NationStates Jolt Archive

OOC: This effectively takes place five months after the Yasmarean Conflict in Haven, for reference.

IC: Legislative Assembly - New Freeport, Planet of New Haven

President Newman sat in his chair high above the Legislature of New Haven, one hundred delegates from across the Socialist Republic gathered to discuss issues and approve bills to send up to him. He generally didn't attend, but he had been given a letter telling him that this would not be a day to miss. His only wish was that an assassin would put him out of his misery, since he could no longer stand the constant droning of activity.

"Silence!" One of the Legislatures called out, hushing up the entire assembly. It was First Speaker Dale Sullivan, the man who had wrote the letter and one of Newman's closest friends. "Today marks the end of the Socialist Republic, for here today we proclaim that James Newman be known from this day forth as Imperiator James the First!" Cheers echoed through the gathered assembly as five men in the back, all from non-communist/socialist parties, shook their heads in disgust, like always.

One of the Legislators opened a grey steel case, uncovering a rose-red velvet interior that bore a gold set of olive branches: The Old Crown of the West Islander Empire: They were bringing back the old Imperium.

"I cannot accept this title!" Newman called from his seat, emulating the first Imperiator of the West Islander Empire who refused but accepted after being told he was the one to lead them all. "It would not be in this country's best interest to proclaim me its Imperiator!" Shouting came from the first nine rows, calling to him to take it.

"Usher in a new era!" The legislators cried from their seats. People gathered in the stands above the hall began to cheer as Newman leaned forward, grabbing the golden crown of olive branches in both hands as he pulled it down onto his head. At that moment, a man burst from the floor of the Legislature, a sword sword in his hands... an old Gladium.

"Death to the Empire! Long live the Party!" The man exclaimed, his armband denoting he was a member of the Communist Party, a well known hardliner who wanted the party to be eternal. Newman drew his ceremonial Falcata blade, stepped down from his seat, side-stepped in relation to the approaching assassin, and swung upwards quickly.

There was the sound of metal slicing into flesh and bone, yelling and confusion as the sword left the man's neck. As the body hit the floor, the head rolled to Newman's feet. He picked the head up by the hair with his fingers, looked to the silenced crowd, and walked off after signaling to his aides to grab the body and follow him.

He could hear the shock of the Legislative Assembly die down as he walked off to the 5th Floor Speaking Balcony of the New Freeport Assembly. If New Haven State News had been doing its job, there should be a massive crowd below.

Sure enough, ten thousand citizens who were off of work or were let home early were below. Newman saluted the crowd as they cheered. Newman took the head in his hands, not visible to the crowd at first, and threw it out as hard as he could. The crowd yelled in confusion as the head reached the crowd below, coming to a climax as the dead would-be assassin's body was thrown over the edge.

"As your Imperiator, I will not tolerate such treachery!" Newman said sternly into the microphone. "That thing dared to rush the most powerful man in New Haven and slay him! He was sorely mistaken!" The crowd below cheered as the body was carried off, the head having already been smuggled out by a lucky bystander. "If any hardliner wishes to challange me or the Imperium by the sword, they will die by the sword."

"In twenty days, a Constitutional Congress will meet to construct the new Imperium in an image fitting New Haven! Until then, I hereby declare myself sole ruler of New Haven!" The crowd began to cheer his name as he saluted and left the podium.

Newman turned to his aides as he walked back into the Citadel. "I want every textbook on the old West Islander Empire and every book of [Latin] you can get me... NOW. And someone get my ceremonial uniform ready, I need to change and get this suit cleaned."

In New Itaros, eyebrows were definately raised. The Erasito had just recently given in to democratic reform and was to be unseated within the coming months. He knew that the future administration would not condone such a silly transformation, and it was a wonder the people of a republic fell to such new authority blindly. He thought it rather odd, in fact, and questioned the legitimacy of the new regime. As a gesture of goodwill to democratic supporters within his country, he condemned the abrupt change.

"As the Erasat slowly progresses into a democratic country, I must personally say that the current course of action taken in New Haven is irresponsible and affront to civil rights and political freedoms. It is certainly mysterious that a free-thinking people would so blindly fall to unjust authority, and I find it rather odd that a legislature would betray democracy and freedom in the pursuit of some silly Imperium. The Erasat officially condemns President Newman, for he will never be a righteous imperiator in the eyes of the Etarosi people. This change is obviously a poor omen for future relations between our nations."

Statement released by the Mirfakan Council:
The Socialist Republic of Mirfak believes that democratic representation is essential to the successful operation of an effective and fair state. Imperial powers often sacrifice the freedoms of their people for the furtherance of their leaders' power. The Socialist Republic condemns the reinstatement of the Imperiator position in The Island States.

Message from the Mirfakan Alphin to The Island States:
As executive leader of the Mirfakan nation and primary trustee of international relations, it is my hope that a peaceful relationship can continue to exist between our nations. Please confirm if our existing diplomatic and trade agreements stand under the new imperial order so that I may properly advise the Council on this matter.

"Bryn Shander condemns New Haven's latest actions as an affront to the civil rights and political freedoms that we hold so dear. We urge Imperator Newman to reconsider his actions and correct them in the future."

"No assassin should be killed without weeks of torture first."

--King Damien Nightbane of Shar

<<OOC: For all practical purposes, I’m going to RP this as happening just after the Yasmarea conflict. That’s where I am in my RP now, and I don’t want to get ahead, since things are going to be very different in five months. I don’t think it should be a problem for you though.>>

The news of the transformation of the New Haven government made the headlines in the Edolian papers. Newman Impërator! declared the Blätterschplitt Tribune. Totalitarianism Sweeps New Haven! reported the Gërburg Star. The coverage was not favorable. Killing thousands of Edolian civilians in Yasmarea and kidnapping the Impëratrix was one thing. Daring to smear the name of the late Erik von Blätterschplitt by declaring James Newman an ‘Imperiator” was something altogether unforgivable. As demonstrators filled the streets of major Edolian cities calling for a withdrawal from the Union of Socialist Republics, Albert von Tusk was interviewed by reporters on the events. Staring into the EBC cameras, an intense look of annoyance on his face, von Tusk clenched his fist in anger. His voice filled with frustration, he uttered a single word.

“Newman!”

Ballots began to circulate around New Haven after Newman assumed the title Imperiator. A five day vacation had been declared so all could vote and celebrate the founding of the new empire.

Amongst issues on the ballot were plebiscites on how government would be set up: Would the new Imperiator have absolute power or share it with other branches? What rights would be included in the new Constitution? How long should term limits be? Should New Haven remain in the USR? All questions would be answered by the 5th Constitutional Congress assigned to form the Empire of New Haven.

Imperiator Newman, now wearing the uniform of a Praetorian Militia Guard with his crown still on his head, sat as his desk and began reviewing exit polls. Many people wanted to retain rights such as freedom of speech, freedom to assemble, the right to bear arms, the right to petition government, freedom of religion, etc. Others wanted more binding freedoms, such as the right to privacy, the right to not testify against themselves, etc. Newman looked at the exit polls and began drafting the New Haven Bill of Rights, the first document of its kind to exist in New Haven.

It would still be fifteen more days to the Constitutional Congress, and Newman would be prepared to unveil his new government and constitution for immediate ratification: not because the Congress was his puppet, but because of the sheer brilliance of it: combining the old with the new, power with restraint, and above all, freedom for the masses.

Mirfak's Alphin, in the absence of an official reply from New Haven, issues a temporary order that insurance on Mirfakan vessels or goods travelling to New Haven be cancelled while they are in that region. He also recalls Mirfakan diplomats in the transitional country and issues a warning to all Mirfakan citizens in New Haven, recommending that they leave, and noting that Mirfak will not assume any responsibility for people left in New Haven after one week. These combined actions shut down most direct transit between Mirfak and New Haven, as well as the transfer of goods to New Haven from Mirfak.

The Alphin dispatches a new message to the Imperiator:
"Because of the lack of reply from you regarding our diplomatic and trade standing with the new government of New Haven, I am suspending diplomatic relations between our nations until these issues can be clarified. In light of this, I have asked all Mirfakan citizens to leave your nation. Any harm done to Mirfakan people or property of the Mirfakan state, or any attempt to hold such people or property within your borders ordered or otherwise sanctioned by the government of New Haven within one week of my sending this message will be interpreted as an act of war against Mirfak. After that time, Mirfak will no longer take responsibility or action for people and property within your state.
"I hope that our diplomatic relationship can be clarified soon, and these temporary measures lifted. In the meantime, to demonstrate our goodwill towards you and your people, Mirfak will continue to observe its standing policies regarding your own diplomats and civilians within our borders."

"New Haven's diplomacy is currently under the control of the Imperiator, and he is currently busy getting the government reorganized," The communique to Mirfak started. "We are suspending all diplomatic relations with Mirfak immediately and are recalling our diplomats and embassadorial staff for rebriefing and reorganization. Furthermore, since you have condemned our nation's move to an Imperial style of government before realizing the people would be deciding critical factors of government, we have no choice but to permanently cancel relations with your nation effective immediately. Thank you, and have a nice day."

Diplomatic message from Alphin Horatio Reanix to the Imperiator of New Haven:
Mirfak values its international relations highly, as they provide opportunities for mutual benefit, travel, and trade to enrich both Mirfak and the nations with which it maintains peace. The Council's task is to tend to domestic policy, not foreign issues. They were, however, within their Constitutional limits to issue a public condemnation. I cannot apologize on the legislature's behalf, but it is my duty as Alphin to preserve positive relationships between Mirfak and the rest of the universe. I cannot simply allow the end of a diplomatic relationship that would hurt both countries. I realize that the Imperiator is busy; that is why I have been considerate and cautious with my messages. I am not asking for an immediate reply, but I do ask that your government reconsider its cancellation of our active diplomatic status and that the Imperiator address foreign policy in a timely manner once immediate domestic issues are resolved. There is no reason for New Haven to injure itself and Mirfak by giving up on relations between our nations over a Council condemnation.

In light of this disturbing development, we are recalling all diplomatic staff from New Haven. Please ensure that their departure is safe and timely.

Sophia Kahler
Secretary of Foreign Affairs

Heard in the: Joint Command Centre, Puerto Valadola

'Oh, dear, god...'

Official Statement of The Freethinker Commonwealth

Whereas we are somewhat taken aback by the announcement, having previously believed that the New Haven Socialist Republic was one of the strongest bastions of 'Socialism', we none the less feel that, if the new government style is representative of the wishes of the population of the 'Empire', then we feel we are obliged to support its inception. We are extremely pleased, however, that the plebiscite being conducted presently at least seems to indicate a more democratic, more representative government than the one that proceeded it.

We do wish to, however, make some enquiries. Firstly as to the status of international trade and travel, will our merchantment still be able to plow through the strats on their way north? Will we still find welcome in your harbours and ports? We believe that strong, fair trade is of paramount importance in establishing strong ties between repective nations, and we hope that this important aspect of commerce and trade will not be diminished.

The other question we were mostly concerned with, however, is if the Empire will continue to maintain diplomatic relations and a passive attitude towards expansion in the Haven area. We hope to hear a reply, even if currently the diplomatic services of your nation are on hold.

In all, however, we do wish the Empire a long and prosperous reign, we do hope that wisdom and compassion are adopted as mantles of the Emporer, and most of all, we hope this action leads to further stability and prosperity, for Haven and all.

Strength, Courage, Honour, Unity

Sir Alex Broxtowe
[i]Foreign Minister of the Freethinker Government [/b]

New Haven News -

In an announcement today, The Imperator announced the new Constitution of New Haven after two hours of deliberations with the Constitutional Congress. Without threat or coercion, all delegates voted unanimously to adopt the new constitution. Here now is the full text of our glorious new constitution:

Chapter 1 - Government Structure


Article I - Legislative Branch


Section 1

The Legislature of New Haven shall consist of one body known as the Senatus.

Section 2

Senators shall be residents of the provincia they represent for no less than ten years, and be native-born citizens of New Haven. No senator shall be younger than age 35 when they assume their office. Senators can only hold office for one term of five years.

Section 3

Seats in the Senatus shall be determined by dividing the population of the provincia by the population of the entire country. As the Senatus only contains 100 seats in total, the population percentage of each provincia shall determine how many seats each provincia receives. Seat revisions shall take place with the census every 10 years, or every 2 terms.

Section 4

Senators shall have the power to pass legislation up to the Imperator to be signed into law. Should the Imperator veto the legislation, the Senate can pass the legislation into law with a 2/3rds majority vote.

Section 5

The Senatus has the power to ratify treaties, before they are signed by the Imperator, with a 2/3rds majority vote.

Section 6

The Senatus shall be prohibited from setting foreign policy, passing any act to declare war, or settle peace, it shall be prohibited from signing treaties or appointing agents to sign treaties, excepting that the Senatus reserves the right to ratify any treaty signed by the Imperator; without such ratification, no treaty shall be considered binding; foreign policy shall be the sole reserve of the Imperator.

Section 7

No Senator may not receive foreign titles or awards without permission from a 2/3rds majority of the Senatus and the direct approval of the Imperator.

Section 8

The Consul shall act as the First Speaker of the Senatus, and shall be bound by all restrictions placed upon Senators (except provincia residency).

Section 11

The Consul shall have the power to be the first to speak on any new piece of legislature, permit Senators to address the Senatus on the bill, withdraw a Senator's permission to address the Senatus five hours after the Senator has begun to address the Senatus, and select Ministers to the Statio Maximus.

Section 12

The Statio Maximus is an assembly of ministers to assist the Senate and Imperator with issues pertaining to New Haven such as administration, transportation, diplomacy, education, healthcare, welfare, defense, commerce, industry and the environment. Additional Ministers may be added to the Statio Maximus if new issues that are unrelated to those already listed arise.

Section 13

The wages of a Consul, Senator or Minister shall not exceed that of the top thirty-five percent of the wages of New Haven citizens. No Senator, Consul or Minister can accept money from foreign governments or from any business. Senators must also resign from any previous positions within a business.

Section 14

Ministers shall be bound to all restrictions placed upon Senators except for term-limits, as they are chosen by the Consul.


Article II - Executive Branch

Section 1

The Imperator is the Head of State and Head of Government of New Haven.

Section 2

Heirs to the Imperial Throne must be able to demonstrate satisfactory knowledge in the fields of economics, political science, tactics, strategy, leadership and sociology to be elegible for rule. Satisfactory knowledge shall be determined by the first Imperator. Changes needed to the qualifications or method of testing will require a constitutional amendment.

Section 3

The Imperator position is hereditary by default unless the hereditary heirs are unqualified to rule.

Section 4

If hereditary heirs are unqualified or unavailable, non-hereditary heirs in the Imperial Will shall be chosen, ending the previous Imperial line and claim to the throne. If no qualified heir is listed, a new Emperor will be chosen by the Senate by 2/3rds majority vote. If the Senate cannot vote in a new Imperator with 2/3rds majority after seven days of voting, a simple majority is sufficient to elect a new Imperator.

Section 5

The Imperator's wealth shall be a thousandth of the Administration Budget of New Haven.

Section 6

The Imperator shall appoint a Praetorian Prefect, who shall act as the Imperator's military advisor. The Praetorian Prefect shall then select generals to become Dux Ducis Exercitis (General of the Army), Dux Ducis Stella (Admiral of Aerospace Forces), Dux Ducis Mare Maris (Admiral of the Navy) and Dux Ducis Exercitis Sodalitas (General of the "Secret Army", or Special Forces).

Section 7

The Praetorian Prefect shall be paid out of the Imperator's wealth, as will all direct aides to the Imperator.

Section 8

The Praetorian Prefect and his Dux Ducis aides shall serve for life or until retirement.

Section 7

The Imperator has all powers not granted to the Senatus, the Judiciary, provincia, or citizens.

Section 8

The Imperator shall select Praetors for selection to become Propraetor or a Propraetor to gain membership to the Council of High Propraetors.


Article III - Judicial Branch

Section 1

The Judicial Branch is responsible for interpreting law and ensuring justice is performed.

Section 2

The Judicial Branch shall be divided into two sub-branches: Provincia and Imperial.

Section 3

The Imperial Sub-Branch shall be responsible for enforcing National Laws and the Constitution. The highest court, the Council of High Propraetors, shall interpret the Constitution and the Law and determine whether new and old laws are constitutional. Unconstitutional laws will be repealed by the Council of High Propraetors. Lower-level Propraetors shall also interpret National Law and the Constitution and apply it to cases of Imperial Jurisdiction (cases involving Imperial employees, citizens of different provincia, citizen(s) and foreigner(s), or foreigners in the country).

Section 4

The Provincia Sub-Branch shall be responsible for enforcing Provincia Laws. The court shall be made up of Praetors, who shall interpret Provincia Law and apply it to cases of Provincia Jurisdiction.

Section 5

Praetors shall be no younger than 25 and shall serve for 20 years or until retirement.

Section 6

Propraetors shall be no younger than 50 and shall serve for life or until retirement.

Section 7

Seven Propraetors shall make up the Council of High Propraetors.

Section 8

The wages of a Praetor shall not exceed that of the top thirty percent of the wages of New Haven citizens.

Section 9

The wages of a Propraetor shall not exceed that of the top twenty-five percent of the wages of New Haven citizens.


Article IV - Other

Section 1

Imperial Law is the Supreme Law of the Land. Provincia Law in conflict with Imperial Law must be changed immediately.

Section 2

Inter-provincia trade and commerce is under the authority of the Imperial government.

Section 3

Domestic and Foreign Sea Travel traveling through the former "Island States" shall be under the direct regulation of the Imperator.

Section 4

Hyperspace Gate Travel shall be regulated by the Imperial government.

Section 5

Slavery and indentured servitute of sentient beings is outlawed in New Haven.

Section 6

Each provincia shall be guaranteed a democratically elected Magistrate and democratic elections to determine Senators.

Section 7

This Constitution can be amended by Plebiscite or by a 3/4ths majority in the Senatus.

Section 8

Senators, Consuls, Ministers, Magistrates (Provincia leaders, similar to Governors), Praetors and Propraetors may be removed from office upon conviction of a misdemeanor or felony, or by violating the constitution. Any of the listed officials, if accused of a crime, shall be tried by the Council of High Propraetors. If High Propraetors are accused of a crime, then they shall be tried by the full Senatus.

Section 9

New Haven, from the signing of this Constitution, shall no longer be a member state of the Union of Socialist States. Therefore, all ties with the Union pertaining to Union membership shall be severed and new diplomatic meetings held immediately with former members to determine their diplomatic stance to New Haven.

Section 10

The Imperator may only be removed for felonies or violating the constitution, and his heir shall assume the throne upon conviction of the Imperator. The Imperator shall be tried by the Council of High Propraetors if he is accused of a felony.

Chapter 2 - Rights of Citizens

Article I - Rights provided by the Provincia and Imperial Governments

Section 1

The Freedoms of Political Speech, Association, Expression, Citizens to Petition Government and Press shall not be infringed.

Section 2

All citizens shall be allowed to practice whatever religion they choose.

Section 3

The right of citizens to bear arms, unless as punishment for the comission of a felony, shall not be infringed.

Section 4

All citizens over the age of 18 shall be able to vote in any public election in New Haven, regardless of age, sex, gender, race, species or profession. Felons, however, do not apply.

Section 5

The right of citizens to privacy, unless a clear warrant has been issued by the Judiciary, shall not be infringed.

Section 6

All citizens have the right to not self-incriminate themselves during trial.

Section 7

An attorney will be provided to all citizens in criminal and civil cases if they cannot afford one.

Section 8

All citizens accused of a crime have the right not to speak during interrogation. Doctor-Patient and Attorney-Client Confidentiality, unless proven to be void as part of a criminal enterprise involving Doctor or Attorney, will not be infringed except after death.

Section 9

The right of all citizens to have a trial by jury, right to a fair and speedy trial, and the right to due process; regardless of whether it is a civil or criminal case, shall not be infringed.

Section 10

Cruel and unusual punishment, including excessive bail and fines, shall not be inflicted upon citizens. Lethal injection executions are still legal, and only used in murder or terrorism cases and only commanded by a jury.

Section 11

Soldiers are prohibited from quartering in any citizen's residence unless given written permission by the owner.