace, the Acting Korojaunu of Icholasen. The two leaders sat themselves on a pink sofa, which the Archbishop had recently moved into the press gallery, where she has since been giving public addresses and answering press questions while lounging both comfortably and stylishly. Flags of the leader's respective states flanked their sides as they sat down on the pink sofa, practically sitting on each other's lap. The Archbishop sipped on a mint-flavoured latte with extra cream.
"I would like to begin by thanking Korojaunu Terrace for visiting us here in Saint Dominico, Inquista. This is the first time that a foreign head of government has visited Inquista since I've become Archbishop. It truly is an honour and a joy that the acting Nicoleizian Korojaunu is the first foreign dignitary that I've welcomed into these halls. Inquista and Icholasen share a deep bond and a special connection between our countries. Icholasen is one of Inquista's closest - if not our closest - ally in the international arena, and so I am pleased that we could welcome their leader as our special guest today.
The Korojaunu and I had a greatly productive conversation, where I reaffirmed Inquista's unwavering commitment and support to it's one true and legitimate government, which Korojaunu Terrace continues to lead with great strength as Premier Whiteford undertakes her European responsibilities. Since becoming Archbishop, I have reversed our Church's previous approach toward Icholasen, and I am staunchly and firmly committed to seeing all of Icholasen freed and returned to democratic rule.
I can assure Nicoleizians that Korojaunu Terrace has been doing a fantastic job as Acting Korojaunu, and it has been a pleasure to work alongside her. Korojaunu Terrace and I just spoke together recently during the latest meeting of the ENAA. While we have differing viewpoints on nuclear proliferation, which I am strongly against in all forms, I found myself to be very impressed with the Korojaunu's commitment to keeping the international community safe from communism. The Korojaunu has been working tirelessly behind the scenes to contain the influence of communism abroad, as well as to restore her government to power in Icholasen. Inquista will be resolute in supporting the Korojaunu, Icholasen, as well as our other allies, in seeing freedom and democracy reign in Icholasen and across Europe.
The Korojaunu and I will be meeting with other European heads of government and the heads of state this upcoming July 6th. Together, in partnership, the Korojaunu and I will push for an agenda that will help restore freedom to Icholasen and liberty to its peoples.
Before letting the Korojaunu speak, and before we answer any of your questions, I would like to bestow her with the Order of Inquista, which is the highest civil and secular honour that can be awarded by the Inquistan Orthodox Church. After becoming Archbishop, I bestowed this same honour to Premier Whiteford, and I would like to now extend the Order of Inquista to the acting Korojaunu as well. We bestow this Order to the Korojaunu not only as an extension of our friendship, but also as a recognition of the great work that she has been doing in advancing her country's interests during these trying and difficult times.
Thank you. Now onto you, Korojaunu."
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Acting Korojaunu In Exile Samantha Grace Terrace was given the microphone by Mikaela. 'Hello all, Inquistan, Nicoleizian and European press.'
'I'd like to thank the Archbishop for organising this summit, in this wonderful building. I'm glad I'm your first foreign visitor as Archbishop, though I'm sure you've had plenty of foreign visitors before you became Archbishop. I'd also like to echo the sentiments of friendship that exist between Free Icholasen and Inquista, and I thank the Archbishop for her warm words. I would say 'right back atcha' for most of them - the Archbishop has been a tireless defender of liberty since her election. I will wear my Order of Inquista with pride, and I am very grateful for this honour. There is a strong bond between myself and Eilidh Whiteford with many people within the Inquistan government. But not only this, I think that our people share a bond, as they both love life, liberty, and the pursuit of Eurovoice wins.
I think our discussions at the ENAA show how we may have some differences on some issues, but by and large we are on the same page. Our differences make us stronger, are you allowed to disagree with the Nicoleizian Communist party? No. But, Inquista and Icholasen have a strong bond where we can disagree on some issues, but agree on others. That makes our relationship much stronger.
I am looking forward to the heads of government meeting in Europolis, and I think that together the Archbishop and I will have a great time and make lots of progress with the other EU leaders and maintain the recognition that Free Icholasen has within the European Union. I assure the Archbishop too that if the situation was reversed, then Icholasen would be supporting the Archbishop's claim and Inquista's membership within the European Union -- with or without territorial possession.
I would also like to emphasise our cultural and regal ties, your joint wedding with El Capitan, Prince Tommy of Icholasen and his Fiancé, Carlos of Eurovoice fame is fantastic news. I would like to both congratulate you and emphasise that this is a shining example of the deep links between Icholasen and Inquista, -- personal, cultural, political and economic ties that keep us united.
Thank you Archbishop! Long live Inquista, and Long Live Icholasen. And God Save Queen De Jure Anastasia I.
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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!"
