NationStates Jolt Archive

The television cameras panned far and wide over the large square. A bright blue sky with no clouds and a shining sun called for a comfortably breezy and warm day. The newly built city of Adelain, which would also be made the capital, was filled with millions of people, many of whom were packed in Karanda Square. It covers two square miles, and is paved with white stone that is constantly cleaned and polished. In the middle there was a large stage, which was draped with royal purple and navy blue, and had a large throne in the center, and two smaller thrones on each side. The chairs were gilted with gold, and had plush white cushions on them.

A musical fanfare soon erupted as a whole entourage began riding into the square. Lined on both sides by trumpeters dressed in traditional red, a large purple carpet was rolled all the way to the stage. Beginning with the Prime Minister, a procession began. Closely following him was Queen Catherine II, who at the age of 55, was very healthy and cheerful. Followed by her was Princess Maria, who was only 20 years old, but already a very powerful figure in Austrentian politics. Following them was the Royal Guard, who rode upon great white horses and wore traditional outfits of deep purple and gold. As the procession went forward, millions in the square began waving their little flags proudly, and some were carrying little music boxes that would burst out with the Austrentian national anthem (http://national-anthems.net/cgi/find.shtml?from=real&what=australia).

As the procession reached the large stage, the three leaders were helped off of their carriages. The Prime Minister, John Colbert, stepped up to the glass podium and began to speak. "My fellow Austrentians, and those across the globe watching this moment in time, allow me to welcome Her Majesty, Queen Catherine II, and Our Lady, Princess Maria!" Great cheers erupted across the large square, and the dozens of television cameras displayed the footage across the globe. The Queen sat upon her throne, soon followed by Princess Maria. "And now for the national anthem (http://national-anthems.net/cgi/find.shtml?from=real&what=australia)." He sat down, which signified to the Royal Band to begin. The millions in the square held their hands to their hearts as they looked upon the huge flag flying above the Queen. When it was over, applause and cheer erupted. The Queen stood, which brought more cheers. She smiled and waved, and spoke.

"Good afternoon, to all who are here, and to those who are abroad. I am here to celebrate the official crowning of my daughter, Maria Theresa Amelia Porter, as Princess." Cheers erupted across the square at this announcement. The Queen stepped back from the podium to allow Maria to speak. "Hello, to all of you. It has been a long time since I made my decision, and I am sure that it is for the good of this nation. Today, I am here to officially announce, that I, Maria Theresa Amelia Porter, accept the position of Princess of Austrent, and future Queen of this great nation." Applause and cheers erupted across the square, and confetti was thrown. The Queen turned to receive the tiara, and placed it upon the newly crowned Princess' head.
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Queen Catherine II Age: 55 years
http://www.beatboxbetty.com/photogallery/photogallery3/photogallery3/images/Julie-Andrews.jpg

Princess Maria Age: 20 years
http://pub.tv2.no/multimedia/TV2/archive/00103/REUTERS_SCANPIXknow_103867a.jpg

Prime Minister John Colbert Age: 30 years
http://www.aftonbladet.se/kvinna/0308/14/william-197067-346347.jpg

Somewhere in the cheering crowd a small delegation from Slutbum Wallah clap with the rest, more for the look of the thing than anything else. Minister Gresnik grimaced and quietly slipped a five credit note to his Intelligence Attache, "I was sure she was gonna go on for at least two minutes. Future of the nation stuff."

The Attache smiled slyly and winked as he clapped, "Rumour has it she not one for long conversations, if you know what I mean."

OOC: Slutbum Wallah intellegence is usually wrong so if any of this doesn't fit in then it's they're fault.

OOC: I wasn't finished yet. :P :wink:

IC:
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Princess Maria then turned and smiled to the crowd, and said, "This heralds a new beginning for Austrent.

"It has been long known that our nation has not been one to engage in war. It is often discussed between my mother, the Prime Minister, and I about how to deal with our large defense budget. Currently, Defense accounts for 15% of our national budget. This is of course extremely high, especially for a pacifistic nation as ours. It is of high controversy as to how to deal with this large budget, as many in our nation fear cutting the budget. They claim that defense is too important to cut.

"That, I do not argue with. It is the persistent wasting of money in an area that we really should not focus primarily on. I am much more concerned about the welfare of the people, and ensuring that all in Austrent are well-educated individuals. For the past five years, the Ministry of Defense has wasted an estimated four billion Austrentian dollars. I launched an investigation within the Ministry nearly two years ago, only to discover that there are no records of where that money went.

"Just three months ago, my office got an alarming report. Several million dollars had mysteriously disappeared from the Ministry of Defense. Yet, I have found that that several million dollars is not even needed. I searched further into the Ministry of Defense. I was shocked to find that nearly 30% of the entire defense budget is dedicated to administrative pay.

"It is time to make some major cuts in Defense. We need a small, efficient army. It is unecessary to have a large, burgeoning mass of bureaucracy and corruption. The Prime Minister and I have concluded that only 5% of the entire budget should be devoted to the Ministry of Defense. I will speak to Parliament tomorrow on this issue.

"We must also realize that in this nation, there are serious problems with crime. We must learn that rehabilitation is very important, as criminals are jailed for punishment, and to be realeased to freedom a few years later, or possibly never. Those who have been in prison have served their time, and most of those are dedicated to being good, everyday citizens. It is most important that rehabilitate ex-convicts into society, and teach them the real rights and wrongs of this world. Only then can this nation prosper.

"The economy is going rather well. It needs to be better. I have offered the Prime Minister a new plan to push forth our economy. I have also urged him to begin the search for an economic or trade alliance, in order to boost ourselves within the international community. We must dedicate ourselves to reducing the unemployment rate, which is currently at 7%. That is too high for my comfort, and probably for yours. I have a plan to help this outrageous rate, and I will also present it to Parliament tomorrow.

"Finally, I will end with a message that we must find more foreign friends. We have lived in isolation too long, and we must press forth to discover those out there that are like us. It is my hope that the Prime Minister will consider joining the UN, or perhaps an alliance. I am most concerned about the welfare of this nation, and I am sure that with your help, it can prosper like never before."

She stepped back from the podium to be seated in her chair. The crowds were stunned. Nobody had expected such a bold statement, and many felt it was a slap in the face to several in the government, particularly the Prime Minister and Defense Minister. The Prime Minister smiled as he saw the looks on the many faces. Little did they know he helped write it, and he did so to show them that painting pretty pictures wasn't Maria's policy.

Gresnik extended a hand to the attache, Havenshaft, who grumbling slapped two five credit notes into his palm. Murdoch, his cultural attache leaned forwards to Gresnik, "She doesn't like beaurocracy, eh? We might be in trouble there."

Gresnik smiled and shook his head, "Nonsense, a few bribes in the right places and all the paperwork will just disappear. We secure trading rights, the U.T.C will start the shipments and we all get a nice fat commission."

"And the country benefts, don't forget that."

Gresnik waved a hand dismissely, "Well of course the country benefits, that goes without saying."

OOC: What on earth are you doing? :?

OOC: Hangin' around and hoping for a trade deal.

I hope that we will be able to meet sometime. I think that our nations will be able to work together to help eachother. I also have somebig allies that might be interested in working with you. I am waiting you all to contact me.

Donald Griffendorn
King of Jillland

Of course a meeting could be established. Austrent is eagerly looking for nations to call friends, and the offer proposed by Jillland is almost too good to pass. I would certainly take up the job, as my mother is very busy at the present time.

Princess Maria
Princess of Austrent

I would like to form an military alliance, and maybe an UN alliance. I would like to set up a commity so that we can vote together on purposals that would help both of our nations. I would also like to set up an agreement so that we can trade Uranium. I would also like to know your stance on welfare and education.

King Donald Griffendorn
King of Jillland